Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 06, 2018

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

TAKING NUCLEAR WAR LIGHTLY Since the end of World War II, the United States has been considered the leading country of the world and its presidents as the world’s leaders. It was a title bestowed on US Presidents particularly during the Cold War, and was further enhanced in 1989 with the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union and the tumbling down of the Berlin Wall which led to the unification of East and West Germany. But the infantile behaviour of President Donald Trump and his obnoxious tweets have in recent times caused the rest of the world, especially Europe, to look elsewhere for global leadership. President Trump seems to be taking war, especially a nuclear war, very lightly His recent boasting that he has a much bigger and more powerful “nuclear button” than Kim Jong-un and that his button works, suggests that he is not schooled about the danger and consequences of a nuclear war or even what his idle utterances could trigger. His tirade came in a mocking response to Kim Jong-un’s fiery New Year’s address in which he essentially issued nuclear threats against the United States. Since 2015, relations between the US and North Korea has soured, as Kim Jong-un has accelerated his country’s nuclear and ballistic missile development, that now potentially poses a direct threat to the US, South Korea’s crucial ally. Whether true or not, Kim Jong-un’s claims - that he has a nuclear button on his desk and that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of his nuclear strike - have not been validated. Even though President Trump does not actually have a physical button on his desk to start a nuclear war, the leaders of the world should not stand idly by and allow the United States and North Korea to continue issuing constant nuclear threats to each other. Everyone, especially those in the Korean Peninsula should be concerned with such threats. History has shown that it is very easy to start a war but extremely difficult to end it. Therefore, the leaders of the world should take a tougher stance against both the US and North Korea and encourage them to trade their threats for dialogue in this new year. The process for the US to launch a nuclear strike is secret and complex, and involves a rotating group of military officers everywhere the president goes. He is equipped with communication tools and a book with prepared war plans. If a president were to order a strike, he would have to identify himself to military officials at the Pentagon with codes unique to him. Those codes are recorded on a card known as the “biscuit” that is carried by the president at all times. He would then transmit the launch order to the Pentagon and Strategic Command Posts. With the current threats and tensions between the US and North Korea, many countries, including China, believe that it is almost impossible for North Korea to cede to the US demand to rid itself of all its nuclear weapons. International experts have contended that while China appears to be supportive of the US position, it would prefer to have a North Korea with nuclear weapons than to have U.S. control of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea is deemed a rogue state by the US and should not be trusted to have nuclear weapons. But the unprecedented sanctions from the U.N. over its weapons programs have not prevented it from ratcheting-up its missile tests. In fact, North Korea has conducted more nuclear tests during the first year of the Trump administration than in any other president’s first year in office. South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in has supported Trump’s pressure campaign against North Korea, but favours dialogue to ease the North’s nuclear threats. He sees the Pyeongchang Olympics as the starting point for such dialogue. However, the talks between North and South Korea, slated for Tuesday (January 9) is being viewed as suspicious by the US, which believes that Kim Jong-un’s intent is to drive a wedge between Washington and Seoul, and to reduce its growing international isolation and relief from sanctions. Only time will tell.

ALTERNATIVES FOR DSPLACED SUGAR WORKERS DEAR EDITOR, Having been a member of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) which made some specific recommendations for the sugar industry over two years ago, I have naturally been reluctant to make any public comment on the industry or its employees, or on the increasing numbers of suggestions/recommendations being publicly offered by various concerned individuals and organizations. But, the plight of the sugar workers being displaced continues with no apparent let-up in sight! It is in this context that I wish to suggest yet another approach that might be worth serious consideration. It is the idea of ‘social credit’ pioneered by Nobel laureate, Muhammed Yunus, which goes even beyond the micro-credit

system of the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh that provides poor people with small loans to launch their own ‘businesses’. The idea is fully described in Dr. Yunus’s book: “Creating a world without Poverty” and gives a practical example of how it was applied in ‘partnership with the business giant, Danone, ‘to produce affordable, nutritious yogurt for malnourished children of Bangladesh, a country that is not dissimilar to Guyana. (I had the privilege of living and working there and believe that Guyana’s IPED approach comes closest to this alternative). I humbly commend its study and recommendations. Nowrang Persaud

Using domestic violence as showpiece DEAR EDITOR, Stacy Singh, another Guyanese sister was brutally murdered. Again, as in the past, the outrage is loud especially on Social media/Facebook. What could have been more gruesome than when Rajwantie Baldeo was almost decapitated by her husband in the streets of New York City? It happened little over a year ago? Yes, there was the loud and public noise, again on Social Media, but what else was done to address this situation of Domestic Violence in our community? We see another sister/ mother ’s life gone. One group is having a Vigil at a temple on Saturday. The

members wrote a moving lengthy piece and gave places and numbers to call in New York. None were theirs. All were Public Assistance or NGOs. None Guyanese. My question to them is....Really??? The vigil will happen and there will be a lot of talking and moaning and lamenting. And all who attend will then go home feeling great, that they aired themselves out and let themselves speak and be heard. And they cried and they hugged. Who hugged Rajwantie and who hugged Stacy? Who will hug those two kids that are without both parents now? How will what they will do at that vigil, help any

present day victim of Domestic Violence? If I call them and ask them for help, how do I know that I will be safe and that they are confidential? What assistance can they provide for me? There are several other individuals who call themselves “Community Activists.” They use the platform of Domestic Violence to have vigils and Cultural Programs. These Cultural Programs are really used to promote these individuals’ agenda of self-aggrandizement. Should one call any of these so called activist...what help will they give? This is the crux of the problems in our Community, whether in

Guyana or in New York City and elsewhere. It’s not about helping anyone, least of all the victims. It’s about self promotion. No one really cares at all. So in a few weeks, the noise will die down, only to rise up again when another victim falls, or when there is another attempt to milk Domestic Violence to host another Cultural Program to solicit funds or collect more Citations and Awards. In the meantime, those living silently, suffering, quietly cry blood and watch these clowns and performers. Yea, they truly care, right? Yours truly, A domestic Violence victim

Thanks, and rest well, Miss P DEAR EDITOR, I learnt of the passing of Ms. Sybil Patterson by way of a letter appearing in your newspaper, written by my friend and mentor – Mr. Michael Parris. For whatever reason, in recent months I found myself thinking of Ms Sybil Patterson. This was a bit strange, since we were not close at all. Our contact was limited to the classroom, and those were rare moments. But close or not, it would have been impossible to be involved in social work in the 1970s and 1980s and not know or have been a student of Ms. Patterson. I first met Miss P (as she was fondly called) in the 1970s as a student pursuing the Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Work. I recall one day sitting with fellow students from the various islands of the Caribbean, discussing the challenges we face when working with young people.

It seemed we all identified as a common challenge, a seeming lack of interest in the programmes we offered, and attributed this lack of interest to their (youth) restlessness and greater concern for things other than study. I remember Ms. P listening carefully to our complaints, then asking how the content of the programmes was decided on. To a man, we replied that we relied on our experiences as youth workers and that of our supervisors to influence content. She then asked, “What about what the young people want?” We looked at her in surprise. She continued “If the content of the programme is all about what you think is important and does not also reflect what the students want to discuss, why are you surprised when they show no interest? It’s your programme, not theirs.” Right then, I learnt the importance of respect-

ing those we claim we want to help. A little later, at the University of Guyana, I was a s t u d e n t o f M i s s . P. B y then, I had developed a love for reading, and would spend most of my days and nights satisfying this love. Indeed, on entering the university, filled with conceit and arrogance, I was certain I knew more than those who would be guiding the classes; so much so that I would rarely bother to study, choosing to rely on my previous readings and trickery to suffice. Once Ms. P gave the class an assignment which required that we read a specific book and be prepared to discuss its content. As you would expect, I did no such thing. At the discussion session, I took issue with what the required reading suggested and went on to state my own views on the topic, while attributing them to a writer with whose work I was familiar.

Miss P listened to me then said, “Claudius where did you get that? On page (she named page) of the book you are citing, the author said …” I was stunned, how could she do that? I thought there was little chance anyone else, would be familiar with the book that I referred! I sat down, speechless, embarrassed. I had learnt my second lesson - never assume you know more than the other person. Thanks Miss P, may God grant you peaceful rest. I pray that in all I do; I bring credit and honour to your memory. We, who were fortunate to know you, will always remember you with fondness and gratitude. And, if all of Guyana had the same opportunity, the nation would mourn your loss, especially at this time when it seems the nation needs persons of your calibre most. Claudius Prince

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Residents object to indoor gun range A caustic response to a criticism DEAR EDITOR, We, residents of Subryanville, write to object to the development of a commercial Indoor Gun Range at Lot 2 & 4 Subryanville, Georgetown, Guyana. Notice of this gun range was given in an advertisement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Stabroek News of 24 November, 2017. The proposal was in the name of Jules Singh. We understand that the EPA has concluded there is no need for an Environmental Impact Assessment. The EPA did not indicate its capacity and methodology to evaluate the proposed design of indoor gun ranges to deal with noise pollution, disposal of any of the hazardous waste, and the security of the weaponry which could cause harm to human

life. Subryanville, and the neighbouring Fraserville are not commercial zones. The infrastructure for drainage is fragile. Roads are narrow and made for residential use. Residents of Subryanville and Fraserville have suffered from the flooding resulting from the damage caused by the construction and heavy usage of the infrastructure for commercial use. We expect that all of the relevant agencies (Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Public Security, Mayor and City Council, CH&PA) will find or propose suitable alternative venues for the Indoor Gun Range. We, the residents through our civil agitation actions have managed to get a written undertaking from the

Guyana Geology & Mines Commission, an organization which knowingly moved into our residential neighbourhood, that they will seek alternative accommodation before the expiry of their lease in 2018. Kindly note, we are willing to take all necessary action should the covenants on our transports not be respected. Yours sincerely Aisha Fraites, Bonita Harris, Colin Cholmondely, Damian Fernandes, Elizabeth Deane-Hughes, Eva RawanaScott, Faye Clark, George Matthews, Dr. Graham Scott, Jocelyne Josiah, Kevin Sears, Lianne Sears, Oncar Ramroop, Patricia Deen, Philip Fernandes, Sabine McIntosh, Sandra Fernandes, Stuart Hughes, Terence Solomon, Vidyaratha Kissoon

A case of religious persecution DEAREDITOR, On 2 January, 2018, the Specialized Criminal Court in Sana’a, Yemen, issued a ruling unprecedented in the persecution of the Baha’is in Yemen. Sentencing Mr. Hamed bin Haydara to death due to his religious beliefs, the judge furthermore called for the dissolution of all Baha’i Assemblies, thereby placing other Baha’i prisoners as well as the Baha’i community as a whole in imminent danger. Following a protracted court case and a cruel four-year imprisonment, the final court hearing was held while the defendant, Mr. Haydara, was purposely prevented from attending. During the hearing, the local judge, Mr. Abdu Ismail Hassan Rajeh, called for the execution of Mr. Haydara and the confiscation of all of his assets, on the pretext that Mr. Haydara had been in communication with the Universal House of Justice, the highest governing body of the Baha’is, which is located in Israel. The verdict requires that the execution, the date of which is unknown, be carried out in public. The verdict also asks for the disbanding of Baha’i Assemblies, which mirrors acts of persecution committed in Iran against the Baha’is in the 1980s. An appeal to the court decision was immediately issued by the defense lawyer. Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha’i International Community to the United Nations, commented, “This latest oppressive measure directed against Mr. Haydara and the Baha’is of Yemen as a whole is unprecedented and deeply alarming, especially so when one can clearly see the footprint of the Iranian government’s persecution of the Baha’is here. “We call upon the Houthi authorities to uphold justice and to overturn this unjust ruling and immediately release Mr. Haydara and all other Baha’i prisoners. We call upon the international community to speak out against this ruling and prevent further atrocities from taking place against the remaining Baha’i prisoners and the thousands of other Yemeni Baha’is.” Mr. Haydara was arbitrarily arrested at his

workplace on 3 December 2013 and was held in custody in Sana’a, Yemen where, over the course of several months, he was subjected to repeated torture, forced to sign papers while blindfolded, and denied visitors, including his wife and daughters. Following his arrest, his home was also raided and his documents and computer were confiscated by the National Security Bureau. His first court hearing was held on 18 January 2015, over a year after he was arrested, and he was not allowed to be present. Furthermore, not until that time was formal yet baseless and nonsensical charges raised against him. Since then, over half of the nearly forty court hearings were cancelled under different pretenses, including the illness or unexplained absence of the judge. Over the course of his four years of imprisonment, Mr. Haydara has been repeatedly denied treatment for medical conditions that developed as a result of the torture he experienced. It is worth noting that no substantive evidence was presented during any of these court proceedings, a fact that was pointed out several times in the final hearings to the prosecution by the judge himself. This acknowledgement of the lack of evidence was followed, strangely and unexpectedly, by the summary judgment on 2 January 2018 to execute Mr. Haydara. Blatant violations of basic human rights against the Baha’is in Yemen have been documented by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights , the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, as well as international organizations such as Amnesty International regarding this new wave arrest regarding wave of arrests in April 2017, and calling for the release of Mr. Haydara. Yours Faithfully Rooplall Dudhnath

DEAR EDITOR, A great man once said that, ‘if someone is NOT attacking you, then it means you are NOT doing your job effectively’. This is exactly what came to my mind when I read a missive which contained personal attacks on me in the press written by Mr Hari P. Beharry, a veteran politician who should have gained immense and diverse knowledge having taken trips with the UF, PNC, PPP, ROAR, and lately the AFC. He is currently with the URP. If ever there was a ‘political rolling stone’ then Mr Beharry’s name should be mentioned foremost. However, not for a moment do I envy this ‘well endowed’ politician. He was recently awarded ‘life membership’ with the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry. First, Mr Beharry seems to be an expert financial analyst who knows exactly the areas in which taxpayers’ dollars are being wasted. In the past he had attacked both the Prime Minister and the Public Security Minister, telling them in no uncertain terms that they are ‘a waste of the taxpayers’ dollars’. Now it’s my turn, it seems. However, his attack on me stemmed from the fact that I highlighted the danger to life and limb from vehicles and other obstacles on the sides of the Corentyne Highway - a practice to which he is a guilty contributor. M o r e o v e r, Mr Beharry’s puerile and baseless argument is punctuated by the fact that he admitted that ‘our road reserves should be kept clear’. At the same time I spoke about various species of animals roaming the roads. If he had read my letters carefully he would have gained some valuable insight that I wrote about. These as well, and the fact that when drivers took evasive action more often than not they collided with these ‘parked death traps’. In recent times, two

gruesome accidents took place in the Upper Corentyne area when the ill-fated drivers took evasive actions from these animals and slammed into these’ ‘parked booby traps’. I am appalled that Mr Beharry would seek to justify one wrong against another. You should set an example and remove your parked vehicles from the road shoulders which present a traffic hazard to road users. Even in this 21st Century, the age of highly advanced technology, two wrongs still could never make a right sir! Secondly, in terms of wasting ‘taxpayers dollars’, may I remind Mr Beharry that my Office deals with a varied and diverse assortment of over 200 complaints on a monthly basis. I would have directed THEM to the relevant authorities for action to be taken. In addition, I am also a vital connection between the people and the Government. I am the ear and eyes of various ministries and I am the mouth of the complainants. I have done more for Region Six than all four Parliamentarians. Please note, Mr Beharry that over 90% of the people do not know these MPs and nearly all never met them, much less ventilate any of their grievances to them. These MPs should have been targeted in your waste of taxpayers’ dollars analysis. Lastly, if Mr Beharry is an ardent reader as he is an attacker of people, then he should be aware that in the very first press release which appeared in the Guyana Chronicle dated October 5, 2016 I gave due credit for idea of the #58/ 59 all-weather road project to Mr David Subnauth. The release also mentioned that Mr Subnauth

brought up this idea in 2006 when he was the President of the Upper Chamber of Commerce and Industry. I guess in his haste to nail me to the proverbial cross, Mr Beharry intentionally overlooked this piece of information. This exposed his true biased nature and blindness to an objective evaluation of facts. Thirdly, may I remind Mr Beharry that I was instrumental on intercepting the 150 bags of fertilizers he mentioned and he should have complimented me for that but instead he is questioning me on the outcome of the matter which is the jurisdiction of the law enforcers. I suggest that he writes the Commissioner of Police on the matter. This shows the confused nature of this individual; prosecution for a crime is for the police not Harbhajan. Another point of confusion is: Why would Mr Beharry resign as an AFC RDC Councilor because of ‘corruption in the PPP’? He was representing the AFC and should have fought against the alleged corruption of the PPP, being a ‘veteran politician’ and all that. However, I would like to suggest to Mr Beharry that he was forced to resign because of his’ non-contribution’ and abrasive character. Lastly, as a ‘veteran politician’ and a ‘free lifelong member’ of the UCCI, Mr Beharry should now be setting an example by being objective in his contributions to society and his country as a whole. “It is pardonable for children to yell that they believe in fairies, but it is somewhat sinister when the piping note shifts from the puerile to the senile”. Yours sincerely, Mr Gobin Harbhajan

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Saturday January 06, 2018

Govt. needs to be proactive when considering the livelihood of all citizens DEAREDITOR, Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry would like to draw attention to the failure of the authorities to act responsibly; as a result, Canal #1 was flooded. This began on December 24, 2017, and to date, members of the community are still affected by the water. Members of the Chamber visited the community and we noted three salient issues that must also be known to the authorities. Firstly, Canal #1 is known for flooding, due to the inadequacy of the main canals and lack of alternative arteries for the water to flow off the land. Secondly, the surrounding communities - namely Canal #2 and La Parfaite Harmonie - also have poorly maintained drainage. Thirdly, Canal #1 is a subsistent community, largely dependent on farming, where a large portion of residents either operate farms or are employed on farms. Residents lamented the fact that this recent flood is the third occasion of flooding in 2017 for their community, due largely to poor maintenance of the drainage canal. We have been informed that the factors that contributed to

the flooding in Canal# 1, was largely due to negligence on the part of the authorities. It was highlighted that the main drain in Canal #1 requires clearing at least twice per month; however, it was only cleared once in December. Also, the trenches in La Parfaite Harmonie have not been cleared for the better part of 2017 and water from Parfait, which usually flows through Goed Fortuin, was diverted to Canal# 1 earlier in the year, since this may have been perceived as the easier alternative to clearing La Parfaite’s trenches. Why were drains in Canal#1 only cleaned once in December, even though we are aware that December comes with rain? We were informed that the Contractor who was hired to maintain the drainage canal was not paid since June 2017; hence he refused to provide additional services in December. Now, how could the relevant authorities be so lacklustre to allow their indebtedness to a contractor to accumulate for five months and ultimately cause discontinuation of a vital service? Negligence! Why is the second largest housing scheme in Region Three, La Parfaite Harmony, without adequate drainage, and other re-

BEYOND THE CANEFIELDS DEAR EDITORS, The Guyana Times wrote about Cheddi Jagan, noting that his father “obviously saw a future beyond the sugar fields” for his first born. Strange that the very broadsheet should condemn attempts to diversify, after 100 years, the sugar industry and to create alternative opportunities for children of sugar workers. Guyana Times had hypocritically argued that cane cutters are not fit to do any other work. They cannot plant cash crops or rear fish for a living. Times said that sugar workers should remain as they are - beautiful as Bolshoi theatre dancers ! Cheddi Jagan would not have been the good leader he became if his father had not taken him away from the canefields! Regards, Earl Hamilton

quired infrastructure? The NDC claims that Central Housing and Planning Authority has not properly handed over the community and therefore responsibility for maintenance of the community is being shirked. So La Parfaite Harmonie was left with clogged-up drains, and water unable to flow through its intended arteries in Goed Fortuin. Then what can now be considered a mistake was the idea to ease the probable flooding in Parfaite by diverting the water to Canal#1. That decision added to

woes in Canal#1, although it was not the major contributory factor to the flooding, which according to the Engineer was due to higher than anticipated rainfall and the lack of adequate drainage for such. The drains in La Parfaite were only cleared on Sunday in retroactive response to a crisis in Canal #1. This alleviated a situation which could have been avoided with proper maintenance. Certainly, no one can fault the authorities for the level of rainfall, however, maintenance of infrastructure is within

their ambit - there shouldn’t be confusion over which agency is accountable. Additionally, it is expected that during resource allocation, responsibility for execution is clearly defined; therefore the inability to provide payment for works cumulatively for a period of five months is indefensible. What is left of the livelihoods of those residents can only be evaluated after the water has receded. For some, their entire crops were destroyed - pineapple fields submerged in water; others have opened their dwell-

ing to accommodate what remains of their livestock; and some residents have been using old refrigerators as transport to facilitate movement from home to the access road. It is the earnest opinion of our Chamber that the economic impact to those residents should be addressed by Government, relevant assistance is required to replace their losses and allow those citizens to rebuild their livelihoods. Dennis Mayers General Secretary - R3CCI

Jagdeo plays a dangerous game with sugar workers DEAREDITOR, Bharrat Jagdeo is playing Russian roulette with the welfare of sugar workers. This is dangerous. The future of sugar workers is now, and they need a plan from the PPP/C to be placed before this nation. This will show that the party really cares about them and is not using their plight only as a means to retake government in 2020. Note is taken of Jagdeo’s press conference where he sought to give the impression that his government took a compassionate approach in treating with bauxite workers when it moved to divest the industry, and a benefit he offered these workers was subsidised electricity. Let me remind the society what happened during the divestment of the bauxite companies. The Jagdeo government refused to engage the bauxite unions, political opposition, and other legitimate stakeholders on the way forward. He visited Kwakwani, Linden and Everton and called on bauxite workers to shun their unions and form themselves into workers’ committee and he will engage them through this medium. The result of his actions not only saw the breaking up of the workers’ pension plan worth in excess of $2.5 billion, but workers and their communities are still reeling from decisions that did not have the involvement of their representatives, were not properly thought out, and not without political bias aimed at destroying their unions and communities. The claimed issue of the subsidised electricity in Linden and Kwakwani which Jagdeo touts as a best practice of his administration and should be emulated by this government in treating with sugar workers is

deceptive. Electricity, water and community activities in Linden were always subsidised and considered deferred/unseen wages. These benefits were negotiated at the bargaining table by the trade union and the management dating back to Reynolds and Demba, and continued during nationalisation. Those who didn’t work with the companies and received these benefits were considered as part of corporate responsibility to the communities. Tampering with these benefits without the input of stakeholders risk upheaval as experienced in 2012 when the Donald Ramotar government sought to increase Linden’s electricity tariff. In the case of Kwakwani workers and residents never paid for electricity and water because these were part of deferred wages. They began paying for these under the Jagdeo presidency. In principle there is no problem if the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo government sees the need to extend the benefits bauxite workers fought for and achieved to sugar workers as President Desmond Hoyte did when bauxite workers fought for and achieved tax free on overtime and premium hours worked. The nation is being reminded that the Jagdeo government took away the tax free benefit from bauxite workers even as he kept it in sugar. Let me reiterate my dissatisfaction with the manner in which the future of the sugar industry is being handled. At the same time the PPP/C Leader cannot escape being held accountable for creating the situation of uncertainty and anxiety in the industry and among sugar workers. He established the prece-

dence and whenever he speaks to the treatment these workers are receiving people do not see credibility and sincerity, they seek trickery and political opportunism. When sugar estates were closed during his tenure and the workers laid off there was no stipend paid to them, there was no retraining/re-education opportunities offered, neither was their severance pay honoured consistent with the Collective Labour Agreement. In fact, these workers had to go to court before his government saw it fit to authorise GuySuCo to release this benefit. Historically, the Government of Guyana sought to treat the productive sector (i.e. sugar and bauxite) equally. This made not only management sense, but also political sense given the dynamics of the industries and the perceived support of the workers. A Jagdeo government that applied henchman tactics to the bauxite workers and their communities and in the closure of sugar estates and towards sugar workers never thought the table would have turned. This is the same man who gave the instruction to GuySuCo to de-recognise the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU). Had he established a positive precedence he would have had the moral authority today to speak from and stand on. That being said, it does not prevent the PPP/C from putting forward a plan to address the dire conditions in the industry. Just like how DDL has indicated its interest in buying some aspect of Enmore Estate, which can guarantee some employment, the PPP/C can come up with similar plans. The willy nilly talks at press conferences will not suffice. Sugar workers are facing an un-

certain future and they need solutions to their problems now not being told that better days are going to come, intimating that this would only be possible should the PPP/C win government. Going by the past sugar workers cannot trust this. There is a White Paper that was approved in the National Assembly during the Cheddi Jagan presidency that stipulates where state entities are being privatised the minimum of 10 percent of the shares be set aside for the workers. When bauxite workers wanted to buy BERMINE, the Jadgeo moved to ensure the purchase was not realised by putting pressure on the partner not to associate with the deal, causing the effort to fold. The way the PPP/C treated with bauxite workers and their communities, the public service, state entities, and the African community which represents a significant portion of the society, there are mixed views today with what is happening in sugar. The tone was set for creating divisions and it requires much to weld the society together. What the PPP/C should be doing if it is serious about the industry’s future, as Jagdeo met with stakeholders across the spectrum to discuss and arrive at nominees for the Chairman of GECOM, similar approach can be adopted in addressing sugar. Thereafter he can request a meeting with President Granger, whose government has executive responsibility, to constructively engage in arriving at a viable plan. Citizens/workers have to start holding their leaders accountable to deliver in their interest-be it in politics, trade union or otherwise- and not be fooled. Lincoln Lewis

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Trinidad and Tobago to elect first ever woman head of state PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – A Court of appeal judge in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Madan Justice Paula Mae Weekes has been nominated as the Trinidad and Tobago’s choice to replace Antony Carmona as President of the twin island republic. If elected, she becomes the first woman to become a head of state here since the island attained political independence from Britain in 1961. “We are hoping for a unanimous process…we all hope it will be unopposed,” said Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Stuart Young, adding that Justice Weekes has “heeded the call for public service and has agreed when the government approached her to make herself available. “She is most willing to put herself forward as a candidate and be nominated as a candidate for election to be the next President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Electoral College meets on January 19 to elect a successor to Carmona, whose five-year term ends in March. “We would like to thank the outgoing president

whose term of office ends on March 18 “with a deep sense of gratitude because anyone who takes a decision to give public service at any level to Trinidad and Tobago as citizens we should be grateful”. Young told a news conference that the name of the jurist had been put forward during a meeting between Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar on Friday. Justice Weekes, was appointed to the Court of Appeal in the British Overseas Territory in September, 2016 for a term of three years. She becomes the second prominent regional jurist to be elevated to the post of head of state, following the decision of the Barbados government to name Madame Justice Sandra Mason as the island’s eighth Governor General last week. Justice Weekes is a former Justice of Appeal of the Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago where she served for 11 years until her retirement in 2016. She was appointed a Puisne Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago (Criminal Jurisdiction) in 1996 where she presided for nine years before being elevated

Madan Justice Paula Mae Weekes to the Court of Appeal. Prior to her appointment to the Bench, Justice Weekes served with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for eleven years and in private practice from 1993. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and the Hugh Wooding Law School. She is a trained and

experienced judicial educator having become a fellow of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute in 2000. She has designed and delivered programmes extensively in Trinidad and Tobago and also in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Jamaica over the years. Young described the

discussions between Rowley and Persad Bissessar as “productive and very cooperative” adding that the government was still open to leaving space on the Nomination form for the Opposition legislators to affix their signatures so as to make the election of Justice Weekes a bipartisan effort. “During the course of discussions with the Opposition, the Prime Minister asked the Leader of the Opposition about the continuation of the term of the incumbent President and solicited views on that and then asked the Leader of the Opposition whether the Opposition at this stage had any nominees that they wished to put forward for the government’s consideration. “The Honourable Leader of the Opposition said at this stage the Opposition has no nominees and of course that is always subjected to change before the deadline of 4.00 pm (local time) on Monday January 8,” Young said. But he told reporters when the government announced the nomination of the jurist, Persad Bissessar asked for “some time to go back and caucus with her

Opposition members. “I can say without fear of contradiction that her reaction to the government’s nominee was a very positive one and a very buoyant one and then she immediately said she would need to serve the tenants of democracy and go back to the members of her caucus and have a discussion with them,” Young added. Prior to the meeting, Persad Bissessar had told reporters that the Opposition would be willing to work with the gvernment to ensure that the proposed candidate for the President is a person who is impartial, will prevent excesses and abuses by the Executive, and one who will ensure that we adhere to our Constitutional rights and remits. “We look forward to having mature discussions with the Government on this most important matter that affects each and every citizen, particularly in light of the current situation in our country, where we are witnessing our institutions failing, and a Government on the verge of collapse, with the economy in decline and crime out of control,” she said in a statement

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Saturday January 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

LEGAL NOTICE

WANTED FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup. 656-1326. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Installations, repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc: Call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600. Xtreme Clean- Janitorial and Home Management Services. For washing, painting, renting and administrative services. Call: 216-3467. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Premio, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 For sale-1- White Toyota Fielder 2010 unregistered Tel: 624-5650. Unregistered Axela 2011 dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab. Call: 617-5536 One RZ minibus BRR series, mag rim ,cat eyes. $1.5. Tel: 668-9672, 686-9965. LEARN TO DRIVE Ultraviolet driving school is offering a 6 days driving lesson for $7,500.Come and enjoy it! Tel: 602-2583

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @$1000, Crootons, Ashoka trees, potting soil @$800, Lawn grass, Exora, Ficus 4 for $1000 Tel: 6261044 Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 1 BMW Car $1.7M 1 Cement mixer truck $2.9M 1 Bobcat $3.3M. House lots @ Blankenburg . Contact 6500402/603-1402. One- 113 KVA Olympian Genset 2.2M, One- 75 KVA Perkins/ Stamford enclosed Genset 2.5M #622-3940 One miller, welding generator, excellent condition. One mig welder. Contact: 699-4300, 228-2734 Two Hino 30 seater buses in good condition BLL series. Contact 679-2497 One Mark two vehicle in good condition with very low milage. PKK series. Contact: 679-2497 1 two story concrete building completed with all amenities, 44 Village Corentyne. Large yard space 104ft by 1 mile. Contact 679-2497 Land 2,500 acres excellent for logging in Kortbradt to Plentanchor, East Bank Berbice areas. Contact: 6792497 Land 4.018 acres, suitable for a number of activities situated at N ½ mudlot 10 Strand New Amsterdam. Contact 679-2497. Four stories full furnished building, in good condition, situated at Lot Q Springlands, Corentyne. Contact 679-2497 Over 13,000 square ft (6 acres) of real estate situated at No 75 Village Corentyne. Contact 679-2497. Spacious four story building on large land space situated at Lot 3 Springlands. Contact 679-2497

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Newly built 3-bedroom apartment at lot 6 Water Street, Bagotstown, EBD. 683-9526/613-4582/ 612-7533 Vreed-en-hoop junction. Lessons place, storage bond, office, other. Call 6036400. 2 Bedroom bottom flat @ C Field,Sophia Tel: 619-0094. 1 Flat concrete house (Tiled, grilled,PVC ceiling) 3 bedroom, 1 self-contained room @ Parafaite Harmonie & Onderneerming, $50,000 monthly #662-6818. One three bedroom upstairs in Station street, Kitty, prefer one family. Contact: 627-6132. Bottom flat, two bedroom apartment in 19 Ave Diamond. Call: 647-6056. One 3 bedroom, single family located at Windsor Estate EBD (gated community). Furnished $2,500 US monthly. Contact 652-1234 2-Bedroom apartment at La Grange, Indepence St. Call: 592-667-8896 Business place to rent . 14 Lombard St, Georgetown. 2271385, 653-0506.

EDUCATION Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379 Lesson classes, Abeka SystemPhonics, Reading,Language and Maths.Age 4-12 years old. 197 Roxanne Burnham Gardens. Call :218-2076,6194355 Alliance Françaíse Guyana French classes January 2018, Register 61 Upper Robb Street Bourda, Thurday 11th Friday 12th 4:30-6pm & Saturday 13th 10:30-12pm #692-2965.

TOLET Enmore Mall spaces available for a variety of business, car parking facilty. Call Richard 609-7675/ 6741705/233-2614. 2 bedrooms apartment, fully furnished, in Eccles New Scheme. 698-7807,225-3234

SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/688-0009

1 experienced cook. Call: 2260554/623-8654. 1 experienced diesel mechanic must have knowledge of welding. 1 labourer. Contact number: 220-2034/623-8078 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 1 Welder Arc & gas. 1830years. 643-9125,223-5595. Broad street, Georgetown One (1) Driver/ Purchaser to work at a Mining firm in G/ Town. Contact #226-9768/6615307 or 615-6172 Security Guards to work in the interior with Mining firm. Age range 38-48. Contact#226-9768/615-6172 One (1) Manager/Promotions Manager to work @ Hotel/ Club on Essequibo Coast. Accommodation & attractive salary. Contact: 226-9768/6156172 Experienced shop workers and handy man to work in the interior. Age 18 and older. 2310363 4am-4:30pm. One cashier, one secretary, attractive salary. Call: 2237165. Security guards, 1 heavy duty mechanic, 1 cashier, 1 filing clerk, 1 accounting clerk, 1 company secretary. Call: 6044149 Experienced drivers, Waiters, Roti & puri cook, apply with written application, Hacks Restaurant, 5 Commerce St. General domestic with cooking experience, ages 3045 Call 629-9450 Security Guards, ages 40-55 East Bank area preferable. Call 226-1100 Experienced hire car drivers and dispatchers. Contact 6165419, 265-7076 Drivers for private cars & Mini bus route 44 @ 4 First St Albertown, walk with application. Car/Van driver, mechanical skills an asset. Live in preferably. 227-1830 LAND FOR SALE Land of Canaan 1.2M, Grove 3.5M, Parafaite, Herstelling, Highway 34 acres Sophia 5.5M, Diamond 4.5M. GME 231-2199/618-7483. Parafaite Harmonie- $1M and $1.4M and $2.6M Farm $3.5M Herstelling- $2M. Tel# 656-0701/611-7223 Farm (New Housing scheme, East Bank) with reserve, title ready $3.2M Tel: 656-0701/ 651-1969 Parafaite Harmonie $1.5M Uitvlugt-$2.5M Zeelugt$2.4M.Tel:642-1252 PROPERTY FOR SALE South Aubrey Barker 100x100 9.5M Diamond 55M, 17M, Parafaite 27M, Supply river side 50x160 31M GME 231-2200/ 618-7483

consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News Newspapers, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in CAR RENTAL and around Guyana and on DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: the World Wide Web 225-7126/226-3693 - (Online) AND IT IS DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ FURTHER ORDERED that YA H O O . C O M / W W W. the Respondent do have DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM twenty-eight (28) days after the second and final PROGRESSIVE CAR Publication of the said Notice RENTAL: SUV FOR of petition to file an RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER Acknowledgement of DAY- CALL:643-5122/656- Service, a Notice of Intention 0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO to Defend, an Answer and/or RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Cross Petition. AND IT IS AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: FURTHER ORDERED that PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI an Affidavit of Publication BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT sworn to by the Attorney-at& FAMILY OUTINGS, Law for the Petitioner/ CHEAPEST RATE . Call: Applicant with copies of the advertisement exhibited 698-7807 thereto shall be deemed WING’S CAR & PICKUP good and sufficient proof of RENTAL: LOW DOWN Service. AND IT IS PAYMENT, CHEAP FURTHER ORDERED that RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . Directions Hearing be and is CALL: 690-6494 hereby scheduled for Wednesday the 31stday of PEN PAL January, 2018 at 9:30 am Overseas Indian male seeks before the Honourable female 30-32 with good Madam Justice Sandra personality. Call 664-3119 Kurtzious. BY THE COURT LEGAL NOTICE 2017-HC-DEM-CIV-FD1268. IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE, FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION, FAMILY DIVISION.PETITION No. FD-1268. BETWEEN:- CHIN (BEBI SAFURA) nee JAMAL, Petitioner – and - CHIN (WENDELL E.), Respondent. BEFORE THE HONOURABLE MADAM JUSTICE SANDRA KURTZIOUS (In Direction Hearing) DATED THE 27TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2017. ENTERED THE 29TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2017. UPON READING the Without Notice Application on the part of BEBI SAFURA CHIN nee JAMAL, the above named Petitioner/ Applicant filed herein on the 24th day of November, 2017 and the Affidavit of the said Petitioner/Applicant sworn to and filed herein on the 24th day of November, 2017 in support thereof AND UPON HEARING Attorney-at-Law for the Petitioner/Applicant IT IS ORDERED that Directions Hearing date be extended. AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the personal service of the Petition with Affidavit in Support of, Notice of Proceedings and Acknowledgement of Service be and is hereby dispensed with AND that a mode of Substituted Service of the said Petition with Affidavit in Support of, Notice of Proceedings and Acknowledgement of service be effected on the Respondent by way of advertisement of a Notice of Petition in 2 (two)

VACANCY Male factory worker, age 18 and above, must have working experience. For more info call: 223-0090 Salesperson/cashiers ages 2545 for general store on the East Coast. Call: 642-1141 Farm workers, maintenance workers, labours (@500 per hr) 265-3586. Two workers to work on a cow farm, must be able to milk and graze cows. Tel# 233-2049

Saturday January 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

Vehicles’ emission increasing respiratory threat - says GPHC DCEO

PAGE 23

- efforts being made to assess Guyana’s Respiratory Therapy needs VACANCY One customer service representative. Age 18 and over. Must have working experience, send application via email: humredes@gmail.com One receptionist, age 18 and over, must have working experience. Please send application via email: humresdes@gmail.com One Mechanic with sewing machine experience, age 25 and over, please send application via email: humresdes@gmail.com One maid to work in Atlantic Gardens, ECD, Live-in (optional) 638-5303, 227-7380. Vacancy exist for 1 female 2545 years to work @ Del Ice Co. Must have Maths, English & Accounts. Call 231-1408/642-9191.

Visiting officials from Bridges Global Medical Missions hand over some supplies to DCEO, Ms. Elizabeth Gonsalves [third from right], in the presence of other officials, including Dr. Sheik Amir [second from right]. An increase in vehicles will by extension lend to an increase in exhaust emissions which, according to Deputy Chief Executive Officer [CEO], Ms. Elizabeth Gonsalves, does not augur well for Guyana. According to Gonsalves, this development could in fact lead to an increase in respiratory diseases which she believes has already started to emerge as a public health threat. Such threats, Gonsalves underscored, were not very prevalent when she was a child. Although she lived overseas for a number of years, her young days were spent right here in Guyana. “When I was growing up, I hardly remembered people having respiratory diseases. Now and then you had a kid who had asthma, and I can tell you there were a number of home remedies that were used, even before families got to the doctor, that relieved it to some extent. But now it [respiratory diseases] is becoming so prevalent,” said Gonsalves. She disclosed that she has seen the changes in the society over time. “I have been in and out of this country and in the last couple of years... maybe five years, I have seen a growth

in automobiles on the roads, that now if you are in the traffic during a rush hour and you put your window down, my nose actually burns, and I know that is a signal that at some point we are going to have more of an increase in respiratory diseases,” said Gonsalves. But there are even more contributory factors which, she said, will also help to cause an increase in such troubling conditions. The DCEO’s disclosure was forthcoming as she delivered remarks at a forum in the Learning Resource Centre of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. The occasion was one intended to highlight the collaboration between the GPHC and the Bridges Global Medical Missions. The organisation is one that has facilitated the visit of a team comprising three Faculty Members and 10 students from Texas State University. Additionally, the team is expected to help Guyana conduct a survey on Respiratory Therapy. It is believed that such an exercise would be a great boost in the GPHC’s thrust towards the delivery of more advanced health care.

Further, the students of Texas State University have for the past few days been engaged in an attachment programme at the GPHC which has seen them doing supervised rounds in the Asthma and Spirometry department, the Emergency Intensive Care Unit and the Intensive Care Unit. Speaking of the students’ exposure to the premier health facility, Gonsalves said, “I am happy that you from the developed world are getting a chance to see how we deal with things here, because I know we don’t have half of the equipment you have to use.” The Bridges Medical Mission is a non-profit organisation based in Atlanta, Georgia. According to its head, Dr. Claudette Heyligar-Thomas, “we actually started off in 2008 in Parika, Fort Wellington, the Linden Hospital and the Georgetown Public Hospital, and over the years we have expanded to other areas – Leonora, Kwakwani, Upper Demerara Hospital, Mahaicony Hospital and Bartica Hospital.” According to Dr. Heyligar-Thomas, too, the mission of Bridges, besides collaborating with local physicians and other health

care providers, is to see what their needs are and determine how these needs can be addressed. Although Bridges had initially started to lend its support to Guyana once annually, that has since increased to twice per year to help enhance patient care, in addition to continuing medical education. Bridges’ support to medical education commenced in 2009 and, according to Dr. HeyligarThomas, “We have covered areas including hypertension, cervical cancer, acute ischemic syndrome, paediatric chest pain, prostate

cancer, breast cancer, mastectomy versus lumpectomy and diabetic foot care. It is important to improve the education of your providers, and in that way they can enhance their patient care.” As part of its support to Guyana, yesterday Bridges handed over a number of medical supplies to the GPHC which are expected to further aid the delivery of health care services. Gracing yesterday’s forum was Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir, among other officials.

Ministry grappling to address tutor shortage From page 19 the Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry before next Friday [January 12, 2018 at 15:30 hours]. The January 12, 2018 deadline has also been given for the submission of applications for those desirous of undergoing training in the Professional Nursing and Nursing Assistant training programmes. These training programmes will however commence on March 5, 2018. According to Validum,

much like the shortage in nursing tutors, the country continues to suffer from a deficiency of nurses. This situation, she said, has also been linked to wanting remuneration, which has forced many trained nurses to take their skills abroad. She divulged that while “we should have 44 nurses to every 10,000 persons, we currently have about 12 nurses to every 10,000 persons because of the migration situation.”

Cook/Baker & Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 One Domestic to work 2 half day per week. #225-6571 1 Live-in domestic maid/ couple to work in Mahaicony river. Serious enquiries only. 655-9491/225-6571 For experience female accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda. Backhoe operator, wood mizer and edger operator, moulder operator. Call Richard 6097675/ 674-1705/233-2614. Experienced Security Professionals. Must have 3 yrs. experience, past military/ security. Send resume & picture by email:. bvisecurityandinvestigators @gmail.com. One female cleaner and driver for office in Eccles. Call: 2332745 Chef and assistant cook. Call: 225-7933 or visit us 172 Sheriff Street. General maintenance man, Ages 24-55. Address 233 South road, Tele# 225-0198 Vacancy exists for individuals in Berbice. Work your own time, unlimited earnings, and attractive benefits. Call: 6792497 One maid for East Bank area, must know to cook and clean. Call: 614-4358

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Saturday January 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

Tourist killed in hot air balloon crash in Egypt

(CNN)A hot air balloon with 20 people crashed Friday in Egypt’s ancient city of Luxor, killing at least one person and injuring more than a dozen others, according to Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority and a hot air balloon company. At least one tourist was killed, according to a statement from the government agency, which referred to the incident as a hard landing. The Sindbad hot air balloon company, whose craft crashed, identified the deceased as an Australian man. “The balloon was getting ready to land at 6:30 a.m., when a sudden, strong wind erupted

causing a hard landing,” Hany Al-Sayyed, Sinbad’s traffic manager, told CNN. “The victim is an Australian man of South African descent. His head was hit during the landing. Most of the other injuries are minor, scratches to the torso, and they were taken to the hospital,” he said. The statement from the Civil Aviation Authority said it had started an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. The pilot, who was injured and is hospitalized, is being questioned, according to state media.

North Korea accepts South’s offer to meet for talks Seoul, South Korea (CNN) North Korea has accepted South Korea’s proposal for official talks in what will be the first high-level contact between the two countries in more than two years. South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Baik Tae-hyun told reporters Friday that North Korea informed Seoul by fax that it has accepted the offer to initiate talks. The person-to-person talks will be held Tuesday — the day after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s birthday — at the Peace House in the village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone, Baik said. The two sides agreed to work on the details of the talks “through the exchange of documents,” Baik said, add-

ing that agenda items will be “issues related to improving inter-Korean relationships, including the Pyeongchang Olympic Games.” A statement from the International Olympic Committee said it welcomes talks aimed at having North Korean athletes compete in next month’s Winter Games in South Korea. The IOC said it was continuing discussions with the North Korean National Olympic Committee and keeping its invitation open for a delegation. Two North Korean athletes, figure skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-sik, have qualified for the Games. While Pyongyang has missed a registration deadline for the two, the IOC could allow an exception to be made.

The faxed message accepting the long-standing offer of talks was from Ri Sonkwon, chairman of the North Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland. It was addressed to South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-Gyon, Baik said. Baik said the decision of who would attend the meetings was still being finalized. The last such high-level talk was a deputy ministerial meeting in December 2015 at the jointly run Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea. The complex, which opened in 2004 in a rare show of cooperation between the two Koreas, was shuttered last year as Pyongyang ramped up its missile and nuclear testing.

U.S. freezes $125 million funds for Palestinian refugees: report WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has frozen $125 million in funding for a U.N. agency that provides aid to Palestinian refugees, Axios news site reported on Friday, days after President Donald Trump threatened to withhold future aid payments to Palestinians. The funding, a third of the annual U.S. donation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, was supposed to be delivered by January 1 but was frozen until the U.S. government finishes its review of aid to the Palestinian Authority, Axios reported, citing three unidentified Western diplomats. Trump said on Tuesday he would with-

hold money from the Palestinians, accusing them of being “no longer willing to talk peace” with Israel. “We pay hundreds of millions of dollars a year and get no appreciation or respect. They don’t even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel ... with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?” Trump said on Twitter. The United States is the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly $370 million as of 2016, according to UNRWA’s website.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 06, 2018

Tillerson says he’s ‘never questioned’ Trump’s mental fitness Washington (CNN) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has never questioned President Donald Trump’s “mental fitness” and intends to remain at his post for the entire year,

the top US diplomat told CNN in an exclusive interview. Tillerson was responding to a question about Michael Wolff’s explosive book, “Fire and Fury,” a detailed look at

the first year of the Trump presidency that is raising new questions about the President’s temperament. “I’ve never questioned his mental fitness,” Tillerson

told CNN’s Elise Labott. “I have no reason to question his mental fitness.” Tillerson spoke with CNN in a wide-ranging interview where he addressed the threat

of North Korea’s nuclear program, tensions with Russia and Iran, and his famously tense relationship with the commander in chief. Tillerson had reportedly dismissed Trump in the past as a “moron,” while the President publicly hinted that he would win an IQ contest against his top diplomat. In his conversation with Labott, Tillerson said that his relationship with Trump is evolving, and one that he’s been learning to navigate during his first year on the job. “My relationship with him ... is a developing one,”

Tillerson said, adding that he hadn’t met Trump when he was asked to lead the State Department. “So, we don’t have a lot of history in past, so part of this is us knowing — coming to learn and understand one another,” he said. While Trump repeatedly seemed to undermine Tillerson’s diplomatic efforts in tweets, and White House sources regularly leaked stories damaging to the former ExxonMobil CEO, Tillerson said he “learned over the past year better how to deal with the president.”

Off-shore medical school sends home workers ROSEAU, Dominica CMC – The Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) yesterday described as ‘unfortunate” the decision by the US-owned Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) to send home more than 100 employees following the devastation caused by the passage of Hurricane Maria last September. RUSM, which was founded in 1978, has its main campus located in Portsmouth, north of here with separate administrative bases in Iselin, New

J e r s e y a n d M i r a m a r, Florida in the United States. It is owned by Adtalem Global Education Inc., formerly DeVry Education Group. The university has started the process of laying off at least 150 employees with hundreds of its students and staff being relocated temporarily to the United States. DPSU general secretary, Thomas Letang, said the union met with the employees and a redundancy package had been negotiated.

Saturday January 06, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Fiery Kerber helps Germany set up NBA roundup: Curry rescues Warriors Stephen Curry Harden for the first time since night of a back-to-back after Hopman Cup final against Switzerland buried(Reuters) a tie-breaking 3-pointer the star guard injured his making his season and Cava-

(Reuters) - Angelique Kerber cruised past Daria Gavrilova before teaming up with Alexander Zverev to help Germany overcome Australia yesterday and set up an enticing Hopman C up final against Switzerland. Former world number one Kerber made short work of Gavrilova, beating the Australian 6-1, 62 to give Germany the upper hand. Australia levelled the tie after Thanasi Kokkinakis upset world number four Zverev 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-4, leaving Ger-

many facing a must-win mixed doubles match to progress to the final. Kokkinakis helped Australia to win the first set of the doubles but Kerber maintained her fiery dominance to steer Germany to a 1-4, 4-1, 43(3) victory. “Angie played unbelievable in both of her matches — she’s the reason we’re in the final,” Zverev said. “I’m going to give all the credit to her. I didn’t play my best today — luckily I have an unbelievable partner.” E a r l i e r, Belgium whitewashed Canada 3-0

and were on course to reach the final as group winners before G e r m a n y ’s v i c t o r y l e d them to the top. Elise Mertens beat C a n a d a ’s Eugenie Bouchard 6-4 6-4 to hand Belgium the advantage and David Goffin sealed the tie for the European side with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Vasek Pospisil. Germany last won the Hopman Cup in 1995 and in Saturday’s final they will face an all-conqueri n g S w i s s t e a m with Roger Federer and Belinda Bencic yet to lose a match in the tournament.

Saturday January 06 , 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Find out what they're up to, and see if you can pick up where you left off. Make some notes regarding the changes that you should make.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Group endeavors will provide you with entertainment. Look into joining groups that can give you hands-on advice about business.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal. Your efforts won't go unnoticed; however, someone you work with may get jealous.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You should be on the road. Things may not be as they sound. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Travel will be good if you are seeking knowledge. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Think twice before you volunteer information. CANCER (June 22-July 22) You will easily charm members of the opposite sex. Be diplomatic but stem when it comes to giving of yourself. Enjoy taking courses or lecturing others. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) You will meet some interesting people if you attend promotional functions. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Put your plans into motion by presenting your intentions to those who should be able to give you financial support.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You may want to make changes that will not be to their liking. Keep on your toes when dealing with others. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) If you haven't already, don't be afraid to start your own small business on the side. You may be overly emotional when dealing with your mate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't be disappointed if you don't get your way emotionally. Your questions will help you ferret out secret information. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain. Adventure will result in added knowledge.

with three seconds remaining Wednesday, allowing the visiting Golden State Warriors to survive a frantic Dallas Mavericks rally for a 125-122 victory. Curry (32), Kevin Durant (25) and Klay Thompson (25) all topped 20 points as the Warriors beat the Mavericks for the ninth straight time while winning their eighth in a row on the road, matching the second-longest road streak in the NBA this season. After trailing 120-110 with 2:46 to play, the Mavericks rallied into a tie by scoring 10 straight, including 3-pointers by Yogi Ferrell and Wesley Matthews. Harrison Barnes’ 15-footer with 39 seconds remaining forged a 120-all deadlock. Matthews had 22 points and Dwight Powell 21 for the Mavericks, whose four-game winning streak ended. Rockets 116, Magic 98 Playing without James

Smith, Khawaja... From page 26 in his otherwise impeccable series. His fast bowlers then proceeded to produce a couple of howlers with Cummins dropping Tom Curran on 21 off Nathan Lyon and, in the next over, Josh Hazlewood letting Moeen Ali off the hook with the all-rounder on 22. England’s tail made the most of the reprieves with Curran hitting a confident 39 and Moeen 30 before both fell victim to the pace of Cummins (4-80). Broad braved the short bowling almost until the scheduled lunch break before becoming spinner Lyon’s first victim of the match and the innings ended in a mix-up that resulted in Mason Crane being run-out for four in his maiden test innings. The leg spinner later made a reasonably solid start to his test career with the ball, returning figures of 058. “It’s awesome to be bowling to the best players in the world,” the 20-year-old said. “(Smith)’s a key player for them, if we can get him and two or three others, hopefully we can get a first innings lead.” Australia 2 for 193 (Khawaja 91*, Smith 44*) trail England 346 (Root 83, Malan 62, Cummins 4-80) by 153 runs

hamstring, visiting Houston trounced Orlando. Harden was injured Sunday in Houston’s doubleovertime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He could be out of the lineup for anywhere from two to six weeks. Playing in only his fourth game of the season, veteran Gerald Green helped pick up the slack. He produced a season-high 27 points and six rebounds and made 7 of 10 3point tries for the Rockets. Clint Capela finished with 21 points and eight rebounds for Houston. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 16 points. Celtics 102, Cavaliers 88 Former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas rested on the second

liers debut Tuesday, so Cleveland had to fend without him and came up short in a loss at Boston. Terry Rozier paced the Celtics with 20 points off the bench. Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart each scored 15 and Jaylen Brown 14 as Boston won its fourth straight. Kyrie Irving finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists. LeBron James finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists for Cleveland. Kyle Korver hit five 3-pointers for 15 points, and former Celtic Jeff Green scored 13 for the Cavaliers, who fell for the fourth time in five games.

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Saturday January 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

Letter to the Sports Editor

The UCCA Interim Committee was creation of the BCB 2012 administration DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter published in the Kaieteur News on Jan 3, 2018 and the Guyana Chronicle on 4th January 2018, supposedly highlighting the state of affairs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) and MISLEADING the public with numerous lies that would only seek to benefit the so called “Berbice Stakeholders Group”. To date, no one from this phantom group dared to reveal themselves in public, even though their main aim is the development of cricket in Berbice. These persons, or phantoms, prefer to sit in the dark and spit poison on others who are obviously determined to lift the level of cricket in the Berbice area. Mr. Editor, I wish to state the facts as they exist to be checked. In 2012, an interim body was formed in the Upper Corentyne Area, to supervise the affairs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, although Dr. Rishi Thakur and a group of over 20 clubs already had the Association functioning. This interim body was installed by the then Administration of the Berbice Cricket Board. One would ask the question, “Why was there a need for an interim body when the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association was a cricketing body that existed many years prior to 2012?” Persons like myself and Mr. Roy Baijnauth served the Association well, but the Berbice Cricket Board at that time, had plans of their own. An interim body, comprising of persons handpicked by the administration, would serve to eliminate any opposition to the BCB from the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Hence an interim body was installed: Dennis D’Andrade- Chairman, Sydney Jackman- Vice Chairman, Winston Roberts-Secretary, Vicky Bharosay- Treasurer, and its main function was to register Clubs and do the groundwork for an election of the UCCA within 2-3 months. This was in 2012, and even if accepted, no elections were held for 5 years. Many letters were exchanged in the press, one notably claiming that the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association never existed, another to which the Professor Thakur responded, all available online to be viewed. Dr. Rishi Thakur is available to provide the his-

tory on this injustice when it was declared that the proceeds from a fund raiser would be used to facilitate a political campaign of the party then in power. The years passed, and the so- called interim or steering committee continued to rule the roost in the Upper Corentyne Area and began to call themselves the elected executives. No further objections were made by the then administration of the BCB since this handpicked group of gentlemen served their interests well. Donations were collected, but competitions were not played outside of a few festival games where the proceeds were pocketed. There is one instance where a popular businessman who had sponsored a competition demanded the return of his money since the steering committee had no plans of executing the tournament. In November 2017, the Clubs of the UCCA, finally fed up and tormented by the dormancy of the game in the area and the fiasco that the self- appointed Executives created at the BCB Elections, clubs gathered themselves together, and aufait themselves with their Constitution. The Constitution allows for the Clubs to call a meeting to sort out the affairs of the Association; and they did. Notices were sent out for Clubs to attend a Meeting and on December 7th, 2017: that meeting was held to elect members who would serve as Executives of the UCCA. That was the ONLY election held in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association since 2012 and was attended by more than 90% of the clubs. The Clubs voted and elected their representatives. Lo and Behold, the steering Committee has now come out of hiding to educate the public thru the Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee. The Stakeholders Committee is now stating that the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association held an election on September 27th, 2017 and the following persons were elected: Dennis D’Andrade- President, Sydney Jackman- Vice President, Winston RobertsSecretary, Chatrapaul Lionel- Treasurer. Mr. Editor, aren’t these the same persons who were on the steering committee in 2012 and were tasked with organising an election 3 months after? The truth of the matter is there was no

Coombs denies knowledge of FIFA ban KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC – President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF), Venold Coombs has denied being banned from football administration for two years by the sport’s world governing body, FIFA. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” he told CMC Sports this week. Coombs further offered to answer any other questions in a face-to-face interview and said he would be available anytime the following day Thursday. However, on Thursday, Coombs said via an agent, that he was unwell and would be unable to attend the interview. The agent said Coombs had come down with a sore throat. Coombs’s denial comes amidst widespread reports

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation president, Venold Coombs. from sources familiar with football administration in SVG that FIFA had given him one month to appeal the alleged two-year ban. A well-placed source said Coombs had confirmed last year that FIFA had asked him to show cause why he should not be banned for two years,

over a matter relating to his administration’s handling of World Cup tickets. A source familiar with FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings pointed out that if Coombs was facing a ban, FIFA would make it public only after appeals had been heard and dealt with.

election. Who were invited? Who voted? Was it published? Why are the Cricket Stakeholders Informing the Public of this and not the “elected executives” of the steering committee? The steering committee was knocked off its horse when the Clubs held the election on December 7, 2017. I wish to inform the members of the Public of the following: a) Between 2012-2017 the only election that was held in the Upper Corentyne Area was the one held on December 7, 2017. The following are the elected Executives of the Association: Hamant Jagdeo-President, Chaitram Persaud- Vice President, Vadanand SugrimSecretary, Mahesh Dharry- Treasurer, Lakram Lathman- Asst Sect/Treasurer. b) No election was held in September 2017, since no Club nor cricketer in the Upper Corentyne Area is aware of such an event. Clubs in the area have not received any notice of meeting, so who voted? And how could the steering Committee members elect them-

selves to serve. c) 24 clubs are currently participating in our T20 competition sponsored by Roy Baijnauth, former president of UCCA, BCB and prominent businessman. The residents and clubs in Upper Corentyne must step out and speak. Dr. Rishi Thakur was right is 2012 but no one listened. This nonsense must stop. We do not line up for charitable donations and we are capable of managing our affairs. I have been a part of the Upper Corentyne team for many years and had to do everything to ensure we participate in the BCB competitions. I have the proof and am prepared to present them to the Judge. I am aware that very few persons can get a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle. I will try anyway. UCCA # 1 Supporter Team Member UCCA Executive

Smith, Khawaja frustrate England in Sydney SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia captain Steve Smith continued to be England’s Ashes nemesis yesterday as he passed 6,000 test runs in an unbeaten knock of 44 to help his team to 193 for two at close of play on the second day of the fifth test. The world’s top ranked batsman and Usman Khawaja batted through the final session in a 107-run partnership after openers Cameron Bancroft and David Warner had departed earlier in Australia’s reply to England’s 346. Khawaja notched a stylish 91 not out on the same ground where he made his test debut in the corresponding fixture seven years ago but it was the wicket of Smith that England most desperately wanted. They were to be disappointed with only a couple of half chances presenting themselves as Smith sent a couple of early edges fizzing through the slips. The 28-year-old was soon looking comfortable and unfussily swatted a single to backward square to pass the 6,000 career runs mark in his 111th test innings. Only the great Donald Bradman reached the milestone in fewer knocks. Having started the day with a brilliant diving catch in the slips to dismiss Dawid Malan, Smith walked off his home ground in the brilliant afternoon sunshine with 648 runs to his name in the series so far. “We’re stoked that he’s on our team so we don’t have to bowl at him,” Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins said of his captain.

Usman Khawaja raises his bat on reaching fifty ©Getty Images “You lose a couple of wickets and he comes out to bat. He’s just incredible, I think he’s been the real difference between the two sides.” The tourists, 3-0 down in the series with the urn already relinquished, earlier posted a competitive tally in the face of some fearsome pace bowling on the back of a hard wagging tail and some poor Australian catching. PACKED HOUSE Australia came out after lunch to begin their innings in front of another packed house only for Stuart Broad to clean bowl Bancroft for a duck in the second over.

Warner scored a measured 56 by his standards in a 85-run stand with Khawaja before was caught behind when James Anderson got the ball to move away from him. Broad’s 31 had earlier been integral to a bright morning for the tourists after the hammer blow of losing two wickets in the last couple of overs of day one. Malan (62) lasted less than half an hour after they had resumed on 233 for five, Mitchell Starc eliciting an outside edge which Smith caught brilliantly to make some amends for three spills (Continued on page 25)

Saturday January 06, 2018

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships round up:

Fudadin hits unbeaten 61 for Scorpions, but Shiv’s fifty puts Jaguars in control KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Half-centuries from left-handed openers John Campbell and Assad Fudadin led a Jamaica Scorpions fightback but a clatter of wickets late in the day left leaders Guyana Jaguars firmly in control of their eighth round contest in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Friday. Trailing by 77 runs on first innings, Scorpions ended the second day at Sabina Park on 167 for five – just 90 runs ahead. They made an excellent start to their second innings as Campbell stroked 62 and Fudadin, 61 not out, in a fine first wicket stand of 112. Campbell was his usual aggressive self, stroking nine boundaries in a 68-ball innings, while 32-year-old Guyanese Fudadin proved the anchor for Scorpions against his old team, and has so far faced 155 balls and counted six fours. However, once Campbell became the first of left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie’s two wickets, the innings fell apart with five wickets tumbling for 41 runs. Motie has been the best bowler with two for 21. Earlier, veteran former West Indies batsman Shiv Chanderpaul completed his

142nd first class half-century as Jaguars, resuming from their overnight 75 for three, were dismissed in their first innings for 183. The left-hander Chanderpaul made exactly 50 off 129 balls with three fours but received little support. He extended his overnight fourth wicket stand with Vishaul Singh (19) to 39 before the last seven wickets tumbled for 81 runs. Chanderpaul hit three fours from 129 balls but only Chanderpaul Hemraj, who fell for 47 on the opening day, reached 20 after Vishaul Singh, not out on 10 at the end of day one, just added nine before he was removed by Reynard Leveridge at 102. Chanderpaul was fast running out of partners as he found him in an all too familiar position after adding 41 with Gudakesh Motie for the ninth wicket to take the score from 139-8 when Veerasammy Permaul (7) was bowled by Damian Jacobs before Chanderpaul was last out, LBW to left-arm spinner Nikita Miller as Guyana fell for 183. Left-arm spinner and Captain Nikita Miller picked up four for 30, while seamer Derval Green ended with three for 39.

In Barbados, half-centuries from Kaveem Hodge and Roland Cato led Windwards Volcanoes, but fast bowler Kemar Roach kept Barbados Pride in the hunt in their Regional 4-Day Championship clash yesterday. Hodge top scored with 63 while Cato made 56 before Roach grabbed 3-45 including the prized scalp of Devon Smith as Volcanoes reached 241 for six, replying to Barbados Pride’s first innings total of 316, on the second day of their eighth-round match at Kensington Oval. Kyle Mayers was not out on 30 and Shane Shillingford was not out on seven after Hodge and Cato shared in a 68-run stand for the fourth wicket after joining forces on 96-3. Hodge batted for 157 minutes, faced 137 balls and hit six fours while Cato batted for 154 minutes, faced116 balls and struck eight fours. Earlier, Smith, whose 873 runs is the highest aggregate for the season, and regular opening partner Tyron Theophile, the Volcanoes’ captain, appeared to be giving their side a solid start before Smith was bowled by Roach for 26, leaving him one short of the 900-run mark. Pride – second in the table

Guyana miss out on 13th consecutive.. From page 28 at a time when other countries, particularly Barbados, continue to see strengthening of their junior circuit. Last year Taylor Fernandes and Ben Mekdeci became over age, leaving gaps that will be hard to fill. “The high for Guyana last year was obviously the success we had at Senior CASA in St. Vincent where we won both Men’s and Women’s titles! I guess you can count the Junior CASA event as the only low point but brought second in that competition so I won’t really call it a “low” for us,” the GSA Head disclosed. Despite tremendous support from Digicel, Banks DIH, Exxon, Ansa McAl, Bounty Farm and many others sponsors Lowe lamented that the biggest challenge for squash in Guyana is always sponsorship. “While we have had really good cooperative response from our big sponsors, it’s never enough to cover all the expenses; particularly when we have to travel as a team etc,” Lowe said But he was quick to add that sponsors that have greatly contributed and the

list is testimony to the kind of interest this sport has been generating around the business community. Talking about his wish list for the New Year Lowe said he would like to see Guyana continue as the Caribbean champions both in the junior and in the senior categories. “I’d really like to see our names highlighted in the pro circuit as we have Mary Fung-A-Fat now competing in that arena. Mary has an excellent junior career and as a senior she competes with an outstanding record as well; so it would be nice to hear of more Guyanese players ranking high in the world. Nicolette Fernandes did us proud and I’d like to see others follow in her footsteps and perhaps even do better someday,” the GSA Boss said. Lowe stated that Squash is an incredible sport that deserves all the recognition it can get. “Perhaps the dream would be to see it become an Olympic sport soon and have our Guyanese compete in that competition where we would be amongst the top competitors for sure,” Lowe wishfully stated. Lowe revealed that the

GSA’s planning is in progress as it is early in the year and the Association is in the early stages of their game plan. “We are in position to host the Senior CASA event this year and so that will be one of the major highlights and we will also be competing abroad for the junior title. There are the Commonwealth games in April where four of our best will attend to represent Guyana and the usual local tournaments are also being scheduled,” Lowe explained. In conclusion Lowe described squash in Guyana as a highly successful sport with outstanding talent that seems to have continuity as the years go by. “There is increased interest in the sport and more people are playing as well as watching the game locally. We have seen good cooperation between our association and the government entities in improving the facilities that provides for the sport and the local community have contributed in many areas to make and recognize the game as an outstanding one in our country,” the garrulous Sports Administrator concluded.

on 75.2 points before the match – have so far gained three batting points, two bowling points and 0.8 pace bowling points. Volcanoes – last on 52.2 points entering the match – have so far earned three bowling points plus one pace bowling points and one batting point. In Trinidad, Trinidad and

Tobago Red Force, leading Leeward Islands Hurricanes by 58 on first innings, were 143 for eight in their second innings at the close on the second day at Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. Scores: RED FORCE 221 (Tion Websteer 38, Jeremy Solozano 37, Khary Pierre 29, Denesh Ramdin 26; Jeremiah

Louis 4-45, Sheno Berridge 472) and 143 for eight (Amir Jangoo 38, Denesh Ramdin 28; Sheno Berridge 3-34, Chaim Holder 2-19, Jeremiah Louis 241). HURRICANES 163 (Akeem Saunders 49, Jahmar Hamilton 28, Mervin Mathew 22 not out; Imran Khan 5-25, Khary Pierre 2-26).

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 06, 2018

Squash Review:

Guyana miss out on 13th consecutive title on home turf By Sean Devers After winning the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships title for the last 12 years team Guyana suggested that 13 was indeed an unlucky number as only Taylor Fernandes and Shomari Wilshire won Individual Gold medals as Guyana failed in their bid to successfully defend their title for a 13th time on home soil in a wonderfully organised tournament which was won by Barbados in July. Fernandes, in her last Caribbean Championships as a junior, beat Bajan Amanda Haywood in the Girls U-19 final, while Wilshire defeated Christopher Anthony in the Boys U-15 final of a tournament which attracted teams from the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and in which Guyana finished second. This was the third time (2003, 2011 & 2017) Guyana has hosted the Junior CASA Championships and this one was expertly organised with Ramon Chan-a-Sue setting up a live website with all the information about the tournament. “The biggest accomplishment I feel we had was the successful hosting of the Caribbean Junior Championship

Buts lots of positives taken from 2017

Taylor Fernandes was crowned 2017 Caribbean U-19 Girls Champion. this year (CASA) held in Guyana. We were able to showcase our country’s hospitality, while fostering sound

relationships through high level competition with our Caribbean counterparts,” said President of GSA, Robin Lowe. Six tournaments were held in Guyana in 2017 while Guyana participated in four international events. After a 14-year career and

two titles, 34-year-old Canadian born Caribbean Squash Queen Nicolette Fernandes retired from the Professional circuit in September after playing in the Digicel Senior Championship last year. Fernandes won a Gold medal at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games before being named 2010 sportswoman of the year after becoming Guyana’s first female to win both the Men’s and Women’s National Championships. On September 18, 23-yearold National and Regional squash champion, Mary Fung-A-Fat participated in her debut match as a full-time pro at the 2017 Nash Cup tournament in London, Ontario, Canada where she gave a solid account of herself despite dropping her match against her English counterpart. This was a high point for Guyana’s Squash in a year of a few disappointments such as the other countries, especially Barbados, seemingly doing a better job of developing their pool of junior players than Guyana, especially since Coach Ince is nearing the end of his illustrious Coaching career. Another positive for Guyana’s Squash last year was talented junior player Shomari Wiltshire playing on the international stage and for the first time in three years, Guyana captured both the men’s and women’s title in the Senior CASA Championship.

Richard Chin showed his vast experience during 2017.

Nicolette Fernandes, who retired from professional squash in 2017 plays in the National Open last year.

Shomari Wiltshire beat Chris Haywood in the 2017 Caribbean U-15 final. The title wins were attained due to a batch of very strong seniors that included, on the female side, Fung-AFat, Taylor Fernandes, former national champion Ashley Khalil, Larissa Wiltshire, and Victoria Arjoon. On the men’s side there were former Caribbean junior champions Jason Ray Khalil and Nyron Joseph and former senior Caribbean

champion Richard Chin. The improved performances in the seniors are due to many of the players who ruled the junior ranks staying in the Sport. But these strong players becoming over age for the junior category took its toll on the junior division, gradually weakening Guyana’s once invincible junior team, (Continued on page 27)

Mary Fung-A-Fat played her first Pro game in Canada in 2017.

Saturday January 06, 2018

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Hustler Pool competition on at GMSRC tomorrow

RFA looks to corporate support as Champions league near

$100,000 & Trophy Stall Trophy up for grab by Champion Former National U-17 Cricketer Ricardo Devers will hold a best two of three knockout 8-ball straight Pool competition at Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMRSC) on Albert Street, Thomas Lands tomorrow from 14:00hrs. The competition is open to anyone and female Pool players are being encouraged to enter. Food and beverages will be on sale so just come with your Pools Cue and see who has ‘got the balls’ to win the first prize of $100,000 and a Trophy. Nauth Motor Spars has sponsored the $100,000, while the Trophy Stall has sponsored the Champion Trophy. The second prize is a one- day trip for two on Essequibo River with five stops (Sloth Island, Fort Island, Bartica, Baracara Falls & Saxcacalli Beach) with Lunch, return Transportation and Sloth spotting. The runner up will also walk away with a Trophy and second prize is sponsored by Vnet Communications. The Third prize is a Trophy and bottle of

Transportation is one of the biggest challenges for the Rupununi players especially in the rainy season. Eshwar Bharrat (right) presents the first place trophy to Ricardo Devers at the Trophy Stall in Bourda Market. Absolute from Nicky’s Natural Fruit Juice, while one lucky person can win a Pool cue and case by buying a Raffle ticket sponsored by West Indian Sports Complex. Some of the Nation’s top

Pools players have already confirmed participation and registration, which cost $5,000, can be done by calling telephone number 670-5977 or can be done from 13:30hrs at the venue.

Australian Open 2018: Serena Williams withdraws from tournament BBC Sport - Former world number one Serena Williams has withdrawn from this month’s Australian Open in Melbourne. The 36-year-old American last week played her first match since giving birth in September. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner and the reigning Australian Open champion, said: “Although I am super close, I’m not where I want to be.” On Thursday, Britain’s Andy Murray pulled out of the tournament, which starts on 15 January. Williams was eight weeks pregnant with daughter Olympia when she won her seventh Australian Open title in 2017. The world number 22 said: “My coach and team always said ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. “I can compete - but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time. “The memory of last year’s Open is one that I will carry with me, and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again.” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: “I’ve been in constant contact with Serena and her team and know this is why she has pushed it and pushed it until the 11th hour to make her final decision. “Serena transcends the sport in the way she approaches all aspects of her life. It was never going to be good enough for her to just compete.” Williams lost an exhibition contest against

Jelena Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi on 30 December 2017, in her first match since giving birth in September. It is the first time since 2011 that Williams has missed the tournament. On Thursday, men’s world number 22 Kei Nishikori withdrew because of a wrist injury. There are also doubts over the fitness of Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal and Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, who won the title in 2014. Serb Novak Djokovic, a six-time Australian Open champion, may also miss out with an elbow injury. ‘Another blow for the tournament’ - analysis Russell Fuller, BBC tennis correspondent It is less than four months since Williams gave birth. She has also got married in that time, but the way she played in an exhibition in Abu Dhabi last week gave real encouragement to those who so desperately wanted to see her defend her title. Williams might be “super close” but she doesn’t yet think she is in championship-winning shape. There is no word yet on when she will be, but Miami in March may be a good bet. It is another blow to a tournament which has already lost Andy Murray and can’t be sure whether Novak Djokovic or Stan Wawrinka will be fit to compete. Craig Tiley has always been adamant all the stars would be in town, but his instinctive optimism would make him a very good economic forecaster for any government in need of a boost.

By Zaheer Mohamed One of the challenges that local sporting bodies have to overcome in order to host successful tournaments is the lack of sponsorship. In certain areas the lack of corporate support is the reason for shortened tournaments thereby depriving players of much needed exposure. Transportation, meals, stipend, adequate gears, preparation of venues and prizes are some of the hurdles clubs and associations have to overcome from time to time. The aforementioned underline the need for support from not only the business sector but also the Government of Guyana. It is a well known fact that some of the most outstanding athletes hail from rural areas and with this in mind, the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) is embarking on hosting another champions league from February. This tournament will involve 17 male and 16 female teams and is expected to be played at the Lethem Community Centre ground. Secretary of the RFA Colin Henry told Kaieteur Sport that unlike last year when the tournament was played on a home and away basis, this year’s edition will see limited venues being used to limit travelling expenses incurred by clubs. He added that the Central clubs will play their games at the Lethem Community Centre ground with the top two teams going through to the semi finals. “We will be looking to stage the semi finals and finals on one weekend so as to cut cost, this will prevent qualifying teams from travelling on a regular basis which

is very costly,” he said. Henry pointed out that despite the challenges faced by the RFA mainly due to the lack of sponsorship, 2017 can be deemed a success whereas a number of tournaments were held. He said that last year’s tournament started late due to the lack of sponsorship and it ended up into the rainy season. “Due to this more expenses were incurred because teams had to use buses as well as boats to travel to the venues due to terrible state of the roads, but we must credit the Guyana Football Federation for their assistance,” he stated. Henry explained that in this year’s tournament they will look to give the younger players more exposure so they can improve when playing outside of Lethem. “The youths here have lots of talent, but one of the things that affect them is the lack of exposure and this is evident when they play in Georgetown and other areas away from home.” One of the things we would like to see this year is training of coaches in the area. “Our coaches try their best, but they may be limited in certain important areas which are necessary to properly harness the young talent, we will be happy if something can be done in this area so we can produce more talented players,” he said.

The RFA usually hosts a number of age group tournaments and this year they will partner with NAMILCO for an U17 competition which will help to boost the game there. Some 33 players from the Rupununi have don national colours in 2017 and the RFA will be hoping that the number can increase. Henry said that the RFA usually garner youths from all areas in the Rupununi to play the sport but this is challenging due to the lack of corporate backing. “Clubs usually hold fund raising activities since subscription is sometimes difficult for school children so we are appealing to the business sector for assistance as we look to drive the sport forward.” He added that if they Government can assist them with two buses, this will help to offset transportation expenses since to travel from Mahdia to Lethem sums up to over $400,000, but clubs try their best because of the opportunities available for the youths. Henry informed that Mahdia couldn’t contest the semi final of a recent tournament due to the lack of finance to travel. However, the RFA Secretary contended that they are looking forward to yet another successful Champions League. Guyana Rush Saints FC are the defending champions for both the male and female categories.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 06, 2018

National Under-18 B’Ball coordinator Hercules confident of success in regional c/ships

Junior Hercules, Under-18 3x3Coordinator. Supreme Dub Ballers will represent Guyana at the 2018 International Basketball Foundation (FIBA) Antilles 3X3 under-18 Championships in St Marteen which is slated for May. Ballers, a team which c o m p r i s e d t h i s y e a r ’s S o u t h A m e r i c a n Yo u t h Games 3X3, took down Royals 15-11 in the final of the qualifying tournament organised by the Guyana Amateur Basketball Fed-

The qualifying Boy’s Under-18 from left Shamar France, Akeem Bowen Akeem Crandon &Nigel Bowen. eration last Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. All of their players contributed to the victory with Nigel Bowen dropping seven points, while Akeem C r a n d o n s c o r e d f o u r. Akeem Bowen and Shamar France added two points each. On the other side, Kobe

The women Under-18 squad that will be in action against in St. Marteen in May; from left Affiya Green, Lydia Roberts, Annalisa Barclay and Roschelle Campbell.

Tappin dropped eight of Royals 11 points in the final, while Immanuel LaRose scored the remainder. Crandon, who was the team’s captain, won Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours. Local coordinator of the 3x3 basketball programme, Junior Hercules, stated that, “This is the most experienced team that Guyana could’ve sent to the championships in St. Marteen although, Kobe Tappin of Royals is undeni-

ably the best forward of the competition.” Hercules explained that if the tournament was an invitational event, Tappin would’ve been a definite fixture but the FIBA rules are that the team representing must qualify. In fact, only an injury or special instance can see Tappin making the final cut but nevertheless, “I believe that this squad has what it takes to go one step further than our performance last year

and cop the title,” Hercules further posited. Meanwhile, the female team of Annalisa Barclay, Lydia Roberts, Roschelle Campbell and Soffiya Greene won on the female side with Barclay dropping in six points. The trials that were competed on December 30th which catered for players born January 1, 2000 or after, saw a

total of fifteen teams from which 52 players competed which shows a high level of interest for the shortened form of the game. At the 2016 championships held in St Lucia, Jamal Gilkes, Jonathan Mangra, Stanton Rose and Timothy Thompson made history by reaching the final against Martinique only to suffer their only loss, 9-8.

game played against Trinidad and Tobago and this was further exacerbated by another injury in the game against the Dominican Republic which led to Heywood being taken to the Hospital for further treatment. With this incident went Guyana’s hopes of finishing in the top three as the ladies ended day two losing to Mexico 12-17, drew with Bermuda 7-7 and lost their final game to French Guiana 0-36 to end in fifth place overall. Guyana’s neighbors, French Guiana on debut, did well to end in second place behind Mexico which will appear at the Prestigious Hong Kong Sevens, World Cup Sevens and join Jamaica at the CACSO Games as the three top teams from RAN. Ms. Heywood has since been discharged from the Hospital and returned home to Guyana to the relief of all concerned and is recuperating in good spirits. The GRFU

covery. Training of Prospective Coaches and referees - A visit was made earlier in the year by Regional Development Manager for RAN Mr. Scott Harland along with the Get Into Rugby Coordinator for RAN Ms. Kwanieze John where a seminar was conducted for Level 1 and 2 Coaches along with training for the Youth Development Officers of the Union. Facility / Funding - Currently the GRFU has been forced to utilise the Athletics Field at the National Park due to the incomplete state of works to the Rugby Field. Compounded by the lack of lighting, the union faces challenges to procure playing fields for its 2018 programme as well as training. GRFU President Peter Green stated: “As I had outlined in 2016, despite the sterling efforts and successful track record of the Guyanese ruggers, lack of meaningful

towards the realisation of an internationally accepted facility to house Rugby for well over two decades coupled with insufficient funding to cover the costs of high performance/elite training and participation in support of the National teams annually has contributed in no uncertain terms to the sport being prevented from realising its full potential at the World and Olympic levels. Significantly, with Sevens Rugby now accepted as an Olympic sport, it has become compellingly urgent that the Government of the day invest with the requisite tangible support.” Green continued: “One has only to look at the spectacular result for Jamaica in investing in their overseas based players as well as funding their attendance at international events at warm up games prior to the RAN Championships. Our men’s sevens team deserves to be supported

towards the 2020 and 2024 Olympics. Given the right resources the Green Machine can play their way to an Olympic medal placing by 2024.” The Executive Committee, players and general membership of the GRFU join in wishing its dedicated sponsors, supporters, volunteers and stakeholders who have held the sport together, a Prosperous 2018. The GRFU is extending Special Thanks to The Government of Guyana, Guyana Olympic Association, Muneshwers Travel Service, Beharry Group of Companies, Banks DIH Limited, John Fernandes Limited, Bounty Farm Limited, Noble House Sea Foods, P &P Insurance Brokers, Pure Diamonds Inc., National Sports Commission, Trophy Stall, Modern Optical, Guyana Defence Force, National Parks Commission and Volunteers too numerous to mention for their continued partnership and support.

STSC and New Level Bar F/Ball & GRFU absorbed the challenges and SCRUMMED... Domino competitions From page 31 wishes her a speedy, full re- support at the highest level with meaningful investment The South Turkeyen Sports Committee and New Level Bar will hold a threeplayers Domino and Small Goal Football Competitions in honour of Colin Sukwah at Sadam Place, Lot 8 Dennis Street Sophia today. The football is scheduled to start at 16:00hrs, while the Domino Competition begins at 18:30hrs with en-

trance fee being $2,000 for the Football Teams and $3,000 for the Dominos teams. The Trophies were donated by Colin Sukwah, Trophy Stall Bourda Market, Barnwell, Sadam and Sun Shop who has also donated the Medals. The tournament is organised by Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell and Sadam

Thursday January 06, 2018

Kaieteur News

Page 33

GRFU absorbed the challenges and SCRUMMED on The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) absorbed the challenges that came their way in 2017 and continued its determined focus towards seeing the sport grow as well as maintained its dominance in the Caribbean Region by its national teams with varying success despite the major challenge of adequate sponsorship. Following is a review of the year when the Men’s team well known as the Green Machine rose to 49th in the International Rankings, up six (6) places from its 2016 position of 55th of 103 countries in the World Rugby Ranking system. In the Americas Rugby Ranking, Guyana holds the 9th place among 39 nations up by one (1) place from 2016. On the distaff side, our females are currently ranked at 27th of 52 countries in World Rugby and 5th of 10 nations in the Americas Rugby. Local Competitions With six registered clubs, namely, Pepsi Hornets, Yamaha Caribs, Police Falcons, Guyana Defence Force, University of Guyana Wolves and Panthers, the GRFU ensured that the domestic season was organised to ensure local competition in Divisions One and Two at the XV, X and VII formats by its male and female teams which enabled the national selectors to pick the best possible players for National and International engagements. Programmes and Events - The GRFU continued its mandate of growing the game within the Regions of

Peter Green, President GRFU Guyana by implementation of learning and playing programmes which comprised of activities in the Schools, Saturday Community Rugby and the Annual Summer Camp supported by Scotia Bank and World Rugby. The Male Under-19 Team and Under-14 as well as the Women’s team travelled to French Guiana to participate in a planned annual exchange programme to further develop ties between the two nations which have a rich sporting history in other sports. A return visit is slated for March of this year when Guyana will host over 80 visitors from the French nation. International: Men’s RAN Regional Fifteens Championships - The Guyana Men’s XV Test side more familiarly known as the Green Machine by its supporters regained its number one ranking despite losing to the USA South Panthers Rugby Team in the finals.

Abiose Heywood being tackled in the match against Jamaica when she was injured.

Coached by 15s Head Tactician Kenneth Grant Stuart and his Assistant Oslen Olivierre, the duo which implemented the coaching methods and tactics introduced by Argentinean Coach Diego Giannantonio, stormed to the number one Regional Ranking as well as a first time highest World ranking of 49th brushing aside a stubborn Barbados 34-26 at the Garrison Field in Barbados. The Green Machine went on to win the war of attrition against tough rivals Trinidad and Tobago 24-17 here at the St. Stanislaus College School ground to clinch the Southern Zone playoffs before losing an extremely close and thrilling clash in

Guyana’s Captain Collette Hope tackles a Jamaican at the RAN Championships in Mexico. Winner of this year’s RAN Championships (excluding USA South) will play off with the second

before clashing in the finals which was won by Jamaica 28-24 in the dying seconds of a heart pounding thriller, the

This is how we do it! The Green Machine in action at the RAN Championships in Mexico. the overall Regional finals 19-23 to USA Panthers of South Florida at the National Park Athletics Field. The USA side avenged an equally nail biting 27-30 loss in 2014 to the Ruggers from Guyana. Kindly note that USA South Panthers are allowed to play in the RAN Championships as a way of providing a bench mark in gauging the strength of the Regional sides but have no World Rugby status. With this achievement Guyana has been promoted to participate in the inaugural Elite Rugby Americas Challenge (RACS) Championship along with Mexico, Columbia (World Rank 48th) and Paraguay (World Rank 47th) in August this year after the CACSO Games in Columbia.

p l a c e d R A N Te a m a t conclusion of both RAN and RACS Championships for promotion /Relegation. Men’s RAN Sevens Championships – The 2016 Caribbean 7s champions Guyana, along with runnersup Jamaica participated in the Prestigious 2017 Hong Kong Sevens Tournament in February with similar results losing all their matches but gaining valuable playing experience and game changing tactics. With Jamaica turning to eleven England based players and Guyana five, the standard of play was reflected in the playing skills when the teams participated in the RAN Sevens championships in Mexico in November last with both nations playing unbeaten

‘Green Machine’ from the Land of Many Waters were leading 24-21 when the lads from the Land of Wood and Water stormed ahead to win. En-route to the finals, Guyana which was Coached by Laurie Adonis, Assistant Coach Australia based Guyanese Angus Thompson and Captained by the outstanding England based National Dominic Lespierre had dispatched Cayman Islands 26-14, Barbados 2821, Trinidad and Tobago 147, whilst drawing with Bermuda 19-19. Jamaica’s way to the final was as a result of a loss to Mexico 17-19; they mauled the Dominican Republic 26-0, Bermuda 350, Cayman Islands 19-7 and playing again against Mexico they triumphed 26-

12. As a result of their win against Guyana in the final, Jamaica will represent the Caribbean at the World Sevens Championships in San Francisco, the Commonwealth Games in Australia and the Central American and Caribbean Games in Columbia this year. Guyana will be joining Jamaica, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago as the four top teams from RAN for the CACSO Games in Columbia in August. One can but only reflect on the agony of what could have been. Guyana Men’s Team won the 2010 CACSO Championships. Women’s Senior Sevens Championships - Under the sharp eyes of former National player now Coach, Theo Henry Guyana’s females buckled down to training since June 2017 and as the championships approached had gelled into a highly competitive unit which left the shores in high spirits with the Coach’s promise to win the Championships in Mexico. Led by playmaker Aboice Heywood it seemed that the National ladies were going to do exactly what their coach had promised Win the Championships. Playing 2016 RAN Champions Jamaica, the Lady Ruggers shocked their opponents 19-12 and the Dominican Republic 17-12 before going down to the bigger and more physical Trinidadians, 5-12. The day’s success by the Lady Ruggers were subsequently marred by the hospitalisation of Heywood who suffered concussion injuries during the second (Continued on page 30)

rt o p S CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships round up:

P.27

Fudadin hits unbeaten 61 for Scorpions, but Shiv’s fifty puts Jaguars in control Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Opener John Campbell … top-scored with 62

Assad Fudadin was unbeaten on 65 for the Scorpions. (Windies Cricket)

RFA looks to corporate support as Champions league near P.29

Smith, Khawaja frustrate England in Sydney P.26

Steven Smith was again in the runs... ©Getty Images

Guyana Rush Saints female team will be looking to defend their title. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.