Kaieteur News

Monday January 08, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Breaking the back of illegal activities…

GRA to provide incentives to whistleblowers this year By: Kiana Wilburg The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be providing incentives to whistleblowers who can help them prosecute individuals who rob the nation of billions in yearly revenue. This was disclosed recently by senior officials who said that the initiative will begin this year. The officials declined to divulge details of the plan, due to its sensitive nature. The whistle-blowing initiative and other efforts to break the back of illegal activities are an about-turn in GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID), which, over the past ten years, has been sorely criticized for underperforming. But since August of last year, the department appears to have been stepping its game up. GRA officials confirmed with this publication that revenue collection has increased due to LEID’s improved performance. Kaieteur News was also able to confirm that the Division will be strengthened for 2018 with the necessary human resources as well as equipment to boost its work. With the revamp that is expected to place, GRA officials confirmed that revenue growth is expected to “surpass expectations for 2018.” It was also revealed that LEID will be stepping up its efforts to bring in more information on illegal activities, through the ‘whistleblower’ programme and other initiatives. The revenue authority also made several strides in improving tax administration systems. IMPROVED RELATIONS GRA is anticipated to step up its cooperation with a number of agencies for next year. These include the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Civil Aviation Department and the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). According to GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, the cooperation between these agencies is important not only for the sharing of information but for revenue collection, implementation of incentives and Investment Development Agreements, and anti-money laundering activities. Statia noted that initiatives have been made for Memorandums of Understanding to be executed between these organizations and they are in the

draft stage. The Commissioner General confirmed that these should be completed by mid 2018. OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS As for other noteworthy accomplishments, Statia noted that automated risk profiling processes have been implemented this year. He said that while this system has led to increased revenue, there are still some bottle necks. He said that the advent of the ASYCUDA will improve on the present system and remove this anomaly. GRA’s current accounting system, the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS), has been working inefficiently for close to 10 years. It is on this premise that the Authority has hastened efforts towards acquiring a more foolproof system called the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). Statia recently spoke on the importance of moving from TRIPS to ASYCUDA. He noted that an examination of the TRIPS system had revealed that there were several problems which caused it to not work effectively. Statia even stated that millions of US dollars from 2013 to 2016 were expended so as to bring the archaic TRIPS 1 System up to date. In fact, the GRA boss said that many of the modules paid for regarding the TRIPS 1 System in 2007 were never even delivered. The Commissioner General asserted that based on the state of affairs governing the revenue authority’s IT system, discussions were held with Crown Agents, an international firm that specializes in practical and consistent solutions to financial institutions and governments. He said that the following was decided: Cease all work on the Customs modules of the TRIPS 1 system; Concentrate all activity on the completion of the Internal Revenue Modules inclusive of e-filing services with clear delivery dates and hold further payments until the delivery of these modules. Simultaneously, Statia commented that the GRA began discussions with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) regarding the introduction of the ASYCUDA single window system. The ASYCUDA, he explained, is an integrated customs management system for international trade and transport operations in a modern automated environment which allows for customs administrations and the trade community to comply with in-

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia ternational standards when fulfilling import, export and transit related procedures. Through its ASYCUDA Programme, GRA hopes to modernize customs operations and improve revenue collection; facilitate trade efficiency and competitiveness by substantially reducing transaction time and costs; improve security by streamlining procedures of cargo control, transit of goods and clearance of goods; reduce corruption by enhancing the transparency of transactions; and promote sustainable development by cutting down on the use of paper, through the use of electronic transactions and documents. The Commissioner General said that the agreement with UNCTAD has been signed, payment has been effected, and the team to run the new system has been chosen. Statia said that training will shortly commence, and a pilot project will commence thereafter at the John Fernandes wharf. Further to that, the Commissioner General said that testing has begun for the remaining TRIPS modules which were never implemented. He said, “I am assured by my IT staff that they seem promising, and GRA would be in a position to offer some eservices including e-filing in time for the 2018 filing season.” THE CONSEQUENCES The failure of the Revenue Authority to implement critical parts of the TRIPS System spans almost 10 years. The consequences of the entity’s actions led to billions in revenue leakages and even rampant corruption. Statia explained that the IT system referred to as the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS), was intended to merge all departments by having a common database where all tax records could be scanned or entered into the system and found when needed.

It was introduced with the aim of boosting efficiency in the assessment, collection and accounting for revenue. TRIPS comprises of two core applications: Taxes and Customs, which share information with each other and each application encompasses a total of 13 modules. The CUSTOMES MODULES include Lodgment; Data Entry; Goods Inspection/Enforcement, Valuation and Document Check, Risk Profiling, Cashiering, Release, Remissions, and Warehouse. The TAX Modules include; Taxpayer Identification, Tax, Accounting, Audit, Reports/Notices/Certificates. Statia noted, however, that since all of the modules were not implemented, the “TRIPS system was just tripping.” The TAX chief said that the failure to implement all of the modules affected the entity to a large extent. He explained, “In the olden days, it used to be a manual system and it worked up to a particular point. So you know for sure that if TRIPS is in place, the IT system would help you to do a lot of these things. If you have the right IT software, half of your work is completed. You would be able

to do proper audits and these things at the touch of a button you would be able to recognize what is wrong and what is right; whether a taxpayer has complied…” The Tax Chief continued, “Unfortunately, you can’t do that with the present system and that has gone on for the last 10 years. That was probably one of the reasons why the GRA has been in such decay. It was in a state of decay.” Statia added, “What I did know is instead of them using an entire TRIPS system, I said, ‘No. concentrate on the internal revenue modules.’ And we are going to go to the Automated System for Customs Data…That is what we are doing.” The GRA Commissioner General said that the ASYCUDA system will cost just about US$2.5M. As for TRIPS, he sought to stress that “We must get something out of what we have paid for so while we are moving to ASYCUDA for customs and we will keep (aspects of) TRIPS… In that way we would be able to turn up certain things faster…” BILLIONS LOST The Tax Reform Commission which was commissioned by the Granger administration

had also flagged the Guyana Revenue Authority for the non-implementation of the TRIPS system. The comments and findings of the Commission were also in sync with that of the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma in his annual reports. With respect to the software available, the Commission was advised that the TRIPS system has the ability to receive and store Cargo Manifest electronically, track containers from departure to arrival ports and then to final release as well as on line and manual entry of declarations. “We understand that although delivered, these relevant modules were never or only partly implemented by GRA for one reason or another. The revenue leakages, alone, from the non-implementation of these modules are in billions of dollars, and contribute to rampant corruption within the Customs Section of the Authority,” the Commission pointed out in its report. It added too that the importers who engage in the under invoicing activities are known and are allegedly in full collusion with Customs brokers, and some unscrupulous former and present GRA officers.

Flooded terminal at JFK causes more nightmares for Guyanese passengers

The flooded Terminal 4 at JFK Airport in a baggage claim area Several Guyanese passengers were yesterday among hundreds of Caribbean nationals affected by flight delays when a major water leak shut down international flights into Terminal 4 of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport, New York. Officials ordered a partial evacuation of the terminal, the major arrival point for international travelers, according to a tweet from the airport. A ruptured water main was blamed for the leakage. Caribbean Airlines, which services the New York/Guyana route, initially advised passengers that due to flooding in the customs area, all flights into JFK International Airport will be diverted to other airports for at least six hours. All Caribbean Airlines flights between Sunday and today were affected. The water leak occurred at a bad time for the airport, which was jammed with frustrated travelers whose flights were delayed or canceled by the bitter cold that has gripped the East Coast. Passengers reported spending

hours sitting on the tarmac before deplaning. Luggage covered large sections of the airport floor as passengers waited for flights. The temperature was around 15 degrees when the flooding started about 1:30 p.m. Video showed standing water in a large section of the terminal and water cascading down a wall in an arrival area. Power went out in parts of Terminal 4. Conveyer belts stopped working on some luggage carousels and travelers were instructed to pick up their bags in another part of the terminal. The arrival area was cordoned off while employees swept water off the floor. Around 3:30 p.m., the airport announced via Twitter that international flights into Terminal 4 had been shut down. Departures were not affected. JFK advised passengers to check with their airline prior to arriving at the airport. By about 5:30 p.m., 50 flights out of JFK had been canceled and about 200 delayed, according to Flight Aware, a flight tracking website.

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Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

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

REFLECTION

Many have welcomed the arrival of 2018 with prayers, hymn singing and the ringing of bells. For others, it was either staying home,drinking or shaking a leg on the dance floor or witnessing the many colorful firework displays. The New Year symbolically represents the close of one chapter of life and the beginning of another. It always brings hope of improvement in one’s life. This hope is reflected in our tradition of making resolutions where we would like to see improvement in our lives. However, many resolutions have not been fulfilled because change does not happen through merely wishing, but by making a determined effort. For many, this is a major challenge, especially when it comes to doing away with habits that have become engrained. In 2017, we have had some setbacks in the economy, in lower sugar and bauxite production, decline in foreign reserves, and an increased import bill. We also had to grapple with worrying gun-related violence and killings in 2017, though it was not as bad as in previous years; thanks to strong police intervention. Given the seriousness of the challenges facing the nation, it is time for serious reflection by everyone, but more so by those in authority who tend to delude themselves and somehow develop presumptions about their own invincibility. After 51 years of Independence, there are still many unanswered questions and much work to be done. It is an indisputable fact that significant social, political and economic strides have been made since May 26, 1966. But could we have done better? Does our status as a country correlate to an ideal of nationhood? Education, especially free tertiary schooling under the late Forbes Burnham government, has been one of our greatest achievements. That academic and technical thrust has sprung advancement and improvement in the lives of people across the country. But to some extent, we have failed in agriculture. We have been constantly told that our food import bill is astronomically high, yet our indulgence in foreign taste continues. We were also told that our land is our best economic asset, but many, mostly youths have abandoned it for city life. Sugar is no longer king. It has unfortunately become a footnote in the country as governments have failed to diversify the economy and to make agriculture a prominent fixture in the psyche of youths. On the brighter side of things, significant attention is being placed on alternative sources of energy. This is a subject that has been discussed for decades. Our dependence on fossil fuel energy has placed a financial burden on the country. But the focus being placed on wind and solar energy can actually make us energy efficient, end the financial strain and actively contribute to the reduction of dangerous environmental emissions. Of course, it is a highly expensive undertaking, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the costs. However, we need the political will to achieve such important initiatives.It could make 2018 quite an eventful year. As a small country, our independence is conditioned by what occurs in other countries. For years, we have continuously paid attention to what happens in the United States, Britain, Canada, and our Caribbean neighbors. In 2018, all, including the government should commit to do all that we can to strengthen our independence and concomitantly reduce our dependency overseas. Our politicians have nurtured this dependence. In 2018 we must hold them accountable. But due to racial voting, we have meander between two political parties and are reluctant to cast them aside if they fail our expectations. After 50 years of independence, we remain politically immature. The country has done much for us in the past five decades, but in 2018, we must reflect how much we have taken and how much we have given. Part of Confucius teaching is that one should subject one’s own desires to the good of family, community and country and the benefits will redound to self. Meaningful commitment to the country can be built on such selfless pillars in 2018.

Racism, Sexism and Omission in Sexual Harassment DEAR EDITOR, Did Anita Hill’s testimony really pave the way for a watershed moment on sexual harassment? Was America’s consciousness level regarding sexual harassment raised? There have been other Female African American trailblazers on the harassment path before 1991? If as everyone is now saying the testimony of Anita Hill in 1991, before an all-male Senate Judiciary Committee pulled back the curtains on sexual harassment, pray tell how did the issue ever reach its current state? What transpired thereafter and subsequently, that has now brought us face to face with the current Harvey Weinstein watershed moment? The standard story of how sexual harassment emerged into public consciousness rarely

mentions the contributions of women of color until 1991, when Anita Hill accused Supreme Court nominee, Clarence Thomas, of sexual harassment. More than fifty females thus far have levelled accusations against Harvey Weinstein the movie mogul, and media outlets have reported that there are many others who are afraid to come forward, preferring to remain silent instead. However, he is not the only high profile male in recent times to have fallen victim to swift sexual harassment justice. Once the dam broke the flood engulfed other big media names. For three days in October1991, Anita Hill was a one-woman live, worldwide television spectacle, as she went public with sexual harassment allegations, during the Senate confirmation process for Black U. S Supreme Court

Justice Clarence Thomas. In sexually explicit details she described the atrocities she endured as a federal government employee under his employ. The entire country looked on via television as she testified before an all–male, all white Senate Judiciary Committee Senate. Prior to Hill’s testimony, sexual harassment was seen as an issue for the victims, usually women, to solve on their own. The majority of victims suffered in silence, not wanting to jeopardize their careers, despite the fact that more than a decade earlier both the courts and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had defined sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination that could be illegal. In a decision written on June 19, 1986 by Justice William Rehnquist, the U.S.

Supreme Court ruled (9–0) that sexual harassment that results in a hostile work environment is illegal, based on the Meritor vs Vinson case. Mechelle Vinson, an employee of Meritor Savings Bank, brought an action against the Bank and her supervisor, claiming that during her employment, the supervisor subjected her to sexual harassment, intimidating her into having sex with him in vaults and basement, at least fifty occasions, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Both victims, Mechelle Vinson and Anita Hill, were African Americans. This harassment case was unique, in that it was the first of its kind to reach the Supreme Court. When it appeared as if the testimony of Anita Hill would not be aired on television, angry women clogged the congressional switchboards. Continued on page 6

There must be a serious effort to save Rupununi youths DEAR EDITOR, Our young adults of Lethem and other parts of the Rupununi districts, are now becoming the most vulnerable to trans-border criminal activities, with links to organized gang members of Brazil. While they are influenced very strongly by their coastal counterparts because of the language barrier and their knowledge to the terrain. Most recently, a gang of young high profile criminals were intercepted by Brazilian authorities, on the frontier, heading back to Guyana, to where they were harboured by known characters of Lethem. One of the fugitives, a female of Boa-Vista, Roraima, was implicated in a murder where she stabbed a female rival gang member fiftyfive times. Furthermore, a Brazilian family with criminal intent is permitted to live at St. Ignatius village, by the village council, where they are suspected to be already involved in a spate of robberies in the surrounding communities. Our remote airstrips remains poorly monitored, together with our intricate river networks, alongside our porous borders and weak regional security capacity; while Guyana continues to be a transit country for south American cocaine destined for West Africa, Europe, USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

I am not privy to the statistics of the crime data in the “F division” of the Guyana Police, but empirical evidence has proven that there have been a sharp rise in juvenile delinquency and other serious commissions of crime from the year 2000-2017, which are some of the grave concerns to many of us here in the Rupununi. In recent times there have been some new developments in the discovery of turbo-prop planes by our security forces, in close proximity to our savannahs road networks. This was nothing new to the natives living here, where these clandestine operations were allowed, unhindered under the previous PPP administration. At present some efforts are being made by our

security forces with encouragement from the APNU/AFC government to make a dent on these covert activities that are suspected to be carried out by a well organized crime syndicate. If we examine the historical records of high profile criminal activities here in Region Nine, we might be able to make an assessment on how serious the situation is; which warrants some very urgent attention as it relates to security threats of the past and with the current state of affairs. Anyway, we can recall the terrorists acts that were committed on our civilians and policemen while on duty at the Lethem police station, in early January,1969.Then later on followed the hijacking of the Trans/Guyana passenger aircraft from

Lethem, the gruesome murder of USA missionaries, Richard and Charlene Hicks at SanJose, in central Rupununi; the discovery of the large arms cache at Lethem, that remains a mystery to-date; the US$2M in diamonds that was smuggled through the Lethem/Bom-Fin border between Guyana and Brazil, by principals who were licensed by the PPP government to export precious stones. Our level of preparedness to repulse this current trend of criminal organized network in our region must be stepped up since the advent of oil production will begin in the year of 2020,and with the proposed construction of the Lethem-Linden highway on the agenda, this brings a security challenge to our Continued on page 6

A human trafficker back then? DEAR EDITOR, Reading about “people trafficking” takes me back to 1950 in my first B.G. civil service job, at around age 20. Every day on the way back from lunch just before 1.00 pm, a mature man on a bicycle, always wearing dark glasses, a cream suit and what was then known as a Panama hat, would join me to say ‘hello’. I never minded, as the environment with several lawyers’ offices was predominantly male, and I thought he was ‘one of the crowd’. Then one day just before my turning-off point, he offered to accompany me up the stairs, while I locked my handbag in a cupboard and have an ice cream soda with

him at the nearby ‘Brown Betty’ soda fountain. I just had lunch, so I was not hungry and had no intention of complying. But how to ‘escape’, since every colleague would be at lunch and few people would be around? By chance, the clerk I was sharing space with was about to leave for a late lunch. I told him about the man waiting outside and his request, he went to have a look - the man had disappeared. I never saw him again. I sometimes wonder even now whether he was a ‘trader in people’. I am a firm believer in ‘invisible guardians’ looking out for us. May we all be helped by ours in 2018. Geralda D.

Monday January 08, 2018

The problem with the gas from the oil exploration DEAR EDITOR, In response to my letter on Natural Gas development in Guyana, Minister of Public Infrastructure (MPI), David Patterson claimed in a letter to KN on Jan. 3, 2018, that I had presented a distorted perspective on the vision and use of natural gas for Guyana. Unfortunately, he responded with no clear MPI policy as to how the resource will be developed. The natural gas under consideration is held in rock formations with crude oil and impurities off Guyana’s Atlantic Coast. The stated proposal is to pump the mixture (oil, gas, impurities) from its underground location to the surface and separate its components after processing, with the crude oil temporarily stored in tankers while some of the gas produced is pumped back under pressure into the oil-bearing rocks to force trapped oil to the surface with the remainder flared. No statement has been made as to how ExxonMobil intends to dispose of the impurities and wastes. There is no clause in the Agreement ExxonMobil has made with the Government of Guyana (GoG) which states that the natural

gas produced from the oil fields it is exploiting, cannot be flared. However, Minister Patterson has stated that Guyana will not allow gas flaring and there is no indication that ExxonMobil intends to get rid of the gas generated, otherwise. The alternative to flaring the gas is liquefying it after processing for storage and distribution which will be capital intensive and technically challenging and may not be a viable proposition as in 2008 gas was being sold on world markets at US$13/million BTU while at the end of 2017 the price was US$3.00/ million BTU and this price is expected to drop further. Minister Patterson should note that ExxonMobil has no plan to get into the gas business. Therefore he should be wary of getting Guyana involved into another, “Amalia Falls Hydro-Electric Project” before the many uncertainties are considered and a feasibility study prepared by reputable consultants (unlike those that did the Demerara River Bridge) as to whether a natural gas project is indeed viable for Guyana to pursue. Yours faithfully, Charles Sohan

LAW SCHOOL IN GUYANA DEAR EDITOR, During the past couple of weeks the legal fraternity dominated the news with the candidature of Guyanese jurist, Kenneth Benjamin, to be appointed Chancellor of the Judiciary. There were discussions about the pros and cons of his appointment since he was out of the country for nearly three decades and that the persons who are acting as Head of the Judiciary and the No.2 spot as Chief Justice should be confirmed. However there are strong arguments that Benjamin who is the current Chief Justice of Belize is far more experienced and qualified than the two females. Then a few days ago four persons were named to be elevated for silk and no Berbician was nominated. One of the leading lawyers in the country, Berbician, Murseline “Muchoo” Bacchus was overlooked. I am not certain how many lawyers are in the country, but I am quite sure that there are enough to serve the population. What is needed are honest and reliable practitioners. This brought me to the question if there is need for a law school in the country. Last year January there were press reports that Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, signed an MOU ... Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Caribbean (UCC) and Law College of the Americas for the establishment of a law school in Guyana. It was even named the JOF Haynes Law School, but so far nothing has materialized. The AG said that Guyana

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Kaieteur News

received permission from the Council of Legal Education two decades ago and noted that the law school was needed in Guyana because it would be much cheaper for local students and even regional would-be lawyers. He pointed out that there are hundreds of LLB holders who cannot enter the Norman Manley Law School (NWLS) in Jamaica, the Hugh Wooding Law School in St. Augustine Trinidad or the Eugene Dupuch Law school in the Bahamas. Williams also journeyed to Jamaica to discuss the establishment of the law school. I know for a fact that there are scores of LLB holders from Belize, and Jamaica who cannot gain entry to the Norman Manley Law School because it is overcrowded. Belizians will have to pass an entry examination because it is a requirement under the CARICOM agreement. However Jamaicans are now taking steps to have a second law school under the University of Technology (UTech). A Motion was recently tabled in the House of Representative seeking a mandate from the Caribbean

Community (CARICOM) for its establishment. Professor Stephen Vascianne when he served as Principal of the NMLS seven years ago had negotiated to have double shift at the law school in order to facilitate the hundreds of students who could not gain entry. I think that it is a good move for Jamaica to have a second law school to accommodate LLB holders not only from Jamaica, but Belize, Cayman Islands and other nearby countries. Vascianne now heads UTech. West Indian-trained lawyers have taken over not only the judiciary in the region, but also hold top positions including Governor Generals and Prime Ministers. The latest appointment is Sandra Mason, the new Governor General of Barbados. Dame Mason was in the first batch of law students to be trained in the Caribbean. Oscar Ramjeet

Demolition and Rebuilding of St. Rose’s Church Street Structure DEAR EDITOR, The Board of Governors of St Rose’s High School wishes to inform the general public that the demolition of the School’s timber building facing Church Street will commence shortly, and will be limited only to the aged wooden section that is in a state of disrepair. This decision was taken only after extensive consultations over many years to determine the viability of retaining this edifice because of its historical importance and architectural integrity. After much deliberation and with the primary goal being to provide a safe, up to date and innovative building for the development of our students, and only after exploring every option to preserve the building was the decision unhappily taken to demolish the structure. It has served its purpose well and all who have had the opportunity to walk its halls will attest to the very special memories created there. Built almost entirely of wood and some one hundred-odd years old, the building is now structurally incapable of providing a safe environment for the over 700 students that now utilize the facility. Because of this, the auditorium has not been used as a general meeting hall for the last five years and the building was evacuated completely during the last year to ensure that there would be no mishaps. The intended new replacement structure will incorporate many aspects of the original design and will integrate in it the design of the Marion and other wings on the property including retention of the green space courtyard area, a unique feature of the school. The reconstruction is intended to take place immediately following the demolition and the project is expected to last for approximately 24 months

with all demolition and reconstruction companies being selected in accordance with the National Procurement guidelines and procedures. During our deliberations over the last several years, the Board of Governors consulted all relevant stakeholders: The Nuns of the Convent, P.T.A, Alumni Associations, Students, Teachers, H.M, D.H.M, The National Trust, The Ministry of Education, The Ministry of Social Cohesion, The Ministry of Finance and all others with direct or indirect impact on this decision, and when presented with the evidence, all agreed that we must take the tough decision to look towards the future and incorporate the very best of modern design and “green” architectural approaches for a building that will stand as an example for future educational design in Guyana. Tenders were put out regionally and the winning bid went to a Trinidadian firm with strong Guyanese roots for the architectural design and consulting services. Guyaneseborn Mr. Orin Hinds is a member of the Team representing Bynoe, Rowe & Wiltshire, the partnership entrusted with

designing, providing the relevant documents, managing and overseeing the project’s execution and delivery of the final agreed replacement building. Further, the Board of Governor’s is also utilizing independent engineers to ensure the delivery of the agreed final design which would take into full account the aesthetics in keeping with the expectations of the stakeholders, the history of the existing structure and adherence to current local and international environmental and building codes and standards. The faculty and students will be relocated to various safe areas on the School’s premises away from the cordoned construction area as their safety and that of the Staff will be of paramount importance once demolition and reconstruction commences. The Board of Governors wishes to thank all those who have contributed to this exercise and will continue to provide updates as they become available as we strive to ensure transparency throughout this process. Kenrick Thomas ChairBoard of Governors St. Rose’s High School

The coalition can teach the PPP DEAR EDITOR, There is no denying that Guyana is a disunited country in desperate need for uniting through reconciliation. One possible way for this to happen is for the current APNU+AFC Leaders to do a reverse takeover of the PPP. This would mean sacrificing the PNC, APNU and AFC and keeping the PPP. Some of the Leaders in the PPP would need to willingly step aside to allow this merger. There is a lot that the PPP can learn about governance from the APNU+AFC government. Doing it this way allows the vast majority of interests to be catered for and we are not getting rid of the PPP; just changing the PPP into a more democratic organization. The whole idea is to seek political unification and then to unite the Guyanese people. The other option would be for a grass root NGO to take the initiative. Either way would work. Anyone got any alternative/s? Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

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The bulldozer deal stinks to high heavens DEAR EDITOR, It does not bode well for Region Six when at the very first Statutory meeting at the beginning of the New Year the RDC was taken by surprise by an allegedly massive corrupt deal was exposed by RDC Councilor Mr Zamal Hussain. The Region purchased an obsolete D4D bulldozer which was reportedly manufactured in the 1970s for a whopping $15 million while a brand new D7 Caterpillar Bulldozer sells for $16 million. What is more astonishing was the fact that this machine was parked outside the RDC compound with the top officials now even aware of its arrival. The REO heard about its ‘arrival’ at the meeting when the issue was raised. She admitted that someone should have inspected the machine to verify that it was according to the order specifications. I wish to submit here that a copy of the invoice which would serve as a Delivery Note should have accompanied the machine and that this should have been verified with the order specification. The Engineer should have been the person doing this and communicated the delivery to the REO and the Chairman. He is responsible for tasking the machine into the inventory. This is normal accounting procedure and

the REO is the Accounting Officer and the Delivery Note signed by the Engineer should have been given to the REO. However, in all fairness to her she made a commitment to send the bulldozer packing once it is discovered to be defective and not according to the specification. The fact that the REO admitted that she knows nothing of the delivery and receipt of the machine begs the question of the effectiveness of communication at the highest level of the RDC, the effectiveness of the inspection process and the accounting for goods received to ensure that the goods received comply with the goods ordered in terms of the specifications. The Engineer erred. If he felt that he does not have the expertise to inspect and certify the bulldozer then he should have solicited the assistance of experts, which is what was done eventually by the Chairman. WE have had enough of ‘a pig in the poke’ purchases which may look innocent on the surface but mask the underlying corruption embedded within. This was revealed when an inspection was done. The inspection of the bulldozer by a team of competent engineers brought together by the Regional Chairman, Mr David

Armogan, exposed the fact that the bulldozer ordered was a D3 not a D4D Caterpillar and that apart from the engine is ‘back pressuring’ (which means that it is at the end of its useful life) there are 10 other major defects which is natural since the D4D bulldozer was manufactured in 1970 and is now obsolete. Even some spares may be difficult to obtain. Unfortunately, while the hastily done paint job on the bulldozer was done for cosmetic purposes, it could not have hidden its antiquity! Furthermore, there is compelling evidence to prove that this transaction smacks of corruption. The price for a D4D Caterpillar online is $11,500 USD while that of the one which is according to the RDC specification, a D3 Caterpillar is for $25,295 USD (www.machinerytrader.com ). This means that the D4D bulldozer purchased is overpriced by at least $12 million GYD. Who negotiated such a rotten deal? I am sure that for any sort on realistic negotiation to take place the RDC negotiator must be aware of the online prices of these items which should then form a strong basis for meaningful negotiation. If this was done by the negotiator then maybe the reason was simply to calculate the

amount of ‘kickback’ collectible and not to get value for money on behalf of the RDC. I could recall that during the RDC 2017 Budget discussions I and Mr Harbhajan specifically requested that the Region buys a grader instead of a bulldozer since from past experience a grader is more suitably effective in building dams but we were told that an angle blade bulldozer will effectively fulfill the same function. I had then hinted that may be ‘someone has a bulldozer to sell’ and now it came to pass! I am calling on all RDC councilors to be more involved in fighting corrupt practices so that we get value for money in Region Six. I must congratulate Mr Hussain for exposing this apparent corrupt deal and Mr Armogan to start the investigative process in such a speedy manner. I am calling for a proper investigation into this bulldozer deal and the culpable perpetrators to be exposed. If this Government wants to retard its downward slide and improve its ratings then it needs to address the corruption which is galloping at breakneck speed in all directions and in all quarters! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor-Region 6

Racism, Sexism and Omission in Sexual... There must be a serious... From page 4 In addition, seven female members of the House of Representatives, including Rep. Patricia Schroeder of Colorado; Rep. Jolene Unsoeld of Washington; Rep. Patsy Mink of Hawaii; Rep. Barbara Boxer, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Nita Lowey, and Rep. Louise Slaughter marched to the Senate demanding that there should be a delay in voting for Clarence Thomas’ nomination so as to allow a serious and thorough hearing to Anita Hill’s accusations of sexual harassment. Following Anita’s testimony, Justice Thomas was narrowly confirmed to the Supreme Court by a vote of 52 to 48. Some other changes also came about due to Hill’s testimony on sexual harassment- between 1991 and 1998 there was double the number of claims of sexual harassment filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, better legal protection was demanded by women, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1991 bolstering solutions for workplace victims of sexual harassment, providing damages for the full range of injuries that victims might suffer and giving victims the right to trial by a jury of their peers. In1992, that was later dubbed Year of the Woman, Congress saw record numbers of women elected to the House of Representatives. In the face of landmark cases decided long before the Hill v Thomas debacle why does sexual harassment still remain a problem? The present has blatantly omitted

the significant contributions made by African American women, all of whom predates Anita Hill. In 1975, Camita Wood an employee of Cornell University resigned, after being denied a transfer, claiming that she was experiencing physical problems as a result of her boss repeatedly pinning her against her desk with his body, and describing how aroused he was. She was denied unemployment benefits, on the grounds that she had voluntarily left her job for personal reasons. Together with activists at the university’s Human Affairs, Wood formed a group called Working Women United. The group hosted an event where secretaries, mailroom clerks, filmmakers, waitresses and factory workers openly shared their stories of masturbatory displays, threats and pressure to engage in sexual favors as a means of promotion. It was evident that the problem stretched beyond the university setting. In 1976 Diane Williams, an African American woman employed as a public information specialist at the U.S Justice Department, claimed that after refusing a sexual advance by her supervisor, he thereafter engaged in continuous harassment and humiliation including but not limited to, unwarranted reprimands, refusal to inform her of matters. She was eventually terminated in September 1972, but the court ruled in her favor. In yet another case, Paulette Barnes, an administrative assistant at the

Environmental Protection Agency, filed a legal complaint after her male supervisor suggested that her job would be helped if she had an affair with him, only to have him threaten to fire her if she refused. Her case led to an appeals court decision in 1977 that sexual harassment constituted a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the very first day on the job, the white boss of Maxine Munford a Black American asked her, “if she would make love to a white man, and if she would slap his face if he made a pass at her.” She was fired when she refused his advances. The charges against her boss brought about one of Michigan’s first and most progressive state laws against sexual harassment, passed in 1980. That same year, Willie Ruth Hawkins won the first successful case involving harassment by a coworker— a white man who said he “wished slavery days would return so that he could sexually train her and she would be his bitch.” In August 1977, Sandra Bundy, a vocational rehabilitation specialist at the DC Department of Corrections filed suit against the department contending that promotions had been delayed and denied her specifically because she had refused sexual advances. Her case led to a 1981 ruling which established that it is possible to bring a sexual-harassment claim under Title VII even if the harassment does not result in loss of job. Despite the impact of these landmark cases and

legal victories, showing that African Americans have been in the movement against sexual harassment since the early 1970’s, it is evident that the issue still remains a problem. Anita Hill has expressed her pleasure and gratitude at being asked to lead the newly formed Commission on Sexual Harassment, a position that she may have landed as a symbolic sop to Cerberus or a gesture of atonement, taking into full consideration the manner in which she was treated during the hearing, the fact that there were others long before her appearance on the sexual harassment scene who fought equally hard and brought about significant changes in the way employee and employer relate to each other in the work environment. It is blatantly apparent that the true pioneers of the sexual harassment movement, the African Americans, have been omitted, seemingly because they neither fit into a certain social mold nor possess certain attributes. The majority of Harvey Weinstein accusers were high profile celebrities with fame and status almost equal to that of his. While White America may be happy with the fact that sexual harassment has been identified and is now on the road to extermination, nevertheless she should also remember those who played a part right from the start. Other female African Americans paved the way and they all should have their say. Anita Hill may now be bold but her story has already been told. Yvonne Sam

From page 4 government. The state has overall responsibilities to increase the level of safety and security with the reduction of crime and violence which must be maintained for future development of our LethemTown, and investment opportunities for our country. The stakeholders and guardians of the Rupununi districts must come up with a formidable security plan to assist our government in maintaining law and order in our region. As a matter of fact, the main focus must be on our youths who will be the future leaders of tomorrow and without education and employment, our young people will turn to some other activity to satisfy their needs or wants and this has been a contributory factor to juvenile crime. The destruction of the GNS by the PPP government has had a long term effect on thousands of hopeless youths living in difficult and disadvantaged geographical locations, such as the Rupununi. Hence, we are calling on our Minister of Public Security, Mr.KemrajRamjattan, to introduce the much touted Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP)to our region. This was launched in Georgetown inAugust 2016, and funded by a US$15 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank. An article in the Kaieteur News, dated Thursday, August 25,2016,made mention that 4,400 school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 25 will be trained and eased into the working world under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, for the next four years.

Community action specialist, Mr. Mark Ross, who co-ordinates the programme in the Ministry of Public Security, went on to say, “Each of the 4,400 youths will be provided with a stipend of US$70 a month to cover transportation costs. Also with a promise to provide a level playing field for all the youths from different geographical locations, where 300 of the youths will be given the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and will be provided with US$1,500 to establish their own business. One would interpret that Region Nine was never a part of Guyana and does not qualify to be a part of such an initiative. Apart from the HEYS programme that is coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, there is much need for a special life-line to take our vulnerable youths out of the murky waters and to place them on firm grounds. The Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, (CSSP) maybe the answer to their cries, where jobless Amerindian young men and women will find little to do for their personal upliftment, but just to idle around their villages and communities to create problems for their village councils, and to venture further into more serious anti-social behavioral patterns to become potential perpetrators who will be easily recruited into a criminal enterprise on our border locations, that may one day come back to haunt our peaceful villages and present government. Sincerely yours, Mark Anthony Rodrigues

Monday January 08, 2018

Natural gas plans...

ExxonMobil involvement will likely stop at the pipeline - Patterson Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has said that United States oil giant, ExxonMobil will not be involved in the entire process of Guyana’s natural gas production. Explaining the process, Patterson stated that a pipeline from the oil field will be constructed to land and when the pipe has landed an entity will use a portion of the natural gas to generate electricity. The remainder will be used for other byproducts. “At this stage only LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is on the cards. Studies are ongoing on the other possibilities, which include urea and methanol,” Patterson stated. Several companies have expressed interest in executing the government’s plan of using natural gas to generate electricity. At the moment, Government has engaged only Exxon on the pipeline plans. “Exxon will not be involved in the entire chain. If any involvement, most likely it will stop at the pipeline to shore,” Patterson noted. According to Patterson, all options including Public Private Partnerships are being considered for natural gas. ExxonMobil and its partners will start oil production in another two years time. It is estimated that the natural gas to be produced daily is between 30-50 million cubic feet. ExxonMobil officials have told Kaieteur News that most of the associated gas for Liza Phase 1 will be used for reinjection to maintain pressure in the reservoir to increase production of oil. Government is also considering an industrial park at the onshore location of the natural gas pipeline. At the Ministry’s end of year press conference in December, the Minister disclosed that a final location to land the pipeline has not been determined. He stated that they are exploring sites in Regions Three and Four, although a site in Region Six has not been

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Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson ruled out. Patterson noted that the determination of the site could be made by the end of the first quarter of 2018. The decision, he said, will be guided by several factors that include land availability, surrounding population and environmental studies. On Friday, Exxon announced the largest oil find to date in the Stabroek block, making it the sixth discovery offshore Guyana since 2015. The new discovery pushes the estimated amount of oil past 3.2B barrels found so far in the Stabroek concessions. Under the Petroleum Agreement between Government, Exxon and its partners, it is stipulated that a plan of utilization of associated gas shall be included in the development plan for each oil field. If there is excess gas in the oil field after utilization, Exxon and its partners are mandated to carry out a feasibility study regarding the utilization of the excess gas. The study is to be included in the development plan of the oil field or be com-

pleted no later than five years following the submission of the development plan. Exxon and its partners are not required to make further investments in the excess associated gas, but the Government and the oil companies are allowed to carry out friendly negotiations in a timely manner to find a new solution to the utilization of the excess associated gas and reach an agreement in writing. If the companies provide notice to the Minister that the development plan shall not include a plan to develop and utilize excess associated gas, the Minister shall have an election to take off the excess associated gas free of charge at the outlet flange of the company’s separator facility. Article 12:3 of the agreement deals with the general conditions of natural gas. The companies have the right to use natural gas, both associated gas and non-associated gas, as may be required for oil field and gas field operations, including the right to re-inject for pressure maintenance and enhanced recovery without charge, fee or royalty. It points out that Exxon and its partners have the right, but not the obligation to process natural gas for conversion to liquids, chemicals or similar gas utilization. The agreement also gives Exxon and its partners the right to liquidify the natural gas for sale as LNG and compressed natural gas (CNG). Further, under the agreement, the companies are expected to pursue markets both within and outside Guyana and seek to market natural gas to the highest realization outlets after deduction of transportation costs.

Aviation Authority summons... (From page 2) their aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance checks. “As a result, we have had and continue to engage third party entities to assist with our operations. Unfortunately, several of these third party entities are also experiencing difficulties due to the adverse weather conditions in North America,” the airline stated. Fly Jamaica has assured passengers that the airline is working to restore regular service.

Former soldier accused of killing mother of ex-boyfriend listed for trial Former Guyana Defence Force rank, Abiola Jacobs, who is accused of the January 31, 2014 murder of Donna Taylor, the mother of her exboyfriend, is listed to go on trial for the offence when the Demerara Criminal Assizes commences today. Last week, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) published a list of cases for hearing at the High Court in Georgetown. Jacobs’ name was on that list at number 33. Jacobs, 25, also known as “Abby” formerly of Agricola, East Bank Demerara was charged on February 6, 2014 for the capital offence. She was subject to a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. At the end of the PI, a prima facie case was made out against Jacobs, who was on September 9, 2014, committed to stand trial for the offence by then Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. During the PI, Jacobs was ordered by the court to stop all communication with the dead woman’s family. This was after Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru informed the court that the woman had made contact with the deceased’s family via telephone and through letters. Taylor, 55, was found at the back of her Lot 16-17 Public Road Agricola, East Bank Demerara home. She was found with her

MURDER ACCUSED: Abiola Jacobs

MURDERED: Donna Taylor

hands bound behind her back, her throat was slit, and a piece of cloth was wrapped around her neck. The mother of four was said to have been attacked in her bed and slain after she was dragged to her backyard. The other occupant of the rented upper flat, Samantha Sabat, was subsequently found lying unconscious in the front yard. The Britishbased Sabat was a guest of the Taylors. She reportedly escaped by removing the panes from her bedroom window and jumping to the ground from the top flat of the two-storey structure. Sabat, who had arrived three weeks ago from the United Kingdom, reportedly sustained a fractured arm and lacerations to her face and parts of her body. She was in Guyana to attend her father’s

funeral. A post mortem conducted showed that Taylor received blunt trauma to the head, as well as injuries to the neck and other parts of the body. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. The army rank, who was the paramour of one of Taylor’s sons, was apprehended after Sabat, who survived the attack, fingered her as one of the individuals who forced their way into the residence and launched an attack on them.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

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Monday January 08, 2018

Brief on Technical meeting reveals…

ExxonMobil was not open to Guyana securing provision for increased royalty By: Kiana Wilburg Should the future of USA oil giant, ExxonMobil exceed financial expectations, it appears that the multi-billion dollar company would not be open to Guyana securing a royalty that is higher than the two percent enshrined in the June 2016 agreement. This was revealed in a brief on the technical meeting between ExxonMobil and officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The meeting occurred in April, 2016. The document was prepared by GGMC Commissioner General, Newell Dennison. In his report on the meeting, Dennison said it was put on the table that there were some fiscal reviews being done and while they would not be concluded before finalizing the new agreement and licence (which were both signed in June 2016), it would be necessary to include certain principles. “A provision for a royalty in a contemplated hybrid PSA (Production Sharing Agreement) was mentioned and in the context of ensuring that Guyana is not at a disadvantage in a high oil price environment in the future. Esso (ExxonMobil) was not at all receptive to that. However, it was left on the table.” He added in the document, “I have the view that there may be a fair chance to model some notional improved royalty to kick in, but I also speculate that in the environment of deep water, deep target development, the price of oil would have to go up significantly before

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

the departure of the financials that prevail now and what could materialize becomes of material consequence.” (The entire brief can be seen by following this link: file:///C:/Users/k.wilburg/Downloads/ GGMC%20Brief%20on%20Esso%20April%2015%202016.pdf). Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman had said that Dennison and other GGMC officials were the lead negotiators for Guyana when the ExxonMobil contract was being tweaked in 2016. Dennison’s suggestion, however well intentioned, apparently fell on deaf ears since no such provision made it into the modified contract. CRITICISMS The contract that the Government has with ExxonMobil has come in for scathing criticisms from several quarters. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) for example has noted that the contract has several loopholes. But the Government believes that there is no need for alarm or worry as several international bodies, the IMF included, are lending tremendous support to help Guyana remove every possible chance for exploitation by the operator. This was noted recently by Trotman. He was at the time responding to a question from this newspaper which was based on the disturbing findings of the IMF. One issue the IMF in a report points out is in relation to ring-fencing. The IMF said that in principle, the ring-fencing arrangement ensures that the government’s revenue from the Stabroek Block is calculated based on each field or well separately. The Fund stated, “However, this is undone by the Production Sharing Agreement framework, allowing the contractor to allocate cost oil to any field within the contract area.” To the aforementioned, Trotman said that

on November 30, he and the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, sat with IMF representatives and those issues were ironed out. Trotman said, “We went through them with the Guyana Revenue Authority and others. The answer is that we are working. IMF, World Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank are giving us tremendous support. And we are building capacity on a daily basis and hiring capacity and ensuring that we cover all that we are supposed to…” The Minister said that with the help of those international agencies, Guyana will be in a position to tighten all loopholes. He added, “We invited the IMF to tell us what we are lacking in this regard, so Guyana is not alone in this.” STARTAUDITING The International Monetary Fund has also urged the authorities of Guyana to commence auditing of all exploration, development costs by USA oil operator, ExxonMobil. Elaborating further on the matter, the IMF said that plans to establish a petroleum industry taxpayer unit attached to the large taxpayer office in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) should be prioritized. The Fund said that this effort is supported by a consultant from the US Treasury office of Technical Assistance. The IMF said, “It will be important for this unit to start verifying and undertaking audits of cost incurred during the exploration and development phase, which is getting underway now. It would be advantageous to establish close working relations between the GRA and the sector regulators (Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Geology and Mining Commission and the prospective Petroleum Com-

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison mission) to ensure that the limited petroleum sector expertise in government is applied most efficiently.” The International Monetary Fund said the intention is that the Guyana Revenue Authority will be the single revenue collection agency for the petroleum sector. It opined that this is a reasonable decision given the key role played by the Production Sharing Agreement and the pay-on-behalf arrangement for corporate income tax in existing contracts (this is where the contractor’s income tax obligations are settled from the government’s share of the profit oil). However, given the limited experience in the GRA with petroleum taxation, the IMF said that there is urgency to develop skills in this area.

Monday January 08, 2018

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The experts say ‘A’ and the government says ‘B’ It is incomprehensible that any government would establish a Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry and then act completely contrary to the recommendations and findings of that Commission. Yet, this is precisely what the government did. The Commission of Inquiry did not recommend the closure of any estate. The government, however has decided to close Wales, Skeldon and Rose Hall, the latter two having the greatest potential of increasing sugar production and reducing costs. The Commission of Inquiry did not call for the downscaling of production. In fact, it emphasized the importance of keeping estates open to ensure economies of scale. The Commission of Inquiry urged short–term financial support be provided, something that Guysuco said

was needed until 2020 when the corporation was expected to break even. The government’s plan is based almost totally on reducing the level of financial support to the corporation. This is why it has laid off more than 4,000 sugar workers and closed three estates. The government has spent millions on having a Commission of Inquiry only to dismiss its principal recommendations. Instead, the government has launched a vendetta against the sugar industry, along the stronghold of the main opposition the People’s Progressive Party. The plans announced by the government for the sugar industry are consistent with punishing sugar workers. The only thing is that the collateral damage is going to hurt the entire economy. The government overlooked the possible effects of the downsizing of sugar on the

DEM BOYS SEH

distillers. Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, is needed for distilling in the alcohol industry. The unavailability of molasses can result in the closure of distilleries and the loss of export markets which bring in precious foreign exchange earnings. A few years ago, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) faced a similar threat when the Jagdeo administration had plans to bring in a Trinidad investor to establish a distillery at Skeldon. This would have threatened the supplies of molasses to the company. DDL therefore took the government to court and successfully obtained a declaration that the government was required to consult with the company before it undertook any plans to establish the new distillery since such plans could threaten the existence of DDL. It is because of this action

Ram Jattan spoiling de nice time Ram Jattan got nuff people cussing him. He know that dem got some big man like dem kinky stuff. Nuff of dem got dem wife home but dem always looking fuh something outside. Is like if dem can’t get de same thing home. Foreign woman coming to Guyana because dem know dem Guyanese man like red skin woman. If you see dem Colombians and dem other Spanish people. Is dem Ram Jattan tackle. He collect all of dem from a hotel and de strip joint shut down. Dem boys hear dem man cuss. Dem hear how Jagdeo plan to use de situation to get votes by promising to bring all dem red woman to mek people happy. But he didn’t bargain fuh dem man who think dem is more woman that man. From de time Ram Jattan shut down de strip joint they start to celebrate. Soulja Bai get into de act. When Ram Jattan report to him how dem foreigners coming and collecting good money from dem man who want kinky stuff, Soulja Bai congratulate him. There and

then he seh, “Ram, you right. Locals first.” Dem boys seh he learn from Trump who always talking about putting America first. Ram Jattan seh that he intend to put Guyana first. But de people who know strip joint seh that de local gyal dem don’t know to perform. De people who own de strip joint seh Soulja Bai discriminating because he don’t go to strip joints. Dem want to know why Ram Jattan

don’t raid de Cathedral. Fuh sure if he send he police under de Cathedral he gun find some foreign man providing a service. Dem boys want Ram Jattan to raid another place— de casino. He gun find something that guh mek he eye pop out just like de time when a certain man go home and find a Spanish woman hiding under ee bed. Talk half and don’t ask no question.

by DDL which placed a spoke in the wheel of the Jagdeo administration and that Leader of the Opposition had issues with Yesu Persaud the former Chairman of DDL. DDL has a legal precedent requiring the government to consult with it should a situation arise which can threaten the national supply of molasses. It should have pressed that button earlier. It only now seems to have awoken to the reality that the contraction of the sugar industry will lead to an acute shortage of molasses and therefore limit the expansion of the distilling industry. The government did not seem to consider the adequacy of the supply of molasses when it decided to cap sugar production at a maximum of 150,000 tonnes. This cap is going to be insufficient to cater for domestic needs, especially in the context of the growth of alcohol production. A major industry and

foreign exchange earner is now in serious problems. It cannot plan for expanded production of distilled liquor unless it is guaranteed an adequate supply of molasses. And with sugar production for 2018 pegged at below 120,000 tonnes, enough molasses cannot be produced locally to satisfy domestic production. DDL is now trying to salvage the situation through an expression of interest in operating the Enmore estate. But boat dun gone a falls. Sugar production is going to continue to collapse because the workers in the industry are reading the signals emanating from the government. And those signals clearly suggest the demise of sugar. Sugar production will continue to fall because the workers know that the industry is on its death bed. DDL, therefore, cannot save the industry. Nor can it ensure that it sources adequate amount of molasses

locally for its needs. All this could have been avoided if the government had acted in accordance with the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry. That report called for the division of the industry into a number of subsidiary operations. One of the subsidiary operations recommended was molasses. The COI went as far as urging that apart from maintaining the current sales of molasses, that the product be bottled in small containers and sold as a health product. But for this to happen, all of the estates needed to be grinding and the industry had to avoid downsizing so as to maintain economies of scale. The government, however, had other plans. Those plans now threaten the alcohol industry.

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Monday January 08, 2018

Residents relieved over Le Repentir Cemetery’s upgrade By: Davina Ramdass Residents, both near and far to the Le Repentir Cemetery are relieved that the Mayor and City Council is finally doing something about the ‘terrifying’ state that the cemetery has been in for several years. The announcement of scheduled works for the burial site was announced by the Town Clerk, Royston King, on Friday last at the Council’s conference. “Council has started the process of restoring the cemetery to a state of beauty, order and cleanliness. This involves a number of activities including removal of overgrowth, undergrowth, long grasses, bushes and the trimming of overhanging trees. Also weeding and clearing of waterways and the upgrading of all roads and foot paths in that facility”. In addition to these works, the Town Clerk also promised that repairs, and in some cases, reinstalls will be conducted to the fence that surrounds the burial ground.

This project is estimated to cost some $150 million, according to him and will be done under the ‘Emergency Works Clause’, under the Municipal Council and District Act, Chapter 28:01. He was keen to note that these works come as a result of the reports that were received as it relates to the “movement of dangerous reptiles, criminals secluding themselves in the high bushes and the general unhealthy state of affairs at that facility. “We are asking all citizens to cooperate with us by respecting that almost sacred place by desisting from littering with emptied beer bottles, fuzzy cans, boxes and other things when they attend funerals,” King said. It is for this, and other reasons, he informed that security measures will be implemented to the facility in the coming days. A few residents within the area told Kaieteur News that indeed the Council has been doing some work over the past few days. So far, works have been

The church in Le Repentir Cemetery

done to the Eastern section of the burial ground. Much more work is needed for the other section of the site. A 42-year old whose only name was given as Gomes said he uses the Cemetery as a

A section of the land which was cleared by the Mayor and City Council

‘shortcut’, like many others, including school children. Gomes stated, “The weather got them bad cause is only recently they start cleaning up. They did cleaning the cross street them. They start like two weeks ago. Right now, it more better than how it went before, the cross street them what they cleaning, basically before when you use to ride through and this is what we want fuh de children dem.” In addition this he noted that, “Pun a night, de thief man them is come out fuh rob yuh, but right now how they got the place, when you come through you could see straight through”. He said that the initiative is an excellent one, and was really necessary especially for

the school children who use the road to get to and from school. “Right now what they could do fuh we is Louisa Row, through the shortcut for the burial ground, they could drop about four lights for we”. Another resident, Clint Cyrus told Kaieteur News that so far the Council has been doing a “good job” in the Cemetery, given that the area floods during heavy rain and residents they have since not been this time around. According to Cyrus, “When they grade this place down, we see one one trucks cleaning about two weeks back, but we need at least some people to maintain the Cemetery”. Cyrus and several others opined that the works which

are being conducted at present by the Council could be a waste of time, if the Council fails to continuously do such works. “It got a lot of young people here on the streets they can give jobs,” he said. The resident added, “We glad cause now we got a lot of people here that does walk through and does fear for their life”. While on this note, the man pointed out that he hopes the Council can also remove the pile of garbage that has been there for some time now in the burial ground. He shared the view that others may also dump refuse on the existing heaps. In September of last year Kaieteur News published an article voicing the concerns of the residents near the burial ground. They had noted that Le Repentir Cemetery was in an appalling state; overgrown with shrubs, filthy, and a haven for those bent on mischief. The drains were clogged with grass and garbage, making them the perfect breeding ground for serpents and mosquitoes.

Monday January 08, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Research project to engage places of worship in promoting healthcare

A three-year project will be engaging churches, temples and mosques in health promotion activities to reduce chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) which include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, stroke and cancer. The project titled Communities Taking Action Against (CONTACT) NCDs— a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), University of Guyana, King’s College London and University of the West Indies, has received support from the Central Islamic Organization (CIOG) and the Dharmic Sabha. NCDs are by far the leading cause of death in

many countries, including Guyana and places a heavy burden on the health care system. The CONTACT Study will investigate whether members of congregations can be trained to serve as “health advocates”, who will help to teach community members, how to make healthy lifestyle choices in order to prevent chronic diseases. To execute this task, health advocates will be chosen from places of worship in Regions three and five commencing with Region three. These individuals will receive special training on how to deliver health talks and advice, perform simple measurements (height, weight, blood pressure), and refer congregation members for professional medical attention as needed.

According to information from the project, “Two health advocates will be chosen by the project leaders, in consultation with religious leaders, from nine places of worship in Region three. For someone to be chosen as a health advocate, he/she would be expected to have a certain level of ability in reading, writing, communication/public speaking, and should be someone who is respected within the congregation. An ideal candidate would be a retired health worker or teacher.” Linked Each place of worship will be linked to the closest health centre to form a ‘cluster’. For example, in Region Three, one cluster will be made up of the

Local Government elections likely by year end Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan has said that the Local Government elections are likely to take place sometime before December, of this year. The Minister was at the time responding to questions posed by members of the press about the upcoming elections. Speaking at the media briefing held at Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown on Thursday, Minister Bulkan disclosed that the LGE will likely take place sometime between November and December of the electoral year as prescribed by the Local Government Act. As part of its commitment towards ensuring democracy and the elections are held, Minister Bulkan noted that Government has allocated $2.9 Billion to the holding of LGE. He explained, however, that the preparation for LGE lies largely with the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM). However, steps will be taken by the Ministry to increase the public education on the functions of the Local Government. “The public education will serve as the vehicle for more meaningful community involvement in the management and decision making of LG jurisdictions to support growth, and sustainable development of

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan LG spaces.” According to Bulkan, the planned LGE in 2018, will mark the first time in Guyana’s post-independence history that consecutive local government elections would have taken place as legally due. “Recognising this historic and institutionally transformative period, our strategic effort in 2018 will focus on entrenching the system and the community understanding of the role of local government,” Bulkan added. He noted that the Government will take steps to deliver on its promise through multiple initiatives, including public education on constitutional and legal provisions for LDOs on the authority and

responsibilities; developing model/policy direction to empower LDOs to manage the economic space and develop in partnership with national government. Additionally, steps will be taken to strengthen the Guyana Association Municipalities to provide effective service to all municipalities. “These include the institutionalisation of the National Regional Development Consultative Committee (NRDCC), the Regional Development Consultative Committee (RDCC), and the Regional Agricultural and Commerce Exhibition (RACE); mechanisms which are designed to promote entrepreneurship, investment, partnership and collaboration between and among stakeholders/ agencies within a development space.” The Minister explained that promoting community engagement and participation, both elected and unelected components in all facets of LG operations, by training councillors and residents - in local economic development facilitation, community consultation, project management training, financial management and regulations, waste management, disaster preparedness, are also part of the plan.

Parika Health Centre and a nearby mosque, church and temple. Nurses from the health centres will be trained to supervise the health advocates. There will be a total of six clusters in each region. Because this is a research project, it will be necessary to compare results between clusters, so health advocates will only be present in half of the clusters. As such, health centres from each cluster will be monitored and information collected. The health centres and places of worship to be involved in the study have already been selected. To be included in the study, places of worships had to meet certain criteria. Congregation size—ideally the regular congregation size should be about 50, but it is understood that in some areas this may not be possible, acceptance of the project by the congregation and religious leaders, a small room or area that can be made private for the health advocate to meet with individual congregation members to talk about personal health issues and an office with a filing cabinet or a desk with drawers that can be locked.

Baseline Survey Before the health advocates can begin their work in each place of worship, a baseline survey will be conducted among congregation members. Research staff employed by the project will visit each place of worship at a designated time to conduct interviews with congregation members. The interview will ask for simple information on lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc), medical history (existing health conditions) and health knowledge. According to Project Assistant, Melissa Ramdeen MBA, “No names will be recorded and individual information will be anonymous and confidential. Fifty congregation members will need to be present for the survey. If the congregation size is usually smaller than this, we hope the place of worship will help us to organize a special event where

extra people will attend. We can provide a health talk and/ or simple health checks if this would encourage participation.” Follow up surveys will be done during the year and at the end. Further interviews will be done and other forms of data will be collected to assess whether the health advocate is comfortable and effective in his/her role, and whether congregation members are making use of the health advocates’ services. Feedback will be provided to the health advocate and congregation at each stage. Health advocates will be expected to serve in their place of worship for one year. An opening ceremony for the first workshop will be held today at the Regency Hotel, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. Among those in attendance will be the Minster of Public Health and a team from King’s College London.

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FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 1 BMW Car $1.7M 1 Cement mixer truck $2.9M 1 Bobcat $3.3M. House lots @ Blankenburg . Contact 6500402/603-1402. One- 113 KVA Olympian Genset 2.2M, One- 75 KVA Perkins/ Stamford enclosed Genset 2.5M #622-3940

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Xtreme Clean- Janitorial and Home Management Services. For washing, painting, renting and administrative services. Call: 216-3467. Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

One miller, welding generator, excellent condition. One mig welder. Contact: 699-4300, 228-2734 Foxtail,Supari,Royal Palm @1,000 Crootons,Ashoka trees,potting soil @800,lawn grass, Exora, Ficus 4 for 1000.Tel: 626-1044 Pure breed German Shepherd for sale (Black & Black and tan) Tele no: 626-0953 or 6509998

“Budhram’s Landscaping service” Free advice, free design, free after care, followup 656-1326 EDUCATION Register your child for after school classes for slow learners in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, Spelling, etc. Call: 675-4379 VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 Unregistered Axela 2011 dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab. Call: 617-5536 One RZ minibus BRR series, mag rim ,cat eyes. $1.5. Tel: 668-9672, 686-9965.

Lessons: Phonics, Reading & Writing for Kindergarten, grades 1-5 Mathematics & English. Lessons for form 1-5. Call: 690-9378 Alliance Françaíse Guyana French classes January 2018, Register 61 Upper Robb Street Bourda, Thurday 11th Friday 12th 4:30-6pm & Saturday 13th 10:30-12pm #692-2965. LEARN TO DRIVE Ultraviolet driving school is offering a 6 days driving lesson for $7,500.Come and enjoy it! Tel: 602-2583 PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

Supermarket at 17th Avenue, Diamond. Tel: 626-3423

Vreed-en-hoop junction. Lessons place, storage bond, office, other. Call 6036400. 2 Bedroom bottom flat @ C Field,Sophia Tel: 619-0094. 1 Flat concrete house (Tiled, grilled,PVC ceiling) 3 bedroom, 1 self-contained room @ Parafaite Harmonie & Onderneerming, $50,000 monthly #662-6818. Bottom flat, two bedroom apartment in 19 Ave Diamond. Call: 647-6056. One 3 bedroom single family located at Windsor Estate EBD (gated community) Furnished. $2,500 US monthly. Contact #652-1234

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! CALL: 690-6494 TOLET 2 bedrooms apartment, fully furnished, in Eccles New Scheme. 698-7807,225-3234 One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St. Kindly call: 689-3462, 644-3555. Serious enquiries only. One (2) bedroom, lower flat apartment- 2162 Festival City$45,000 monthly. Contact: 6290052. VACANCY

PEN PAL

One maid for East Bank area, must know to cook and clean. Call: 614-4358

Overseas Indian male seeks female 30-32 with good personality. Call 664-3119

One female cleaner and driver for office in Eccles. Call: 2332745

WANTED Full time waiter/waitress to work at Aagman Restaurant, Sheriff street, experience preferred. Call: 219-0158/ 2190161. Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 One (1) Driver/ Purchaser to work at a Mining firm in G/ Town. Contact #226-9768/6615307 or 615-6172 Security Guards to work in the interior with Mining firm. Age range 38-48. Contact#2269768/615-6172 One (1) Manager/Promotions Manager to work @ Hotel/ Club on Essequibo Coast. Accommodation & attractive salary. Contact: 226-9768/6156172 Experienced shop workers and handy man to work in the interior. Age 18 and older. 2310363 4am-4:30pm. One cashier, one secretary, attractive salary. Call: 2237165. Security guards, 1 heavy duty mechanic, 1 cashier, 1 filing clerk, 1 accounting clerk, 1 company secretary. Call: 6044149 Experienced drivers, Waiters, Roti & puri cook, apply with written application, Hacks Restaurant, 5 Commerce St. General domestic with cooking experience, ages 3045 Call 629-9450 Security Guards, ages 40-55 East Bank area preferable. Call 226-1100 Experienced hire car drivers and dispatchers. Contact 6165419, 265-7076 Drivers for private cars & Mini bus route 44 @ 4 First St Albertown, walk with application. Car/Van driver, mechanical skills an asset. Live in preferably. 227-1830 Heavy duty mechanic to work in interior. Must know to drive and welding is an asset. 6802702 One welder to work in the interior. Meals and accommodation provided. Must have driver’s license. 680-2702 300+ acres fertile agriculture land on E.C.D. to lease OR partnership in agriculture project. 682-8251 1 Live-in nanny to take care of children and home. Must know to cook various food. 682-8251 1 Live-in maid between age 3550. Prefer out of town persons. Contact Ms. Edwards 6643918 between 8am-4pm LAND FOR SALE Parafaite Harmonie $1.5M Uitvlugt-$2.5M Zeelugt$2.4M.Tel:642-1252

VACANCY Male factory worker, age 18 and above, must have working experience. For more info call: 223-0090 Urgently neededExperienced canter drivers & bond clerks. Call: 223-5020 For experience female accounts clerk. Apply in person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Chef and assistant cook. Call: 225-7933 or visit us 172 Sheriff Street. General maintenance man, Ages 24-55. Address 233 South Road, Tele# 225-0198 One customer service representative. Age 18 and over. Must have working experience, send application via email: humredes@gmail.com One receptionist, age 18 and over, must have working experience. Please send application via email: humresdes@gmail.com One Mechanic with sewing machine experience, age 25 and over, please send application via email: humresdes@gmail.com One maid to work in Atlantic Gardens, ECD, Live-in (optional) 638-5303, 227-7380. Vacancy exist for 1 female 2545 years to work @ Del Ice Co. Must have Maths, English & Accounts. Call 231-1408/6429191. Cook/Baker & Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 1 Live-in domestic maid/ couple to work in Mahaicony river. Serious enquiries only. 655-9491/225-6571 1 cleaner & kitchen assistant, preferably female (to work in chinese restaurant). Contact: 231-5108, 625-8884 Experienced Security Professionals. Must have 3 yrs. experience, past military/ security. Send resume & picture by email:. bvisecurityandinvestigators@ gmail.com. One Domestic to work 2 half day per week. #225-6571

Israel says will resume power supply to Gaza today

President Mahmoud Abbas JERUSALEM (Reuters) Israel said it will restore full electricity supply to the Hamas dominated Gaza Strip today following a request last week by the Palestinians who said they will resume payments. We s t e r n - b a c k e d Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas withdrew his guarantee to pay Israel for power in April, leaving Gaza’s two million residents with only three to four hours of electricity a day as supplies were cut by about half. Abbas’s move, which affected schools, factories, hospitals and households, was part of a bid to press Hamas to loosen its hold over the enclave a decade after the Islamist movement seized the territory from forces loyal to him. A brief statement by Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz yesterday said he had ordered the power lines, that can deliver up to 120 megawatts of electricity, to be prepared for full operation “no later than tomorrow (Monday).” The move will restore an additional 50 megawatts of power to Gaza. A Gaza economist said the restoration of electricity from Israel, the enclave’s main electricity supplier, could raise power delivery to six hours. Gaza’s sole power station generates only a small amount of power.

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

14 cases completed in last session of Essequibo, Berbice Assizes The High Court in Berbice

According to information released from the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), six and eight matters were disposed of at the October session of the Essequibo and Berbice Criminal Assizes respectively. The Essequibo Criminal Assizes commenced on October 24, 2017 with Madame Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and State Prosecutor Tamika Clarke. Fifty nine matters were listed to be heard in this session. However, only six of them were completed. Over at the Berbice Criminal Assizes, State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy prosecuted eight matters before Madam Justice JoAnn Barlow. Of the six cases completed in the Essequibo Criminal Assizes, four of them were for the offence of murder and the other two cases for sexual offences. In two of these four murder cases, the accused persons were all acquitted for the offences of murder and for the lesser offence of manslaughter. In one of these two cases, there were four accused indicted together. In another one of these four matters the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 36 years imprisonment. However, the prisoner will serve five years since the trial judge made deductions on merciful grounds. In the one other murder trial the accused was

sentenced to 41 years imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict of 10 guilty to two not guilty for the lesser offence of manslaughter. In one of the two sexual offence matters, the accused was sentenced to 25 years after the jury found him unanimously guilty of rape of a child under 16 years. And in the other case for the offence of sexual activity with a child family member, the complainant testified that she did not wish to proceed with her evidence. As such, the trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The DPP nolle prosequi four matters for sexual offences. In two of these matters, the complainants gave written statement indicating they did not wish to proceed with their matters. The complainant in another one of the matters has since died. Another one of the complainants has migrated. Of the eight matters completed in the Berbice Assizes, two were for the offence of attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of wounding with intent, four cases for the offence of murder, and another two matters, one each for the offences of rape of a child under 16 years and rape. In one of the two cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder with the alternative count of wounding with intent, the accused pleaded guilty to the alternative count of

wounding with intent and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. In the other case, the accused was sentenced to nine years imprisonment after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty for the alternative count. In one of the four murder cases, the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. In another one of these cases, the jury found the accused unanimously guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter. He was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. One murder case was aborted because the jury forewoman was arrested and placed on remand for allegedly being involved in a criminal offence. The accused in one other trial was acquitted by the jury. The accused in the matter of rape of a child under 16 years was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found unanimously guilty by the jury. The accused for the offence of rape was also found unanimously guilty by the jury and was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment. The February Berbice Criminal Assizes will commence on February 13. Its October session continues before Madam Justice JoAnn Barlow. The Essequibo criminal Assizes is expected to open on February 6. In the meantime, Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry continues the October Assizes.

Britain’s May to change Govt. ministers soon, senior figures reported to be safe LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said yesterday she would announce changes to her ministerial team soon, with media reports saying her foreign, finance, interior and Brexit ministers would keep their jobs in a reshuffle starting today. After running a poorly received campaign at a national election last year that badly damaged her authority, May is leading a delicately balanced minority government tasked with delivering Britain’s exit from the European Union. She is also under pressure to tackle a range of domestic policy problems. May said ministerial changes were

necessary following the departure of her long-standing ally and de-facto deputy Prime Minister, Damian Green, whom she forced to resign in December after he made misleading statements about pornography found pornography on computers in his parliamentary office. “Obviously, Damian Green’s departure before Christmas means that some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes,” she told the BBC in an interview recorded on Saturday for broadcast yesterday. May said the reshuffle would come soon, but did not give any further details.

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Monday January 08, 2018

US senator says no evidence of ‘sonic attacks’ in Cuba HAVANA - CMC – United States Republican Senator Jeff Flake says the US has found no evidence that American diplomats in Havana, Cuba were the victims of attacks with an unknown weapon. Flake, a Senate Foreign Relations Committee member and a longtime leading advocate of detente with Cuba, met Friday with highranking Cuban officials including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and officials from the Interior Ministry, which oversees domestic security and works with foreign law-enforcement agencies. According to the Associated Press, Cubans told Flake the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has told them that, after four trips to Cuba, its agents have found no evidence that mysterious illnesses suffered by US diplomats were the result of attacks. On Saturday, Flake said that classified briefings from US officials have left him with no reason to doubt the Cuban account, although he declined to discuss the

Jeff Flake contents of those briefings. The Trump administration claimed that 24 US government officials and spouses fell ill in Havana in their homes, and some hotels starting in 2016. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he’s “convinced these were targeted attacks,” but the US doesn’t know who’s behind them. As a result, the US withdrew most of its diplomats from Havana, citing a health risk, and forced many Cuban diplomats to leave Washington.

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

South Africa’s parliament to review rules on removing president J O H A N N E S B U R G, (Reuters) - South Africa’s parliament said yesterday it would review its rules relating to removing the country’s president, after the constitutional court said on Dec. 29 that lawmakers had previously failed to hold President Jacob Zuma to account. The court ruling has piled pressure on Zuma and his allies as his opponents within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) are pushing for him to be removed as head of state before his term ends in 2019, when national elections will be held. Zuma is in a weakened position after Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected leader of the ANC last month, narrowly beating Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. There is widespread local media speculation that Ramaphosa’s faction in the ANC will push for Zuma to be removed as the country’s president in the coming

President Jacob Zuma weeks, although Zuma still has allies at the top layer of the party. A parliamentary subcommittee will meet this week to discuss a draft procedure on the section of the constitution relating to the removal of a president and the draft will then be debated in the house, the National Assembly said in a statement.

The national assembly’s subcommittee will review a draft procedure drawn up in April 2016 that was never finalised and a 2015 study of impeachment proceedings of seven other parliaments around the world, the statement said. Zuma, 75, has survived several no confidence votes in parliament over recent years, mostly relating to a string of corruption allegations. He denies any wrongdoing. The constitutional court gave parliament six months to put in place a mechanism for removing a president after it said lawmakers failed to hold Zuma to account for a scandal relating to state-funded upgrades to his home. The constitutional court ruled in 2016 that Zuma pay back some of the roughly $15 million in state money spent on ‘security upgrades’ on his sprawling country compound, which included a cattle pen, chicken run and a swimming pool.

Iran Guards say quell unrest fomented by foreign enemies

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said yesterday the country’s people and security forces had put an end to unrest fomented by foreign enemies, as parliament and security officials met to discuss the boldest challenge to the clerical establishment since 2009. There has been more than a week of unrest in Iran in which 22 people have died and more than 1,000 arrested, according to Iranian officials. The protests spread to more than 80 cities and rural towns as thousands of young and working-class Iranians expressed their anger at graft, unemployment and a deepening gap between rich and poor. Residents contacted by Reuters in various cities have

said the protests had subsided after the government intensified a crackdown by dispatching Revolutionary Guards forces to several provinces. “Iran’s revolutionary people along with tens of thousands of Basij forces, police and the Intelligence Ministry have broken down the chain (of unrest),” the Guards said in a statement on their Sepahnews website. The Guards said the unrest had been “created ... by the United States, Britain, the Zionist regime (Israel), Saudi Arabia,

the hypocrites (Mujahideen) and monarchists.” Parliament met yesterday to discuss the week of unrest with the ministers of interior and intelligence, Iran’s police chief and the deputy commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, state television said. Late on Saturday, videos on social media showed a heavy police presence in cities, including Khorramabad in southwestern Iran where on Wednesday evening social media posts showed protesters throwing stones at riot police.

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Monday January 08, 2018

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Cornered Merkel upbeat as she CIA’s Pompeo says Russia and others trying to undermine U.S. elections seeks to revive grand coalition

Cornered Merkel upbeat as she seeks to revive grand coalition. BERLIN (Reuters) Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday she was optimis t i c her conservatives and the Social Democrats (SPD) could cut a deal as they began five days of talks about reviving the ‘grand coalition’ that has governed Germany since 2013. Persuading the centerleft SPD to team up with her is Merkel’s best bet for forming a stable government and extending her 12 years in office, after she failed in November to form an alliance with two smaller parties. Arriving at SPD headquarters for talks more than three months after a national election, Merkel said the parties had much work to get through but intended to tackle it quickly, adding: “I think it can succeed.” The SPD, which had said it would go into opposition after its worst election showing since 1933, reconsidered when G e r m a n y ’s president intervened. But the center-left p a r t y, a m o n g w h o s e membership opposition to a grand coalition re-run remains strong, has been

playing hard-to-get. A group called “NoGroKo”, meaning “no grand coalition”, has formed within its ranks to campaign against working with Merkel again, saying that would cost the SPD votes and make the farright Alternative for Germany (AfD) the leading opposition party. SPD leader Martin Schulz said that, while the outcome of the talks was unclear, his party would enter them constructively. “We won’t draw any red lines - rather we want to push through as much red politics as possible,” Schulz said, referring to the party’s color. He said five days should suffice to find out whether the parties had enough common ground to launch full-blown coalition talks. The SPD leadership is due to recommend on Friday whether or not to start those talks, and it will then be up to an SPD party congress on Jan. 21 to make a decision. A coalition between Merkel’s CDU/CSU alliance which lost ground to the AfD in September’s ballot - and the SPD has run Europe’s largest economy for eight of the last 12 years.

But it has tended to be viewed as a last resort by both politicians and voters as it leaves the opposition weak. A poll for broadcaster ARD showed more than half of the electorate - 52 percent are skeptical about reviving it, while 45 percent are in favour. Not natural allies, the two camps are likely to clash on immigration, tax, healthcare and Europe and expectations among other leading figures in the parties were mixed as the preliminary talks got under way. Norbert Roemer, SPD head in the regional assembly of North Rhine-Westphalia, told RND newspaper group no lawmakers in his state caucus favored a grand coalition, with past experience meaning they no longer trusted Merkel. The SPD in the eastern state of Thuringia is also skeptical about such a tie-up. Senior SPD member Thomas Oppermann told Welt am Sonntag newspaper that Merkel should step down during the current parliament and called for a chancellor’s tenure to be limited to eight or 10 years. Volker Bouffier, a senior member of Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU), told Rheinische Post newspaper his party intended to form a grand coalition but that it could not come at any price, while Bavarian CSU leader Horst Seehofer said participants needed to come to an agreement. The potential partners have agreed on a news blackout during the exploratory talks, which are due to finish on Thursday. If the parties then progress to more detailed coalition talks, the consensus among politicians and observers is that those discussions would last until at least March. But if the exploratory discussions fail, Germany could either face fresh elections or, for the first time in the post-war era, a minority government.

Four Venezuelan generals placed on US sanctions blacklist Washington (AFP) - The US Treasury placed four serving or retired Venezuelan generals on its sanctions blacklist Friday, raising pressure on the embattled government of President Nicolas Maduro. The Treasury Department alleged that the four were either involved in repressing protesters or tied up in major corruption schemes. Washington has already targeted Maduro himself for sanctions, and is a long-standing opponent of what it sees as his increasingly

authoritarian regime. Falling oil prices, political unrest, and corruption have decimated the country’s economy and led to deadly protests under Maduro. The new sanctions “highlight that corruption and repression continue to flourish under the Maduro regime, both by those in current government positions and former officials who continue to benefit from a corrupt system,” the Treasury said.

WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - The head of the Central Intelligence Agency said yesterday that Russia and others are trying to undermine elections in the United States, the next major one being in November when Republicans will try to keep control of Congress. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to try to help President Donald Trump win, in part by hacking and releasing emails embarrassing to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and spreading social media propaganda. CIA Director Mike Pompeo told CBS that the Russian interference is longstanding, and continues. Asked on “Face the Nation” if Moscow is currently trying to undermine U.S. elections,

CIA Director Mike Pompeo Pompeo responded: “Yes sir, have been for decades.” “Yes, I continue to be concerned, not only about the Russians, but about others’ efforts as well,” Pompeo said, without giving details. “We have many foes who want to

undermine Western democracy.” Moscow denies any meddling in the 2016 elections to help Republican Trump win. U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether any crimes were committed. Two Trump associates, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and campaign aide George Papadopoulos have pleaded guilty to lying to FBI agents in the probe. Trump denies any campaign collusion with Russia. Trump has at times suggested that he accepts the U.S. intelligence agencies’ assessment that Russia sought to interfere in the election but at other times has said he accepts Russian President Vladimir Putin’s denials that Moscow meddled.

Iranian oil tanker burns, 32 missing after collision off China’s coast Oil tanker burns

BEIJING (Reuters) - A tanker carrying Iranian oil and run by the country’s top oil shipping firm was ablaze and spewing cargo into the East China Sea yesterday after colliding with a Chinese freight ship, leaving the tanker’s 32 crew members missing, the Chinese government said. Thick clouds of dark smoke could be seen billowing out of the Sanchi tanker, engulfing the vessel as rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and fire on and around the ship, Mohammad Rastad, head of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation, told Iranian television. The Sanchi, run by the

country’s top oil shipping operator, collided with the CF Crystal about 160 nautical miles off the coast near Shanghai and the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta on Saturday evening, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation said in a statement. The Panama-registered tanker was sailing from Iran to South Korea, carrying 136,000 tonnes of condensate, an ultra light crude. That is equivalent to just under 1 million barrels, worth about $60 million, based on global crude oil prices. “Sanchi is floating and burning as of now,” the Chinese ministry said. “There is an oil slick and we are

pushing forward with rescue efforts.” It had sent four rescue ships and three cleaning boats to the site by 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) yesterday, the ministry added. Chinese state media CCTV showed pictures of the tanker ablaze and billowing plumes of thick dark smoke. South Korea also dispatched a ship and helicopter to help. A Korean Coast Guard official confirmed the fire was still raging at 1 p.m. (0500 GMT). The tanker ’s 32 crew members are all Iranian nationals except for two Bangladeshi nationals, the Chinese transport ministry said.

Monday January 08, 2018

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Venezuela orders cut off of air, sea Dominican Govt. rejects claim of mistreating Haitians traffic with three Caribbean neighbours

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - CMC – The Government has hit out at accusations that the country has mistreated undocumented Haitians, as reported in a L’Osservatore Romano, a newspaper published in the Vatican. According to Dominca’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Víctor Grimaldi, there is no truth to the report published on Friday. “The Dominican Republic, like any organized State (United States, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and the

Vatican itself) has the right to documentarily regulate the entry and exit of foreign citizens to its territory. We do it in strict compliance to international laws and agreements,” says Grimaldi in a letter to the editor-in-chief of the Vatican newspaper, Gian Maria Vian. The diplomat said the Dominican Republic offers facilities to the nationals of the neighbouring country, ensuring that thousands of Haitians receive free medical care during pregnancies and deliveries in Dominican hospitals, as

well as the opportunity for studies and work for thousands of Haitians “Everyone’s rights are respected, as well as the thousands and thousands of foreigners from other countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Spain, the United States and other places in the world,” he said. The Ambassador, in his letter stressed that the Dominican people and their government are generous and welcome migrants of all nationalities, “as long as they respect our laws.”

Pusey among seven women to serve Supreme Court starting today Jamaica Observer Seven judges, all women, were sworn in to serve at the Supreme Court during a ceremony held at King’s House on Friday. They are Carolyn N Tie, Stephane A Jackson Haisley and Sonya Wint Blair, who have been appointed Puisne judges; popular Parish Judge Judith Pusey, Simone Wolfe Reece and Anne-Marie Nembhard, who will act as Puisne judges. Also taking the oath of office was Natalie Hart Hines, who has been appointed to act as Master-in-Chambers. Of the group, Pusey may appears to be the most popular, having presided over some high profile cases in the Resident Magistrate’s Court, among them the Cuban light bulb matter, which resulted in the acquittal of former Government Minister of State Kern Spencer. The native of Islington, St Mary, is the twin sister of Jamaican Olympian Jacqueline Pusey. All seven will take up their appointments today.

Deputy GovernorGeneral, Steadman Fuller, who presided over the swearingin ceremony in the absence of Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, congratulated the judges and reminded them that they are part of the bedrock of Jamaica’s democratic process. “You hold a position of high esteem, which requires your continued dedication to service above self and the preservation of the integrity for which our judicial system has become known,” he pointed out. Fuller further encouraged them to approach their assignments with great zeal and enthusiasm. “I commend each of you on your appointment, which is a pronouncement of the skills and competencies which you possess and the quality service you have given,” he added. Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla, in her remarks, hailed the judges for their high standard of service and urged them to continue to be

vigilant as they complete their various assignments. “I continue to emphasise that those who seek the services of our courts have at the forefront of their minds the timely resolution of their cases, and I encourage judges to continue to serve with dignity and diligence,” she said. Tie, who replied on behalf of the appointees, gave the commitment to “giving the highest standard of judicial service as so many of our colleagues have done in the past and continue to so do”. “Today is a day that each of us would have worked so hard towards…Being a judge is more than just a job. It is a way of life…We do what we do out of a genuine passion for the law and a desire to serve,” she noted. Noting that she will be demitting office at the end of January, the Chief Justice said that she is satisfied that she is leaving behind a strong judiciary, even though it is not resourced as she would have liked.

CARACAS - CMC – Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has ordered a temporary shutdown of air and maritime traffic with three Caribbean neighbours, accusing smugglers there of seeking to plunder his South American country. In a televised address on Friday, Maduro said he had halted all flights and ship traffic to the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, known as the “ABC islands,” for 72 hours. He accused the three countries of running black markets by siphoning everything from copper to food before selling the items. “They take away gold from this country illegally, and make it legal to sell there; they take away coltan, they take away diamonds, they take away all food products,” Maduro said. “I didn’t want to take a measure like this one, but I am ready to take even more radical measures.” The islands, which are short distances from Venezuela’s northern coast, have long hosted black markets for Venezuelan contraband, trading everything from illegallymined minerals to narcotics, however, in recent times, the islands have become better

Nicolás Maduro known as the landing site of boats of Venezuelans fleeing the country. According to reports, many refugees have fled illegally, so the closure is unlikely to stop those departures but it will prevent Venezuelans wishing to travel by air at a time when many airlines refuse to fly to the country because of safety concerns. Aruba is the site of a large refinery that Citgo, the American subsidiary of Venezuela’s state oil company, has been touting plans to refurbish. “I hope that during these

72 hours the leaders of these countries will take the measures we’ve asked for more than two years” against smugglers, Maduro said. “Mafias are waging war on our electricity, they steal our copper and they sell it legally.” Maduro has closed borders in the past after alleging that smugglers were robbing the country, especially at times when his government faces problems. In late 2016, Maduro shut down the border with Colombia, alleging that mobsters there were hoarding currency, the paper said, adding that, the previous year, he had ordered a longer and declared a state of emergency along the same border, saying that food, fuel and other goods were being smuggled there. The measures had little effect on smuggling in the area, residents said, but did prevent many thousands of Venezuelans from crossing the border to buy food during shortages. Presently, Venezuela is also struggling with hyperinflation and the Maduro administration ordered more than 200 supermarkets to cut prices back to last month’s levels.

CJ asks Lucky to help fraudster friend

FLASHBACK - SEPTEMBER 2014: Gillian Lucky, from left, takes the oath during her swearing in as a judge of the Supreme Court. Looking on are Esther Liverpool of the Office of the President, President Anthony Carmona and Chief Justice Ivor Archie. Trinidad Express - HIGH Court Judge Gillian Lucky facilitated requests from Chief Justice Ivor Archie to assist his convicted fraudster friend Kern Romero. Did Lucky know at the time of meeting Romero that he was a fraudster? Questions sent to her seeking a response have been unanswered. The assistance Archie requested of Lucky was to offer Romero legal advice and financial assistance. The Sunday Express has communication in its possession which confirms this.

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Steph Curry scores 45 in three Unstoppable Shiffrin wins fourth quarters as Warriors handle Clippers alpine skiing race in a row Mikaela Shiffrin – (GEPA pictures)

KRANJSKA GORA, Slovenia (Reuters) Overall World Cup leader Mikaela Shiffrin won her fourth race in a row yesterday, storming to victory in the slalom at Kranjska Gora by a huge 1.64 seconds. It was her seventh win in the last eight races in all disciplines, her form peaking with the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang just one month away, and the 40th World Cup win of her career. Shiffrin is widely expected to retain the Olympic slalom title she won at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia, as well as having a shot at gold medals in the giant slalom and Super G. “I was really aggressive, especially the first run,” she told Swiss television, adding that she did not take an interest in passing the 40-win milestone. “It doesn’t mean so much,” she said. “I‘m not focusing on that, I‘m really happy with

my skiing right now and that’s what I‘m focusing on.” The 22-year-old produced an astonishing first run as she charged down the course in 51.44 seconds, with Frida Hansdotter of Sweden the second-best on 52.91. Even though Shiffrin eased off slightly on the second run, when her time was bettered by two other skiers, nobody else could get near her total time of one minute 43.50. Hansdotter was second and Switzerland’s Wendy Holdener third. Shiffrin, who won her maiden overall World Cup title last season, tops the overall standings with 1,281 points, an overwhelming lead of 721 points over second-placed Holdener. This season she has won four slalom races, two giant slaloms, one parallel slalom, the Oslo city event and a downhill.

Hathurusingha to serve as official selector-on-tour ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka Cricket has agreed to make head coach Chandika Hathurusingha an official selector-on-tour, alongside cricket manager Asanka Gurusinha and the captain of the side. Hathurusingha will not play an official role in selecting the squad for a series - that role will continue to be fulfilled by the existing selection panel headed by Graham Labrooy. However, once a squad has been chosen, Hathurusingha, Gurusinha and the captain will form the three-man on-tour selection panel that picks the final XI for each match. This new selection protocol, which was ratified by SLC’s extraordinary general meeting (EGM) yesterday, is something of a compromise. Hathurusingha had wanted to be a selector - a position he had enjoyed as head coach of Bangladesh. Sri Lanka’s Sports Law, however, prevents a head coach of a national team from simultaneously functioning as a selector of that team. Making him a selectoron-tour is SLC’s attempt to grant Hathurusingha the power he desires, without falling foul of the law. “Mr. Hathurusingha had lengthy discussions with us, and we found that if we are to demand a high quality of performance, we have to give him 100% backing,” SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said. “Sometimes a coach might tell a player: ‘Go out and get 20 runs in the next one or two overs,’ and they might get out. If you look only at the statistics, that player might be dropped. But if the selectors are aware of the situation, and the coach says, ‘He got out

because I told him to get these runs,” then [that player will get more support]. That is our thinking - to give the coach that muscle. If you expect one of the top coaches to come and help us out, we must give him the backing.” Although this is the first time a Sri Lanka coach has been granted official selection powers (at least in a limited sense), Hathurusingha is not the head of the on-tour selection panel. That power remains with cricket manager Gurusinha, who has more-orless functioned as the most powerful selectoron-tour since being appointed by SLC last year. Gurusinha is also a member of the selection panel that picks the wider squad. “The tour manager is the chairman of selectors on tour - that’s as per our board’s constitution,” Sumathipala said. “That is not just peculiar to our national team, it’s across all our age-group sides as well. The manager is the one who reports to us and has to justify the selections to the board. As such, the manager has that power.” Hathurusingha’s first assignment with the side will be the forthcoming tri-series in Bangladesh, which features Zimbabwe in addition to the hosts. The captainfor that series (who will also now function as an ontour selector), will be named on January 9. Sri Lanka selectors: Graham Labrooy (chairman), Jeryl Woutersz, Gamini Wickremasinghe, Sajith Fernando, Asanka Gurusinha Sri Lanka selectors-on-tour: Asanka Gurusinha (chairman), Chandika Hathurusingha, [team captain].

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Points came easily for Steph Curry on Saturday. Eleven in his first five minutes, 17 before the game was 8½ minutes old. “I just wanted to start off the game right,” Curry said. “It’s obviously weird starting a game at 12:30 (p.m.). You’ve got to find that energy and something to build momentum, especially early.” He finished with a season-high 45 points without playing the fourth quarter and the Golden State Warriors ran away from the Los Angeles Clippers 121-105 for their fourth straight victory. “I knew right away, when I got free for a couple of threes in the first quarter and they went down, I got in a rhythm,” Curry said. “Beyond that, you just keep your head down and keep shooting and stay aggressive.” Curry took advantage of the guard-depleted Clippers, making 11-of-21 shots, including 8-of-16 on 3pointers, going against rookie Juwan Evans and GLeague call-up Tyrone Wallace. In the four games since missing 11 with an ankle injury, Curry has averaged 36 points on 58% shooting, 54% beyond the arc. “He’s been on fire. Maybe the break was good for him,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s been amazing.” Said Curry: “Coming off the injury, obviously I’ve got fresh legs, a nice rhythm. I was able to put some good work in the week and a half before I got back on the floor.” The Clippers’ Blake Griffin suffered a concussion late in the first quarter when he stumbled driving into the lane from the right wing and hit his

Steph Curry (Photo: Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports) head on JaVale McGee’s right elbow. Griffin fell to the floor immediately, and remained down for several minutes as team physicians tended to him. He walked off under his own power and went to the locker room. “Blake’s a pretty tough guy, he should be OK,” teammate DeAndre Jordan said. “But we definitely want him to be cautious and do whatever he needs to do to be OK.” Nick Young and JaVale McGee each scored 11 points, and Klay Thompson and David West added 10 apiece for Golden State, playing with Kevin Durant sidelined by a right calf strain. The Warriors improved to 17-2 since Nov. 27. Lou Williams scored 23 points, and Jordan added 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers. They lost their

12th straight to the Warriors, dating to Dec. 25, 2014. Tyrone Wallace, signed Friday, added 13 points in his first game for Los Angeles. Tied at 50 with 3:30 left in the second quarter, the Warriors went on a 23-9 run, capping the stretch with Curry hitting a 3-pointer with 8:41 left in a third quarter. Golden State went up 10373 on McGee’s dunk with 55 seconds in a quarter that would see the Warriors outscore on the Clippers 3922 for a 103-76 lead with 12 minutes to play. “We had a big third quarter, which is what we wanted,” Kerr said. “At halftime we talked about it. Let’s break free and make sure everybody gets out there and plays. That third quarter was important for us, but this was mainly about Steph tonight.”

Steph Curry has a word with Blake Griffin.

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Dottin gets better of Windies Ntini claims he was asked to step down by Zimbabwe Cricket teammate in Heat win

Teenaged West Indies opener, Hayley Matthews. HOBART, Tasmania, CMC – Deandra Dottin won the battle of the West Indies players as Brisbane Heat overcame Hayley

Matthews’s Hobart Hurricanes by eight wickets, in the Women’s Big Bash League here yesterday. Sent in at Bellerive Oval, Hurricanes rattled up 111 for four off their 20 overs, with 19year-old opener Matthews top-scoring with 34 from 40 balls. The hosts lost Stefanie Daffara cheaply for 11 with the score on 18 in the fourth over but Matthews anchored a 41-run, second wicket stand with Georgia Redmayne (20) to revive the innings. All told, Matthews struck three boundaries before becoming the second casualty of the innings with the score on 59. Left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen was the best bowler with two for 17 while Dottin’s two overs of medium pace leaked 16 runs. In reply, Heat strolled to their target in the 15th over courtesy of a sparkling 62 not out from opener Beth Mooney. She faced 43 balls and counted eight fours, adding 41 for the first wicket with captain Kirby Short (19), 39 for the second wicket with Dottin (15) and a further 34 in an unbroken third wicket stand with Delissa Kimmince (13 not out). Matthews was economical from 3.4 overs of off-spin, conceding a mere 21 runs.

Bale scores twice in first league start since September but Real held BBC Sport - Wales forward Gareth Bale scored twice in his first La Liga start since 20 September as Real Madrid were held to a draw at Celta Vigo. Celta went ahead when exLiverpool striker Iago Aspas set up Daniel Wass, who lobbed goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Bale, who has had a calf injury this season, netted twice in three minutes after passes from Toni Kroos and Isco. Aspas had a penalty

saved by Navas, but Celta equalised when Maxi Gomez headed in from close range after Wass’ cross. Celta thought they had won another penalty with only three minutes remaining when Aspas went down under a challenge from Marcelo, but the referee waved play on. At the other end, Lucas Vazquez had a chance to win it for Real Madrid in the 90th minute but his well-struck shot was saved by home goalkeeper Ruben Blanco. Reigning champions Real

stay fourth and are now 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, although they have one game in hand on Ernesto Valverde’s side. Since losing 3-1 away to Tottenham in the Champions League on 1 November, Zinedine Zidane’s team have now only been beaten once in 13 games - the 3-0 home loss to Barca on 23 December. However, this result was another blow to Real’s hopes of retaining their title after Barcelona had beaten Levante 3-0 earlier yesterday.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons beat Los Angeles Rams in wildcard play-offs BBC Sport - The Atlanta Falcons kept their bid for Super Bowl redemption on track with a 26-13 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL wildcard play-offs. Matt Bryant kicked four field goals as the Falcons secured a second-round match with the Philadelphia Eagles - the top-ranked NFC team. The Falcons were devastated by the New England Patriots’ comeback victory in last

year’s Super Bowl. In the AFC, the Tennessee Titans won 2221 at the Kansas City Chiefs. Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota’s exploits included, remarkably, catching a touchdown pass from himself. He helped the Titans to their first play-off win for 14 years when he scored a touchdown in unlikely circumstances, after an attempted pass deflected back into his hands off an opponent, and he dived into the endzone. “It’s hard to explain,” Mariota said. “I really got lucky there and was trying to make a play. I kind of was at the right place at the right time.” The Titans will play either the Patriots, defending Super Bowl champions, or the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next round of the play-offs. In the other wildcard games the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Buffalo Bills, while the New Orleans Saints entertained the Carolina Panthers.

Makhaya Ntini rejoices with the Zimbabwe players. (Associated Press) ESPNcricinfo - Makhaya Ntini has disputed Zimbabwe Cricket’s assertion that he resigned from his post as the bowling coach and said he was asked to step down. In an interview with South African radio station Radio 2000, Ntini confirmed ESPNcricinfo’s report from September, which revealed that players were unhappy with his coaching methods and that Ntini would likely be released before the World Cup Qualifiers. “The honest truth is that I didn’t resign,” Ntini told Radio 2000. “I received a text message from the MD, saying that he would like to talk to me. The first thing that he mentioned, he reminded me that we had a chat about four months ago regarding some of the players’ unhappiness. Some of the players and the staff members went to see him and reported that they are not happy with the job I am doing and that the job that I was given was not meant for me.” Ntini claims he was then informed that he was “not going to be part of the tour that’s coming up, the Bangladesh tour,” and was asked to step down. His contract was up for renewal this month, after he was appointed on a two-year deal in January 2016. Zimbabwe Cricket had earlier in the day sent out a release in which they said they “reluctantly” accepted Ntini’s resignation and thanked him for his service. “Charismatic, ever-helpful, hard-working and always full of energy, Makhaya’s

experience and immense knowledge of the game have helped to bolster the ZC national team into a competitive outfit that went on to record Zimbabwe’s first ever away one-day international series win over Sri Lanka in 2017,” the release said. While Ntini was similarly affectionate about his relationship with Zimbabwe and called it “the country that I fell in love with,” he admitted to being shocked that there were complaints about him because he “never had an assessment” and “never had a problem with Heath (Streak - head coach) and I never had a problem with Lance (Klusener - batting coach.” On initially hearing that there was unhappiness, in S e p t e m b e r, Ntini approached the squad and not only did no-one come forward with any issues, but many of them were surprised that there had been words sent against Ntini. “After I had that meeting with the MD, I called them straight away, the players and the staff and I asked them. I said guys I just came back from the MD and he says that some of you said the job that I was appointed for was not meant for me. Who is that person? And that person, if he had a problem with me, he should have approached me. None of them actually had owned up,” Ntini said. “They were so shocked that was said about me.” ESPNcricinfo has learned that there were problems with

Ntini’s coaching style. As an extreme disciplinarian, Ntini was particularly strict on fitness and often demanded excessive training for players, even if they were injured. Ntini does not hold a coaching certificate apart from the Level 2 accreditation given to all former internationals and was also said to be lacking in tactical acumen. Asked whether his future would include more coaching, Ntini gave little away but said he had enjoyed his time with Zimbabwe and was proud of what they had achieved. “I don’t regret anything about me going to Zimbabwe. When I took a decision of going to Zimbabwe, I knew what was needed,” he said. “There is so much to be proud of that I took the decision to go to Zimbabwe and I can tell you now that anywhere Zimbabwe goes and plays, they get respect. You must understand that Zimbabwe can now bowl teams out, to take 20 wickets in a Test match.” However, in Ntini’s last match in charge, the inaugural four-day, day-night Testagainst South Africa, Zimbabwe only took nine South African wickets and lost inside two days. However, the performances of debutant Blessing Muzarabani and veteran Chris Mpofu were encouraging and Ntini is hopeful they will help Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup. Zimbabwe Cricket are expected to provide further comment on this issue in the coming days.

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Brooks, Moseley fill trough as Pride draw with Volcanoes – 4th day, 8th round BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Barbados Pride, led by half-centuries from Shamarh Brooks and Shayne Moseley, chose discretion as the best part of valour and settled for a draw with Windward Islands Volcanoes in the Regional 4Day Championship yesterday here. Brooks, the Pride captain, stroked a typically effortless, unbeaten 69 and Moseley was not on 57, as the Pride reached 135 for one in their second innings before the two teams decided it was pointless to continue about 20 minutes before the scheduled close on the final day of their eighth-round match at Kensington Oval. Brooks languidly drove Volcanoes captain Tyron Theophile, peddling his uncomplicated off-spin, to long-on for a single to reach his 50 from 101 balls, and Moseley soon followed, when he tucked veteran offspinner Shane Shillingford off his hips into square leg for a single to reach the landmark from 166 balls. The pair chose to improve their aggregates and averages, as well as gain meaningful batting practice, sharing 125 – unbroken – for the second wicket, knowing that the prospect of a victory which would keep the Championship alive was out of the question, following the complete wash-out on Saturday’s third day. The result meant that Guyana Jaguars were confirmed champions for a fourth straight year, as their victory the previous day over Jamaica Scorpions moved them to an unassailable 135 points. Pride – second in the table on 75.2 points before the match – gained three batting points, three bowling points and 1.6 pace bowling points, moving them to 82.8 points – and no hope of surpassing the Jaguars in the final two rounds of matches. Volcanoes – last on 52.2 points entering the match –

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

earned three bowling points and two batting points, plus 1.2 pace bowling points, taking them to 58.4 points. Earlier, Volcanoes, starting the day from 241 for six, were bowled out for 287, in reply to the Pride’s first innings total of 316 about 35 minutes before lunch. There was token resistance from the visitors’ tail-end batsman, but it was enough to erase any possibility of an imaginative finish. West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach was the most successful Pride bowler with 4-75 from 22 overs, Kevin Stoute took 2-30 from 19 overs and Justin Greaves supported with 2-54 from 22.4 overs. Either side of a 45-minute stoppage for rain in the morning period, Kyle Mayers, padding up, was lbw to Roach for 38, having started the day on 30, after ushering Volcanoes past 250 and Greaves struck three overs later, when Delorn Johnson was caught behind off Greaves for 14. Larry Edward was caught by the ‘keeper off Kevin Stoute for six to leave Volcanoes 287 for nine before Greaves had Shane Shillingford caught at deep fine-leg for 16 to bring the innings to a close. Next round, Pride face Jaguars at this same venue, and Volcanoes meet Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. Scores:PRIDE 316 (Roston Chase 114, Justin Greaves 60, Tevyn Walcott 49, Kemar Roach 32 not out; Larry Edward 3-71, Delorn Johnson 2-21, Shermon Lewis 2-36, Shane Shillingford 2-92) and 135 for one (Shamarh Brooks 69 not out, Shayne Moseley 57 not out). V O L C A N O E S 287 (Kavem Hodge 63, Roland Cato 56, Kyle Mayers 38, Devon Smith 26; Kemar Roach 4-75, Kevin Stoute 2-30, Justin Greaves 2-54).

Australia close on victory in Sydney test SYDNEY (Reuters) Australia were closing on an innings victory with England fighting a desperate rearguard on 93 for four at stumps on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes test yesterday, still 210 runs from forcing their hosts to bat again. Brothers Shaun and Mitchell Marsh had earlier both scored centuries on a scorching morning at the Sydney Cricket Ground to put Australia in a position where they could declare on 649-7 in the second session. England, already 3-0 down in the series with the urn relinquished, had toiled in the field in temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius with little success and their luck did not change when they came out to bat. Openers Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman went cheaply inside the first six overs of their second innings with James Vince (18) and Dawid Malan (five) following in the final session. Skipper Joe Root, who made an unbeaten 42 despite playing with an injured finger, and Jonny Bairstow (17 not out) will take England’s fight to save the test into the final day. The Marsh brothers had earlier joined the Chappell siblings Ian and Greg (1972) and the Waugh twins Mark and Steve (2001) in scoring centuries in the same innings in an Ashes test. Shaun Marsh made 156 from 291 balls before being

Shaun Marsh embraces his brother on reaching three figures©Getty Images run out by a Stoneman direct hit just after lunch, with Mitchell having departed for 101 on the delivery after securing his second century when Tom Curran took out his off stump. The brothers both scored their second centuries of the series in a brilliant 169-run partnership that built on the mammoth 171 Usman Khawaja scored on Saturday.

It was a particularly sweet partnership given Shaun was a controversial selection for the series, his eighth recall to the test line-up being met with disbelief in some quarters, and Mitchell was only brought in for the third test in Perth. Mitchell was the second to reach the milestone about an hour into the morning with two runs past point and

A special day for the Marsh family ©Getty Images

Shaun was in such a hurry to congratulate his little brother that he almost ran him out. “Emotions got the better of me and I wanted to give him a hug,” 34-year-old Shaun told reporters. “To be out there with Mitch, to both score our test centuries today for Australia, being out there and sharing each other’s emotions when we got to our hundreds, was an extremely happy moment. It’ll certainly be a day that we won’t forget.” Shaun had started the day on 98 with Australia 479 for four and took just five balls to secure his sixth test century by crunching Moeen Ali through the covers for one of the 18 fours he scored in his 403-minute knock. While Australia flourished with the bat, England continued to struggle. Cook did become the sixth batsman to score 12,000 runs in tests but the ovation had barely been completed before Stoneman was dismissed for a duck by pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, the batsman reviewing the lbw decision to no avail. Former skipper Cook was dismissed for 10 rocking back in his crease to a superb delivery from spinner Nathan Lyon that removed the bail from his off stump. Scores: England 346 and 4 for 93 (Root 42*, Bairstow 17*) trail Australia 7 for 649 dec (Khawaja 171, S Marsh 156, M Marsh 101, Smith 83, Warner 56) by 210 runs.

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Arsenal crash out to Forest, Newport stun Leeds

The 18-year-old Ben Brereton typified Forest’s approach to the game, and was denied three times by Ospina in the first half before coolly dispatching a second-half penalty to hand his side a crucial 3-1 lead. (Getty Iamges) LONDON (Reuters) Holders Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup to second-tier Nottingham Forest and Newport County stunned former winners Leeds United as the FA Cup third round burst into life yesterday. The biggest story of the round was saved until the final kickoff of the weekend as Arsenal suffered a 4-2 defeat at the City Ground where American Eric Lichaj scored twice for the secondtier side who sacked manager Mark Warburton a week ago. Thirteen-times FA Cup winners Arsenal paid dearly for fielding a weakened side as they lost in the third round for the first time in manager Arsene Wenger’s two-decade reign. Until then fourth-tier Newport County had staked a claim for the biggest upset of the weekend with a 2-1 win

over Leeds — substitute Shawn McCoulsky heading a last-minute winner the day after his 21st birthday. On Saturday 1987 winners Coventry City, who are now languishing in the fourth tier, knocked out Premier League strugglers Stoke City by the same score — a result that cost Stoke boss Mark Hughes his job. Top flight West Ham United also flirted with danger at League One (third-tier) high-flyers Shrewsbury Town yesterday, escaping with a 00 draw after being largely outplayed. “We were terrible today and Shrewsbury were really good,” West Ham keeper Joe Hart, who began his career at Shrewsbury, said. “There was some terrible football played today.” Eight-times winners Tottenham Hotspur had no trouble at home to third-tier AFC Wimbledon as Harry

Kane struck twice in two minutes in the second half of a 3-0 home win. Arsenal made nine changes to the side that drew impressively with Chelsea on Wednesday, although they still started heavy favourites against a Forest side

featuring seven under 23s. They could have few complaints though. Lichaj gave Forest the lead and although Per Mertesacker levelled for the visitors, Lichaj scored a stunning volley to put Forest back ahead just before halftime. Penalties by Ben Brereton and Kieran Dowell sealed victory for caretaker boss Gary Brazil’s side, even if Dowell’s strike caused controversy because it appeared he had made double contact with the ball. Danny Welbeck had pulled Arsenal back to 3-2. “This has got to be something we build on,” Brazil, trying to revive the former English and European champions from the lower regions of the Championship, said. “This football club should be playing against the

Arsenals of this world, and they should be beating them.” Wenger, who watched from the stands because of a three-match touchline ban, refused to blame his team selection. “We played a very good Forest team who were sharp and focused. The challenges were decisive. Overall our performance wasn’t good enough,” he said. “When you don’t win the selection is always questioned. I believe we had an experienced team — eight or nine internationals. It would be easy to think that was the problem.” Earlier in the day Rodney Parade in south Wales had supplied some old-fashioned Cup magic as Newport became the latest underdogs to embarrass once mighty Leeds — sparking a joyful pitch invasion by the home faithful.

Gaetano Berardi’s deflected ninth-minute strike had looked like winning the tie for Leeds, who were knocked out by minor league Sutton United last season, but Conor Shaughnessy’s own goal 15 minutes from time set up a thrilling climax. McCoulsky ensured it was one of the best days in modest Newport’s history with an unstoppable header. “I can’t remember most of it, it was a blur to be honest. It is definitely one of my best goals, to knock Leeds out of the FA Cup is what dreams are made of,” he said. Leeds also suffered a shock Cup defeat across the other side of the Severn Bridge in 2002, falling to Cardiff at a time when Leeds were Premier League title contenders. To complete a dismal day for Leeds they had substitute Samuel Saiz sent off in stoppage time.

Petra contributing to... From page 34 competition, Police Force Football Club (PFFC) that featured in six finals during the last 12 months and were pegged as the perennial favourites of the tournament, lost to Dark Horses Camptown 1-0. However, Camptown, that were being labeled as the underdogs in the final that was played under lights at the Ministry of Education ground, showed their grind and when the tournament statistics were examined, they weren’t weak but rather overshadowed by the consistent PFFC. Camptown snuck to the final of the Turbo knockout tournament which saw hundreds of fans turn out, almost under the radar and emerged as the most defensively solid team with their goalkeeper Richie Richardson, the best in the tournament, achieving the most clean-sheets (three), while only conceding one goal. Camptown’s defensive unit which was an irremovable rock that embroiled the opposition in psychological warfare at times was their trump card in their championship campaign. Girls Peewee Petra closed off 2017 with an important grassroots tournament that incorporated women’s development in the sport. That competition was the Smalta/Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) girls’ under-11 peewee tourney that discovered a potential gem in Fayon Henry, the MVP and captain of the victorious side, South Ruimveldt Primary. Henry scored both goals in Ruimveldt’s win over the defending champions’ St. Angela’s in the final at the Ministry of Education, ground on Carifesta Avenue. Following the final of the six-week competition, Henry posited that, “Our coach told us to win, play hard and win the game not only for team but for the school. I am happy because we did and this will make our school proud.”

Eric Lichaj needed to only connect with Kieran Dowell’s free-kick to guide the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina. (Ryan Browne/BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

Newport created chances throughout the game, including Padraig Amond’s blocked first-half effort. (HUW Evans Picture Agency)

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Prem Persaud softball tourney set to resume shortly in Wakenaam Following a break due to the holiday season, the Prem Persaud 15-over softball competition is set to resume shortly at Sewram’s Tarmac in Belle Plaine, Wakenaam. The competition is being played on a round robin basis and involves Wakenaam Masters, Melville, Rest of the Island, Sans Souci, Maria’s Pleasure, Belle Plaine, Zeelendia, Good Success, Sarah and Noitgedacht. Melville, Sans Souci, Belle Plaine, Good Success and Noitgedacht recorded first

round victories when the competition commenced in December last and will look to continue in the said vein. Organiser Chandrika Ragnauth is urging that Captains complete their match report forms and submit same in a timely manner since outstanding players and teams will be rewarded. He added that teams should be present at the venue at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their respective matches so that all the games can be completed on time.

Messi, Suarez and Paulinho on target in routine Barca win

Lionel Messi got Barcelona off the mark after 12 minutes when he got on the end of a Jordi Alba header. (AFP/Getty Images) BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona restored their lead at the top of La Liga standings to nine points after Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez each scored in a routine if underwhelming 3-0 win at home to struggling Levante yesterday, with Paulinho increasing their lead in added time. Record signing Philippe Coutinho did not attend the game after completing his 142million-pound ($192.67-million) move from Liverpool to Barca on Saturday although Ousmane Dembele made his first league start in more than three months. Messi was back in the starting line-up after missing the King’s Cup draw with Celta Vigo on Thursday and marked his 400th game in La Liga by opening the scoring in the 12th minute,

Monday January 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

volleying Jordi Alba’s cushioned header into the net. Suarez struck his fifth goal in four games running by controlling a cross from Sergi Roberto and slamming the ball high into the net in the 38th minute. Barca relaxed a little after the break but Brazilian international Paulinho added an extra shine to the win by tapping in as the game drew to a close, netting for the seventh time in the Liga, making him the top-scoring midfielder in the Spanish top flight. Barca are nine points ahead of nearest challengers Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of champions Real Madrid, who were visiting Celta Vigo later yesterday. ($1 = 0.7370 pounds)

Suarez’s strike took a deflection off Levante central defender Sergio Postigo before looping over the top of the goalkeeper. (Reuters)

JAGUARS ARE CHAMPIONS Pride draw with Volcanoes give Leon Johnson’s side unassailable lead ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Guyana Jaguars were confirmed as winners of the 2017-18 Digicel 4-Day Championship, after their nearest rivals Barbados Pride settled for a draw with Windward Islands Volcanoes in their rain-affected match yesterday. Jaguars completed a nail-biting, twowicket victory over Jamaica Scorpions inside three days in their eighth-round match on Saturday at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, taking them to an unassailable 135 points – with two rounds of games remaining. It is the fourth straight Headley/Weekes Trophy, symbol of WINDIES first-class supremacy, for the Jaguars, following in the footsteps of previous incarnations of the Pride and Scorpions. “As you can imagine, it’s a very good feeling for us to win the title for a fourth straight year,” said Jaguars captain Leon Johnson. “I am someone that delves into the history of the game – Barbados would have achieved this in the late 1970s, and Jamaica did it between 2008 and 2012. “We are only the third team to have achieved something like this in WINDIES firstclass history. It is very pleasing to be part of it and to be at the helm for the fourth consecutive year of us winning this title. It is testament to our hard work. We have won it with two matches remaining, which is a feat in itself.” Johnson added: “It is also testament to the way we have played this season. As a team, we have played well. I think everyone who has played has made a contribution, some more significantly than others, but I do not think there is a game that we played where

someone did not put up their hand up and played well for the team with bat or ball.” “We have two matches remaining – against Pride and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force – and we want to play unbeaten this season. We accomplished this two seasons ago (2015-16) and this is our aim for those two matches.” Johnson said: “There are a number of factors that contributed to our recent success. Fitness is a big part of it. Our players have remained fit throughout the competition. We have not had a lot of injuries during this period, and we have not had to change a lot of players and bring in new players. “Players have also responded well when put under pressure. We have won a lot of games over the last four seasons, but it has not always been smooth sailing by any stretch of the imagination – and at those times, when we have come under pressure, players have always found a way to dig us out of the hole.” Johnson said: “Winning this title will mean a lot to the people of Guyana – many of whom have supported us throughout. We have worked hard leading up to this tournament, but it is not just the senior team. Our junior teams have been consistently winning and I think it is just testament of the hard work that the players have put in to being successful. “The weather sometimes has not always cooperated and allowed us to prepare as well as we would have liked, but we have always found a way to make do with what time and facilities are available, and so this means a lot to us to be able to remain this consistent over such a long period.”

Versatile Coutinho will be great asset for Barca, says coach BARCELONA (Reuters) Philippe Coutinho’s versatility makes him a great acquisition for Barcelona, coach Ernesto Valverde said yesterday as the Brazilian made his first public appearance at the Nou Camp following his 142-millionpound move from Liverpool. “I think he will give us many things — he has a good goal-scoring record, he gives assists, he’ll be able to help us a lot in attack and can play in the middle or on the wing,” Valverde said. The coach has yet to decide where the new signing will fit into his fluid side, who are unbeaten in the Liga and Champions League. “He’s versatile and we can make the most of that. We’re going to see how he trains first and then we’ll decide,” Valverde said. “I’ve seen him play in a lot of positions for Liverpool and for his country, although I don’t imagine we’ll be putting him in goal.” Barca beat Levante 3-0 at home yesterday with goals from Lionel Messi,

Luis Suarez and Paulinho, to stay nine points clear at the top of the La Liga standings and after the game Coutinho put on a club tracksuit to pose for photographs at the Nou Camp. Coutinho, who will sign his five-year contract with Barca and be officially presented to the media today, is the third most expensive transfer ever after Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, both at Paris St Germain, and ahead of new Barca team mate Ousmane Dembele, who cost the Catalans 105 million euros ($126.35 million). Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic told reporters he was looking forward to seeing Coutinho play at the club. “My opinion about his price doesn’t matter, it went up a bit, the market dictates how much you have to pay, but we are the biggest club in the world, we want another player, and he is one of the best around,” he said. “The important thing is

that every player feels welcome so we can fight for our objectives together. We will welcome him as one more member of the family. We all know all about him and we’re going to really enjoy his football.” Coutinho was also welcomed to Barca by former Liverpool team mate Suarez, with whom he spent two years at Anfield, coming agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title in 2014. “I‘m very happy as a team mate and a friend of his, I think he’s going to contribute a lot to the team,” Suarez said. “Everyone knows how much quality he has, he has spent many years at the elite level. We will help make him feel at home and ensure he adapts well.” Coutinho’s Barca debut could be delayed due to a thigh injury which kept him out of Liverpool’s last two games against Burnley and Everton, while he cannot play again in the Champions League this season after already appearing in the competition.

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EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League

Agricola storm back to beat Grove to retain title; Samatta Point/Kaneville end third

Four of the five Individual awardees, from right, Highest Goal Scorer - Jamal Cordis (Grove), Most Disciplined Player – Rayfield Hilliman (Grove), Most Promising Player – Seon Grant (Agricola) and Most Valuable Player – Jonathan Andries (Agricola). Absent is Best Goalkeeper – Joshua Dias (Diamond Upsetters).

Grove Hi Tech, Ralph Green/East Bank Football Association 2017 second placed team after the presentation of prizes yesterday. Third place Samatta Point/Kaneville FC.

A double either side of play off the boot of the Most Promising Player, Seon Grant, pulled back defending champions Agricola Red Triangle after being a goal down against Grove Hi Tech and took them to victory in an energetic end to the second annual Ralph Green / East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League yesterday at the Grove Playfield, East Bank Demerara. The players, eager for action since before the Christmas Holidays, were curtailed due to consistent rain during the festive season. But with a few days of sun in the New Year, the Grove Playfield became playable and the scene was set for the final of a tournament that had attracted eight Under-11 teams affiliated to the EBFA. With the third place match between two first time clubs, Samatta Point/Kaneville and Diamond Upsetters not being played due to the no-show of Diamond Upsetters, Agricola Red Triangle – eager to exact revenge against Grove Hi Teach which had defeated them in the group stage 2-4, finally got the chance to show who is the best at this development level on the East Bank. Such was the excitement of the players that Grove cantered into the lead mere seconds into the match through a Dwayne Cliffe goal that sent his teammates and Grove fans into a frenzy. Prior to this encounter, Grove had lost just a single game as compared to Agricola’s three losses in the round-robin segment of the league. Grove was also the first team to qualify for the final four but it took some disciplined and determined play from Agricola to storm back the way they did in qualifying for the final four. The same determination and tenacity displayed in bringing them through were the main factors in first equalising and then notching in the winner against Grove. Grove, which ended third in the inaugural tournament last year did not get the chance to celebrate for long as the league’s Most Promising Player, Seon Grant, who ended scored his fifth goal of the competition in the second minute of the match. It was Agricola’s time to celebrate and that they did as they took control of proceedings. Both teams had some good moments in the fast paced match that remained even until the first half ended. On resumption, the final 15 minutes had all the ingredients for a pulsating conclusion and like the first half commenced, so did the second. This time however it was the defending champions that took the lead when Seon Grant completed his double and sixth of the competition, one minute after resumption. The goal saw the small band of Agricola supporters celebrating in style as they sensed that victory was in sight. Despite taking the lead however, Agricola had to stave off numerous offensive challenges from the Grove lads who never gave up hope of stitching in an equalising goal. But that was not to be as the Agricola boys not only defended well but came close to increasing the advantage on a few occasions. However, no more goals were scored and Agricola celebrated their second championship triumph in as many years of the league. Not only did they ink their name on the winning trophy after their 2016 title win over Craig Primary School but they walked away with two of the five individual awards. Most Promising Player which went to the outstanding Seon Grant (11 year-old) but the prestigious Most Valuable Player prize which went to the diminutive 10 year-old Jonathan Andries who was a tower of strength for the champions. Andries ended with seven (7) goals. Grove which went one step better than their 2016 showing also took two of the five individual prizes which saw each player receive a trophy and one Back Pack. Grove ‘s Jamal Cordis (who will celebrate his 11th birthday later this month) ended as the Highest Goal Scorer with a total of ten (10) goals in 9 matches overall, while his teammate, 9 year-old Rayfield Hilliman who scored a single goal in the competition, was named the Most Disciplined Player of the league. The other individual prize went to Joshua Dias of Diamond Upsetters who was named the Best Goalkeeper. Agricola’s Coach, Colin John was named Best Coach, while the top four teams were all presented with medals. Each player along with the Coaches were presented with a branded tee shirt earlier in the tournament which each club received a branded ball. Solomon Austin of Herstelling Raiders FC ended with 8-goals, Daniel Bradford of Mocha Champs scored six (6), while Dwayne Cliffe of Grove had four (4). Kerry Boyce (female) of Mocha along with club-mate Jamal Harry, Jevon Plauck of Grove and Diamond United’s Ronaldo Adams all scored three (3) goals.

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Kaieteur News

Petra contributing to keeping field football alive in a major way

MVP Fayon Harry receives accolade from co-director of Petra Troy Mendonca. By Calvin Chapman In its seventh year, the Petra Sports Coordinating company, under the stewardship of Director Troy Mendonca, continues to promote exciting football tournaments that have kept fans and players interest in the sport alive, especially with the dwindling amount of football competitions during the recent years. Not only senior football has benefited from Petra tournaments but the company has sought to help develop the sport locally from the grassroots right up with Peewee boys’ and girls’ under-12 and under-19 interschools tournament to go along with the marquee senior competitions that includes inter-association play. LIMACOL Following the timeline of Petra organized field football tournaments, the first was the 2nd edition of the LIMACOL competition that kicked off on January 25th and featured 16 teams outside the ambit of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League in roundrobin, knockout football action. Watched by a massive crowd at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground on March 4 last year, Western Tigers won the riveting final against the Guyana Police Force FC 1-0, via a stunning free-kick from Colin Nelson. For their unbeaten run in the tournament, Tigers copped the first prize of $500,000 and the corresponding title while Police were awarded $300,000. MILO Following the successful Limacol tourney, the school lads suited up for action in the 5th edition of the Milo under19 inter-school competition which saw the defending

champions, Chase Academy, retain their title after triumphing in the final that was decided from the penalty spot on the April 9th final. Chase won shootout 3-2 against Morgan’s Learning Centre. Played before a massive crowd, touted to be the biggest in the competition’s history, the much vaunted Chase Academy were pushed to the brink by a determined and well prepared Morgan’s Learning Centre in an epic game that finished 1-1 at the end of regulation and overtime. The game was a fitting

conclusion to a tournament that will surely help produce quality players in the future. Corona Invitational Although the Corona Invitational tournament which was the next Petra field football competition, following the Milo Interschool tourney, was delayed due to inclement weather and was concluded on September 17th last, it was a very competitive and subscribed tournament that featured teams within the Georgetown Football Association that was stagnant throughout the year. In the competition, Police FC got revenge over Western Tigers for their defeat in the final of the Limacol football tournament after ousting them 10 during the semifinal arc. In the final, Dwain Jacobs fired Police to victory with a hat-trick as the lawmen ran riot on GFC 4-0 to seize success in the final of the inaugural tournament. The climax of this two-month tournament was electrifying on Sunday night, much more to the glee of Police Football Club and their fans that horded the stands and majorly the touch line of the football pitch. Many of GFC supporters were left in awe as they didn’t expect their team who had played well throughout the tournament, including a 3-0 victory against this same Police side in the group stage, to lose and more so, lose in such a

From left, West Ruimveldt trio Jonathan Andries (MVP), Ian Daniels (Golden Boot) and Daniel Sutton (Best Goalkeeper) sharing a moment at the presentation ceremony. humbling fashion. Courts Peewee The importance of development and competition of any sport at the grassroots level is important and the Petra organisation had realized that when they decided to partner with COURTS Guyana Inc. for the 1st primary school, under-11 peewee tournament. In its 6th year, the growth and level of the competition was evident providing the exciting clashes throughout, with West Ruimveldt’s Ian Daniels being the standout. In the anticipated final of the competition on November 11th which was held at the part-sponsor’s Banks DIH, Thirst Park ground, West Ruimveldt, led by four goals

from Ian Daniels, destroyed the gritty and inaugural champions of the competition, Marian Academy. Daniels ended the tournament with 16 goals for the golden boot award, while teammate Daniel Sutton was adjudged the best goalkeeper in the tournament and captain of the team Jonathan Andries received Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours for his brilliant mid-field play. Jamal Pedro of West Ruimveldt was also named as best coach of the tournament, while Marian Academy received the most disciplined team award. Turbo Knockout Following the conclusion of the very successful 11-a-

side Corona football tournament, Petra have kept the ball rolling with the launch of the Turbo Knockout football tournament, featuring 16 teams, September month end with $1 million in cash prizes up for grab. The 16 teams included 11 of the 12 that participated in the Corona Invitational Knockout tournament minus Western Tigers. West Demerara’s Uitvlugt and Pouderoyen, East Bank’s Grove hi-tech, along with East Coast’s Buxton Stars and Mahaica Determinators will also be matching skills in the straight eliminator competition for the $500,000 1st prize. In the final of this Continued on page 31

Milo Brand Manager Renita Sital hands over the winning trophy to Chase Academy’s captain Kelsey Benjamin in the presence of teammates on April 9th last year.