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January 10, 2020 - Vol. 22 No. 02

Princess Hotel GM

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Wanted: Turkish National Ugur Turetgen

Price $80

- Being sought in relation to fraud, immigration violations

Online readership yesterday 135,129

Meagre G$20,000 per trip for oil regulators ensuring accuracy of measurements on FPSO p.

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Today is Nomination Day - Parties, contingents to converge on p.3 Umana Yana

I want to Clogged! Water supply ERC should condemn “All do is give disruption forces rather than investigate my son rest” toilet closures at CJIA - Opposition Leader p.

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p.

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- Mother of slain p. 21 eyewitness Collin Rodney

Despite impressions in Auditor General Report...

'Want of Entry' vehicles are disposed of in a “fair and - GRA Boss transparent” manner assures p 7

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Clogged! Water supply disruption forces toilet closures at CJIA

The portable toilets that CJIA was forced to use in the Departures Terminal

T

he Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) modernization project is continuing to be besieged by setbacks.

Yesterday, a problem from Wednesday spilled over as technicians and other workers battled to fix what officials at the airport described as a water supply disruption.

Toilets in the Departure and Arrivals areas were both out, causing the airport to bring in portable facilities.

These were seen in the departure lounge area.

Passengers and others reportedly had to wash their hands in what appeared to be a large plastic receptacle.

Some passengers were directed to toilets outside located adjacent to the Lotus Restaurant.

According the CJIA, the problem with water started the day before. “On January 8th 2020, CJIA's water supply was disrupted resulting in the terminal buildings being out of water for several hours.

Water has since been restored to the Departure

Terminal and the relevant stakeholders are working assiduously to have the Arrivals Terminal's water supply fully restored within the shortest possible time.�

The airport management said that it is sparing no effort to have the situation remedied.

The water problem would come almost two months after the washrooms were closed to allow for what the CJIA described as procedural sanitation for the domestic cold water pipelines system.

The airport had said then that it had brought temporary washroom facilities for the travelling public, especially persons with disabilities in both the Arrivals and D e p a r t u r e s Te r m i n a l Buildings.

The airport had also claimed that the newly constructed or repaired water systems, finished water storage facilities or wells serving a public water system, must be disinfected/sanitized after the construction process by methods acceptable to (continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

PAGE 03

Today is Nomination Day - Parties, contingents to converge on Umana Yana

T

he countdown to the May 2, 2020 general elections has officially begun.

Nomination Day activities slated for today will see representatives of nineteen political parties - 14 of which are new ones - and their contingents assembling at the Umana Yana for the submission of lists to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

In anticipation, representatives of at least three parties have been camping outside the Umana Yana for the last 48 hours to get a head start in the proceedings. Their aim is to ensure that they are first in line to present their list to GECOM's Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

The New Movement (TNM), United Republican Party (URP), and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) have all reserved parking spaces and banners in front of the Duke Street, Kingston facility.

Today, the leader of each political group is expected to present a list of candidates to Lowenfield for approval.

The parties will be given 24 hours to inform the CEO of any changes to the list of candidates/nominators, in the event of deaths or withdrawals.

On Tuesday, GECOM's Public Relations Officer,

Final touches being put on the venue and its surroundings yesterday afternoon

( P R O ) Yo l a n d a Wa r d outlined to media operatives some of the requirements for each political group contesting the elections.

According to Ward, the parties may submit three lists; the National Top-Up list, the Geographical constituencies List and the Regional Democratic Councils List.

She noted however that each party contesting the general elections is expected to present a National Top-Up List, which should comprise the names of 300-330

nominators countrywide.

For those parties contesting the general election, she said each list must include 42 candidates /persons eligible to be elected to sit in National Assembly.

In this regard, candidates are required to submit a statutory declaration form sworn in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of Peace.

The declaration form warrants that each candidate provides information on his /her citizenship/allegiance

Trump cites plot to 'blow up' U.S. embassy as element in decision to kill Soleimani

W

ASHINGTO N (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump said yesterday the United States killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani shortly after he landed in Iraq last week in part because "they were looking to blow up our embassy."

The remarks could shed more light on what so far has been largely vague descriptions of the intelligence that drove Trump's administration to conclude that killing Soleimani and disrupting his plots would justify any fallout Washington may face.

The United States saw some of the repercussions from its strike on Wednesday, when Iran fired 16 missiles at bases in Iraq that host U.S. forces - an

attack that the Pentagon believes was designed to inflict casualties but which killed and injured no one.

"We caught a total monster and we took him out and that should have happened a long time ago.

We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump said the United States also carried out the strike because of a rocket attack on a U.S. military base in Iraq by an Iran-backed militia in December that killed a U.S. contractor, which U.S. officials believe Soleimani had a role in orchestrating.

That was followed by violent protests by supporters of Iran-backed militia outside of the U.S. embassy in Baghdad. Trump said Soleimani had wanted

those protests to become more violent.

"That was a totally organized plot. And you know who organized it. That man right now is not around any longer. Okay? And he had more than that particular embassy in mind," he said.

Asked about Trump's remarks on the plot to blow up the Baghdad embassy, a senior U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted Soleimani had orchestrated protests at the embassy and acknowledged there had been such plotting to blow up the embassy.

The official declined to provide details on the U.S. intelligence.

Although Iran's foreign minister has said the missile strikes on Iraqi bases that house U.S. forces had (continued on page 15)

to Guyana or any other country.

In the meantime, Ward noted that parties contesting at the regional level must provide the list of candidates along with the names of 150175 nominators for each of the geographical constituencies/ten administrative regions who are also required to sign statutory declaration forms.

However, she stressed that it not mandatory that the parties contest both the regional a nd general elections. “It is not necessary that a party must contest both the regional and general elections because a party may decide that they only want to be represented at a regional level. That is permissible.�

Ward stressed nonetheless that the Regional Democratic Council List must also comprise 150-175 nominators for each constituency – all residing in the said region, and 12 to 36 candidates also from within the region.

Further, she noted that parties are not mandated to contest in all 10 geographical constituencies, but they must contest in at least six of those regions.

Additionally, each party is required to have one-third female presence on their National Top-Up list and the regional lists.

Following the submission of the lists, GECOM's CEO will examine the data to determine which party has

met the eligibility requirement to contest the elections and which lists have been deemed defective.

Those not in conformity will be notified within 24 hours and will be granted until January 14 to make and submit corrections for approval.

By January 15, all parties will be notified of approval or non approval of the list.

Parties desirous of having an adjoining list will also be given until January 17 to notify the CEO of their intention.

GECOM is expected to finalize all the titles and symbols of the approved lists of each party by January 19.

The approved list will thereafter be published in the gazette along with the names of the candidates.

PAGE 4

Friday January 10, 2020

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

With crime like this…

The story came complete with accompanying photograph (KN January 4). It is of a motorcycle being stolen in broad daylight with the owner present, as in right there and involved. That in and of itself was dangerous, as there were three of the bandits and nobody knows what armaments they had, and how far they may have been prepared to go in their crime act.

Thankfully, matters did not deteriorate to the point where it called for the execution of the motorcycle owner reckoning his loss. He should count his good fortune for, as shown frequently, the criminals operating in Guyana can be ruthless, violent, and bloodthirsty. They will not be evaded, they will not be denied, they will take what they want and get what they come for, on just about every occasion.

As KN pointed out in the related story, the criminals do not need nor care for the cover of darkness. It is an indication of their, call it whatever works: brazenness, arrogance, total disregard for the reach of the law. This is a bad place for this country to be under any circumstances.

It is now infinitely worse because of two converging sets of situations. The first is that it is the season and rollout of national elections. The second is that there is a development from overseas that figures well for this country and its image but, if capitalized upon, could end up being a horror show of extraordinary (read grotesque) proportions.

With elections season now in full swing and less than two short months to peak time, there is this convergence of ample room and opportunity, the usual defaced social environment, and the sharp passions for what could be termed the traditional electoral mischief and vehemence.

This furnishes the perfect storm and umbrella from which criminals should be able to operate, even flourish at will, given the emotional and psychological preoccupations of citizens.

In addition to that, what would be out-and-out banditry could somehow be fused or fixed to fall into one of the easy and available campaigning and electioneering excesses that have come to characterise the activities of political parties and their supporters over the years.

Nobody should have any difficulty recalling the disturbing incidents involving personal safety nor that of vandalism directed at property. The problem would be to sort what is part of the political culture versus what is not anything of the sort (as deplorable as that is by itself), but of criminal conduct, pure and simple. The issue would be how to sort that out, and to do so objectively and credibly in the pressure cooker of election fevers, where nobody is listening, emotions are running high, and the worst suspicions are right there, too.

For its part, a senior officer of the Guyana Police Force urged that “persons use extreme caution…while carrying out daily activities.” This certainly cannot be found fault with and makes for wise counsel. The problem is that most Guyanese are unable to use more “extreme caution” than they have been exercising daily. Put differently, they do not have anything in the “extreme caution” department left to summon even in their own defence.

This is how far things have gone.

The second development pointed out earlier is one that originates in a foreign habitat. It is from the former mother country, with one of the leading media powers, The Telegraph, identifying dear old Guyana as a highly favoured tourist destination. In conjunction with that positive for this country came a follow-up exposure and advertisement for this country, compliments of television heavyweight NBC Today show, with Conde Nast Traveler Magazine doing the honours.

Those are widely read and watched media engines in the heart of the advanced world. This country could not have asked for better commercials and got them without paying one dime. The people will come if only out of curiosity, but what will they come to is the question that should concern all Guyanese, not just leaders and police brass. The feel good sentiments could be quickly erased with one criminal incident. The visitors would be obvious, they should have valuables, they may be seen as vulnerable.

Remember: one criminal incident. Can we manage?

Nation still tuned out from politics DEAR EDITOR, More than a week after the end of year holidays, people are still tuned out from politics. Very little interest has been expressed by the population in the elections.

Aside from display of party flags and one rally from each

major party, one would not know there is an election in seven weeks. It is probably because of the year old political campaign that still has two more months to go.

The people are not extending a party mood. They just don’t have interest in the

politics. They have been burnt so many times with false promises that they place very little trust in politicians to honour promises. When asked about the elections, they tend to say it does not matter which of the two behemoths win because their

lives won’t change much.

They hope that the two political giants can be controlled so they won’t abuse power. Interest in the politics may increase closer to voting day.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

I don’t buy it DEAR EDITOR, It’s outright stupid for some to intentionally break the Law and attempt to escape. It would have been better if the driver had faced the law and pay the fine, instead of crashing a vehicle worth millions of dollars and losing his life in the process.

As death lurks on the roadways, people are still being irresponsible and putting their lives and others at risk. Whilst the Guyana Police Force is doing a wonderful job, they are not able to be everywhere.

Indeed, there’s some rogue elements within and outside the Force who are determined to allow lawlessness to

prevail. Like many others, the recent utterances by the traffic chief had me somewhat disgusted. It’s a known fact that members of the Force have minibuses or their relatives do. There is a lot of lawlessness on the roadways.

West Coast Demerara has a few and even an ex-member, who is breaking the laws daily but is not being charged. One member even drives a minibus and collect passengers, so, idle talks does not impress me.

Apart from that, there are many other lawlessness occurring and not being addressed.

Editor, as the roadways continue to take lives, some simple issues need to be

addressed and like under the previous administration, it is not and quite frankly, I am wondering if the administration can do anything proper for the citizens of Guyana, apart from giving them bad name about corruption.

On Brickdam, space was allocated for pedestrians and over the years, they got over taken and the pedestrians are forced to put their lives at risk, by walking on the road. Many places erect structures or park vehicles where pedestrians are supposed to walk. Some vehicles seem to be there for ages, based on the signs around.

Some structures are on the

roadways. On the East Bank public road, there’s a truck parked on the pavement, and people have to walk on the public road. At Peter’ Hall, containers are on the pave forcing you to walk on the public road.

They are there for a long time. West Coast has boats on the roadway, forcing children and adults to put their lives at risk.

Why aren’t those responsible for these dangerous practices being hauled before the Courts and forced to pay a fine? I would give the Traffic Chief credit when I see better is being done, not just talks.

Sahadeo Bates

An Open Letter to Khemraj Ramjattan DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your publication to share my open letter to the Honourable Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, the founderleader of the Alliance For Change.

Mr. Ramjattan, I am asking you to take the AFC out of this ‘paper coalition’. I would like to remind the public that this unholy alliance with the PNC was done against your wishes and advice.

I recall clearly that in November 2014, you said that you were personally

against such a move as it rendered the AFC as “dead meat”. Sir, those words have been proven prophetic; it pains me to see your humiliating treatment. I believe it is not too late to trust the instincts that stood you in great stead during your illustrious political career.

Mr. Ramjattan, pull out of this coalition!

If you do not, you are simply fulfilling your own prophecy of doom.

The level of disdain and disrespect showed to our party by the PNC is

reminiscent of that shown to Peter D’Aguiar by Forbes Burnham; imagine your face is not even on the campaign posters at this late date.

The PPP hatchet-men are having a field day making a mockery of us just as you predicted back in 2014.

Mr. Ramjattan, I am sure that the PNC will betray you and all of us who support the AFC, let us thwart this final act!

I am certain that once the AFC removes itself from the PNC and its

dictatorship-style leader, the membership and supporters who left after becoming disillusioned will return.

Our only hope for the future of the AFC is a return to the polls as a single entity, with our own values, ethics, and morals that you embody.

Let us regain our pride that has been trampled on by the PNC and work with you to rebuild our ‘third force’ until one day we become the ‘main force’.

Yours faithfully, Keyara Johnson

I must add perspective to Desmond Alli’s lamentation DEAR EDITOR, June 30, 2019 Kaieteur News, and Dec. 12, 2019 in another newspaper Desmond Alli wrote a letter lamenting that things are getting worse for senior Artists. He also complained that $20 million was allocated for the arts and the culture vultures swallowed it up, then there was the usual finger pointing at the PNC Coalition, etc. The fact is that Desmond Alli is poisoning himself with prejudice and delusions or he is just dishonest. The $20M he is talking about is a Subvention I had lobbied for from 1992 that was in the public arena, and it was an approach to the Finance Minister Winston Jordan in 2015 that it bore fruit in 2016.

I had stopped Desmond Alli on Main Street over a year

ago and told him as I have told other artists that I had made headway. The only Artist that was willing to prepare submissions with me was Burchmore Simon of Kross Kolor through the lobbying years [the PPP officials both the Finance Minister and the Minister of Culture from 2012 onwards, none ever responded to any correspondences I presented to them]. Desmond shrugged his shoulders then and walked away, as many others did, justifiably, because I was at it over twenty four years, this they knew and viewed it as just my unrealistic optimism at play. I did not lobby for an allotment for Artists, the lobby was a subvention to creative people who are registered and practice Cultural Industries as

a means of existing, with business activities, most of my suggestions, including a display at parliament by recipients’ were ignored.

Desmond is right in declaring that there are retarding cliques in Guyana’s fragmented Creative world. I have experiences and have published dozens of correspondences that allude to that. I would definitely like a more open and engaging platform on the committees and boards that make decisions on the development or retrogression of the Arts, which they will cause if these people are not themselves experienced in creative fields. Whether senior [I am a senior Artist] or younger Artist our duty to nation and self is to find workable ways, this is a

revolution on its own, it is not political parties, but individual enlightenment within those institutions.

Forbes Burnham allowed the development of the Burrowes Art School, The National Dance Company, built the National Cultural Centre, allowed local creativity to be exposed as illustrators in the media, through Curriculum Development developed primary school text, The Walter Roth Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, NCN was developed to facilitate local film development. This is a political legacy we cannot deny or denounce. I would like to meet your group, which seems to be a second group that you’re in, to let’s talk about the business of the Arts.

Barrington Braithwaite

Friday January 10, 2020

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Ramphal’s positive message Workers of Coomacka company to return to work after Minister, is for ALL Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, The reported Facebook attacks, mounted by the antinational forces on 2018 Chutney Soca champion, Stephen Ramphal, should not come as a surprise. In fact, I recall telling a very close friend, when he won that crown at the 2019 contest that it was good for IndoGuyanese to want to contest such traditionally perceived Afro-Guyanese cultural contests, because it signals that there were segments of our deeply polarized society that were prepared to be culturally adventurous, by thinking outside of the proverbial cultural box.

In 2015 an Afro-Guyanese, Young Bill Rogers, won the Chutney competition, seen as an Indo-cultural competition at Blairmont. So, what was wrong if an Indo-Guyanese, competed in a cultural segment that is Afro Guyanese type? This should not cause him to be an outcast, or a sellout, because he has participated across the cultural lines. It reminds one of the great late Mohamed Rafi who sang the immortal piece, to the tune of Suhani RaatDhal, “The world is one”. Those who have continued to spew the incendiary of racism, separatism and division should be reminded of this song and its message.

Without any apologies, this

is what should be happening more often in Guyana. It will certainly contribute to begin to chip away at the race wall which the dark forces have been building. However, one suspects that the fact that Ramphal was not attacked in the aftermath of his victory in February 2019 had been because it was a national event.

The attacks expose a tragic weakness of PPP/C political culture that has filtered down to its general constituency. And again, I will say it without any apology, simply because it is not political rabble rousing or pandering to racism, or even racial incitement – that the PPP/C has continued to foster the idea that any prominent East Indian who leaves its political fold for the Afro-side of politics, betrays the party and his/her race: They are “sellouts’’, the descriptive label given Prime Minister Moses Nagamotoo, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan and now to Stephen Ramphal. Therefore, as far as those Facebook, anti-cohesion forces are concerned, Ramphal has

ratted on his kind, and they are bold enough to vent their shameless and vile anger, using the means of social media, which positive and constructive uses they have continued to degrade by such vile actions.

Ramphal sang in a professional capacity since he and other artistes were paid for their performances. But his song is timely, for it is about Guyana and its six peoples, inclusive primarily of the two races, and how they must live with each other, for the betterment of country and ALL. This is what the Coalition, A Party for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government supports, and have promoted and upheld since its governance began in May 2015. The fact that Ramphal decided to appear at the coalition launching rally last Friday, signals that he is about LOVE, PEACE AND UNITY, AND NOT ABOUT DIVISION as he has boldly declared.

Regards, Carla Mendonca

Regional Chairman intervention DEAR EDITOR, Regional Chairman of RDC Region Ten, Renis Morian has expressed satisfaction over the resolving of some labour related issues within the region. He disclosed that the outstanding issues saw workers of a Coomacka based company striking recently.

The incident which occurred several days ago saw residents of Coomacka seeking the urgent intervention of the Regional Chairman.

He was accompanied by Labour Officer, Ms. Eleze HallBenjamin; NIS inspector Ms.

Natalie Reynolds; Senior Occupational and Safety Officer, Mr. Roydon Croal; Regional Councillor, Mr. Tracy Johnson, along with two ranks from the McKenzie Police Station.

Morian disclosed that he was invited by the residents and therefore sought to visit to see what assistance he can provide in having their issues resolved. He related that the workers told him of several malpractices and as such, he sought to have the allegations investigated. He said that among the allegations made were

workers working overtime without compensation, lack of safety gears, summary dismissals of workers who object to this and other malpractices.

The Regional Chairman said that in a discussion with the owners be he stressed that the Government of Guyana takes the security of tenure and workers safety very seriously. As such, he reinforced that the regional administration also sees workers’ rights and payments as very serious issues, and they won’t allow those to slip.

(Continued on page 6)

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Friday January 10, 2020

Kaieteur News

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas DEAR EDITOR, The High Commission of India celebrated the 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) - Indian Diaspora Day - at its cultural centre, Swamy Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, on

9th January 2020. The key part of the event was the interaction of Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India with the Indian Diaspora across the Globe from the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in

New Delhi through a live video conference. The live streaming of the interaction with the Indian Diaspora was arranged from 8.30 am in Georgetown.

During the video interaction, the

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9

Workers of Coomacka company...

From page 5 “I stressed to the owners that they have a responsibility to their workers and the government of Guyana through the regional administration takes this responsibility very seriously.

No longer can we continue to have companies taking advantage of our workers whether they are locals and/ or foreign. The government will continue to put systems in place to ensure that workers’ rights and safety continue to be of paramount importance,” Morian said. He noted that the investigation into the matter brought by the workers commenced, adding that they were pursuing justice for the residents of Coomacka.

The Regional Chairman said that after discussion and

an urgent intervention of Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, along with himself and the Labour Officer they were able to amicably have the issues addressed with the management of the company.

“We were able to come up with a number of solutions to the many issues that were facing workers and we are happy that the management of the Coomacka based company were receptive and willing to have the issues addressed. This, resulted in the workers being satisfied with the decisions and subsequent actions of management,” he said.

The Regional Chairman noted that the workers are all expected to return to work tomorrow, adding that there will also be an upward pay

adjustment. He said that among some of the matters that have been addressed to the satisfaction of the workers include workers being paid for overtime work.

Also, adequate safety gears will be issued to all employees along with the significant improvement of the general working environment. “We at the Regional Administration will continue to look out for the residents and workers within the region as we have a responsibility and we intend to maintain our responsibility.

Further, we along with the Government of Guyana will continue also to hold companies accountable to ensure that they maintain the law and regulations as it relates to operating companies and ensuring that workers rights are adhered to.

This is important because at the end of the day, they must recognise that our human resources are of critical importance to us here in this country,” he declared.

Public Relations Dept.

RDC # 10

Honourable Minister of External Affairs directly addressed the Indian Diaspora and interacted with the Indian community in eight selected cities, i.e.

Perth, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Mauritius, London, Paramaribo and New York. It was followed by a live Questions and Answers Session when Dr. Jaishankar responded to questions from the Diaspora members on important Diaspora issues.

The PBD-2020 in Guyana was attended by around 150 invitees, including Indian Diaspora members, Indian nationals and their families,

Indian students, etc. During the event, the High Commissioner of India, H.E. Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, addressed the gathering and spoke about the significance of marking the PBD and the important role of Indian nationals and Diaspora in the overall development of India.

The High Commissioner also reiterated and encouraged the Indian community in Guyana to maintain regular contact with the High Commission for mutual benefit as well to partner with the High Commission in furthering the existing friendly bilateral relations and cooperation between the Governments

and people of India and Guyana.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9th January to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India.

January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion since it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa, led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. PBD is an important occasion for India to connect more closely with the Diaspora and engage (Continued on page 27)

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Despite impressions in Auditor General Report...

Want of Entry vehicles are disposed of in a “fair and transparent” manner -GRA Boss assures

A

leaked copy of the 2018 Auditor Gen erals Report notes that several Want of Entry vehicles have been disposed of by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in a manner that does not secure maximum revenue. In fact, Auditor General Deodat Sharma said he noted several instances where the highest bidders for motor vehicles are avoided.

In response to the perception that perhaps, something clandestine was afoot, GRA Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia informed the media last night that the disposal of Want of Entry motor vehicles was, and continues to be, done in a fair, impartial and transparent manner, with the GRA Internal Auditors and the very State Auditors playing their respective roles.

Statia also said that at no time, will the Authority discriminate against any person from purchasing motor vehicles that are available for disposal.

Further to this, Statia asserted that the Authority will

not disclose any additional information in relation to the disposal of the vehicles being questioned by the Auditor General, since there are strict rules of confidentiality to which he must adhere.

The Commissioner-General added, “I daresay however, that when such matters are addressed at the Public Accounts Committee level, the facts would be fully borne out.”

Until such time, Statia was keen to note his disappointment with Sharma who retained the issues regarding the disposal of Want of Entry Vehicles when the Authority - during his time of the audit would have provided appropriate and satisfactory responses. Statia said that this is especially as it relates to Sharmas query about the Commissioner-General assigning vehicles to Government agencies instead of it going to the highest bidder.

Statia said, “The Authority recalled that the Auditor General, having been satisfied with the response, had

agreed to remove same from the Report.

(Subsequent articles in the media on this matter), and in particular (news items on) an ATV being disposed of for $161,000, instead of $285,000, cast aspersions on (my) character, and comes as a surprise, especially when records show that despite the numerous assignments to government agencies, revenue collection for seizures and want of entries increased significantly over the past five years.”

The tax chief further stated that the award goes to the highest bidder once the said bid is equal or above an amount sufficient to pay all duties, expenses, rent and charge.

However, in instances where the system is being abused by one set of bidders, Statia maintained that it is the right of the GRA to reverse the award. He also noted that the same action could be taken on bidders who have not been honouring their tax obligations.

GRAs Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Divorce matters most prominent at Legal Aid Clinic Most persons seeking assistance from the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (GLAC) are those wishing to terminate their marriages.

This was evident from statistics released by the GLAC for the period January to September 2019, which shows that divorce was dealt with more than any other matter.

Of the 2,287 matters heard across the GLACs offices in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six; 1,063 accounted for divorce.

In Region Two, the GLAC interviewed 40 persons for divorce matters, of which 37 of them were represented in court; in Region Three 885

persons were interviewed and 538 of them were given representation; in Region Five, 31 persons were interviewed of which only 14 were represented, and in Region Six, 107 of them were interviewed of which 31 were represented.

For the previous year, January to December 2018, 2958 persons received legal aid spanning across the four offices. Of this, 1,156 of them were interviewed for divorce matters, of which 794 received representation.

A breakdown of the figures shows that during 2018, 47 persons were interviewed by the Region Two Office; 948 by the Region Four office; 30

by the Region Five office; and 131 by the Region Six office.

Of the 47 persons interviewed in Region Two, 46 were represented in court; 651 of the 948 persons interviewed in Region Four were represented; 12 of the 30 individuals interviewed by Region Five were represented; while 85 of the 131 persons interviewed by the Region Six Office were represented.

Apart from divorce, persons who visited the organisations offices sought assistance with other civil matters. They include: property disputes, maintenance, domestic violence, division of property, estates, injunction,

adoption, bigamy, landlord and tenant, nuisance, trespass, employment, custody and access, damage to property, Deed Pools and Affidavits, prescriptive title, personal injury/death claim and others.

The criminal matters for which persons sought assistance included: murder, manslaughter, rape, carnal knowledge, robbery and theft, narcotics, assault, disorderly behaviour, firearm and threatening language.

Government is currently looking to expand legal aid services to the hinterland re-

gions.

This was revealed by Attorney General Basil Williams, S.C, during an interview on the programme “Insight” aired on the Voice of Guyana. Williams had said that with the judiciary extending its reach to the Hinterland regions, the widening of legal aid services will ensure greater delivery of justice.The Attorney General had noted that the provision of legal aid is linked to restorative justice.

The Guyana Legal Aid Clinic (formerly Georgetown Legal Aid Clinic) which opened its doors in March

1994 is a non-governmental, non-profit making, non-partisan organization that provides legal aid to persons who cannot afford to employ the services of a member of the private bar.

Its objective is also to increase public knowledge of basic legal rights and duties and of the legal process.

Since its opening, it has been primarily supported by the government through annual subvention, the provisions of attorneys-at-law, rent-free space, etc. It also receives donations from other bodies.

Future of Hope Beach wind farm in hands of developer It is all up to the developer in the Hope Beach wind farm project to make it happen.

Asked for an update of the project on Wednesday, during a review of 2019, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that a significant part of the preparatory work, including studies, have been completed.

The developer will now have to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), and deal with its financing.

The wind farm has been almost two decades in the making.

It is expected to be located at Hope Beach, East Coast Demerara.

Chairman of the project, Lloyd Singh, last year said that the US$20M-plus project should take nine months.

It is expected to produce up to 16 megawatts of wind power which will be connected at Coldingen, to the network of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Singh, who owns the International Pharmaceutical Agency, has been pushing the project for a number of years now, but had been mandated to conduct a number of critical studies, including environmental ones. He said that GPL is being engaged to bring closure to a power purchase agreement, which is key to the project.

The project has been dragging on, with little word from the parties in recent years.

Last year, a government statement which signalled the project was nearer to a reality, said that the GPL’s power grid is set to be boosted by 2020, with the construction of a wind farm at the village of

Hope, East Coast Demerara .

At a stakeholder meeting last year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), participants were briefed on the impact of the project.

Leading the discussions then was Project General Manager for Hope Energy Development (HED), Dr. John Sydow, who stated, “We are looking at four wind turbines at Hope Beach. That will supply about seven per cent of all of GPL’s megawatt hours they are distributing. With 40 machines, you would satisfy about 60 percent of all of GPL’s needs without requiring any energy storage.”

The impact tests were conducted at the Hope Secondary School, located some 420 metres from the proposed project site.

One of the concerns raised by participants during the open discussion session, according to a government statement, was whether the Hope Wind Farm would result in mangrove degradation along the shoreline.

The Hope Wind Farm Project initially began in 2001, but was halted due to GPL’s lack of infrastructure needed at the time.

The project is capable of supplying 7,000 homes with clean electricity, leading to fuel savings of 14.5 million litres per year.Additionally, 30 to 40 construction jobs are expected to be created, and $1Billion yearly to be saved in fuel imports.

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Friday January 10, 2020

One-term governments are here to stay Nomination Day is today, and from all accounts the elections are going to be dominated by the two largest political groupings, APNU+AFC and the PPPC. Both sides are confident, but one side is going to be grossly disappointed at the end of the elections. And this is something which the political supporters have to get accustomed to in this and all future elections.

One-term governments will become a feature of national politics. One government will win one election and the other will win the other.

The public has to get accustomed to regular changes in government via elections.

One-term governments will mean that each of the two main political parties will have a genuine chance of holding power. This may be a good thing for such a divided country.The other feature which will manifest itself is either minority governments or governments with razorslim majorities. The former depends on the performance of the smaller parties, which are hoping to get their feet wet politically this time around, but have to avoid going under.

The latter will result from the country’s ethnic arithmetic and voting patterns.

Voting remains primarily along ethnic lines and Guyana’s ethnic composition will always, in such circumstances, be an ethnic census.

The country is likely to witness musical chairs with the government. The APNU+AFC coalition is likely to be replaced by a PPP government in the March 2nd elections.

Many of its supporters will not be pleased to hear this

or accept it. But it is something to which they must grow accustomed.

The PPPC humiliated the Coalition at the 2016 local government elections. The APNU+AFC suffered a tremendous setback in those elections and were not able to recover in 2018 when the PPPC won again by more than 50,000 votes.

The only other time in which the PPP won the popular vote by a larger margin of votes was in the 1992 General Elections. On that occasion, it won by 60,000 votes.

While local government elections are not an effective predictor of what will happen in general elections, the commanding majority gained by the PPPC at both the 2016 and 2018 elections suggests that it will be impossible for that party to be defeated at this year’s general and regional elections.

The North American Caribbean Teachers’ Association (NACTA) did an opinion poll recently. They found that more than 80% of the popula-

tion felt that the production sharing agreement signed with Exxon was not a good deal. They also found that the majority of the population was dissatisfied with the government’s performance.

Yet, when they polled people’s political preferences, it was found that people were likely to vote along traditional political lines, a euphemism for ethnic lines. Policies or performance really do not count much. So it matters not what the government did or did not do, their supporters will vote for them But the APNU+AFC coalition can only win if the AFC brings in about 10% of the votes. And that is not likely to happen, because the AFC’s support has been downgraded since it became part of the government.

The AFC’s Leader was essentially humiliated by the failure of APNU to confidently introduce him as the Coalition’s Prime Ministerial candidate. This will have serious repercussions for the AFC at the polls, and is likely

to mean that the AFC will not be able to deliver the quota needed to allow the Coalition to surpass the PPPC. If that happens, APNU must not blame anyone. The recent confusing statements made recently about the Prime Ministerial candidate represent a case of APNU’s leadership shooting itself in the foot. It is dumb politics.

Even if the PPPC wins the next elections, it is not likely

to do so by any landslide. It may even struggle to attain a working majority in the National Assembly. And any tenuous majority is likely to be easily overturned in elections in 2025.

There is a strong likelihood that the PPPC will lose in 2025 to a resurgent APNU+AFC as the smaller parties eat into the PPPC’s support base.

Guyanese therefore

should grow accustomed to regular changes in government. One-term governments are here to stay. Get with it!

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

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The final humiliation of David Granger Robert Badal called me when I was in the National Park walking my dog. I put my dog in the car and a long conversation took place. Mr. Badal reminded me that I did say to him I would support him, even going on his platform. I did and will keep that promise. I made the same commitment to Lenox Shuman when we met in his office. I will keep my commitment to

Shuman. I am backing the small parties.

One of the latitudes Guyanese have for extirpating the monster of one-party domination by either PPP or PNC is to create a minority government. Whichever leviathan wins a minority government they would have to compromise in order to govern; not to govern effectively, but simply to govern.

Mr. Badal will tell you, in that conversation, I repeatedly said to him do not transfer the skills of an entrepreneur to the world of politics.

They are two different worlds that call for a different set of skills, capacities and conceptualizations. There are aspects of human nature an entrepreneur will never encounter in his/her life that a head of government will have

to manouevre through with phenomenal courage.

Politics and business are not related. even if on the surface there are fragments of similarities. There are certain endowments that are special to a head of government.

They are called leadership qualities. The Ohio University in the 1980s once composed a set of those qualities that a head of government must possess.

One of them is character soundness. It appears President Granger has that. He is not inclined to rowdy behaviour, philistine descent, and he is almost impeccable when it comes to his distance with state funds. But that is the only one of the many leadership qualities Mr. Granger possesses. It does not qualify you to rule a country, especially a protracted problematic nation like Guyana.

I am repeating it again; I have nothing personal against Mr. Granger, but he does not possess leadership qualities, and he will not transform Guyana in any meaningful way, because he lacks the capacity do so.

The president was humiliated by the AFC on Wednesday. It is a red letter day for the PNC party. Never before has a PNC leader showed such poor strategic thinking.

Never before has a PNC leader been so outwitted by others. Never before has a PNC leader bowed to public humiliation. If the PNC wasn’t bankrupt in terms of available talent, Mr. Granger would have lost his job to a sharper

competitor.

Within the space of eight hours, Mr. Granger succumbed to political blackmail that does not augur well for his government’s diplomatic dealings with oil companies, foreign investors and strong nations. The president saw the political chasm about six months ago, and with suicidal instincts, walked right into it.

On Wednesday morning at about 10 am, Mr. Granger boldly asserted that he had not identified a PM candidate and would only fill such a position after the election.

The AFC was livid. At around 3 pm, a tiny group of AFC leaders met without consulting the management committee or the executive committee of their party. The decision was incredible.

David Patterson was instructed to contact Joe Harmon and inform him that the AFC wanted a public announcement of Khemraj Ramjattan as PM candidate failure to do so immediately would result in the immediate announcement of the AFC pulling out of the coalition for the 2020 election.

Harmon conveyed the fait accompli to Granger. Granger travelled up to Hopetown and made the declaration without consulting the leadership of the PNC. It showed the poor leadership style of David Granger.

He knew in October that the AFC was dead set on Ramjattan as PM candidate and was immovable. But Granger felt the AFC would not leave the coalition for the

Frederick Kissoon election, so he refused to accept Ramjattan, putting all kinds of spin on his refusal.

Then Granger finally placated the AFC. He requested that the PM slot not be assigned in order not to hurt Nagamootoo’s credibility, but Ramjattan would be given the job after the election. The AFC agreed. But leadership qualities were thrown out of the window when at the official launch of the 2020 campaign, two things happened.

First, Nagamootoo, who had exited the AFC, turned up in AFC’s colours. AFC personnel told me the AFC did not invite Nagamootoo; that was a PNC thing. Secondly, the president and the organizers did not announce the PM candidate. Ramjattan was insanely furious. Granger then finally said last Wednesday, he had not identified a PM candidate. The AFC decided to blackmail him. Choose Ramjattan now or we are leaving. Granger meekly submitted.

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

Dem boys seh...

Dis is de hard month When people seh times hard wha dem mean is dat dem don’t have easy money in dem pocket. People accustom to spending even money dem ain’t wuk for.

SOCU had a bunch of people who get pick to investigate de crooks. Dem tun out to be de biggest crooks.

Dem tek de government money and lie about wha dem tek it for. Even de boss was a big crook. Now dem boys understand why dem never charge anybody.

Public servants like seh how January is a hard month; dem is de people who does get extra money to spend in December because of de back pay. Dem boys want to know if dem don’t think about putting up some-

thing fuh January.

Dat is why dem hardly got criminals round by Stabroek Market. Dem know dat pickings hard suh dem ain’t wasting dem time. Things get so nice in de area dat even de people who selling praising de police. Dem seh is de police who come out in dem numbers dat preventing de criminals from operating.

And is dem same vendors who telling some horror stories. Dem claim dat de criminals does walk up to dem stand and tek dem goods and dem can’t seh nutten. Dem have a police outpost right nearby and dat happening.

Imagine if dem didn’t have none. And de vendors frighten to bring de police to point out who rob dem be-

cause dem claim dat dem have to wuk right there.

And January is de month when people got to send dem children to school. Dem boys wonder wha deh in some of dem children lunch kit.

But is not all bad news in January. De number of birthdays dem boys get invite to is not a surprise. It look like if nuff people wait till after de Christmas to deliver dem baby. Some of de people expect dat de guests gon bring food, drinks and gift.

De odda day dem boys went to a party when nobody walk wid anything but demself. Dat party didn’t last long.Talk half and don’t complain bout hard times.

Friday January 10, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Friday January 10, 2020

CARICOM countries need to prepare Alleged monkey row killer remanded for fallout of US and Iran situation

Trinidad Guardian - A sug-ges-tion that CARI-COM heads meet as soon as possi-ble, and come up with a strategy to deal with any possible fallout or dangerous sce-nar-ios, resulting from the recent détente between the Unit-ed States and Iran.

It comes from Strate-gic Securi-ty Consul-tant and former Director of the Nation-al Operations Centre, Com-mander Garvin Heerah, who says Trinidad and Tobago should take the lead on this.

He warns that coun-tries around the world where US in-ter-ests are locat-ed have now been made more vul-nera-ble, as a re-sult of the current situation be-tween Wash-ing-ton and Tehran.

“Iran has made a clar-i-on call to all of their sup-porters,” he states. “To all of their proxy forces—those are forces that are backed by the Iranian govern-ment and their sympathisers — to wage an

at-tack on the US gov-ernment.”

He is urg-ing CARI-COM lead-ers to get to-geth-er quick-ly and come up with an ap-pro-pri-ate re-sponse to what could hap-pen next.

“You will find that peo-ple will be wrong-ful-ly ac-cused, wrong-ful-ly pro-filed, wrongful-ly in-ves-ti-gat-ed,” he warns. “We’ve seen that be-fore. Some of us ac-tual-ly have been the vic-tims of that when we’ve travelled internationally based on that sort of profiling, epecially at international airports and sea ports.

That’s a disadvantage.

It is some-thing that rolls out of these sorts of issues.”

Com-man-der Heer-ah says security offi-cials in the Caribbean must take proactive moves and en-gage in strategies to en-sure the safety and security of their citizens, be-cause re-al threats

already may be em-bed-ded in their pop-u-la-tions.

“They must pay spe-cific at-ten-tion to what might be the ex-is-tence of ‘sleep-er cells’. Or at least, in-creas-ing our in-tel-li-gence gath-er-ing to lis-ten out to the chat-ter that is tak-ing place, es-pecial-ly in the realm of the dark web.” He adds: “There is evi-dence that there are sleeper cells in our re-gion. Because of that, there can be that sort of per-son-al sym-pathiser type of approach, where people may take it onto their own as lone wolves, for instance, to treat with the issue.”

Both the US and Iran have reported to the United Nations Security Council that their missile strikes against each other were acts of selfdefence.

And both have reserved the right to engage in similar defen-sive ac-tion in the future.

Agencies encouraged todevelop innovative projects for economic growth KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has urged the heads of agencies under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to focus on developing fresh, innovative projects guaranteed to generate higher levels of sustainable inclusive economic growth for Jamaica.

“We need to now start thinking of game-changing innovative and large projects.

Let’s look at projects that could solve our water problem, our energy problem and our transportation problems at the same time.”

The Prime Minister was addressing a meeting of heads of agencies with responsibility for the Ministry’s water, housing and infrastructure portfolios, on Wednesday.

Holness challenged the agencies’ board members, executive directors and managers, and technical persons within the Ministry “to start thinking out of the box”, noting that “we have to start to now explore, [conduct] research and development, [and] entertain new thinking”.

Holness advised that in order to initiate such gamechanging, innovative projects, “there has to be greater cross-fertilisation of ideas”.

“What I notice is that many agencies have good projects.

But those projects could be enhanced if there were greater coordination and the willingness to work together and not in silos,” he contended.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said persons spearheading the execution of projects have a responsibility to ensure these engagements are completed on time and within budget.

Additionally, he said the boards of the bodies involved in those activities are mandated to ensure that these individuals are held accountable.

Against this background, Holness suggested that a system of accountability “that is

performance-based and not just accounting-based” be established within the respective agencies, public bodies and Ministry, to better monitor this process.

“You have to start to hold the people below you accountable for meeting targets and timelines; and you, also, as board members and executives, have to spend much more time in doing proper risk analysis of the projects you select to place on the capital budget,” he said.

Three days after a 54-year-old woman of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was stabbed to the neck, allegedly by her neighbour, the suspect was yesterday hauled before the court to answer to a murder charge and later remanded to prison.

Samuel Cummings, 57, a labourer of Graham Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was arraigned before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool in the Sparendaam Magistrates Courts.

Cummings was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that on January 6, 2020, at Graham Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, he killed Sharon Burnette.

Magistrate Liverpool remanded Cummings to prison and the matter was adjourned to February 6.It is alleged that Cummings had accused Burnette of sending her pet monkey over to his house to steal his money.

Relatives of Burnette reportedly disclosed that the woman does not own a pet monkey, and stated that the stray animal would usually enter everyones home.

Dead: Sharon Burnette

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Teen charged for attempting to rape granny going to church After allegedly committing the act almost three months ago, a teenager was yesterday hauled before the court for assaulting a 61-yearold woman who was on her way to church.

The 17-year-old was arraigned before Magistrate Annette Singh in the Juvenile Court which is located in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

The matter was heard in camera. Members of the public including media operatives were asked to exit the courtroom.

According to information, the accused was not required to plead to the offence as the charge was made indictable. It is alleged that on October 29, 2019 at Kuru Kuru Soesdyke/Linden Highway, he assaulted the woman with the intent to rape her.

He was later granted bail in the

sum of $50,000. The matter comes up for hearing again on January 23.

Kaieteur News had reported that the woman had left home after 5 am on the day in question to head to a city church. She was reportedly standing not far from a bus shed waiting on transportation, when the teen pounced on her.

He allegedly grabbed her around the neck and inflicted a severe beating on her while making attempts to rip off her clothing.

The incident took place close to 15 minutes. It came to an end after the woman managed to fight him off.

Following the incident, the woman reportedly made contact with her family members who subsequently found the accused further up the highway. The alleged victim is a mother of six and has 18 grandchildren.

Friday January 10, 2020

TUF not contesting elections

T

he United Force (TUF) has announced a decision not to contest at the Regional and General elections.

This would represent the first time since its formation in 1960 under businessman Peter D’Aguiar, that the party would not be participating.

In a statement yesterday, TUF leader Marissa Nadir said that while it is the party’s view that this particular election is extremely crucial and of utmost importance, the decision not to contest was taken following several discussions with the executive, stakeholders and supporters.

In the meantime, Nadir said “The TUF strongly encourages all parties to demonstrate tolerance, decency and dignity, to encourage their supporters to be respectful of every person’s democratic right to support any party of his/her own choice.”

“This right is enshrined in our country’s Constitution.”

Notwithstanding this, Nadir said that TUF is calling upon the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM) to allow all observers and stakeholders to view every step of the elections process, not only of the voting and counting of votes, but also the input of data into the respective databases while cross checking the output data to determine that the results remain accurate.

Moreover, she said “there must be transparency and accountability of every step.”

Nadir, in conclusion, urged all Guyanese to be respectful of each other.

“We pray that our beloved nation has a free and fair election and of utmost importance, that the results of said elections be respected by all parties and their supporters.

“To our nation, at this time, let us not be divided as bitter peoples, but unite in our respect of different

TUF leader, Marissa Nadir views and in decency.

We must remember that we are one people, one nation with one destiny.”

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

PAGE 15

Driver who struck down Oil prices fall further as threat pensioner released on of Middle East war recedes station bail T OKYO (Reuters) - Oil prices dropped today extending days of losses as the threat of war in the Middle East receded and investors switched attention to economic growth prospects and the rise in U.S. crude oil and product inventories.

Brent crude fell 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $65.17 by 0240 GMT, and is heading for its first decline in six weeks, down 5%.

West Texas intermediate (WTI) was down 20 cents, or 0.3%, at $59.36 and also on track for a first weekly drop in six, nearly 6% from last Friday's close based on the latest prices.

Oil is now below where it

- Charges likely next week

T

he errant driver responsible for the death of an 81-year-old Pensioner of Albion Front, Corentyne, Berbice, was yesterday morning released on $100,000 station bail. Police sources have indicated that the 72-hour detention of the suspect had expired hence the consideration and approval for bail.

Parvidi Ramcharran on Monday morning met her demise after she was hit by a speeding car driven by a Chinese national. The license plate number was PPP 1008. Ramcharran was at the time making her way across a pedestrian crossing situated near the Post Office in Nigg Village. She had just uplifted her pension, relatives said.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business place showed the elderly woman having a brief chat with one of her friends as she was making her way out the post office and proceeded to walk along the southern side of the road, then onto the pedestrian crossing.

Before she began to make her way across the road she looked to see if there was oncoming traffic and when she felt it was clear enough she proceeded over the crossing. She unfortunately made it only halfway when the speeding car ploughed into her body, pelting her a few feet away until she landed back on the southern side of the road.

According to relatives, her son was waiting for her at the bus shed on the northern side, just a few metres away when she was hit.

At that moment, he did not realise it was his mother that was hit but thought it was someone else. It was when he rushed to assist with others that he was shocked to see his mother's injured body on the roadway.

Arrangements were immediately made to transport her to the Port Mourant Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Dead: Parvidi Ramcharran Meanwhile, a post mortem examination is expected to be done today at the Georgetown Public Hospital by Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh. A police source disclosed that charges are expected to be laid in the new week after the results are disclosed.

The pedestrian crossing where the pensioner was struck and the spot where her body came to rest (with arrow at right)

Trump cites plot to 'blow up' U.S. embassy as element in decision to kill Soleimani From page 3 concluded Tehran's response to the killing of Soleimani, Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards issued new threats to Washington yesterday. One senior commander warned of "harsher revenge soon" and another said Wednesday's missile strikes were only the start of a series of attacks across the region.

Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the

new head of the Quds Force, which runs Iran's foreign military operations, said he would follow the course pursued by his slain predecessor Soleimani.

Soleimani carved out a sphere of Iranian influence running through Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, challenging regional rival Saudi Arabia as well as the United States and Israel.

was before a U.S. drone strike killed a top Iranian general on Jan. 3, with Iran responding with a ballistic missile attack on Iraqi air bases hosting U.S. forces this week that left no casualties.

“Although markets are rightly pricing in a lower risk of ... supply-side disruptions in the Middle East, we still think there remains some ongoing risk to output from geopolitical issues in the region,” J.P. Morgan said in a commodities note.

A Ukrainian airliner that crashed in Iran in the early hours of Wednesday after Iran launched the attacks on the bases in Iraq, was likely brought down by an Iranian missile, Canada's Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday.

All the nearly 180 passengers on board the Ukraine International Airlines flight to Kiev from Tehran died in the crash. Iran denied it was hit by a missile.

For now though oil investors are focusing on areas away from the conflict.

Crude stocks in the world's biggest producer rose against forecast last week and gasoline inventories were up by the most in a week in four years, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.

“There's too much supply out there,” a Japanbased based oil executive told Reuters.

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Friday January 10, 2020

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Caribbean 2020 Foreign Trade Policy Agenda

By Elizabeth Morgan

K

INGSTON, Jamaica (CMC Feature) – As work resumes, the Caribbean will have a full international trade policy agenda for 2020.

As of January 1, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados assumed the Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for six months. St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues its year as Chair of the Caribbean ACP Forum (CARIFORUM) and will assume the Chair of CARICOM in July.

Barbados is preparing to host the 31st CARICOM Intersessional Meeting of Heads, February 18-19, and S t . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines should be chairing the 26th CARIFORUM Council of

Ministers video-conference next week. You may recall that this meeting should have been held in November prior to the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

Both meetings, as relevant, will be considering the 2020 trade policy agenda which should include the following: 1. CARICOM/Africa Relations – the convening of a CARICOM/African Union (AU) Summit and the opening of a CARICOM diplomatic office in Nairobi, Kenya.

It appears that an office is also likely in Accra, Ghana. I am hoping for information about the administration and financing of these CARICOM offices; 2. Transformation of the ACP Group – the ACP Summit Declaration should

tell us more about the transformation of the ACP into an international organization, the Organization of ACP States, and the establishment of an endowment fund to provide financing. I expect that the CARIFORUM Council will now be reviewing the decisions taken in Nairobi; 3. ACP/EU Post Cotonou Negotiations – guidance on the way forward for the ACP should have resulted from its Summit. The EU's new budget, it seems, is still to be approved.

I would expect a meeting between the lead negotiators, the ACP's Robert Dussey and the EU's Jutta Urpilainen to be held at the earliest opportunity.

These negotiations are now scheduled to conclude in March prior to a joint ACP/EU Council Meeting possibly in April/May;

Bahamas in the dark over blacklisting by France NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – The Bahamas government says it remains in the dark as to the reasons why France placed the country and three other countries, including Anguilla on a list of countries deemed not to be cooperative enough with regards to financial transparency.

“As a matter of fact, I saw a listing where they have done the official listing and so we are continuing our investigations with them.

“In fact, we're waiting for a response from them on our specific inquiries about the criteria and the issues that they have identified as being the reasons for this listing,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Peter Turnquest, told reporters.

On December 1 last year, Paris named the Bahamas, Anguilla, the Virgin Islands and Seychelles as countries not cooperating enough and Turnquest told reporters that Nassau remains “in the dark because we don't know what we're fighting”.

He said since the initial announcement in December, the government wrote to the France seeking specific clarification on the matter.

“Once we have that information, we will certainly address it, but as of now we are somewhat blind with respect to their reasoning and the justification for this listing,”

said Turnquest, noting that e French position came a few days after he had returned from attending the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in paris.

“As I said before, we have enjoyed a very good relationship with the OECD (Organisation for CoO p e r a t i o n a n d Development), the Global Tax Forum (GTF), the EU (European Union) and we have made significant strides in terms of meeting all of the commitments that have been put before us, even those that we might not have been comfortable with and have been very difficult for us to meet.

“So, this certainly is an outlier, we don't know exactly what it's about, the issues that they have identified we were not aware of them.

“Searching all of our data, we have not been able to see where there's been any request or issues outlined to us that we have not addressed. And so, we wait to hear what they have to say as to specifics on what their issues are. It's very disappointing because again we're working very hard to be transparent and cooperative partners in the g l o b a l c o m m u n i t y, ” Turnquest added.

Caribbean governments have in the past condemned the “blacklisting “by Europe

and last month, the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries said there's need to send a “strong high level political message” to the European Union regarding Europe's unilateral decision to blacklist countries which they have labelled as tax havens.

In March last year, the European Union named five Caribbean countries on a new list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions which it said had been based on an “an intense process of analysis and dialogue steered by the Commission”.

Turnquest said that following favourable reviews by global finance regulators last November, he had no reason to believe that the country would face any blacklisting.

“The Bahamas is a tremendous asset to the world in terms of financial services and wealth management and we take our role very serious, we take our role as partners and guardians of the financial services industry globally very seriously and so whenever these things arise, we certainly want to be very proactive and certainly we want to ensure that we address whatever challenges that are identified. But as it stands, we're fighting in the dark because we don't know what we're fighting,” Turnquest told reporters.

4. CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) review – work on this five-year review is now in progress; 5. Brexit- with Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party winning a substantial majority in the general elections, Britain should be leaving the EU on January 31. This means that the CARIFORUM/UK rollover EPA could take effect on February 1 unless there is a transition period. Whether a Caribbean/UK forum meeting will be held this year remains a question; 6 . Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization (WTO), Kazakstan, June 8-11 – preparations will gather momentum for the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12). The challenges to the multilateral trading system are many. Jamaica remains the ACP coordinator in Geneva.

7. Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference, Rwanda, June 22-26 – will be reviewing w o r k o n i n t r a Commonwealth trade; 8. 15th United Nations Conference on Trade and

Development (UNCTAD XV), Barbados, October 1823 – Barbados, and indeed the region, will commence preparations for this global Conference.

9. CARICOM/US Relations – with an impeachment trial and elections looming in the USA, among other recent developments, CARICOM must be concerned about the extension by Congress of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA) which expires in September.

Ta k i n g a c c o u n t o f activities in the United Nations related to the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the regional focus on CSME implementation, it is evident that Caribbean Heads, foreign and trade ministers, and officials will be kept fully occupied during 2020.

To c o m p l i c a t e t h e region's participation in this agenda, we must bear in mind that general elections are due in several CARICOM countries during this year.

These include St. Kitts/Nevis, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and

Tobago, Belize and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Elections are also due in Jamaica and St. Lucia early in 2021.

The situation in Haiti is quite unstable with elections due by November 2021.

I am still of the view that as CARICOM Heads meet in February, they should be giving the 50th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) a mandate to outline a regional foreign trade strategy and agenda.

While CARICOM looks at its relations with Africa, it needs to also further consider its trade relations in the western hemisphere where its natural trading partners are located.

In the manner it has started, 2020 could be quite a year.

(Elizabeth Morgan, who writes for CMC, is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Friday January 10, 2020

U.S. House votes to rein in Trump's war powers as U.S.-Iran tensions stay high W

ASHINGTO N/BAGHDA D (Reuters) The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday to stop President Donald Trump from further military action against Iran as the Middle East remained tense after the U.S. killing of a top Iranian commander and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes.

The resolution passed 224-194 along party lines in the Democratic-controlled House with nearly all Republicans opposed. The measure orders termination of Trump's war powers to use U.S. armed forces against Iran without Congress' consent. The measure now goes to the Senate, which is controlled by Trump's Republican Party, and faces an uphill battle.

The vote came just hours after Trump said that Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq last week last because he had planned to blow up a U.S. embassy.

“We caught a total monster and we took him out and that should have happened a long time ago. We did it because they were looking to blow up our embassy,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

His remarks seemed to shed more light on what so far have been largely vague d e s cript i o n s o f t h e intelligence that drove Trump's conclusion that killing Soleimani and disrupting his plots would be better than any fallout Washington may face.

A White House spokesman called the House-passed war powers measure “ridiculous” and politically motivated. The measure “could undermine the ability of the United States to protect American citizens whom Iran continues to seek to harm,” an administration policy statement said.

But if passed by the Senate, the measure does not need Trump's signature to go into effect.

Potentially stepping up

international pressure on Tehran, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. officials said they believed a Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed in Iran on Wednesday was brought down by Iranian air defenses by mistake hours after Iran launched its missiles attacks.

Trump said he had suspicions about the cause of the Ukrainian Boeing 737800 plane crash, adding: “Somebody could have made a mistake.”

Iran denied the reports of missiles downing the plane.

NEXT MOVE? Earlier yesterday, Iran spurned Trump's call for a new nuclear pact, and its commanders threatened more attacks, fueling worries that an apparent pause in U.S.-Iran conflict could be short-lived.

But each side's next move was uncertain. Iranian generals resumed their habitual barrage of warnings to Washington, and Trump said new sanctions had been

imposed, as his Democratic rivals criticized his handling of the crisis.

Iran fired missiles on Wednesday at bases in Iraq where U.S. troops were stationed in retaliation for Soleimani's killing in a U.S. drone attack of in Baghdad on Jan. 3.

Trump said no U.S. troops had been harmed in the strikes and Iran “appears to be standing down,” adding that Washington did not want to use its “great military.”

The tit-for-tat actions followed months of tension that has increased since Trump pulled the United States out of Iran's nuclear pact with world powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have driven down Tehran's vital oil exports.

Trump said it was time for world powers to replace the 2015 nuclear pact with a new deal so Iran could “thrive and prosper.”

'ECONOMIC TERRORISM' Responding to Trump's

call for a new nuclear deal, Iran's U.N. Ambassador Majid Takht Ravanchi said Tehran could not trust any idea of dialogue when faced with the “economic terrorism” of sanctions, Iranian media reported.

Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards also issued new threats to Washington, with one senior commander warning of “harsher revenge soon” and another saying Wednesday's missile strikes were only the start of a series of attacks across the region.

Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the new head of the Quds Force, which runs Iran's foreign military operations, said he would follow the course pursued by his slain predecessor Soleimani.

Soleimani carved out a sphere of Iranian influence running through Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen, challenging regional rival Saudi Arabia as well as the United States and Israel.

Soleimani was a national hero whose funeral drew

vast crowds of mourners.

The West saw him as a dangerous and ruthless enemy.

The military comments contrasted with Wednesday's remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who said Tehran did not want an escalation.

Analysts say that in an election year, Trump wants to avoid getting into a drawnout conflict. In turn, Iran will try to avert direct confrontation with superior U.S. forces but can call on proxy militias across the region as U.S. sanctions bite.

“I'm not expecting further direct attacks from Iran. We are likely to see more indirect responses through proxies,” said Ali Alfoneh, senior fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.

He said there might be a chance for a negotiated solution to the latest standoff a s “ t h e T r u m p administration does not appear to actively pursue a war and Iran needs sanctions relief.”

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Convicted killers seeking to quash 20-year jail sentences

B

oth Joshua Persaud and R a p h a e l Morrison who were found guilty in 2014 and each sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for the June 03, 2013 murder of 18-yearold Marlon Ramcharran are seeking to quash their conviction and sentence. In fact, the men are scheduled to appear before the Court of Appeal on Monday, January 27, when a hearing into their challenge is fixed to commence.

Based on previous reports, the two men and Ramcharran were drinking at a night club when an argument broke out between them. It was reported that Persaud and Morrison chopped Ramcharran about his body. Persaud, who was a construction worker, was found lying motionless in a pool of blood.

During an unsworn testimony, both Persaud and Morrison of Corentyne, Berbice, had denied killing the man. The jury

MURDERED: Marlon Ramcharran deliberated for over two hours before returning guilty verdicts with respect to both men.

During their trial, both star witnesses (eye witnesses) Nicolas Beharry and Rakesh Jaikarran had testified. The prosecution had also called Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh who performed the Post Mortem Examination revealed that the cause of death was due to (continued on page 28)

NIS announces Old Age & Invalidity Pension increases

T

he National I n s u r a n c e Scheme (NIS) on We d n e s d a y a n n o u n c e d increases in minimum Old Age and Invalidity Pensions as well as the Contribution ceilings.

The minimum rates for Old Age and Invalidity Pensions have been increased from $32,100 to $35,000 per month, while, the minimum rate for Survivors' Pension has been increased from $16,050 to $17,500 per month.

These increases take effect as of January 01, 2020.

Also taking effect on the same day is an increase in the

Monthly Insurable Earnings Ceiling from $256,800 to $280,000 per month along with an increase in the weekly Insurable Earnings Ceiling from $59,262 to$64,615 per week.

The Insurable Earnings Ceiling is the upper limit on earnings that attract NIS contributions. Anyone with related queries can contact NIS' Public Relations Unit on telephone number 2276851 or email: (i) nispublicrelations@yahoo.c o m ( i i ) public_relations@nis.org.gy or visit the local office in your area for additional information or clarity.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Friday January 10, 2020

ERC should condemn rather than investigate

G

eneral Secretary of the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo expressed disappointment in the negligible action of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in dealing with reported campaign attacks, insisting that stricter penalties needs to be implemented.

At a press conference held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street yesterday, Jagdeo commented on the ERC's decision to investigate the matters, calling it insufficient.

He asserted that the commission should immediately condemn the actions rather than investigate them, since they have the authority to implement stricter regulations.

The opposition leader made reference to recent comments made by General Secretary and Minister of

- Opposition Leader that he is disappointed in the fact that the ERC has not yet publicly condemned Harmon's speech.

Bharrat Jagdeo State, Joseph Harmon, who at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD) last Tuesday, said that the opposition's Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mark Phillips was appointed with the aim of garnering votes from Afro-Guyanese for the PPP/C. Jagdeo said that such remarks are likely to create racial conflict. He asserted

Workplace accidents decreased by more than 200 last year

T

he Ministry of S o c i a l Protection's Department of Labour says it recorded 291 workplace accidents in 2019, down from 560 the previous year.

There were 20 deaths as a result of last year's accidents, compared to 22 in 2018.

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, told the Department of Public Information that strict measures were adopted during 2019 to ensure that workers were safe and well protected.

He added: “All the fatal accidents were fully investigated or are being investigated in keeping with a policy which dictates that 100 percent of fatal accidents would be reported in a timely manner.”

Minister Scott noted that several Labour Officers last month underwent specialised training on how to conduct inspections to expose the smallest of workplace accidents or infractions.

He added that in 2018 the most fatalities from workplace accidents occurred in the mining sector which recorded seven and the remaining 13 fatalities were from aviation, construction, logging, and the sawmilling sectors.

“In 2018, the figure was too high; this led the Labour Department to ensuring that all employers understand that in this country, the employees and their health come first and that the laws of Guyana at all stages must be enforced. This Department also works side by side with the National Insurance Scheme to compensate the families of the deceased,” Scott stated.

According to Minister Scott, the Labour Department would be like a “watchdog” to protect the nation's human resource this year. He also encouraged stakeholders to improve their work ethic and to prioritise the safety of workers to eliminate workplace accidents.

According to Jagdeo, the recent attacks on PPP/C activists campaigning in various communities as well as coalition supporters removing flags belonging to the opposition are “well

organized”. He indicated that the political party is prepared to campaign in every community, providing every household with a copy of the party's manifesto.

Only a few days ago,

Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Shiv Nandalall said that the attacks have been brought to the attention of the Commission, and that they are presently conducting investigations into the matter.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

“All I want to do is give - Mother of slain my son rest”eyewitness Collin Rodney “All I want to do is give him rest. I don't want to know anything else. I am leaving everything up to God.” There were tears, and this tone of resignation, as Jacqueline Hunte awaited clearance from the police to uplift the remains of her murdered son, Collin Rodney.

On Wednesday, Crime Chief Michael Kingston contacted Mrs. Hunte to disclose what she had already accepted: Results from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests confirmed that the burnt body that was found in a car trunk last November was that of her 26-year-old son.

“I was not surprised. I knew all the time that it was my son,” she said yesterday.

“All those days that we not hearing from him, where he could be? “I thank God that I could get his body to give him a resting place.”

Mrs. Hunte will have to wait until a pathologist signs a death certificate before the remains are handed over for

burial.

Kaieteur News had confirmed on Wednesday that the Guyana Forensic Scientific Laboratory (GFSL) handed over the DNA results to the police.

The results came from thorough tests that were conducted on samples that were taken from Rodney's close relatives and from the remains.

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.

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

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.

Rodney disappeared on the same day that he was scheduled to testify in the murder of his cousin, Marlon S e o n R o d n e y, c a l l e d

Clogged! Water supply disruption forces toilet...

From page 2 Guyana Water Incorporated, and in accordance with international standards.

The US$150M modernization project was started in 2011 with the signing of a contractor with Chinese-owned China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

The sod was turned in early 2013 with construction to last two and half years.

Since then, the completion date was pushed back time and again.

More importantly was the fact that a new airport terminal was supposed to be

built to replace the old one which had a major problem…sewage lines that were not working properly.

The Coalition Government had instead of an altogether new terminal, gutted the old one and reconfigured it, building a small arrivals area as an addition.

It appears the rehabilitated terminal building inherited the issues, passengers said yesterday.

The modernization of the airport was to accommodate bigger planes and make Guyana a hub, in the long term.

Passengers were reportedly using water in this plastic container to wash their hands.

'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 G o v e r n m e n t ' s Wi t n e s s Protection Programme.

Collin Rodney (inset) and the burnt remains of his vehicle

PAGE 21

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Tuschen restaurant attack‌

Cop, alleged accomplice formally charged with robbery under arms

S

pecial Branch rank C o n s t a b l e Jonathan Harry, and alleged accomplice Akande Ross, have been formally charged with robbery under arms, in connection with the attack two Fridays ago on a Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo restaurant.

A senior police official said the duo is likely to appear in court next Monday.

Police are awaiting further legal advice regarding arms and ammunition charges.

Investigators are still to institute any charges against wounded suspect Shaquille Wilbury, who remains hospitalised.

It is alleged that Jonathan Harry, 24, Akande Ross, 20, Shaquille Wilbury and Mark Prince went to the Five-Star Chinese Restaurant, located at Lot 695 Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, on January 3, 2020. They arrived in a car and were reportedly armed with cutlasses and a handgun.

Police said that the owner of the business, 43-year-old

Police Constable Jonathan Harry

Akande Ross Guang Hong Wang, her husband and a customer, 37year-old Navindra Lakahalall, were in the restaurant at the time when one of the suspects entered with a woman and purchased two beers.

The duo, after consuming the beers, called for a case of

beers. When the owner was delivering the case, the male suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and relieved Lakahalall of a chain and a sum of cash.

But their plans were cut short after a licensed firearm holder, who lives nearby, went to the scene.

Police said that one of the bandits, later identified as Mark Prince, pointed his gun at the resident, who opened fire, fatally shooting Prince and wounding Wilbury.

The assailants then fled, but were apprehended at a police roadblock near Den A m s t e l , We s t C o a s t Demerara.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Cops hunt for Turkish Former Princess Hotel GM - Being sought in relation to fraud, immigration violations here; Turkey reportedly seeking his extradition

P

olice yesterday issued a wanted bulletin for Former General Manager of the Ramada Princess Hotel, Turkish National Ugur Turetgen.

According to the bulletin, the 44-year-old Turetgen is wanted for questioning in relation to fraud and immigration violations.

H o w e v e r, K a i e t e u r News understands that the man is also wanted by Tu r k i s h o f f i c i a l s f o r infractions he allegedly committed in his homeland.

While these possible crimes were not highlighted, a senior public security official disclosed that a request had been received from the Turkish Government for extradition just a few months ago, so that Turetgen may be sent home to face criminal charges.

The source also confirmed that the request is with the Director of Public

Wanted: Turkish National Ugur Turetgen Prosecutions.

Ugur Turetgen's last known address was said to be Track 'B' Block 'Z' Providence, East Bank Demerara.

A n y o n e w i t h information that may lead to

the arrest of Ugur Turetgen is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2266978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 226-7065, 227-1149, 2267065, 225-6940, 226-9834, 911 or the nearest police station.

PAGE 23

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Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Denied U.S. entry, Mexican cuts own throat on bridge over Rio Grande FOR SALE

VACANCY

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

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

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 (1)Bedroom Furnished Apartment, Fully secure for students in Charlestown $70,000. #625-0266/601-1585/ 225-1418 Two bedroom top flat, toilet & bath with parking $45,000 #626-5846.

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Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size-3431.25 Sq.ft.Phone:617-5323/6668052.

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Corrugated steel rods 1/2" 12mm-$745+14%Vat. 5/ 8"16mm-$1310+14%Vat. Come in to Alabama Trading.27 Lombard Str.Call#231-3345/ 225-5800/227-4234.

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LEARN TO DRIVE

Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public road #2 Village W.C. B/ce 5 mins from B/ce Bridge. Contact# 686-4818/ 648-7109

N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561/681-2808

Maid to work on the East Coast. Tel# 649-9359 Vacancy for Sales girl.Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65 Robb Str Bourda.

Vacancies @ Bonny’s Butchery for sale girls. Apply in person with written application @ 302 Church St. Tel#226-7310 One lorry driver. Experience in selling water. Contact 6781234 Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player.Keyfood McDoom.

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

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Call#642-9823.

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A Mexican asylum-seeker slit his own throat on a bridge across the Rio Grande after being denied entry into the United States, two Mexican security officials said on Wednesday.

The man, who has not been identified, tried to enter the United States at the Pharr– Reynosa International Bridge between the Mexican border

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

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

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city of Reynosa and Pharr, Texas.

The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said around 5 p.m. local time, the man drew a knife and cut his throat when denied access to the United States.

Both officials said the man was seeking asylum.

“He committed suicide,” one of the officials said. The man killed himself on the Mexican side of the bridge, just meters away from the international dividing line, the other source said.

A short, grainy video shared by one of the security sources showed the man, dressed in a blue shirt, approaching U.S. officials on the bridge and raising a hand to his neck.

Photos shared by the source showed the man’s body lying in a pool of blood with his throat cut.

The officials said the man was in his 30s.

Reuters could not vouch for the authenticity of the video or photographs. It was unclear why the man had killed himself.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

The attorney general’s office for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, where Reynosa lies, said it was investigating the man’s death.

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

Fearing war, nuclear proliferation, Europe scrambles to calm Iran tensions

BRUSSELS (Reuters) European nations will seek today to find ways to guide the United States and Iran away from confrontation knowing that a miscalculation from either side could leave the bloc facing a war and a serious nuclear proliferation crisis at its doorstep.

EU foreign ministers, in a rare emergency meeting, may avoid any tough diplomatic response for now.

Washington and Tehran

backed off from intensified conflict following the U.S. killing of an Iranian general, and Tehran’s retaliatory missile strikes avoided military casualties.

“Iran’s desire to prevent the crisis from escalating has bought us some time, it has the effect of cooling this down just a little,” a senior EU diplomat said.

But the simmering tensions have highlighted Europe’s struggles to influence either side and play a

mediating role with powerhouses Britain, France and Germany desperately trying to pressure Iran to stick to a 2015 nuclear pact and pullback from further escalation.

They also want to convince U.S. President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday called on them to join him in withdrawing from the nuclear agreement, that they are tough-minded allies who will not be deceived by Tehran.

With Baghdad also caught between the crossfire of

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated on January 9

From page 6 them in the ongoing transformation in India while also being responsive to their aspirations and concerns.

PBD conventions are being held since 2003 to connect India to its vast overseas Diaspora of over 30 million across the world and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform. These conventions provide a platform to the overseas Indian community to engage with the government and people of the land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities. These conventions are also very useful in networking among the overseas Indian

community residing in various parts of the world and enable them to share their experiences in various fields.

During the event, individuals of exceptional merit are honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to appreciate their role in India’s growth.

The event also provides a forum for discussing key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora.

The Government of India also organizes Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (RPBD) to allow participation of the Indian diaspora who are unable to attend annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in India. So far, eight Regional

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas have been held at New York, Singapore, The Hague, Durban, Toronto, Mauritius, Sydney and Los Angeles.

These have elicited enthusiastic support from the Indian Diaspora and the local Government and have been highly successful.

It may be recalled that H.E Mr. Donald Ramotar, the then President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, was the Chief Guest of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas held at Gujarat in January, 2015.

Regards, Vijayakumar K. Counsellor (Com. & Dev. Projects) High Commission of India

Washington and Tehran, there are growing concerns that the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State militants could be weakened, or even forced out of Iraq, something that the European powers see as crucial to prevent for their own security interests.

“We need to coordinate and maximize the effect everybody has in trying to deescalate what the Iranians do, but it’s the same for the Americans. What’s most worrying is a miscalculation,” said a French diplomatic source.

NUCLEAR VIOLATIONS But Iran’s decision on Monday to scrap limits imposed on its nuclear enrichment under the arms control accord has also left the European powers in an awkward position.

Iran, which says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, has already

breached many of the restrictions under the deal, intended to increase the amount of time Tehran would need to accumulate enough fissile material for an atomic bomb from two to three months to about a year.

The latest announcements could start drastically reducing that time and the three European powers, who along with Russia and China, have attempted to salvage the deal since the United States pulled out and reimposed tough economic sanctions in 2018, are keen to send a firm message that the breaches are unacceptable.

They have agreed to launch a dispute resolution process within the accord that could ultimately lead to renewed U.N. sanctions on Tehran, but have hesitated on the timing following this week’s tensions fearing that Iran may react badly.

Despite its nuclear announcement, Tehran has said inspectors from the international nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, can continue their inspections, leaving some wiggle room for diplomacy.

“Iran has not set any targets or deadlines when it comes to uranium enrichment targets, so that gives us time,” a second EU diplomat said.

A third EU diplomat said the decision to launch the process had been made, but that Friday was unlikely.

“There is a concern that it could trigger an Iranian escalation,” said a European diplomat.

“We have made it clear that our objective in doing this is to resolve our differences over Iran’s violations within the framework of the nuclear deal.

Launching this process is not aimed at going to the U.N. for now.”

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Final witness to testify against former GRDB senior officials

Friday January 10, 2020

Couple on malicious wounding charge granted $150,000 bail each

S

pecial Prosecutor Patrice Henry, who is working for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), is expected to call his final witness to testify in the trial of two former officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), who are facing charges of fraudulent conversion and misappropriation.

The defendants are former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board, Jagnarine Singh, and former Deputy General Manager, Madanlall Ramraj.

Pri n c i p a l M a g i s t r a t e Faith McGusty, is presiding in the trial which is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. Attorney-atlaw Glenn Hanoman is representing the two men.

The alleged fraud took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. There are 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts, 16 for fraudulent appropriation and five for the falsification of ac-

Jagnarine Singh and Madanlall Ramraj counts.

Following the conclusion of one of his witnesses evidence to the court, Special Prosecutor Henry indicated that after the next witness finishes testifying, he will close the case of the prosecution.

The matter was then adjourned to January 28.

Four other officials have had their cases dismissed based on insufficient evidence led by the prosecution.

They had all pleaded not guilty to the charges that were put to them.

Former accountant Peter Ramcharrans matter is still before the court.

Kenese Bobb (left) and Kemo Harlequin A couple of DUrban Backlands, Georgetown, was yesterday granted bail after being on remand for almost a month. Kenese Bobb and Kemo Harlequin were charged for an alleged brutal attack on their neighbour following a dispute.

The defendants were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

On the first occasion that the matter was called they were not allowed to plead to the offence as the charge was made indictable.

It is alleged that on December 10, last, at DUrban Backlands Georgetown, the couple unlawfully and maliciously wounded Jermaine Sampson with the intent to main, disfigure, disable or

cause grievous bodily harm to the victim.

The court had heard that Bobb is a 24-year-old salesgirl while Harlequin is a 28year-old fish cleaner. The couple has two children.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, in relating the facts of the charge, told the court that the defendants and the victim are known to each other as they live in the same area, accessing their respective homes through the same yard.

On the day in question, Harlequin had a misunderstanding with Sampson.

Bobb subsequently intervened. The couple later went to the victims home and reportedly started to pelt it with glass bottles.

This drew Sampson out of his home in an attempt to talk to them. However, Bobb and

Harlequin held unto the victim and pulled him down his step. The couple, armed with kitchen knives, then allegedly inflicted several stab wounds on him.

Sampson was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient. However, he was able to make a court appearance for the hearing of the matter yesterday.

Bobb had told the court that she was just a peacemaker in the matter; only trying to part the fight between the men. She also highlighted that she even received a puncture wound to the hand during the incident.

The magistrate yesterday granted bail of $150,000 to each of the defendants and adjourned the matter to January 27.

No bail for taxi driver accused of raping girl, 7 A 30-year-old taxi driver of Timehri, East Bank Demerara has been remanded to prison, having been charged for the rape of a 7-yearold girl, whom he reportedly was hired by her parents to pick up from school.

Satesh Ramkellawan was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. Ramkellawan was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleges that between January 1, 2019, and February 12, 2019, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

The matter was held in camera.

According to information received, the taxi driver was hired by the girls parents to pick their child up from school and drop her home.

However, it is alleged that instead of carrying her home, he took her to a resort and sexually assaulted her.

After the alleged crime was committed, the child was taken home, where she informed her parents what had happened to her. The matter was reported, an investigation was launched, and the suspect was later arrested and charged for the offence.

The police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the nature, penalty and the prevalence of the offence. After listening to the facts of the charge, Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Ramkellawan to prison and the matter was adjourned to January 13.

Remanded: Satesh Ramkellawan

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Bartica to Mahdia trail reopened after more than 30 years -Travel time down to under four hours The trail from the Bartica in Region 7 to Mahdia in Region 8 has been reopened after more than 30 years.

This was disclosed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson during a press conference on Wednesday.

However, he noted that it was only open to light vehicles since the Denham Bridge could bear a maximum of 10 tons.

The trail, which was established in the early porkknocking days, stretches 111 miles and crosses the Denham Bridge and Cassandra Crossing.The reopening of the trail is in keeping with the governments vision to link the coast and the hinterland and allows persons using it to travel from Bartica to Mahdia in three and a half hours, Patterson said.

Rehabilitation of the trail began back in 2017 but bad weather and sourcing raw materials hindered the work.

Part of the rehabilitated road at that links Bartica to Mahdia

UN Security Council calls for open dialogue to solve Haiti’s political impasse PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) – Members of the UN Security Council have reiterated the need for stake holders in Haiti to engage in an inclusive and open dialogue to form a government that responds to the needs of the Haitian people without further delay.

In a statement, the Security Council members expressed concern regarding the ongoing political impasse in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation.

The members of the Security Council noted the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), and the role of the Special Representative of

the Secretary-General for Haiti. They also stressed the need for all stakeholders to continue to avail themselves of this opportunity and act promptly.

The members of the Security Council emphasized the urgent need to address deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Haiti through coordinated action by the government of Haiti, the United Nations, and the international community.

In addition – the Security Council recalled the need for the government of Haiti to address the underlying causes of instability and poverty within the country and urged all stakeholders to refrain from violence and to re-

solve differences through peaceful means.

They stressed the importance of ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and of bringing justice to the victims of the recent spikes of violence, in particular the violent events of November 13 and 14, 2018 in La Saline and November 4 to 7, 2019, in Bel Air. The members of the Security Council reiterated their commitment to working with Haiti towards a democratic, peaceful, and secure future.

The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security.

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Friday January 10, 2020

Meagre G$20,000 per trip for oil regulators ensuring accuracy of measurements on FPSO

T

he Guyana National Bureau of Stan dards (GNBS) has the crucial task of ensuring that there are accurate measurements of oil from the Liza Destiny, Guyanas first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel which is in the Stabroek Block.

As compensation, officials who will be flown out to the FPSO to monitor the process will be paid G$20,000.

Kaieteur News was reliably informed that this was approved recently by the GNBS Board. Furthermore, this newspaper understands that the selected officers who have been tasked with oversight over this valuable resource worth billions of dollars would be required to be offshore almost three times a month.

From last year to now, GNBS benefitted from several training exercises in oil measurements from the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Headquartered in Washington D.C, this world-renowned organization is the largest trade association for the oil and gas industry in the USA. Just two days ago, this publication would have published the advice of Univer-

sity of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, who cautioned that as Guyana embarks on the development of its oil resources, proper compensation for the guardians of the newfound wealth must not be overlooked. The official who has over 30 years experience in the oil sector stressed that the key agencies which have to regulate the oil sector have the crucial task of keeping corruption at bay. “Therefore, the importance of paying competitive compensation to key government agencies involved with

oversight should not be overlooked; it serves as a means of not only attracting and retaining the most qualified people, but as a means of minimizing incentives for corruption,� the official had said.

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The FPSO, Liza Destiny

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Bravo helps punish Scorpions as Red Force flourish St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Captain Darren Bravo was one of three batsmen with half-centuries to extend his purple patch as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force flourished on the opening day of their first round match against Jamaica Scorpions here yesterday.

Choosing to bat first at the Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force batted all day to reach 241 for three, with the left-handed Bravo ending unbeaten on exactly 50. Twenty-year-old Keagan Simmons top-scored with 89 on first class debut while left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano impressed with 73.

The only real bright spark

of the day for Scorpions came in the day’s eighth over when seamer Derval Green trapped Kyle Hope lbw for eight with 13 runs on the board. But Red Force then batted in partnerships with Simmons anchoring two key stands to ensure the hosts dominated proceedings.

He first put on 135 for the second wicket with Solozano, a partnership which took Red Force to lunch on 52 without further loss. The left-handed Simmons struck 10 fours in an innings spanning 205 balls and a shade over four hours while Solozano, also a left-hander, faced 173 deliveries in just under 3-

¼ hours.

They were separated about 40 minutes before tea when Solozano gloved a sweep from captain John Campbell off-spin onto his stumps. Bravo arrived to put on a further 66 for the third wicket and closed out the final session in an unbroken 27run, fourth wicket partnership with Joshua DaSilva (14 not out).

Fresh off a half-century in the CWI President’s XI win over Ireland in Barbados last week, Bravo again looked in great touch and has so far struck five fours and a six – the only of the innings – in a knock requiring 107 deliveries and lasting 2-½ hours.

Friday January 10, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If certain projects or tasks have seemed difficult for you to finish, today's energy will give you the zip you need, Aries. The energy indicates that things will go well for you once you get started.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You might feel more energetic than you have in a long time, Taurus. A powerful energy that increases your mental acuity and physical strength can really help you finish anything that's pending.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If there's something you've wanted to take on, today's the day. There's an increase in your physical and mental strength.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) If you've been feeling sluggish lately, this will be a welcome day for you, Cancer.

You'll feel a surge in energy that greatly increases your creativity and physical strength.

Seize the opportunity to be outside for sports or a walk.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Leo, if there's something interesting that you've wanted to try, this is a great day for it. Adventure brings excitement, creative flow, and energy, which are essential to you. You're highly artistic.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) With today's energy, you can take steps toward getting things in order, Virgo. Tackle desk drawers, closets, storage rooms, or filing cabinets.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today's energy can have you feeling ready for anything, Libra. Given your more radical approach, you may need to keep in check.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today might be a good day to take a second shot at something that didn't work out the first time, Scorpio.

Falling flat on your face can damage your self-esteem and confidence.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Your ability to find innovative approaches to things may serve you well today. Strong energy and mental acuity continue today, and you'll find that most things come easily.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If long-overdue work has piled up, today is the day to dig in. This is especially so for things you weren't able to handle yesterday.

Fortunately, you have added strength and mental acuity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't worry about being productive today, Aquarius.

You might still accomplish more than you have in a long time. The cosmic energy indicates that if you didn't get everything done that you wanted to yesterday, you're sure to do it today.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Expect an added boost of physical energy today, Pisces. It's an excellent day to clean out closets. Exercise like yoga or walking will be most enjoyable.

Mayers maiden hundred rescues Pride Kingstown, St Vincent, CMC – All-rounder Kyle Mayers struck a maiden first class hundred in his first-ever four-day appearance for his native Barbados Pride but Windward Islands Volcanoes did well to share the honours on the opening day of the contest at Arnos Vale Stadium.

The 27-year-old left-hander, who turned out for Volcanoes in several previous seasons, carved out an attacking 106 to lift the visitors to 233 all out at the close, after they were sent in here yesterday.

Support came only from Test left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican who scored a defiant 49 at number nine while Justin Greaves got a start with 20 but failed to carry on. The innings was crippled by leg-spinner Keron Cottoy who claimed three for 41 while fast bowlers Josh Thomas (235) and Preston McSween (244), along with off-spinner Shane Shillingford (2-86), all finished with two wickets

Keep politics out of 2020...

From page 35 this political neutrality by not using them (the Olympics) as a stage for their political purposes.”

The Games of 1980 and 1984 were hit by boycotts that did not have any results, Bach said.

“The boycotts we had particularly in the 1980s with Moscow and the counterboycott in Los Angeles which brought the Games to the brink of demise... had no effect whatsoever.

“Sport was a kind of a scapegoat because all the other political divisions were not affected. The Moscow boycott did not change anything in Afghanistan at the time and the counterboycott in 1984 did nothing to change politically the United States or the foreign policy in the U.S.” More recently, at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics, Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby was sent home after refusing to shake the hand of Israeli Or Sasson after their bout. In October 2019 Iran’s judokas were banned indefinitely from international competitions until it could provide strong guarantees that its athletes would be allowed to face Israelis.

The ban followed a protective suspension imposed on the Iran Judo Federation in September 2019 for putting pressure on one of its fighters to withdraw from the world judo championships to avoid having to face an Israeli opponent.

Former Volcanoes batsman Kyle Mayers … scored a maiden hundred for his native Barbados Pride. each.

Pride found themselves in turmoil at 36 for five after Thomas and McSween destroyed the top order in their opening burst. Lefthander Shayne Moseley inside-edged a length ball from Thomas and was taken behind for five with the score on nine and with no addition to the score, his partner and captain Kraigg Brathwaite (4) followed in the next over, feathering a leg-side catch behind.

Left-hander Jonathan Carter (3) then gave wicketkeeper Emmanuel Stewart his third catch of the innings when he edged a drive at McSween and Pride were 27 for four when Test batsman Shamarh Brooks (11) prodded at a

Thomas out-swinger and edged behind.

When wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott was brilliantly taken at cover by Shillingford off newball bowler Sherman Lewis for six, Volcanoes were on top.

Mayers started the revival in a 34-run, sixth wicket partnership with Greaves, and when Pride lost two wickets in three balls to be 74 for seven, added a further 114 in an invaluable eighth wicket stand with Warrican to rescue the innings.

All told, Mayers counted six fours and four sixes off 122 balls while Warrican belted three fours and three sixes in 81-ball knock.

Mayers reached his hundred in style, clearing the ropes at wide long on with Shillingford before he was last out, holing out in the deep off Cottoy.

Friday January 10, 2020

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NBA roundup: Rockets prevail in Harden-Young duel Field Level Media - James Harden scored 41 points en route to his second tripledouble of the season and the visiting Houston Rockets beat the Atlanta Hawks 122115 on a historic night Wednesday.

The Hawks’ Trae Young finished with 42 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists — the first 40-point tripledouble in Hawks history. It was Young’s sixth 40-point game and his second tripledouble of the season. The game also marked the first time in NBA history that there were two 40-point tripledoubles in the same game.

Harden had a subpar shooting night — making only 9 of 34 — but was 19 of 23 from the line with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. It was Harden’s 44th career triple-double and his 15th 40point triple-double, secondmost in NBA history.

The Hawks trailed by as many as 23 in the second quarter, but cut the lead to 118-115 with 18 seconds left.

Harden made four free throws over the final 10.4 seconds to put the game away. Houston defeated the Hawks for the sixth straight time.

Denver Nuggets 107 Dallas Mavericks 106 Nikola Jokic scored 33 points, including a go-ahead layup with 7.9 seconds left, and visiting Denver held off Dallas down the stretch for the win. Jokic added seven assists and six rebounds as he won a showdown with Dallas’ Luka Doncic, who

had 27 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in a losing cause.

Dallas played its fifth straight game without Kristaps Porzingis (knee), while the Nuggets were without two starters, guard Will Barton (personal reasons) and Paul Millsap (knee).

San Antonio Spurs 129 Boston Celtics 114 - DeMar DeRozan led the way with 30 points as San Antonio crushed host Boston. Lonnie Walker IV added 19 points in 19 minutes off the bench as the Spurs won for the fourth time in their last six games. San Antonio shot 55.2 percent (48 of 87) as a team to avenge a 135-115 home loss to Boston earlier this season.

Gordon Hayward scored 18 points, as the Celtics narrowly avoided their worst loss of the season in just their third defeat at home.

Kemba Wa l k e r, returning from three games missed with the flu, had six points before getting ejected in the third quarter.

Miami Heat 122 - Indiana Pacers 108 - Jimmy Butler, who missed the previous game due to a back injury, had 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead Miami to a convincing win in Indianapolis.

Miami, which never trailed past the first q u a r t e r, h a d s i x o t h e r players with double-figure points: Tyler Herro (19),

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) works against Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) during the first half at State Farm Arena. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Derrick Jones Jr. (18), Bam Adebayo (18), Duncan Robinson (17), Goran Dragic (15) and Kendrick Nunn (15). Adebayo also had a team-high nine rebounds.

Indiana, which fell to 15-5 at home, was led by power forward Domantas Sabonis, who had game highs in points (27) and rebounds (14).

He also had six assists.

The H e a t ’s Justise Wi n s l o w r e t u r n e d a f t e r m i s s i n g 1 5 consecutive games due to a back injury.

Woods to take first stab at record 83rd victory at Farmers Insurance Open Reuters - Tiger Woods will have his first crack at securing a record-setting 83rd PGA Tour victory in two weeks in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, the former world number one said yesterday.

Woods, who tied Sam Snead at the top of the alltime PGA Tour wins list when he triumphed at the Zozo Championship in Japan last October, has won eight times at Torrey Pines with his most recent triumph there coming at the 2008 U.S. Open.

The tournament, which will be held from Jan. 23-26, has been Woods’ usual first start to the year. He joins a loaded field that includes Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Zander Schauffele.

Woods announced his plans on his official Twitter account while also saying he will tee up at the Feb. 13-16 Genesis Invitational, where the 15-times major champion

Tiger Woods (file photo). Kyodo/via REUTERS is tournament host.

Since equalling Snead’s record, Woods has competed in two unofficial events last month. He finished fourth in

the 18-man Hero World Challenge before posting a 30 record as a playing captain for the victorious U.S. side at the Presidents Cup.

Winslow, who hadn’t played since Dec. 4, played 16 minutes off the bench but did not score. He had two rebounds and one assist.

Milwaukee Bucks 107 Golden State Warriors 98 Milwaukee used a stellar defensive effort to overcome poor shooting, struggling past host Golden State.

Two days after shooting 15-for-45 on 3-pointers in a 126-104 loss at San Antonio, the Bucks were dreadful from behind the line — 9-for-41 — but still managed a sixth win in their last seven games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 30 points, and Khris Middleton 21 for the Bucks, who won for the third straight time at Golden State, this time in their first visit to the new Chase Center in San Francisco.

Orlando Magic 123 Washington Wizards 89 Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and nine rebounds, and Orlando routed visiting Washington. Evan Fournier added 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting for Orlando, which has won four of five. D.J. Augustin added 18 points off the bench. Khem Birch had 11 points and nine rebounds.

Reserves Troy Brown Jr. and Admiral Schofield led Washington with 18 points each. Wizards guard Bradley Beal missed his

fourth straight game with lower right leg soreness.

T h e Wi z a r d s r e m a i n without a group of regulars that includes Thomas Bryant, Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans among others.

New Orleans Pelicans 123 - Chicago Bulls 108 Brandon Ingram and rookie Jaxson Hayes each had a double-double as host New Orleans defeated Chicago.

Ingram had 29 points and 11 assists, falling two rebounds short of his first career triple-double, and Hayes had 14 points and 12 rebounds for his second double-double. Ingram had 16 points as the Pelicans took control by outscoring the Bulls 44-27 in the third quarter.

Zach LaVine scored 32, Thaddeus Young had 18, Kris Dunn 15, Lauri Markkanen 14 and Coby White 10 to lead the Bulls, who lost their fifth straight and for the sixth time in seven games.

Toronto Raptors 112 Charlotte Hornets 110 (OT) - Serge Ibaka made two free throws with 5.1 seconds remaining in overtime to give visiting Toronto a victory against Charlotte. Ibaka finished with 23 points, matching teammate Terence Davis as the R a p t o r s

avoided losses on consecutive nights. OG Anunoby’s 19 points and Kyle Lowry’s 15 points aided the Raptors, who also received 13 points from Patrick McCaw. Charlotte’s Terry Rozier missed a potential winning 3-point shot at the end.

Rozier heated up in the second half and ended up with 27 points, while teammate Miles Bridges had 26. Cody Zeller added 1 4 p o i n t s a n d P.J. Washington had 12.

Utah Jazz 128 - New York Knicks 104 - Bojan Bogdanovic scored 20 points, and Emmanu e l M u d i a y added a season-high 20 off the bench to lead host Utah to a win over New York in Salt Lake City.

Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Jazz. Donovan Mitchell chipped in 16 points, and four others scored at least 11.

Utah won for the 12th time in its last 13 games and notched its seventh straight victory overall.

Frank Ntilikina led New York with 16 points. Elfrid Payton and Bobby Portis finished with 13 points apiece. The Knicks lost all four games on their Western Conference road trip. Utah outscored New York 60-38 in the paint.

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Ramnaresh Sarwan/BCB U-17 Tourney Williams, Wozniacki struggle but advance to Auckland quarters RHT Bakewell to face Rose Hall - Barty stunned by qualifier Brady in straight Canje to clash in replayed semi Wellington (Reuters) Top seed Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki ensured the Auckland Classic retained their two main draw cards as they battled to second round victories yesterday, although promising teenager Coco Gauff was knocked out.

Williams needed two hours to outlast fellow American Christina McHale with a 3-6 6-2 6-3 victory, while Wozniacki, who is playing her penultimate tournament, fought back to overcome a tenacious Lauren Davis 6-1 46 6-4.

Gauff, however, was upset

by Germany’s Laura Siegemund 5-7 6-2 6-3 in a two-hour, 14 minute match that opened Thursday’s action on the main court at the Auckland Tennis Centre.

Siegemund will now meet Williams, who struggled against the 86th-ranked

Caroline Wozniacki looking forward to better weather in Australia.

She said last week, however, that the early stages of her pregnancy in 2017 had badly affected her and she had no idea at the time why she was angry at e v e r y t h i n g . Wo z n i a c k i , who is retiring after the Australian Open, had romped to an early

Serena Williams McHale, who had not beaten the 23-times Grand Slam champion in their three previous matches. McHale kept the 38-year-old off balance with clever use of angled returns and chased down everything hammered back at her.

Williams only seized control of the match in the fifth game of the decider when she broke serve and told reporters that she had been angry with her play and was determined not to repeat her early Auckland exit in 2017.

“I think today I just got mad,” Williams said of what had sparked her t u r n a r o u n d y e s t e r d a y.

“Honestly, I said I wanted to win more than one match here in New Zealand. “I literally thought about that (2017 tournament) and sometimes it’s the craziest things that get you motivated.”

Williams crashed out in the second round in Auckland in 2017 with an erratic performance she put down to the swirling winds and she left New Zealand in a hurry stating she was

advantage but when Davis saved serve early in the second set she changed the momentum of the match.

T h e D a n e , h o w e v e r, seized her chances on the crucial points in the decider and broke Davis in the ninth game then served out for the match.

“I thought that we both played really well,” Wozniacki said. “I just kept digging in and I got lucky in the end.”

Wo z n i a c k i w i l l n o w meet Julia Goerges, who has won the Auckland title the last two years, in the quarter-finals after the German produced a clinical 6 - 3 6 - 2 v i c t o r y o v er Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann.

Barty stunned by qualifier Brady in straight World number one Ash Barty suffered a surprise 6-4 7-6(4) defeat yesterday to American qualifier Jennifer Brady, who claimed the first top-10 win of her career to advance to the Brisbane International quarter-finals.

With the tournament moving into the Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland

Tennis Centre following the end of the ATP Cup group stage, Brady had to contend with not only the Australian top seed, who was given a bye to the last16, but also a vociferous home crowd.

Barty, who had never dropped a set to Brady in two encounters last year, was unable to muster a single break point while the American needed only one break of serve in the opening set before sealing the result in the second set tiebreak.

“I’m very happy to get the win,” Brady said. “Ash is obviously a great player and a great person.

“It’s a little bit surreal.

I’m super stoked and I’m shaking a little bit, but I really played well today.”

Barty, who exited the tournament in the first round in 2018, struck more winners than Brady but 16 unforced errors opened the door for her American opponent who wrapped up the match in 91 minutes.

Despite losing her s e a s o n o p e n e r, B a r t y remains upbeat about her Australian Open preparations and said she does not feel any extra pressure because of her top ranking. Brady, who beat Maria Sharapova in the first round after coming through three qualifiers, will next face fifth seed Petra Kvitova.

Last year’s Australian Open finalist Kvitova raced p a s t R u s s i a ’s L i u d m i l a Samsonova 6-3 6-2 in 61 minutes. Second seed and defending champion Karolina Pliskova had to work hard to avoid the same fate as Barty, as she overcame a mid-match blip to secure a 6-4 6-7(5) 6-1 win over Ajla Tomljanovic.

Third seed Naomi Osaka also had a difficult outing as she came back from a set down to beat American Sofia Kenin 6-7(3) 6-3 6-1.

Defending champions, Rose Hall Town Bakewell will clash with Rose Hall Canje in the remaining semifinal of the Berbice Cricket Board/ Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 tournament; the first match was rained out.

RHT Bakewell defeated arch rivals Tucber Park Cricket Club by five wickets in their quarterfinal while Albion trounced Port Mourant by eight wickets to advance to the final.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground, the visiting Tucber Park won the toss and elected to bat after a delay of one hour due to early morning rain.

Tucber Park were bowled out for 74 off 36.4 overs.

National U15 batsman Zeynul Ramsammy 14 and Savishkar Sobhai 14 were the only batsmen to reach double

figures. Off spinners Ricardo Ramdehol 4 for 13 from 9 overs and Jonathan Rampersaud 3 for 19 from 10 overs were the main wicket takers for the home team.

RHT Bakewell reached 80 for 5 from 16.3overs.

Rampersaud completed a fine all-round performance with 25 while Lucas Arthur was unbeaten on 13. Abdul Ramsammy took 3 for 17 from eight impressive overs for Tucber Park.

Albion defeated Blairmont and Port Mourant by 18 runs and 8 wickets respectively in their quarter and semifinal matches to book their place in the final.

Albion were restricted to 134 by Blairmont in 46.2 overs, Leon Cecil 18 and Hemendra Gurdyal 14, reaching double figures.

Akash Harilall 3 for 19 and Anthony Sukhra 2 for 10 were Blairmont’s best bowlers. The visitors in reply collapsed from 86 for 4 to116 all out in 42 overs; national player Marvon Prashad 55, Satyah France 19 and Anthony Sukhra 13 led the batting. Pavendra Ganesh took 3 for 12.

And Port Mourant were shot out for 82 with 29 extras in 40 overs.

Salim Khan and Andy Downer each scored 17 as Inzam Shazam claimed 4 for 20. Albion raced to 84 for 2 from 13 overs; Hemendra Gurdyal scored 28 and Naresh Veersammy 18.

The BCB is aiming to complete the tournament by the end of this month in order for this year’s edition to bowl off by mid February.

Turbo Knockout Tournament

Santos maul Black Pearl to set up quarter final date with GFC on Sunday

This Santos FC player is on the attack against Black Pearl on Wednesday night at the Ministry of Education ground.

The Third annual Turbo Knockout football tournament which commenced in 2019 with 10 teams resu m e d on Wednesday evening last at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground, Carifesta Av e n u e w i t h t h e f i n a l round-of-16 match between Santos Under-20 and Black Pearl.

The Santos youths, fresh off some stellar performances in recent tournaments weren’t deterred by the break in the Guyana Beverages Inc. sponsored tournament which was due majorly to rains and clashes with other events and it was business as usual as they steamrolled fellow city side Black Pearl 8-0 under lights.

Brandon Soloman continued his top goal scoring form by registering a hat-trick to lead the scoring for his side in the rout. Also on the score sheet was

Stephan Reynolds with a first half brace while Kevin Mullin, Orin Moore and M. Stoll netted one each to guide their side into the quarterfinals and keep their dream alive of cashing in on the $400,000 grand cash prize.

Santos will now clash with Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the feature last-eight match on Sunday night at the same venue from 21:00hrs.

GFC, which has not won a senior title in decades, came agonisingly close in the second edition after Northern Rangers were led by solitary strikes from their fleet-footed Captain Stephan Reynolds and Nigel Denny in a come from behind win.

1/10/2020 19:00 hrs 21:00 hrs 1/12/2020 19:00 hrs 21:00 hrs

Sunday’s opening match will see Riddim Squad matching skills with Northern Rangers.

However, quarterfinal action begins tonight at the same venue commencing at 19:00hrs when West Demerara’s Pouderoyen will clash with Buxton Under-20 while the East Coast Demerara’s Buxton Stars will be pitted against the dangerous Fruta Conquerors Under-20s.

The winning team of the third annual Turbo Knockout tournament will receive $400,000; second place pockets $200, 000 while third and fourth will receive $100,000 and $50, 000, respectively.

Full quarterfinal fixtures Quarter Finals Ministry Of Education Pouderoyen Buxton U20 Buxton Stars Fruta Conquerors U20 Riddim Squad Santos U20

Northern Rangers Georgetown Football Club

Friday January 10, 2020

PAGE 37

Kaieteur News

‘Good IPL, he puts himself into ‘Five-day Tests the way to go contention’ - Ravi Shastri without a doubt’ - Mickey Arthur reiterates MS Dhoni still in the mix ESPNcricinfo Experience, consistency, adapting to Australian conditions, explosive power, flamboyance. These are the criteria India head coach Ravi Shastri feels MS Dhoni can convert into currency to buy himself a ticket to the T20 World Cup, which will be held in October in Australia.

Even as the MSK Prasadled selection panel has been clear about moving on from Dhoni, questions about his future in the Indian side have not died down. Dhoni, who will turn 39 in July, has not played any cricket since he took a break after India’s semifinal exit at the ODI World Cup last July. Dhoni added to the intrigue recently when he asked to wait till January without revealing exactly what for.

As far as Shastri is concerned, Dhoni remains in the race and will be fighting for the same spot as Rishabh Pant and possibly Sanju Samson. In a chat with Indian TV channel CNN-News18, Shastri said: “You will have to see who will do the job at what number, what role, who is the best guy. You will take experience into account. You will take youth into account.

You will take flamboyance into account. And who fits into that number the best whether it is X, Y or Z. Plus we are playing in Australia

Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni chat during a training session Associated Press (so) who will adapt to those conditions the best.”

According to Shastri all three keeping options Dhoni, Pant and Samson possess the “explosive power” necessary to marshal the lower order.

“They will all bat round [number] 5, 6... you will need power at the back, explosive power. All the three names you took, they all have that explosive power. (So) you will have to see consistency, experience, conditions - all that will come into play when the selectors look at it.”

Recently Shastri had said that one can’t “fool around” with Dhoni, if he put himself in “contention” by having a good IPL later this summer.

Shastri reiterated that point once again.

“Good IPL, then he puts himself into contention. Then it is the selectors’ job to see

what they want to do, but if he has a great IPL then he puts himself into contention.”

But what if Pant and Samson also matched Dhoni with good numbers in the IPL? Shastri said experience and playing in Australian conditions would key determining factors in that case. “Then you will have to see: conditions come into play, experience comes into play, who will adapt best in those conditions.”

Shastri also compared Dhoni to former India captain Kapil Dev, who continued playing international cricket into his late 30s, remaining fit till the end. “Would you put it beyond anyone if a guy is performing and the guy who has never had fitness problems in his entire career?

For me, he (Dhoni) is like Kapil Dev. Kaps never had a problem right through his career.”

Keep politics out of 2020 Tokyo Games, says IOC’s Bach Lausanne, Switzerland Politicians and athletes should keep politics out of this year’s Tokyo Olympic Games to protect the event’s neutrality and its status as a peaceful meeting place, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said yesterday.

The Games have seen both political protests by athletes in the past as well as boycotts of nations and Bach said any infusion of politics into the Games in Tokyo starting on July 24 would not be welcome.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen sharply in recent days prompting major concerns across the world, while South Korea has said there is an urgent need to improve ties with North Korea.

China, Japan and South Korea recently agreed to work together to promote dialogue between the United States and reclusive North Korea.

A sunny day of Test cricket The Oval Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka Coach Mickey Arthur, who is part of the ICC cricket committee that will consider making four-day Tests mandatory as part of the World Test Championship from 2023, has shot down the proposal.

Arthur has joined the likes of Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes and Vernon Philander in opposing four-day Test cricket, which is being considered by the ICC in order to free up a calendar that is cramped with too many fixtures and T20 leagues.

“Look, I say five-day Test cricket is the way to go,” Arthur said on the eve of Sri Lanka’s third T20I against India in Pune. “Test cricket challenges you - it challenges you mentally, it challenges you physically and it challenges you technically.

And a lot of the time on the fifth day, we’ve witnessed a really good Test match that wouldn’t have lasted [otherwise].”

A move to cut the fifth day would ease the financial pressure on boards, but Arthur stressed that Test

cricket shouldn’t be tampered with because of financial or commercial reasons.

“Look, we can talk about financial pressures and that type of stuff,” he said. “[But], I think the fabric of Test cricket shouldn’t be messed with. You want wickets deteriorating on day five, you want thrillers that go all the way, there are a lot of really good exciting draws where one team plays it out. So, I definitely think five-day Test cricket is the way to go without a doubt.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is also part of the ICC cricket committee, isn’t in favour of four-day Test cricket as well.

“We will discuss it in the meeting and I don’t know what will happen after that but my personal opinion is that it should remain five days. I would not want any change,” Jaywardene had told PTI. India Coach Ravi Shastri is also not a fan of the proposal. “Four-day Test is nonsense,” he told Indian news channel CNN-News18.

“If this goes on we may have limited-overs Tests. There is

no need to tamper with fiveday Tests. If at all they want to tamper then let the top six sides play five-day Tests and the next six be allowed to play four-day Tests. If you want preserve Tests then let the top six play more against each other. You have the shorter format to popularise the game.”

West Indies opener Chris Gayle also joined the other strong voices in rejecting the idea of four-day Test cricket.

“I am not a fan of that [fourday Tests].

I’ve played a 100 Test matches,” Gayle said. “A few finish in three days, a few finish in four days, but five days Test cricket is ultimate.

It sets the trend. It has been there for ages, so why go and mess with it.

If they give other players opportunity to actually experience it as well because it can be a life-changing experience to play five days of Test cricket. It tests your mental state so you can cope in life as well.”

The ICC is set to meet in March 2020 to discuss the four-day Test proposal.

Australian fires: Lewis Hamilton pledges over £250,000 to aid...

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Athletes Commission Chair and IOC member Kirsty Coventry. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse “The mission of the Olympics is to unite and not to divide. We are the only event in the world that gets the entire world together in a peaceful competition,” Bach told reporters after a meeting with the IOC athletes’ commission chief Kirsty Coventry.

“I ask them (politicians and athletes) to respect this mission of the Olympic Games and in order to accomplish this mission we must be politically neutral. “Otherwise we would end up in this divisive and boycott situation. I ask them to respect (Continued on page 32)

From page 37 to join me in thinking about the impact we are having on our planet. Let’s work together to make small changes, and encourage our family and friends to do the same, so we can help shift the direction we’re going in.”

Hamilton says the A$500,000, which is roughly £262,000, will go to WIRES Wildlife Rescue, WWF Australia and the Rural Fire Service. The state of New South Wales has seen more than 1,300 houses destroyed and around five million

hectares impacted by the fires.

Yesterday, the state of Victoria declared a state of disaster. Despite a national bushfire crisis raging since September, the south-eastern state is only now entering what is considered to be its worst fire months.

Renault’s Australian

driver Daniel Ricciardo has used social media to urge people to donate and said his country was “suffering”.

Australian tennis players Nick Kyrgios and Ashleigh Barty are among many other sports stars, including Australia’s cricketers, who have also pledged money.

PAGE 38

Friday January 10, 2020

Kaieteur News

Joseph, Pollard, Walsh and Pooran break Ireland hearts The ball is maybe 50 feet in the air. Nobody cares where it ends up. All the Ireland players rush the man in the middle of the pitch screaming into the still night. This was the moment. The moment that they won the game. Or well, it should have been.

Kieron Pollard was gone.

The last specialist batsman was gone. Replays showed him entering the dressing room quietly, but just as he was slipping out of the camera’s range, his visage broke and the overwhelming disappointment made him stomp his foot.

The fans in Bridgetown were left praying for a miracle and Hayden Walsh decided he’d provide one. Walking in at No. 9, with the target still 90 runs away, he revived a lost cause, then repelled the inherent pressure of it. He defended well. He drove magnificently. He called loud and clear for his runs.

He even protected his partner from the strike. West Indies rose from 148 for 7 to 200 for 7. They were only 38 away. There was tons of time still left in the game. And at least one more twist.

In the 39th over, Khary Pierre nicked the offspin of Andy McBrine to first slip.

What brave captaincy from Andy Balbirnie. What sweet joy for his team. Only…

Walsh was still there.

Rising up to short balls.

Blocking out the yorkers.

Always scoring runs. Except the final ones.

He got stuck. He only made six runs off his last 20 balls and in that time there were two chances for Ireland to kill the game.

A run-out with the batsman nowhere near the crease, but the ball seemed to

Another Player of the Match performance from Alzarri Joseph! slip out of Mark Adair’s hands as he tried to break the stumps. The third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge checked it for nearly 10 minutes before saying there was no “conclusive evidence” to rule it out.

The very next delivery, Adair had both batsmen within handshaking distance at the bowler ’s end, but he fumbled again and another run-out opportunity went begging.

Immediately afterwards, Shelton Cottrell belted a six and one of the best games of one-day cricket was done.

Ireland had actually defended their total of 237 exceptionally well. They made Evin Lewis succumb to dotball pressure.

They

capitalised on Shimron Hetmyer ’s reckless tendencies. They proved simply too good for Brandon King. They had West Indies at 24 for 3. Key to that start was there were no wasted deliveries, but then there came a flood, from Gareth Delany’s, who was hit clean out of the park.

For that brief period, it seemed normal service had resumed. Nicholas Pooran was once again rising up to the occasion, batting with the great skill that makes people watching the game wonder which team was actually on top. And Pollard… Well, he was making those silly cricket balls just disappear.

A straight six had so much power that it cleared the

Worrell Walcott and Weeks stand right behind the bowler.

It seemed portentous, like Ireland’s grip was slipping, which was further reinforced by the fact they had exposed a 22 year-old part-time legspinner who had never ever bowled in an ODI to the whims of one of the biggest six-hitters in the world.

Poor Gareth Delany. Six of his 12 deliveries went to or over the boundary. Pollard and Pooran conjured up 64 runs in only 45 balls and suddenly West Indies were in control. And then they weren’t.

Nobody knew why.

Really, the only thing that changed was the weather.

Two balls after a teeny tiny itty bitty rain break; Pooran was bowled by wicked

offbreak from Simi Singh. In the next over, Pollard was undone by a little extra bounce. Meanwhile, a set of players who never stopped believing in themselves even when they were made to watch cricket balls fly out of the ground - got their just rewards.

Ireland would have sensed victory then. They’d certainly prepared for it. There was logic in the decisions they made, like batting first, which was the only thing to do on a pitch that had already been used for the first ODI. Backing the same XI that couldn’t get past 200 seemed risky but most of the batsmen had starts in that game.

Balbirnie might perhaps have thought one of them might be able to convert it in this one.

The openers set up in that way. Paul Stirling was careful throughout his half-century all the way through to the point when he yelled out in disappointment after dragging the ball onto his stumps. He chose not to attack West Indies’ strike bowlers - Alzarri Joseph and Sheldon Cottrell - unless they dragged the length short.

The pull was a highly productive shot, and the only sign of his power. It seemed like he was on instruction to bat through the innings and pick his targets - a job he was doing quite well, especially against the left-arm spin of Pierre which he took for two fours and a six.

But it wouldn’t last.

Joseph came back for his second spell and a welldirected short ball, giving the right-hander no room for a glide down to third man crashed into the stumps. Stirling was heard on the stump mic yelling

the word “no” while the We s t I n d i e s p l a y e r s rounded on their young fast bowler who once again showed he can construct 10 beautiful overs together (not to mention a killer lofted drive; he hit two of them to bring the equation down from 15 off 18 to 6 off 15).

Joseph began this game with a wicket, a refreshingly pitched up ball in the ninth over that went right through Balbirnie’s defense and made a very lasting impression on his stumps. His game plan was simple. Go full and give the ball a chance to move while it was new, and it did.

Overcome the old ball by banging it into the pitch and turning it into a weapon. He did that too.

None of the Irish batsmen were able to pick up his bouncers. Lorcan Tucker offered a leading edge to gully for 1 and Kevin O’Brien top-edged a pull to long leg on 31. Both batsmen had just successfully used DRS to give themselves a second life.

Two balls later, they threw it away. At 154 for 6, it seemed Ireland might just fade away again but Singh marshalled to tail well to carry them through to the 50 overs and a total that gave them a gambler’s chance and they very nearly hit the jackpot.

Scores: IRELAND 237 for nine off 50 overs (Paul Stirling 63, Simi Singh 34, Kevin O’Brien 31, William Porterfield 39; Alzarri Joseph 4-32, Sheldon Cottrell 3-51).

WEST INDIES 242 for nine off 49.5 overs (Nicholas Pooran 52, Hayden Walsh 46 not out, Kieron Pollard 40, Shai Hope 25; Simi Singh 348, Barry McCarthy 2-28, Andy McBrine 2-37).

Regional Four-Day Championship

Chanderpaul, Johnson and Hemraj stroke half centuries on opening day

Tagenarine Chanderpaul Half centuries from Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson and Chandrapaul Hemraj put Guyana Jaguars in a comfortable position against

the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their first round Cricket West Indies Regional four-day franchise league which commenced yesterday.

Leon Johnson Defending champions, Jaguars closed the day on 210-4 after they opted to bat at the Vivian Richard Cricket Stadium in Antigua.

Chandrapaul Hemraj and

Tagenarine Chanderpaul added 70 for the opening stand before the former was dismissed for 52 off 60 balls with six fours and two sixes.

Tagenarine and Leon

Chanderpaul Hemraj Johnson put on a further 74 for the second wicket.

Johnson struck eight fours and one six before he was caught off Damian Jacobs for 59 off 123 balls.

Tagenarine faced 243 balls and counted seven fours in scoring 60 while Vishaul Singh was dismissed for 25; Christopher Barnwell is not out on three.

Friday January 10, 2020

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Kaieteur News

GMR&SC confirms opening dates for Endurance and Circuit Meets

Bravo helps punish Scorpions as Red Force flourish

Endurance and Circuit dates have been confirmed by the GMR&SC. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) released its provisional calendar of events for 2020 last week stating that round one of the Endurance Racing Championship was slated to be the opener of the season on January 26th while the National Race of Champions’ (NROC) first round is billed for February 16th.

Yesterday, Committee Member of the club and current Starlet Cup champion, Motilall Deodass shared with

Kaieteur Sport that the dates for both events have been confirmed, putting all doubts to bed.

Drivers and mechanics are already getting themselves in order for competition which promises to see some keen rivalry amongst the daredevils. Most of the confirmed drivers for the Endurance Championship opener have noted that they are using this event to fine tune their machines ahead of the NROC meet in February which is expected to see

participation from international drivers including those from team CAMS. Among the drivers confirmed for the showdown on the 26th are 2019 overall champion Adrian Fernandes, Endurance lap record holder; Rameez Mohamed, Dowalu Harper, Shairaz Roshandin, WR Reaz, Dave Singh and Anand Ramchand.

Following month-end’s Endurance and the Race of Champions meet on February 16th, the first installment of

drag racing is set for March 15th. Circuit racing returns in July for round two while August 16th is the date for the highly anticipated international drag race meet that may see two rail cars coming from Trinidad & Tobago.

Round two of the Endurance Championship is set for September 13 with the last round of Drag racing set for October 4th. The International Circuit-racing event is billed for November 8th.

Australian fires: Lewis Hamilton pledges over £250,000 to aid fight against disaster BBCsport - Lewis Hamilton says he will donate more than £250,000 to support the fire service and animal welfare charities affected by fires in Australia.

The Formula 1 world champion pledged A$500,000 and says he “can’t help but grieve for the defenceless animals thought to have died” in the fires.

The bushfires have burnt more than 6.3 million hectares across the country and 27 people have died. Hamilton urged Australia to “keep fighting” in a message on Instagram.

Alongside a video of a koala bear being rescued, the 35-year-old Mercedes driver wrote: “It saddens me deeply to know that over 1 billion animals in Australia died a painful death, no way out, not their fault.

“My love of animals is no secret and I can’t help but grieve for the defenceless animals thought to have died so far, pushing certain species closer to extinction.

“I’m lucky enough to visit Australia often and I know

Hamilton (right) has praised those working at the heart of the bushfires in Australia. (PA MEDIA) first-hand how beautiful the country is. Keep fighting Australia. I’ve spent some

time speaking to people in Australia who are working at the heart of this and I’m filled

with admiration for everything they are doing. “I implore you (Continued on page 35)

Darren Bravo … scored an unbeaten half-century.

St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Captain Darren Bravo was one of three batsmen with half-centuries to extend his purple patch as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force flourished on the opening day of their first round match against Jamaica Scorpions here yesterday.

Choosing to bat first at the Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force batted all day to reach 241 for three, with the left-handed Bravo ending unbeaten on exactly 50. Twenty-year-old Keagan Simmons top-scored with 89 on first class debut while left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano impressed with 73.

The only real bright spark of the day for Scorpions came in the day’s eighth over when seamer Derval Green trapped Kyle Hope lbw for eight with 13 runs on the board. But Red Force then batted in partnerships with Simmons anchoring two key stands to ensure the hosts dominated proceedings.

He first put on 135 for the second wicket with Solozano, a partnership which took Red Force to lunch on 52 without

further loss.

The left-handed Simmons struck 10 fours in an innings spanning 205 balls and a shade over four hours while Solozano, also a left-hander, faced 173 deliveries in just under 3-¼ hours.

They were separated about 40 minutes before tea when Solozano gloved a sweep from captain John Campbell off-spin onto his stumps. Bravo arrived to put on a further 66 for the third wicket and closed out the final session in an unbroken 27run, fourth wicket partnership with Joshua DaSilva (14 not out).

Fresh off a half-century in the CWI President’s XI win over Ireland in Barbados last week, Bravo again looked in great touch and has so far struck five fours and a six – the only of the innings – in a knock requiring 107 deliveries and lasting 2-½ hours.

At Arnos Vale Stadium (Kingstown): Barbados Pride 233 (Kyle Mayers 106, Jomel Warrican 49, Justin Greaves 20; Keron Cottoy 3-41, Josh Thomas 2-35) vs Windward Islands Volcanoes.

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Friday January 10, 2020

Kaieteur News

RHTY&SC completes 743 activities in 2019, most successful in 29 year history The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS has described 2019 as the most successful year since its formation in 1990. The club successfully completed a record 743 activities during the year under a wide range of sub-headings; sports, coaching, charity, social, educational, anti-suicide, cultural, economic development, community development, anti- tobacco, anti- crime, publications and medical, among others.

Among the main highlights were the club’s performance on the cricket field, Say No/Say Yes campaign, 29th Annual Awards Ceremony, Youth Information Booklet, Berbice Sports Awards, Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Christmas Charity Programme and the 5th edition of the Rose Hall Town Christmas Village.

On the field of play, the club’s cricket teams continued their dominance of the game in Berbice by winning the Trophy Stall Under-13, New York Business Group Under-19 T20, New Building Society 40 overs (2018), Shimron Hetmyer Intermediate 40 overs, Beacon Foundation T20 and has to date reached the finals of the Elizabeth Styles Under21, Let’s Bet Sports 100 Balls, Raffik’s Construction 100 Balls, Stag Beer 50 overs, Ivan

The Republic Bank Summer Class of 2019 Madray Memorial T20 and Busta Champions of Champions.

RHTY&SC teams are also currently playing in the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15, Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17 and Banks Beer Two Day First Division tournaments.

A total of 22 club members represented Berbice at the Male U15, 17, 19 and Female levels while Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Jason Sinclair, K e v i n S i n c l a i r, S h a w n Pereira, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud and Chanderpaul Govindhan played in the GCB Franchise League.

At the National level, the

following members played for Guyana Under-15 team: Matthew Pottaya, Under-19: Junior Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson, Under-19 Female: Oma Matadin and Shabika Gajnabi.

Female Senior: Meliane Henry, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Plaffina Millington, Erva Giddings and Sheneta Grimmond.

Three members played at the senior level: Clinton Pestano, Assad Fudadin, Kevin Sinclair for Guyana, Jamaica and West Indies Emerging players X1, respectively.

Esuan Crandon continued to impress as a Cricket Coach for Guyana, and the West Indies. Kevlon Anderson was also selected to represent the

West Indies at the Under-19 level while Clinton Pestano was a part of the Amazon Warriors Team.

In July, the club hosted Guyana’s largest cricket academy with over one hundred youths in attendance under the guidance of Coach Delbert Hicks and Eon Hooper. Over $3M worth of trophies, medals, gifts and prizes were shared out to outstanding club members at the 29th Annual Awards Ceremony while in one of its largest ever outreach programmes, the club’s ten cricket teams distributed over $6M worth of cricket gear, balls, scorebooks, exercise books, school bags, bicycles,

Young Guns Sports Club to host T20 tourney on the E’bo Coast Young Guns Sports Club of Zorg under its motto, ‘Making a difference in young people’s lives’, in collaboration with other cricket stakeholders will be staging a T20 Festival in South Essequibo.

The teams that will be taking part are Supenaam/ Velvorden, Middlesex /Airy Hall, Adventure /Annandale and a South Essequibo Under 21 select XI. The tournament has been sanctioned by the South Essequibo Cricket Committee and New Opportunity Corps (NOC) Administration.

To add strength to the teams, a number of senior inter county players have been included in various teams.

The competition will be launched on January 26 and it will take the form of the teams competing in the different skill activities and a seven over knockout competition. The

launching day activities will be sponsored by the Fredericks brothers, Norman and Norwayne while South Essequibo Cricket Committee President Andy Ramnarine will deliver opening remarks.

The Organisers are calling on the business community to lend support and make a difference in the lives of young cricketers on the Essequibo Coast. All matches will be played at the NOC ground on February 2nd, 16th and 23rd.

The winning team will take home $60,000, runner-up $40,000, third place $30,000 and fourth place $20,000.

During the final, the organising body will be honouring several former players and administrators who have made a lasting impression on the game.

Those are Cyril Drakepaul , Linden Daniels, Rawdo Persaud, Boodnarine

stumps, clothing, medical supplies and sports gear among others to over one hundred NGO’s, cricket clubs, schools, hospitals and youth organizations among others.

The donations were done mainly under the RHTY&SC Patron’s Fund and Cricketers Self-Development Programmes. The club also assisted dozens of youth cricketers across Berbice with their own gears.

The club organised several tournaments in conjunction with the Berbice Cricket Board including the Busta Champion of Champions, GBTI Inter Secondary School, Nasir Memorial T20 and GNNL/ RHTY&SC Upper Corentyne 100 ball tournament.

The RHTYSC also invested heavily in several cricket academies in its ongoing effort to assist other clubs while using its network, they garnered over $10M in cash and kind for the Berbice Cricket Board.

Competitions for volleyball, basketball, dominoes, softball also received support from the

RHTY&SC. The year ended with a massive $3M Christmas Charity Programme and the hosting of the biggest ever Christmas Village, which was attended by thousands of children and their parents.

This year would be a special year in the history of the club as the 30th anniversary would be celebrated. Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster stated that they have set a target of 700 activities with the main projects being the complete restoration of the club office, improved sanitary and dressing room facilities, restoration of the club’s charity kitchen, expanded Say No/Say Yes Campaign, 30th Award Ceremony, 30th Anniversary Magazine and a month long 30th anniversary celebration in September.

The club is expressing gratitude to its Patron, HE President David Granger and all its sponsors and donors for their cooperation and assistance in 2019 and is looking forward to the same level of support and more in 2020.

Concacaf referees attending VAR...

Anthony Adams is one of the leading cricketers from South Essequibo.

Ramnarine, Terry Paul, Garfield Paul, Sewlall Sookdeo, Carl Brandon and Jeff Jones, the first Essequibian to score an Inter County century.

The Organising body is headed by veteran cricket Coach Forbes Daniels while contact to receive more information can be made with the other members, Reyaad Mohamed (630-8963), Debra

Daniels (683-7807) and Akenie Adams (696-5095).

Also onboard for the inaugural competition are Mahendra Persaud and Ricardo Peters, both former U19 players. During the course of the event, female and Under-15 male players would be running a snacks bar to raise funds for the continuation of their training programme.

From page 39 The second part of the training is doing it live during a match, with a referee on the field communicating with two VARs in the booth,” said Hall.

The training is being led by two experienced FIFA instructors: Mark Geiger and Greg Barkey. Geiger has officiated in two FIFA World Cups, while Barkey was one of the key people responsible for the implementation of VAR in Major League Soccer. Also attending the VAR training is Project Manager Mark Cahen,

who is managing the training logistics.

“This is an enormous task that crosses multiple organizations and third parties. We will have to make sure stadiums are certified, that we coordinate with broadcast partners, and that the software works so when it is live, no stone has been unturned. There is so much at stake in football, so this is a welcomed tool for the good of the game. It gives our match officials a second chance to rectify the ‘clear and obvious error’” concluded Hall.

Kaieteur News

Friday January 10, 2020

PAGE 41

Pakistani businessman Mohammad Abdullah makes donation to cricket clubs

Mohammad Abdullah of Cyber Sports (center) and Trophy Stall’s Ramesh Sunich (3rd right) with representatives of the clubs following the presentation.

Waramadong overcome Paruima at Upper Mazaruni Inter Zone Football H o s t Wa r a m a d o n g defeated Paruima in both the male and female segments when the Upper Mazaruni Inter Zone Football competition continued recently in Region seven. A double strike from Morrison Martin handed Waramadong a 2-1 win in the male division; Tyson McNaughton scored for Paruima.

Waramadong won by a similar margin the female encounter; Aliza Larson scoring a double while Samantha Johnson netted for Paruima. She also had an opportunity to equalise but missed a penalty in the latter stages of the contest.

Kamarang and Isseneru failed to turn up for their matches.

The second round will be played in Paruima in April on a date to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, as part of Sports Development in the Region, DC Caesar Fox Secondary will be hosting an Under-15 match Paruima and Jawalla in Waramadong on Sunday.

Prior to the contest, a presentation will be held on substance abuse since it is a challenge in the District.

This Event will be coordinated by Mr. Dunga Daniels and Mr. Dexter Henry.

Several cricket clubs in Guyana on Wednesday evening benefitted from a kind gesture from Pakistani businessman, Mohammad Abdullah. Abdullah of Cyber Sports Company which is based in Lahore, Pakistan presented four pairs of cricket shoes each to Muslim Youth Organisation, Everest Cricket Club, Demerara Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Ogle Cricket Club and Zeelugt Cricket Club of East Bank Essequibo, at a simple ceremony held at Trophy Stall 243 Bourda Street, Bourda.

Abdullah informed that his company was established almost 20 years ago. He indicated that the aim was to bring the youths into sports, adding that he would from time to time assist the youths with the aim to motivate them. “Now I am planning with Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall to organise the Guyana Premier League, hopefully next year. This will be an encouragement for the young boys, instead of leaving them in the streets, it is better to bring them in the field so they can be a better person of the society,” he added.

“This is our main aim; you know if we increase our efforts and encourage the youths to get involved in sports, we can have a better nation and in that way we can reduce the crime rate rapidly, so our main motive is to save our young generation.”

The company is the biggest sports wholesaler in

Guyana and it supplies equipment to local shop keepers as well as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). “We are very thankful to the people of Guyana and the GCB and we love to work along with them as well,” posited Abdullah.

Abdullah said that sports play an important role in the development of youths.

“From my college and university days, I was among the top athletes, and I know what sports means. It has always been on my mind to get the youths involved in sports and sometimes we see a lot of young people with lots of talent and skills but they don’t have the necessary finances, so it’s better to lend assistance which can help them realise their full potential.”

Cyber Sports also supplies sports equipment to other parts of the world including Bosina and the UK. Rehana Ragoobeer of Everest Cricket Club expressed gratitude to Abdullah for his contribution.

“It is a great pleasure to receive these footwear. We will ensure that the less fortunate youths in the clubs benefit and hopefully they c a n s h o w s o m e improvement in their game.”

In an invited comment, Sunich said when Abdullah told him about the initiative he was very happy so he decided to ensure that the clubs benefit, adding that there will be another such presentation in June.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Concacaf referees attending VAR training The Paruima Under-15 Team

The Jawalla Under-15 Team

Miami, Florida – This week, 22 referees from across the Concacaf region are attending VAR training at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

Referees, consisting of 19 men and three women, are beginning the process of certification to utilize VAR as an on-field referee and to be the video review operator in the booth to assist on-field referees on “clear and obvious errors.”

“We’re excited because we are taking the first steps as a confederation to be able to provide world class VAR to fans and teams in select competitions,” said Concacaf Director of Refereeing Brian Hall.

“It is important to understand that

implementation of VAR is more than a replay booth and the referee communicating.

There are FIFA and IFAB requirements and procedures that must be met before implementation, so we are making sure our referees will be fully certified and prepared to provide the best possible product,” added Hall.

T h e VA R t r a i n i n g sessions began on Sunday, January 5 and will conclude on Thursday, January 8 during which the referees will be doing both class work and field work by analyzing matches and replicating reallive situations on the field.

“The idea is that the referees will watch clips from games and then role play.

(Continued on page 38)

Skipper Pollard and teammates congratulate Alzarri Joseph after taking another wicket.

Nicolas Pooran during his innings of 52

Joseph, Pollard, Walsh and Pooran break Ireland hearts Hayden Walsh held the lower order together with 46 not out.

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Sheldon Cottrell and Hayden Walsh took West Indies to the match and series win.

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