Kaieteur News

K

NCN gives Coalition NEWS Govt. 1 hour campaign coverage, PPP gets 1 minute

Tuesday Edition

AIETEUR

January 07, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 01

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

Price $80

p.

15

Online readership yesterday 138,928

Govt's inaction sets back gas-to-power plant by two years - Ramson p.

8

St. Joseph Mercy launches its El Dorado leads p.

18 own branded medications exports as Gold

Board reports 629,000 ounces p. for 2019 3

Guyana to soon benefit from UK anti-corruption programme viap. private school 8 The locally branded drugs

Venezuela becomes major buyer of p.7 Guyana rice again

Sharma vs. Sharma…

$300 million in Govt. upset over leak of supplies missing Auditor General report from MoPH - $250M in fuel cannot be verified p. 14

p.

3

Tullow linked to firm bankrupted after p.

2

Facebook data scandal

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Tullow linked to firm bankrupted after Facebook data scandal K

enyan media has uncovered a link between Tullow Oil and Cambridge Analytica, the firm that was bankrupt after it was revealed to have misappropriated the private data of tens of millions of Facebook users.

Daniel Wesangula, a Kenyan correspondent for The Guardian, wrote about the link in the Kenyan publication, Standard Media.

The publication stated that a leaked 2013 proposal from Cambridge Analytica suggests that Tullow may have worked with the disgraced firm to manage the optics of its operations in Kenya by, among other things, swaying the opinions of Government officials.

At the time of the

proposal, the exploratory operations being conducted in Turkana – a county in Kenya – were described as “volatile” and “divisive”.

In the leaked document titled 'Proposal for Research and Consultancy Services', it is stated that “Tullow's challenges are therefore to understand how best to engage positively with its host communities and keep the Kenyan government on its side whilst avoiding entanglement in domestic politics, all of which must be achieved to ensure the longterm attractiveness of the projects it is developing,” Standard Media reported.

Cambridge Analytica's p a r e n t c o m p a n y, S C L Group, sought to propose the conduction of a “thorough audit of the human and private sector skills and

capabilities available in Kenya (and Block locations) that could – with various levels of capacitation, support and supervision – become involved in Tullow's commercial activities.”

The proposal sought to g i v e T u l l o w a comprehensive analysis of the workings of the Turkana s o c i e t y, a n d a communications plan to target the host communities of Tullow in a positive way, as well as keeping the Kenyan government 'on side' at all levels, it was reported, while avoiding being caught up in internal politics.

It is unclear whether Tullow took Cambridge Analytica up on its offer, but Standard Media reported that there appears similarity between Tullow's operations and suggestions put forth by

Cambridge Analytica's proposal.

The publication also noted that there has been consistent and favourable press about Tullow in Kenya, as well as positive response from Government on related matters “so much so that last year President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the first batch of crude oil export from the Turkana oil fields”.

Cambridge Analytica was a firm involved in political data analysis work,

having worked in over 60 countries. It is now defunct, after it was revealed by The Observer that it misappropriated the private data of 87 million Facebook users.

Wired, an American publication, had reported that Cambridge Analytica's professed advantage is having enough data points on people to build extensive personality profiles which its clients could leverage for psychographic targeting of

ads and persuasion.

Just days ago, The Guardian reported that there has been a leak of an additional 100,000 documents that will show just how the infrastructure works of a company that engaged in large-scale voter manipulation “on an industrial scale”.

The firm was forced to close in 2018 after the scandal. It was revealed that the firm worked with US President Donald Trump's campaign to build a system that could profile US voters, individually, and target them with personalized political advertisements.

It was also revealed to have worked with the Leave EU campaign in The United Kingdom, to influence the British electorate to vote “Leave”.

Bandits hijack taxi, storm Parika rum shop with high-powered rifle

By Shikema Dey

W

hile police focused their attention on Friday night's robbery at a Tuschen Chinese Restaurant where a bandit was shot dead; another gang of bandits, that same evening, pounced on a bar in Parika

robbing over a dozen patrons of cash and valuables.

Kaieteur News understands that the incident occurred around 11:30pm, at the Fresh Rum Shop located at Lot 660 Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

According to reports, a silver-coloured wagon pulled up alongside the shop

and four men exited the motorcar.

One brandished a highpowered rifle, while another carried a handgun; the two other bandits were armed with knives.

When the men entered the establishment, about ten customers were imbibing and playing games.

From CCTV footage seen by Kaieteur News, the bandit carrying the rifle entered the bar first and went straight to the counter, pushing away customers, before grabbing the owner of the establishment, Kumar Ramdat.

The bandit dealt Kumar Ramdat a lash to his head with the gun and relieved him of a quantity of US and local currency, a Samsung phone valued $36,000, along with two bunches of keys, his driver's licence and his National ID card.

According to Ramdat, the men also removed an

CCTV footage showing the bandit with the rifle jumping over the counter at the bar undisclosed sum of cash from the Game Shop section of the bar.

Meanwhile, his accomplice who brandished the handgun pointed it to a businessman of Parika Façade and relieved him of a gold chain valued $200,000 and a gold band valued at $130,000.

Another costumer was relieved of his gold chain valued $21,000 and a female patron was relived of a Blu

cell phone valued $5,000.

After cleaning the pockets of the costumers and raiding the bar, the men made good their escape in the car.

Police were immediately summoned to the scene; a search was launched for the car.

The car was later found abandoned at Farm, East Bank Demerara.

Investigators would later find out that the men hijacked a taxi and used it to

commit the crime.

It was revealed that the car was hired from a taxi base in Tuschen. Kaieteur News was informed that three men and a woman entered the car.

The bandit who carried the rifle dealt the driver several lashes to his head with the gun and the others tied him up. They then took possession of the car.

No arrests have been made up to press time.

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

El Dorado leads exports as 629,000 ounce declared for 2019 D

espite a tough year, the gold industry has managed to come out smiling again.

Gold declarations were 18,000 ounces more than 2018, with El Dorado Trading Guyana leading with the largest amount, according to preliminary details.

Following El Dorado with declarations would be Mohamed's Enterprise.

Yesterday, Chairman of the Guyana Gold Board, Gabriel 'GHK' Lall, disclosed that 629,486 ounces of gold were declared as at December 31, 2019.

This was more than the 611,235 ounces declared in 2018.

It would have come in a year where road and other conditions proved a major problem for especially small

miners.

Both Aurora and Troy Resources, both large scale producers, suffered as a result of internal problems and an industrial accident which saw the latter being closed and scores of workers laid off. Yesterday, the Chairman said that the results were encouraging “in a difficult year”.

“The Guyana Gold Board has maintained a consistent approach and this has helped in improving our performance.”

Indeed, the Board is now focusing on finding a permanent home after being forced to relocate from Brickdam to Queenstown, amid a probe that staffers have suffered from fumes from the burning of gold.

The new headquarters is likely to be located next to the Ocean View Hotel. The

El Dorado's principal, Tamesh Jagmohan plans are preliminary and in the early stages, Lall said.

Meanwhile, principal of E l D o r a d o , Ta m e s h Jagmohan, said that hardworking miners, his staffers and stakeholders of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the

Gold Board's Chairman, Gabriel 'GHK' Lall

Gold Board, among other players, are to be fully credited for the performance.

In fact, El Dorado managed to contribute almost $5B in royalties and taxes.

“Perhaps one of the

biggest areas that we should be proud of is our compliance. We are paying strict attention and collaborating closely with the Gold Board and other stakeholders.”

Jagmohan pointed out that 2020 bodes well for the

sector with prices touching up to US$1,560 yesterday.

The trader said that the performance of gold has underscored the importance of the sector to the economy as it had been a mainstay to stabilise the US currency in the last decade.

Despite the production of oil now, the businessman urged that the authorities continue to pay attention and help the hard-working miners whose work affects tens of thousands of Guyanese.

These include transportation, banking, GGMC, shops, suppliers, law firms, repair shops and the lists goes now.

“Agriculture and mining are here to stay. It affects the lives of thousands. We are encouraged and projecting a far better year in 2020,” the businessman said.

$300 million in supplies missing from MoPH - Ministry failed to enforce delivery-schedule penalty for supplies

A

ccording to the A u d i t o r General's report of 2018, the Ministry of Public Health paid over $77 million for supplies which it did not receive up to the time of his report in 2019.

However, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, was keen to note that this malpractice has been something dating back to 2015.

The sum of $2.232 billion was allocated for the purchase of drugs and medical supplies for the period under review.

According to the Appropriation Account, amounts totalling $2.183 billion were expended for

the period. As at 31 s t December 2018, thirty cheques totaling $215.118M were on hand, this resulted in the Appropriation Account being overstated by this amount.

However, at the time of reporting in September 2019, eleven cheques totaling $59.529M were still on hand.

Furthermore, items valued $77.499M were not delivered, even though payments were already made to the suppliers in respect of Ministries and Departments.

Included in the sum were items valued $64.632M or approximately 83%, which were in relation to the nondelivery of furniture, office

Investigation launched into passenger who collapsed at CJIA

T

he Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has launched an investigation after a male passenger collapsed and died while boarding an outgoing American Airlines flight early Sunday morning at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

In response to a letter to the editor in Monday's edition of the Kaieteur News which states that the airport had no

defibrillator or staff appropriately trained to assist in such an emergency, the Ministry says that all necessary protocols were followed and executed in a manner with the hope of a better outcome.

According to the Ministry, the on-duty Port Health Officer had reported the details surrounding the passenger's death to the MOPH as required.

and medical equipment to the Ministry of Public Health.

At the time of reporting in September 2019, a supplier who received payment totaling $94.066M did not fully honour his obligations. Goods valued at

$37.210M remained outstanding. In addition to the amounts outstanding for the year 2018, there were outstanding deliveries for the years 2015 to 2017 totaling $306.205M. It was observed that suppliers did not comply with the conditions of the contracts, since deliveries were not made according to the contract specifications and delivery schedules.

In addition, the Ministry failed to enforce the penalty of 0.5% on the contract sum for each day of untimely execution of the contract. As a result, the suppliers were not penalised for the failure to adhere to the specifications of the contract. A similar observation was made in the

previous year.

The Ministry's response the Head of Budget Agency indicated that indeed no penalty was imposed due to the revised delivery schedules and space constraints faced the Ministry so the deliveries were staggered in order to avoid spoilage.

The Audit Office recommended that the Head of Budget Agency immediately undertake a full review of contractors' obligations under the contracts to ensure that these, including applicable liquidated damages, are fully satisfied, without any overpayments.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Focus beyond first oil Time to move on: first oil was yesterday, good for the significance of the moment, but already with the archival value of an old newspaper. Time to look ahead: to next oil, as in all of it, every last barrel that waits impatiently for release.

That is the positive part of the story, as this is Guyana with all its political mischief makers lurking and licking lips at the anticipated juicy petroleum chops. Those political miscreants and their mischiefs have terrorised this nation, since the hazy dream transformed into now proven reality.

Could this be happening in our lifetime? To the oil flow, yes; and to the feared mischiefs, despite the sweet promises, yes, too. So what will it be?

Guyanese have to change gears if they are going to get anywhere to the economic nectar, with a chance of tasting its financial sweetness. The first gear of all that is wrong with the money terms, and the not unjustified fears over the potential iniquities of political overseers have been engaged long and loud, if not pushed to the limit; the nation is left limp, if not leery of the negatives that could occur.

It is time now to shift to a higher gear, possibly bypassing second. For all agree that there must be sharp uninterrupted vigilance by an astute and equipped citizenry. That is good, but not very helpful in preventing anything, or of influencing change of minds and hearts of those who stand astride of the nation’s gifts from the earth.

No! The higher gear is to the quicker cycles and ratios to that of established mechanisms that monitor everything that flows from the wells, where the proceeds end up, and who does what with them.

The first rule is this: don’t trust them; not this one or that; not old ones, not new ones. Here is the bottom line: none of them: no secrecy, only transparency. For starters, the politicians are so skilled at the stealing game that they could lift one’s underwear and the wearer would be none the wiser for the loss.

In the next instance, the newcomers, should they obtain any electoral success, have little to zero experience of being anywhere near anything quarter this magnitude. There is a cross section of businesspeople, lawyers, accountants, and assorted others, but they are all local, and of a distinctly parochial in nature.

Their exposures and outlooks are narrow and limited; look carefully and emotionlessly at the cohort of local newcomers and this is their pedigree.

Those citizens who care dearly about everything related to local oil must rise to the occasion and GET INVOLVED. If this means that they must transform into loudmouths, busybodies, and outright nuisances, then so be it.

Those who look with distaste and discomfort upon their agitations will use all manner of derogatory labels to confine them and dismiss them, but they must persevere, with unswerving intentions to prevail.

The oil is not any one man or one group’s inheritance; it is of us, too, all of us. Therefore, at bottom, this is simply about looking out for one’s interest in a very public way. If it has to be in an aggressive way, then that it is how it must be, since the polite, with cap in hand, and toeing the line are not going to get anywhere or move anyone.

We heard and know enough about the rapacity of foreign oil presences, with ExxonMobil ruling the roost as chief bogeyman. It is deserving, but that is past and not going to mean anything.

What is material and timely is for interested and committed private citizens to observe, monitor closely, and follow like a shadow, every move of local political oil managers.

Access to information is key. Awareness and hairtrigger sensitivity to the oil movement and money movement are very important, if there is hope of being on top of this thing. It is neither part time nor for the hesitant nor the squeamish.

And, of course, it is not for the venal and those prone to ethical dilemmas. That has been the kiss of death in very other oil place. Without a doubt, it would be the exact same here, too.

The question of external indebtedness, economics and the economic history of Africa vs the rest of the world DEAR EDITOR, The Kaieteur News (KN) issue of Peeping Tom dated Jan 1st ostensibly on Oil and Debt, is yet another reaction

by KN to a letter sent to the Editor which KN did not see it fit to publish.

They have recruited others, including Mr. Jagdeo and an anonymous writer ‘Peeping Tom’, to do their ‘dirty work’.

In order to make their case about African states being in a state of penury in spite of being blest with abundant resources, KN listed states that were neither petroleum producers nor producers of significance.

KN through Peeping Tom is now claiming that, “A factual basis has long been established for the link between petroleum production and indebtedness…”, and triumphantly asserts that, “Mr. Greenidge would do well to re-examine his position on oil and debt.”

Unfortunately for KN, Peeping Tom seems to have missed the plot because that link cannot be made by citing only African states and one led by an African leader. Even the subsequent sentence quoted by Peeping Tom makes this obvious, it reads, “the evidence exists of the undeniable link between oil and debt in Africa and elsewhere.”

The words, ‘and elsewhere’, conveniently overlooked both by KN and Peeping Tom, vindicate my views, so there is actually no need for me to re-examine my position at all! My views are in keeping with the findings

of the study. The problem is of KN’s making. It is one of perception and statistics. So much for Africans and indebtedness.

Peeping Tom resurrects some more poor economics in the argument that Guyana has a debt to Exxon, arising from, “accumulated pre-contract costs of more than US$900M. That is close to 50% of Guyana’s total external debt in 1989, which was the highest debt/GDP ratio in the world at the time”.

The debts being referred to here reflect two different types of obligations. The Debt/GDP ratios reflect sovereign debts which have to be met by the Treasury on behalf of Guyana. Outside of default they are therefore considered risk-free. On the other hand, under production-sharing agreements the exploration, extraction and development costs of Exxon are only payable if production materialises and sales are made.

If Exxon finds no deposits or if they wrap up operations prematurely due to the collapse of the oil market for example, Guyana would owe the company nothing. The company bears the risks. The costs in question are not treated as sovereign debt!

KN should stop trying to persuade readers that the situation is otherwise.

Peeping Tom, also turned to personal disparagement via innuendo – ‘he should know’. In that attempt to discredit another party and myself, it is understandable that Bharrat Jagdeo should join in. He cannot resist the

opportunity to join in a war, even someone else’s, especially if it involves blaming the PNC for something.

Those who care to read will know that the borrowing which led to Guyana’s indebtedness in the 1980s, took place over a period of over three decades and had been undertaken by Dr. Jagan’s and LFS Burnham’s Governments prior to, and immediately after, independence.

Its massive upsurge was due to a combination of the vagaries of LIBOR1 , against which the borrowing rate was set (and the manipulation of LIBOR which is welldocumented in the literature) and the dramatic decline in bauxite exports after 1982 which undermined the country’s ability to service the external debt.

As a consequence of these two factors, the accumulation of arrears was so steep that interest payments due in 1986/9 far exceeded the sum borrowed (US$560mn) (US$1.6bn.)

Guyana owed mainly bilateral states and multilateral development agencies such as the IBRD, IMF, CDB. In this plight, we were in the company of several other non-petroleum producers and non-African states.

The problem of external indebtedness, therefore, is not only one faced by petroleum producers and caused by corruption of African leadership. Latin America’s Lost Decade resulted from the debt crisis of 1970-1980 and was associated with an increase of

1000% in the region’s debt! It was followed by an equally memorable 1997/9 Asian Debt Crisis. There were two others over the last century.

There was therefore no justification for the adverts to draw an exclusive parallel as regards debt with either African states or with petroleum let alone, as we have shown elsewhere with corruption. The ads appear to be an example of malicious analogy, perception bias and certainly a poor grasp of the economics and recent economic history.

I call on the Editor therefore, to also withdraw this Peeping Tom article because it, like the advert, is erroneous.

They should also stop trying to defame those who do not share their point of view.

1 The London Interbank Offered Rate, in connection with which there were at least two widespread plots by several US and European Bank to manipulate these interest rates for profit and at the expense of borrowers such as Guyana.

Foreign Secretary, Carl B. Greenidge PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Mr. Greenidge’s accusation that there was a letter sent to the Editor “which KN did not see it fit to publish” is quite perplexing, since the newspaper or others within the newsroom to whom he would send same, never received this correspondence. We would be grateful if Mr. Greenidge could provide proof of his email being sent to us.

Sir Clive Lloyd and the notion of “Nation” DEAR EDITOR, Many people, locally and internationally, congratulated Sir Clive Lloyd on his knighthood from the British Queen. But I was astounded that nothing came from the Government of Guyana nor the Opposition nor any of the other political parties (excuse me if I may have missed the latter), and I asked myself why one of the greatest Cricket Captains who has ever graced that wonderful sport could have been dissed in such a manner by the leaders in the country of his birth?

Why the President of Guyana, who described himself as a “prudent and wise” leader, could not be magnanimous and congratulate Sir Clive?

And I came to the

conclusion that because of racism, we do not know what it means to be a “nation.” We are disunited because of the notion of “race.”

We are indeed a large body of people of different ethnicities in one geographical space known as “Guyana”. But the building blocks of a nation are not there, so backwardness is evident.

Freddie Kissoon, in his Kaieteur News column, frequently bemoans the continuities of backwardness and lack of development since Independence. He frequently writes that it is the same poverty, the same negative attitudes to development, the lack of a culture of maintenance, the same corruption, and it goes on.

And we can go further

back to the 1950s, as observed in the book Decade of High Hopes (edited by Dorothy Irwin), on the experiences of an American couple in Guyana: there is the same begging, bills in reduplicate, and of course, poor race relations.

Because of our lens of race, there has been a destructive approach to governance and development. There is no concern for the past. When the PPP came into power in 1992, one of their first acts was to destroy the Foreign Ministry by burning documents and disintegrating the cadres of diplomats which had successfully kept the expansionist ambitions of Suriname and Venezuela at

bay.

A similar act has taken place 26 years later by the APNU/AFC administration with the gutting of staff of the same Ministry and making concessions to Venezuela so that the players can have a year of alleged glory at the expense of the nation’s border controversy. Maybe these players are operating in that Guyanese mindset to actions that can have dire consequences: “it gon wuk out.”

Whenever I pass the Georgetown Cricket Club on Regent Road, I am saddened at how the PPP government allowed that hallowed club where many great cricketers walked up and down those famous stairs in past years, (Continued on page 6)

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

First Oil and the Legacy DEAR EDITOR, I am flabbergasted how casually most Guyanese are lured into the belief that oil is the elixir to all their troubles, and that magically Guyana is going to be transformed into a culture of abundance.

Except for a few scholars and jaded oil industry professionals, there seems to me a condition of national willful ignorance and guesswork as to our present predicament. The reason I am saddened, disappointed and disillusioned should be obvious.

Europe exploited us and we, the pejorative “natives”, bowed and submitted in obsequience.

Post-independence Guyana took control of bauxite and sugar, the backbone of the economy.

Mismanagement, corruption and incompetence led to disarray and disappointments – many square pegs in round holes, and ‘jobs for the boys’.

Economic collapse, huge debts, and foreign exchange deficits placed the nation vulnerable to economic ransom – surrendering it to foreign ‘investors’, prominently Barama

and Omai. Guyana gained nothing, because the companies declared no profit, according to their Hollywood accounting.

At the same time, they despoiled the pristine land irreparably, which continues to be desecrated to this day. The PNC did it and the PPP did nothing to make any positive difference. The PPP attempted a similar incursion with Beal, but that was thwarted and aborted.

Guyana has nurtured de facto authoritarian regimes with insular ethnic creeds, lacking national cohesiveness. It appears that the nation cannot function except under conditions where the urge to nepotism and patronage are the driving political and economic models.

Added to that is the failure to grasp that the oil giants have left large swaths of desolation in their wake wherever they existed or exist. Only they and the elites of the societies with the resources ever benefited.

Carl Greenidge recently waxed whimsically about opinion writers/ads gang-up on Africa.

They are right; but while they emphasized the rape of those societies by their elites and multinationals, they neglected to point out that these oil

companies are also predators in their own countries.

Alaskans are not seeing great transformation, and Oklahoma which is the US’ fifth largest oil-producing state cannot pay its teachers, and is plagued with a meth epidemic. Also, there is the poisoning of the State’s ground water and the shifting of the earth from fracking leading to endless earthquakes.

No, Guyana will not likely benefit from oil. The companies are there not to help, but to exploit maximally.

Lest we forget: “The meek shall inherit the Earth, but not its mineral rights.” – J. Paul Getty. Yet, there is orgiastic dalliance….

Guyanese are duped once again.

The investor companies expertly sugarcoat and sponsor certain civic activities, and paradoxically provide some funding – all to sanitize and soften their image.

Frantz Fanon (Black Skin, White Masks) explained, “Sometimes people hold a core belief that is very strong.

When they are presented with evidence that works

One can define the level of civilisation in a State by the way it treats its elderly DEAR EDITOR, Recently, I have become aware that whenever and whatever oil money arrives, Senior Citizens will not benefit much from this new largesse, because Guyanese life expectancy is about 71.6 years for women and 65.4 for men.

It should also be noted that only approximately 5.4 % of our population is over 65 years.

Now, this is patently unfair to the elderly. They are the ones who remained behind to weather the storms.

They gave their youth to this country, and did not “cut and run”. They stayed behind to hold our country together, to experience the painful hard times, to ensure stability, to keep the productive machinery functioning – whether as managers, field workers, civil servants,

scientists, teachers, private sector employees, and all the other areas of service.

I am suggesting that ways and methods be found to ensure that some tangible benefits reach our Senior Citizens. Such direct financial support could be in the form of an increase of their pension from $20,500.00 per month to whatever the Minimum Wage per person is at the relevant time. VAT could be removed from every purchaser provable (by ID Card) to be over 65.

That most iniquitous Property Tax could be expunged from the law as it relates to the elderly homeowners. Payments for crossing rivers via bridges and Airport Exit Taxes and Airport Security Service Charges (built into airline tickets) could also be

removed for Senior Citizens.

For the foreseeable future, it will be only 5% of the population which has served this country well and, in some cases, beyond the call of duty, who will be receiving such benefits.

I call on caring leaders/ political parties/governments to advocate and implement serious actions to improve the standard of living of our seniors, whose current lives may not be receiving the great attention it deserves. Place your commitment, in this regard, in your respective Manifestos.

If that is already too late, then state your intentions publicly from your preelections platforms.

One can define the level of civilisation in a State by the way it treats its elderly.

Senior Citizen

against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted.

It would create a feeling that is extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance.

And because it is so important to protect the core belief, they will rationalise, ignore and even deny anything that doesn’t fit in with the core belief.”

Cognitive Dissonance is almost palpable in Guyana.

Guyana gobbles everything, ‘hook, line and sinker’. Those who hold the reins of power do not seek (or ignore) patriotic expert inputs. They succumb to the will of the ‘investors’ in all things unfavourable to Guyana’s interest.

They accept the con. They do not do basic research in historical dialectics. They ignore elemental facts, namely, inAfrica, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere where oil wealth is secured in the pockets of Big Oil and a select few government officials and their cronies; and where inequality and extreme poverty spiral downwards.

They adopt risky and harebrained decision-making without due caution. It couldn’t be just complacency or laziness.

The entire oil deal is cockedup – from pre-contract costs to payment and marketing of Guyana’s oil. The history of big oil tells its own story.

Now Mix and Match and Connect the Dots. The Mix disguises the big word “Corruption”. The story is replicated wherever Oil flows.

These countries are ensnared and trapped in perpetual poverty despite their rich resources.

Oil is only one of the extractive natural raw materials. Think about diamonds, gold, cobalt, coal, iron, copper, and fracking. Oil has never been a blessing; it is more a curse and a disease for the weak and powerless.

I met a Nigerian man recently; we discussed

Nigeria. I told him about my country and oil. His plea was, “Please tell them to be very careful. They will suck you.

My country has had oil companies for many years, and we are still impoverished.

Yes, you can see prosperity ostensibly, but not among the poor. Lots of corruption.” He laughed scornfully when I told him about ex-attorney general Adoke.

I am imploring… and would hope for total disbandment of oil in Guyana. Is it a fait accompli?

No, it is possible, not from the power brokers, but from popular mass agitation.

The International Press is replete with information regarding fossil fuel and its ruination to the environment – regarding carbon emission, depletion of the ozone layer, and extreme climate change. Already the world is witnessing the effects of permafrost melting in the Arctic and deforestation in Brazil and Africa. The tipping point is approaching sooner than we think.

Guyana has many smart people, many un-wise and gullible. They obfuscate objective realities. They have done life-threatening disservice to the country. Is it incompetence? Laziness?

Naiveté? Taking Orders?

Follow-the-Leader?

Fawning? Corruption? Take your pick.

Nonetheless, Guyanese are fed with the false notion of wealth – the recency, constancy and frequency methodology – a la Goebbels, not realising that there will be nothing to give or receive….

This is reprehensive failure.

All on the gravy train must

realise that no amount of money can buy “indulgences” – not anymore!

When the world is clamouring for clean energy, Guyana in its un-wisdom seeks to participate in projects inimical to Planet Earth. Who is Guyana following? America that never ratified the Kyoto Protocol and withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement? Brazil with its current leader, decimating the lungs of the earth? Or Australia’s PM who belies climate change?

Political independence is not tantamount to economic independence, or intellectual independence, so it seems. My naive idealism is being shattered, yet my perspective and resolve are strong and steadfast, because of the overwhelming and irrefutable evidence; and I heed Martin Niemöller.

Guyana can do well without extractive fossil industries. Many caring and concerned countries opt for wind, hydro, and solar energy, these being clean and free. We can potentiate development with these in preference to Big Oil. I’ll leave this open and hope that good environmentally-friendly judgement triumphs.

If we don’t do things right and act responsibly to sustain an eco-friendly world, we may not be around to experience the result of our action, or inaction. Our children and grandchildren may inherit such neglect. Is such bequest the legacy you want to leave for them?

Sincerely, Dr. G Girdhari

PAGE 6

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

We must stop the gender I need my refund from Republic Bank EDITOR, number on file, and advised me to dispute the discrimination against single fathers DEAR In early October 2019, a wire transfer was charges with the bank. made to my savings account. When I checked In mid-October, I visited the Republic Bank my account via Telebanking the sum that was branch on Water Street again where I disputed and the assault on fatherhood there was less than expected, so the next day, the charges, and was informed that after an

DEAR EDITOR, The Presidential Candidate for the PPP/C for the upcoming elections, Dr. Irfaan Ali, in his speech at the party’s election campaign launch on January 5 at the Kitty Market Square, pledged to support the growth and development of the vulnerable sections of Guyanese society with their unique needs.

So pleasing it was to hear the recognition that each section of our society has unique needs, that his subsequent reference to supporting single ‘mothers’ jarred like nails against a chalkboard. Talk is cheap.

Political rhetoric is even cheaper.

It is 2020 and we cannot continue to ignore a reality that we have single fathers in this country who need support just like single mothers do. Everybody and their dog have rights in this country, except single fathers.

The continued invisibility of single fathers at the political level creates severe injustice in Guyanese society with severe consequences for the lives of children.

As Dr. Ali acknowledged, every section of society has unique problems. We have a ‘child-father’ phenomenon in

some sections of society where fathers are often not present, hence the need to support single mothers.

In other sections of our society, we have problems where mothers have a nomadic lifestyle and abandon or neglect children, or leave them with their father or in the care of extended family with a multitude of opportunities for child sexual abuse. In some sections of our society, mothers push their children into prostitution.

In some cases, mothers are just weak-minded and careless, while the fathers offer more disciplined upbringing of children. If we do not understand the diverse reality, then the solutions that we are offering as a society are too simplistic and therefore can only be ineffective and unjust.

When a Government implements solutions that are unjust, then we have oppression and injustice in society. I have personal experience of a Government Agency unable to understand or hear anything from a male perspective institutionalised deafness supported by square pegs.

All the concerns and familiar tales of females being abused

find a willing ear because the story line is a familiar one, rendering Agencies gullible, and their recommendations to police and courts lack credibility, producing more injustice in society.

Beyond the invisibility of single fathers in our society, men, in general, have little support from the Government. As a society, we are very good with persecuting males. Prisons are full. Rum shops are the places where men can find comfort and support and understanding.

As a country that produces a large number of violent and self-destructive males, we need to invest more thought into our policies to offer the kind of intervention that is critically needed. If we do not have the human resources in Guyana to address this problem, then recruit experts and specialists.

Surely the suffering of the people is what Government aims to address?

At minimum, I hope that we can develop our own unique solutions in Guyana to stop the gender discrimination against single fathers and stop the assault on fatherhood.

Sincerely, Sandra Khan

Constitution violates rights of independent candidates DEAR EDITOR, I note that only political parties, not individuals, can contest the elections. Is this not a violation of the natural rights of citizens to stand for elections and also restrict their voter choice? And therefore, isn’t the stringent ballot requirement that only parties can contest election a violation of the tenets of the constitution?

A party must contest at least six regions to be able to qualify for ballot. Isn’t this requirement unfair to the minor parties and t h e r e f o r e unconstitutional? In no country is an independent denied the rig h t t o contest elections?

G u y a n a p r i d e s i t self as granting everyone equality.

Yet, independents cannot run for office.

Some fifteen-plus small parties are trying to get on the ballot. They are at a disadvantage to meet the ballot requirement in a society where independent minds, thinkers, and voters are subjects of distrust and victimisation by the two

larger parties. Voters are fearful of signing nomination forms of the minor parties and also of being seen attending their meetings. They don’t want to be seen as going against t h e i r r a c e - b a s e d p a r t y.

Thus, only a handful of the fifteen will actually make the ballot. From my investigation, as of now, only seven minor parties have met the minimum threshold (minimum signatures for the national list and contesting at least six regions). Voters are fearful of signing nomination forms – fearful of being branded as traitors to their race and/or their party.

But what troubles me t h e most as a political scientist, a citizen, and a voter is the violation of rights of individuals that are granted in the constitution - equality to everyone. Yet, a person cannot run for office unless he or she is a member of a party or contest as a party.

That restricts a citizen’s freedom.

Also, voters are denied a

choice of casting ballots for an independent candidate who is denied a presence on the ballot. How then can one claim that in Guyana everyone is equal when it comes to politics and voting? This is a gross violation of a voter’s or a citizen’s rights. Some kind of constitutional reform is needed to allow individuals to run for the national presidency and/or for chair of a region or as parliamentarian of a region or as a councillor of a region.

I believe if a voter or a prospective independent candidate were to challenge the laws (requirements) on candidacy and voting rights, they would be declared unconstitutional at CCJ if not by local courts. Which lawyer or voter has the courage to challenge the laws of constitution relating to candidacies and voting rights? If laws on contesting for parliament were to be amended, not only would individuals benefit, minor parties would also be beneficiaries.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

October 8, I visited the Republic Bank branch on Water Street.

I spoke with a teller who produced a printout of the transactions that occurred with this account. From the printout, I saw that on October 7, a few days after the wire transfer was deposited, some charges were made from this account which I did not make and was unaware of.

The sum of GY $3,685.82 was taken 6 times - six separate charges – totaling $22,114.92.

From the printout, the payments were purportedly made to a company.

I informed the teller that I was not responsible for those charges and was advised to contact the company to get a refund. This company is based overseas, so I contacted it on Live chat and we moved to emails. After a week of back and forth emails, the company informed me that it found no record of the charges, did not have my card

investigation by the bank if it is found that I was not responsible for the charges then I will receive a refund.

To date, I have not received this refund and I have visited the bank several times about it. On each occasion I wasted many hours, waiting only to repeat the same story and be told that I would get a call from the bank to follow up. I never received any of the promised “follow up” calls.

Time is money and the amount of time I have already wasted on this matter is worth more than the money taken from my account.

I am appealing to Republic Bank to refund the monies taken from my account without my input and consent. It is a very petty amount for this mega bank to refund; the bank needs to do a quick investigation of the matter and stop treating customers like beggars.

Yours faithfully, Narissa Deokarran

Take great care when engaging the services of a contractor DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to your attention, a situation where my trust and confidence, have been repaid by avarice and greed.

In 2014, I engaged the services of a East Bank Demerara contractor (name given) to build my home in New Amsterdam. He came highly recommended by relatives and friends.

A designated Power of Attorney (POA) was left in charge of disbursing my funds in my stead. She disbursed funds according to the progress of the work.

As it turns out, in 2016 my POA was leaving for the USA. Not wanting the work to stop or slow down, I directed her to give him the necessary funds to finish the job. That amount was GY$8,000,000. Two months after the POA left, I came home to New Amsterdam where I spent ten days. At that time, work on the house was proceeding well. As soon as I left, work stopped, and the contractor

disappeared.

After numerous unanswered calls and text messages, I decided to take legal action against him to either recover those funds or to compel him to finish the outstanding work.

After dodging the marshals a few times, they finally caught up with him and served him a summons to appear in court. He attended the New Amsterdam Supreme Court once and was never seen again. The presiding judge subsequently issued an arrest warrant on him.

The warrant was never fulfilled because, it is rumored, he is now in the USA. I do not make these disclosures lightly.

All of my assertions are supported by documentation. I am bringing this situation to light with the hope that other people, who place their hopes and dreams in the hands of contractors, may take greater care in vetting the right people for the job.

Calvin Girard

Sir Clive Lloyd and the notion of...

From page 4 to fall into disrepair. Rather than putting money into that famous and hallowed field, they built a new stadium at Providence which has begun to have maintenance issues. The Barbadians built a new construction around their hallowed field at Kensington Oval. There is a new building, but the name and the history of the place remains.

African-Guyanese (note, not IndoGuyanese) are accustomed to having major political events at The Square of the Revolution where there is the statue of that great African revolutionary Cuffy. This year the launching of the APNU/AFC manifesto was done next door at the fairly newly built and already deteriorating D’Urban Park (and which I call Granger’s Folly) - so we are moving away from the National (although East Indians would not congregate at Cuffy) to the personal.

There is also the issue of corrupt and incompetent government officials. Rather than being shown the door, these officials remain, or are moved from one place to another, or worse, promoted. The opposition when in power acted no differently.

The point I am making is that the choice has nothing to do with the benefit of the nation, but some very narrow political agenda, viewed through the lens of race, and has great potential for profiteering for a few.

Every President since Independence in 1966 makes an inaugural speech about bringing the

ethnic groups together, but the disunity remains the same. The elections on March 2, 2020 will bring the same rhetoric from the winner and everything will remain the same - in fact, with the flow of oil, relations will likely deteriorate.

We have two large minorities so whosoever wins, a large chunk of the population will be left out - a large percentage will be aggrieved.

Therefore, whosoever wins, will have a torrid time governing. It means that we have to come up with a means of uniting the people as happened in countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, and which are flourishing.

Nigeria was at one time viewed as a potential power house. But due to ethnic divisions, the country has not lived up to its potential and has been described as a case of “co-habitation without marriage.” In other words, it cannot develop because it is not a nation. In Nigeria, only 1 percent of the population benefit from the oil industry, and we cannot afford that.

The people of Guyana must thank the Prime Minister of the nation of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Mottley, for recommending Sir Clive Lloyd for a knighthood. The leaders of a divided Guyana - a country that knows nothing about heroes - (a few years ago, the main cemetery in Georgetown also functioned as a garbage dump site and graves disappeared) - could not recommend Sir Clive, far less congratulate and celebrate with him.

Yours Faithfully, Professor Kean Gibson

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 07

Venezuela become major buyer of Guyana rice again Venezuela has become one of the biggest overseas buyer of rice again.

‌country earned US$222M last year in exports to 35 countries

T

he Guyana Rice Development Board's 2019 export report has revealed that US$222.7 million was earned through the export of rice to more than 35 countries in that year alone.

The export value for 2019 represents an increase of 20% when compared to the revenue earned from the export in 2018 (US $186 million), according to the GRDB. According to the board, some 526,617 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice byproducts were exported in 2019 compared with 470,312 tonnes in 2018, an increase of 12%.

The greatest amount of exports went to Latin American countries, with Venezuela being the largest buyer of rice from Guyana

for 2019 with 177,682 tonnes (34% of all exports).

Second to Venezuela was Portugal with a total of 61,873 tonnes of rice being exported there, representing 12% of the total amount of rice exported.

Venezuela had officially ended a rice-for-oil deal with Guyana in 2015 after the Coalition Government entered office.

However, a number of ricer millers had been shipping.

Some 69,956 tonnes (13%) valued at US $35 million were exported to CARICOM countries in 2019. Of this figure, Jamaica and Trinidad were the largest CARICOM importers, importing 32,743 tonnes and 25,417 tonnes respectively.

Guyana exported rice to ten CARICOM countries,

namely; Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Kitts, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

In addition, 214,190 tonnes of rice (41%) were shipped to the European Union in 2019, compared with 146,092 tonnes shipped in 2018, an increase of 47%. Main importing countries were Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom and Spain.

It was reported also by GRDB that 241,919 tonnes of products (46%) were exported to Latin American countries of which 177,682 tonnes were shipped to Venezuela. Other main importing countries were Cuba, Columbia, Honduras and Panama.

As it relates to export by product, white rice was the

largest export earner.

White rice accounted for 51% of the total amount of rice exported in 2019, earning US $128,105,107.

Other products exported were parboiled rice, cargo

rice, paddy and bran.

Guyana produced more than one million tonnes of paddy for 2019, making it the second highest production year for rice in Guyana.

With annual average yields increasing steadily and closing 2019 at 5.9 tonnes per hectare, production is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Guyana to soon benefit from UK anti-corruption programme via private school

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he absence of well-trained investigators in financial crimes is often deemed to be one of the biggest impediments to Guyana's attempts at arresting grand corruption.

In an effort to help change this state of affairs, UK Financial Crimes Expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington, is in talks with School of the Nations with hopes of bringing a special 'Financial Crime' training programme that is suitable for accountants, auditors, Banks and investigators within Guyana's law enforcement

bodies.

During an interview with K a i e t e u r N e w s , D r.

Sittlington noted that the programme which is currently running at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), London and Oxford Universities, and also soon to be provided to Government agencies in Malaysia and India, is organised by the Centre for International Law Enforcement.

The Centre is based within NTU's School of Social Sciences and led by several experienced professionals in the areas of Policing, Criminology and Psychology.

The programme includes Anti-Corruption; Global Trends, Issues and Resolutions; Advanced Forensic Investigations; Complex Frauds; Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering, Investigating O rg a n i s e d C r i m e a n d Terrorist Financing; Crime, Community and Neighbourhood; Applied Research Methods for Policing; and Crime Prevention.

Dr. Sittlington leads the Anti-corruption and Proceeds of Crime/Money Laundering modules. He noted that the courses build from Certificate to Masters (MSc.).

Also, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses for one day for many professionals such as lawyers, accountants, police, auditors, etc, would be available.

The Financial Crimes Expert said that the first week of each module (Five modules) is dedicated to face-to-face interaction and then the following three weeks the students are assessed.

In the final six months, the students are required to submit a dissertation on a chosen subject within the framework.

Kaieteur News understands that School of the Nations is thrilled to soon be a partner on the programme as it marries

Financial Crimes Expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington perfectly with other International programmes the school are currently offering.

When asked if he has intentions of introducing it to the University of Guyana, Dr. Sittlington said that attempts were made in this regard, but unfortunately, he received a very lackluster response.

Be that as it may, the International Consultant said

that this programme is exactly what Guyana needs while noting that there are currently no courses in Guyana which give professionals access to such International expertise.

In addition, the qualification is UK recognised. It would assist students in further introductions to other avenues of education and employment in the future.

Govt.'s inaction sets back gas to power plant by two years

T

he Coalition administration had ample opportunity to get the ball rolling on the much needed gas to power plant that would significantly reduce electricity costs.

But instead of providing the necessary approvals for ExxonMobil to move ahead with critical studies and preparatory work, the government was caught once again, sleeping at the proverbial wheel.

Making this assertion during an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday w a s A t t o r n e y - a t - l a w, Charles Ramson.

His conclusion was premised on an article this newspaper carried which featured comments from Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson on Guyana's gas potential. The government official had said ExxonMobil is able to provide 30-50 million cubic feet of natural gas which is excess from the Liza Phase One field alone.

Minister Patterson had said that this would translate to about 200 Megawatts of power, therefore being more than enough to power the entire Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) for over 15 years.

Additionally, Patterson had said that the government was aware of this gas potential since 2015, and in subsequent media interviews, had said that a

- Ramson

Opposition Member, Charles Ramson gas to power plant would have been possible for Guyana by 2021.

Ramson was quick to point out, however, that such a promise would have been possible had the approvals been given to ExxonMobil since 2018. But since that did not occur, the project has been set back by two years.

In this regard, he reminded t h a t t h e v e r y E n e rg y Department, by its own admission, had told the media fraternity that bringing gas to shore would only be possible until 20232024.

The Petroleum Academic said, “I know for a fact that they needed to give ExxonMobil the approvals by the end of 2018 so that they could go ahead with the

preparatory work. These things take several months, for example, you have the Environmental Impact Assessment which would take some time...These and other critical works are at a standstill.”

He added, “This means that the project has been pushed back by two years and Guyanese who don't have their electricity paid for them like the Minister does are going to continue paying one of the highest electricity rates in the region.”

The Opposition Member was adamant that what is being displayed by the government amounts to negligence. He commented that if the government was really serious about improving the electricity capacity then such a project should have been off the ground as fast as possible.

Further to this, Ramson called for the disclosure of more information regarding the gas to power plant. In this respect, he said that the citizenry needs to be aware of what financial arrangements are being considered for the project.

“Nobody has told us about what our deal is with the gas. What would be the financial arrangements?

How are we going about this? How long would it take to pay back? What economic models are being used?

These are things we need answers on,” the impassioned Opposition Member noted.

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

WHILE YOU ARE OUT CAMPAIGNING...

T

here are two things which corrupt oil companies are good at when dealing with poor, developing countries.

They are adept at lining the pockets of crooked politicians so as to obtain favourable deals and, s e c o n d l y, t h e y i n c i t e divisions so that while they are raping the country's resources, the people are too busy fighting one another to notice.

On December 22 last, Kaieteur News reported that the Republic of South Sudan has been in a state of civil war which the United Nations Human Rights Council says is fueled by oil money.

In the Report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan which was issued in March 2019, it was reported that the oil revenues, and income from other natural resources such as illegal teak logging, have continued to fund the civil war in South Sudan.

The United States Department of Commerce has designated the oil companies operating in

South Sudan as threats to the US's national security because of their role in fueling the conflict.

A peace deal was struck in 2018 between the parties to the conflict. But there is no guarantee that the peace will last or that a transitional government of national unity will emerge within the next five weeks.

The conflict in South Sudan is not unrelated to the fight for control over the countries oil resources even though this is not the prime factor for the civil war.

South Sudan's is an oil producer. And its economy, including its oil economy, has been weakened by the conflict.

Guyana should learn from the experience of South Sudan. Right now the political parties are in full campaign mode. They are cussing each other out. One side is trying to take credit for bringing oil to Guyana.

And the other side is celebrating the commencement of oil production.

Each is contending that it will do a better job at managing the country's oil

resources.

None has announced at the launch of their campaigns that they will renegotiate the terms of the production-sharing contracts which have shortchanged the country.

The supporters of the two main contestants – the APNU+AFC and the PPPC – are also oblivious to this issue.

They see the elections as determining who will control Guyana's oil wealth over the next five years but they do not seem to appreciate that there is not going to be that much to be shared around given the deals which were signed by the government with Exxon Mobil and her companies.

What really are these two parties and their supporters fighting over? The oil deal which Guyana got is among the worst that any country has ever received. And Guyana is not in the type of conflict which existed in South Sudan.

While the people of Guyana are fighting over these crumbs, the oil companies are happy because they know that the

Dem boys seh...

Greenidge got nuff time pon he hands Carl Greenidge vex bad.

He did get vex wid de Waterfalls paper when it publish how some of dem oil producing countries worse off than before dem find oil.

Of course, de Waterfalls paper had some countries in de mix dat don't produce oil.

Greenidge know de paper was wrong but wha he was more vex about was de fact dat de paper was focusing on African countries. Right away he seh de paper racist.

De paper do de research and come up wid de information. And dem boys seh in any case, even if Chinese countries or Indian countries got de same problem, reporting on de black countries don't mek de person a racist.

Dem boys done decide dat dem gon tek Greenidge hint and clear up all dem errors it had in its report.

And he smart. He seh how he send de same letter he send to de Big Market paper, he did send to de

Waterfalls paper.

Dem boys know when he send letter to de Waterfalls paper, he does send to some odda people wukking at de paper.

Dis time dem boys can tell him dat he never send dat letter. In he passion, he decide to send it to de odda paper. Dis time he send de letter to de Waterfalls paper and dem boys glad because Greenidge seh dat Jagdeo wukking together wid de paper.

Well dat is a shocker because is only de odda day Jagdeo start reading de paper although he does tell dem

reporters how he don't read it. Of course, Jagdeo did hold a press conference to criticize Greenidge and dat thing get Greenidge really vex. Jagdeo seh Greenidge wrong to call de paper racist.

But one thing got dem boys smiling.

All de years Greenidge didn't got time to write letters in de press. But he got time now. He don't have to go to parliament and he is not a Minister suh he don't have to go to wuk.

Dat is how he finding time to write all dem letters.

Talk half and wait fuh anodda Greenidge response.

country is divided and therefore less attention is going to be paid to their operations.

Right now, there has been no visual evidence produced to the public about the commencement of oil production.

All the public has been told is that production started on 20th December 2019.

There is no word as to whether anyone is out there on the rig monitoring for Guyana what is taking place.

By now the first shipment of oil should have taken place. It was said earlier that each eight to ten days there would be a shipment. Well, by now that shipment should have taken place. But no one seems interested in asking.

And as the days and weeks go by towards elections, all attention will be diverted towards the two main political parties and not towards the oil companies who are extracting the oil.

South Sudan is poor despite oil. Guyana is hoping to get rich because of oil. But if the people continue to be divided over politics, how can there be any assurance that the country's oil wealth will unite them?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Tuesday January 07, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Movie Towne, Mark Benschop and the death of Guyana I

t is simply one of life's saddest places on Planet Earth. Maybe it is the saddest. Guyana, my own country I am referring to. For the third time in less than a year, the management of MovieTowne at Turkeyen rented out the car park to hold an event in which humongous music instruments pierced the environment of several

districts in which lies M o v i e To w n e t h u s disturbing thousands of residents.

The latest episode was Sunday. The serenity of the Sunday afternoon was shattered by what in common parlance is called the boom box. No one in my compound could believe it.

Some residents called

each other enquiring what could it be because the 2019 Christmas season was dead and gone.

I live maybe less than two minutes drive from M o v i e To w n e . I d r o v e across. There was a set of young people tending to the arrangements. It was almost impossible to speak to them because of the insane

decibels.

I was informed that Massy company rented out the car park for its 2019 Christmas staff party. My initial reaction was to tell them that there are thousands of nearby residents that will be affected.

They gathered around me and decided to film my presence. One of them yelled out we will put you on Facebook. I ran my fingers through my uncombed hair and began to pose for the phone camera.

I then addressed them with the camera rolling. I informed them that they will lose the battle on Facebook when people read their case against mine.

I asked why any sane person would leave more than a dozen places where the ambience is beautiful to hold a Christmas party on a Sunday afternoon in a car park disturbing thousands of residents.

As soon as I said that, one of them took the phone and said, “stop recording.” They all told me that MovieTowne owns the car park and not the people of Turkeyen and I should leave.

I left, contacted several senior police officers who soon after sent down some ranks. I did tell the officers that for an open air affair, they will need police permission.

The music was then lowered considerably. Two hours after, they turned it up and crazy decibels penetrated Tu r k e y e n , P a t t e n s e n , Liliendaal and Cummings

Lodge until midnight.

T h i s i s w h a t MovieTowne has brought to Guyana. The aberration has started. Only three events have been staged so far so it is not too late to extirpate this sarcoma.

The Guyanese people can stop it before it festers; but will it happen? The body to intervene is named the Anti-Noise Taskforce based in the Ministry of Public Security.

The committee is headed by none other than the Minister of Public Security who is on record as saying loud entertainment music must be played indoors. It consists of representatives from GRA, City Hall, the police, the fire service, Ministry of Communities, Ministry of Public Security among others.

Since the formation of that body and the Minister's statement, MovieTowne car park hosted three terrible explosions of loud music.

Here is the disturbing dimension. In all three events that I monitored, the speakers were not turned northwards but southwards.

Why? This is a stipulation of MovieTowne. You see all the commercial units and restaurants and cinemas are located north of the car park.

The structure named MovieTowne lies to the north of the car park. So the music will affect patrons there if the speakers face north. The residents of the nearby districts become expendable.

This is where this country

Frederick Kissoon has lost the energy and protest of Mark Benschop. The owner of MovieTowne lives in a resplendent mansion in Trinidad in a secluded suburb. No one disturbs him with loud music. Benschop would have rented out a mobile pushcart, the type that sells CDs all over Georgetown and go right outside the home of the CEO for MovieTowne and Massy company and unleash those decibels.

He would have been arrested. He would have spent the night in the lock-up and the next day he is outside their homes again.

I will end on an irony but then again, Guyana lives an ironic existence. Massy supermarket in the MovieTowne compound has a “save the environment” policy. They do not give you plastic bags for your purchases.

You either have to a buy an environmentally friendly green shopping bag for $500 or carry your purchases openly in your hands as I and other customers do. But isn't noise nuisance a violation of the environment? So what is my prediction? The madness will go. This is dead Guyana.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 13

Bodies in hotel room…

Female threatened to poison children relatives disclosed that the woman told her two children that she would feed them a poisonous substance.

According to relatives, Nandram was married before and bore two children in that union. The children's father resides in the US while the children stay with

By Shikema Dey

A

s police work to ascertain a motive behind the suspected suicide of an East Coast Demerara couple, new developments are coming to the forefront.

Kaieteur News was told that the young woman had threatened her two children days before reportedly ingesting a poisonous substance with her boyfriend.

The bodies of 26-yearold Kevin Vishal Singh, of Lot 18 Agriculture Road, Tr i u m p h , E a s t C o a s t Demerara, and 25-year-old Subrina Nandram, called Priya, of Block 8' Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, were discovered late Sunday by employees at the Aracari Hotel and Resort, in a locked bedroom.

The couple reportedly booked the room on Saturday and was scheduled to check out the next day. But Singh had indicated that they will be staying an extra night. The man was said to

Dead: Kevin Vishal Singh have told the receptionist that he would be coming to pay for the extra night soon.

But around 15:00 hrs, Singh had still not paid the bill. Calls were made again to the couple's room. This time, they went unanswered.

Checks were made at the room and hotel employees found the door locked.

Security personnel were then summoned to force the door open. On entering, staffers saw a green liquid on the bed, and on an area on the

Dead: Subrina Nandram floor leading to the bathroom. They then found Singh and Nandram's bodies in the bathtub.

Family members of the couple are baffled as to a reason why the young couple would want to take their own life.

But Subrina Nandram's

Commissioner General should dispose of vehicles to maximise revenues - Auditor General

I

n a recent Auditor General report, the findings stressed the distribution of vehicles and other items that could have garnered a large sum of revenue.

The report also made reference to the persons who were awarded vehicles and other items. The distribution of at least two vehicles was somehow assigned to various Government a g e n c i e s instead of to the highest bidder that was approved by the Commissioner General.

This drew attention to the cases where the revenues could have been maximised.

Instead, items and vehicles were sold to persons who are not bidders.

It was understood that the Commissioner General makes provisions for him to distribute the items in any manner as he may direct.

Although he is deemed fit to do so it was advised that it should be done with the intention of maximising the revenues.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has two states of disposing vehicles

“Want of Entry” and “Seized Motor Vehicle,” These are by way of sealed bidders after the said vehicles are placed on the official gazette and subsequently advertised if claims were not made during the mandated claim period.

Interested bidders then have the opportunity to examine the assets before submitting their actual bids.

The award then goes to the highest bidder whose bid is equal to or above an amount that is sufficient to pay all duties, expenses, rent and charges in a fair and transparent manner.

However those were not the cases with the vehicles that were previously sold at the GRA. In few obscene cases recalled, a Honda ATV was sold to an individual by the authority for approximately $161,000 when a sealed bid was made by a bidder for the sum of $285,000.

Earlier in the year the GRA invited sealed bids for the purchase of 34 vehicles.

This raised concerns after they were disposed without being sold to any successful

bidders. There was reference to the 71 vehicles the sale of which saw the GRA lose some $14.475M in revenues.

The Audit Office has also raised concerns in the past about the disposal of Want of Entry vehicles but Commissioner General (CG) Godfrey Statia had assured that the questions are routine and the procedure used has been above board in every case.

This is one matter that raises a lot of speculations among individuals.

Thorough assessments should be done during the bidding process and while the purchase is being made to ensure a clean and fair process.

Steps must also be taken to ensure the money goes exactly to Guyana's revenue, for these revenues contribute to fair share to the health and other major sectors in the national economy.

GRA has maintained the concept of the authority needed to engage in practices that enable the flow of maximum revenues where the matters of bidding are concerned.

Nandram's parents in Mon Repos.

It was said that for Christmas, the two children went to spend three weeks with their mother and upon returning, the older child told his grandparents that his mother told them that she would 'give them poison to

drink'.

Family members are still reeling from the shock of the incident and cannot understand why the couple would commit such an act since no one object to their relationship.

Meanwhile, an autopsy is still to be conducted.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Magistrate seeking paper Sharma vs. Sharma… committal in La Penitence Govt. upset over leak of Market shootout case Auditor General report

P

olice Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, y e s t e r d a y indicated to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that the file, in relation to the shootout at La Penitence Market three months ago, is complete.

Investigations were launched into reports by the witnesses who claimed that they are fearful of testifying against Lashawn Lewis and Renard Caesar who are currently on remand for attempting to murder Teon “Spoil Child” Allen.

It was the statements from these investigations, which were presented to the court.

Following a few setbacks from the parties being present in court, the matter was transferred to Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The new magistrate to the case then informed the parties that she would like to do the case by paper committal and that the file will be sent to the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on same.

The matter was adjourned to February 11, 2020 for a report on the advice from the DPP. Lewis and Caesar were jointly charged with attempting to murder Allen, a former policeman. It is alleged that on October 5, last, at La Penitence, (continued on page 23)

- $250M in fuel cannot be verified

T

Renard Caesar

Teon 'Spoil Child' Allen

Lashawn Lewis

he Coalition Government has expressed concern that the Auditor General report of 2018 has been leaked.

The report was handed over to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, late last year and was supposed to have been laid in during one of the sittings so that it will become public.

However, there have been no sittings of the National Assembly as a result of the political situation stemming from the December 21, 2018 noconfidence motion.

The report to the Speaker was supposed to have been placed under lock and key.

However, over the weekend, a copy of the report surfaced.

Excerpts of the reports have been published in a number of newspapers, including Kaieteur News, and online.

Yesterday, Minister with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, in a sharp rebuke, was critical of the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma.

“The Auditor General needs to explain how is it that the 2018 Auditor General Report that is not yet a public document is being used by some for electioneering purposes to highlight the negative

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma findings of the Auditor General on government projects.” The report itself has revealed that over $800M in payment vouchers from ministries and other state entities were not produced to state auditors for verification.

Auditors found some other problems.

Employment costs were over-budgeted for 2018.

“In this regard, the 10 administrative regions expenditure amounted to $17.088 billion for 13,112 staff. According to the National Estimates, the total funds available under employment costs totaled $17.109 billion for a staff complement of 12,211. This represents 901 staff more than was budgeted for and $21.830M under the

Minister Jaipaul Sharma budgeted expenditure.”

Auditors also found that Regions One, Eight and Nine continued to have severe shortcomings with respect to the purchase, reconciliation and storage of fuel.

“In this regard, sums of $163.673M, $62.455M and $46.399M respectively were expended for these regions, with Regions One and Nine purchasing fuel in excess of their storage capacity, and Region Eight purchasing fuel on a credit basis.”

In addition, the report disclosed, balances to reflect fuel on hand, reconciliations of payments made against the fuel and lubricants received, and inadequate stores records impeded the verification of the accuracy of the amounts expended.”

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

NCN gives Coalition Govt. 1 hour campaign coverage, PPP gets 1 minute

S

tate-owned television and radio broadcasting corporation, the National Communications Network (NCN), has come under heavy criticism after there was a significant time difference in the Facebook live streams between the two major parties' campaign launches.

NCN live streamed more than an hour of the Coalition's campaign launch, which took place on Friday at D'Urban Park.

However, on Sunday when the People's Progressive Party/ Civics' (PPP/C) launched its campaign, NCN only awarded a measly minute and a half of their Facebook live stream.

The NCN, and by extension the Government, left much to be pondered regarding the use of stateowned media.

When the current Government was in the opposition prior to 2015, it relentlessly advocated for fair and balanced news coverage of their events.

Kaieteur News reached

out to the Chairman of NCN, Enrico Woolford, and he defended why the Coalition was awarded more coverage.

He argued that NCN is broadcasting and not a telecommunications agency.

As such, he said it is only responsible for its frequencies, those being 100.1 Fresh FM, 102.5 (Voice of Guyana), 98.1Hot FM, and on television, C h a n n e l 11 — a n d n o t telecommunication platform like a Facebook live stream.

Woodford referenced the Broadcasting Act of Guyana where he explained that, “broadcasting means the transmission of any programme whether or not encrypted and whether or not actually received, by wire or

wireless medium or technology for reception by all or part of the general public, but does not include telecommunications.”

“I am concerned with whether NCN covers broadcasts of events of a newsworthy nature and not the live streaming… As far as I am concerned, the live stream does not fall under the Broadcasting Act, but i n s t e a d t h e Telecommunications Act. “A telecommunication service is different from that of a broadcasting service and NCN only offers a broadcasting service,” he argued.

“As long as we have content that is clear, that is balanced, that is objective

and if the Board of NCN has indicated the same thing, then that information shall be carried on the frequencies that have been allocated by NCN by the broadcasting agency so that all of Guyana and the rest of the world can get it,” he said.

Woolford was keen to note that Parliament has dissolved so extra consideration has to be given to anyone deriving itself from the parliament, such as the political opposition.

“One has to consider whether it is still as newsworthy as it ought to be, because they derive their power from there,” he added.

President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Nazima Ragubhir, stated that

the issue of coverage by state media during this campaigning season has not yet been discussed by the association.

However, she added that access to state media for coverage is something that ought to be discussed by key persons who are involved.

“What is happening now is the same thing that happened when the current government was in the opposition.

Clearly, this shouldn't happen again … “ T h e G u y a n a Broadcasting Authority should provide some amount of information on state media covering all political parties; it's not just about the major political parties.”

Fire destroys three homes in separate incidents Bath Settlement house

Y

e s t e r d a y morning, three minors were rescued by heroic neighbours after the home they were in alone caught fire at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

Reports are that the three

children were left alone in the home while their parents were several doors away.

It was the smoke emanating from the house that sparked the alarm that sent neighbours running over and rescuing the children.

It is unclear how the fire started but the entire twostorey wooden building was reduced to ashes. The parents have been detained by the police.

In another incident in Cumberland Village, East Canje Berbice a two-storey

wooden building was completely destroyed by fire yesterday morning around 10:30.

Kaieteur News understands that a teenager ( 1 5 - y e a r- o l d ) a n d h e r younger sibling were left home alone when the inferno

began. Their parents were at work.

It was the neighbours who managed to tame the blaze and moved the children to safety until the fire tender arrived.

According to a senior police source, the children were playing with matches which caused the blaze to start.

Meanwhile, at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam on S u n d a y, a h o m e w a s completely destroyed after an electrical fan overheated and caught onto a combustible item which blew up.

The caretaker of the home was nowhere to be located. The owner of the home resides in Canada.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Education Minister commissions two ...Canal Bank Primary new schools in Region One receives boat and engine

O

n the day that schools reopened across the country after the Christmas holidays, Minister of Education Dr. N i c o l e t t e H e n r y commissioned two new schools in Region One (Barima-Waini) and also visited a number of schools as is customary on the resumption of classes.

The two schools that were commissioned are Port Kaituma Primary Annex, located at Canal Bank some four miles from Central Port Kaituma; and White Water Nursery Annex located at White Water.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports and Culture, Dr. George Norton, were present for the commissioning of both institutions.

The Education Minister said that her visit to the region was 'two-fold' since aside from commissioning the schools, she wanted to meet with teachers and students across Region One. It is against this background that prior to the commissioning, Dr. Henry visited North West Secondary and Mabaruma Nursery schools to personally thank the teachers for the work they do continuously. She also wished the children a successful school term.

Addressing the importance of the new structures, Minister Henry said that it is imperative for all involved in the education delivery process to work collectively to ensure the reduction in the disparity that exists between schools on the coast and those located in the hinterland.

She noted that a conducive

learning environment will bring about the educational outcomes that are necessary to mould 21st-century students who will be able to compete and function on a global level.

Minister Henry said that it will take a collective approach by the school, parents, the community and the Ministry of Education to maximise the use of the new edifice.

The Education Minister reminded those gathered of the Decade of Development spoken about by President David Granger and that this development has commenced and that it is education that will be the cornerstone for this initiative.

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, said that the children who will benefit are living in an exciting time. Minister Norton is of this view since according to him, such modern facilities outfitted with modern sanitary and other facilities was unheard of in times past.

Minister Norton, expressing similar sentiments as the Minister of Education, believes that the region is poised to achieve great things.

He said that more trained teachers are now teaching in the region even as more are being trained to ensure every child is exposed to quality education.

The two schools were built at a combined cost of just over $20M. In the case of the school at Canal Bank, it was noted that children in the immediate and catchment areas will no longer have to trek some four to five miles to attend the Port Kaituma Primary school.

The school also received a boat and engine that were handed over by Ministers Norton and Henry.

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Woman stabbed to death on birthday over thieving monkey row

A

Plaisance shop owner was stabbed to death just after midnight on Sunday allegedly by her 57year-old next door neighbour, Samuel Cummings.

The dead woman was identified as 54-year-old Sharon Burnette, of Graham Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. The woman would have been celebrating her 54th birthday the very day she died.

The motive behind the woman's untimely death was a bizarre story where Cummings accused the woman of sending her pet monkey over to his house to steal his money.

Relatives disclosed to police that on Friday last, he came over to the woman's shop in a rage and accused her of commanding her pet monkey to steal his money.

But according to them, the woman does not own a pet monkey, and stated that the stray animal would usually enter everyone's home.

The two parties had a heated exchange of words,

The shop where Burnette was stabbed which ended with the suspect threatening to kill Burnette.

Relatives stated that Burnette thought nothing of the threat but was encouraged to make a report at the police station. On Sunday evening, the woman entered her shop located in front of her home as is customary to sleep.

It was said that the suspect who was intoxicated at the time of the stabbing, lit an old fridge situated at the side of the shop to gain the woman's attention. When she stepped outside to investigate, he dealt her a single stab wound to the neck causing her to collapse.

Burnette's brother who resided with her, was alerted

to the commotion and found his sister lying motionless in a pool of blood near her shop.

The police were immediately summoned to the scene and they arrested the suspect who reportedly returned to his yard behaving in a disorderly manner.

Burnette was escorted to the Georgetown Public

Dead: Sharon Burnette Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post mortem examination was conducted yesterday by State pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh and the cause of death was given as stab wound to

the neck. The wound was said to be four inches wide.

The suspect was reportedly a convicted murder who was released on parole.

Investigations are continuing.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday January 07, 2020

St. Joseph Mercy launches its own branded medications T

he St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) is now offering medications under its own brand name, assuring quality and authenticity.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Deborrah Ramsay, said that the institution started the year of its 75th Anniversary by launching SJMH-branded paracetamol and low-dose aspirin tablets.

It will move soon to include other drugs. Next on the list is a cough syrup.

According to Ms. Ramsay, when she began her tenure at the hospital, she thought that the then 70-year-old health institution could raise the level of its service to patients even further by having its own branded drugs.

To this end, she engaged the hospital's Pharmacy Manager/Chief Pharmacist, Mr. LeAndre Charles to find out how this could be achieved.

Mr. Charles said he was excited to take up the challenge and Chirosyn Discovery, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, was selected to help prepare the first SJMH-branded paracetamol and aspirin tablets. “ We c h e c k e d C h i r o s y n Discovery's background and capabilities and were happy and confident that they can produce these two drugs for us at the standard that we want,” Mr. Charles said.

He added, “It's not only about the launch of products with Mercy's logo, but it's also a launch of products that have the drug efficacy and the drug safety that we want our patients to receive.

So every patient who will receive these drugs is assured that what is in the bottle and what is on the box is what they will be getting.” Mr. Charles explained that the SJMH-branded medications represent a significant

Chief Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager at SJMH, Mr. LeAndre Charles; Managing Director of Chirosyn Discovery, Ms. Tarlika Persaud; Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SJMH, Ms. Deborrah Ramsay; and the institution's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Enoch Gaskin after announcing the launch of the branded medications.

step forward for the hospital in light of the global problem of counterfeit medications.

“There is a large percentage of drugs on the global market that don't meet the required standards.

Guyana is no exception.

The volume of this trade is estimated to be US$10Bln. “So when this happens, patients suffer; patients do not recover.

“Having formed an alliance with Chirosyn, we negated the

opportunity of having falsified drugs as it relates to these two products. So we are extremely happy to launch the Chirosyn brand along with SJMH.” He said that patients are assured of the best medicinal care when they go to SJMH. Chirosyn Discovery's Managing Director, Ms. Talika Persaud noted that SJMH is the first and only hospital that her company has trusted enough to put

Chirosyn's endorsement on the medication packaging.

She said that the drugs bearing the Chirosyn and SJMH logo have been tested and meet Canadian drug standards.

Ms. Persaud described it as a

proud moment for Chirosyn Discovery to be able to work with SJMH. Ms. Ramsay said that the introduction of the Mercy branded drugs is only the beginning of what the institution has planned for its 75th anniversary year.

GPHC has waiting list of 100...

From page 11 for being so generous,” said Dr. Bobb-Semple.

Having been exposed to specialised training in Tanzania, Dr. BobbSemple is one of the ophthalmologists at the public hospital who will be performing this surgery.

“Tanzania has a population of about 50M people...I was able to have quite a lot of exposure and experience working with senior doctors in that country [Tanzania], who have been trained even out of Tanzania, in order to offer this type of surgery to patients in Guyana,” said Dr. Bobb-Semple.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 19

Winning regional entrepreneurs Showcase businesses at awards Ceremony

I

n a recent awards closing ceremony, nine overall winners of the regional Caribbean Tech Entrepreneurship Programme (CTEP) were named in Barbados. The event was attended by the judges, special guests and the local media.

With a special display of their goods and services, guests were also able to interact with the start-ups who explained how they intend to operate in their chosen niches.

CTEP, funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and facilitated

by Orbit Innovation, seeks to stimulate technology entrepreneurship and provides new business opportunities for youth in CDB's 19 Borrowing Member Countries, by connecting start-ups and entrepreneurs with expert regional facilitators and mentors.

Nearly 150 start-ups applied and 90 received a coveted spot in the threemonth virtual programme.

They were required to attend relevant business workshops and assigned supportive mentors.

They were placed into three distinct groups: Ideation, Validation and Scale-Up consisting of 50, 30 and 10 participants r e s p e c t i v e l y. Vi r t u a l working was a key component of CTEP and in

Francine Leitch at podium with (from left) Daniel Best, Troy Weekes and Lucinda Robinson

preparation for the semifinals, each start-up was required to submit pitch decks, demo videos and presentations, online.

Nearly two dozen startups reached the finals. Nine were selected as the overall winners in their categories.

The final scores were a combination of their CTEP participation, attendance and grades reviewed by a remote panel of regional and international judges with technical, business development and investor backgrounds.

First place winner in the Validation category is an allfemale led team, Guyana Animation Network Inc., (GAN), a non-profit that creates multiple levels of connectivity for the creative community by teaching Guyanese children and youth, animation and digital media. Since 2016, it has improved the lives of over 300 young people who experience limited access to creative and digital skills training and the resources needed to navigate the advancing digital world.

Francine Leitch, who represented the team at the ceremony said: “To further amplify the impact we have made over the last three years, it is compulsory that we are equipped with the skills and tools necessary to improve our operations.

“As such, we were grateful for the opportunity

to be accepted into CTEP and emerge as winners, establishing Guyana's presence among the Caribbean tech community and winners.”

She further added, “Our involvement in this programme will foster the growth of our start-up through the invaluable lessons learnt, resources shared, and relationships made.

“We are thankful for the Caribbean Development Bank, Orbit Innovation, facilitators, judges, and mentors, who have provided support and services to

improve and transform what we have now successfully validated.”

In his address at the ceremony, Daniel Best, Director of the Projects Department of Caribbean Development Bank applauded Orbit Innovation for facilitating CTEP and its willingness to step outside the box by designing and implementing projects that stimulate technology entrepreneurship in the Caribbean.

He stated: “We are entering the final decade in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and

Murder accused jailed three years for armed robbery

T

ravis Evans, who had pleaded guilty to raping a woman back in 2010, was yesterday sentenced to three years' imprisonment on an armed robbery charge.

The 25-year-old's guilty plea to the rape charge was struck out by Justice Simone Morris Ramlall after the court was informed that Evans indicated that he felt pressured into doing so. This means that the accused will go on trial for the offence at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara assizes.

State Prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Nafeeza Baig presented the October 30, 2010 charge against Evans which stated that at Georgetown, he engaged in sexual penetration of a woman without her consent and without reasonably believing that she consented.

The robbery indictment states that

on the same day, Evans and two other men, John Sampson and Alex Williams, while armed with a knife, robbed a woman of $650,000 in cash.

Evans, also known as “Short Boss” formerly of 'C' Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is on remand for the murder of 21-year-old Ronsley Clarke, a mason of Timehri, East Bank Demerara on August 2, 2018. Based on reports, Clarke was partying with his girlfriend at a shop in Sophia when he was shot and killed.

Evans is also on remand for the murder of 46-year-old Legal Clerk, Gregory 'Wayne' Frank, the man, who was discovered dead on August 3, 2018 at his Kuru Kururu, Linden Highway home. His body was found in his living room, face down, with his arms folded under him and his face tilted to the right.

The lower part of Frank's body lay on the carpet while the man's upper body

MURDER ACCUSED: Travis Evans was on a tiled area, with coagulated blood around the head.

He died as a result of asphyxiation due to compression injuries to the neck compounded by blunt trauma to the head, according to Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh. Evans was among the inmates who broke out of the Lusignan Prisons in 2018.

for the region to be able to accomplish the ambitious goals it has set to improve the lives of Caribbean people, it will need to fully and capably embrace digital innovation. “CDB has continued to push for the Caribbean to unlock economic transformation through digital innovation and we fully support CTEP in its virtual incubator and accelerator programme.

“These start-ups serve as evidence of CTEP's, efficient, effective and

innovation-focused approach to the development of micro, small and mediumsized enterprises.

“We have observed the gruelling processes to identify the best firms with the right DNA, innovative ideas and the capacity to adapt and grow.

“This is critical, when we consider that most of our regional economies are struggling to achieve meaningful and sustained economic growth above two percent.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Linden man jailed for sexual activity with underage girl

A

Wismar, Linden m a n w a s yesterday sent to prison for 20 years for engaging in sexual activity with an underage girl.

The man, Keon Lawson, was found guilty on two counts of the offence by a 12person jury last December.

He returned to court yesterday before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall for the presentation of a probation report and sentencing.

Between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014, in the County of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a sixyear-old girl. It was further alleged that on October 6, 2017 in the County of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with the same girl when she turned nine.

Justice Morris-Ramlall imposed an 18-year prison term on the first charge; a 20year jail sentence was imposed on the second

charge. The judge ordered that the sentences are to run concurrently.

Kaieteur News understands that between November 1, 2014 and November 30, 2014, Lawson went over to the girl's home where she was alone watching television. Lawson held onto the six-year-old girl and covered her mouth with his hand. He then pulled down her underwear and had sex with her. He continued to violate the girl, this time,

when she turned nine.

On October 6, 2017, the girl was sent by her mother to Lawson's home to collect some chicken that was stored in a freezer.

At the time, he was alone at home.

When the girl was about to leave, he blocked the doorway and then threw her onto a chair where he had sex with her. The child later confided to her class teacher about what happened. The teacher summoned the child's parents and the police were called in to probe.

In a probation report, which was read to the court, the victim related that ever since the incident, she has been having issues socialising, especially with persons of the opposite sex.

In fact, she told the probation officer that her father is the only male she trusts.

During a plea in mitigation, Lawson's lawyer, George Thomas, begged the court to be lenient with his client. The lawyer asked the court to consider that his client was only 20 years of age when he committed the

offence.

Furthermore, Thomas told the court that there is a high chance of Lawson being rehabilitated.

However, State Prosecutors Nafeeza Baig and Teriq Mohamed asked the court to consider the nature and circumstances under which the offence was committed. Prosecutor Baig pointed out that Lawson's act was recurring, and that he breached a position of trust.

The prosecutor further highlighted that the young girl was robbed of her innocence at a very tender age.

In handing down the custodial sentences, Justice Morris-Ramlall considered the prevalence of sexual offences in society. In fact, she alluded to the number of cases emanating from Linden that has been before her court.

Like the prosecutor, the Judge also noted that the young girl was violated on more than one occasions.

Also, the Judge found that Lawson showed no genuine remorse.

JAILED: Keon Lawson According to her, at the announcement of the guilty verdict, Lawson expressed that he was sorry; however, in the probation report, he maintained that he was innocent of the crimes.

Apart from the jail terms, the Judge ordered that Lawson is to undergo counselling quarterly for those who have been convicted of sexual offences.

GWI worker charged with murder

A

n employee of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) was yesterday remanded to prison after he allegedly stabbed a man to death following a dispute over a woman with whom they both once shared a relationship.

Nigel Thomas appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to have the charge read to him.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which read that on December 30, 2019 at Guyhoc, Georgetown, Thomas murdered Kyle Chase.

The accused was represented by Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson. The lawyer told the court that Thomas is a 20year-old resident of 136 James Street Albouystown.

The attorney mentioned that during the incident, his client received a wound to the head and stitches to the wound while a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He further claimed that since Thomas was arrested, he did not receive medical attention and as a result he suffers from headaches.

Thompson also said that his client denies killing the deceased and has no recollection of committing the act.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield stated that the parties are known to each other as at separate times they were both involved in a relationship with a young lady.

On the day in question, about 23:00hrs the accused, the victim and others found themselves at the home of the young lady.

During that time, an argument erupted which subsequently led to a fight.

Nigel Thomas The deceased received a stab wound to the neck and other parts of his body. Thomas also received injuries as a result of the fight.

The court heard that Thomas received a wound to the head which was allegedly done with a beer bottle. The court was further told that the accused reportedly used a motorcycle, which is in police custody, to get to the scene of the incident.

Both parties were taken to the hospital and Chase was pronounced dead on arrival while Thomas was admitted to receive treatment.

Chief Magistrate McLennan then ordered that the motorcycle be photographed and returned to the family of the accused before she remanded him to prison and adjourned the matter to January 28, 2020.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 21

GPHC has waiting list of 100 for surgery to fight diabetic retinopathy

C

aused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyes known as the retina, diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that affects the eyes.

Although this condition is especially common, Ophthalmologist Arlene BobbSemple said its onset presents with little to no signs or symptoms thus making screening especially important.

Moreover, persons with Type One diabetes should have their eyes screened for diabetic retinopathy within three to five years of being diagnosed, and those with Type Two diabetes should be similarly screened within the very year of their diagnosis.

Speaking on Kaieteur Radio's Monday, January 6, 2020 edition of Your Health Matters, Dr. Bobb-Semple, who works out of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC']s Ophthalmology Department, made reference to the prevalence of the disease.

“It is very common; over a period of 20 years, studies have shown that 99 percent of patients with Type One diabetes will develop some amount of diabetic retinopathy and 60 percent of patients who have Type Two diabetes over the course of 20 years will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy as well,” the doctor shared.

In addition to being diabetic, risk factors for diabetic retinopathy include poorly controlled blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In fact, Dr. Bobb-Semple, in referencing a major study – The UK Diabetic Prospective Study – conducted in the United Kingdom in the 1980s, said that it was found that intensive blood pressure control would reduce the progression of diabetic retinopathy and also reduce the risk of other complications of diabetes.

M o r e o v e r, t h e O p h t h a l m o l o g i s t underscored the crucial need for persons diagnosed with diabetes to work towards reducing their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy by controlling their blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

This is possible through healthy lifestyle choices and the use of medication.

Turning her attention to cholesterol, Dr. Bobb-Semple said that a high cholesterol

who have retinal pathologies.”

Those eligible for this surgery, she disclosed, could include patients who have the proliferative [advanced] stage of diabetic retinopathy, those with retinal detachment and other retinal conditions such as macular holes and bleeding in the eye either from diabetic retinopathy or other causes.

Ophthalmologist Arlene Bobb-Semple level could increase the potential of longterm vision loss.

“Studies have shown that in diabetic patients those who have high cholesterol have higher rates of swelling in the back of the eyes. Pregnancy is also associated with worsening of diabetic retinopathy...women who are diabetics before pregnancy and also women who would have developed diabetes with pregnancy, [gestational diabetes],” Dr. Bobb-Semple disclosed.

Although the GPHC already has the capacity to treat diabetic retinopathy, the ophthalmologist said that this will soon be enhanced with the donation of a vitreo-retinal surgery suite. Compliments of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the “generous” donation, Dr. Bobb-Semple said will save hundreds of Guyanese the financial impact by virtue of them being able to access this surgery free of cost at the GPHC. Patients, the ophthalmologist revealed, have paid as much as $1M to travel overseas just to have access to this surgical procedure in the past.

With the vitreoretinal surgery capacity, Dr. Bobb-Semple said that, “GPHC now has an advantage over the other [hospitals] even the private institutions in that they will be the first to offer this type of advanced ophthalmological surgical care for patients

Igloo ice-cream customers win cash!

E

ighteen lucky Igloo customers will start the New Year with extra money in their pockets after winning a total of $180,000 in cash in the Igloo Cash Reward promotion.

The winners' names were pulled at three drawings held last week at Igloo outlets located at the East Bank Public Road, Stabroek Market and Enmore, East Coast Demerara with winners for the months of November and December.

Marketing and Promotion Supervisor at

Sterling Products Limited, Mr. Dellon Lynch, explained that the customers who shopped at any Igloo outlet in November and December had the opportunity to submit their names for a chance to win cash for the holidays.

Mr. Lynch added that while this is the first 'Igloo Cash Reward' initiative, the company has consistently held promotions to reward customers.

He added that by supporting the Igloo brand, “You win both ways. You get the best ice-cream plus you win cash for the holidays.”

He continued, “Sterling is all about giving back to its

customers because we love you and we want you to have the best. Also, we want you to enjoy yourself. We want to see more and more persons winning.”

The winners of $15,000 cash awards are Candaice Ames, Malikai Boodhill, Keshia Radlins, Carol Jordan, Jaclin Blair and Manawattie Badrinarain.

The $10,000 winners are D. Dannet, Laurel Boodie, Claire Johnson, Marlon King and Entini James.

Meanwhile, the six winners of $5000 each are Hermenie Pellew, Nandanie John, Richard Lovell, Nneka Bentick, Janet Mayers and Joeann Jackson.

Already the hospital has a waiting list of almost 100 patients who will be among the first batch to access this surgery at the GPHC. “Soon and very soon, they will be able to have it [vitreoretinal surgery] done for free at the Georgetown Public Hospital so we are extremely grateful to the Latter Day Saints (continued on page 18)

PAGE 22

FOR RENT One bedroom & three bedroom apts for rent in Providence,Fully furnished.Call#672-1906/2162299/682-6238.

SERVICES Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

FOR SALE One Welding Generator Lincoln 10,000 watts 20HP. Contact#699-4300/228-2734.

Lot 14 - 10,204 Sq ft Ph#2642948/615-2270.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Commercial Space.Linden #613-7039.

One two bedroom house to let $60,000 per month.Call#6939999.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Apartments for rent at Nandy Park.Recently renovated,free wifi.Call#641-3318.

1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.6M Neg.Call #649-0956.

(1)Bedroom Furnished Apartment, Fully secure for students in Charlestown $70,000. #625-0266/601-1585/ 225-1418

Nissan Sylphy 2014 and 2016, low mileage, fog lamps, backup camera, $3.75M neg.

614-6948.

Snackette for rent at Bourda Market. Call: 226-0450 for details

EDUCATION

CAR RENTAL

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL& TOW TRUCK SERVICE :PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE .#698-7807 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561/681-2808

WANTED One Experienced Jeweller.

Must be able to work unsupervised.Call#657-3982.

2 cooks wanted. Call: 6238654. 8-4pm.

Live-in maid, wanted between the age of 40-55. Call: 658-0618 VACANCY Vacancies exists for Truck Drivers and Loader Operator.

Contact - 233-2773/4 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area.Call#615-9132.

Driver must be able to assist in Workshop at Eccles, age 25-45, Car/Van license.

Call#642-9823.

Room Attendant,Desk staff 25-50 Years old.233 South Road Lacytown/225-0198.

Drivers with tractor,motor bus, minibus.Must have all three licences preferably living around Georgetown.

641-5075/225-1429/624-1147.

Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#223-4172/6396648.

Puri cooks , Kitchen Assistants.Apply@Shantas 225 Camp Street, G/town.

Vacancy for experienced female Accouints Clerk.Must have passes in Mathematics and English.Apply in Person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb str Bourda

(1) Live in domestic for Georgetown.Boys & Girls to work at shop in the Interior.Contact#660-9093/ 682-5846.

Small space suitable for Restaurant in Georgetown.

Call#610-3988.

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643-5122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N TA L @YAHOO.COM

Man crushed to death by tractor A Linden resident was on Saturday crushed to death after falling off a tractor.

He was identified as Rondell Jacobs. The incident occurred at 72 miles Kaburee Main Access Trail at around 22:00hrs. The tractor was being driven by a teen of Greenwich Park Parika, Essequibo at the time of the accident.

According to reports received, a tractor operator of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, and the teen and others left 58 miles Potaro with the said tractor en route to 72 Miles Potaro.

While on the journey, the men imbibed and on the arrival at 72 miles about 17:00 hrs, they met Jacobs and another man. The party then joined the journey and they ventured to a shop and began drinking.

The teen claimed that when everyone got intoxicated hours later, he drove the

tractor without permission and they left the bar heading back to 72 Miles Potaro.

It was said that Jacobs was standing on the left side foot board of the tractor and the other two occupants were sitting on the fuel tank at the back.

According to the teen driver, upon arrival at a junction, he took a right turn but due to the unevenness of the road, the tractor tilted left causing Jacobs to fall off the tractor and onto the roadway.

He subsequently drove over the deceased and stopped some distance away.

When police found the body, Jacobs sported an open laceration to the left side of the head and bruises to the left rib area. A banks beer bottle was also found next to him.

The men were taken into police custody and are assisting with investigations.

Butcher who tried to arrest man, charged

WANTED

First Aid/CPR and home Nursing classes.Tel#2259082.St.John Association 110 Cowan St.Kingston for more info.

DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public road #2 Village W.C. B/ce 5 mins from B/ce Bridge. Contact# 686-4818/ 648-7109 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot89RobbStreet, Lacytown,Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052 TO LET Rooms tolet, 1 bedroomworking people: $30,000, $32,000,$35,000, $40,000 monthly, 2 month security.

Call: 623-0076

General Manager to work on Land Dredges in the interior with popular mining firm.Contact Imran Tel#5028587/226-9416.

Security Guards to work in the interior with popular mining firm.Tel#502-8587/226-9416.

One experience Nail Technician to share salon.Apply @ Sleeping Hotel 288 Church Str or Call 223-4611.

1 Male shop assistant to work in 2 shop in the Interior #6705583.

One girl to work in a Bar & Restaurant #693-9999.

One domestic maid.Ages 2535.Call#231-8737 Driver with Minibus License to work with Company.

Call#646-8748.

1 Driver for driving and Large washbay in 1st Street purchasing.Must have Car/ Alexander Village.Call#664- Van and Lorry licence.

0802.

Call#231-8737.

Vacancy for 1 General Domestic.Apply in Person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda.

Vacancy for Sales girl.Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Str Bourda.

Female Cleaner office & home.Call#642-9823.

Welder/Fabricator and Kitchen Assistant for Interior location.Applicants must be experienced.Call#618-2020.

Vacancy for Porters Apply in Person to Alabama Trading.65 Robb Street Bourda.

Charged: George Smith A 23-year-old butcher of A 95 East La Penitence, Georgetown, was yesterday hauled before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus, after he was charged for restraining a man, whom he tried to take control of and carry him to the Police Station.

The defendant, George Smith, a father of three, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to deny the charge which stated that on, December 22, 2019, at

Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player.Keyfood McDoom.

Pump Attendant & Cashier, shifts rotated weekly Shell Service \station Providence.

Email:Shellramsburg @gmail.com.

1 male, exp cooking on grill, multi-tasking 4pm-2am & Female Creole Cook, ECD. Spanish Speaking. #675-2550/ 656-9313

VACANCY Clerk & Domestic- Live-in facilities for Berbicians & Essequibians. #219-5354 Operators for Fishery.

Starting salary $80,000 per month. Call: 223-7165

Hadfield Street, Georgetown, he prevented Andy Gibson from going about his business, freely.

Smith is being represented by Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson. The lawyer told the court that based on the information he received, his client confronted Gibson, based on an allegation that the Gibson stole some money from Smith’s mother.

On the day in question, when the defendant approached Gibson and tried to arrest him and carry him to the Police Station, Gibson resisted. The matter was reported and the defendant was later arrested and charged for wrongful restraining.

Thompson then made a bail application for his client to be released on a reasonable amount of bail, and it was later granted by the Magistrate.

Police prosecutor Gittens made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant.

The matter was adjourned to January 27, 2020, and the defendant was granted $40,000, bail.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 23

NDC to correct work and hand bill to LBI resident

T

h e Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Better Hope/LBI will correct a land filling done by a male resident of Earls Court LBI and hand him the bill.

This is because the resident had failed to notify the NDC that he was filling a parapet with used construction materials.

The man, who operates heavy duty machines, claimed that he normally parks his low bed trailer on the parapet and felt that it was necessary to “fill it up” because the earth had become slushy.

But the chairman of the N D C , Z a m a n S h a w, explained that the resident will face penalties because of his carelessness in not notifying the NDC of his intentions.

Zaman said that the man will face several penalties.

He added that these penalties will be communicated directly to the resident in writing.

One these penalties will be to cover the costs for some amount of corrective works that will have to be carried out by the council.

The crushed concrete after the excavator had left

The resident's actions had angered his neighbours after they assumed that waste was being dumped at the side of the road.

On Saturday last whilst in Georgetown, he ordered his workers to dump the used construction materials at the site. But they were confronted by angry residents who accused them of illegal dumping.

The residents snapped photos and threatened to file a report to the NDC and police.

His workers tried to explain that they were doing some land filling exercise.

But the residents were not buying any of it and decided

The debris that was left The dumping of the used construction material at the roadside that they will report the matter anyway.

Later that afternoon, the workers returned with an excavator to crush the large

Father of 4 charged with murdering Black Bush Polder farmer over cattle accusation

A

3 3 - y e a r- o l d father of four yesterday appeared at the Whim Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Renita Singh to answer to the indictable charge of murder.

Remanded to prison is Bertram Ramnauth, 33, of Lot 88 Johanna South, Black Bush Polder.

The charge read that between December 30, 2019 and January 1, 2020 Ramnauth murdered Navin Dhuman, called “Jack”, a 36-year-old farmer of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder.

Attorney-at-law Sasha Roberts, stood in for Attorney Mursalin Bhaccus who will be representing the accused, told the court that Ramnauth does not have any previous misdemeanours and he is denying that he committed the act.

Disclosures were requested and the next court date was set for January 21.

D h u m a n w a s bludgeoned to the head allegedly by Ramnauth during a heated argument over cattle destroying his

Murdered: Navin Dhuman rice crop on December 30, 2019.

D h u m a n ' s m o t h e r, Indranie Ramjanam, had told reporters that he left home late Monday afternoon to confront a resident and to inform them about their cattle which was destroying his rice crop.

Ramjanam said, “Dem end up and argue like and then dem start beat am. Then he picks up he bicycle, and he ride away but they follow he with dem motorbike and lash am with the iron bar behind he head and start beat

Charged: Bertram Ramnauth he more”.

She added that her son, although injured reportedly dragged his bloody body to a friend's house, a distance away and they contacted her.

He was rushed to the Mibicuri Public Hospital but shortly after, was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Due to his condition, he was again moved to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Dhuman suffered internal bleeding and extensive brain damage.

pieces of concrete and proceeded to fill the parapet.

However, yesterday contact was made with the NDC to inquire if the man

was authorised to carry out any land filling exercise.

To the council's surprise, it was unaware of any land filling exercise being carried out in the Earl's Court area and immediately sent one of its superintendents to investigate.

The resident was contacted and asked if he received permission from the NDC to fill the parapet.

He replied in the negative.

He explained that he did not know that permission was needed and apologised for his action.

Magistrate seeking paper committal...

From page 14 Georgetown, they discharged a loaded firearm at Allen, with intent to commit murder.

Police had stated that there was an ongoing issue between Allen and the 'MOB Family', a gang comprising persons from Linden and French Guiana.

On the day of the shooting, Allen was reportedly purchasing vegetables from La Penitence Market, Georgetown, when the occupants of a black car drove up next to him.

Moments later, three persons exited, two of them allegedly being Lewis and Caesar.

They all carried firearms.

Several rounds were discharged in Allen's direction, but he managed to evade the bullets.

According to reports, when Allen got to a safe location, he returned fire, injuring Lewis.

The attackers ran away, leaving the injured Lewis on the scene.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, admitted under police guard and later charged.

Kaieteur News had reported that Allen had moved to Georgetown to seek refuge from the 'MOB Family', but apparently he was followed by his assailants.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Serena, Wozniacki team up to advance in Auckland doubles (Reuters) - Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki teamed up in the doubles for the first time to beat Japanese pair Nao Hibino and Makoto Ninomiya 6-2 6-4 at the Auckland Classic yesterday.

Wozniacki is set to retire after the Australian Open later this month and Williams said she wanted to partner the Dane before she hung up her racket.

“I had to play with her before she retires,” the 38year-old Williams said after the win saw the unseeded pair advance to the quarter-finals, where they could face the top seeds Caroline Dolehide and Johanna Larsson.

The Japanese duo

Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during the final against Romania’s Simona Halep.

(REUTERS/Toby Melville/Pool) struggled to deal with Williams’ powerful serve in the opening stages before they got the measure of the

American veteran to break her once.

But Williams and Wozniacki, who looked

Tuesday January 07, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Hobbies and diversions are wonderful; no one will argue this with you. But there comes a time when you use your hobbies as a way to avoid other responsibilities.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There is no question about it, Taurus, change is in the air! Perhaps you can't feel it because you have allowed yourself to become bogged down in disappointment.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) All living things benefit from your gifts, Gemini. Nurturing has always been part of your nature, and is especially so today.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) At some point, popularity becomes a burden rather than a blessing. Your bulletin board is cluttered with invitations to lectures and parties, Cancer, but your eyes begin to glaze over at the thought of attending all these events.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) We are all gullible to a certain extent. And you are no exception. You can expect to receive some financial offers today. They may come via the mail or an in-person sales pitch.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have heightened sensitivity right now, Scorpio, and you know just how to use it. While it can be difficult to be so needed by others, right now it is your place to give help where it's needed.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your warmth and good nature draw people to you like a magnet today. Of course, you're used to this occurring, but today these aspects of your character are especially enhanced.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There's no question, this has been a long time coming. But today the change you have been hoping for so long is likely to occur.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's another fortuitous day for finances, Leo, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This is a time to take care of yourself in the truest sense of the word. This doesn't mean indulging in excesses, but rather just the opposite.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You are seeing a new side of yourself today, Virgo, and what a lovely side it is! Normally so conservative, today you find yourself considering purchasing clothes with stylish details and expensive fabrics. And why not?

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) It's another potentially anxious day ahead. But you have the power to soothe your ruffled feathers. Physical activity of any sort will calm you down considerably.

Even a quick walk around the block will be of benefit.

relaxed throughout the match and even found the time to joke with each other, continued to press in the second set and wrapped up the match in 71 minutes.

Williams and Wozniacki begin their singles campaigns at Auckland today.

In yesterday’s singles matches, French eighth seed Caroline Garcia rallied to beat American Taylor Townsend 57 6-3 7-5 in a match that lasted over two-and-a-half hours.

American teenager Coco Gauff, the youngest player in the draw at 15, saw off the challenge of last year’s semifinalist Viktoria Kuzmova to advance with an impressive 6-3 6-1 victory in 61 minutes.

Sixth seed Rebecca Peterson fell to Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek 7-6(7) 7-6(5).

Turbo football resumes...

From page 29 one match remaining for the completion of the round-of16 phase and that game will be played tomorrow night when the exciting Santos under-20 clash with Black Pearl at 18:30hrs.

The following match day in the competition will be on Friday when East Coast’s Buxton under-20 will match skills with West Coast’s Pouderoyen in the first of two matches at the same venue from 19:00hrs. Friday’s feature match will see Buxton Stars being pitted with the dangerous Fruta Conquerors Youths at 21:00hrs.

The winners of the tournament will receive a top purse of $400,000, with second place bagging $200,000, third place $100,000 and fourth place $50,000.

Seahawks beat...

From page 27 running back Dalvin Cook rushed for two touchdowns to spark the Vikings to a 20-10 lead before the Saints rallied, with Wil Lutz’s 49yard field goal with two seconds left in regulation forcing overtime.

Cook, who rushed for 94 yards, had scoring runs of five and one yards, the first after New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was intercepted.

Saints backup quarterback Taysom Hill set up a fouryard touchdown run by Alvin Kamara with a 50-yard pass in the second quarter to give New Orleans a 10-3 lead.

Hill later caught a 20-yard pass from Brees in the fourth quarter to bring New Orleans within 20-17.

Brees passed for 208 yards but along with his interception also had his first fumble of the season.

The loss was a bitter one for the Saints, who last season had lost at home to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the NFC Conference Championship game.

The Saints, NFC South champions, had gone 13-3 in the regular season.

PAGE 28

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Lakers’ 20 blocks subdue Pistons Anthony Davis recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds and a season-best eight blocked shots to help the Los Angeles Lakers register a 106-99 victory over the visiting Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.

LeBron James added 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for his ninth tripledouble of the season as the Lakers won their fifth consecutive game. Los Angeles blocked 20 shots, one shy of the franchise mark set against the Denver Nuggets on April 9, 1982.

Alex Caruso scored 13 points, Dwight Howard added 11 points, nine rebounds and five blocked shots and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 10 for the Lakers. JaVale McGee swatted away six shots for Los Angeles, which shot 45.7 percent from the field and was 6 of 20 from 3-point range.

Derrick Rose scored 28 points and reserve Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk added 14 points for the Pistons, who lost for the ninth time in the past 11 games. Langston Galloway tallied 13 points, Andre Drummond had 12 points, 18 rebounds and four blocked shots, and Sekou

Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood (35) defends a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) Doumbouya and Christian Wood added 11 points apiece.

Miami Heat 122 - Portland Trail Blazers 111 Reserve point guard Goran Dragic had his first double-double of the season — 29 points and 13 assists — as Miami ran its home record to 17-1 at the expense of Portland.

Blazers point guard

Damian Lillard scored a gamehigh 34 points and added 12 assists. Portland center Hassan Whiteside, playing his first game in Miami since the Heat traded him to the Blazers in July, had 21 points, a game-high 18 rebounds and two blocks.

Miami, which never trailed and improved to 10-0 following a loss, also got 20

Ronaldo scores second-half hat-trick as Juve thump Cagliari TURIN, Italy (Reuters) Cristiano Ronaldo scored a second-half hat-trick to lead Serie A champions Juventus to a 4-0 win at home to Cagliari yesterday, taking his tally to eight goals in his last five league games.

The Portuguese pounced on a mistake in the Cagliari defence to break the deadlock four minutes after halftime before adding the second from a penalty as he scored for the fifth league game in the row. After setting up Gonzalo Higuain for the third in the 81st minute, he completed the rout by finishing off a counter-attack one minute later.

The win left Juventus top of Serie A with 45 points from 18 games, at least until Inter Milan, who are three points behind, visit Napoli in the evening match.

Ronaldo, who completed the 36th league hat-trick of his career, two more than Lionel Messi, took his tally this season to 15 goals, including 13 in Serie A. Sixth-placed Cagliari defended stubbornly in the first half, restricting Juventus to one real chance when defender Merih Demiral’s header thumped against the crossbar from a corner.

points from Bam Adebayo, 19 from Derrick Jones and 14 from Kendrick Nunn.

Los Angeles Clippers 135 New York Knicks 132 Montrezl Harrell scored 34 points, and Paul George and Lou Williams had 32 apiece as host Los Angeles defeated New York while having three players score at

least 30 points in a game for the first time in franchise history.

Williams connected on 6 of 10 3-pointers and recorded nine assists for the Clippers.

Marcus Morris Sr. led the Knicks with 38 points, hitting 6 of 7 3-pointers. RJ Barrett had 24 points, while Julius Randle added 16 points and eight rebounds.

George, who returned after missing Saturday’s defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies with a tight left hamstring, converted 5 of 6 3-pointers and 9 of 14 shots in 26 minutes. He fouled out with 7:06 remaining.

Memphis Grizzlies 121 Phoenix Suns 114 Jonas Valanciunas had eight of his team-high 30 points in a third-quarter runaway as Memphis took a big lead and held off a frantic finish by Devin Booker for a victory over host Phoenix.

Booker finished with 40 points, including 14 in the final 5:28, during which the Suns rallied from a 14-point deficit to get as close as 115112 with still 52.6 seconds to play.

Valanciunas’ 30 points came on 12-for-16 shooting,

as the Grizzlies shot 54.2 percent from the field. He also grabbed eight rebounds, tying Jaren Jackson Jr. for team-high honors.

Minnesota Timberwolves 118 - Cleveland Cavaliers 103 Gorgui Dieng collected 22 points and 13 rebounds as visiting Minnesota overcame squandering a 25-point lead to defeat Cleveland.

Shabazz Napier finished with 21 points, like Dieng hitting 8 of 10 shots from the floor. Andrew Wiggins returned from a four-game absence due to illness to match Robert Covington with 15 points for the Timberwolves, who have won four of six on the heels of an 11-game losing streak.

Dante Exum scored 24 of his career-high 28 points in the second half for the Cavaliers, who dropped their fourth straight game.

Cavaliers disgruntled forward Kevin Love was held out of Sunday’s game against his former team for rest purposes, one day after his verbal altercation with general manager Koby Altman.

(Field Level Media)

Nathan Lyon takes 5-50 as hosts win series 3-0

Australia celebrate with the Trans-Tasman trophy. (Getty Images) Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their fourth goal to complete his hat-trick. (REUTERS/Massimo Pinca) But it began to unravel for the Sardinians when Ragnar Klavan’s pass across the face of the Cagliari area was intercepted by Ronaldo who glided past goalkeeper Robin Olsen and scored into the empty net.

Giovanni Simeone headed against the crossbar for Cagliari but they were undone by more careless defending when Marko Rog tripped Paulo Dybala as he weaved his way into the area and Ronaldo sent Olsen the

wrong way from the spot.

With nine minutes left, Ronaldo sent substitute Higuain free down the left and the Argentine cut inside before scoring with a deflected shot.

One minute later, Douglas Costa burst forward and slipped the ball to an unmarked Ronaldo who placed his shot between Olsen and the near post.

Cagliari then hit the woodwork for a second time as Joao Pedro struck the post.

BBC Sport - Ross Taylor has become New Zealand’s leading Test run scorer but Australia won the third Test in Sydney by 279 runs to complete a 3-0 series victory.

The Black Caps batsman scored 22, to move to 7,174 career runs and overhaul Stephen Fleming, but when he was bowled by Pat Cummins, the tourists were 38-5, chasing an unlikely 416 to win.

David Warner had earlier hit 111 not out as Australia declared on 217-2.

Nathan Lyon took 5-50 as New Zealand were bowled out for 136.

Matt Henry was unable to

bat after suffering a broken thumb on his non-bowling hand on the opening day of the Test, but his presence would have done little to prevent Australia strolling to a series whitewash.

Resuming on 40-0, Warner pushed on to his 24th Test century to take his Australian summer tally - including the 2-0 series win over Pakistan to 786 runs at an average of 131.

Australia declared once Marnus Labuschagne, who has had an equally successful summer, scoring 896 runs at an average of 112, was out for 59.

Mitchell Starc then

removed both openers to leave New Zealand 4-2 and he finished with 3-25.

But it was spinner Lyon who again did the bulk of the damage, with only all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme (52) providing any resistance, as he finished the match with 10 wickets.

Scores: Australia 454 (Labuschagne 215, Smith 63, Wagner 3-66, de Grandhomme 3-78) and 2 for 217 dec (Warner 111*, Labuschagne 59) beat New Zealand 256 (Phillips 52, Lyon 5-68, Cummins 3-44) and 136 (de Grandhomme 52, Lyon 5-50, Starc 3-25) by 279 runs.

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Djokovic, Nadal march on with West upbeat about pace attack for World Cup campaign convincing wins at ATP Cup

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his Group B singles match against Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas. (REUTERS/Ciro De Luca) SYDNEY (Reuters) Novak Djokovic braved extreme humidity to overcome tricky opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 at the inaugural ATP Cup team event in Brisbane yesterday.

World number one Rafael Nadal was also in a punishing mood and kept his preparations for this month’s Australian Open on track by dismantling Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 in Perth to seal the tie for Spain.

Roberto Bautista Agut had given Spain the lead after an equally one-sided 6-1 6-2 win against Franco Roncadelli in the $15 million ATP Cup, which features 24 nations competing in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days.

The world’s top players have assembled for the ATP Cup and are using the event to prepare for the year’s first Grand Slam, which starts in Melbourne from Jan. 20.

Djokovic had a 15-0 headto-head record against Monfils before yesterday’s meeting and after surviving an initial onslaught from his opponent, he made sure the record remained blemish-free.

The Serb saved nine breakpoints on his own serve while converting all three he had against Monfils, who finished 2019 in the top 10, to square the tie after temperamental Benoit Paire had given France the lead by overcoming Dusan Lajovic 62 6-7(6) 6-4.

“It was definitely one of the most humid conditions I have ever had in my career,” Djokovic said in a courtside interview. “I mean, tonight was brutal.

“Obviously playing Gael is never easy. You are coming into the court knowing that

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas.

(REUTERS/Ahmed Jadallah file photo) you are going to have a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. He is a great fighter and a great friend of mine, so I wish him all the best. Tough luck today.” Fit-again South African Anderson earlier won his first match since returning to competitive tennis with a 6-0 6-3 victory over Chile’s Cristian Garin.

Anderson, runner-up at the 2017 U.S. Open and Wimbledon a year later, played only five tournaments last year due to injury before undergoing knee surgery in September. The 33-year-old lost 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to Djokovic in his return to action on Saturday, his first match since the third round of Wimbledon in July, but proved too good for Garin.

The former world number five did not face a single break point against Garin, sealing the tie for South Africa.

World number four Dominic Thiem also bounced back from his seasonopening loss against Borna Coric by defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3 7-6(3) to help set up a 3-0 win for Austria over against Argentina.

Marin Cilic, the U.S. Open champion in 2014, followed up Saturday’s win against Austrian Dennis Novak with a 7-6(8) 6-4 win over 20-yearold Kacper Zuk of Poland.

Cilic converted only one of 13 break point opportunities but his win in Sydney was enough to set up Croatia’s second victory at the event after they blanked Austria 3-0.

Japan also completed their second win as Yoshihito Nishioka and Go Soeda emerged victorious in their singles matches to seal the tie against Georgia in Perth.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, CMC – Head coach Graeme West is backing his fast bowling group to deliver success for the Young West Indies during the ICC Under19 World Cup starting here later this month.

When the Caribbean side captured the title in Bangladesh four years ago, they boasted a strong pace attack comprising the likes of Alzarri Joseph, and West believes this year’s side has been blessed with a similar quality complement.

“What we had back then was some really good fast bowling,” West pointed out.

“We had an attack led by Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder and we also had Keemo Paul and Ryan John, with Shamar Springer as an allrounder who bowled very well.

“Again, this year we have a solid group of fast bowlers – five really good pacers, so we expect them to do very well on the pitches in South Africa.

We have with us Kenny Benjamin, the former West Indies fast bowler, as the bowling coach and he has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“It also helps that he played in South Africa during his career, so that’s the kind of expertise we are happy to have in the camp.”

West Indies have included seamers Nyeem Young, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Matthew Forde and Joshua James, in their 15man squad led by batsman Kimani Melius.

The squad kicked off a one-week camp here last weekend and are down to

Fast bowler Nyeem Young. face Canada in Soweto next Monday in the first of two warm-up matches, before taking on Scotland in Pretoria a couple days later.

West Indies failed to get past the preliminary round of the last World Cup in New Zealand two years ago but West said they were hoping to make up for that disappointment.

“We believe we have, in this group, the players who will do very well and compete against any team we face,” the Englishman pointed out.

“It’s a tournament, so therefore the aim is to win, but we also want to see the players grow and develop as we move along. It’s a learning experience for these excellent young men, both on and off the field.

“I have high hopes for them all … I believe they will make the West Indian people very proud.”

With fielding coach Julien Fountain roped in for his expertise, West stressed that fielding would also be a key area of focus throughout the campaign.

“In white ball cricket, actually in all forms of cricket, fielding is very, very important and we have worked hard to improve on this aspect of our game,” he said.

“With Julien on board, we have seen improved levels of fielding as well as new energy and enthusiasm in the field.

It’s an attitude … a commitment and the boys are enjoying it.”

West Indies have been drawn in Group B alongside powerhouses Australia and England, with minnows Nigeria the fourth team in the group.

The Windies will play their tournament matches at the DeBeers Diamond Oval and Country Club Field in the town of Kimberley.

SQUAD – Kimani Melius (captain), Kevlon Anderson, Daniel Beckford, Matthew Forde, Joshua James, Nyeem Young, Antonio Morris, Ashmead Nedd, Mbeki Joseph, Leonardo Julian, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Kirk McKenzie, Ramon Simmonds, Matthew Patrick, Jayden Seales.

Seahawks beat Eagles after Wentz injured, Vikes stun Saints (Reuters) - Russell Wilson guided the Seattle Seahawks past the depleted Philadelphia Eagles 17-9 and the Minnesota Vikings stunned the New Orleans Saints 26-20 in overtime in NFC wildcard victories on Sunday.

The win sends the Seahawks to Green Bay to face the Packers while the Vikings travel to meet the topseeded San Francisco 49ers in NFC Divisional Round contests next weekend.

Quarterback Wilson iced the game for Seattle when he hit DK Metcalf with a 53yard touchdown pass in the third quarter to give the Seahawks a 17-6 lead.

“It was a sweet one,” said Wilson, who passed for

325 yards and ran for 45 more.

Metcalf fell down short of the goal line but was untouched and recovered to make it into the end zone.

“He had so many yards, he was making plays all over the field,” said Wilson of the 22-year-old wide receiver, who caught seven passes for 160 yards.

A five-yard run by 33year-old Marshawn Lynch gave Seattle its first touchdown.

Philadelphia played all but nine minutes of the game behind 40-year-old quarterback Josh McCown after starter Carson Wentz suffered a head injury when tackled by Seattle’s Jadeveon Clowney in the first quarter.

In the day’s earlier

wildcard game, Kyle Rudolph caught a four-yard pass from Kirk Cousins to seal the overtime win for the Vikings.

“Nobody gave us a chance to win here today except everybody in our organization,” Rudolph said.

“They (the Saints) brought all pressure and Kirk made a great throw. I’m proud of Kirk, blocking out the noise and coming down here and playing huge all game.”

The oft-criticized Cousins completed 19 of 31 passes for 242 yards and the touchdown.

His 43-yard pass to Adam Thielen had put the Vikings in scoring position at the New Orleans two-yard-line. Vikings (Continued on page 25)

PAGE 30

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

GCA 2020 season set to commence on January 18

By Zaheer Mohamed Chairman of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Competition’s Committee Shaun Massiah told Kaieteur Sport that their 2020 season is set to commence on January 18.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Massiah said that there are a number of competitions yet to be completed and he is calling on the clubs to ensure that their grounds be in a state of readiness to facilitate a start on the aforementioned date.

Massiah reminded that the Transfer Window period is still open and it will be closed on the January 31, stating that clubs are required to submit a list of all registered players on or before February 7.

He indicated that there will be a Competition’s Committee meeting on January 14 at 18:30hrs at Muslim Youth Organisation, Woolford Avenue.

Massiah informed that the U19 100overs competition (won by DCC), the 50-over U19 (won by Tri

Shaun Massiah State of New York), the Toucan U15 (won by GCC) and the New Building Society second division (won by GCC) were completed in 2019.

He said that they are hoping to complete more tournaments in 2020, with a first division 50-over, U17, first and second division T20 and an U13 competitions are on the cards for which they are soliciting sponsorship.

“As we resume I am looking forward for the continued cooperation and

relationship with all the clubs and I hope the clubs make their grounds available for the smooth running of GCA cricket.

Our cricketers are longing to play on a consistent basis, rather than playing matches two to three weeks apart, so it is important that the clubs make their grounds readily available,” he added.

“I also want to remind that our mandate is to develop players capable of

representing the GCA Association, Demerara, Guyana and West Indies with distinction and in order for this to happen clubs need to give their players the opportunity to play and not depend too much on players that have gone on to play at the higher levels.

In this development plan you may lose some and win some, but it’s all part of the game.”

Among the positives that Massiah indentified in the past season are; a number of players went on to play for Guyana and the West Indies at various levels including Ashmead Nedd who is currently with the West Indies U19 World Cup squad and Kemol Savory who went on to play for the Guyana Jaguars in the 2019 CWI Regional Super 50.

He noted that while the clubs tried their best to make their grounds available to the GCA during the last season, it is important they (GCA) acquire the uses of the bigger grounds so that the first division competitions can be held on a regular basis. “We

were able to utilise the Queen’s College ground during that last s e a s o n which is another plus for us, however we are hoping to stage two matches there simultaneously since the ground can facilitate same.”

The GCA held a fast bowling clinic last season and Massiah pointed out that there plans to stage more such clinics and to get the female players more involved in tournaments.

He was pleased that the young cricketers of Transport Sports Club were able to use the ground in the latter part of 2019 since it was upgraded.

Meanwhile, GCC and DCC are leading the points standings in zone A and B respectively in the current NBS second division 40 overs competition. In Zone A, GCC have 79 points followed by Malteenoes Sports Club on 69, Muslim Youth Organisation on 67, Gandhi Youth Organisation 48, University of Guyana 40, Diplomats 28, Guyana Defence Force 24 and Third

Class on eight.

In Zone B, DCC have so far accumulated 104 points ahead of Transport Sports Club on 66, Everest CC 65, Police SC 45, Ace Warriors 31, Sophia 26, Bel Air 24 and GNIC SC 12.

Zone A in the Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament is being headed by GCC on 106 points, followed by GDF 72, MYO 69, GYO 63, MSC 56, Ace Warriors 22 and GNIC SC 19.

DCC lead Zone B with 104 points, while Transport SC are in second place on 102, ahead of UG on 74, Diplomats 57, Bel Air 37, Everest 35, Police 35 and Third Class on 22.

Zone A in the GISE, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall first division two-day competition is being headed

by GCC on 94 points followed

by DCC on 59, GYO 44, UG 41 and GDF on eight.

Everest are leading Zone B with 83 points, while Malteenoes SC and Police are in second place on 40 each, followed by Transport SC on 31 and GNIC SC on 23.

No reverse in West Indies Management of young talent crucial for Windies, “We have three forms of First policy: Skerritt the game in cricket and I’ve says Mitchell giving my own personal KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerritt, has given the assurance there has been no change to his West Indies First policy, in the wake of several foreign coaching hires attached to the international men’s team.

Last week, former Warwickshire batsman Trevor Penney was appointed fielding coaching on a two-year contract, replacing Guyana’s Rayon Griffith who performed the role during the recent tour of the subcontinent.

The appointment, which followed those of Indian Monty Desai as batting coach and Australian Chris Barbazon as coaching education manager, sparked discussion across the region about the CWI policy.

“There is no reverse at all,” Skerritt told the Gleaner newspaper here.

“First thing is that I didn’t say we would hire West Indian coaches only. I said we would adopt a West Indian-first policy, whereby, we would look at the individuals we have in the region, and if we cannot find the respective talent to fill those roles, then we would have to go overseas to do so.”

When West Indies men’s coach Phil Simmons was named head coach last October, the recruitment process was underscored by a ‘West Indies First policy’ underscored by a

CWI guideline that “persons without West Indian heritage need not apply.”

Since then, however, Caribbean coaches have been overlooked for key positions, including Desmond Haynes who was short-listed for the head coach role but then ignored for the post of batting coach.

Skerritt said the Caribbean did not possess the richness of resources which allowed CWI to choose personnel only from the region.

“The reality is that we do not have the required persons with the requisite expertise, especially in white-ball cricket, and so we had to look outside of the region to fill those positions,” he pointed out.

“The persons that we have brought in like Chris (Barbazon) are internationally qualified, and we believe they will help us to get to where we want to be.”

He added: “These coaches have been hired with a contractual obligation to share their best practices, and this is a policy with which we are moving forward so that we can develop our local coaches.

“In a week’s time, Jimmy Adams and head coach Phil Simmons, as well as our CEO, Johnny Grave, will meet to further the discussion on coaching as we look to develop our game soon.”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell believes Cricket West Indies should review how it manages young players like Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, in order to get the most out of their talent.

The veteran leader said he was worried that picking such players in all formats of the game – especially in Twenty20s – could result in “spoiling a talent” that could be of benefit to West Indies, especially in the longer formats.

Hetmyer, 23, currently plays all three formats while fellow left-hander Pooran, 24, is involved only in the whiteball formats.

Stylish right-hander Shai Hope, along with 21-year-old all-rounder, Keemo Paul, have also featured recently in all formats.

“We have some talented players, the Poorans and Hetmyers and so on. I’m not sure that the right thing is to play these young people in all formats of the game at this point in time,” said Mitchell, a former chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial sub-committee on cricket.

“You have talent in Pooran and Hetmyer –

Veteran Grenada Prime Minister, Keith Mitchell. these guys on the 50-over and on the Test team, we’d be moulding these guys.

But when a guy gets used to sixes and sixes and hitting the ball in the air in the 20-over game which they must do, I think the mindset if they’re not welldeveloped yet … you can be spoiling a talent that is there for the [longest] version of the game and the 50-over game.

“That’s my opinion; I might be wrong … but in watching it from the sidelines, I think it is something [CWI] and selectors must look at – do you need to play these young players in all versions of the game? I’m not sure that’s the right thing to do.”

West Indies are coming

off a mixe d t o u r o f t h e subcontinent where they whitewashed minnows Afghanistan in a threematch one-day series before losing the subsequent T20 series.

In the first ever Test between the two sides, the Jason Holder-led Windies registered a crushing ninewicket victory inside three days.

The Caribbean side then suffered 2-1 defeats in to India in both the three-match T20 and one-day series, despite showing flashes of brilliance throughout.

Mitchell said while there was obvious development taking place in the shorter formats, the Test format still required attention.

opinion as someone who has watched the game a lot and is interested,” he said.

“I honestly believe the shorter version, I see us having made movement there. I’m not sure yet about our Test team – maybe there needs to be some movement and changes there too but I can’t say I feel that confident yet.”

West Indies, ranked eighth in Tests, ninth in ODIs and 10th in T20s, face a difficult year ahead which includes the defence of their T20 World Cup title in Australia.

They also defend the Wisden Trophy in a threeTest series in England before playing hosts to New Zealand and South Africa.

Mitchell said while he did not anticipate overwhelming success going forward, he expected a progressive improvement in results.

“I don’t expect to see them winning every game or even beating some of the best teams but [I expect to see them] competing well, and I won’t be surprised if they’re able to beat those teams,” he stressed.

“But I’m looking for the improvement and I’ve started seeing it already, so hopefully in Twenty20 we’ll see more successes.”

Tuesday January 07, 2020

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Pleased Simmons wants to see new attitude continue BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons wants his side’s new “never-say-die” attitude to continue in the upcoming limited overs series against Ireland starting today in Barbados.

Under the new leadership of Simmons and captain Kieron Pollard, West Indies gave a spirited showing against the highly-ranked India on the recent tour in December, and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the upcoming contests against the minnows.

“I am expecting a little more of what I saw in India,” Simmons said here as the Windies prepared for Tuesday’s first One-Day International.

“The way we played the cricket, the attitude we had on the field and the never-saydie attitude even when India were going well, are all things we need to continue doing well.

“I think every series we need to be looking to get that one per cent better in everything we do, so that is what I expect to see from them in this Ireland series.”

West Indies take on minnows Ireland in the threematch ODI series starting at Kensington Oval today, with

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph sends down a delivery during training ahead of the opening ODI against Ireland. the second match bowling off on Thursday.

The final match of the series is set for next Sunday in Grenada, the venue for the opening Twenty20 International of the threematch series.

St Kitts will then host the final two T20 Internationals on January 18 and 19.

Simmons said the team was upbeat heading into the upcoming series but were expecting stiff competition from the visitors.

“Ireland are a good team.

They are resilient and they will

give you a very good run,” said Simmons, a former long term coach of Ireland.

“They are capable of beating any team. We have to make sure we are at our best when we meet them.

That is why we stress on the quality of our preparation and we want to make sure we have all systems in place before we take on Ireland.”

He continued: “You always expect a fight and expect them to give everything. We have to play our game and concentrate on

Trophy Stall to kick start EBFA 2020 Season with U-13 League sponsorship Managing Director of The Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich yesterday confirmed his company’s commitment towards sponsorship of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under13 League.

At a simple presentation ceremony held at Trophy Stall’s Bourda Market location, Sunich made the presentation of trophies to President Kevin Anthony in the presence of executive members.

Sunich in remarks said that he was happy to be approached by former President Franklin Wilson to sponsor the Under-13 League and based on a long standing relationship, did not hesitate to support the continued development of the sport through the youths.

“I have been doing this for many years now on the East Bank and other areas and therefore when Frankie approached to renew and

continue this partnership, I could not, not agree. As the immediate past president of the EBFA, Frankie has done a fantastic job leading and I was glad that he approached me to support as he would love to see the youths there continue to grow and develop to the highest possible level.”

Sunich informed that the top four clubs would all receive attractive trophies, while the top three would be presented with gold, silver and bronze medals. He stated that new medals designed exclusively by Trophy Stall would be unveiled.

Anthony, responding on behalf of the Association expressed gratitude to Sunich and Trophy Stall for continuing to partner with the EBFA towards the development of young players.

“Your commitment shows that you are truly committed to the development of young people in Guyana and whilst

it is the EBFA that is enjoying this sponsorship, I am aware that other youths have been enjoying your support, not only in football but others sports also.”

The Trophy Stall / EBFA U-13 League is being scheduled to kick off early next month and would see nine (9) clubs contesting, namely Agricola Red Triangle, Friendship All Stars, Grove Hi Tech, Swan FC, Timehri Panthers Sports Club, Soesdyke Falcons, Diamond United, Samatta Point/Kanville and Mocha Champs.

The defending champions, Timehri Panthers which won the previous league that was sponsored

by Juicy Juice will open the league when they come up against Agricola Red Triangle which they had gotten past by the lone goal of the virtual final to win the previous league. Timehri ended the league two points ahead of Agricola which closed out on 23 points.

what we have to do. We know what we’re trying to achieve and how to go about it.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our bowlers, they know exactly how we want to play and I want to see what they are going to produce when given the opportunity.”

Simmons also pointed to the positive impact Pollard had made ever since he was appointed ahead of the start of the trip to India last year.

“The players understand the way he plays and the way he wants t h e t e a m t o p l a y, ” t h e Trinidadian explained.”

“That is the first message we got – to back everybody and give everyone a chance. [It’s] up to the players to take their chances. He’s brought that level of comfort to everyone.”

Jaguars departed Guyana yesterday for 2020 PCL Five times defending Champions Guyana Jaguars departed from the Cheddie Jagan International Airport at 05:35hrs yesterday to compete in the Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Tournament.

The team selected is a very good one and includes debut pacer Nial Smith and off-spinning all-rounder Kevin Sinclair who both participated in last year’s Regional Super50.

The Jaguars will begin the defence of their title when they face-off with host Leeward Islands at the Sir Vivian Richards ground in North Sound, Antigua from Thursday.

When the teams last clashed in Antigua, the Leewards made 182 as Shepherd had 4-36, while Singh’s 90 rallied Guyana for 289 before Leewards managed 138 with Permaul taking 5-57.

Set 31 to win Guyana reached 32-1 to win by nine wickets.

The Guyanese then journey to Barbados for their second round game from January 16-19, before returning home to battle Trinidad & Tobago at Providence from January 2326. The Leon Johnson led side face Jamaica at Providence from February 69 before heading to Grenada to oppose the Windward Islands from February 13-16

to end the first half of the 10match round-robin ‘home and away’ tournament.

In March last year, Johnson won his country’s fifth successive titles (20152019); one more than Tamar Lambert’ four and equaled Jamaica’s five-year run from 2008-2012 after Chris Gayle led Jamaica in 2008.

Another tittle this year will set a new record for most consecutive wins and give Guyana their 12th First-Class title since Rohan Kanhai led them to their first in 1973.

Guyana Jaguars: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell, Vishaul Singh, Devendra Bishoo, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Nial Smith and Kevin Sinclair: Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Assistant Coach/Manager), Neil Barry (Physiotherapist).

Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul has been selected for the three ODIs and three T20s against Ireland and will be unavailable for the first two matches since the last T20 will be played on January 19.

However, Romario Shepherd has been selected for ODI series which concludes on January 12 and should join the team for their second round match in Barbados.

Turbo football resumes tomorrow night at MOE ground The third annual Turbo knockout football tournament that is sponsored by Guyana Beverages Inc. will resume

tomorrow night at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue.

This tournament had kicked

off in 2019 but it was delayed majorly because of intermittent rain.

The event that is promoted by Petra Organisation currently has (Continued on page 25)

Play between Northern Rangers and Buxton Stars (on the ball) during a previous Petra tournament.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Motor sport 2019 review: Circuit races

Group three and starlet cup combined action.

By Calvin Chapman Guyana’s November international circuit race meet continues to grow as one of the biggest race meets in the Caribbean and fans would’ve left the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, well satisfied on November 17th last after a hearty race

the fans real value for their money after sprinting away with all three of the radical races in emphatic fashion.

The teenager started on pole and won the first race three seconds ahead of second place Luke Bhola of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T).

The Bajan phenom began at the back of the pack

race, lapping a couple of competitors in the process.

In the superstock and supersport class, as expected, the permanent class of Team Mohamed’s daredevils remained unfettered with British riders Richard Cooper (Supersport) and newcomer Daniel Linfoot (Superstock)

Team Mohamed’s Dan Linfoot leading his teammate Richard Cooper during yet another dominant showing by the team. programme, which was increased from 23 to 30 events on the day, but most satisfying would have been Barbadian Zane Maloney’s performance in the SR3 radicals’ showdown.

The sixteen-year-old Maloney, who is the current British F4 champion, gave

due to the reverse grid rules of the radicals’ cup in race 2 but by the fourth of the 15lap race, much to the surprise of the fans and competitors alike, the racing prodigy was in first place after demonstrating some elite driving. And as expected, Zane won the third radicals’

sweeping their respective classes, while Harry Truelove (Superstock) was second only to Linfoot.

In the group four class, 2017 and 2018 CMRC group four champion; Guyanese Andrew King showed his sharpness with a clean sweep of the class despite some

Albion defeat Rose Hall Town to advance to BCB U15 semi finals A l b i o n P e r m a u l ’s Trading and Distribution (APTD) U15 team have advanced to the semi-final of the Mike’s Pharmacy U15 inter club cricket

competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) being played in Berbice.

In their latest game, they defeated their Rose Hall Town U15 counterparts by 73 runs. Albion (PTD) batted first and made 153 for 9 in 30 Overs with Tameshwar Mahadeo and N a r e s h Ve e r a s a m m y making 25 each, Shiv Harripersaud contributed 19

and Damien Cecil 18.

Bowling for RHT U15 Nathan Kistama took 3 wickets, while Mathew Potaya grabbed 2.

In reply RHT U15 were dismissed for 80 in 25.5 overs with Raayad Rahaman making 27.

Bowling for Albion, medium pacers Manoo Inasi and Antonio Ramphal took 2 wickets each, while off spinner Mahadeo grabbed 2.

Zane Maloney (leader) was unstoppable in the SR3 radicals class at last November International Circuit meet. fight from Zane’s uncle, Mark Maloney, and local boy Stefan Jeffrey.

Suleman Esuf of Barbados swept group three while his brother Ahmed picked up one win in group two after Guyana’s Rameez Mohamed, who won the first race and looked set to sweep the class was derailed in race two.

The anticipated Choke Starlet Cup saw Motilall Deodass picking up one win, a second and a third place finish in the meet which was dubbed ‘Clash of Champions’, results that saw him piping reigning champion Annand Ramchand for the overall championship and $500,000 first prize.

B.M Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, KFC, Tropical Shipping, Valvoline, Ansa McAl, Motul, ExxonMobil, Japarts and Air Services were the major sponsors of the event.

National Race of Champions round 1 (March 3) Ten races revved off at the South Dakota Circuit after showers threatened to ruin the first leg of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions.

When the dust settled, it was Raymond Seebarran and Shan Seejattan who were most outstanding behind four wheels while Rameez M o h a m e d a n d MotilallDeodass shared the spoils in the starlet cup.

The anticipated group four battles proved to be anticlimactic with two-time defending CMRC Champion, Andrew King along with Kevin Jeffrey, Rupie Sewjattan and Keith Evelyn all falling out the first race.

In the second group four showdown, none of the competitors managed to finish the race.

Raymond Seebarran won two of the three races in the Miracle Optical Street Tuner Cup, to get a fantastic start to the championship trophy and $500,000 first place cash prize which he copped at the end of the season.

Azad Hassan who finished second to Seebarran twice, won the final race while Seebarran was the runner-up. Roshan Ali finished third twice.

In the Prem’s Electrical Sports Tuner, Nasrudeen Mohamed, who was outspoken in the media before meet, won the first of the three completed races in

the class ahead of Dawolu Harper and Adrian Fernandes.

However, the next two races in the Sports tuner class was won by Shan Seejattan. The reigning group two champion got off his title defence positively with a win in the only race competed in that class.

Round two (July 21) Just a few races got off at the Timehri race track for the second round of National Race of Champions before heavy showers put the brakes on the much anticipated event. The anxiously awaited Motul Time Attack series also fell ill-fated to the inclement weather with none of the competitors getting the opportunity to flex their machines’ muscle.

However, in the completed races, among the winners were the usual suspects with Raymond Seebarran (Street Tuner), Motilall Deodass (Choke Starlet Cup), Shan Seejattan (Sports Tuner and group 2), Andrew King (Group 4) and Matthew Vieira (Superbike) all recording victories.

Rookie biker, Dowayne Caesar continued his good form and notched a win in the only completed B class open race.

Andrew King (left) swept the group four class.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 07, 2020

Guyanese Boxers arrive in Cuba

PAGE 33

Mark Wiltshire birth anniversary dominoes to commence on Sunday Organiser Mark Wiltshire accepts the first place trophy from Bryan Sealey of Trophy Stall.

The boxers and Coach Terrence Poole (left) take a photo after their arrival in Cuba.

Guyanese Olympic hopefuls, Colin Lewis (Captain), Desmond Amsterdam, Dennis Thomas, Keevin Allicock and Manager/ Head Coach Terrence Poole arrived in Cuba yesterday Via Panama for a three-month training stint.

Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan, who worked with Allicock in Cuba during his preparations for the Pan Am

Games in Peru, will join Coach Poole in Cuba, while Coach Sebert Blake, is expected to join the team in March. The Cuban trip is aimed at giving the pugilists every opportunity to properly prepare for this year’s Olympic qualifiers from March 26 to April 3 in Argentina.

The 2020 Olympics will be held in Tokyo Japan from July 24 to August 9.

Mike Parris is the only Boxer from the English Speaking Caribbean to win an Olympic medal when he won bronze at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow Light Heavyweight John Douglas, who lost to Stipe Drvis of Croatia in 1996 when the referee stopped his first round contest in second round, was the last Guyanese boxer to qualify for the Olympics.

Hopetown FC outfitted

by Owen Humphrey

Senior Organising Secretary of the Guyana Domino League, Mark Wiltshire birth anniversary domino tournament is set to commence on Sunday at Turning Point Sports bar.

Wiltshire indicated that the competition will be played on a three-round points system and attracts an entrance fee of $12,000.

The winning team will pocket a trophy and $175,000 along with medals, while the runner up will receive a trophy and $75,000.

Third and fourth place will take home $35,000 and $20,000 respectively, while the most valuable player in the final will be given $10,000. The best female player in the competition will take home a trophy and $5,000, while other female players will be given hampers.

Meanwhile, Trophy Stall is the latest entity to join the list of sponsors; the entity presented the first place trophy to Wiltshire at a simple ceremony held at their Bourda Market location yesterday. Trophy Stall Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Sunich wished the teams well while Wiltshire thanked him for the support.

Action gets underway at 14:30hrs and the other sponsors on board are the Guyana Domino League, Big Boss Trucking Service, Orrin Boston, Rodwell Phillips, Nigel Belle, Up Rising Taxi Service, Selwyn Prescod, Wild Bunch, Lloyd Rollins and Merriman’s Funeral Home.

The competition is open to teams countrywide and registration can be done through Wiltshire on 659 8672.

Priyanna Ramdhani wins Silver at 2020 Honolulu Open A-Division Badminton Tourney

Hopetown FC Captain, Marvin Robertson and Owen Humphrey display one set of the uniform in the presence of his teammates.

Know for their consistent commitment towards the development of players over the years the Humphrey’s family of Berbice has kept that legacy intact.

At the just concluded GT Beer sponsored Candy Boss Antics 8-a-side football competition, whilst losing the third place match to Cougars by the lone goal of that

encounter, Hopetown FC did not leave the venue empty handed as they were presented with a new set of uniforms by veteran footballer, Owen Humphrey.

Hopetown FC Captain, Marvin Robertson accepted the donation on behalf of his club and expressed thanks to Humphrey and his family for supporting the club.

Priyanna Ramdhani won the Silver Medal after reaching the Finals at the 2020 Honolulu Open ADivision Tournament held in Hawaii, USA January 3-5, 2020.

This is a great start for her, beginning the year in a positive note and keeping her consistency going as in the past years, a release from the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) informed.

Priyanna departed Canada on her Birthday January 2, 2020 to attend this tournament and her training during the Holidays paid off with her being able to compete in the Senior Division and Medaled, although still a Junior Player.

In the Round-Robin playoff in the Open Singles A-Division, Priyanna defeated: Rachel Cheung: 21-11, 21-13, Samantha Hsu: 21-15, 21-17 and lost to Eyota Kwan 21-13, 21-10 in the Finals.

Priyanna added to her performances in 2019:

Priyanna Ramdhani in Canada.

Among them: Bronze - (Singles) ACAC #1 Tournament in Olds Alberta Canada 2019 Bronze - (Mix Doubles) The Kings University Open Tournament in Edmonton Canada 2019 Gold - (Singles) Yonex Alberta Series #1 B-Flight Tournament in Calgary Canada 2019 Gold - (Women Doubles) Yonex Alberta Series # 1 BF l i g h t To u r n a m e n t i n

Calgary Canada 2019 Gold - (Mix Doubles) Yonex Alberta Series #1 CF l i g h t To u r n a m e n t i n Calgary Canada 2019 Semi-Finals - (Singles) Yonex Alberta Series #1 AF l i g h t To u r n a m e n t i n Calgary Canada 2019 Semi-Finals - (Women Doubles)Yonex Alberta Series #1 A-Flight Tournament Calgary Canada 2019 Silver - Yonex AJC Junior Under-19 Tournament in Airdrie Alberta Canada 2019 3-Gold (Triple Champion) Caribbean International Under-19 Championships in Barbados 2019 1-Bronze & 2-QuarterFinals at the Caribbean International Senior Championships-Barbados 2019 Qualified and participated in the Pan Am Games in Lima Peru 2019 First Round - Jamaica International in Kingston 2019

The Guyana Jaguars squad prior to departure for Antigua where they face the Leewards in their opening fixture.

rt Spo

Jaguars departed Guyana yesterday for 2020 PCL Trophy Stall to kick start EBFA 2020 Season with U-13 League sponsorship

Trophy Stall Managing Director Ramesh Sunich (3rd right) hands over the winning trophy to EBFA President Kevin Anthony at their Bourda Market location. Other executive members share the moment.

Guyanese Boxers Pleased Simmons wants to arrive in Cuba see new attitude continue 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.