Kaieteur News

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Almost one year later...

AIETEUR Sydney James, other Thursday Edition p.

January 09, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 01

NEWS officials yet to be 3 Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most charged over damning audit popular weekly findings of corruption at SOCU

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 137,679

- says

Attractive salaries ofUniversity Houston for oil ‘watchdogs’ Instructor must not be overlooked p.

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New Demerara Harbour bridge, Granger confirms alternative E.B.D. Road in 2 years Ramjattan as PM candidate p.

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Harbour bridge

Burnt body in car trunk...

DNA results confirm victim is the vanished p. eyewitness 3 Collin Rodney

Govt. not 14p. contemplating making Caribbean Airlines national flag carrier

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Ba t s a

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Aracari Hotel room deaths… p.

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Girl strangled, boyfriend drank poison - PM report

charged Numbers on voters' Cuban for forging list don't add up immigration p.

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- We cannot unilaterally remove names - GECOM Boss

stamp

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 09, 2020

New Dem. Harbour bridge, alternative E.B.D. Road in 2 years - Patterson

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overnment believes that once it remains in power it can finish two major projects in two years to solve the current congestion woes on the East and West Demerara areas.

The projects will be a new Demerara River bridge and an East Bank Demerara link to Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The Coalition Government and any other will be under pressure to find solutions quickly to the issue.

About 10,000 vehicles use the current 40-year-old Demerara Bridge daily. It has been leading to major, daily congestion on especially the East Bank road and Vreed-en-Hoop road, West Bank Demerara.

A new bridge would have seen overhead passes that takes vehicles past the

East Bank road to a new road linkage located east of the current East Bank Demerara Public Road that would take traffic to the Timehri airport or Ogle, East Coast.

According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, yesterday, two years is very doable for the two projects.

Already, all the main ingredients of the preparatory works have been completed.

According to Patterson, it would be a disservice not to bring the projects into fruition, for the sake of the suffering commuters.

The Minister stressed that there have been attempts to delay the projects.

Government had announced a new place for the new bridge- at Houston, on the East Bank of Demerara and at Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Congestion on the East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge at Peter's Hall

US Senator leads team to discuss energy, infrastructure Senator Black (3rd from l) pose with Minister Hughes and delegation in MOPT's Colgrain House boardroom.

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nited States S e n a t o r representing the District of Virginia, Richard Black, on Tues d a y p a i d a courtesy call on Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s M i nister, Catherine Hughes.

Black would be leading a team to talk with officials on matters relating to energy and infrastructure, according to a short

statement of the ministry.

Senator Black was accompanied on his official visit to Guyana by Guyanaborn Mayor of Purcellville Virginia, Kwasi Fraser, and a delegation of four technology and business specialists. “The visitors enjoyed a lively discussion with Minister Hughes on the

absolute importance of connectivity and easy access to the Internet to the development of a country.

This subject is the forte of Guyana-born Ian G. Hall who is now President and CEO of ATISS, a global company that specializes in IT security, data analytics, and policy and strategy development.�

Hall has worked as a

consultant to the United States Department of Defense and joined the senator's delegation to Guyana.

Data Architect and Cloud Te c h n o l o g i s t , D a r r e n Culbreath, was also a member of the delegation, as was George Mallon of Mallon Oil, and Kirk D. Mitchell, a global Procurement Specialist.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

PAGE 03

Almost one year later...

Sydney James, other officials yet to face charges over damning audit findings of corruption at SOCU

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lmost one year ago, the Guyana Police Force's Audit Department conducted an assessment of the financial affairs at the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).

That audit revealed damning levels of corruption from top to bottom of the agency. But to date, not a single charge has been laid against any of the individuals fingered in the report.

The document which was seen by this newspaper notes that the former Head of the Unit, Sydney James, and several other officials such as Superintendents Robert Tyndall, Trevor Reid, Byran Vieira and Corporal Kevin Haywood from the Guyana Defence Force, abused the agency's Operational Fund which benefitted from

$1.5M on a monthly basis.

With the exception of a payment book, the audit found that there is no record to rely on for a transparent and accountable financial process at SOCU. In fact, auditors said there is no remittance book, daily cash composition book, no account and expenditure books. As it relates to some of the instances of fraud and corruption, auditors observed that in June 2016, Reid, Tyndall and Vieira collected $600,000.00 each.

But in a scramble to prove that they could account for it, they produced several receipts from January to June to show that they would have spent $100,000 a month on intelligence gathering. But these receipts were found to be back dated.

It was further observed

by the auditors that Haywood, who served as the secretary and not as an i n v e s t i g a t o r, d i d n o operational duties during the time of the assessment, but he still received a whopping $1,378,000.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e auditors noted that SOCU officials could not provide bills for 17 items which they said totalled $593,565.

What was strikingly odd to the auditors is the fact that a local store called PC Shack repaired a SOCU printer for $21,000 and installed the same printer for $138,171 in one day. But three weeks later, it was repaired again at a cost of $87,180.

The auditors were also disturbed to find that SOCU had spent $84,000 to print Christmas cards but there is no evidence of the number of cards printed and their type

Burnt body in car trunk‌

DNA results confirm victim is the vanished eyewitness Collin Rodney

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he burnt body that was found in a car trunk at Letter 'T', Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, on November 1, 2019, has been positively identified as that of vanished eyewitness Collin Rodney.

Sources close to the case said that the Guyana Forensic Scientific Laboratory (GFSL) disclosed its findings yesterday when officials handed over the results of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to the police.

The results came from rigorous tests that were conducted on DNA samples that were taken from Rodney's close relatives and from the remains two months ago.

This is the first completed DNA test that the GFSL has done.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had already confirmed that the chassis number on the burnt vehicle matched Rodney's car.

Police have not indicated whether they have made any headway in identifying any suspects in Rodney's disappearance.

However, investigators believe that the last calls he received may be crucial to enabling them to find his killers.

Detectives have apparently ruled out reports that Rodney, 36, was abducted near his home. Kaieteur News understands that investigators have established that he had driven to the Rupert Craig Highway.

He was reportedly alone in his vehicle. It is believed that he was responding to a phone call he had received.

Rodney, along with his silver-grey Toyota Allion, vanished on October 25.

His vehicle, with his burnt remains in the trunk, was found in his car trunk at Letter 'T', Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara about a week later.

Collin Rodney Rodney disappeared on the same day that he was scheduled to testify in the murder of his cousin, Marlon Seon Rodney, called 'George', who was gunned down last April in Norton Street, Lodge.

Thirty-nine-year-old Osafo Grundell, called 'Safo' of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown and James Fraser, 21, called 'Dab' from Garnett Street, Georgetown, are charged with Marlon Rodney's murder.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said that the police will seek to place other witnesses in Government's Witness Protection Programme.

Former SOCU Head, Sydney James along with who they were sent to.

Other findings that were deeply troubling to the auditors included the expenditure of $1.2M on sourced information from U.S intelligence for which no evidence could be produced; and payment of $500,000 to J. Eastman and Associates Financial Services for auditing and accounting services,.

This is in spite of the fact that SOCU had an advisor

and senior financial investigators at that time.

The auditors were also keen to note that there is no record to show what works the agency provided.

As for the entity's former Head, there are allegations against him that he forged the signature of his successor, Superintendent, Althea Padmore, so that he could obtain almost $1.8M. Auditors also learnt that James claimed to have paid a total of $1,719,000 on five

occasions to repair motor vehicle PRR 2609. It was discovered that this was not a police vehicle. In addition, the store he claimed to have made the payments to, A and F Auto repairs, cannot be located.

Another disturbing discovery for the auditors were records which showed that SOCU officials paid $10,300,000 to M. Ali for car rental. All the receipts were vague and had no vehicle registration numbers or the period they were rented for.

Also, the receipts had no letter head or official stamps.

The auditors were alarmed at the fact that the amount paid to Ali is 43.6% of SOCU's expenditure for the audit period (2016 to 2019).

Kaieteur News understands that all of the evidence for all the instances of corruption identified by the Audit Department has been handed over to the police for further investigation by the Fraud Squad.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Politics and protests Overreaction? Too much sensitivity? Arranging a storm in a teacup? Or, reduced to its simplest terms: gotcha! Yes, it is about religion and constitution and separation of state from the spiritual. Both have their own weight to be bothered about, rather than to have to assume that of the other.

Indeed, it is all of that, if not more, and none should argue in this matter of the spiritual effort/ prayer by the Ministry of Public Health people that took on a surprising life of its own. But there is such a thing as the underlying intentions, as well as what is the harm done and, moreover, what is expected to be gained from challenging?

The first thought was that there was not much in that MoPH prayer to make a capital case for impropriety, for wicked objectives, and for who knows what else that is imagined in this political season.

It is no longer merely a silly season, but hunting season, filtering season, purifying season, with no stone left unturned, as to what could be uncovered, and where it may lead.

Let’s proceed cautiously, observe closely, and weigh wisely, are some of the guidelines which should find favour, since they make for so much commonsense. Why imagine slights, the worse of objectives, and ulterior motives, when they may not even have been contemplated.

Dare we, at this paper, say that word, which is sure to outrage? We will try it. The word is innocence. In other words, not everything should be interpreted as angled for unfair advantage, or is intended to diminish, or have in mind to bring about secondary status.

Clearly, this society is strung as taut as a bowstring, with no give, no room for error, not even human discretion. In effect, this signifies that the space required for necessary accommodations has been sucked out of both atmosphere and environment, while leaving us sorrier for what now prevails and is anticipated to intensify.

In view of being imprisoned in a dark place from where we stand poised to spring at the merest stirring, then what is promised in the days ahead?

What could follow, but the inevitable social decline that haunts?

Today any wink could be searched for diligently and when found blown out of proportion-deliberately or naively or innocently-there is bound to be fallout. People are too tense, too judgmental, too insistent upon the unreal, if not the inhuman.

Let us remember what this is all about: it is about something called elections. And though the succeeding sentence should emphasize that it is not life and death, or should not rise to that level, truth be told, elections in Guyana are about life and death for too many.

They live for this, they have nothing else, they may not even desire for matters to be otherwise, so far are they gone down the political road that consumes and traps and devastates. We need to rebalance and measure ourselves not through what is imagined, but what is helpful and constructive to get to another place.

As always, there are two questions that are relevant, and powerfully so: do we as individuals and as a collective polity genuinely desire to move from where we are, with all of its ills and negatives? Or do we like the gutter and failures so much that we cannot begin to dream of extricating ourselves from either?

No document, no program, no government is able to do this for WE, THE PEOPLE. We have to want this betterment for ourselves and the future of our families, extending all the way to the national family.

If we do not will ourselves to higher ground, then it will always be the finger-pointing, the reciprocal accusations, the endless recriminations.

If a prayer can reduce to this, then there is not much hope for us. Better judgment must prevail.

December 20, 2019 - the end of a long road in the search for oil DEAR EDITOR, In the wee hours of December 20, 2019, it was announced that ExxonMobil had started to produce oil.

“First oil” was the shout all around. This date ended a 62year search for the “Black Gold” by successive PPP and PPP/C governments.

Although Guyana was a colony for centuries, the colonial powers did very little to explore for oil. This is despite the fact Trinidad had been producing oil commercially since 1908 and Venezuela in the 1930s. Many people were convinced that Guyana had to have oil.

The leaders of the PPP were among them. The 1953 government did not have the time to launch the hunt for oil.

That government, elected for the first time by universal adult suffrage, was removed after only 133 days in office.

However, from the time it regained office in 1957, Cheddi

Jagan and his then Minister of Natural Resources, Edward Beharry, launched the search for oil.

By 1958, they had succeeded in attracting a company to pursue that dream. That year, a newspaper reported the following “Oil exploration is getting under way in British Guiana. The California Oil Company (British Guiana) Ltd has started a marine seismic exploration programme in the offshore waters.

“The survey is being undertaken by Western Geophysical Company of America which is under contract to the California Oil Company.

This exploration is expected to last about five weeks.

“It will cover part of the 16000 square miles included under the Oil exploration Licence granted to the company by Government in

April this year (1958). Under the terms of this agreement, if oil is found in appreciable quantities, a certain percentage will be refined in British Guiana which will also share over 50 percent of the profits”.

Having done the survey and collected the data, the company seemed to have lost interest. It meant that they either felt that no oil was there in commercial quantities or that they found oil, and for more political and strategic reasons were discouraged from developing the find.

It appears too, that Cheddi Jagan had his doubt as to why the California Company did not peruse its findings, while taking away the results of the survey. Therefore in 1961 he approached the United Nations seeking technical assistance to search for oil.

The UN agreed to assist, and at the end of June/ beginning of July 1962, it sent two Soviet scientists, Dr. V.V Fedinsky and Dr. S. M

Simakor, to study and advise the PPP government. The report was encouraging and they recommended that further exploration be done.

After all, their stay here was relatively short.

On the basis of that report, the government applied to the UN for assistance to do aeromagnetic surveys.

That did not get off the ground. Even though the UN was working closely with the PPP government no work was done. It appears that because of the political problems in the country which included riots and the PPP forced out of office in 1964, that project did not materialise.

However, the Soviet Union seemed convinced that British Guiana had oil in commercial quantities. On Friday 27, December 1962, a four-man Trade Delegation arrived in the then British Guiana. They were Vassle Kamerisky, the leader, Serhei Erin, Veadirmir Ivankov and (Continued on page 6)

On becoming Sir Clive Lloyd DEAR EDITOR, It is with great consternation that I read a letter in the Kaieteur News from Professor Kean Gibson.

Now I have seen previous correspondence by the learned Professor exhibiting a vehement Pan-Africanism, some of which might even be construed as being somewhat controversial. But, alas I am not here to espouse on her former pronouncements.

However, what drew my ire was the Professor’s temerity to criticise the current Political leadership and Opposition for not congratulating “Sir Clive Lloyd” on his becoming a Member of The British Empire (MBE).

Now, I think some history would be in order here. Mr. Lloyd (I absolutely refuse to address him as “Sir” in the current context) was renowned for putting principle before personal enrichment on more than one occasion, and it really strikes me as being somewhat inconsistent when it comes to morality to even accept an Honour from the bastion and heart of perhaps the greatest Empire the world has ever seen.

The number of atrocities committed to expand, hold, and maintain are too numerous to mention and it is almost unthinkable that now London Bridge has fallen down, that a supposedly conscious man as Mr. Lloyd would willingly accept this condescending reminder of British superiority. He was principled when he led a strike

against the WICBC for better player remuneration after which the whole team was fired.

Mr. Lloyd was in Australia engaging in a parallel tournament started by the Media magnate Kerry Packer, when he was summoned back to Guyana by none other than Forbes Burnham and subsequently reinstated as West Indies captain and as the saying goes, the rest is history. His pride and principle was patently obvious when he absolutely refused to yield to the temptation of untold riches being dangled by the pariah Apartheid Regime in South Africa.

Some of the less principled were part of a team led by the Jamaican Lawrence Rowe, and including our very own Alvin Kallicharran and Colin Croft, who were more than willing to put personal enrichment way, way ahead of such trivialities like pride and principle.

At that time, the Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher regimes in America and Great Britain were loath to criticise the despicable Ian Smith Regime and even in the face of worldwide sport boycotts and widespread chastisement engaged in what was euphemistically called “constructive Engagement.”

In the spirit of consistency it would have seemed like the ideal thing for Mr. Lloyd to do, was to say “Thanks, but no Thanks”. He most definitely would have earned more respect for

maintaining his principled position of not supporting an unjust, and even at some times, despotic status quo.

Had he done so, it most definitely would not have established precedence, as some persons who would have been expected to show such initiative did so.

For example Liverpool football club’s first black player Howard Gayle refused the offer, saying that his ancestors “would be turning in their graves after the way empire and colonialism had enslaved them.”

Also the black British Poet and Actor Benjamin Zephaniah pointedly said “I get angry when I hear that word ‘empire’; it reminds me of slavery, it reminds of thousands of years of brutality, it reminds me of how my foremothers were raped and my forefathers brutalised.” Imagine (pun intended) even one of England’s greatest sons returned his honour to the Queen, along with a letter which supposedly stated “Your Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain’s involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, and against our support of America in Vietnam.’

I will therefore suggest that the Professor’s criticisms are not only unwarranted but most definitely misplaced. So, while I am not in any way or form blaming Mr. Lloyd for accepting his honour, because as we age we tend to lose our idealism and revolutionary fervour, I am sure that the great man

Nelson Mandela (wherever he is) is sadly shaking his head and saying “ Clive boy, I am really disappointed in you, I really did expect better knowing the principled positions you took in the past. Then again, who am I to Judge; it is all between you and your God, whatever you perceive him/her to be.”

I know some folks might be tempted to think that now the British Empire these days is a very poor imitation of its former self, it has become somewhat benign and less malignant. But, rest assured that the classism, snobbery and innate disdain for people of colour is alive and well.

Don’t take my word for it, do a Google search for “The Windrush Scandal” and find the series that The Guardian newspaper did exposing the unfair and unjust treatment meted out to our fellow West Indians (mostly Jamaicans) in the very recent past.

So I reiterate that any so called ‘honour’ conferred by your Majesty the Queen should be hastily rejected by any person of conscience.

Think, just think if the late great Bob Marley were alive today and somehow they had foolishly dared to “honour him”, that he would have embraced this condescending and insulting remnant of the despicable and dastardly British Empire.

Remember what the man said, “emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”

Kenneth Frank, Jacksonville, Florida

Thursday January 09, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Right down the middle DEAR EDITOR, On occasion, I am prompted to believe that I am the wisest one around here; and since that is far from accurate, I will settle for the sanest. For in the past few days of this New Year, this pivotal year of 2020, there came confirmation of things that needed no confirmation.

None whatsoever, because they are so obvious, are characterised by so much of what is of mere commonsense.

First, there was the coalition leadership entourage in full regalia at their kickoff proceedings. It was rousing, electrifying, and there was one more thing: there was a crowd of people: raucous, excited supporters, thousands of them, from what I read and heard.

D i d a n y b o d y, a n y Guyanese, require that kind of confirmation? I certainly didn’t, which is why I said from the get-go that this political contest has only one manifestation.

As if to provide proof more than adequate evidence of my immovable assertion, the opposition PPP held its own ceremonies on Sunday i n K i t t y a n d d r e w, according to the media reports, hundreds of wellwishers. This is in Kitty, for as can be anticipated, when the party treks over to its sacred shrine in the Ancient County, they will come out in droves, as in matching thousands to what was displayed at D’Urban Park in the coalition’s production.

I think that Guyanese (even foreign observers) should by now, appreciate where I am heading with this. In the event that it is unclear, let me clear any residual cobwebs or psychological resistances: it is straight down the middle. It is right down the middle with the PNC (coalition) and the PPP occupying pride of place as I have been insisting all along and have gone out on a limb asserting all along.

I did this, even as I made clear my support for the coalition and my belief that it is due another term to continue the few positives, and to be given the time and opportunity to make good on so much more. I stand there.

But what about all the others who were making noises to the contrary?

Where is the youth voter?

The educated voter?

Where is the constitutional reform and whatever other reform voter? Where is the anticorruption voter?

Where is the clean governance voter?

Where is the disgusted and voter in search of, in desperate need of, the change so lamented about in this town? I say it once and for all, and hopefully for the last time: forget about them, all of those manufactured species of voters. They do not exist.

They were and are a mirage, a hoped-for manifestation of some gumption and separation by stricken Guyanese voters from the

umbilical cord. But that, too, does not exist.

Perhaps, there was some stirring, some shaded inkling of hope for some apparition called the youth vote. But the youths of this country cannot think for themselves, or on their feet, or maybe even at all, come to think of it. I say this because when they are in the bosom of the hearth, tradition and family and history take over and reduce them to blubber.

It is the pallor of good intentions taking on the anemic. In Creole of sorts, it is where ancestors work diligently to remind their offspring not to stray from the fold, not to betray their political birthright, not even to contemplate abstaining, as that would give a notch to the hated and dreaded other man from the other side. These are the across-the-board conversations that count.

I would concede that I overestimate and overemphasize the influence of ancestors and the home, but the genes run deep in this country, and it comes down to this simple formula cum equation: “black fuh black, and brown fuh brown”.

And that’s that, with no more left to be said. If anybody wishes for more, their existence ought to be questioned, as well as the utility they bring by being on this earth.

It was why that even as I examined the flurry of arrivals of this new group and that one, I shook my

head and asked myself: who is fooling whom?

Who is living in some space bubble somewhere out there that is detached from Guyanese political, social, and racial realities?

Clearly, there were some genuine people (I will give them that), but shortsighted in the extreme, I would contend.

They came late, they arrived short of breath (and cash and votes), and they fell from not even grace, but from electoral consideration almost from the inception, since minds and hearts were already given over to the regulars, and irreversibly locked there. Thus, there was nothing for the new political people who, with one exception, represented the usual passing ship in the night.

But this is not about the new people, or about how well or not well-equipped they came to the electoral amphitheater that is Guyana.

That was irrelevant and moot from the first day. What I write about today is that no matter how much we cry and wail and lament and beat our breasts in anguish over the evils and terrors of the PPP and PNC, they are beloved. They are cherished.

They are unconquerable, and they are only undone by the other.

So, now that the die has been cast in terms of who is left and where matters finalize, it is down to the (Continued on page 6)

Management mantra #1: “People are more important than shops, ships & sugar estates” DEAR EDITOR, I joined the management team of Bookers Sugar Estates Ltd when this management mantra was originated by Sir Jock Campbell (later Lord Campbell of Eskan) as head of the Booker Group of Companies, which then owned and operated the sugar estates of British Guiana. The essential message is as relevant now as it was then….and I dare say…it will remain pertinent as time goes by.

Even as we race into the ‘new age’ world of mechanisation and automation, the essential human element will retain its pre-eminence.

Therefore, this must be lesson #1 for all entrants into the field of supervision and management.

An interesting anomaly in management is that while practically all managers start their employment as subordinates who like bosses

who treat them well and with respect, often, when these same employees become managers, they forget what they wanted from their bosses. The golden rule of ‘doing unto others what you would like done to you’ is sometimes forgotten or ignored…often at one’s own peril!

If I were to pick the number one rule for supervisors and managers of people, this would be it by a long shot. I am often amazed at how much time and money organisations spend to train and develop supervisors and managers while ignoring the infinite power of this cost-free lesson!

Nowrang Persaud

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Kaieteur News

2018 Auditor General Report seriously concerning DEAR EDITOR, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), as a leading voice of the nation’s workers, cannot help but be concerned and, obviously, very apprehensive about the accountability and prudent use of our nation’s financial resources.

Several media reports, in recent days, have disclosed that damning and startling finding by the Auditor General for the year ended 2018.

It should not be lost that the expenditure of the

Government is ultimately financed by the taxpaying Guyanese public. Certainly and rationally, our people have high expectations that their hard-earned monies would be used in the wisest manner to ensure maximum benefit and return.

It is, therefore, of serious concern that the Auditor General has found that hundreds of millions of dollars cannot be accounted for. But more than that, the constitutionallyindependent Audit Office

has recognised what appears to be unhindered wastage of our nation’s financial resources.

We read disappointingly about the excessive cost of drugs in Region 6; the apparent misuse of funds earmarked for G e o rg e t o w n ’s restoration; the overpayment to contractors, and so many other seeming financial misadventures.

This is, for us, deeply worrying, as it appears those charged with safeguarding our nation’s finances have apparently little sympathy for the eff o r t s o f o u r n a t i o n ’s workers and others who ultimately foot the bill for the indiscretions and feel the loss of not having adequate and efficient Government services. The double whammy is more hurtful given the hard-work of our people.

FITUG, which has also obtained a copy of the report, has recognised that in 2018 the Government raked in $15.1B more in revenues than anticipated.

The higher than anticipated take, we noticed, came mainly from taxes. We saw custom and trade taxes was $2.8B more than expected; internal revenue, which includes withholding tax and income tax, was $8.3B above budget; VAT was

nearly $5B more than anticipated and excise tax was $1.3B higher than estimated. Of course this is at variance from what the Government said previously.

For us, the Auditor General’s report was eyeopening and revealing. It has obviously caused us to wonder how much of an effort is really placed in ensuring that our people’s monies are appropriately spent. Undoubtedly such questions abound.

We saw in the report that even economic projects implemented in several regions have floundered. Weren’t these initiatives properly studied before implemented or is it a case of the Administration gambling with our people’s wealth?

The FITUG has pointed out last year how oppressive taxes have become, with taxes per capita rising by over 60 percent in the life of the Coalition Administration.

A t a t i m e when, our nation’s workers have to pinch and squeeze and use innovative means to survive and make their ends meet, we have to learn about the poor accountability and planning that pervades.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

Right down the...

From page 5 usual. The squabbling in the trenches (Laing Avenue and Sophia, with more likely), the senseless corner-shop pastimes, the harsh community animosities, the thunderous rhetoric representing the rancid and the deceptive, and the waiting for the result, and the stormy aftermath that is in the making.

Everybody (including yours truly) have come forward to postulate that this would be the mother of all elections. That is only partially accurate, as after March 2nd that would be behind us. And that is when the trouble, the real trouble starts. On this one, too, I am unswerving and unequivocal.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Thursday January 09, 2020

Administration continuing to punish sugar DEAR EDITOR, The GuySuCo in a statement which appeared in the media regarding its production lamented the performance of its factories at Uitvlugt and Albion.

The Corporation, according to a January 03 article in another newspaper, said they were “…major mechanical failures in the Albion and Uitvlugt factories…” The newspaper also reported that the state-owned sugar company indicated that “[t]he Industry will continue to face challenges to achieving reliability in the factories if … capital investments continue to be delayed.”

The G AW U has recently learnt that the industry, this year, requires some $10.4B in support, of which $6.5B is required for capital investment. As far as we are aware, despite the Administration being knowledgeable of the GuySuCo’s plans and need for assistance, there has been no move towards ensuring the industry receives the help it is seek.

Of course, we would recollect caretaker President David Granger during his visit to Albion in June, 2019 said “[o]ur sugar industry is going to recover from the difficulties it is facing.

This sugar industry is not on the point of death…I am not here to bury the sugar industry…

We are in the process of restructuring this industry to respond to changes, which have taken place both externally and i n t e r n a l l y. I t i s b e i n g restructured so that it can be revived; so that we can make this industry not just

sustainable but profitable.

We are not here to merely survive; we are here to t h r i v e ! We a r e h e r e t o guarantee employees’ livelihoods. We are here to guarantee sugar’s position in the national economy.

We are here to safeguard the rural economy”.

But despite the big talk

by Mr. Granger, when it comes time to act and to put the money where his mouth is, he is frozen and, s o f a r, h a s n o t m a d e a decision.

The fact that the industry, at least at this time, is not having the support it requires, will in all likelihood, see a poorer performance in 2020. The GuySuCo has already said delayed investments would result in “…challenges to achieving reliability in the factories…”

With 151,000 tonnes of 2019 canes to be harvested in the 2020 first crop and insufficient funds to carry out full maintenance during the ongoing out-ofcrop period, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to say what would be the outcome.

Clearly, the Granger Administration is not interested in sugar and more so sugar workers and their families and their communities.

Apparently no, or any, effort would be spared to ensure that the industry a n d t h e t h o u s a n d s w ho depend on it are punished and forced into miserable circumstances. All the talk is nothing but cheap sloganeering.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

December 20, 2019 - the end of a long road...

From page 4 Alexander Tfhikov. One of the projects set for discussion with the British Guiana government was for the Soviet Union to provide technical support for the establishment of an oil refinery, if oil was found. That was a big display of confidence in the earlier investigation in that year (1962).

This had to have the support of the colonial power.

At the time they were on course to frustrate every project put up by the Government. The Instant Coffee Factory, the Oil from

Rice Bran Factory, the Glass Factory, a Tannery, Hydro Power from Tiger Hill, all were frustrated.

Even through the UK said they had no money for such projects, they refused to give guarantees to the Hungarian, German Democratic Republic and Cuban governments, who were willing to loan money at concessionary terms to develop these projects.

The whole idea was to h e l p t h e P N C ’s r a c i s t propaganda and frustrate t h e P P P ’s j o b c r e a t i o n efforts. By doing so, they gave grist to the PNC’s

racist propaganda.

Since December 1964, the date that the PPP left office, precious little was done by the PNC in pursuit of oil.

We h a d H u n t O i l , hunting in the Rupununi and claiming to have come up empty. No other major effort was made.

It was only after the PPP/C came to office in 1992 that more focused attention was placed in the pursuit of oil. The companies now finding oil all came during the PPP’s period in office. December 20, 2019 was the crowning

of those efforts.

The only unfortunate thing is the one-sided agreement in favour of the oil companies that was signed by this corrupt PNC-led APNU regime.

Nevertheless, now a new era begins in which Guyana is now counted as an important player in the oil sector.

Time will judge how well we do. However, we must give recognition of the work done in the late 1950s and early 1960s that have now borne fruit.

Former President Mr. Donald Ramotar

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

PAGE 07

GECOM appoints nine Returning Officers to oversee elections

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he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission, (GECOM) has sworn in nine Returning Officers (ROs) to oversee the conduct of the Regional and General elections slated for May2, 2020. The representative from Region Five was absent.

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) usually appoints ten Returning Officers.

The officers were sworn in before GECOM's Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, at the Commission Kingston Headquarters, yesterday.

The ROs are designated to manage GECOM offices in the 10 administrative regions. The ROs are required to ascertain the total votes cast in favour of each List of Candidates in their

respective Polling Districts.

This is done by adding up the votes recorded in favour of the respective lists in accordance with the relevant Statements of Poll.

Immediately thereafter, they are required to publicly declare the votes recorded for each List of Candidates.

The sworn ROs are Trevor Harris (Region 1), Roxanne Smith (Region 2), Mohanlal Jagdeo (Region 3), Clairmont Mingo (Region 4), Savitri Mangar (Region 6), Glendon Fredericks (Region 7), Dwayne Marco (Region 8), John Abraham (Region 9), and Ransford Alleyne (Region 10).

In addition, three Ballot Officers were sworn in for the Disciplined Services vote. The Disciplined Services officers will vote seven to ten days before the

Returning Officers with Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and Rtd. Justice Claudette Singh, Chairperson, GECOM. March 2nd elections.

Ballot officer for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is Roxanne Ramdyhan-Lewis while Ballot Officer for the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

is Nardeo Persaud; and Onicia Bynoe was sworn in as Ballot Officer for the Guyana Prison Service.

GECOM Chair, Ret'd.

Justice Claudette Singh, noted that the occasion

Cuban charged for forging immigration stamp

A

Cuban national was yesterday granted bail following a strong application by his lawyer for a charge in which he allegedly forged an immigration stamp.

Kenlhys Hernandez Cartaya was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

He denied the charge which read that on January 6, 2020 at the Central Immigration Passport Office with the intent to defraud, he uttered to Jenell Lovell, an Immigration Officer, one Cuban passport in favour of himself containing one forged Guyana immigration stamp.

The defendant was represented by Attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat who asked that bail should be granted in the most reasonable sum.

She added that Cartaya is a 36-year-old chef at Italian Grill of 53 Pere Street

Kitty, Georgetown.

According to the lawyer, her client once resided and worked in Venezuela after marrying there. Rahamat told the court that despite holding a Cuban passport, her client now finds himself in Guyana following the humanitarian issues that are occurring in Venezuela.

Moreover, she said that since Cartaya and his wife came here, they did so legally and have been gainfully employed. She included that her client's wife has been working with the United Nations organization to assist persons like themselves who came to Guyana to get jobs.

The lawyer also pointed out the presence of her client's employer and members of the United Nations organization who came to provide support to the defendant who is strongly denying the allegation against him.

Kenlhys Hernandez Cartaya Nevertheless, the police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant under the grounds of the prevalence of the offence and the fact that Cartaya is not a Guyanese and he poses a flight risk.

But the magistrate upheld the submission of the lawyer and granted bail in the sum of $100,000 under the condition that the defendant report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters every Monday pending the outcome of the case.

The matter was then adjourned to February 5, 2020.

marks a major step forward in the preparation for general elections.

She urged the officers to be diligent in their task and service.

"I'm asking you as you take this oath, this oath is a sacred oath, that you will perform your duties with the best of your abilities.

Discharge your duties well,” she said.

Justice Singh added that she was looking forward to full cooperation from the officers.

Chief Election Officer,

Keith Lowenfield also called for professionalism.

“As you have sworn that you will carry out these functions without fear or favour and impartiality means quite a lot, not only to yourselves but to the CO and no doubt to the Commission, that you will treat with every elector.

“That you engage in a fair, impartial and transparent manner.”

Lowenfield said GECOM was well on track to hold the March 2 Regional and General Elections.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday January 09, 2020

Numbers on voters' list don't add up - We cannot unilaterally remove names from list - GECOM boss

A

s of 2018, the Guyana Bureau of Statistics estimated the nation's population to be 744,962.

However the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has estimated that most of the population is eligible to vote.

The Commission's Revised List OF Electors contains the names of 661,378 persons.

A calculation leaves a difference of 83,584 noneligible voters between the two figures, purportedly to be the number of persons who are Under-18.

H o w e v e r, a s o u r c e informed Kaieteur News that the population under 18 is within the vicinity of 280,000. Since then, the total population has been revised downward from 746,724 to 744,962.

That insignificant difference of 1,762 persons, keeping in mind that there have been no significant spikes or declines in birth and/or death rates, suggests that the difference of minors between 2012 and 2020 is equally insignificant.

There is a striking disparity between the reasonable 280,000 figure, as it relates to determining the minor population, and the 83,584 figure deduced from a subtraction of GECOM's RLE total from the population total.

This disparity lends credence to assertions that the RLE is extremely flawed.

GECOM Chairperson retired Justice Claudette Singh GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, told Kaieteur News that while concerns over the disparity must be taken into consideration, there are a number of factors that contributes to the apparent bloating of the voters' list.

For one, Justice Singh said, that the list is likely to include the names of persons who are dead or who no longer reside in Guyana.

“A lot of people die and migrate but we have no means of verifying that information.”

The Elections Chair said that the General Registrar's Office (GRO) which is supposed to record the births and deaths is also at a disadvantage, since there are a number of cases where people do not register the deaths.

“There are incidences of persons who fail to register the death so there is no record at the GRO to provide for GECOM to compare and remove those names.”

She noted that GECOM has no means of cleaning the list, except through the claims and objections period or through notice of deaths.

A ruling by the Chief Justice Roxane George further affirmed this position.

Justice George's ruling maintained that it is unconstitutional to remove persons from the voters' list unless they are dead or otherwise disqualified in accordance with Article 159 (2), (3) and (4) of the Constitution. The ruling is

set for appeal.

Justice Singh noted until further authorized, GECOM is challenged in this regard. “ D u e t o t h e circumstances the recent House- to -House registration and the verification exercise had to be truncated. Because of the time constraints, we could not verify some of the data collected from the exercise.

“From that exercise, there is approximately 6,534 new registrants that could not be spoken for. ..And then there are those who have not collected their ID cards from as far back as 2008.”

“But we can't just remove people's names because we could not locate

them. We don't have that right to disenfranchise these persons by removing their names from the voters' list.”

At present, she noted, GECOM is utilising every avenue available to the Commission to ensure that persons are able to make claims and objections to the RLE to ensure that data is accurate for the production of the official list of electors.

“So far, we have been proactive in ensuring that we weed out the duplicates and rectify any issues as far as we are legally capable of doing, where the voters' list is concerned.”

Justice Singh is confident that the list will be credible enough to be used at

the Elections.

“We have a lot of observers and technical support staff so we well equipped to oversee the process once persons turn up with the relevant documents they will be allowed to cast their ballots,” the Chair added.

The People's Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) had also raised concerns about the disparity, with a caveat, accusing elements at the Secretariat of interfering with the integrity of the electoral process.

In a response to the party, GECOM labeled the accusation as baseless, and designed to cause confusion (continued on page 23)

Health Ministry upgraded Diamond Hospital without NPTAB's approval

T

he Ministry of Public Health committed a “red flag” act, after the agency extended the contract for the upgrade of the Diamond Diagnostic Centre without the approval of the tender administration board.

The contract was awarded in the sum of $21.480 million on October 11, 2016 and signed on October 17, 2016. The duration of the project was expected to last three months and therefore, the works were expected to be

completed on January17, 2017. However on January 30, 2017, the Health Ministry and the contractor signed an Addendum for additional works valued at $18.293M, which increased the contract sum to $39.773 million.

The Auditor General (AG), Deodat Persaud, in this 2018 report was keen to note that at the time of his reporting in September 2019, still no approval was granted from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

(NPTAB) to increase the contract sum or vary the contract.

It is clearly stated in the Procurement Act of 2002 that “… procurement referred to in subsection two where and to the extent to the procurement entity, is subject to the approval of the National Board.

Each supplier or contractor is permitted to give only one price for quotation and is not permitted to change the quotation. No negotiations shall take place between the

procuring entity and a supplier and contractor with respect to a quotation submitted by the supplier or contractor.”

While evidence was seen where the Health Ministry wrote to NPTAB on the December 4, 2017 requesting approval for the additional works, no approval was seen at the time of reporting.

The Ministry of Public Health had already processed Ministry's payments totaling $38.256 million.

According to the Health Ministry's response, the Head of Budget Agency indicated that (a) the project at the time was 98% completed.

The said works were delayed due to the sourcing of specialised flooring material from the United Kingdom (UK), for the isolation room; and a letter was sent to NPTAB on 25 January 2018 requesting approval to extend the current contract from ($18.293M) to ($39,773M).

“The Ministry is awaiting approval and final valuation,” they added.

The Auditor General recommended that the Head of Budget Agency desist from making payments for additional works without the approval of the requisite Tender Board and provide for audit examination copies of the signed contract, advance payment and performance bonds, details of the additional works and the final valuation certificate.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

PAGE 09

The bourgeois and petty-bourgeois class and the decline of the Georgetown Cricket Club

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o government, past or present, can be blamed for the dilapidated state of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC). The GCC is a private club; it is owned by the membership and it is this membership which is responsible for the run-down state of the facility.

The ground was established 161 years ago, making it one of the oldest grounds in the Caribbean. It hosted its last international match in May 2006, just one year prior to the hosting in the Caribbean of Cricket World Cup 2007 That event saw many

Caribbean countries constructing new stadiums in order to be eligible to host matches. Guyana was forced to go to India for assistance to build a new stadium because the GCC did not meet the required standards and it was not practical, as will be explained, for it to be upgraded to reach those standards.

GCC would not have qualified to host any matches. It huge, shaky, wooden double-decker stands with hard timber seats would not pass muster. The security perimeter required around the ground would have required the

government to purchase all the properties opposite the ground, one block deep.

The seating capacity for the stands would not have been adequate. And the poor drainage, lifeless pitches and the lack of adequate parking and proper dressing rooms all but ruled GCC out of contention to host any matches.

GCC had to be abandoned if Guyana was to stand any chance of hosting future matches. A number of the smaller territories in the Caribbean were constructing new and modern cricket stadiums. More than a dozen stadiums were built or

Dem boys seh...

People want to know bout Soulja Bai and Ram Jattan People does tek odda people problem and mek it dem own. Dem boys see people go to funeral wheh dem ain't know de people and dem does cry more than de people who de dead concern.

Now Soulja Bai and Ram Jattan mek dem decision and dem done wid dat. Dem seh dem not releasing de details of de Cummingsburg Accord and people get vex. De Accord don't concern dem but dem want to mek it dem business.

Dat is how de country end up in confusion yesterday. Some reporters meet wid Soulja Bai after he recognize de Australian diplomat.

Dem ask him if he can tell dem who is he Prime Ministerial candidate.

A political party ain't got to declare any Prime Minister till after de elections. Is Papa Cheddi who start wid de stupidness of mekking somebody he runningmate. Dat was de American thing. Papa Cheddi decide to do de same.

Since then every Tom, Dick and Harry Lall gone doing de same stupidness. Soulja

Bai try to avoid it but de pressure mek he bow.

When dem reporters ask Soulja Bai bout de candidate de man seh he ain't got to appoint nobody till after de elections. People decide dat he shunning Ram Jattan. Some people jump and write how dem hear dat de Cummingsburg Accord didn't even mention Ram Jattan.

People start to talk. Some of dem jump and write letter criticizing Soulja Bai. Dem claim how he don't have principle and how he eyes pass Hay Hef See. Lo and behold, dem boys been at a rally yesterday and dem hear it from Soulja Bai mouth dat Ram Jattan gon be he Prime Minister. People calling newspaper to ask dem to pull back letter.

Dem boys seh dat does always happen when people try to get involve in things dat don't concern dem. And dem seh Soulja Bai should have lef dem wid he confusion. People woulda go pon de stage during de campaign and mek joke bout Ram Jattan and Soulja Bai. Talk half and watch how people fast.

refurbished for CWC but only 8 of these, including the Providence Stadium, were selected to host matches by the International Cricket Council.

There was lot of criticism of the Jagdeo administration for building the new stadium. But if that new stadium was not built, Guyana would never have seen another international cricket match.

Bourda would have stood no chance of competing for international cricket with the more than 13 other regional territories.

And as is well known, international tours are now shorter than in the past when teams would tour for months and play territorial matches and at least five test matches.

The Georgetown Cricket Club Ground went into decline not because of the lack of government support but because its membership many of whom were more interested in the main benefit membership provided – seeing international cricket for free an in exclusive

pavilion.

No sooner had international cricket ceased to be hosted at GCC, than most of the members abandoned the club. They had no more interest because they no longer were entitled to see cricket free. One of them even had the temerity to write a letter to the media saying that GCC members should be granted special status at the Providence Stadium.

With the passage of time, the double decker wooden stands at Bourda deteriorated and had to be pulled down.

These stands had been built with funds from the Guyana Cricket Board. In the interest of safety they were pulled down but the club did not have the resources to maintain even the smaller stands, such as the Kenny Wishart, the South Stand B and the bleachers.

The massive wooden scoreboard had to be condemned and dismantled.

The Club's pavilion is now showing signs of extreme wear.

Six years ago, a private businessmen made an offer to GCC to take over and develop the facility. The plan was to merge both the GCC and the GFC. The club rejected the proposal. And that was the end of that.

The GCC has no money to maintain the facility. Its large membership has dwindled and the facility has deteriorated.

No government was going to put the hundreds of millions of dollars required to rescue that ground when there was no chance of it hosting ever again international cricket. If the Club had to be saved, this would have had to be done by the membership. And they left in droves after 2006.

The majority of the old bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie membership abandoned the club after the ground could no longer be eligible to host international cricket. And so GCC has been left to degenerate.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday January 09, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Which sane voter is going to choose the AFC?

I

believe there are two parties in this country that have to stop the moral sickness that characterises their so-called existence and do the right thing – accept that reality must be faced, history moves on and they too must move on. They are the AFC and the WPA. History moves on. We cannot stop it. Bolt is gone.

Tendulkar is gone. Michael Jordan is gone. Chris Gayle will be going. One day Stephen Curry will go. One day Beyonce will fade and be replaced. You call it dialectics.

The WPA was a radical party of the 1970s. That was almost fifty years ago.

Rodney is dead. Josh Ramsammy is dead.

Andaiye is dead. Bonita Bone is finished with politics.

Dr. Nigel Westmaas is finished with politics. Dr. Clive Thomas is finished with active politics. Rupert Roopnaraine is finished with active politics. Moses Bhagwan is finished with active politics and lives in the US where he is touching 90. Kwayana is in his mid nineties, living in the US. Over 70 percent of our

population is under forty years of age. They did not grow up with the WPA. My opinion is that almost 100 percent of the Guyanese population, not the electorate but the nation as a whole, will not choose the WPA in front of maybe six other political parties.

T h e W PA h a s n o meaningful membership, no meaningful support. It has no resources much less the resources needed to contest a general election. It is an insult to the people of this troubled land for three or four persons to keep talking about a party named the

WPA. The decent thing to do is to acknowledge there is no longer biology and anatomy and move on.

The Alliance For Change is facing humiliation so large that one has to look hard to find a similar example since Independence. The AFC is at the moment caught in a vexatious controversy that will certainly cause it to lose the vote of any sane Guyanese. Before we describe the dilemma and its antecedents, some notes on how history moves.

The AFC was born into the 2006 elections. It had two formidable fortresses that were so strong that maybe in 2020 or 2025 it could have won the government. One was a section of Guyanese population who genuinely wanted to move away from the PPP and PNC and search for a multi-racial future. The second was youth who welcomed a new formation that held out promise.

The 2011 election results further strengthened the arrival of the AFC. It replicated the efforts of the United Force in 1964 when in 2015, it became only the second third force to enter government. But from day one after the election results were known, the AFC began to falter, a self-destructive journey that has finally ended in its demise.

While selecting its ministerial candidates, three of its founding members called one of their friends and offered her the Ministry of the Environment. It devastated cadres who were qualified and who fought

valiantly to make the AFC a success.

More than six of the second tier leaders besieged me to expose this depravity in my columns. I did that.

David Patterson sent me a deceiving response which I will shortly make public.

As the years wear on, AFC lost quality people and the quality of its politics faded. The ubiquitous accusation was that it lost its Third Force identity and could no longer deliver an independent, multi-racial rampart that Guyanese longed for.

As 2018 drew to a close, it became embroiled in an ugly confrontation with APNU. In June, it declared that Khemraj Ramjattan would be its PM candidate for the 2020 poll.

After APNU kept delaying acceptance it held a press conference and literally demanded a deadline for APNU's acceptance of Ramjattan.

Granger and Ramjattan met and there was an announcement that the issue was solved.

Then something mysterious and strange happened and it further killed whatever credibility the AFC was left it. The AFC from the date of that fateful meeting never made a formal, public statement that in accordance with the Cummingsburg Accord, Ramjattan will be the PM candidate.

At the D'Urban Park rally to launch the 2020 campaign, Ramjattan was not announced as the PM candidate.

Frederick Kissoon Yesterday, President Granger told the media that he will pick a PM after the election and asserted his right to do. David Patterson responded quickly and denounced the presidential emanation as not being in keeping with the Accord.

But Patterson issued this in a statement, ” The General Secretary said the AFC remains fully committed to the APNU+AFC coalition agreement and does and is not expecting any further confusion for the remainder of the campaign. The AFC continues to do all in its power to work towards electoral victory, as the APNU+AFC remains the best choice for the Guyanese people.

The AFC said it hoped clarity has been brought to the issue, which was carefully considered and agreed during the Cummingsburg Accord discussions.”

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

Thursday January 09, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

Granger confirms Ramjattan as PM candidate

APNU, AFC Chairmen David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan shake hands after signing the revised Accord on Christmas Eve

A

statement made

by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) presidential candidate, David Granger, yesterday prompted the Alliance For Change (AFC) to point out that the statement could have the effect of being confusing to the coalition's supporters and the wider electorate.

The statement by G r a n g e r, w h o i s t h e President incumbent at the Ministry of the Presidency, concerned the party's naming of a prime ministerial candidate as it seeks to contest the March 2, 2020 General Election.

Granger is quoted, in response to a question about the candidacy, as saying “I know what I'm going to do. I reserve the right to choose a Prime Minister. I will nominate all Ministers including the Prime Minister, who is my Chief Minister, after the elections.�

Reported by other sections of the media, and widely shared on the internet, Granger's statement may have been interpreted by some as him placing distance between himself and the Revised Cummingsburg Accord which states, according to the AFC, that the right to name the Prime Minister, should the coalition win the election, stays with the smaller party.

In its statement, the AFC was keen to acknowledge Granger's touting of the President's exclusive right to name a Prime Minister.

Notwithstanding that, it reiterated that an agreement was made, as a fundamental tenet of its partnership with the APNU, that the AFC names the prime ministerial candidate. It has named its leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, as that candidate.

The smaller party went on to add that the President's statement does not confuse it, as the APNU's General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, is reported as later saying that should Granger secure a second term as president, Ramjattan will be the Prime Minister.

Harmon reportedly explained the President's statement as all part of the coalition's strategy.

Furthermore, the AFC stated that it does not expect any more confusion for the rest of its campaign, as it relates to the considerations o f t h e R e v i s e d Cummingsburg Accord, the agreement which governs its partnership with APNU. The details of that agreement remain secret, and will not be released to the public, according to Harmon.

Late last night, Granger during a rally address at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, confirmed that Ramjattan will be his prime minister.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

PAGE 17

Sheriff-Mandela road expansion project resumes

T

he SheriffMandela road expansion project is now back on track following a period of suspension that began in November 2019.

This is according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Wednesday at a press conference.

With an injection of $6.4Billion, the road project will see the rehabilitation of pavements, construction of bridges, culverts and a pedestrian overhead walkway at North Ruimveldt, along with traffic and drainage upgrades.

The project was halted after the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) ceased funding due to noncompliance of the contractor Sinohydro with health, safety and traffic management standards.

At the time of the suspension, Minister Patterson noted that the issues brought about by the contractor's negligence had persisted, even though the company was engaged on its shortcomings.

The Sheriff Street/Mandela Avenue project has restarted.

“Sinohydro was warned on several occasions to rectify these issues but unfortunately to date, the majority of failures identified have remained outstanding,” Minister Patterson had stated.

Nevertheless, the Public

Infrastructure Minister at the time, said that the contractor will foot the bill for road safety works undertaken by the government.

“Whatever money we input we will recoup from the contractor. So, we will meet them [the contractor]

next week and finalise that so that we can continue,” Minister Patterson explained.

The ministry said that it aims to improve road safety; better organise the flow of traffic and simplify traffic movements; enhance the

arterial function of the road while maintaining its commercial industrial makeup and provide adequate drainage for the road corridor and interdependent communities.

It is the intention to also extend the design life of the

pavement and all roadway structures to a minimum of 20 years from the expected end of construction.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, was also present at the press conference.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday January 09, 2020

JetBlue to start on April 2 G

uyanese are expected to enjoy cheaper travel to the United States of America (USA) as JetBlue is set to commence direct nonstop flights from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) on April 2, 2020.

The International carrier is a global, award-winning travel company that operates in approximately 28 countries with a fleet of more than 250 aircraft. Operating out of Guyana will be the

Airbus A321Neo, which is one of the airline’s newest additions.

This aircraft provides a 20% increase in fuel efficiency and supports 500 nautical miles of extended range. Each JetBlue Airbus A321neo will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. This type of engine produces less noise and has greater fuel efficiency.

Passengers are also expected to enjoy great comfort since the A321neo features the widest seat available for single aisle

Airbus Aircrafts; these are Collins Meridian seats with enhanced cushion comfort, adjustable headrests, power connections and lots of legroom.

In addition, on screen entertainment will be provided by 10.1 inch, 1080P high definition screens, with more than 100 live television channels with DVR. Several other Carriers have traversed the Guyana – North America route in the past, some of these still provide their services to the

A view of the entertainment package offered on the Airbus A321 Guyanese population, among them Caribbean Airlines and American Airlines.

Some could not

withstand the demands of the growing competitive Aviation Industry.

Among these were Guyana Airways, GA2000,

Delta, Arrow Air, Dynamic Airways, Guy America, Travel Span, Universal Airways, EZ Jet, Fly Jamaica Airways.

Guyana gearing towards FAA category 1 Flight Status From page 13 authority specified in ICAO Safety Oversight Manual. In order to qualify for Category One status Guyana will have to meet the eight critical elements of ICAO's Safety requirements.

These are: (CE-1)

P r i m a r y Av i a t i o n Legislation; (CE-2) Specific operating regulations; (CE-3) State civil aviation system and safety oversight functions; (CE-4) Te c h n i c a l p e r s o n n e l qualification and training; (CE-5) Technical guidance,

tools and the provision of safety critical information; (CE-6) Licensing, certification, authorisation, and approval obligations; (CE-7) Surveillance obligations; (CE8)Resolution of safety concerns.

It is important to note that the IASA does not evaluate the safety compliance of any particular air carrier, individual aviation security, airports, or air traffic management. It only assesses the compliance of Member States as it relates to the ICAO's Regulations for International Civil Aviation SARPS. During its initial evaluation, Guyana was given a Category 2 Status, but is currently uncategorised since there is no local Airline operating at the International level.

Thursday January 09, 2020

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Nadeza Rodrigues runs thriving HEYS Business despite disability

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a d e z a Rodrigues, an entrepreneur in the Hinterland Employment Yo u t h S e r v i c e H E Y S movement, continues to run a thriving business establishment that meets the needs of residents of Karawab Village, located more than 60 miles up the Pomeroon River.

Rodrigues who is differently abled is the proud owner of a snackette that also sells a variety of locally made, delicious tasting foods, snacks and beverages.

Despite speech and hearing impediments, Rodrigues does not let the challenges of being differently-able deter her from enhancing her vocational skills and continues to radiate a positive influence, making her a force to regional reckon with.

Close friends of the young woman also offered

praises for her culinary skills as they pointed exceptional skills in making chicken curry and roti, which they dubbed as her best.

They believe, too, that her ability to operate in the kitchen speaks volumes of her determination to not allow her physical challenges daunt her from living a life of normalcy.

H e r m o t h e r, Z e l d a Braithwaite, believes that her daughter's aptitude and charisma in spite of her physical challenges, will allow her participation in the HEYS programme to leave an indelible mark not only on her life, but also on her peers and anyone whom she may come into contact with.

In addition to her culinary skills, Nadeza who is married and the mother of 12-year-old Triston Rodrigues, also has a passion for embroidery and garment construction, which has

en s u r ed an ad d itio n al income for the family.

When the HEYS programme was introduced in 2016 by the APNU/AFC Coalition Government, Rodrigues was among more than 3,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 35 to grasp the opportunity to be trained in several

vocational skills while also receiving formal training in core areas.

Today, many of them operate successful businesses in all ten administrative regions.

In Karawab lone, 20 young people benefited from the initiative.

Like Nadeza, many more

life changing testimonies can be seen and heard nationally, as the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs and the Government, continue to deliver their mandate to the indigenous people, through well planned and executed programs and initiatives.

To date, Government has

successfully concluded two cohorts, with plans in place for the execution of a third in 2020, targeting another 4000 youth.

This will bring the number of youth exposed to this life changing initiative to more than 5,000, a marked achievement under the Coalition Government.

Duo sentenced to life for 2013 murder of security guard files appeal

A

lvin Kissoon and Calvin King who were both found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment are looking to have their convictions and sentences overturned.

They have moved to the Court of Appeal where they are asking that the conviction and sentence be overturned. On November 25, 2019, following a trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon, they were found guilty of murdering security guard, John Friday, who was shot and killed during a robbery at the Lethem Post Office.

They had initially denied the indictment which alleged that they murdered Friday between January 18 and January 19, 2013.

Between the reported dates of the incident, the men entered the post office where they tied up and physically brutalised two on-duty security guards – one of them being Friday. The watchmen were bound and pieces of cloth were stuffed in their mouths.

Police reports had indicated that two men entered the compound of the Regional Democratic Council at Lethem around 2:00 hours on January 18,

CONVICTED KILLERS: Calvin King (face hidden) and Alvin Kissoon 2013. The men then broke into five safes using a cutting torch.

At the time of their arrest, King and Kissoon were found with stolen cash, a quantity of phone cards, along with other items.

Police later discovered the body of Friday. Following reports of the robbery, police were alerted and ranks at the Mabura checkpoint stopped and searched a car during which over $4M was found hidden under the back seat.

Obviously dissatisfied with the decision of the lower court, the men's lawyer, Lyndon Amsterdam, on December 5, 2019 lodged a Notice of Appeal with the Court of Appeal in which he makes known his client desire to appeal against their sentence and conviction.

Both Kissoon and King are arguing that Justice Kissoon during the summing up of the evidence to the jury posited several rhetorical questions to the jury which had the effect of leading the jury to conclude that they were guilty of the offence.

The convicts both argue that the judge's summing up was unfair and unbalanced and resulted in the judge usurping the functions of the jury as a result of the manner in which he expressed opinions on evidence.

Further, they argue that the trial judge misled the jury as to the elements and law with regards to the elements and the law with regards to joint enterprise and acting in concert in an indictment alleging a felony/murder and their individual participation.

Kissoon, on the other hand, contends that the trial judge erred in law when he admitted a confession statement purportedly given by him to the police after conducting a voir dire.

According to Kissoon,

the trial judge “did not adequately address the issues to be considered by the jury from the confession statement in his summation of the evidence.”

Meanwhile, King says that Justice Kissoon erred in law when he refused an application by his lawyer to have the indictment severed and have separate trials. He argues that he was deprived

of a fair trial as a result of a joint indictment with Alvin Kissoon.

The murder convict contends that the trial judge erred in law when he refused an application on behalf of him to edit out his name in a caution statement made by Alvin Kissoon which was admitted into evidence.

According to him, “The (continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 09, 2020

Appeal court to hear arguments for Irfaan Ali fraud case

Y

et another adjournment was granted to People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, in relation to the 19 fraud charges leveled against him.

Yesterday when the matter was recalled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry who is working for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) indicated to the court that the Appeal Court has fixed January 23, 2020 to entertain arguments from Ali's lawyers why his 19 fraud charges should be quashed.

The lawyer then asked the court for time citing that a decision will not be handed down on that date therefore a long adjournment date should be given.

The case was then

adjourned to February 13, 2020 for a report on the Court of Appeal proceedings.

The former Housing Minister is facing charges for allegedly selling several acres of state lands way below the market price to several high ranking public officials.

In November 2018, he was hauled before the courts where the fraud charges were read to him; they were indictable and he was not required to enter a plea.

The charges against Ali stated that between the period 2011 and 2015, he conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government, when he acted recklessly by selling 19 plots of state lands at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

He was granted self-bail on the charges. The lands which were sold for $39.8M

are valued at $212.4M according to SOCU. Ali is accused of 'greatly underselling' the 19 plots of State Lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon; Luncheon's wife, Floreen Ramnaught; and former ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack; former army Chief-of-Staff Gary Best, and Fortune Developers Inc. Guyana.

Ali is also accused of selling lands to former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Lisaveta Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookoo, and the son of former Labour Minister Dr. N a n d a G o p a u l , D r.

Ghansham Singh; former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer, Rajendra Singh; and former president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Compton Bourne.

He is also accused o f selling lands to Former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, Safraaz Khan; former CEO of Guyana Water Inc, Shaik Baksh; along with George Halla and Dave Narine.

Charges against Ali were recommended by SOCU after a forensic audit report was conducted.

It was reported that after five months of investigation, SOCU completed its investigation into the allocation of lands at 'Pradoville Two' to Cabinet members of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic Administration and their close associates.

The investigation was part of a larger probe of the

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

financial operations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), which was conducted by accounting firm Ram & McRae. “While the minister has considerable powers under the Housing Act, his role in the issuance of titles was well outside of his functions and powers,” the audit report said.

The report added, “No files were maintained by

CHPA for any of the plots allocated by a process that can be described as lacking transparency at best.

It was stated that of the 28 lots, totalling 12.1187 acres, only 3.9693 acres remain unallocated.

Over two dozen persons, including former president, Jagdeo, and some of his former ministers were questioned by SOCU officials in the early stages of the investigations.

Aracari Hotel room deaths…

Burn patients at GPHC Girl strangled, boyfriend to receive counseling drank poison - PM report

T

he Board of Directors at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will be adding counseling sessions to the hospital curriculum, with the aim of assisting burn patients on ways to deal with their scars.

This is according to a top official at the city hospital.

In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, the official stated that most of the patients in the Burns Care Unit (BCU) at the city hospital would usually complain about their appearance while going through physical therapy.

The official stated that

S

peculations behind the suspected double suicide of an East Coast Demerara couple have been put to bed after the autopsy revealed that the female, 25-year-old Subrina Nandram, called Priya, was strangled.

The examination conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh, yesterday gave her cause of death as asphyxiation due to manual strangulation. This was also compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

Her lover, 26-year-old Kevin Vishal Singh's death was caused by asphyxiation due to drowning, compounded with ingestion of pesticide poisoning.

This revelation led investigators to suspect that Singh murdered his lover then ingested the poisonous substance. Initially, it was suspected that the couple committed suicide but the autopsy report changed the narrative.

Family members from both sides were at a loss as to why the couple would want to die since no one objected to their relationship.

The bodies of the young couple was discovered late Sunday by employees at the

Dead: Kevin Vishal Singh Aracari Hotel and Resort in a locked bedroom.

The couple reportedly booked the room on Saturday and was scheduled to check out the next day.

But Singh had indicated that they will be staying an extra night.

The man was said to have told the receptionist that he would be coming to pay for the extra night soon. But around 15:00 hrs, Singh had still not paid the bill. Calls were made again to the couple's room.

This time, they went unanswered.

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

Dead: Subrina Nandram Security personnel were then summoned to force the door open.

On entering, staffers saw a green liquid on the bed, and on an area on the floor leading to the bathroom.

They then found Singh and Nandram's bodies in the bathtub. Beer bottles were also discovered in the hotel room. Investigators also retrieved a bottle of Farmizone, an agricultural pesticide.

majority of the patients at the hospital are between the ages of 20 and 36 and they are very concerned about facing the general public with the scars showing what had happened to them.

“Majority of the patients at the Burn Unit were diagnosed with third degree burns, about their body. Most of these burn patients were attacked by their former lovers.”

The official further stated that the counseling will be done by medical personnel who have been working in the (BCU) at the hospital for a number of years.

“We selected workers that have been working at the

hospital for a number of years, and in the Burn Care Unit.

These senior workers are best able to do the job because there have the experience of working with burn victims and they know what these patients are going through.

“I believed that the counseling will assist these patients to accept who they are, and step by step they will go out into the environment with a high self e s t e e m , ’’ t h e o ff i c i a l continued.

The counseling session is expected to begin on Monday and will be for one hour every day at the unit.

Thursday January 09, 2020

1,273 workplace complaints lodged at Labour Dept in 2019 - 886 investigated and closed

T

he Ministry of S o c i a l Protection's Department of Labour has investigated and closed 886 of the 1,273 workplace complaints it received in 2019.

This was disclosed by Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, in an interview with DPI. “The closure of those investigation yields a recovery of $45 Million, which would have been otherwise denied the complainants. The closure also resulted in complainants being awarded leave with pay which were hitherto being denied,” the Minister explained.

He added that the investigations served as a learning experience for employers and employees who were unaware of the extent of the labour laws.

“We urged the public to report any workplace incidents or matters because it will also put these organisations on the record for thorough investigation and inspection. There are several methods designed to promote employer's compliance with the labour laws,” Minister Scott said.

Every workplace inspection will entail an examination of the physical environment, wages book, leave with pay records, and reviews of the terms and conditions of employment to ensure conformity with the norms and practices.

“For 2019, a total of 1,441 inspections spanning

Minister within the Ministry of Labour with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott the entire spectrum of industrial activities were conducted, with all infractions of the labour laws highlighted to the employers who took remedial action to promote compliance,” the minister noted.

He said the Labour Department would be even more active this year with the oil and gas industry coming on stream.

According to the Minister, there will be extensive and frequent examinations of contracts, workers rights, health and safety, and the introduction of trade unions.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

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Thursday January 09, 2020

Kaieteur News

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An 80-year-old barber of East La Penitence Squatting Area, Georgetown, was yesterday released on $40,000, bail after he was charged for assaulting a woman who woke him from his sleep, in an aggressive manner.

The defendant, Alexi Haynes, appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge alleges that on December 31, 2019, at East La Penitence, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded

Candace Porter.

Haynes then told the court that on the day in question, he was in bed sleeping, when he felt someone waking him up in an aggressive manner. He then added that the woman went out and put on “nails like claws” and he was just defending himself.

Based on the explanation the defendant gave to the court, Principal Magistrate McGusty entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

The matter was adjourned to January 29, 2020.

According to the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, a new Service Division has been established with the aim of monitoring various civil works projects.

Speaking at the Ministry's New Year press conference, the Minister highlighted that the Division was formed last year and thus far has facilitated the employment of over 60 individuals.

The Service Division is expected to play a pivotal role in the execution of various civil works projects in Guyana.

Patterson said that the unit currently has a dual function, which is, reviewing all

designs for infrastructural works for various government ministries and monitoring the execution of all projects, such as construction. The minister said that work within the unit has already begun.

The Minister made reference to the leaked Auditor General report for 2018, particularly commenting on the state auditor's findings which discovered that one contractor received an advance payment of $53M in 2018 from the Ministry of Education for the construction of St. Rose's High School and during the time of reporting in September 2019, the site was abandoned and no construction works had commenced.

He indicated that the Service Division is there to prevent similar occurrences happening in the future.

According to Patterson, the respective Ministries and agencies are expected to submit their project proposals/ plans to the Service Division prior to embarking on the tendering process. The division is the tasked with offering comments for adjustments, if any.

Special Department established to monitor Civil Works Project

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

Labourer remanded for vagrant's murder

A

1 9 - y e a r- o l d labourer was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of a vagrant.

Charged with murder is Dave Jacobs, a labourer who worked at the Corriverton Market.

He appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Magistrate Court and was remanded to prison for the murder of Lochan Kamaldeo, 43, a vagrant who had no fixed place of abode.

He is set to return to court on February 20, 2020.

An argument among three homeless persons on

January 3, last, saw the victim, Kamaldeo stabbed

by Jacobs. Kaieteur News was informed that just around 1:00 am Saturday at N u m b e r 7 9 Vi l l a g e , Corriverton, Berbice, "Tony", Khan and Jacobs who usually sleep on the vacant Skeldon Market stalls at night began to argue about the sleeping space on stall.

The argument among the vagrants escalated and "Tony" was dealt a stab to his chest area.

Clad in a grey and white striped jersey and a blue shorts, "Tony" was found in a foetal position with his hands clutching his chest.

Miner who ran to City Constabulary for help, arrested, charged for stealing from partner

A

Dave Jacobs A closer examination by ranks revealed that he was bleeding from the chest; he was subsequently taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

MOPI wants verification on the Auditor General report

T

he Minister of P u b l i c Infrastructure spoke extensively on the contents of the Auditor General Report at a New Year press conference yesterday.

The report made claims to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure having o v e r p a y i n g o f contractors, the money not returned to consolidation funds, substandard works, non delivery of items by suppliers and constructors who are yet to complete the projects.

I t was immediately pointed out that while the reports were given to the Speaker of the N ational Assembly, Mr. Barton

Scotland, the document was not laid in the House nor was it subjected to scrutiny by anyone.

Minister within the Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma, further stated that there is no evidence to prove that the document, which was delivered to the Speaker is the same as the report which was leaked.

However, Mr. David Patterson found the incident of the report being leaked quite unprofes s ional.

The audit office, as persons would think, has to be the peak because of its importance and yet the Auditor General is silent.

He noted that an institution such as that, having

such importance when something a s t h i s happens, in particularly at a period like this, the auditor general would get up and make a comment but this has not been the case.

The Minister said that he has not seen the report, judging from media reports and the p a s t a u dits, the reports often present a summary of the Ministry's response and not the explanation in its entirety.

Further, the language which is used in the report is often times misleading, he added.

Since the report was leaked, persons within the media have done numerous reports on its content.

Numbers on voters' list don't add up From page 8 in the public domain particularly as it relates to the administrative and operational procedures of the Secretariat in the preparation and production of the list.

The party's assertions also take issue with the House-to-House data having been used in the preparation of the RLE. In GECOM's statement, Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, stated, “GECOM has vehemently assured electors on several occasions that the data garnered from the House-toHouse Registration exercise would be used in the preparation of the list for General and Regional Elections.”

Chairperson Justice Claudette Singh had emphasized on several

occasions the ruling of the Chief Justice that the Houseto-House process was lawful and not unconstitutional and therefore the data garnered from such process must also be lawful and not unconstitutional.

She noted that the Revised List of Electors has been posted for public scrutiny and electors are urged to check and verify their information at locations in their respective areas or on the GECOM's website.

“If there has been any advertence on the part of GECOM, electors are advised to immediately visit the GECOM Registration Office to have the information updated accordingly.”

Ward said that the free, fair and transparent processes in the production

PAGE 23

of a credible list are the hallmark of credible elections.

“The Guyana Elections Commission will ensure that the name of every registered eligible elector is properly accounted for on the Official List of Electors.

The Guyana Elections Commission is therefore urging the citizenry not to give any credence to false information in the public domain and wishes to assure the electorate that every endeavour will be made by GECOM to deliver credible elections,” she said.

Though the PPP's assertions of tampering and other ills are so far unfounded, the numerical discrepancies are still significant in nature and cannot be explained by unregistered deaths and overseas voters alone.

miner, of Dazzell Scheme, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday granted bail after he was charged for stealing from his partner when they booked a room for a three-day outing together at a hotel in Georgetown.

The defendant, Glendon Moses, 32, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Moses denied the charge which stated that on December 29, 2019 at Status Hotel, he stole one phone valued $180,000, a phone charger valued $10,000, $180,000 cash and a hand sanitizer valued $500,

property of Olester Hooper.

According to Police Prosecutor Goodman, on December 29, 2019 the men checked in at Status Hotel and were scheduled to spend three days.

Around 11:30hrs, Hooper left the hotel with a female friend and the articles were left in the room with Moses.

When Hooper returned to the hotel several hours later, the receptionist told Hooper that Moses had checked out.

Hooper then collected the key to the room and rushed to the room where he then conducted a search and discovered that the articles were missing. The matter was reported at the City

C o n s t a b u l a r y, a n d a n investigation was launched.

Prosecutor Goodman added that on January 4, 2020, Moses was arrested in the City Hall compound after he ran to seek help from a group of men who were chasing him, over stolen items.

A search was then conducted on Moses and the alleged stolen phone was found in his pants pocket.

Moses was then arrested and charged for the offence. No objections were made by the prosecutor for bail to be granted to the defendant.

Chief Magistrate granted the defendant $15,000 bail and the matter was adjourned to January 28, 2020.

Man assaults woman with icicle

V

ishaul Persaud was yesterday ordered to pay a fine and to apologise to a woman after he went to a supermarket and assaulted her following a threat to kill her.

It was alleged that he assaulted and used threatening language towards the woman on January 5, last at D'Urban Street and Louisa Row. He pleaded guilty to the charges which were read to him by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Persaud offered to give an explanation to the court for his actions. However, his explanation to the court was unclear and this caused the magistrate to turn to the victim for a better understanding of the incident.

According to the woman, she works at a supermarket at D'Urban Street and Louisa Row. On the day in question, she was at work packing products onto some shelves when the accused showed up.

While carrying out her duties, Persaud approached her and started to tell her certain things. He threatened to kill her. He then paid for an icicle, went to a fridge, took the product then returned to the woman and hit her on the head with the icicle.

This caused the court to erupt in laughter.

The magistrate then instructed Persaud to apologise to the victim. He said, “I am sorry.”

This prompted Magistrate McGusty to tell him that he did not sound genuine enough and he should go over to the victim and apologise.

Persaud went over to the woman and even went down on his knees and begged the victim for forgiveness as he apologised. After accepting the apology, the woman asked that a restraining order be placed on him. She was given instructions on how to carry out her request. On the other hand, Persaud was fined in the sum of $10,000 for both charges. In default of paying the fines, he will spend 14 days in prison.

Duo sentenced to life for 2013 murder...

From page 19 trial judge did not adequately address the confession statement given

by Alvin Kissoon in his summing up before the jury and to clearly direct the jury that the statement referring to the appellant [Alvin Kissoon] in the confession statement was not to be used as evidence against him.”

The Court of Appeal is yet to fix a date for hearing this case. Although they were found guilty, both Kissoon and King have maintained their innocence.

They do not become eligible for parole until after serving 32 years in prison.

Justice Kissoon, in handing down the life sentences, agreed with submissions made by King's lawyer, in which he argued that sentencing is not done in a straitjacket.

The Judge said that he is cognizant of the fact that the purpose of sentencing is not only to punish an offender, but to also rehabilitate them.

In the circumstances of this case, Justice Kissoon said that the aggravated factors

were overwhelming, having considered the manner in which Friday met his demise.

In giving a recap of the evidence, the Judge said that there was a great level of premeditation a nd planning. It was noted by the judge that King and Kissoon committed the crime to obtain money unlawfully.

The judge also considered the prevalence of the offence, and the extent of injuries Friday sustained, in arriving at an appropriate sentence.

Govt. not contemplating making...

From page 14 major inconvenience. According to CAL, in its statement, it has with its predecessor, BWIA, faithfully served Guyana since 1947.

“While other providers have come and gone, Caribbean Airlines has maintained its commitment to Guyana regardless of whether times are good or bad.

Like all airlines in the current commercial climate, Caribbean Airlines faces intense

competition and constant upward pressure on overall costs while also trying to invest for the future.”

The airline said that it has, and continues to carefully manage ticket prices for the Guyana CAL, in fact, argued yesterday that ticket prices of foreign carriers operating into and out of Guyana are in fact regularly higher, particularly with respect to fares that include a checked bag.

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Chess queens battle for king’s ransom as prize money rises Shanghai (AFP) - Two of the sharpest minds in women’s chess are doing battle this week in Shanghai with a world champion title on the line and a record prize fund as the game seeks to close the gender gap.

The 500,000 euros on the table in the showdown between holder Ju Wenjun and challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina is the largest prize fund in the nearly 100year history of the Women’s World Championship.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) says it is a significant moment for women’s chess, which has long lagged behind the publicity, pay packets and participation of men.

The winner between the

grandmasters from China and Russia — which will be determined over 12 game days in Shanghai and Vladivostok — takes home 300,000 euros.

The total purse is a 150percent hike on the previous women’s championship match, according to FIDE, and the format of the competition has been changed to mirror the World Chess Championship, which is theoretically open to all but has been dominated by men.

“We are trying to increase the prestige of the women’s game and also close the pay gap with the men,” said Nigel Short, once one of the topranked players in the world and now FIDE vice president.

“It’s something that we

are concerned about and we are trying to do our best to improve the conditions in particular for women’s chess,” the 54-year-old Briton said.

Moves to boost women’s chess came with the election of Arkady Dvorkovich as FIDE president in October 2018. He is a former deputy prime minister of Russia.

Speaking on the eve of Sunday’s opening game, rising star Goryachkina, 21, called the changes “very positive” but said she was motivated by winning the title, not the cash.

Shohreh Bayat, chief arbiter for the match between Goryachkina and the 28-yearold Ju, laughed off the notion that this is chess’s #MeToo moment.

Thursday January 09, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure, but there are times when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass up.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) One disadvantage of attics is that so much junk tends to get stored up there. Today is the day for you to clean house.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It seems your ship is about to come in, Gemini. At least, the planets seem to think so.

Your years of cultivating business relationships will pay off in the form of increased sales or new business opportunities.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Why does being patient have to take so long? quipped one frustrated soul.

Could it have been you, Cancer? Waiting has never been your strong suit, there's no question about it.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) We all know the adage, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But you can't help feeling that you have tried and tried and tried to no avail. All that is about to change, as you begin to reap the fruits of your labors.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Whatever you want, you need only ask for it and there is a good chance you will get it. And it's about time, too. It seems you have been working exceptionally hard lately.

You are certainly due for a raise, if not a promotion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) It's time once and for all to tie up all those loose ends of projects left undone.

Much as you may dread it, think of it this way, Libra: by completing these tasks you clear space for exciting new projects to come your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Junk mail and a few telephone solicitations would almost be a welcome relief from the intense communications you've been having with people lately.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) It isn't nearly as bad as you think. In fact, things are definitely looking up. Of course, you'll never know that if you refuse to drag yourself out of bed to see for yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Think of yourself as a marathon runner. You have a very long distance to travel, but the sweetness is not just to be found in crossing the finish line, but rather in relishing all the sights along the way.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) - It's time for you to tap in to that inner resource that you have always known existed.

Your ability to heal is extraordinary, and there's no point in denying it any longer.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Once begun is half done, as the saying goes. This certainly applies to you today, Pisces. Yes, it's true that you have a considerable amount of work ahead of you, but surely you know that you can get it done.

But the Iranian said: “There were many complaints from women players about the format of tournaments, such as this one, and the prize money.”

Bayat hopes that one day women will earn the same as the likes of Magnus Carlsen, the world champion and bestknown name in chess.

“In chess right now, if you compare their ratings, men are better players than women, there’s a big difference,” said Bayat.

The effort to improve the standing of women’s chess extends to having more female tournaments and more women as coaches and arbiters, Bayat added.

- Help or hindrance? But the 500,000 euros for the Women’s World Championship match is still only half of the World Chess Championship prize fund.

And some believe that female-only tournaments hinder rather than promote equality.

“Perhaps there is an argument for scrapping girlsonly sections and best girl prizes in junior tournaments,” said David Cox, a freelance journalist and contributor to the website Chess.com.

“After all, chess is a sport where men and women can compete on a level playing field, and that would push more girls to aim higher and keep trying to improve to be the best player overall, rather than the best girl.”

There are various theories why men dominate the top 100 in the FIDE ratings.

Cox and Bayat believe a major factor is simply that there are significantly more men than women playing.

WI over 50s descend in TT...

From page 31 Fareed Hosein, Howard Jodhan and Soortay Rajnauth.

Ishwar ’s XI; Krish Harricharan, Rajendra Sadeo, Roy Singh, Azad Mohammed, Kenny Girdharry, Richard Seechan, Narine Bidhesi, Mark Audain, Ishwar Maraj, Steve Williams and Ramesh Ramdyan.

The second match will be played against a star-studded Clarke Road United Masters team which team features a number of past and present national T and T cricketers.

On Wednesday, NAS Masters team will pit their skills against the WI Over 50 team with the final match being played against the Queen’s Park Masters at the Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday.

Goryachkina called the changes to the women’s tournament “very positive” but said she was motivated by winning the title, not the cash (AFP Photo/STR) At US Chess, only 14.5 percent of its 92,000 members are female, although that is more than double what it was in 2000 and a record high.

Jennifer Shahade, a twotime US women’s champion, believes that FIDE is on “the right track” with the significant increase in prize money.

Shahade, women’s programme director at US Chess, said: “Building a

strong base of female players is crucial to developing the game.

“I think chess is particularly crucial in a time of constant distraction, where the intellectual is deemphasised in favour of the immediate and the visual,” she added.

“Men, kids, and especially women and girls, need the benefits of chess right now more than ever.”

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Thursday January 09, 2020

Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Anthony, Blazers rally past Raptors

Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony (00) scores the winning basket during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) Carmelo Anthony made a tiebreaking shot with 4.1 seconds remaining, and the visiting Portland Trail Blazers rallied to defeat the Toronto Raptors 101-99 on Tuesday night.

Damian Lillard, who tied the game for Portland on a 3pointer with 38.5 seconds to play, had 20 points — 18 in the second half — and nine assists. Anthony finished with a game-high 28 points.

After the Raptors failed to score, the Trail Blazers took possession with 13.6 seconds to play and set up Anthony’s shot from the top of the key.

Kyle Lowry, who missed the final shot of the game, had 24 points and 10 assists for Toronto.

The Raptors were without Fred VanVleet (hamstring), who joined Pascal Siakam (groin), Marc Gasol (hamstring) and Norman Powell (shoulder) on the sidelines. Toronto, which led by as many as 14 points in

the third quarter, took a ninepoint lead into the fourth.

Los Angeles Lakers 117 — New York Knicks 87 LeBron James scored 31 points as host Los Angeles, which lost Anthony Davis to a back injury, crushed New York.

Davis left the game with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter when he landed hard on the floor after losing his balance in a collision with the Knicks’ Julius Randle under the basket. X-rays on Davis’ lower back were negative, but he was to undergo more testing.

Rookie guard RJ Barrett scored 19 points to top the Knicks, who were without leading scorer Marcus Morris Sr. with a sore neck. Randle, a former Laker, had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Elfrid Payton contributed 12 points.

Detroit Pistons 115 — Cleveland Cavaliers 113 Derrick Rose capped a 24point performance by making

the go-ahead shot with 26 seconds remaining as Detroit topped host Cleveland for just its third win in 12 games.

D e t r o i t ’s Andre Drummond recorded 23 points and 20 rebounds, including 11 and 10, respectively, in the first quarter. Tony Snell made four 3-pointers to highlight his 18-point performance for the Pistons.

The Pistons announced earlier Tuesday that forward Blake Griffin was out indefinitely after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

Cleveland’s Kevin Love collected 30 points and nine rebounds, hours after calling his recent behavior “childish” in referring to recent outbursts in showing up his teammates and coaches. Collin Sexton had 20 points, and Cedi Osman scored 17 points for the Cavaliers, who have dropped five in a row.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) defends in the second half at Staples Center. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) Oklahoma City Thunder 111 — Brooklyn Nets 103 (OT) Chris Paul scored 28 points and hit two clutch shots in overtime as surging Oklahoma City outlasted slumping host Brooklyn in the second night of a backto-back for both teams.

The Thunder won for the 10th time in their last 12 games. Paul came within two of his season-high for points and shot 9 of 15 from the floor, including 4 of 8 from 3point range.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 22 points and hit four free throws in the final minute to ice Oklahoma City’s win and send Brooklyn to its seventh consecutive loss.

Taurean Prince scored 21 points to lead the Nets.

Memphis Grizzlies 119 — Minnesota Timberwolves 112 Dillon Brooks scored 28 points to help host Memphis

sweep the three-game season series over Minnesota.

Ja Morant added 25 points and seven assists as the Grizzlies matched a season best with their third consecutive win. Jaren Jackson Jr. had 21 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots, and Jae Crowder recorded 14 points, eight rebounds and matched his career high of five steals for Memphis.

Rookie Jarrett Culver scored a season-high 24 points and Jeff Teague added 18 off the bench for Minnesota. Robert Covington tallied 17 points, Andrew Wiggins scored 15, Gorgui Dieng added 11 and reserve Naz Reid scored 10 for the Timberwolves. Minnesota center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) missed his 11th straight contest.

Sacramento Kings 114 — Phoenix Suns 103 Nemanja Bjelica gave

visiting Sacramento the lead for good with a 3-pointer with 7:31 remaining in the game, and De’Aaron Fox saved nine of his team-high 27 points for the final 7:02 in rallying from a 21-point deficit to stun Phoenix.

Devin Booker shot 12-for21 in extending his franchise record of consecutive 30point games to seven with a game-high 34-point effort, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Suns from sustaining a second consecutive home loss.

Bjelica finished with 19 points, and Buddy Hield had 16 for Sacramento. Deandre Ayton had 21 points to go with a team-high nine rebounds, Oubre 17 points and Ricky Rubio a game-high nine assists to complement eight points for Phoenix, which had won two of the first three games in the nowcomplete season series.

(Field Level Media)

Anderson ruled out of South Africa series with rib injury CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of the final two tests of the four-match series against South Africa due to a rib injury as the ‘cursed’ tour claimed another victim.

Anderson sustained a rib injury in England’s 189-run win in the second test at Newlands and underwent an MRI scan in Cape Town.

“England seamer James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against South Africa,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said yesterday. It is the latest in a number of setbacks for England who despite the mishaps levelled the series with a thrilling victory on Tuesday.

Opener Rory Burns underwent surgery in London this week after he injured his ankle in a soccer kickabout on the eve of the second test.

Jofra Archer also missed the Cape Town match because of an elbow injury, although scans have since cleared him to play in the rest of the tour.

About 10 players and more support staff were laid low by a mystery virus that swept through the squad before the first test in Pretoria. England all-rounder Ben Stokes has labelled the tour as ‘cursed’. His father suffered a stroke days after arriving in the country to watch his son and remains in hospital in Johannesburg.

Anderson, England’s leading test wicket-taker, returned to the side following a lengthy layoff due to a calf injury last year, claiming five wickets in the first innings at Cape Town and two in the second before pulling up injured.

The third test begins in Port Elizabeth on Jan. 16.

England’s James Anderson appeals. (REUTERS/Mike Hutchings file photo)

Thursday January 09, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Bravo to captain Red Force in first class opener PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC -West Indies left-hander Darren Bravo will lead Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their opening match of the Regional Four-Day Championship against Jamaica Scorpions starting here today.

The 30-year-old replaces leg-spinner Imran Khan who oversaw Red Force’s Super50 Cup campaign last November but has been sidelined with injury for the opening round.

Chief selector, Tony Gray, said Bravo was an ideal choice to fill the leadership role, especially with his “immense knowledge of the tactical part of the game”.

“Bravo obviously has shown the propensity as a leader and I think he was absolutely brilliant in the North/South [domestic] game, with North eventually winning by eight wickets,” Gray said. “ T h e We s t I n d i e s selectors recognised his leadership qualities in giving him the opportunity to lead the President’s XI and they won by three wickets against an international side, so he has shown that

West Indies left-hander Darren Bravo. commitment and he has shown leadership qualities on and off the field.”

He added: “He has immense knowledge of the tactical part of the game which was particularly shown when North played South, which led the selectors to name his as captain for the season.”

Bravo is a veteran of 54 Tests and 110 One-Day Internationals but is working his way back to West Indies colours after being dropped last September due to a poor run of form.

He plundered 481 runs in the recent Super50 Cup and his 70 against Ireland

last Saturday in Bridgetown proved instrumental in the President’s XI win.

Bravo said his main responsibility would be to inspire the young batting group in what he expected to be a challenging campaign.

“It is a great privilege and honour to captain Trinidad and Tobago national senior team and I think there have been a lot of players who have done well for T&T as captain and I will be looking forward to following their footsteps,” said Bravo.

“It is just a matter of going out there and taking full responsibility for the batting unit, being the most senior batter on the

team, and try to help the youngsters as much as possible. I know it will be a difficult one, but I am looking forward to it and I am sure I will enjoy it.”

All-rounder Yannick Ottley will serve as Bravo’s deputy in a squad missing key players like experienced batsman Jason Mohammad and fast bowler Anderson Phillip, who snatched 16 wickets during the Super50 Cup. Joshua Da Silva, who averaged 44 in the Super50 to help fire West Indies Emerging Players to a stunning title triumph, has been included as wicketkeeper.

Uncapped Terrance Hinds has also been called up along with fellow pacer Uthman Muhammad, 30, who played his only two first class matches five years ago.

SQUAD – Darren Bravo (Captain), Jeremy Solozano, Kyle Hope, Isaiah Rajah, Joshua Da Silva, Khesan Yannick Ottley, Yannic Cariah, Akeal Hosein, Imran Khan, Terrance Hinds, Uthman Muhammad, Odean Smith, Bryan Charles, Keagan Simmons.

Buoyant Joseph avoiding numbers game after match-winning spell BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Fresh from his match-winning Man-ofthe-Match performance, Alzarri Joseph, says he is not putting any limits on his fledgling career as he seeks to make full use of his potential.

The 23-year-old pacer took four for 32 off 10 overs in a Man-of-the-Match performance as West Indies pulled off a comfortable fivewicket win over Ireland in the first One-Day International at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

Playing his 23rd ODI, the Antiguan recorded his best figures in the Caribbean and the second best of his career, behind the five for 56 he took at the Oval against England back in September, 2017.

It was also the second time he took four-for at Kensington Oval – following his four for 76 against England three years ago.

“I don’t want to set numbers on my career, I don’t want to set limits. What happens if you set targets and numbers and then you reach them?” Joseph said.

“My goal is to take as many wickets as I can, to win as many matches as I can for West Indies, to improve, to get better… to always better

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.

myself … to be the very best I can be.”

He continued: “I’m feeling good about my performance today. I put in some really good work on the training ground and I worked really hard on the last tour of India so I got some reward today.

“I’m not sure if I was back to top pace, or anything like that… that’s not my main focus at the moment. My main focus is consistency every time I bowl, to be on

top of length and line.”

Joseph entered the attack first-change after Ireland opted for first knock, and his first spell broke the back of the visitors batting.

He was well supported by leg-spinner Hayden Walsh jr, who took two wickets from his 10 overs, and had an economy rate of just three runs per over, in his first match for West Indies on home soil.

Left to chase just 181 for victory, the Windies were

carried by Evin Lewis who played a number of breathtaking shots in a sizzling run-a-ball 99 not out.

He struck 13 boundaries and two leg-side sixes – both coming in one over for pacer Mark Adair.

There was drama at the end as Lewis missed out on a six by mere inches, which would have taken him to his third ODI century.

“I must say very well played to Evin, the way he went about the chase was great to see. We were all hoping that he got to the hundred,” Joseph noted.

“This wasn’t an easy pitch to play your shots on but the way he went about it … he was patient and watchful and put away every bad ball.

“We are confident … a good start to the series and as the captain said before the series we are looking to win.”

He added: “We now have to come back on Thursday and play hard again and look to make it 2-0.”

The two teams will meet in the second match today under lights at the same venue, with the third and final match scheduled for the Grenada National Stadium on Sunday morning.

American trio reign supreme in Brisbane, head to quarter-finals

Madison Keys of the U.S. in action during her Wimbledon first round match against Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum.

(REUTERS/Carl Recine file photo) (Reuters) - Americans Madison Keys, Alison Riske and Danielle Collins advanced to the quarter-finals of the Brisbane Open after all three recorded straight sets victories in yesterday’s singles matches.

Riske became the first player to book her spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-4 win over the Czech Republic’s Barbora Strycova.

The 29-year-old American, who lost to Strycova in their previous two meetings, broke her Czech opponent five times in the 93minute encounter to set up a potential clash with second seed Karolina Pliskova.

“It was a good win for me,” Riske told reporters. “(Strycova is) going to be a tough out every time you play her. She makes a lot of balls, she’s in every point and she’s battling until the end.”

Eighth seed Keys was

pushed in the first set by hometown favorite and former U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur but eventually prevailed 7-5 6-3 in 78 minutes.

Keys fired 10 aces and 24 winners past the Australian wildcard to beat Stosur for the first time in four attempts and set up an all-American quarter-final clash with Collins, who beat Yulia Putintseva 6-1 60.

Collins saved all five break points she faced and broke her Kazakh opponent six times to wrap up the match in just 58 minutes, winning 80% of her second serve points.

Australian top seed and world number one Ash Barty, who received a bye into the last-16, plays her first match on Thursday against American qualifier Jennifer Brady while Pliskova takes on Ajla Tomljanovic.

Alison Riske of the U.S. in action during her Wimbledon quarterfinal match against Serena Williams of the US. (REUTERS/Carl Recine file photo)

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Thursday January 09, 2020

Kaieteur News

Guyana’s 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup qualification commence in March against Barbados Having earned a crucial draw against League B Group C winner, Jamaica in Reggae land, Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ which made its debut at the 15th edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup in the USA last year, will be aiming for back to back qualification and be present for the 16th edition in 2021.

Guyana was not able to qualify directly as it ended as the runner-up team in the 2019-2020 Concacaf Nations League which effectively kicked off the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup qualification process.

When group play ended last November, Guyana took the second place in the group with 10 points from their six matches, Jamaica topped with 16 from six, Antigua and Barbuda 9 and Aruba 0.

Following group stage play, the top two finishers in each of the League A groups along with the top finisher in each of the League B groups secured their participation to the 16th edition of the Confederation’s premier tournament for men’s national teams.

Already punching their tickets to the Concacaf Gold Cup are Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, El S a l v a d o r, Grenada, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Suriname and the United States.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars taking on Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz last September at Leonora Track and Field Facility. (Franklin Wilson photo) Guyana’s SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo will be concentrating all his energies along with his Technical team to ensure the ‘Golden Jaguars’ q u a l i f y f o r n e x t y e a r ’s prestigious tournament for the second successive time.

That journey will continue with a two-round qualifier, to be played in a direct elimination format commencing in March against Barbados which topped League C Group A on goal difference ahead of Cayman Islands, both ending on 12 points from their six matches.

The dates and venues are yet to be announced by Concacaf for the home and away matches, the winner following 180 minutes of play will then move on to face Trinidad and Tobago

Enmore CCCC and Lusignan SC (A) to...

From page 29 and fourth place teams respectively.

Lusignan A: K.Deosarran (Capt), Somnauth Bharrat, Gavin Boodwah, Steve Ramdas, Robin Williams, V. Ramjeet, Jason Heliger, Rajendra Naikarran, Chanderpaul Ramraj, E. Khan, A. Mohammed, K. Franklin, R. Gopaul and Kumar Bishundial Enmore CCCC (A): Bheemraj Ramkelawan (Capt), R. Singh, Chris Surat, N. Gobin, S. Jainarine, Amir Khan, R. Hiralall, C. Seemangal, Satesh Jainarine, Yuvraj Dyal, Chaitram Balgobin, V. Ramlakhan and Imran Hassan.

Meanwhile, matches in the remaining 2019 competition will resume this weekend.

In the Bel Air Rubis sponsored U15 competition, Lusignan will be at home to

Enmore on Saturday (12pm) and Starthavon will host President’s College at 12 pm.

On Sunday at Strathavon ground, the ECCC T10 competition will resume with Fairfield SC against LBI SC at 10:00hrs and Young Rivals (Unity) will face off with Lusignan East at 11:45hrs, whilst the last remaining quarterfinal game in the Banks Beer 100 Ball Bash between Starthavon SC and Cane Grove Renegades will be contested at 14:00hrs.

All teams are advised that the 2020 edition of the SPR Enterprise 40 overs competition will commence on January 19 and since this competition will be played in two leagues, all interested teams are asked to register before Monday 13 January to facilitate the a n n o u n c e m e n t of early fixtures.

The Golden Jaguars during a training session last November at the GFF National Training Facility, Providence, EBD. (Franklin Wilson photo) in the FIFA window in June.

The Tw i n Island Republic ended last in League

A Group C with just two points from four matches, the group was won by Honduras

ahead of Martinique.

Again, following homeand-away rivalry, the winner

will qualify for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. (Franklin Wilson)

BCB/Banks Beer Two Days first division tournament

3rd round matches to be played this weekend - Albion, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour already qualify for semifinals The historic Berbice Cricket Board/Banks DIH Ltd Banks Beer Two Days first division tournament continues this weekend with the hosting of the 3rd and final rounds of matches. The two-day tournament is the first of its kind to be hosted in Berbice since 2004 and involves the top eight first division of matches. The Albion and Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teams from Zone B have reached the semifinals, while Tucber Park, Young Warriors and Blairmont are in a tight tussle for the two spots in Zone A. In Zone A, Blairmont Community Centre would clash with Young Warriors at the Cumberland Ground.

Blairmont would feature players like Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Javed Karim, Marvon Prashad, against the

likes of Seon Hetmyer, Alex Algoo, Sudesh Dhaniram, Ricardo Ramdehol and Trevon Stanislaus of Young Warriors.

In the second match in Zone A, Tucber Park CC spearheaded by Garfield Benjamin, Kwesi Mickle, Leon Swammy, Martin Singh and Anthony D Andrade would travel to Bush Lot to play West Berbice. The home team would include players like Shamar Angel, Joshua Van-Tull, Leon Andrews and Keyron Joseph.

Bottom of the table, Port Mourant and Rose Hall Canje would battle for pride at the Port Mourant Ground. The home team would depend heavily on West Indies Under 15 player Rampertab Ramnauth, Demetri Cameron, Joshua Ramsammy and Salim Khan. The ever-improving Rose Hall Canje would be

spearheaded by their inspirational captain Ameer Rahaman. He will support from West Indies youth player Isiah Thorne, Michael Veersammy, Sasenarine Sukhoo and Kedar Amsterdam, while Port Mourant and Canje would be seeking their first victory.

Over at the Area H Ground, arch rivals Albion and RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour would be

playing Albion in the battle of the top two teams. Albion would be led by national senior player Gudakesh Motie, Jonathan Foo, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Kevin Umroa, Sharaz Ramcharran, David Latchana and Gourav Ramesh. Eon Hooper would lead the home team effort with support from Junior Sinclair, Jason Sinclair, Shawn Pereira, Sylus Tyndall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Keith Simpson, Brandon Prashad, Delbert Hicks and Keon Sinclair.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster is hoping that the board would be able to complete all of the 2019 first division tournaments by the end of February. The BCB would shortly announce the dates for the finals of the Ivan Madray 20/20, Busta Champions of Champions 40 overs and Stag Beer 50 overs tournaments.

Thursday January 09, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Serena Williams, Federer U.S. student-athlete accepted

by NCAA College; Texas Tech pledge to join wildfire charity match before Australian Open

By Calvin Chapman Former South American Youth Games Gold medalist; Joanna Archer, is the latest Guyanese athlete to make it to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) circuit after being accepted to Texas Tech on a full scholarship following an outstanding two-year stint with Monroe College both academically and athletically.

The student athlete had attended the West Demerara Secondary School in Guyana and after excelling in in the C.S.E.C examinations coupled with her dominance not only at the National Schools’ Championships but regionally, winning Gold for Guyana in the 4x400m and silver in the girls’ 800m; both at the 2017South America Youth Championship held in Guyana, she gained a sport scholarship at New York’s Monroe College.

Archer stuck to her guns, working hard to achieve her dreams, and although she shared with Kaieteur Sport that it was hard adjusting to track life in the U.S. in her first year of Munroe in 2018, she managed to maintain her academic excellence.

The Criminal Justice major maintains a 4.0 GPA in the Associate’s Degree programme and bounced back harder on the track in 2019 with some stellar performances for the National Junior Collegiate Association (NJCAA) institution.

Last year, the middle distance maestro reset records in the 500m, 600m, distance medley relay and 4x800m relays on the NJCAA scene, which coupled with her academic excellence allowed her to be a top target

Joanna Archer (left) will link up with Claudrice McKoy (left) at Texas Tech in the new academic year (www.trackalerts.com). from a few NCAA colleges but after visits to Clemson, UTEP and Texas Tech, Archer eventually made her decision.

Fellow Guyanese studentathlete, Claudrice McKoy, is in her second semester at Texas Tech. When the 19year-old Archer was quizzed on whether she was close with McKoy, Archer explained that, “We’re more like sisters, we share a lot and support each other a lot. Many of my great races at Monroe was because I had ‘Dricey’ they helping me to stay positive.”

However, the 2019 Carifta games 800m silver medalist was adamant that her decision to join Texas Tech was not based on the potential of a link up with her pal, “We have different coaches and programs and

schedules at Tech. It’s not like I’m following her. I was just most impressed with the programme at Tech as compared to the other institutions on my shortlist.”

Success on the track is desired for Archer but during this interview yesterday with Kaieteur Sport, she posited that her academics is most important and she gave thanks to God and everyone that has supported her on her journey so far as she strives to make Guyana proud.

She concluded giving, “Special thanks to my grandmother for always supporting me and allowing me to be myself and the best at that and I owe this semester ’s Academic excellence to my Mentor Crystal Camejo.”

Enmore CCCC and Lusignan SC (A) to clash in SPR Enterprise finals this weekend The Enmore CCCC (A) will take on defending champions Lusignan SC (A) in the final of the 2019 SPR Enterprise 40 overs cricket competition on Sunday at the Enmore Community Centre Ground.

The final was postponed in December 2019, due to inclement weather; this is the fourth edition of this competition which commenced in January 2019 amongst twenty (20) teams and was played between two groups in a round robin format.

Both teams which are evenly matched, played unbeaten throughout the preliminary rounds, thus topping their respective groups. ECCCC won the

inaugural edition in 2016 against Lusignan (A) in a low scoring thriller. Lusignan SC (A) batting will be led by Krishna Deosarran, Steve Ramdass and Robin Williams, whilst ECCCC will depend on Amir Khan, Imran Hassan and national U17 Chaitram Balgobin. In the bowling department LSC (A) will bank on Kumar Bishundial and national U17 Chanderpaul Ramraj whilst ECCCC will look to Amir Khan and East Coast 2019 top two wicket takers, Satesh Jainarine and Yuvraj Dayal to restrict the Lusignan batting.

Match time is 10:00 hours.

Meanwhile Ogle CC and Lusignan East are the third (Continued on page 28)

Chanderpaul Ramraj

People - Several athletes set to compete at the 2020 Australian Open have agreed to play in a charity match that will raise funds to combat the devastating Australian bushfires.

Top tennis stars Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal announced yesterday that they would be playing in the exhibition match — along with Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas, CNN reported.

All ticket proceeds from the Australian Open Rally for Relief will be donated to bushfire relief efforts. The games are set to take place on Jan. 15 at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena, days ahead of the Grand Slam tennis tournament, which begins on Jan. 19.

“This unprecedented bushfire crisis is devastating people, properties, communities, livestock and animals across the country and our hearts go out to all those affected,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said in a statement yesterday.

“We felt it was vital we use all our events across the summer to make a meaningful contribution to help these people and communities rebuild their lives,” he added. “The response from the tennis community – our players, clubs, partners and

international tennis bodies – has been overwhelming and it’s wonderful to see everyone pull together.”

Tiley concluded, “The world’s top players, boasting many Grand Slam titles between them, have committed to AO Rally for Relief and we look forward to announcing the line-up in the coming days. The players are keen to be involved – we’ve had a tremendous response from them and they are keen to help.”

The organization announced the charity relief rally after Kyrgios tweeted at Tennis Australia last week, suggesting that the organization put on a charity exhibition match to raise funds for wildfire victims. The athlete then kicked off the donations by pledging $200 Australian dollars for every ace he hits at upcoming matches.

According to CNN, Kyrgios, 24, hit 20 aces during a match on Friday, adding up to a donation of $4,000 Australian dollars.

Earlier this week, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova — who was granted wild card entry for the Australian Open — also donated $17,400 (25,000 AUSD) towards relief efforts, asking fellow tennis player Novak Djokovic to match her contribution. The Serbian athlete agreed and donated $17,400 (25,000 AUSD).

Sharapova also revealed yesterday that she had left 10 pairs of signed tennis shoes at her Brisbane hotel that could be bought for $206 (300 AUSD), which she said would be donated to the Red Cross. Within hours the shoes were purchased and the athlete told her Twitter followers that “a 3K donation will be on its way to the Red Cross tomorrow!!”

These tennis stars join a long list of celebrities and athletes who have been using their platform to donate and raise funds for the disastrous fires that have been ravaging the country since September.

Over the last few months, the bushfires are said to have claimed the lives of at least 25 people, burned through more than 12 million acres (some outlets reporting that number is already closer to 18 million as the fires continue to blaze) and killed at least half a billion animals.

A seven-day state of emergency was declared on December 23.

So far, a reported 2,000 firefighters have been working in New South Wales alone, with additional help arriving from the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

According to NPR, experts said that the fires will go on for months.

Jaguars open Regional four-day campaign against Hurricanes from today Guyana Jaguars will go into their day/night opening round match of the Regional four-day championship against Leeward Islands Hurricanes from today in Antigua.

Super50 Cup final hero, Kevin Sinclair has been rewarded with a spot in the squad. The 20-year-old offspinner snatched a fourwicket haul in the championship match at Queen’s Park Oval to help West Indies Emerging Players crush favourites Hurricanes by a massive 205 runs.

Sinclair, who finished the tournament with 13 wickets, has been joined by seamer Niall Smith as the two uncapped players in the 13man squad which will be led again by veteran captain

Leon Johnson.

Jaguars have been boosted by the inclusion of fast bowler Keon Joseph, who was limited to just two matches last season and outof-favour Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who played a single match.

Both are expected to further enhance a Jaguars attack which already comprises Barbadian fast-bowling all-rounder, Raymon Reifer, who picked up 26 wickets from just six matches during the last campaign, and champion left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who was his side’s leading wicket-taker last term with 42 scalps.

Jaguars’ batting will revolve around Tagenarine Chanderpaul and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, both of whom

scored in excess of 500 runs last season. They will be backed up by the experience of Johnson, fellow left-handers Vishaul Singh and Chandrapaul Hemraj.

Jaguars are five-time reigning champions after finishing 20 points clear of Barbados Pride in the last first class championship.

They are the only franchise to have won the title since the system was professionalised in 2014.

SQUAD – Leon Johnson (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, , Christopher Barnwell, Vishaul Singh, Devendra Bishoo, Tevin Imlach, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair. (CMC)

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

New season brings opportunities for Test aspirants ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Bowling stocks look strong for the moment, so it will all be about the batsmen to finalise the cast for the West Indies Test squad in the New Year when the 2019-20 West Indies Championship opens.

With seven Tests on the cards for West Indies this year when they resume their participation in the ICC Test Championship, this season’s West Indies Championship presents a perfect opportunity for a number of hopefuls to advance their cases.

The winner of the Championship also holds intrigue with defending champions Guyana Jaguars seeking to become the first regional first-class side to complete six successive titles.

Among the strong contenders are Barbados Pride, the runners-up to the Jaguars in each of those titlewinning seasons, and Leeward Islands Hurricanes, one of the main challengers last season before they stumbled late in the season.

Darren Bravo and John Campbell, two top-order West Indies left-handed batsmen, have been made captains of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions respectively, for the first time in their playing careers.

Red Force, Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes, also under new leadership with emerging batsman Kavem Hodge being appointed captain, are hoping these decisions could help to spark a revival in their fortunes.

Hurricanes vs Jaguars at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua - Hurricanes and Jaguars have provided plenty of intrigue during their matches in the previous five seasons. Jaguars hold the edge with five wins out of the 10 matches contested, including two wins out of the three times they have played at this venue.

But Hurricanes have two valuable wins during the same period on which they can draw to give them confidence that they can repel the challenge of the Jags.

They completed the highest successful fourth innings chase in the West Indies first-class competition three seasons ago and won a feisty battle in the final round last season on the Jaguars’ home soil, a rarity in recent years. One of the players to watch in this contest will be Hurricanes pacer Sheeno Berridge. He made a big impact during the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup this past November and will want to make further strides in the four-day format.

Two other uncapped players looking to step up will be former West Indies Under-19 World Cup hero Keacy Carty of Hurricanes and Jaguars opener Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul, the son of former West Indies lefthander Shivnarine Chanderpaul, whose solid batting at the top of the order has not gone unnoticed.

Tw o personal milestones appear within reach in the match for two Jaguars players. Christopher Barnwell has scored 1,971 Championship runs and needs 29 more for 2,000; and West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo has taken 241 wickets and needs nine for 250.

Squads: HURRICANES: Jahmar Hamilton (Captain), Colin Archibald, Sheeno Berridge, Quinton Boatswain, Keacy Carty, Nino Henry, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Amir Jangoo, Jaison Peters, Kieran Powell, Jacques Taylor, Devon Thomas.

JAGUARS: Leon Johnson (Captain), Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Tevin Imlach, Keon

Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Vishaul Singh, Nial Smith Red Force vs Scorpions at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad All except two of the previous 10 contests between Red Force and Scorpions during the Professional Cricket League era of the Championship have produced a winner and the two teams have equally shared the wins.

Three of the four Scorpions wins during that period have come in the Red Force’s backyard, but the home team have a bit of an advantage, having won this corresponding contest last year at this venue.

The form of the two captains will be closely monitored by those to whom it matters most, but uncapped, young players like Jeremy Solozano, Joshua da Silva and former West Indies Under-19 player Keagan Simmons of Red Force will also be on the radar, as well as left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli of Scorpions.

Squads: RED FORCE: Darren Bravo (Captain), Yannic Cariah, Bryan Charles, Joshua da Silva, Terrance Hinds, Kyle Hope, Akeal Hosein, Uthman Muhammed, Yannick Ottley, Isaiah Rajah, Keagan Simmons, Jeremy Solozano, Odean Smith.

SCORPIONS: John Campbell (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Paul Palmer Jr, Dennis Bulli, Assad Fudadin, Nicholson Gordon, Derval Green, Patrick Harty Jr, Marquino Mindley, Rovman Powell, Denis Smith, Aldaine Thomas, Alwyn Williams.

Volcanoes vs Pride at the Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent Pride have dominated their matches against Volcanoes in the PCL era of the Championship, winning six out of 10. The Volcanoes must also be wary that the Pride have won all three times the two teams have played at this venue during that period. This

contest features a number of uncapped players that could catch the eye of the West Indies senior selection panel.

Hodge will be important to the balance of power in the Volcanoes batting, Desron Maloney is a newcomer that made an impression during the Windwards senior tournament and Josh Thomas made a bit of an impact with ball in his debut season last term. For the Pride, it’s mostly their pace bowling attack with West Indies Under-19 winning pacer Chemar Holder, the top bowler in the Super50 Cup Keon Harding and left-arm pacer Dominic Drakes, son of former West Indies pacer Vasbert Drakes, being the three to watch. Two personal milestones appear within reach in the match for two Pride players. Allrounder Justin Greaves has taken 46 Championship wickets and needs four more for 50 and off-spinner Ashley Nurse has taken 148 Championship wickets and needs 2 more for 150.

Squads: VOLCANOES: Kavem Hodge (Captain), Alick Athanaze, Keron Cottoy, Kirk Edwards, Ray Jordan, Shermon Lewis, Desron Maloney, Preston McSween, Devon Smith, Shane Shillingford, Emmanuel Stewart, Josh Thomas, Bhaskar Yadram.

PRIDE: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Shane Dowrich, Dominic Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Tevyn Walcott, Jomel Warrican.

MATCH SCHEDULE (All matches start at 10 am daily, except where indicated) Round 1-January 9 to 12 Hurricanes vs Jaguars – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua (2 pm daily) Red Force vs Scorpions – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad Volcanoes vs Pride –

Arnos Vale Cricket Ground, St. Vincent Round 2-January 16 to 19 Scorpions vs Volcanoes – Sabina Park, Jamaica Pride vs Jaguars – Kensington Oval, Barbados Red Force vs Hurricanes – Brian Lara Cricket Academy Round 3 January 23 to 26 Jaguars vs Red Force – Guyana National Stadium, Guyana Scorpions vs Pride – Sabina Park Volcanoes vs Hurricanes – Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia (2 pm daily) ***BREAK*** Round 4-February 6 to 9 Jaguars vs Scorpions – Guyana National Stadium Hurricanes vs Pride – Warner Park, St. Kitts Volcanoes vs Red Force – Windsor Park, Dominica Round 5 February 13 to 16 Scorpions vs Hurricanes – Trelawny Multipurpose Complex, Jamaica Pride vs Red Force – Kensington Oval Volcanoes vs Jaguars – Grenada National Stadium, Grenada ***BREAK*** Round 6-February 27 to March 1

Scorpions vs Jaguars – Trelawny Multipurpose Complex, Jamaica Pride vs Volcanoes – Kensington Oval Hurricanes vs Red Force – Warner Park Round 7-March 5 to 8 Red Force vs Pride – Brian Lara Cricket Academy Volcanoes vs Scorpions – Grenada National Stadium Jaguars vs Hurricanes – Guyana National Stadium Round 8-March 12 to 15 Red Force vs Volcanoes – Brian Lara Cricket Academy (2 pm daily) Hurricanes vs Scorpions – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Jaguars vs Pride – Guyana National Stadium (2 pm daily) ***BREAK*** Round 9-March 26 to 29 Pride vs Scorpions – Kensington Oval (2 pm daily) Hurricanes vs Volcanoes – Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Red Force vs Jaguars – Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad Round 10-April 2 to 5 Jaguars vs Volcanoes – Guyana National Stadium Scorpions vs Red Force – Sabina Park (2 pm daily) Pride vs Hurricanes – Kensington Oval

IOC to discuss Tokyo 2020 Russian athletes after CAS decision L A U S A N N E , Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee will not discuss the details of Russian athletes’ participation at the Tokyo 2020 Games until after a final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the IOC said yesterday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in December banned the country’s colors and anthem from events, including the Olympics, for four years as punishment for having provided it with doctored laboratory data.

It also barred Russia from hosting or bidding for major sporting events during that period, with the country’s top officials branding the sanctions unfair and pledging to appeal the decision to CAS by early January.

The IOC did not go into the details of R u s s i a ’s To k y o 2 0 2 0 appearance during y e s t e r d a y ’s E x e c u t i v e Board meeting.

“It was informational only,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told reporters of the discussions regarding Russia. “We will wait for a decision by CAS before doing that.”

No date has yet been set for a CAS ruling on Russia.

Among the details to be finalised are the size and overall appearance and uniforms for the independent team made up of Russian athletes who are eligible to compete based on their anti-doping record as well as the sports they will compete in.

World Athletics last year extended its 2015 ban o n R u s s i a ’s a t h l e t i c s federation.

The IOC, however, has said in recent months it was eager to finalize all the details early to avoid a repeat of the run-up to the 2016 Olympics where Russians were filing appeals days before they were due to compete at the Rio de Janeiro summer Olympics.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 09, 2020

Brian Ramphal donates $500,000 to BCB - Sponsorship target of $10M for 2020 The Berbice Cricket Board has hit the ground running for the year 2020 as the vibrant and progressive county board seeks to build on its outstanding work in 2018 and 2019.

The BCB on Monday last received a financial donation of $500,000 from overseas based Guyanese Brian Ramphal, a faithful sponsor of Berbice Cricket.

Ramphal, a businessman who operates in the technology filed, came on board with the BCB on the recommendation of its former Secretary Oscar Ramjeet in 2018.

BCB President Hilbert Foster who leads an aggressive marketing drive to attract funding for the board’s work, stated that Ramphal since March 2018 has donated over $1.5M. The funds have been used to host two cricket tournaments, five different educational posters, two cricket award ceremonies and several coaching clinics. Foster, who was recently re-elected for a second term in a 31-0 landslide victory, hailed Ramphal and another

Brian Ramphal. overseas based Guyanese Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh as one of the main reasons why his Presidency has been so successful.

Together they have donated close to $4M to the coffers of the BCB over the last twenty months.

Ramphal’s 2020 contribution would be used for the 3rd annual Brian Ramphal Award Ceremony, Inter County MVP and Man of the Match Scheme, Coaching Clinics and an Internal Zone 20/20

tournament.

Foster disclosed that the BCB in 2020 was aiming to host at least twenty-five tournaments a different level, dozens of d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes/events and to assist clubs as much as possible to fulfill their mandate.

In 2018 and 2019, the BCB had assisted all clubs in the Ancient County with over $5M worth of balls, stumps, cricket gears, scorebooks, rain coats, bicycles, school bags and educational materials.

Foster made it quite clear that in 2020, the BCB would only assist clubs who have a junior section and have proper Management structure in place. The BCB is working to assist clubs with about $3M in assistance in 2020.

Ramphal, who is an awardee under the BCB Tribute to Heroes programme, stated that he was very impressed with the work of the Foster led Board.

He disclosed that he has a commitment to assist on an annual basis.

PAGE 33

Ninvalle for meeting with AIBA President Steve Ninvalle

P

resident of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle will travel to Panama next week to attend a meeting with AIBA President Dr. Mohamed Moustasane. Ninvalle will lead a team of 15 Caribbean confirmed officials for the meeting scheduled for January 18 in Panama City.

The meeting was called by the AIBA president with the goal of uniting through dialogue federations affiliated to the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC), discussing AIBA’s reform and future, organize training and courses for coaches, referees and judges, ringside Doctors, Cut Technicians, International Technical Officers and Technical Delegates among others. The AIBA president will also be meeting with individual presidents.

Ninvalle, a distinguished CARICOM sports

administrator who is AMBC Vice President and Chairman of the Caribbean Boxing Steering Committee, said that he will use the occasion to push for the resuscitation of the Caribbean Boxing Association (CABA) and a boxing Academy in the region.

So far, Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands,

Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Maarten, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago along with several Latin American countries have confirmed attendance.

The Moroccan Moustasane will be meeting with the AMBC countries two months before the AIBA elections scheduled for March 14 in Switzerland.

WI over 50s descend in TT for four practice matches Lloyd Rawlins supports Wiltshire birth anniversary dominoes

L

loyd Rawlins has thrown his support behind t h e M a r k Wiltshire birth anniversary dominoes competition which is set to commence on Sunday at Turning Point sports bar.

Rawlins, who also plays competitively, yesterday presented the third place prize to Wiltshire who is the senior Organising Secretary of the Guyana Domino League. Wiltshire expressed gratitude to Rawlins for this support and indicated that the competition will be played on a three-round points system. Rawlins said he is happy to be part of such a huge tournament and wished the teams well.

The competition attracts an entrance fee of $12,000.

The winning team will pocket a trophy and $175,000 along with medals, while the runner up will receive a trophy and $75,000.

Third and fourth place will take home $35,000 and $20,000 respectively, while the most valuable player in the final will be given

Mark Wiltshire (right) accepts the cheque from Lloyd Rawlins.

$10,000. The best female player in the competition will take home a trophy and $5,000, while other female players will be given hampers.

Action gets underway at 14:30hrs and the competition is open to teams countrywide; registration can be done through Wiltshire on 659-8672.

With less than 60 days remaining for the West Indies Over-50 team to wing out for South Africa to take part in the second Over-50 World Cup being played there from March 11th to 25th, the team arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday last to play four practice matches there.

The West Indies will compete in Pool B of the tournament playing New Zealand in their opening match, before facing Australia a few days after.

The 12 teams have been placed in two groups as follow: POOL A England India Namibia Pakistan South Africa Wales POOL B Australia Canada New Zealand West Indies Zimbabwe Sri LankaThe West Indies had two practice matches at the Broward Stadium in Ft Lauderdale which were severely curtailed by the weather forcing the organizers to arrange four matches in

Trinidad and Tobago.

The West Indies has announced a 22-man squad which will be trimmed down to 16 at the conclusion of these practice matches next weekend.

Since this tournament is a non-ICC one, the organizers have secured the blessings of CWI and will be using the maroon colours of the West Indies team excepting its logo. In his message to the Team and organizers, CWI President Ricky Skerritt wished the Chairman and the team the very best in this project and its future endeavors. In his message for its magazine, Mr. Skerritt wrote: “Raj’s current project to pioneer Caribbean participation in the Over-50s World Cup in 2020 is a private initiative that Cricket West Indies applauds. Although CWI’s resources are now more focused on developing younger players, we commend any project that seeks to directly engage past regional players in cricketrelated activity.

On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I wish Raj and his colleagues a most successful cricket adventure. The best wishes of all West Indians should be

with them in South Africa.”

The WI Over 50s Organizing Committee is headed by cricket administrator, Raj Singh, who will also manage the team in SA. Raj will be ably assisted by Dave Narine; Joseph Reds Perreira serves as the PRO, while John Ramsingh serves as the Media Officer. Rick Ali and Ian Allen round out the Organizing Committee.

Reds Perreira and John Ramsingh will form the nucleus of the Live Streaming commentary panel and may be joined by some guest commentators in Trinidad and Tobago. The link will be publicized on our Face Book page.

In an effort to have the squad become fully acclimatised with the conditions and each other, four guest players from T and T will join 18 members of the WI party to play the first practice match at the National Cricket Centre at Balmain.

The teams for this game read; Zamin XI; Virgil Gossai, Hafiz Mohamed, Sudesh Dhaniram, Imtiaz Rick Ali, Julian Charles, Lawrence Pooran, Zamin Amin, Curtis Richards, (Continued on page 25)

t r o Sp Serena Williams, Federer pledge to join wildfire charity match before Australian Open

Joanna Archer (center) is flanked by her coach Shirvon Greene and President of Texas Tech Mark Jerome (right) during her visit to the institution yesterday.

U.S. student-athlete accepted

by NCAA College; Texas Tech

Serena Williams and Roger Federer.

(Michael Dodge/Getty; Clive Brunskill/Getty)

Guyana’s 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup qualification commence in March against Barbados

Head Coach Márcio Máximo briefing his charges during training in November, 2019. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Brian Ramphal donates $500,000 to BCB - Sponsorship target of $10M for 2020

Ninvalle for meeting with AIBA President

Jaguars open Regional four-day campaign against Hurricanes from today

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