Kaieteur News

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Cautious EU urges NEWS procedural speed on road to general elections

Tuesday Edition

AIETEUR

February 05, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 07

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

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Exorbitant American Airlines ticket prices…

Guyana's vulnerability to - Lincoln exploitation exposed Lewis Several Venezuelan families squatting on Non Pareil seawall to be relocated

CDC Officials speaking with some of the Venezuelans at Non Pareil seawall yesterday.

Guyana heading Despite naysayers... towards another Contract renegotiation form of blacklist proving successful - Former AG warns - TT PM tells oil and gas stakeholders

GECOM CEO says voters' list clean - But elections unlikely before July

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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GECOM CEO says voters' list clean - But elections unlikely before July

W

hile he is of the opinion that the voters' list is clean and valid, with a life until the 30th of April, Chief Elections Officer, (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield says that it is ultimately up to the Commission to decide whether the list is ready for General and Regional Elections.

Lowenfield spoke to the press on GECOM's

preparedness for general elections following a meeting of Commissioners held at the Secretariat in Kingston yesterday.

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the possible timeline for elections.

The move for early elections comes on the heels of a court decision which validated the no-confidence motion passed against the Government, in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018.

The ruling set in motion the constitutional provision for an election within the period of 90 days.

However, based on the discussion put forward, Lowenfield noted that it is likely that the elections date will be extended beyond the 90-day period, which is set to expire on March 19.

In the interim, Lowenfield said “A lot of factors are up for consideration, for instance house-to-house registration.

Are we going have 400

additional sub-offices or are we going to have 200 locations for house-to-house registration?”

“The Commission will also have to decide whether we will be in the fields for four months.

And if we are in the field for four months, we must do training to ensure we have a competent staff to execute.”

Acc o r d i n g t o Lowenfield, based on the timelines being put forward

by GECOM's Secretariat, it will be unlikely for elections

to be held before July 2019.

“Th e S e c r e t a r i a t ' s work is guided or directed by the Commission, the secretariat cannot move forward with the conduct of an elections unless the commission decides that we will have a claims and objections period, for example, for seven, nine, or ten days.”

The CEO told the media that yesterday's meeting commissioners was mainly for work-plans of the (continued on page 15)

GECOM CEO, Keith Lowenfield

Several Venezuelan families squatting on Non Pareil seawall to be relocated

F

or the past three months or so, more than 25 persons, said to Venezuelans, have been squatting in the Non Pareil seawall area, East Coast Demerara.

The authorities are now moving to relocate the families, who, according to officials, have been living under insanitary conditions in a dangerous area.

Yesterday, Government in a statement said that the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee has noted with concern, reports of a group of Spanish-speaking migrants, believed to be Venezuelans, setting up makeshift housing structures along the seashore at Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara.

The matter is currently engaging the attention of the Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four) Regional Administration and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the International

The situation in the Non Pareil area where more than 25 Venezuelans have been squatting out for months now, under tough conditions. (Neirpaul Purai photos)

Organisation of Migration (IOM) are standing by to render assistance in terms of relocating these displaced persons.

The number of Venezuelan migrants in Guyana now stands at 4, 421.

This was announced at yesterday's meeting of the

Committee at the Department of Citizenship's boardroom, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

“A new Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) conducted by the IOM in the Pomeroon-Supenaam and Cuyuni-Mazaruni Regions (Regions Two and Seven)

showed a continuation of the trend of the migrants being mostly females between the ages 18-30, the majority of whom have completed secondary education.”

Additionally, income generation and employment opportunities remain at the (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

At the centre of turbulence Fatigued Guyana, struggling to get on its feet, is in the middle of more troubles that are generally recognized or acknowledged. Most of it is external and not of its own making. They are a matter more of geography and outside forces, than the usual self-affliction, so characteristic of this nation.

Take a careful look at any map of the northernmost areas of South America and a stark picture emerges. It is mostly bad and should fill with foreboding. Look left or right, nearby or slightly afar and it is the same disturbing sets of circumstances.

There is French Guiana with its share of problems.

Come closer to home, and there is Suriname: a nation with a badge as a thriving narco-state. Right next door, but a little more distant, there is once-swaggering Venezuela, floating on fabulous riches, yet trapped and paralyzed in the throes of a confluence of societal and national traumas that wound one and all over there grievously.

Venezuela poses a special problem and threat to Guyana; a clear and imminent danger that is neither going away nor diminishing in intensity. Last, there stands still another neighbour, the giant of the hood, mighty Brazil; it, too, is not spared and basking in anything that may be accurately termed as placid or peaceful.

Everywhere that Guyanese take the time to observe, and then assess the implications, it is the same depressing story of a region in states that span the spectrum from discontent and disturbance on the lower end of the scale, to severe turmoil or chaos at the other.Major segments of these woes can be traced to internal forces clamouring for some level of cleaner government or greater participation in the very apparatus of governance. In the case of Venezuela, the extreme prevails in the hardcore bitterness of desire for outright replacement of the existing governance machinery.

Even as this is posited, the heavy hand of powerful foreign influences must not be ignored. It does not help that these competing foreign powers are all angling to be the dominant player in the affairs of these troubled states, be such economic or ideological. It is the newest version of the old, big power great game being played out right before the eyes, and right in the vicinity of Guyana.

For its part, Guyana has its own perennial intractable problems; and all highly insoluble. To be surrounded by societies that attract so much negative foreign interest and attention, and with the corresponding pressures that come with those, it is the worst of all worlds for little Guyana, now wondering how to capitalize on its mineral blessings.

The first issue is how to get near enough to the wealth to actually touch it and pocket it. That looks thornier by the day, with louder and more frequent saber-rattling and insistent hostility by its deeply troubled and deeply divided neighbour.The recent meeting of Guyana’s Foreign Minister with the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States should go some way to alleviate some local anxieties.

Ease them, not eliminate them. Words emanating from that discussion are direct and unambiguous: Guyana must be free to explore and operate within its economic zone and territorial sphere. That is as good a counter, and veiled warning, that locals can expect at this time.

What is not so good, and which need no cautionary reminders, is the continuing dissonance and divisions in this country at the political, racial, and social levels.

When this country should be at its most prepared and sharpest, it is laid low (like struggling neighbours in the region) by one self-created and self-perpetuated crisis after another. Instead of a concerted focus on reaping the oil, there is this fevered political and racial delirium, with the usual accompanying social animus, that renders this nation prostrate and vulnerable. Wrong time, wrong reasons, and with the wrong long-term results threatened for one and all 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.

That move by Gail Teixeira Dear Editor, I rarely find grounds for agreement on most matters with the Hon. Gail Teixeira, MP. But from the news reports making the rounds, the word is that she is preparing to give up her Canadian citizenship. Such a thought, if accurately reported, and such an action, if promptly fulfilled, couldand should-only be received with the highest encomiums.

That is what I would term putting money where mouth is, and leading by example; and setting a standard that forces all other parliamentary holders of dual citizenship to make a similar decision and follow through with identical action.

They should emulate if they intend to remain in parliament. They must give up one or the other, and this applies to any and every party. I had already publicly praised the announcement by Mr. Lenox Shuman that he was readying to do so.

Today, I extend the same courtesy and thanks to Ms. Teixeira.

These are not easy

decisions, especially with citizenship so prized and with all the benefits that accompany its possession.

Yet, I say those raising a hand to serve this society, its people, its many needs have to be fully dedicated and intricately enmeshed in its pains, problems, and possible prospects, so as to give of their all. And all it has to be.

The realities of the people with the many ills of society cannot be really understood or felt when there is an escape valve, the cushion of a foreign passport, the convenience and comfort that I can pick up and go, and leave the hapless to fend for themselves amidst the challenges of the day.

And some of which I (whoever the political personage is) may have initiated, supported, and advocated.

For too long, political figures have learned how to, and capitalized on being in two places at the same time, while reaping the rewards offered by both, while evading the issues existing in

the lesser one, when things get tough.

In my mind, this is the equivalent of wanting to be involved in matrimony, while insisting on maintaining a lover on the side.

A rich lover, an available lover, a welcoming lover in times of stress and distress.

Let that be yesterday’s practice. Let there be a start with a clean slate.

With an emphasis on the present, I think there should be a “cooling off” period, a kind of “quiet time” during which those impacted and their parties can be given some limited space and limited time to make what I do admit are not simple decisions.

Wholesale imitations of the reported decisions and actions taken by Mr. Shuman and Ms. Teixeira would cause too much disruption and at a very crucial hour in this country’s affairs.

I know that this will not meet with favour in some adamant circles; but I still venture to suggest that, as matters wend their way through the courts and

election processes, the opportunity be permitted all political parties and their people so involved to make a commitment one way or another.

In other words, given the hung, suspended state of the political and social environments, I believe it makes good sense, and as a practical matter, for the parties to clean their candidates’ lists and present fresh ones in time for the upcoming elections, whenever such should occur.

I think that doing otherwise right now would add turmoil to confusion.

Now that may sound fair and reasonable to me; but totally unacceptable to many others.

I understand.

The questions and positions would be: well, if Ms. Gail Teixeira and Mr. Lenox Shuman can make up their minds with clarity and purpose, then why not the rest? And why not now?

I hear that and admit that both stand on strong principled grounds.

Sincerely, G.H.K. Lall

The Government is blowing its chance every day it refuses to do the inevitable Dear Editor, The recent adjudication by the Chief Justice on the matters brought before the court by the Government concerning the No Confidence Motion should be welcomed by all Guyanese. The CJ should be applauded for a job well done.

The Attorney General continues to disappoint the President and the Nation in his interpretation of the Constitution. Basil Williams (AG) may continue to wallow in his ludicrousness by appealing the decision of the CJ in his effort to filibuster on the consequences of the no confidence motion, which entails the resignation of the president and cabinet and elections in 90 days from December 21, 2018. It seems the Coalition’s Leaders lack the knowledge to understand that every day they delay the inevitable, resignation and setting a date for elections, they are losing support from the electorate.

The Constitution is the dividing line that protects the

people from transgressions by the Government. Any government that is perceived to deliberately suppress the Constitution to achieve its own narrow-minded objective will never be considered worthy of a mandate from the electorate.

The continued attempt to gerrymander on the provisions of Article 106 of the Constitution by citing frivolous excuses is sending a signal to the psyche of electorate that this Government cannot be trusted with power and that they have no inkling to obey the tenets of the Constitution.

In a world where democratic norms are treasured, their continued refusal to abide by the constitution is portraying an aura of a caved mentality to the electorate. Every day t h e y d e l a y, t h e y a r e squandering their chances of winning against a baggageladen animal offered to the electorate by the PPP, much to the disgruntlement of the PPP supporters.

Moreover, they risk taking the country into the

unchartered waters of a constitutional crisis. Should this happen, they will have reached the point of no return because the fallout would be too huge. The people in the leadership of the Coalition generally seem visionless and this reality seems to elude all of them.

In their perceived greed to hang on to power, they have moved from testing the validity of the confidence motion to assert that GECOM is unprepared and that house to house registration should be done to validate the voters’ list. This is nothing more than a delaying strategy as they continue to “shoot themselves in the foot” in the presence of the electorate.

GECOM had been doing continuous registration.

Moreover, less than six months ago, GECOM held the last LGE elections at which no one complained about the list. It is the public’s perception that GECOM can update its list to meet the constitutional deadline stipulated by Article 106 (6).

Nevertheless,

Government continued with its planned resistance.

Ramjattan was in Berbice blabbing about a majority at GECOM being 4; having 3 opposition and 3 Government commissioners and a chairman with voting rights to justify GECOM delaying the elections.

What Ramjattan conveniently forgot to mention was that GECOM chairperson is the product of a unilateral appointment by the president, while the constitution had required a consensual candidate. Going this road will open a bigger can of worms for the Coalition and increase the fallout from the electorate.

Every day that passes with the government continued refusal to resign and set a date for election, the general public sees the Government building a Trojan Horse with intent to subdue the will of the people.

Every passing day, more of the electorate are prepared to turn their backs on the Coalition. The Coalition just does not seem to get it!

Rudolph Singh

Tuesday February 05, 2019

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Political parties should ensure A ‘Black’ presidential candidate that voters’ rights are respected is likely from PPP ranks Dear Editor, I believe that it would be a grave error to consider the developments surrounding the No-confidence Motion in the National Assembly as primarily a constitutional matter necessitating a legal solution. The architects of the No-Confidence Motion, I am convinced, clearly understood that this was, first and foremost, a political, financial and national security conspiracy cloaked in the guise of constitutionality.

The minority PPP/C, which by definition, cannot prevail in a No-Confidence Motion, nevertheless moves such a motion and demands a roll call and floor vote; a Member of Parliament from the majority, governing party, Charrandass Persaud, votes with the minority (PPP/C) party in a power grab or coup d’état to force the overthrow of the government or at a minimum to create political instability, even a national crisis.

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in her ruling on January 31, 2019 found that his vote was valid even though he was not qualified to be a member of the National Assembly on the basis of his dual citizenship and his allegiance to Canada.

The Attorney-General has indicated that the government will appeal this ruling as surely it must. The question I ask is what constitutional provision(s) permitted Charrandass Persaud to vote against the

Party List from which his name was extracted? Put another way, does the vote belong to Charrandass Persaud, or any other M.P, to do as they wish?

The other 64 M.Ps voted with, and for, the Party Lists from which their names were extracted. The thousands of voters that voted for the APNU/ AFC List from which Charrandass Persaud’s name was extracted did not petition him, or give their consent for him to vote against the party to which they gave their support in the last elections.

There is no evidence that he was motivated by decency or conscience; he did not resign but continued to sit with the ruling party in order to betray the voters he swore to represent, presumably because of the lure of molasses.

His right and ability to do so is apparently protected by the Constitution but not the rights of the thousands who voted for the APNU/ AFC List. It would appear that the right to vote is not as fundamental as one might have imagined.

Given the Chief Justice’s ruling that Charrandass Persaud’s vote against his Party is valid what would, in the future, prevent any, or several M.P.s from voting with the opposite party. This would make a mockery of elections as any majority government, whether one seat or ten, can potentially be overthrown or destabilized by one, or any number of M.Ps

who can be persuaded to vote against their party by those having the ability to offer inducements, whether commodities sweeter than molasses or more valuable than gold.

This forces me to review my understanding of elections and democracy in my country. My vote and that of every voter, no longer will represent political preferences but merely a transfer of our rights to 65 M.P.s to do with as they may.

Articles 156 (3) and 160 (2) (a) of the Guyana Constitution seem to be inadequate protection against the conspiracies and treachery of the architects of the NoConfidence Motion of Dec 21, 2018 and so I urge every voter, as the clamour for rushed, hardly credible, free or fair elections escalates, to demand from the parties of the coalition government, and every party intending to participate in the coming elections, how they will ensure that the vote of every voter is respected and whether there should be meaningful discussions regarding constitutional reform before the next elections.

Sincerely Oscar Dolphin

Dear Editor, We all know the remigrant jokes “Ken yew tell me the price of those string beans? Followed by “$3000 dallah, yuh tek me fuh ah ass or wha’ buddy?” How often have we not laughed at the ‘fresh water Yankee’s’ expense, when acquired airs and graces disappear in the face of our often harsh Guyanese realities?

So it is with GHK Lall, no longer writing in the ‘esoteric inquisitive’. Our man at the Gold Board has come down to earth in his latest missive concerning the search for a PPPC Prime Ministerial candidate as elections draw ever closer.

GHK Lall, like many before him contend that there is an active search for a ‘black’ candidate for reasons of public appeasement only. There are many like GHK Lall, who would have you believe that perception is indeed reality, that the nonindo PPPC members are mere “political cosmetology”.

Lall cites the influence of Dr. Roger Luncheon and Sam Hinds as exceptions that prove the rule, as if there were no younger black members of

note. The PPPC has over 6000 black members who make up a strong caucus within the party and form part of the decision making process within the organization.

Unlike those in the PNC, WPA et al, these are not ageing people who are well known but young, educated and vibrant Guyanese, gearing to move the country forward, physically and mentally.

One day in the near future, you can certainly expect to see a Presidential candidate emerge from this subset.

The Civic component of the PPPC is where the Prime Ministerial candidates have come from traditionally, and to date they have been AfroGuyanese, which is not

p o l i c y, i t i s h o w e v e r tradition and an acceptance of the early difficulties the PPPC would have had in attracting AfroGuyanese to join the organization.

Now that circumstances have changed with the existence of various large multi-ethnic components within the PPPC membership, the requirement is simply to find the best civic candidate, regardless of ethnicity.

Editor, it is my hope that citizens reading this letter will be inspired to seek current information before public pontification and not repeat the errors of relying on perception like our re-migrant friend, now referred to as GHK Lol. Respectfully, Robin Singh

A ridiculous decision Dear Editor, The West Indies won their Test Match against England in three days. And the West Indies Captain is penalised for a slow overrate.

How Ridiculous?

The International Cricket Council must immediately reexamine this rule, especially

following any victory.

Philip Ayoung-Chee, Consultant, Urological Surgeon

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Guyana has laws without any effect Dear Editor, There is a certain brand mosquito coil from Suriname that is banned in Guyana, yet it is on display for sale in clear view at Stabroek Market and other places and the gov’t or no one is seizing it. That particular coil is known to cause cancer and other health problem.

Another thing is that every few days, a house burns down in Guyana, and most times the police say the fire is electrical in origin, but no detailed information is given why it is considered as electrical. If the police give clear explanation, then people will know what

precaution they should take so as not to be a victim.

I have a suggestion. Many places in GEORGETOWN and other places, there are people selling speaker wire that has a plug at one end and a six-way adaptor at the other end, and people would purchase it.

When they plug in things like microwave, TV, iron, blender, light fixtures and many other things, the speaker wire gets over heated , then the positive and the negative touch each other and cause fire.

I am suggesting that the gov’t not only ban those illegal speaker wires with the fixtures, but also seized them, and make it a law that such illegal set up is

not allowed. Make the sale of them punishable by a hefty fine on the first offence and jail for any repeat of such offence.

Those wires are intended for what they are called (SPEAKER WIRE), and are not to be used for the purpose of getting to plug up all sorts of devices. People sometimes want to know what caused their houses to burn down.

Also, if the gov’t thinks it has the support of the majority, then why waste time to go to appeal court, then to CCJ. If you strongly believe you will win, then go ahead with elections.

RESPECTFULLY, MOHAMEDAZAD.

GPL’s barefaced banditry Dear Editor, The Guyana Power and Light Inc. has apparently embarked on a mission to further exploit poor Guyanese who are already at the mercy of this monopoly.

Since the installation of new meters in our neighbourhood, many persons have been complaining about their bills skyrocketing and GPL has chosen to ignore their concerns.

My father, a senior citizen, is one of the affected. He operates a small ‘sweetie and drinks’ shop in his yard. Like clockwork, it closes by 8pm every night and basically caters to children and villagers. This is his livelihood and he has no employees. The shop was built less than a decade ago and outfitted with a separate meter.

For years, he has been billed approximately $15,000 per month (shop alone). Although this amount is quite high, it was put down to the beverage refrigeration.Late last year, GPL installed new meters in the neighbourhood. Since this event, his bills have been astronomical and visits to the company are met with apathy; junior employees who cannot explain the discrepancies, do not care and do not flag complaints for follow up. It’s either pay up or do without electricity. This company is operating as if it’s on a mission to increase Guyana’s suicide, poverty and homelessness rates.

From approximately $15,000 per month for the shop, he is now forced to pay $37,000 (first

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

bill with new meter) and $44,000 (January bill). Nothing has changed in the shop; opening hours have not been extended and no new equipment was added. Also he was never accused of stealing electricity, so why the extreme increase GPL? One day I observed the meter; in the span of a few minutes, it blanked out several times then the reading appeared. When I informed the customer representative (GPL Main Street branch) of this, I couldn’t even get an answer as to whether this is normal or not. In addition, the amount that is normally billed for the house has doubled although nothing new has been added, again no explanation given. And no offer made by GPL to check the meters; it’s either pay up or do without (this should be their new slogan).

Horrifically, when I visited GPL’s Main Street Office (on behalf of my father) to get an explanation and possible

reduction, I was instead blasted with an increase! I was told a further $11,000 has to be added to the $44,000 bill for January (due 6th February)!

When I asked for an explanation, the representative couldn’t even say anything logical except some mumblings about ‘things left over since September’. The new meter wasn’t even in then and readings were taken from the old meter; the bill was paid in full and proof provided yet it wasn’t even looked at. Every month, my father has been paying his GPL bills and the billing amounts were always consistent until the advent of the new meters. GPL needs to check these meters and provide logical explanations for such drastic increases. It also needs to investigate this case, we don’t have money! GPL is killing the poor...

Yours faithfully, Customer No. 0644413 Reference No. 06444130583391

Who will form the Govt if…?

Dear Editor, I have a question to which I would appreciate an answer from whomever wishes to educate me about this issue.

My simple question is which political party will form the government if after the next election, the two major parties each end up with 32 seats and another party with one seat?

OK. This 32 number has featured too much recently.

What if the two major parties each end up with 30 seats and the other parties with a total of five seats? Which Party will form the government?

Editor, pity my simplicity for asking this question, which might be totally irrelevant.

Regards Wesley Kirton

What transformation can Granger deliver?

Dear Editor, It was pleasing to see President David Granger speaking at a public meeting on February 3, 2019 at Vreeden-Hoop. From the media reports, it appears that the President is feeling better and his health has improved.

One can assume, too, that the President is ready for the rigors of the elections campaign and thus expectedly himself and his colleagues will end the denial to Guyanese of their inalienable right to exercise their franchise.

This denial says a lot about the sincerity of the President’s respect for the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.

Important as that is, the President, according to the February 4, Stabroek News edition, is quoted to have said to his audience, who were largely outside of the Vreed-en-Hoop area, that “you will see the transformation, the change in every community, the change in every region, the change in every village”. I wondered what change was

the President speaking of.

Is it the transformation in Crabwood Creek, where scores of sugar workers who were employed at Skeldon Estate not having sufficient meals or was it he was speaking about the people of Canefield, Canje not being able to send their children to school or was he referring to the wives of Patentia having to face bare cupboards? Is this the change and transformation he was talking about?

Maybe it was about the people of Guyana opening their electricity bills and see VAT being charged or it could be, having to find more monies to pay to catch a bus to work or school though fuel prices have reduced. It could well be the shock of seeing the high cost of water now-adays or facing serious illness and told by the public health institutions that there are no drugs.

The transformation under President Granger’s Government has seen thousands moving from employed to unemployed.

Tens of thousands having

their lives plunged into misery and their dreams to yearn for a better tomorrow dashed.

That transformation has seen us, the Guyanese people, paying nearly $200B in taxes last year.

It has seen our Government practically giving away our oil resources.

And it has seen that rallying call of a ‘Good Life’ becoming an ignominious, hollow, slogan.

So while the President may boast about towns, boats, buses, and so on, how have they meaningfully transformed the lives of ordinary Guyanese who live whether in Lethem, Waini, Bush Lot, Georgetown or elsewhere?

Today the President, while I am happy is in good health, has failed miserably to deliver the transformation he espoused and promised.

Today, can the Guyanese people sincerely give the President another chance to take us further down the road to nowhere? I think not!

Yours faithfully, Patricia Persaud

Princes Street is dangerous, courtesy of City Hall Dear Editor, It is my sincere hope that this letter will bring some source of relief to users of Princes Street, especially pedestrians.

Now, for more than a year, the Municipal Cleansing Department has three trucks parked on the roadside, just outside the Department’s compound. Two of them would leave on some days and by afternoon, they would be parked in their usual spot.

The other has been given permanent residence.

This inconsiderate act endangers the lives of pedestrians on a daily basis as the road has become a thoroughfare for motor vehicles, inclusive of our beloved minibuses since it has been resurfaced.

Pedestrians are forced to walk in the grass and are fearful to walk at the side of the road as

there is always a steady stream of traffic (along with our so inconsiderate drivers who seem to feel that they own every stretch of the road).

One driver was heard telling a young woman who was walking out with her toddler, “Lady, pick up the child.” They were not in the path of the car at all; the mother was walking close to the road.

I wish to inform the City Council (if they do not know) that they have an enormous amount of unused space in the compound that they can utilize for their trucks. They can also allocate free parking area in the compound for persons who do business with their department so they can leave their vehicles off the street, ensuring the safety of their vehicles (I hope) and leaving the area clear for

pedestrians and for the vehicles of those who live in the area.

I also wish that those newly elected officials in the City Hall would take a walk about in Georgetown. It is a literal hell to be a pedestrian on roads without pavements.

Take for example, Hadfield Street. You have to walk in untrimmed grass and literally keep your eyes peeled for oncoming vehicles and at the same time ensure if you are not walking into some faeces left by our numerous stray dogs.

Roads need pavements. It is time those in charge think about the safety of pedestrians in Georgetown.

My best wishes to the new mayor and staff. They say,” new brooms sweep clean.”

Yours respectfully, Jan.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Century-old arbitration laws put Guyana at a disadvantage - Datadin

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Guyana’s arbitration laws are over 100 years old, as passed in September of 1916.

They are totally outdated and stand as a serious disadvantage to the country.

However, all the contracts that Guyana has with oil companies, including ExxonMobil, cater for arbitration.

This was pointed out

by A t t o r n e y a t L a w, Sanjeev Datadin.

Datadin posits that Guyana needs to arm itself with an improved Arbitration Act. He pointed out that there is a draft law that is

Attorney at Law, Sanjeev Datadin recommended by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). “We can take

that as our starting point… we will need a few changes; to tweak it a bit. But those laws are drafted so that there is worldwide consistency.

He said that Guyana can also turn to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for help in this regard.

The lawyer said that it is imperative that Guyana moves to update its laws soon, because, “if we were to go into arbitration now with our current legislation there are disadvantages.

For example, we are not signatories to the Lugano and New York Conventions, which are two conventions for the enforce-

Research professor warns C’bean to brace for increased Chinese population

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Evan Ellis, an international research professor, is predicting that the population of Chinese nationals in the Caribbean and Latin America will dramatically increase in the coming years.

Ellis is a senior associate (non-resident) with the Americas Programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He is a research professor of Latin American studies.

Last year November, Ellis published a paper titled “The Future of Latin America and the Caribbean in the Context of the Rise of China.”

The paper examines China’s “strategy” in Latin America and the Caribbean.

It points out what the superpower has already achieved and what it is likely to achieve within 30 years based on its current trajectory.

While examining the implications of China’s “greatly expanded position” as banker, employer, and military and political partner in Latin America and the Caribbean, Ellis considered some of the possible dynamics by sector.

He spoke extensively about the impact China will have on infrastructural development in the Caribbean.

Particularly, Ellis said that the growing number of construction projects by Chinese companies also will bring more Chinese workers to the region, not only in projects for small governments with relatively weak negotiating positions (as in the Caribbean), but also in larger countries such as Brazil, whose strong institutions and domestic competitors will become less effective in pressuring their governments to resist deals involving large numbers of Chinese workers.

Ellis said that one politically and socially important

International Research Professor, Evan Ellis side effect of the increased presence of Chinese workers will be the growth of Chinese communities throughout the region, “as some of those workers overstay their visas or through other means remain in the countries where they were brought to work.”

The research professor said that by 2050, Chinese

communities most likely will have become part of the cultural landscapes of many Latin American and Caribbean cities where they now are invisible minorities.

Ellis said that the growth of these communities will affect the political and cultural dynamics of the region, fueling periodic anti-Chinese protests in some countries, with increasingly influential Chinese embassies insisting that local governments protect the interests and well-being of Chinese communities.

Further, he said that the growth of Chinese populations will also increase the activities of China-based criminal organizations in the region.

Ellis said that new (Continued on page 22)

ment of arbitration awards in a country.

We will then be forced to go to arbitration, win the judgment, and if it has to be enforced in Guyana, we then have to go to court to make it an order of court and go through the process again.”

Datadin said that this will mean Guyana will have to spend unnecessary money and waste time.

But, “If we had the

UNCITRAL laws, we would be better off.”

Datadin said that while arbitration will not take place in Guyana, wherever it happens, it will be in accordance with the laws here.

He said that arbitrations are usually out of the home country “so that there is no home field advantage, but the dispute will be in accordance with our laws, they can provide

that the law can be English or American law if they want to, but a lot of it will have to be in accordance with Guyana law.

He continued, “So we need to have more of these laws updated, because we need good procedural rules and rules for the appointment of arbitrators. Guyana has to move quickly to protect itself.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Exorbitant American Airlines ticket prices…

Guyana’s vulnerability to exploitation exposed – Lincoln Lewis Emerging details of the exorbitant ticket prices charged by American Airlines have raised questions about Guyana’s capacity to verify expenses of ExxonMobil on oil exploration and production activities in its offshore concessions.

Under the arrangement with ExxonMobil on revenues, Guyana is to receive two percent of every barrel of oil sold as well as a 50/50 share in profits. For the latter, Guyana only receives its share of the profits after ExxonMobil and its partners recover their investments and take out expenses.

Part of the expenses is the cost of airline tickets for staffers who would be flying home every few weeks.

However, in recent days,

there have been complaints about the high cost of tickets, which in some cases were more than six times the competition’s.

American Airlines, one of the biggest airlines in the world, started flying late November, signaling its intentions then to target the growing oil and gas sector. It appeared to have snagged ExxonMobil, another US company, which is also headquartered in Texas.

It is reportedly the official carrier for ExxonMobil’s employees in Guyana. Full oil production is likely this year.

With regards to the ticket prices, booking a seat to Miami painted an alarming picture over the weekend.

On the respective websites, a one-month

There is deep worry over Guyana’s capacity to audit the oil costs of ExxonMobil. round-trip to Miami economy using Caribbean Airlines was US$656.69. For American Air-

lines, it was a whopping US$3,179.

When it came to the business class seats, it is where things got more serious…and worrying.

Caribbean Airlines was US$807.19 while American Airlines was seven times more - at US$6,059 for the round

trip.

Guyana has been criticized for what appears to be sloth in ascertaining the expenses as submitted to the Government for verification.

It is still developing capacity and to make a decision to hire expert oil auditors.

ExxonMobil has submitted

pre-2015 expenses of US$900M. With the total investments at the offshore Liza 1 development field said to cost in excess of US$3B, the questions have been more.

Any misstep could cost Guyana millions of US dollars (Continued on page 24)

Tuesday February 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana is a bed of nails The printer’s devil was at work in Sunday’s column where it was mentioned therein that despite ample evidence of a former PPPC Minister taking steps to reintegrate into Guyana, the Canadian authorities rejected her request to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

It should be clear by now that her petition was rejected despite taking steps to reintegrate into Canada.

The former Minister’s experience shows the risks inherent in having dual residency. And this raises the issue of the dangers of holding dual citizenship.

The Chief Justice of Guyana has made a ruling about the constitutionality of dual citizens sitting in the National Assembly.

This has placed a number of parliamentarians, on both sides of the House, in a dilemma.

Their continued participation in politics and future parliamentary careers hinge on them abdicating their foreign citizenship.

But should they?

Should they surrender their foreign citizenship simply to participate in Guyana’s parliamentary system?

The fate of that PPPC Minister whose residency was revoked because she did not spend the required time in Canada between 2012 and 2015, should forewarn those who hold dual citizenship that there is life after politics, and that foreign governments are not going to restore your foreign residency that easily either.

Those politicians should know that Guyanese politics is brutal.

When you lose political office, the other side can come after you.

And in order to avoid political persecution, you may need to seek refuge

outside of Guyana.

Your dual citizenship will allow you to find a place of refuge away from the knives of your enemies.

Secondly, dual citizenship gives you more options for life after politics. Many of those who are dual citizens have skills which can allow them to continue to have a good quality life.

But there are many who will find it difficult to return to their old professions and there are others who really have no career in which to return. Political appointees will find it difficult to find employment, and that is why so many of them are traumatized and are trying to whip up public resentment to an early election.

Retaining foreign citizenship gives options for work after politics.

Thirdly, many of those who hold dual citizenship are getting on in age and getting down in health.

The social security revamp

Dem boys seh ...

Exploitation can never done Nobody don’t give nobody nutten fuh nutten.

When dem oil company come to Guyana, dem mek nuff noise how dem was doing Guyana a favour.

Some of dem tek couple dollar fuh help a football team, one of dem help repair one ball field and one of dem sponsor cricket in Guyana.

People believe de oil companies was a savior.

Wha dem didn’t know was de oil company was like a big man wid two sweetie.

And dem was like li’l gyal.

De big man giving dem a taste of de sweetie and dem believe dat he got good intentions.

Is when he tekking back he sweetie in more ways than one and dem realize dem getting shaft all over dat dem see wha really happening.

Dat is wha happening and dem MPs ain’t even re-

alize wha happening. Dem ain’t saying nutten. Dem boys believe dat some of dem tek de sweetie and go in a corner; some tek de sweetie and allow de oil company to shaft de nation. Dem boys was looking at de local content when dem realize dat de oil company buying land and building dem own structures.

De Govt allow dem to do dat than pay rent to Guyanese. Dat couldn’t happen and still can’t happen in Trinidad.

Guyana never see further than it nose, not wid de PPP and now not wid de coalition.

All of dem fail de nation in crucial areas.

People who come fuh dig out de gold, get more concessions than Guyanese who born and grow in de goldfield.

Same thing in de forestry.

Guyanese who live in de bush and who live in de trees,

couldn’t even get fuh buy rope to sling like monkey. De foreigners get concessions galore.

BaiShanLin, Barama, Vitarna and Aurora all come, and get nuff concessions.

Dem get from de sun to de moon. Now de oil companies starting to get from de heaven to de earth.

Dem even getting from east to west and north to south. American Airlines in Texas; Exxon from Texas and everything in Texas big. Even de exploitation and de choke and rob dem putting pon Guyana is big.

Dem boys seh de exploitation of Guyana by de oil company is like when a husband deh sleeping in he house and de neighbour deh wid he wife in de downstairs bathroom.

Talk half and wait fuh dem choke de MPs.

which was promised by APNU+AFC has not happened. You can still benefit from NIS and your parliamentary pension if you live outside of Guyana. But the US is tightening up on social security beneficiaries who live outside of the country.

Health care is a problem in Guyana.

A great many persons were asking why it is that President Granger is going to Cuba for chemotherapy when the same treatment is available here. Well, three children died after receiving an injection in preparation for chemotherapy at a local hospital in Georgetown. Risking your life simply to show you are a nationalist is foolish.

Health care in the United

States, Great Britain or Canada is far superior to Guyana which, as yet, does not have a specialty hospital.

Fourthly, dual citizenship makes life easier, especially travel. You do not need to line up on Young Street for visas. With a Canadian, US or UK passport you can travel to most countries without the need for a visa.

Those who give up their dual citizenship forfeit these benefits. Most of those with dual citizenship have family living outside of Guyana. If they need to go and see those families, it is easier to do so when you have a foreign passport.

Fifthly, reclaiming citizenship, once renounced,

is not automatic. A person who renounces his or her US citizenship has to do so by signing an oath of renunciation.

This oath is generally irrevocable, meaning it cannot be reversed or set aside except through an administrative review or judicial appeal.

My advice therefore to those local politicians, who are planning to renounce their foreign citizenship, is to think and think hard.

Living overseas may be no bed or roses, but it is much better than sleeping on a bed of nails.

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The AFC: Mandarins, mannequins, or maybe manatees?

Since the no confidence vote (NCV) on December 21, 2018, one has to look deeply into the annals of political speeches, political diatribes and political nonsense to see if there can be a comparison with what the AFC leaders have been saying the past month. My column of Friday, January 19, 2019, was captioned, “Each time the APNU+AFC leaders open their mouths, they self-destruct”. The AFC has now far outdone APNU in its outlandish reaction to the NCV. In that Friday piece, I cited how Khemraj Ramjattan answered

a journalist’s question on the status of Guyanese MPs who hold foreign citizenship. He said that the writ was asking the court to rule only on the illegality of Charrandass Persaud’s right to vote, since he has foreign nationality.

One would like to know if Ramjattan read the comments in the Stabroek News, of the lawyer who fought this aspect of the case for the government in the NCV saga. Neil Boston told the newspaper that based on the judge’s decision, the MPs with foreign citizenship should not remain in the House. Remember

Ramjattan said the judge’s decision will only apply to Persaud.

Now the government’s own lawyer said that the MPs with foreign citizenship should not be in parliament. Will Ramjattan apologize or let his remark remain and allow people to laugh? Let’s look at more macabre reasoning from the AFC. Moses Nagamootoo in his Chronicle column of January 27, wrote; “Though the police would not give details, all indications are that the man (Charrandass Persaud) was bought), which made him cast what Guyanese widely believe

to be an unlawful vote.” Is this observation stupidity or ignorance?

If the police would not give details about Charrandass’ illegal involvement, then where are the “all indications” coming from? We as citizens pick up and transport information that comes from the police. We say that John Jones was in the night club at the time of the incident because the police listed him as an eyewitness. If the police would not give details, why doesn’t Nagamootoo provide these details so that we can denounce Persaud?

We can forgive Nagamootoo for saying the vote was unlawful, because he mouthed off this stupidity without waiting to hear the verdict of the court.

Nagamootoo went on to say things about the financial dealings of Persaud that cannot be repeated here out of respect for libel laws. One would like to think that after reading what Nagamootoo wrote, Persaud would file his libel writ. Nagamootoo noted in that same article the following; “but our security forces have a plan to combat external aggressors as well as domestic terrorists”. So Guyana has domestic terrorists. This is one for the media to digest.

But I guess Guyana has had a long tradition of domestic terrorism that dates back to the sixties when the PPP and PNC exchanged violent acts.

Then after Independence it continued with the PPP’s psychotic arsons on the sugar estates and the murder of one policeman and the wounding of another at the Corentyne toll station. Interestingly, we have a president who was in the army when those arsons and toll station attacks were done, because the army was called in. And a Prime Minister who was in the war room of the PPP when those activities were perpetrated. Actually, Guyana would be shocked to know the two bigwigs from the PPP leadership at the time (1974) that were involved in the shooting of those two policemen.

The joke that the AFC has become, has allowed the nation to laugh at a time when we are concerned with political passions over-boiling.

Ramjattan told the media that the AFC’s popular support is intact and the AFC would expect the same 12 MPs and 7 ministers. My God! Can’t someone tell the AFC they’re looking like clowns? 12 seats come from 72,000 votes. No third party in the history of

Frederick Kissoon Guyana has ever polled 60,000 votes. Not even The United Force in the sixties, which was a popular, wealthy and strong third force. Finally, the man who parted the sea in Robb Street to become Prime Minister has just parted the sea in the AFC. The AFC’s leader has endorsed Nagamootoo for the PM slot in the next general election. There is a DPI bulletin which quotes Nagamootoo as saying he is happy to receive his party’s endorsement. But the AFC said the party made no such endorsement. And Ramjattan looks likely to part the sea Moses is bathing in. On Sunday, Ramjattan declared he would accept his party’s nomination for the PM’s slot.

What or who really is the AFC?

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 05, 2019

Despite naysayers...

Contract renegotiation proving successful

By Kiana Wilburg reporting from Trinidad and Tobago

- TT PM tells oil and gas stakeholders

W

“However, on assumption to office, we realized that there was an imbalance in the financial returns accruing to stakeholders, particularly as it relates to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).”

Dr. Rowley continued, “The upstream companies and their marketing affiliates were enjoying the lion's share of the revenue accruing from this business and the Government and by extension, the people of this country were receiving m i n i m a l r e t u r n s . We highlighted this concern in the Spotlight on Energy which was held at this very venue in March of 2018.”

He added, “This evoked the ire of some local energy commentators who were of the view that we were sending the wrong signals to the upstream companies.

Notwithstanding this not so surprising reaction, we persevered.”

h e n t h e Trinidad and T o b a g o government signaled its intention last year to pursue contract renegotiation with oil companies, there was great outrage. But that did not prevent Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, from securing a better deal for his people.

Dr. Rowley confidently stated yesterday at his country's annual three-day energy conference, that the process of contract renegotiation is proving to be a success.

Speaking to hundreds of oil and gas stakeholders in attendance at the Hyatt Hotel, the Prime Minister in his keynote address said, “Given the importance of the domestic energy sector, this Administration has focused on creating stability, and where necessary, reforms within the sector in order to optimize its contribution to the national economy.

Dr. Rowley said that in April 2018, he and his government met with senior executives of both Shell and BP in London to discuss a more equitable arrangement for the sharing of revenue accruing from LNG. Arising from the discussions, Dr. Rowley said that both sides established Empowered Negotiating teams to review the LNG marketing arrangements. He revealed that Phase One of negotiations with BP was completed and a Memorandum of Agreement was executed which provided for the payment of US$73M for royalty gas claimed by the Government.

He said, too, that the engagements provided for a new Train One marketing arrangement for AtlanticLNG, one of the world's largest producers of Liquefied Natural Gas. Further to this, the Prime Minister added that

negotiations with both BP and Shell are continuing and are projected to be finalized by the end of first quarter 2019.

In this regard, Dr. Rowley said, “I wish to compliment both companies on the professional manner in which negotiations are conducted and look forward to a mutually satisfying outcome.”

NOT SET IN STONE During his visit to Guyana last September, the TT Prime Minister had said that while the Government of Trinidad and Tobago respects the “sanctity” of contracts, it does not subscribe to the notion that contracts are set in stone.

He was at the time, answering questions from Kaieteur News at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Energy with Guyana.

Dr. Rowley had said, “We have respected the sanctity of contracts while not accepting that contracts are set in stone.

Contracts are engagements made between two parties and when you make contracts, if there is goodwill between the participants, and if the intention is for both participants to benefit from the nature of the contract, we see the possibility and the opportunity for the contracts

TT's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley being revisited so as to maintain the balance of the elements of the contract.”

The TT Prime Minister said that this is the basis on which his government has approached oil companies in its borders on the renegotiating of contracts.

CALL FOR RENEGOTIATION HERE Local commentators have long expressed concern over the deal Guyana signed with ExxonMobil, especially when it is compared with other agreements Exxon signed on to with other nations such as Ghana.

The Ghanaian contract, for example, has an entire section dedicated to procurement laws, which ExxonMobil must follow at all times. Those provisions are in place to ensure that a

significant number of local companies are able to benefit from the nation's oil sector.

Guyana's contract, on the other hand, mentions nothing about procurement laws.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i f Government so desires, it would be able to tap into the expertise of an international group which helps countries in the successful renegotiation of contracts on a pro bono basis. The group is called, the International Senior Lawyers Project (ISLP).

Over the past 17 years, with support from law firms, foundations, and government agencies, ISLP has mobilized hundreds of experienced lawyers to provide more than $100 million worth of pro bono legal assistance in support of just, accountable and inclusive development in more than 80 countries.

The Project was successful in helping Liberia renegotiate its contracts with Arcelor Mittal S.A., a German-based steel manufacturing company and American company Firestone Tire and Rubber.

The group has also helped other countries across the world in the renegotiation of oil contracts.

ISLP is also no stranger to Guyana, as it has provided support to the Attorney General's Office for the review of Guyana's Cyber Crime Bill and Electronic Transactions Bill.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Woman who fatally stabbed boyfriend, walks free on parole

F

our years after she was convicted and sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment for killing her boyfriend, whom she stabbed with a knife, 32year-old Tramangra Williams has been released on parole.

On January 29, 2014, a jury convicted Williams, also known as 'Queenie', of m a n s l a u g h t e r, f o r t h e unlawful killing of her Barbadian boyfriend, Tyrone Mc Donald Best.

Following the sentence and conviction, Williams, who was initially indicted for murder, appealed the conviction and sentence.

Williams was granted parole in June 2018 for the crime she committed on December 27, 2008.

Yesterday, her matter was called in the Court of Appeal where she made a formal request to have it withdrawn. Her request was granted by Chancellor of the J u d i c i a r y Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards, who afforded her leave to do so.

Williams, in a caution statement, told police that on the day in question she had threatened to make a police report against her boyfriend

when he picked up a shoe and pelted it at her. In retaliation, Williams said she stabbed Best with the knife.

During an unsworn testimony, Williams had told the jurors that she did not intend to harm her boyfriend and that he ran into the knife during a confrontation.

“There's no way on earth I would stab Tyrone. I wanted him to back down that's why I used the knife in my hand,” Williams had told the jurors. She recounted that she endured years of abuse at the hands of the deceased who had accused her of having an affair with another man before the night of the killing.

“Tyrone was annoyed and he grabbed me and put some sound slaps on my head. By de time I catch myself, my dress was way above my waist. He start to beat, slap, punch and kick me. I was his punching bag,” Williams had related.

Williams had explained that the following day she and Best had engaged in a heated argument, during which time she picked up a knife.

“Yes I did have the knife in my hand, but the knife was

GECOM CEO says voters' list clean From page 3 Operations Sub-Committee to be discussed.

He disclosed that the Operations Sub-Committee is expected to meet again this morning, ahead of another discussion scheduled for 2:00 pm today.

Meanwhile, PPP Commissioners Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of yesterday's meeting.

“In my view, there is no other consideration that one could arrive at, but that GECOM itself, at the level of the secretariat, is complicit in this problem.

Either they have to be taking instructions out of f e a r o r c o m p l i c i t y, deliberately so, or they in themselves do not want to see these activities unfold as constitutionally mandated,” Benn said, adding that he believes that some of the activities could be eliminated to achieve the March 19 deadline.

He stressed too that there is need for less training, especially since the staff had undergone training for the

Local Government Elections held on November 12 last.

PNC-nominated Commissioner, Charles Corbin, on the other hand, said the Commission must take guidance from the Secretariat.

He said the secretariat has submitted its work plan.

“There is a reason why we would need to put all the information we have together, because clearly there will be questions based on our discussions today (yesterday).”

He noted too that if one should reflect on a few years when the Elections Commission found itself facing a similar scenario -the timeline given then was about six months.

to ward him off. I hoped that when he saw the knife he would just let me be …But when Tyrone saw the knife he bolted at me ….he ran into the knife.”

She had said that she took the injured man to the Georgetown Public Hospital for treatment.

Williams had also said that she had told police at the hospital the story that Best had instructed her to tell them; that he was stabbed during a robbery.

“He tell me that two men

tackled him and take away $20,000 before stabbing him …that they wore dark shirts and one of them had a cap over his face.” However, Williams claimed that she loved Best too much not to give his family closure. So she decided to tell the police the truth.

Trial Judge Navindra Singh had initially imposed a 30-year sentence; he however, deducted 12 years, since there was evidence of provocation and remorse, hence the 18-year jail term.

Tramangra Williams

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Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Cautious EU urges procedural speed on road to general elections

Caption: EU Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtič (L) and President David Granger

T

he Delegation of the European Union (EU) has urged that the road to general elections should be expedited.

According to the Delegation, it is continuing to closely follow the developments after the noconfidence vote in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018.

However, the EU was cautious yesterday on calling directly for elections within the 90 days as stipulated by the Constitution, following that vote.

“The Delegation of the European Union calls on all concerned bodies and stakeholders to uphold the Constitution, respecting democratic procedures and the rule of law. Procedures

should be managed efficiently, with openness and transparency.”

According to the Delegation, it welcomes the expeditious handling of the related court cases so far, and hopes that the further legal process can be expedited, for the benefit of Guyana, its people and its development, in view of pending Foreign Direct Investments.

“The Delegation of the European Union looks forward to free and fair elections being held, as appropriate, and in line with all constitutional provisions."

On December 21st, a noconfidence motion filed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, was carried after G o v e r n m e n t parliamentarian,

Charrandass Persaud, said yes. That vote was enough to trigger the Article in the Constitution which calls for elections to be held in 90 days.

The Coalition Government had gone to court, asking Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George, to interpret the Constitution in relation to a ruling by the Speaker of the House that the motion was carried.

Justice George ruled last week that elections have to be held within that threemonth period; that the vote was legal and that 33 is considered the majority vote in the National Assembly.

H o w e v e r, t h e administration has said it will be appealing the matter and even taking it to the Caribbean Court of Justice.

Man dies, woman injured after car slams into parked lorry

I

n the wee hours of yesterday a man lost his life and a female passenger was injured after the car they were in slammed into a parked lorry.

Trevon Butters, 35, called 'Yankee” who at the time was driving motor car PNN 8969, died on the spot, while Natasha Sobers, 25, from Wales, West Bank Demerara, is left hospitalized.

According to a police report, the accident took place around 03:45hrs on Princes Street, Werk en Rust, Georgetown, in the vicinity of the City Police Outpost.

The motor car was proceeding west along the

southern side of Princes Street at a very fast pace.

Butters allegedly lost control of the vehicle and collided with the rear end of lorry GFF 9764 which was parked on the northern side of the road.

The lorry is said to be owned by the Mayor and City Council. As a result of the collision the motor car spun around and ended up facing east.

Sobers was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she presently remains hospitalized.

Butters who was left pinned in his seat, was

pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by a medic from the Guyana Fire Service, who had to cut open the vehicle to retrieve the body.

The police have indicated that investigations are ongoing.

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Tuesday February 05, 2019

Guyana advancing plans to digitize land administration

D

a t a a n d information management across sectors is set to be improved with the development of an Action Plan for the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI).

This is one result of the 'Mainstreaming Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) Project' between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to support the development of land administration, policy and planning.

The NSDI, according to FAO, is a digital and opendata geospatial information system which facilitates communications among different sectors and enhances decision-making processes.

The Action Plan sets out the priorities for improving cooperation in data and information management. It will be presented at the World Bank Land and Poverty Conference in March 2019.

Guyana will be an international leader in developing and implementing such a plan to improve geospatial data

infrastructure.

Tr e v o r B e n n , Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, said that he was extremely pleased with the development of the Action Plan.

According to Sally Bunning, Senior Policy Officer in the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, NSDI is a basic building block to build efficiency and a modern approach to land management and planning.

The NSDI helps different sectors to combine their information and database to create one map, so that all sectors can make decisions together.

It will enable the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to interact better with other agencies and have better information to support farmers and agricultural sectors. The project will contribute to the implementation of the Action Plan.

As part of the SLDM project, support was also recently provided to host the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention 17th Session,

Guyana is moving to digitize its land management processes

which was a significant step in the global effort to address land degradation.

Guyana's hosting of the event allowed sharing of experiences and innovative ideas for the country to combat land degradation and realize sustainable land management.

The SLDM project

started in April 2018 with the objective to promote sustainable land use and the reclamation of degraded lands, which is essential to Guyana's Green State Development Strategy, the national development plan that guides the country's green economic and sociocultural development

over the next 15 years. The work is funded by the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund.

Guyana enjoys a diversity of natural resources including agricultural lands, mineral deposits and rain forests.

Such endowment, however, is potentially threatened by

land degradation and deforestation.

Sustainable land use and management is necessary, not only for protecting soil and water resources and ecosystems within Guyana, but also for enhancing livelihoods, food security and Guyana's capacity to combat climate change.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

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Reduce cancer risk with early detection, healthy choices - CARPHA urges CARPHA's Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton

C

ancer is the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean Region.

However, a significant number of cancer deaths can largely be reduced and prevented through many strategies, including primary prevention, early detection, management, and treatment of patients with cancer.

This state of affairs was yesterday underscored by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA] even as Wo r l d C a n c e r D a y [February 4] was observed.

“Nearly one-half of cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early.

Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women in the Caribbean, remains a significant public health problem. A study in which CARPHA was involved, revealed that cervical cancer accounted for 4.5 percent – 18.2 percent of cancer deaths in the English- and Dutchspeaking Caribbean,” stated D r. G l e n n i s A n d a l l B r e r e t o n , Epidemiologist/Senior Technical Officer, NonCommunicable Diseases at CARPHA. CARPHA has found that breast and cervical cancer are the leading causes of cancer deaths in women and have a significant negative societal impact in the Region. It has noted too that among Caribbean men, prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths, with lung cancer

being second.

Moreover, CARPHA has found that vaccination and screening programmes are effective interventions to reduce the burden of specific types of cancer. Research, it noted, shows that cervical cancer deaths are two to nine times higher in the Englishand Dutch-speaking Caribbean compared to the United States.

C A R P H A h a s underscored that “The number of deaths from cervical cancer is very concerning, because this is the only cancer which is preventable through screening, early detection, treatment and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV).”

A 2017 study highlighted the suitability and need for accelerated implementation of the 9-valent HPV vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in the Caribbean. The 9-valent HPV vaccine is a recombinant vaccine against infection with HPV-6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

The theme for World Cancer Day 2019 "I Am and I Will” calls for personal commitment to help reduce the global burden of cancer, since it has been recognised that the fight to reduce cancer deaths cannot be achieved in isolation.

It was with this in mind that CARPHA yesterday joined its Member States and the rest of the world to unite to make cancer prevention a h e a l t h p r i o r i t y, s i n c e everyone can help reduce the

Poor weather affects maintenance of Linden-Lethem road

T

he Ministry of N a t u r a l Resources says it has concerns also deteriorating sections of Linden-Lethem Road.

“The Ministry understands the frustration of the road users who traverse the roadway from the Mabura Police Station to Kurupukari Crossing and the subsequent result of delays and added expenses.”

The Ministry said that it will be working with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to conduct a road maintenance project beginning this month.

“It is important to note

that this area (LindenLethem) is one of many where rehabilitative road works were being carried out by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to improve the comfort, safety, and travelling experience of those working and living in the area.

However, unkind weather conditions have posed a great challenge that has impacted this work, resulting in an overall delay of delivery of service.”

According to the ministry, the misuse of the road network also remains an issue that hinders development.

burden of cancer if they take responsibility for their own health.

A person's risk of developing cancer can be substantially reduced through the adoption of healthy lifestyles and the practice of appropriate health-seeking behaviours, CARPHA has noted, adding “Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way toward reducing cancer risks and the associated personal and financial costs.”

Prevention measures, it said, include avoiding the use of tobacco, limiting alcohol use, keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, and eating

a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Added to this, CARPHA said that participation in screening programmes is strongly encouraged for the prevention of cervical cancer and early detection of breast, colon and rectal cancer; and being vaccinated against Hepatitis B and HPV. In observance of World Cancer Day, CARPHA amplified its recommitment to working with key partners to reduce the burden of cancer in the Region.

In 2018, CARPHA became the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)'s Cancer Registry Hub for the

Caribbean, which is working to strengthen cancer surveillance by building capacity for cancer registration in the Region to provide reliable information for improving planning for cancer prevention and control.

The Agency is partnering with CARICOM agencies and international institutions to impact trade agreements and influence the availability and access to healthy foods to support the prevention of non-communicable diseases, including cancer.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Jamal Stewart crowned Junior Calypso Monarch; Jovinski Thorne claims Soca title

[From left] Newly crowned Junior Calypso Monarch, Jamal Stewart, runner-up Jovinski Thorne (Junior Soca Monarch), in third place Jada Harry and in fourth place, Kezia Henry

I

t was no surprise that this year's Junior Soca and Calypso competition created a bit of a stir, as there were many wellprepared contestants battling it out for supremacy.

Defending Junior Calypso Monarch, Jovinski Thorne lost the crown by a mere two points to Jamal Stewart who caught the judges' ear with his song “Miss May's Old Car

Engine”.

However, Thorne walked away with the title of 2019 Junior Soca Monarch with his entry 'The Stage” which earned him 276 points. This placed firsttimer Faith Corrica in second place with 237 points and the 2018 Junior Soca Monarch Dexter Copeland in third with 222 points.

Held at the Region 7, Bartica Community Centre,

on Saturday evening, residents were given a treat of a lifetime as the Junior Soca and Calypso competition finals saw twelve energetic and charismatic young singers lay everything on the stage.

In brief remarks, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton thanked the residents for their participation and support of the junior competitors.

A competitor doing his thing “This year activities are going to be bigger and brighter and that is why we are here bringing a part of central Mashramani activities to you [Bartica residents],” the minister said.

Both Junior Soca and Calypso Monarchs told the Department of Public Information that they are happy with their performances and

placement, as they expressed appreciation to the Bartica residents and their family and friends for all the support shown to them.

Residents were also treated to performances from Michelle 'Big Red' King, Jumo 'Rubber Waist' Primo and Brandon Harding among others.

The adult competitors will first face-off in the Banks Calypso semi-finals

at the Number 53 Village/Union Community Centre Ground on February 8, then at the Carib Soca Monarch semi-finals on February 9 at the Linden/Georgetown Municipal bus park in Region 10.

The final showdowns for the Senior Calypso and Soca crowns will be held on February 15 and 16 respectively. (DPI)

Several Venezuelan families...

From page 3 top of the list of needs of migrants at this time.

According to the committee, as it continues to work to develop a comprehensive, sustainable programme to support migrants, the IOM, in the coming weeks, will embark on an initiative to train representatives of the various agencies in the areas of Camp Management and Camp Coordination and Trafficking, Smuggling and Exploitation for Migrants.

Meanwhile, over the past two weeks the CDC distributed 150 food hampers at Kaikan (Region Seven), 30 food and nonfood items in Khan's Hill, Barima-Waini (Region One) and 22 food and hygiene kits at Imbotero, Region One. Additionally, over 800 non-food hampers have been sent to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)'s Base Camp Everaad to be distributed in Region One. Moreover, the CDC's work with regard to migrant relief, has attracted

the support of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day S a i n t s . Ve n e z u e l a i s currently facing major internal problems with food shortages, protests and runaway inflation driving its citizens in the tens of thousands to migrate.

A significant number of them have made it to Trinidad and Brazil.

With language a major problem, the Venezuelans have preferred to move to other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

7 acquitted of shopkeeper’s murder Seven persons who were on trial for the September 10, 2013 murder of Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara shopkeeper Zulfikar Namdar, were acquitted yesterday after a jury returned unanimous not guilty verdicts.

Those found not guilty are Allan Dorsett called ‘Baird’, ‘Fat man’, ‘Allen’ or ‘Dada’; Delwayne Croft; Esan Lawrence called ‘Muscle’; Jermain Williams called ‘Yankee’; Andrew Chandler called ‘Sonic’ or ‘Sowie’; Samuel Bacchus called ‘Kirk’; and Casindra Dorsett, also known as ‘Cassandra Singh-Dorsett’, the wife of Allan Dorsett.

The seven were on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member mixed jury at the High Court in Georgetown. Following the verdicts, Justice Singh informed police ranks to release the handcuffs and shackles from the prisoners before informing them that they were free to go.

Casindra, w ho wept throughout the proceedings, later told the media that she was feeling happy, yet sad. She explained that it was very hard being in prison for six years for something she did not do.

The former murder accused expressed gratitude to Almighty God before walking away with a relative.

According to previous reports, Namdar was shot and killed after heavily armed gunmen intruded his home where he resided with his parents. The gunmen shot at Namdar while he

From right: Allan Dorsett, Andrew Chandler and another one of the accused who was acquitted was in the shop he operated, leaving him lying in a pool of blood, before escaping with a large sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery.

Namdar was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead. During the trial, a prison official had testified that Allan Dorsett was previously convicted for robbery-under-arms and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment.

One of the p r o s e c u t i o n ’s s t a r w i t nesses, Nick Skeete, who said that he is a cousin of Allan Dorsett, had told the court that he resided about 200 yards from the Namdars. Skeete, who was

deported to Guyana in 2012, fingered the seven accused in the robbery/ murder. He too was arrested by police as a suspect in the murder, but was later released.

At the time of his testimony, Skeete said that he was in protective custody.

The court heard from Skeete that he came to know Bacchus, Lawrence and Croft through his cousin, Allan. He added that Chandler was a childhood friend of the N a m d a r s .

Further, he had told the jurors that on the evening of September 3, 2013, some of the male murder accused bought marijuana from him and smoked it under a tree,

from where he overheard them planning to rob the Namdars.

According to him, on the night of September 10, 2013, he saw Croft, who sported dreadlocks, holding a long gun, while the others had smaller firearms.

He had said that five minutes after the men left his residence he heard gunshots and later learnt that Namdar was killed.

Disclosing that he was arrested six days later in relation to the crime, Skeete said that police held confrontations between him, Croft, Dorsett and Chandler, who all denied involvement in the robbery/ murder.

Previously, the parents

The others who were freed

Casindra Dorsett of the deceased were among the witnesses called by the prosecution.

During her time in the witness box, Namdar’s mother emotionally recounted that he was her only child. The mother also recounted how gunmen stormed her home and gun-butted her, before she found her son lying in a pool of blood inside the shop.

As for the father of the deceased, he had told the court that on the night of the attack he went to use the bathroom after which he heard loud gunshots coming from outside. Further, the father told the court how he hid in a bedroom from where he heard one of the gunmen con-

versing with his wife.

Both of them testified that they could not recognize any of the men who invaded their home, since their faces were covered.

In court, both parents p o i n t e d o u t C h a n d l e r, whom they testified to knowing for decades.

Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Ashley Henry appeared for Allan Dorsett.

Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson appeared for Lawrence, Croft and Casindra Dorsett, while Attorney-atLaw George Thomas represented Williams, Chandler and Bacchus.

State Counsel Tuanna Harding, Abigail Gibbs and Tariq Mohamed presented the case for the prosecution.

PAGE 22

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Kaieteur News

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Research professor warns C’bean to brace for...

From page 7 organized crime challenges will foster greater cooperation between China and Latin American police forces, at times generating complaints that China national police are operating with too much autonomy within Chinese communities in the region.

“Indeed, as Chinese police become active in Latin America in fighting trans-Pacific crime, some Chinese, whose ancestors long ago left China, may feel that the police presence enables the government to monitor and intimidate ethnic Chinese beyond the PRC’s borders,” said Ellis.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Region 10 Chairman prepared to ‘call in police’ over suspected financial irregularities - urges members of Region’s Toshaos Council to embrace similar stance There are suspected financial irregularities in Region 10 that may warrant a police probe.

This state of affairs was recently amplified by Regional Chairman, Renis Morian.

Without giving details, Morian said that he is prepared to “call in the police” as he professed to be someone who takes financial responsibilities seriously. He went on to challenge other officials within the Region to emulate such a stance so as to avoid corruption.

“I recognise the importance of spending government’s monies and when I see certain things not happening and certain hours pass and there are monies involved, [the] police must be called in, because there are some people who want to see development while there are others who are seeking to not allow it,” Morian said.

He added, “We don’t want to see tokenism... I don’t want to see and hear people going in and giving you a $10,000 or $20,000 because there is election. Election comes and goes and you still have to live, so our focus is to create sustainable development.”

The Regional Chairman’s remarks were forthcoming as he delivered the feature address at a recent one-day conference which saw the election of the inaugural Regional Toshao Council of Region 10.

Morian told the officials in attendance that the conference was not intended to be merely a talk-shop, as it is his desire to see serious discussions, with a view of moving the communities forward, thereby fostering development.

Morian however observed that what is missing is the continuation of the indigenous culture, even as he warned that the Toshaos should take the responsibility of ensuring continuation. He expressed disappointment over what he classified as the rapid failure in the maintenance of indigenous culture, noting that instead of promoting real cultural activities, they are being replaced by “bashment parties”.

“I don’t want to walk into a village and see two big sets and three-quarter-naked women wining up, that’s not culture. We know that this is not the culture, so you all have a responsibility to maintain the indigenous

culture,” the Regional Chairman declared.

He went on to remind the Toshaos that the establishment of the Council should strengthen their work in their respective communities and help them to become change agents in pursuit of national development.

“Your young people need to know the many sacrifices that your mother and grandmother made for this country... I don’t want to hear only [about this] at Mashramani and [during] Indigenous Month [and] Amerindian [Heritage] Month, this must be all year round,” he insisted.

The recent election of the Toshao Council has been deemed an historic undertaking. The feat is one that was accomplished by nine of the 10 Toshaos within the Region and Chairman of the lone Community Development Council [CDC] of Region 10.

The historic conference saw the members of the Council being elected and welcomed by the Region’s 10 Amerindian communities.

Those elected to serve on the Council, which will have a tenure of two years, are: Toshao Rickey Boyle of Kimbia - Chairman; Toshao Andre Lindee of Sand Hills Vice Chairman; Toshao Kenneth Edwards of River View - Secretary; Toshao

Wayvon of Wiruni Assistant Secretary and Toshao Flogan Carter of Rockstone - Treasurer. The other Toshaos who attended the conference were Toshao Orlayne Williams of Malali; Toshao Loretta Fiedtkou of Muritaro along with CDC Chairman Laxley Lindie of Devldt.

Explaining the absence of one of the Region’s Toshaos from the conference, Assistant Regional Executive Officer [AREO], Ms. Leola Narine, said it was unavoidable, owing to an urgent medical emergency involving the Toshao’s daughter.

As she commented on the historic conference, Narine regarded as excellent, the introduction of the Council, which she said the Region is very excited to support. She pointed out that with the 10 Toshaos and one CDC village coming together it would certainly enhance and strengthen the ability to champion for changes and action in many areas.

At the recent one-day conference, several issues were addressed. Among them was the issue of crime affecting the communities, which saw an appeal being made for the granting of firearm licences. The community representatives are convinced that with the increase of a number of social ills, moves must be made to increase security measures.

In an appeal to the Deputy Divisional Commander for ‘E’ (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyana heading towards another form of blacklist - Former AG warns

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall is warning that Guyana can take a serious hit on the front of international relations, if the Coalition Government holds on to power beyond the period prescribed in the Constitution following the passage of a No-Confidence Motion.

Nandlall said this during an interview with Kaieteur News at his Croal Street Office yesterday.

Nandlall said that while he believes that the term “constitutional crisis” has been overused, he thinks that Guyana is swiftly heading towards a “real constitutional crisis.” The lawyer said that this is the reality to be faced,

as there has been no signal by the powers that be to indicate that Guyanese will be heading to the polls in March.

Nandlall said that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) needs to step up to the plate soon. He explained in detail, “GECOM is the body constitutionally charged with the responsibility for the holding of elections in Guyana. Elections is a statutory process laid out in several pieces of legislation.

The Chief Elections Officer (CEO) is the person appointed by the law at the helm of this statutory machinery.

His role and function is not political but technocratic and legal.” Nandlall said that the GECOM Chairman, Keith Lowenfield, hold the legal re-

sponsibility for preparing and readying the electoral machinery for elections. “A failure to do so, is not only an abdication of that responsibility but is also a flagrant breach of statutory duties.”

Nandlall said that unfortunately, the CEO is not being upfront as to whether the machinery is ready.

Added to that reality, Nandlall pointed out that the government “has signaled an intention not to resign, and the Court has ruled that Cabinet automatically resigned on the passing of the no-confidence motion. However, they are to legally remain in office within 90 days from December, 21.”

He continued, “But we are faced with a situation where GECOM is not giving any signal that there will be elections within the prescribed time.

The President, who has the responsibility to fix a date for elations, is not giving any signal that he is fixing such a date. So at present, we seem to be careening at a rapid pace into a crisis.”

Nandlall said that the first part of the crisis would be the fact that government will be holding office “illegitimately, unconstitutionally, unlawfully and undemocratically.”

He said that no transaction in which the government may engage—after the pre-

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall scribed period elapsed—can be deemed as legal, and that includes any contract that it enters into in or outside of Guyana.” Nandlall said that in short, the nation state of Guyana will float on “perilous

waters.” He said further to that, no international financial agency will want to deal with Guyana.

“No country will want to trade with Guyana; diplomatic missions may withdraw their

presence from Guyana and international organizations of which we are part may no longer consider us a valid member or partner.

Nandlall said that organizations such as Caricom, OAS and Commonwealth may become distant.

He questioned, “Then you have our position with Venezuela. If the government becomes illegal, how does that affect our case at the World Court?”

Nandlall continued, “We are heading into an area that will jeopardize Guyana and all of our people in a number of foreseen and unforeseen circumstances.”

He said that that is why there should be no room now for (Chief Elections Officer) Lowenfield to shirk his responsibility to announce GECOM’s readiness, “a lot is at stake.”

Guyana’s vulnerability to exploitation...

From page 8 in profits. Yesterday, veteran trade unionist and columnist, Lincoln Lewis, was highly critical about the cost of the tickets and the implications for Guyana.

“The issue of ExxonMobil confining its business travel to American Airlines at a cost for tickets that far exceeds that of other carriers coming to Guyana is not only of concern, but can be interpreted as the beginning of a process where the country’s patrimony is being exploited for the benefit of a few.”

According to Lewis, Exxon appears to be exercising preferential treatment to a US company at the expense of the Guyanese taxpayers for services that can be obtained at cheaper value by other

competitive airlines.

“Exxon may have a preference to travel with an American airline…this price should not be borne by Guyanese taxpayers. The Guyana Government should reserve the right to determine a competitive price for travel, allowing Exxon to bear any additional cost should it desire to travel and incur a greater expense than the average available market value.”

The official insists that for Exxon to do otherwise is considered participating in exploitative practices.

“Such price gouging is unacceptable and reminds us as a people how vulnerable we are when conducting business with multi-national giants, who, whilst exploiting our resources, are not neces-

sarily operating in our best interest and well-being.”

The trade unionist said that the developments should be a lesson for Guyana.

“Our politicians and decision-makers have to be vigilant and the nation is encouraged to keep an eye out for such excesses that cheat us by reducing our revenue income that can be used to the benefit of workers and the betterment of this country.”

He said that Government, more so, has to realise that acts like these raise questions in quarters about judgment and capacity.

“In the interest of good relations and improved public opinion, Exxon and Government are called on to revisit and correct this anomaly now.”

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

Region 10 Chairman prepared to ‘call in police’ over suspected...

From page 23 Division, the Toshaos said that they feel powerless in combating criminal elements, since they lack weapons, thus the appeal for the granting of the firearm licenses which they believe can boost their crime fighting capacity.

They also spoke about rogue police officers and requested a closer relationship with the police force, so as to have some of these officers removed. The Toshaos also called for the granting of special uniforms and badges to identify them as Toshaos, taking into consideration that they are also performing duties of Rural Constables.

The conference was kicked into motion with opening remarks from Regional Executive Officer [REO], Orrin Gordon. He told the Toshaos gathered that they should see themselves as trendsetters, even as he stressed the importance of the introduction of such a Council to region 10.

Gordon said that the Council, which mirrors that of the National Toshaos

Council, will be able to effect changes and holistic development.

He moreover gave the region’s commitment to support the implementation of the Council, adding that such actions should be emulated by other regions.

The REO spoke about the importance of networking and effective communication, stating that wi t h networking, each village can tap in on the strengths of each other. Even as he shared his belief that more can be gained, Gordon made the point that not merely a village or two, but the Region as a whole, will stand to benefit from such strategic collaborations.

Toshaos and the CDC Chairman in the company of regional officials at the conclusion of the recent conference. Regional Chairman Renis Morian (with tie) stands at right

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Volcanoes up to second, Jaguars retain top spot despite loss BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Wi n d w a r d Islands Volcanoes have moved up to second place in the Regional Four-Day Championship standings, following their clinical eight-wicket win over Barbados Pride in the sixth round of matches which concluded last weekend.

Volcanoes started the round in fourth but their trouncing of the hosts at Kensington Oval on Sunday saw them climb to 69 points, behind leaders Guyana Jaguars on 92 points.

The visitors, behind a superb 199 from veteran opener Devon Smith, produced a strong batting display to pile up 470 for eight declared in their first innings before turning over Barbados twice for modest total, to be left with a simple target to chase on Sunday’s final day.

The win was Volcanoes’ third of the season but they have also recorded three defeats.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes remained in third spot despite their onewicket defeat to Jamaica Scorpions at Warner Park in Basseterre.

They moved to 64.4 to be narrowly behind Volcanoes, heading into the seventh round this coming weekend.

Pride, third at the start of the round, slipped to fourth after suffering their third loss of the season.

Scorpions, meanwhile, have moved off the bottom of the standings to be fifth on 51.2 points while Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, who stunned Jaguars by 93 runs in Port of Spain to notch their second win of the campaign, are bottom on 50.2.

Tuesday February 05, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A friend from far away could contact you by phone, email, or even in person, Aries. This person might bring great news that suddenly turns your life in a new direction.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You might try to learn a new computer program today, Taurus. You could find it a little confusing at first, but as you continue to learn, you will find that it makes things easier for you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you may stumble into an unexpected new friendship, Gemini. This could come as the result of a social event or an introduction by a close friend.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A group meeting of some sort, perhaps job related, could take place in your home today, Cancer. Whatever business the group has planned should be taken care of quickly LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A phone call from a close friend or love partner could bring a thrilling surprise your way today, Leo. An event has occurred that you either gave up on long ago or never dreamed of.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you own property, you might discover that its value has increased far beyond anything you dreamed of, Virgo. This might involve real estate, but it could also involve other resources like stocks, bonds, or family heirlooms.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A surprising phone call or email could come your way today from a friend you haven't heard from in a long time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you may discover that you have a previously untapped talent for the occult sciences. This might involve astrology, numerology, alchemy, or using oracles. A class or workshop could be involved.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) There's someone you've wanted to meet for a long time, Sagittarius, and today you might have the opportunity to introduce yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Do you feel helpless in the face of problems with technology? If so, you might surprise yourself today.

Some software that you use a lot could go haywire AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you've been thinking about studying astrology, numerology, or other occult sciences, Aquarius, this is the day to start. There may be a school or teacher that you've been considering.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A woman you meet at work might point you in a new direction, Pisces. You should investigate all possible options. This could be a new intellectual interest, a technological skill, or possibly a new and more lucrative source of income. It may involve an unusual field, but don't worry about that.

Lewis half-century fires Victorians into final DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC – West Indies lefthander, Evin Lewis, confirmed his return to form when he thumped an unbeaten halfcentury to propel Comilla Victorians to a convincing eight-wicket win over Chris Gayle’s Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League here yesterday.

Playing in the first qualifier at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Victorians chased down their target of 166 with eight balls to spare, with Lewis carving out a handsome unbeaten 71 off 53 deliveries.

Anamul Haque supported with 39 while Shamsur Rahman stroked an unbeaten 34 in a cameo at the end.

Veteran Gayle had earlier made a patient 46 from 44 deliveries as Riders, opting to bat first, reached 165 for five off their 20 overs.

The 39-year-old put on 33 for the third wicket with South African Rilee Roussouw (44)

Another Badminton...

From page 33 representing The King’s Eagles defeated in the: Quarter Finals: Jeffery Ko - Nait : 21-10, 21-17 Semi-Finals: Ronuelle Mendina - Nait: 21-15, 21-10 In the Finals: Narayan lost to Ronuelle Mendina Nait: 21-11, 21-10 In the Men’s Doubles Narayan teamed up with his new partner Aakash Panchal where they lost in the Quarter-Finals to Braxton Wong Concordia & Raphael Wong - Concordia: 21-18, 21-17.

Narayan & his partner then won the 5th place by defeating: Alex Boulier - Olds & Rylan Head - Olds: 21-16, 21-13 and Colton Grier - Olds & Luther Jurke - Olds: 21-15, 21-16.

The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is the governing body for collegiate sports in Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1964, as the Western Inter-College Conference, the ACAC is represented by seventeen schools, including one in Saskatchewan that competes in ten sports.

The ACAC is a member of the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association, and provincial champions compete for national collegiate titles.

The Guyana Badminton Association is extremely happy with the consistent performance & development of this player a release informed.

before holing out to long off in the 11th over, after hitting six fours and a six.

Riders then needed Benny Howell’s swift 53 not out off 28 deliveries with three fours and five sixes, in a 70-run, fifth wicket stand with Roussouw, to make a strong finish to the innings.

In reply, Lewis carried the Victorians innings, punching five fours and three sixes as he put on 35 for the first wicket with Tamim Iqbal (17) and a further 90 for the second wicket with Anamul.

Shamsur then arrived to dominate am unbroken third wicket stand of 41, lashing four fours and a couple of sixes in a 15-ball knock.

In the other match, West Indies star Sunil Narine produced a solid all-round display to lead star-studded

Dhaka Dynamites to a sixwicket victory over Chittagong Vikings and to another shot at the final.

First, Narine bowled brilliantly to take four for 15 off his four overs as Vikings struggled to 135 for eight off their 20, with Mosaddek Hossain top-scoring with 40.

Narine then slammed 31 off just 16 deliveries, with six fours and a six as Dhaka raced to their target with 20 balls remaining.Crucially, he got the innings off to a flyer, posting 44 off 27 balls for the first wicket with Upul Tharange who made 51 from 43 deliveries.

Gayle and Narine will feature in tomorrow’s second qualifier as Riders and Dynamites clash for a place in the final alongside Victorians.

PAGE 28

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Stephen is first from Region 9 to get Sports Scholarship

By Sean Devers Region Nine swimmer Coleen Stephens, who gained two gold medals at the last National School’s Swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara, recently, became the first individual from the Region to be awarded a sports scholarship in Georgetown.

The talented Stephen, who turned 16 last September, was given a swimming scholarship to pursue swim training and arrived in the City yesterday on the day’s second Trans Guyana Aviation flight from Lethem and according Region Nine Manager Ariel James, all of Region Nine is fully behind her and supports her success.

The historic Scholarship was made possible through the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs after recommendations from Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr George Norton.

The Department of Education held a small simple ceremony for her before her departure to attend an unnamed school in Georgetown and were putting together a farewell package

for the young Swimmer.

“I am very, very happy since this is like a dream come true. I always wanted to improve my swimming and one day I hope to compete in the Olympics,” said Stephens, the only child of her parents.

Stephens, who got a ceremonial send off before she left Lethem, has been swimming in the Rupununi River since she was a toddler.

Quado Vancooten, who was appointed Swimming coach for the Region 9 team for the first time last year, says, Coleen is very talented but like the other hinterland swimmers, lacks the luxury of proper training facilities which has caused her development in the Pool not to be at the level that it should.

“My biggest challenge as Coach is getting the swimmers to have actual pool experience to practice and that is something that is where Minister Dr Norton can help fix that problem for the swimmers, especially those in the indigenous Communities. This is great by Minister Dr Norton,” said Vancooten.

Stephen grew up in the village of Kardarnaua and

Coleen Stephen collects her Gold Medal during last year’s ‘Nationals’. started swimming competitively at the age of 10 and last year was her sixth year at the Nationals Swimming Championships.

Like most persons from the Hinterland she began swimming even before she could walk like a duck takes

to water. Coleen’s first trip to Nationals was in 2011 and since then she has captured 15 medals.

In the 2018 events Coleen won 3 silver, 2 bronze and Golds in the 50 meters and 100 meters in the backstroke events.

Stephens and Region 9 Manager Ariel James in Lethem.

This was the first time in her six years of competition that she had secured Gold Medals, making 2018 her most successful Nationals.

Vancooten said that he wants to see the Region 9 swimmers not only win races but hopefully in the not too

distant future start winning the entire thing.

He feels North Georgetown will continue to dominate since they have access to not only the Pool at the Aquatic Centre but several other Pools in the City.

Starc takes 10 to lead Australia to 2-0 series win CANBERRA (Reuters) Fast bowler Mitchell Starc picked up his second fivewicket haul in the match to lead Australia to a comprehensive 366-run victory in the second test against Sri Lanka and a 2-0 series win at Manuka Oval yesterday.

Chasing an improbable 516 for victory, the tourists were shot out for 149 by Australia, w h o w o n t h e opening test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs.

The series win against Sri Lanka was the first for Australia since they thrashed England 4-0 in the Ashes early last year.

“It’s nice to get some reward. I’ve said all summer this group has been working really hard,” Australia captain Tim Paine said after the win.

“I think we’re starting to build towards something so it’s great to get some reward for the work we’ve been putting in.

“It doesn’t matter what the wicket is like or who you are playing against.”

Left-arm quick Starc bowled with the same aggression and pace that earned him a five-wicket haul in the first innings to

Mitchell Starc trimmed Dimuth Karunaratne’s leg bail. (Getty Images)

finish with 5-46 and only his second match haul of 10 wickets.

Starc’s only other 10wicket haul in a match was also against Sri Lanka when he took 11-94 in a 2016 test in Galle.

Man of the match Starc began the day adding the wickets of opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal to his tally.

The paceman got a fast

delivery to cut back into Karunaratne, who failed to add to his overnight score of eight, and breached his defence clipping the leg bail.

Chandimal was out for four when he guided Starc straight into the hands of Marnus Labuschagne at slip which ended a dismal tour for the right-hander, who aggregated 24 runs from four innings.

“We were outplayed as a team in all three departments,”

a dejected Chandimal, who said he was disappointed with his own performance, told reporters. “Credit goes to Australia, they have played some outstanding cricket throughout the series.

“We need to work harder... specially as a batting unit we have to step up. That’s the one are we are concerned about.”

Sri Lanka promoted Niroshan Dickwella, who had made an attacking 64 in

Brisbane, and he and opener Lahiru Thirimanne added 30 for the third wicket.

A sharply climbing delivery from Pat Cummins ended Thirimanne’s knock of 30 when the fast bowler sprinted forward to take a diving return catch inches off the ground.

Starc returned for his second spell to dismiss Dickwella (27) and Kusal Perera, who was cleared to bat on Monday after being hit on

the helmet by a bouncer on the third morning, in successive deliveries to take his match haul to nine.

Dhananjaya de Silva kept out the hat-trick delivery but fell right after the lunch interval to Jhye Richardson, spooning a catch to the midon fielder.

Kusal Mendis and Chamika Karunaratne stalled Australia’s victory march with a seventh-wicket stand of 46 before the former found the fielder at cover with an uppish drive against legspinner Labuschagne.

Mendis fell for 42 while Chamika edged Cummins to be out for 22 as Australia inched closer to victory.

Paine brought Starc back to give him a chance to complete his 10-wicket haul and the quick bowled out Vishwa Fernando to complete the mark.

Cummins finished with 315 and was adjudged player of the series for his haul of 14 wickets from the two tests.

Scores: Australia 5 for 534 dec (Burns 180, Head 161, Patterson 114*) and 3 for 196 dec (Khawaja 101*, Head 59*) beat Sri Lanka 215 (Karunaratne 59, Starc 5-54) and 149 (Starc 5-46) by 366 runs.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Keemo Paul added to squad for ICC under fire for decision 3rd Wisden Trophy Test to ban skipper Holder - Brathwaite takes over as captain in Holder’s absence ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Kraigg Brathwaite will take over as captain and Keemo Paul has been added to the West Indies team as the Cricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel announced a 14-member squad to face England in the third and final Test match of the Wisden Trophy Series.

The changes are enforced after captain Jason Holder was suspended for one Test for maintaining a slow overrate during the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua which ended on Saturday.

The match is the first ever between the two sides to be played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia.

It will commence on Saturday, with the first ball scheduled daily for 10am (9am Jamaica Time).

The 20-year-old Paul is a lively right-arm fast-medium bowler and reliable righthanded batsman. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Jamaica last year and played his second Test against India four months ago in Rajkot. The WINDIES have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and have recaptured the Wisden Trophy, symbol of supremacy between the two sides, after they won the first Test by 381 runs at Kensington Oval in Barbados; and followed up with a 10-wicket victory in the second Test.

Chairman of Selectors,

Kemo Paul

Courtney Browne said: “First, our heartfelt condolences to Alzarri and his family on the passing of his mother. His heroics in the Test match were outstanding and show a player of great character.

“Secondly, with Jason Holder missing out on the last Test, Kraigg Brathwaite will take the reins of captaincy. We also welcome Keemo Paul back to the squad. He is having a good showing in the West Indies first-class championship at the moment.

“The panel also takes this opportunity to congratulate the team and the support staff for the series victory and wish them all the best for the third and final match of the series.”

SQUAD; Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain); Darren Bravo; Shamarh Brooks; John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas and Jomel Warrican.

Match Schedule 1st Test: Kensington Oval – Jan 23-27 RESULT: WINDIES won by 381 runs 2nd Test: Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground – Jan 31 to Feb 4 RESULT: WINDIES won by 10 wickets 3rd Test: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground – Feb 9-13

Johnson places second in Coloured Splash 5k, D’ Andrade finishes third Guyanese Kelvin Johnson and Lionel D’ Andrade copped second and third places respectively in the Coloured Splash 5k which was held on Sunday last in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago.

The race was won by George Smith of the twin island republic in a time of 16 minutes 30 seconds; Johnson clocked 16:36 and D’ Andrade 16:52. A total 696 athletes managed to finish to race which had over 700 starters.

D’ Andrade informed Kaieteur Sport that he is currently preparing for a one mile event on Saturday in Chaguanas. He said that he felt good for the first half of the race on Sunday, but fell back with his speed in latter stages and is currently working to improve in that area.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Test legend Shane Warne has led a chorus of international criticism over the International Cricket Council’s decision to impose a one-match ban on West Indies captain Jason Holder for a slow over-rate in the just concluded second Test in Antigua.

The ICC announced yesterday that West Indies had been two overs short of their required quota during the contest at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground which West Indies won emphatically by 10 wickets with two days to spare.

Holder, as captain, was fined 40 per cent of his match fee – double that of his players – and slapped with the ban as the breach was the second for the Windies in the last 12 months. He will now miss the final Test starting next weekend in St Lucia.

“The test didn’t go 3 days – can you please appeal this @JaseHolder98!” tweeted Warne, the all-time wickettaker in Tests with 708 victims from 145 matches.

“What a ridiculous decision – where’s the common sense here? Ps Congrats on a wonderful series win too. International cricket needs a strong Windies team & hopefully this is just the start.”

He added: “The fans at the ground saw some awesome cricket from you & your team. No one at the ground would have felt short changed whatsoever. What a ridiculous decision & I hope this will be overturned!”

Former England captain Michael Vaughn, also slammed the ICC’s decision as “bonkers”, arguing the fact

West Indies captain Jason Holder. the match lasted less than three days made the over-rate breach irrelevant.

“For a game that finished inside 3 days I find this absolutely bonkers …,” said Vaughn, who scored over 5700 runs from 82 Tests.

“246 over Test Match .. that amounts to 2.6 days of Cricket .. A team hammers the opposition & plays great Test cricket yet the Captain gets a ban for Slow over rate .. @Jaseholder98 can find himself very very unlucky on this occasion .. !! The game really doesn’t help itself …”

Prominent commentator, Mike Haysman, meanwhile called for a review of the controversial ICC rule.

“So this situation is totally wrong. The ICC needs to seriously look at this deal,” he tweeted.

“It makes no sense to suspend leaders who excel inside the stipulated 5 days.

Just makes no sense to rob the team of a captain like this.

Review please now.”

Another former England captain, Mike Atherton, who is covering the three-Test series as a pundit for Sky Sports, called the ban

“ridiculous”.

“It seems ridiculous to me that the game England can’t extend beyond the third day, you have a captain banned for slow over-rates,” Atherton said.

Holder has been the seminal figure in the series, not only with his superb handling of the side but with excellent performances on the field.

He hit a monumental unbeaten double hundred in the opening Test in Bridgetown, to lay the foundation for the Windies’ crushing 381-run victory inside four days.

And he was superb with the ball in the second Test, especially in the second innings, when he broke the backbone of the England batting with an excellent spell after lunch to finish with five wickets in the game.

The ICC said Holder did not contest the charge and as a result, no formal hearing was needed.

West Indies face England in the final Test starting Saturday, having already won the series and reclaimed the coveted Wisden Trophy.

Golden Jaguars interact with Timehri Panthers and Eagles FC players

Kelvin Johnson (right) with Lionel D’ Andrade (center) and George Smith.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, currently preparing for all important March 23rd Concacaf Nations League clash with Belize in Guyana on Sunday last interacted with the respective Under-15 teams of Timehri Panthers and Eagles FC of Stewartville, West Demerara.

The Golden jaguars had just concluded their Sunday morning training session at the Guyana Football Federation Training Facility at Providence and took some time to interface with the next generation of senior players before they themselves got into combat in the GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National 2017/2018 Playoffs.

It was a brief mentorship session which saw the players moving off into small groups based on their respective positions with the seniors giving words of encouragement to

their younger peers who were excited to be rubbing shoulders with them.

Sessions for the seniors nationals will continue tomorrow afternoon at the same facility, while the third and final clusters of the GFF/Pele Alumni/Frank Watson Memorial National 2017/2018 Playoffs is set for this Saturday at the Anna Regina Community Center Ground where Dartmouth Determinators, Atkinson Brothers (Region #1) and Rivers View (Bartica FA) will collide.

The winner of the day will advance to the National Finals where they will meet Tabatinga, who gained a place straight to the final round. Santos FC of the Georgetown FA and Eagles FC of Stewartville, West Demerara FA champs are the other two teams that have qualified for the finals having won Clusters 1 and 2, respectively.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

GAPLF Novice/Junior C-ships...

Mohamed, Goukaran, Indarjit, Oudit in record breaking performance - Rampertab, Indarjit, King among best lifters

Roger Rogers had a best squat of 195kg.

By Zaheer Mohamed Ramzan Mohamed, Askhay Goukaran, Jermy Indarjit and Lisa Oudit turned in outstanding performances to highlight the Guyana Amateur Power lifting Federation (GAPLF) Novice/ Junior Championship which was held on Sunday last at St. Stanislaus College.

Fawaz Rampertab of Goodlife Fitness Gym was the best lifter in the male junior equipped category with a total lift of 585kg including best squat of 225kg, best bench press of 122.5kg and best dead lift of 237.5kg. Jermy Indarjit of Goodlife Fitness Gym was the best lifter in the male sub junior classic category with a total lift of 447.5 kg which contained a best squat of 162.5kg, best bench press of 80kg and best dead lift of 205kg.

The best lifter novice accolade in the female open classic went to Shelly Ann Gomes of Buddy’s gym with a total of 287.5 kg including a best squat of 100kg, best bench press of 50kg and best dead lift of 137.5 kg.

Urged on by the crowd which included a number of senior lifters, Mohamed of Hardcore Gym, competing in the male junior classic 120kg class, chalked up a total of 590kg to set a new record in

the division. His feat included a best squat of 230kg, best bench press of 135kg and best dead lift of 225 kg. Lifting in the 93kg Male Sub Junior Classic segment, Askhay Goukaran of Roy’s Gym had a best Squat 142.5kg, a best deadlift-weight training most feared exercise, of 195kg and a best bench press of 85kg, totaling 422.5 kg.

Jermy Indarjit of Goodlife Fitness Gym, who competed in the 66kg Sub Junior Classic, amassed a total of 447.5kg including a best Squat of 162.5kg, bench press of 80kg and deadlift 205kg.

Guess lifter Lisa Oudit of Buddys Gym, turned in a best squat of 135kg, best bench press of 65.5kg and a best dead lift of 152.5 kg, totaling 353kg, in the 84kg Female Open Classic division.

Akram Gaffor of Goodlife Fitness Gym emerged as the best lifter in the male open equipped 59kg category, with a total of 380kg, which included a best squat of 135kg, best bench press of 85kg best dead lift of 160kg.

Tremel King of Space Gym was the best lifter in the male open classic 93kg class; he chalked up a total of 637.5 kg with a best squat of 230kg, best bench press of 150kg and best dead lift of 257.5kg.

Bjorn Williams appeared as one of the guest lifters.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 05, 2019

PAGE 31

Magnum Mash Cup Futsal Competition

Champs Bent Street open up against Melanie

A

f t e r a n impressive start to this year’s Magnum Mash Cup Futsal Competition, the organisers of this year’s competition are looking for another night of big support when action resumes this evening, at the National Gymnasium.

Headlining tonight’s action will be defending champions, Bent Street, who open up their defence with a clash against Melanie in the final fixture of evening.

Also returning to the court will be Sparta Boss, who face Gaza Squad in the penultimate game, while another tournament favourite West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ commence their quest for top honours with an engagement against Stabroek Ballers.

Making an appearance as well are Tiger Bay, who go up against Rhythm Ballers, while Linden’s Silver Bullets will aim to make a positive start when they face Sophia in what is anticipated to be a tough matchup.

BV-B will no doubt want to make life difficult for

Good Life in their encounter, while Kingston and Avocado Ballers go head to head to see who will secure the maximum three points.

California Square then tackle Capital Strikers, before BV-B returns to take on Back Circle.

Meanwhile, the Organisers are asking all teams to cooperate with them to ensure that the tournament continues to run in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The following is a release from the Organisers: 1. Games start at 20:00hrs and teams are being asked to be on time or games will be forfeited.

2. All teams are asked to be properly uniformed inclusive of football hoses and shin pads or will face disqualification or penalty from referees.

3. All teams must submit and maintain players list before games and be ready for games promptly to accommodate smooth flow of programme.

Complete results of Saturday night:

- Sparta Boss, Gold is Money also in action Action between Good Life (on the ball) and North East during Saturday night’s opening play.

Game-1 Good Life-2 vs North East La Penitence-3 North East Scorers Dellon Ault-2nd Shaquille Browne-5th Keifer Brandt-19th Good Life Scorer Jermaine Tinch-2nd and 13th Game-2 Buxton Diamond-2 vs Alexander Village-1 Buxton Scorers

Dellon Wright-9th Shemar Scott-14th Alexander Scorer Leon Yaw-2nd Game-3 Gaza Squad-0 vs North Ruimveldt-2 Gerald Grittens-7th Alton Benn-15th Game-4 Island All-Stars-1 vs Broad Street-1 Broad Scorer Jimmy Gravesande-14th

Island Scorer Leon Ashley-17th Game-5 Ol Skool Baller-0 vs Showstoppers-1 Stephon Jupiter-7th Game-6 Leopold Street-1 vs Ansa McAl All-Stars-1 Leopold Scorer Okeene Fraser-4th Ansa Scorer Akin Curry-10th Game-7

Albouystown-0 vs Agricola-0 Game-8 Future Stars-1 vs Hustlers-1 Hustlers Scorer Jahaal Greaves-3rd Future Scorer William Europe-8th Game-9 Sparta Boss-2 vs Mocha0 Gregory Richardson-6th Jermin Junior-7th

Patriots beat Rams to win sixth Super Bowl title ATLANTA (Reuters) The New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 on Sunday in the lowest scoring Super Bowl played to capture the National Football League championship for a recordtying sixth time.

The victory, which moves the Patriots into a share of the all-time mark with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was also a record sixth Super Bowl triumph for Tom Brady, who at 41 became the oldest quarterback to win the championship game.

Brady was joined in the record books by 66-year-old Bill Belichick who becomes the oldest coach to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy. “ I t ’s s w e e t , ” s a i d Belichick. “Everybody counted us out from the beginning of the season, the mid-season but we’re still here.”

Brady again orchestrated the victory finally cracking open a tight 3-3 defensive battle late in the fourth quarter when he hit Rob Gronkowski with a 29-yard

pass to set up a two-yard touchdown run by Sony Michel.

The Rams looked likely to hit right back when Jared Goff marched Los Angeles into New England territory only to be intercepted on the four-yard line with four minutes to play.

Brady moved in for the kill with another drive to set up kicker Stephen

Gostkowski who nailed a 41yarder with 72 seconds remaining to clinch New England’s third Super Bowl since 2015.

Until the final few minutes the most spectacular moment of an uninspiring contest came when the $1.6 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s ocular eight-pedal retractable roof opened to a massive roar.

That moment aside fans of attacking football had little to cheer with Gostkowski’s 42-yard field goal accounting for all the first half scoring.

The Rams high-powered offence, which averaged nearly 33 points a game during the regular season, failed to fire and managed just 57 total yards and two first downs in the first half

New England Patriots’ Tom Brady and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft celebrate winning the Super Bowl LIII. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)

and 260 for the game.

Brady, however, had the New England offence on the move ringing up 407 yards of offence but were their own worst enemy committing uncharacteristic errors.

“We had a lot of resolve the last couple of weeks,” said Brady, who completed 21 of 35 pass attempts for 262 yards. “I wish we had played a little bit better on offense but we won.

“I can’t believe it, we are Super Bowl champs.”

INTERCEPTED FIRST PASS For a team that rarely beats themselves the Patriots did a pretty good job of it in the opening quarter when Brady had his first pass intercepted to snuff out a promising scoring drive and then on their next possession Gostkowski missed a 46yard field goal to squander another opportunity.

It was the first missed field goal inside MercedesBenz Stadium this season.

Despite the costly miscues, New England continued to move the ball

and Brady dove them to the Los Angeles 24 with the help of a 25-yard pass to Julian Edelman where Gostkowksi atoned for is earlier miss to send the Rams into the break up 3-0.

Edelman pulled in 10 catches for 141 yards to be named the Super Bowl’s most valuable player.

“I wasn’t focused on that (having an MVP performance),” said Edelman. “I was just trying to have a good week or practice and do my job and sometimes the cookie crumbles that way.”

The Rams sputtering offence finally began to get in gear late in the third quarter as Goff engineered a modest 10-play drive that ended with Greg Zuerlein connecting on a 53-yard field goal to tie the game at 33.

But points were still hard to come by as two teams reached the final quarter without a touchdown for the first time in a Super Bowl, the six points the fewest ever after three quarters.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Patrick Forde Memorial Boxing tourney on this month

Referee Paulette Nurse raises the hand of Richard Howard following his victory.

T

he second edition of the Patrick Forde Memorial b o x i n g tournament which is being, organised by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), punches off on February 17th at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Av e n u e . T h e i n i t i a l

tournament saw the participation of three nations in Guyana, St. Lucia and Suriname.

However, this tournament will see Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) making their first appearance to make the challenge for top honours a four-way battle.

T&T has a team of four

Gyms from Linden, Berbice, Essequibo and Region four participated. In the end, FYF was adjudged Champion Gym with five wins, while Harpy Eagles was second with two victories.

boxers, two juniors and two elites, Suriname has four boxers scheduled to compete, while St. Lucia will field one pugilist.

Fifteen fights are carded for the anticipated slugfest which punches off at

19:00hrs sharp and the timing of the event is opportune for overseas based Guyanese boxing fans who will be in the country for Mashramani to be able to come out and witness the local stars, who are the

reigning champions, in action.

The costs for tickets are $2,000 ringside and $1,000 in the stands.

This tournament comes on the heels of the GBA’s Pepsi Mike Parris boxing

tournament that concluded last weekend. Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) emerged as the champion gym of that one-day under16 competition with Harpy Eagles boxing gym finishing second with two wins.

Tuesday February 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Alpha Harrison to represent the Golden Arrow Head on Saturday On Saturday the 9th of February 2019, Alpha Harrison will be representing the Golden Arrow Head at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York City at the Armory. Alpha Harrison who is just 7yrs old will be among the fastest kids in the world. After Qualifying in January 2019 the youngest of the Harrison’s was in all smiles.

Guyanese US-based Athletics Coach, Andy Medas-King was taken back to 2018 when the Harrison family migrated to the USA

and he took them to their first track meet in New Jersey where the youngster couldn’t finish most of his races because he never ran a 100m, 200m or a 400m race because of the system in Guyana. Medas-King notes that athletes here are being told that the IAAF said that athletes under 8 years old cannot run more than 80m, 150m and 300m, something he have checked and asked several questions about it all over the World and was told differently.

Alpha Harrison at 5yrs old was told he cannot train

Another Badminton final appearance for Narayan Ramdhani in Canada

Narayan Ramdhani with Kings Eagles Head Coach Mr. Naeem Haque.

Narayan Ramdhani continued his high performance yet again by reaching the Finals and placing 2nd at the 2018-19 ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) Inter College/University Badminton Tournament played at the Olds College in Alberta Canada.

This is the 3rd finals in a row after winning #1 in November 2019 and #2 early January 2019.

The circuit will continue

and conclude with the ACAC Championships on February 17 at the Concordia University.

The Four Teams that took p a r t a r e : T h e K i n g ’s University-EAGLES, Olds College-BRONCOS, Concordia University of Edmonton-THUNDER and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) -OOKS SINGLES RESULTS: Narayan Ramdhani seeded No.1 and (Continued on page 27)

because he’s too young and after migrating to the USA he found himself lacking the ability to compete. Fast forward to 2019 after training for the most of 2018 he’s representing the country of his birth and is regarded as one of the most promising Athletes in New York City and has taken down a few top clubs athletes. “Again here’s a perfect example of raw talent that would have been wasted in Guyana had he not migrated,” Medas-King

stated. “For years the KMPA Foundation has made this case to the Guyanese athletes, you have to start very young and these cries have been over looked.

There are many more like Alpha Harrison in Guyana who are being told the same thing and we are wondering why we don’t have World Class Athletes. Our Athletics System in Guyana is old and o u t d a t e d . T h e K M PA Foundation will continue to educate the Guyanese

community about the importance of grassroots programmes like ours who definitely caters for everyone as our moto is from 3yrs to Masters. Guyanese can see this young and talented athlete in action at the Millrose Games on Saturday. Best of luck Alpha from the entire Guyanese community and the KMPA Foundation hoping that you will become the Fastest kid in the World,” noted MedasKing.

Alpha Harrison

t r o Sp GAPLF Novice/ Junior C-ships...

Mohamed, Goukaran, Indarjit, Oudit in record breaking performance - Rampertab, Indarjit, King among best lifters

Ramzan Mohamed in action.

Wazim Mohamed had a best squat of 197.5kg.

The Golden Jaguars took time out for a photo with some of the players from Timehri Panthers and Eagles FC on Sunday last.

Golden Jaguars interact with Timehri Panthers and Eagles FC players Keemo Paul added to squad for 3rd Wisden Trophy Test - Brathwaite takes over as captain in Holder’s absence

Patriots beat Rams to win sixth Super Bowl title

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