Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

GUYANA: A TALE OF TWO CITIES Guyanese are hoping and praying that 2018 would turn out to a great year for the country. Indeed, 2017 was anything but quiet. It was the year of serious crimes, traffic accidents and fatalities as well as the record number of arrests of criminals and guns seized by the police in various operations across the country. Despite their best intentions to fight crime, the police were undermined by some of its own ranks who were involved in serious crimes. The recent arrest of a senior police officer in Berbice with a large quantity of whisky and the alleged murder of businessman Godfrey Scipio by a former “best” cop are just two of many crimes committed by police. As reported, 31 rogue cops were charged and kicked out of the force in 2017 compared to 26 in 2016. More than 100 were disciplined for misconduct or complaints lodged against them. However, the police must be commended for solving 77 percent of the more than 120 murders in 2017 and for reducing crime. But it seems that Guyana is what Charles Dickens described as “A Tale of Two Cities” in one of his famous novels. For some, 2017 was the best of times, but for others, especially the poor, it was the worst of times. Serious crimes, including murders were down, but carjacking and gun violence were up. Gold, a major foreign currency earner, soared to new heights, with increased production, which is truly a remarkable feat. 2017 was the best year for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which collected more than $15 billion over 2016. It was also the worst year for the GRA because its name continues to be synonymous with bribes and other forms of corruption. It dismissed more than 100 staffers due to corrupt practices. The downside for Guyana in 2017 was its struggling economy with the sugar and bauxite industries about to collapse. There is also too much indiscipline and lawlessness in society and these along with lowproductivity, high unemployment, increase poverty and declining foreign reserves have caused Guyana to teeter at the precipice of becoming a failing State, if not a failed State. The year 2018 must be a year of steadfast decision-making by the government in order to save this fledgling democracy before things permanently fall apart. The government must be serious about diversifying the economy, reduce spending, increase productivity and create jobs, among others. The president must shuffle his cabinet and replace those who so far have attracted failing grades. Where crime and corruption are concerned, the president must act decisively in 2018 to weed them out from society, even though it seems to be a daunting task. He must fulfill his promise to stamp out the corrupt culture which was well established, successfully practised and became ingrained during the last administration. He insists that children must be in school and women should be home with their children rather than be in jail. To support his view he has been pardoning some women. He has provided the means of transportation to see the children get to school but so widespread is the problem of the poor that it would take more than a few buses and boats to get many children back into schools. It would take the education of parents. It is time for the president to take the bull by the horns and make the tough decisions, though unpopular, to ensure sustained economic growth and a Guyana that is safe and truly prosperous. Public relations gimmickry will not do it. He must bell the cat.

Fly Jamaica’s lousy handling of a crisis DEAR EDITOR, I have never felt compelled to write to your column, but in this instance cannot refrain from doing so to express total dissatisfaction with the manner in which Fly Jamaica has treated passengers during the current crisis. Fly Jamaica must understand that passengers have spent their hard earned money to fly with the airline and therefore the least they expect is to be treated with the utmost respect and consideration, which have certainly been lacking during this crisis. My family, like so many other passengers, have been stranded in the USA for almost two weeks. It was only after the intervention of the GCAA that the airline thought

it fit to announce the establishment of ’24 hour hotlines’ here in Guyana. To add insult to injury, the so-called hotline has been ringing out constantly over a period of days. Why say you have ’24 hour hotlines’ if nobody is there to respond? This is a case of lipservice and utter disrespect. Passengers are in dire need of information. To further compound passengers’ misery, the staff/ agents calls passengers and instructs them to go to JFK for check-in during a particular period on January 11. Money is spent to get there. The passenger spends approximately 7 hours at JFK only to hear “your name is not on the list” for that flight. Why is the passenger contacted in the first place? Are

you going to refund passengers’ transportation cost? Now, one would expect passengers to be transported out of the USA in the order in which they were originally scheduled. Lo and behold, many passengers who were originally scheduled for a January 3 flight are still stranded while passengers originally scheduled for the January 11 flight are checked in. Is there preferential treatment being meted out here? As if that isn’t aggravating enough, the Fly Jamaica website is currently giving a schedule for Original Flight Dates of January 11 to January 15. Where is the information for passengers whose Original Flight Dates were January 3 to January 10? Are these passengers of no con-

sequence to you? Are they going to be transported whenever you can ‘fit them in’ instead of giving them preference? Fly Jamaica has to treat passengers with far greater respect and consideration than they have displayed and stop taking their patronage for granted. Without the passenger you have no business!! You have displayed disregard and disrespect and your response at times has been an insult to passengers’ intelligence!! Their hard-earned cash keeps you in business!! My family and many other passengers have sworn to never travel with your airline again!!! Disappointed, S. Joseph

Time for an intelligent response to crime DEAR EDITOR, While one can identify with the sense of frustration oozing from the pen of Peeping Tom on 6th January 2018, we need to remind ourselves that frustration and the anger it tends to give rise to, solve nothing. Indeed, anger tends to warp thinking. I think the offering of the Peeper on the day indicated above bears out this assessment. The Peeper’s proposition that SARA should be disbanded because, in his/her opinion, it will cost more to maintain than the worth of what it will recover, is not a worthy argument. Demonstrating to those in powerful positions and having easy access to the peoples’ money, that when they misappropriate such moneys they will be hunted down relentlessly, is essential as a deterrent. Besides, is it not reasonable to believe that in the absence of SARA there is no way one can quantify the billions those with power steal from us? Justification for SARA’s existence cannot be based merely by attention to cost of its maintenance. Secondly, Peeping Tom seems to be suggesting the answer to the crime problem is more police ranks, and supposedly better training. If so, then, he/she must explain how come the city of Baltimore, which is rated eighth among cities in the USA with the most favorable police to population ratio, is also listed as one of the most crime-infested cities in the USA? Also, if training is the answer, why is crime in Jamaica so high? The distinguished Jamaican criminologist - Professor Headley once observed that Jamaica, with the assistance of the USA, has “one of the best trained, most

well-equipped police-military apparatuses in the entire English-speaking Caribbean.” It seems to me that since no one is satisfied with the returns from spending hundreds of millions of dollars on the police by both the PPP and the coalition government, our concept of crime-fighting must be expanded outside the capabilities of the justice system. The focus of our crime fight must be crime prevention and not crime control. This will mean there is need to mount a sustained campaign in which citizens, government, the private sector and trade unions understand the parts they each need to play, and are willing to play these parts. Citizens need to be exposed to a sustained education program which employs the popular media for its delivery - newspaper, and television. Content of such a program would include, but is not limited to, encouraging citizens to use the club steering locks on their cars, fitting doors on homes with deadbolts, and advice from architects and builders on building safer houses. By means of this sustained education effort, citizens could be made aware of the need to keep communities free of overgrown bush, and the need to walk in groups at evenings as much as possible. Further citizens can also be encouraged to be alert for strange faces in their neighbourhood, and create community watch groups. Finally, citizens must demand that their community be adequately lighted etc. The private sector has a lot it can do in the fight against crime. The banks must provide a certain level of security for their customers.

Everyone I speak with in Guyana tells me that very often persons are being robbed on leaving the bank with large sums of money. So, what is it about doing business at banks that makes people so vulnerable? It is the openness of the transactions that is the problem. In the banks, all transactions are done at open counters where anyone in the bank can see the sums of money exchanging hands between tellers and customers. Thieves only must be in the banks to identify those collecting the most attractive sums. Open counters are a no, no. Years ago, I used to purchase foreign currency at a Cambio operated on the bottom floor of Fogarty’s store. The Cambio provided a small sitting area for those waiting to do business, while there were booths that customers had to use to access service. No one in the waiting area could view the transaction being undertaken, and therefore a would-be thief was at a loss to determine which customer would be worth the while attacking. Why can’t the banks create a similar system for doing business? The government has a key role in the effort that I am suggesting. It must do all it can to encourage the use of cheques and hasten the movement to the use of plastic for conducting business in Guyana. It’s ridiculous that individuals must walk with hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars to conduct business. Recently on a visit home I wanted to do business with a certain agency. I spoke to the bank about giving me a cheque. I was advised that the agency I wanted the cheque written in favour of would not accept cheques.

What lunacy! Government will have to work with the private sector on this matter. Fighting crime demands we see efforts in some not so obvious areas as helpful to the fight. Trade unions must stop giving the impression that they consider fighting for increase in salaries and allowances as their almost sole contribution to workers’ wellbeing. They must fight for the decentralization of the workplace as much as possible. Until the private sector and government focus on decentralization, creating conditions whereby fewer workers have to travel long distances with their hardearned money to get home, citizens will continue to be relieved of their hard-earned wages. We will continue to hear with regularity of teachers, nurses and office workers being robbed of their salaries en route to their homes. When we see rural development as part of our crime prevention strategy, perhaps we will approach decentralization with a sense of urgency. Editor, in closing, I feel compelled to make the following observation. Outside of efforts by the government, there seem to be an over-concentration on, and concern for street crimes in Guyana. Couple this with the behavior and suggestions coming from individual members and bodies representing the business community as their contribution to crime-fighting. On every occasion their suggestions target street crime and criminals. It is as if white collar crimes do not matter or are less destructive to Guyana. Possibly, the reason for this exclusive concern for (Continued on page 6)

Saturday January 13, 2018

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Kaieteur News

The Exxon Signing Bonus Saga - A Storm in a Teacup DEAR EDITOR, Over the course of the past several weeks, I have been following the “brouhaha” over the Exxon Signing Bonus as carried in the local print media. Upon careful consideration of the issues being raised, I can only conclude that the matter amounts to nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. As I understand it, it is incontrovertible that: (i) the Government of Guyana did receive a cheque from Exxon Mobil as a signing bonus in the amount of US$18 mn; (ii) the cheque was made payable to the Government of Guyana and not to any individual and this was publicly confirmed by an official of Exxon Mobil and (iii) on the instructions of the Minister of Finance, a U.S dollar denominated account was opened with the Bank of

Guyana and into which the cheque was deposited. Among the issues being raised are that the Government was trying “to thief” the money, that the way in which the transaction was handled was lacking in transparency and that the money should have been lodged into the Consolidated Fund. In addressing the first of those concerns, given the fact that the cheque in question was not made payable to any individual but to the Government of Guyana and was deposited into the Government’s account with the Bank of Guyana, there is no reason to dwell any further on the foolish assertion that the Government was trying “to thief” the money. In relation to the issue of transparency, let me begin by explaining to the population at large that the Bank of Guyana is the principal

banker of the Government of Guyana. It manages the accounts of all of the various ministries by cashing cheques and accepting deposits, similar to how an individual treats with a commercial bank. It also provides monthly statements in relation to activities on these accounts to each Ministry so that Ministry staff can reconcile these statements with the Ministry’s own internal records. The process of opening a U.S dollar denominated account with the Bank of Guyana is part of Government’s everyday business with the Bank of Guyana and is no less transparent than Government opening an account denominated in Guyana dollars or any other currency with the Bank of Guyana. We are operating in a multi-currency environment,

whether it involves U.S dollars, Pounds Sterling, Euros, or Japanese Yen and if Government chooses to hold balances in any of these currencies for strategic reasons, so be it. Further, the reporting and reconciliation processes as outlined in the previous paragraph serve to underpin normal accounting internal control requirements in relation to transactions being undertaken. Among the three issues raised, the most controversial one appears to be the alleged failure by Government to convert and pay the proceeds of the U.S dollar cheque into the Consolidated Fund, an assertion that is pedantic and one which does appear to confirm the saying that “the law is an ass”. The Consolidated Fund is an account that is intended to provide a record of all receipts into and payments out

Utter shamelessness, absolute disgrace and more betrayal - pay the full severance DEAR EDITOR, Having been exposed again that they had no intention of paying the more than 4,000 sugar workers who were terminated their legally-guaranteed severance this month as promised, President Granger had the self-proclaimed “champion” of the sugar workers read a message in Parliament that APNU+AFC will provide a 50% severance payment by the end of the month. The announcement comes with another promise that the remaining 50% will be provided in six months’ time. This is a total breach of the law and in no way is a reflection of the generosity of the government, as they want people to think. The Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, must know that this announcement means that APNU+AFC stands indicted as breaching the labour laws of Guyana. He must act in defence of the workers. A crime is openly being committed against the workers of Guyana by their own government.

The Minister of Agriculture had promised that the sugar workers whose jobs were taken away by APNU+AFC would be paid their severance before the end of January. The sugar workers themselves doubted that he was speaking the truth. Many of us believed that the sugar workers had reasonable doubts that APNU+AFC had any intention to keep that promise and we raised our voices. In an article earlier this week, I expressed my doubt that APNU+AFC had any intention to stand by the Minister’s promise. This was subsequently confirmed. This is nothing but utter shamelessness, an absolute disgrace and another callous, cruel betrayal of the sugar workers. The termination of the sugar workers was done suddenly and without any consultation with the unions or with the workers themselves. The severance payment to the terminated sugar workers is not an option for GuySuCo and APNU+AFC. It is a legal requirement. The

payments are due immediately, not in accordance with a timetable established by the government. To first promise the sugar workers that they would be paid in January and then announcing that Budget 2018 did not cater for such payments is not only an insult to the workers, but also a breach of the labour laws of Guyana. Hopefully, the 50% payment being promised now is not another empty promise announced only to buy more time and avoid the enormous pressure from the workers and their families and from decent Guyanese. Personally, I will not believe that APNU+AFC will honour this promise until it actually takes place. The problem sugar workers face is there is no way they can survive on this 50% payment, and there is no way they can be confident that the other 50% will ever be paid. There are still sugar workers from Wales Estate who lost their jobs and are still awaiting their severance payments, more than a year after. The boast that APNU+AFC is providing

$100M for loans to sugar workers is even more shameful. With the loss of almost 6,000 jobs since January 2017 and more to come in the coming months, this means that APNU+AFC is making available a paltry $20,000 per worker as a loan, a measly sum that the worker will need to repay to the government. Having terminated the sugar workers, the government must pay the full severance now. The payment is due upon termination and that is not negotiable. The workers are now owed interest on this payment. The failure to pay severance is a severe breach of the law and APNU+AFC must not feel that it is doing a favour for the sugar workers by promising a 50% payment soon and the rest six months later. They should all hang their heads in shame. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

of Government’s coffers. While it is denominated and held in Guyana dollars, there is nothing to suggest that the overall fund cannot consist of an amalgam of various currencies in which Government might be holding balances. Thus, part of the Consolidated Fund could be in U.S dollars, another part in Pounds Sterling, etc, with the major portion being in Guyana dollars. However, for reporting purposes to Parliament or to any other entity, these foreign balances would be translated into Guyana dollars using the appropriate exchange rate and then aggregated with the Guyana dollar balances to give the total balance on the Fund. The implicit suggestion that the U.S dollar cheque should have been converted into Guyana dollars and then deposited into the Consolidated Fund, smacks of an unfamiliarity with the tenets of basic finance. As explained by Ministry of Finance officials, Government was holding the funds in U.S dollars to meet upcoming obligations in respect of legal fees associated with the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute and which will become payable in U.S dollars. This is an eminently sensible strategy, since Government avoids the costs and risks in selling its U.S dollars and having to re-enter the market at later dates to buy U.S dollars at perhaps higher rates due to the fluctuating nature of the Guyana dollar. In other words, Government is consciously hedging its

position against adverse changes in the U.S/Guyana exchange rate. There is also the added risk that having converted its U.S dollars, the Bank of Guyana might not have the foreign exchange available at the time(s) when required by Government. In sum, none of the concerns raised merit the attention and coverage received and can only be regarded as being frivolous and myopic. Rather, Government should be commended for its foresight in protecting itself against the possibility of a declining Guyana dollar given its upcoming obligations in U.S dollars, and in saving taxpayers the additional burden that would ensue from any decline in the Guyana dollar that might occur. Finally, our accounting and legal professionals must embrace the new environment in which entities do business which may involve holding accounts in currencies other than their domestic currency, but which are translated into the local currency, equivalent and aggregated with local currency balances for reporting purposes. In the current international environment where trade in goods and services takes place in a variety of currencies and where opportunities for hedging risk become available, it would be foolish to suggest that balances in respect of the Consolidated Fund must only be held in Guyana dollars. Let’s stop making an ass out of the law! Steve Fraser

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The abandonment of 4000 sugar workers DEAR EDITOR, The GuySuCo Board of Directors ordered the closure of sugar estates, then leaves the Government of Guyana to explain or spin a tale of hopelessness. We the owners of the sugar plantations are in doubt as to who is in charge, whether at GuySuCo, or Ministry of the Presidency. In manner likened to Pontius Pilate, the President washed his hands of the matter of retrenchment of 4000 sugar workers, not to leave out the chaps at Wales, and had his Prime Minister read out the edict in Parliament. Poor Moses, he must have felt like the Biblical Moses when he returned with the tablets containing the Commandments. Now we know why Moses threw down the tablets and they shattered. Can there be a replay? With the half severance pay, sugar workers will invest the money in internet cafés, wash bays, hire cars, mini buses, trafficking in drugs, and enriching rum shop owners. What else is there in terms of jobs in a country with high unemployment and under employment? The answer is agriculture; to fashion the green economy this Government proclaims, except that the green economy seems to mean painting buildings green and wearing green clothing. The President said they will be trained as carpenters and other skills to find employment where? Maybe we would witness another wave of illegal migration. We all know that sugar

workers are not employed year round in the industry. With what is saved, their wives carry on the family economy for the remainder of the year. There is a precedent in the job-loss scenario. When the present Government came to office, a bit of rainfall caused the housing area east of the National Cultural Centre to retain water. A resident of the area promptly moved residence to Main Street, and in like fashion, the bearer of bad news to sugar workers followed the Leader. Now that sugar workers are out of jobs they should find alternatives to housing, as many sugar workers live in rented quarters. There are openings at West Bank Demerara where the President for life of their Union resides; and what about Pradoville, and by extension all the other persons in the political party that have over the decades extended suzerainty over sugar workers’ lives. These former renters of other people’s bottom houses now own mansions, after only twenty years in power. Here is where the sugar workers’ patrimony lay along with their foreparents’ hard work, not to diminish the creation of lands for agriculture by our African ancestors. As farmers, we of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) wish to express the view that love and compassion have not been extended to the dilemma of the now retrenched sugar workers. All those who busied themselves in the sugar industry, whether as managers, unionists, or others, have now withdrawn. The workers are on their own. To add fuel to fire, there has not been a national dialogue on sensitive issues. Diversification has now moved to divestment. The machinery of the State is now

empowered to advertise the sale of sugar lands, factories, machinery etc. Speculators with money are sharpening their jaws to gobble up sugar. Just like when rice silos were sold, which caused serious dislocation to the livelihood of another sector of the rural population. Editor, where has love for people been displayed? Are you aware that there is no representative of rural people in the Cabinet? Do not look at chaps from the countryside, they were never part of that patrimony, they left rural areas to escape poverty, which itself is the problem; not individuals who are poor, who represent immense human capital. The cause of poverty is not lack of money capital but underutilisation of material and especially human resources. The key to development clearly must be in the expansion of participation in productive activity, an objective that depends primarily on the ability of Government to accelerate the commercialisation of agriculture and, to expand employment through small scale industries in rural areas. A green economy is the ideal solution for Guyana at this stage of historical and social development. Sugar has fallen. The dimensions are sad. Vultures are hovering overhead. The same people who presided over sugar’s demise now, would make violent demonstration of their negligence, which is a mild way to suggest that they corrupted every aspect of sugar’s diversification from the World Bank’s advice in 1992 to shut down the Demerara estates and concentrate on Berbice. Concentrate on Berbice they did with

Skeldon, to misuse of European Union billions for sugar diversification and other sins. Witness who are the individuals leading the sugar workers’ protests in Berbice. Persons who are mercenaries to certain political parties never cut a stick of cane, even to suck its juice. Our agricultural communities, who are not operating in ideal farming conditions, have been displaying tremendous acumen in providing food for local consumption and export. We can do better in many areas, especially in post-harvest handling of produce and internal marketing, and other areas of good management in the 21st century. Sugar workers will be a great boon to our agriculture. This matter of providing the former cane lands to former sugar workers has been elaborated in other NFO publications. We now say this is the time for decisive action. What we lack is love, compassion, empathy and a feeling of nationhood. Are we wrong to feel let down by persons who came to our communities asking us to give them the chance to make changes? Did they mean change their economic outlook? Hafiz Rahman National Farmers Organization

Saturday January 13, 2018

Blatant disregard by an increasing number of drivers DEAR EDITOR, There seems to be a blatant disregard by an increasing number of drivers, for traffic signals in Guyana. Drivers can be seen casually driving through Red Lights at many of the traffic signals in and around Georgetown and its environs. In many instances, when traffic signals at one street changes to red and the other green, persons with the green “go signal” oftentimes are forced to wait while several cars drive through the red “stop signal”. Apparently, the amber light no longer serves as a warning to drivers to slow down for the approaching red light which signals drivers to stop. This signal seems to urge drivers to go even faster. This dangerous practice must stop immediately. Another moving violation committed by drivers (particularly minibus drivers plying the Homestretch Avenue route), is to turn south on to Vlissengen Road, especially when the light is red only to make a U-turn and then turn left on to Croal Street. This hazardous maneuver oftentimes places unsuspecting drivers in very dangerous situations.

The two scenarios outlined are not unique to Guyana. However, many countries in the world have put measures in place to deal with errant drivers, particularly those who flagrantly drive through red lights at traffic signals. In Guyana, stringent measures must be put in place to ensure that drivers at least adhere to the traffic signals. With this level of disregard for a simple rule of stop and go by drivers, it is no wonder ubiquitous lawlessness is displayed on our roadways. It is unfortunate that passengers who travel in minibuses whose drivers commit these traffic violations are silent. The noise only comes when persons are involved in inevitable accidents that result from such dangerous actions. People have to be more proactive so that they can protect themselves from the dangerous conditions that exist on our roads. While the installation of cameras may be costly at the moment, at least the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force could place ranks at certain traffic signals to catch and charge drivers who violate the traffic signals. Richard Francois

Time for an intelligent response... From page 4 street crimes is the fact that it is so visible, and its effects can be brutal to persons, thus it immediately stirs our humanity and our sense of vulnerability. But, be this as it may, this bias is dangerous. First, most criminals have a need to justify their act. The Chronicle of 30th December 2017 under caption “’Unruly boss’ chooses jail over fine.” Tells us of an offender who showed no remorse in court for steal-

ing his boss’s vehicle, reasoning he was right to do so since the boss owed him money. I did mention in an earlier letter that on suggesting to a person I knew, that he should stop dealing in drugs, he responded “why you ent going and tell the big ones that?” Both model citizens and criminals share the need to feel their actions are justified. Ignoring white collar crimes gives credence to street criminals’ argument that they are unfairly tar-

geted and therefore right to hit back. When we ignore white collar crime, it makes it hard for people like social workers to convince young people to stay away from crime. Also, let us remember that no crime affects the nation more negatively than while collar crime – crime of the rich and those in high positions. When government cannot assist children with school books; when parents visit the public hospitals, and cannot be helped with needed medication, if this inability to provide by government is tied to crime, then certainly street criminals are not to blame. Further, as a prominent clinical psychologist once observed “most poor people are not criminals, and many wealthy people are.” Crime prevention demands a response that is all encompassing, demanding contribution from the justice system, citizens, the government, private sector, trade unions etc. And yes, it also demands a response that targets both street and white-collar criminals. Claudius Prince

Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Full time waiter/waitress to work at Aagman Restaurant, Sheriff street, experience preferred. Call: 219-0158/ 2190161. Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Male to work night shift at hotel. Tel: 225-9211. Apply in person. Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wanted experience wash bay workers Nandy park. Tel:2335227 One cashier, one secretary, attractive salary. Call: 2237165. Security guards, 1 heavy duty mechanic, 1 cashier, 1 filing clerk, 1 accounting clerk, 1 company secretary. Call: 6044149 Experienced drivers, Waiters, Roti & puri cook, apply with written application, Hacks Restaurant, 5 Commerce St. Experienced hire car drivers and dispatchers for princess hotel Contact 616-5419, 2657076 Heavy duty mechanic to work in interior. Must know to drive and welding is an asset. 6802702 One welder to work in the interior. Meals and accommodation provided. Must have driver’s license. 680-2702 300+ acres fertile agriculture land on E.C.D. to lease OR partnership in agriculture project. 682-8251 1 Live-in nanny to take care of children and home. Must know to cook various food. 682-8251 1 Live-in maid between age 3550. Prefer out of town persons. Contact Ms. Edwards 6643918 between 8am-4pm Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player. Keyfood McDoom. Experienced Handyman, porter all below 40 years. Apply with written application. Keyfood McDoom Village. Private tutor for ACAA, Any two papers among F5-F9. Email interest to odalexa@yahoo.com We buy land in Eccles and Herstelling, we buy oil paintings on canvas. Tel# 656-0701/651-1969 Experience hair cutters/ stylists, nail technicians and Estheticians required at upscale salon. Please contact: 688-6945

VACANCY

VACANCY

Male factory worker, age 18 Handyman, age 20-50 years, and above, must have able bodied, police clearance working experience. For required. 691-2186, 663-3399 more info call: 223-0090 One maid. #639-9449 Chef and assistant cook. Call: Female domestic worker to 225-7933 or visit us 172 work at private residence. Call: Sheriff Street. 690-4722. General maintenance man, Live-in or part time maid, call Ages 24-55. Address 233 695-5505 or 611-6364 between 9am to 4pm South road, Tele# 225-0198 Welder/fabricator, machinist, One customer service mechanic, must have representative. Age 18 and over. Must have working technical background and experience, send application three years’ experience. Call: via email: 233-2745 Office clerk Senior/Junior CXC humredes@gmail.com English/Mathematics, One receptionist, age 18 and Computer knowledge an over, must have working asset, Call: 223-7500 experience. Please send One maid for East Bank area, application via email: must know to cook and clean. humresdes@gmail.com Call: 614-4358 One Mechanic with sewing Vacancy exists for individuals machine experience, age 25 in Berbice. Work your own and over, please send time, unlimited earnings, application via email: attractive benefits. Call 679humresdes@gmail.com 2497 Housekeeper, Female, age 25- Vacancy exists for 1 pharmacy 50 years able bodied. 691- experienced technician to work part time 2186, 663-3399 @ a reputable pharmacy 1 male to work at vulcanizing Georgetown- Call: 227-0630 & Tyre repair shop. Must have Shipping Assistant, Accounts experience. Call 690-4722 clerk- must have knowledge Cook/Baker & Kitchen of QuickBooks. Tel: 616-5591/ Assistant for interior location. 665-3676/226-0395. Applicants must be Receptionist/Washer & experienced. Call: 618-2020 Presser/Hotel attendant/Bell 1 cleaner & kitchen assistant, boy info@vgiworld.com preferably female (to work in P o r t e r / C l e r k / D r i v e r chinese restaurant). Contact: info@vgiworld.com 227-7714/ 231-5108, 625-8884 223-3448. Experienced Security Live in maid, must know to Professionals. Must have 3 cook and clean. More info 664yrs. experience, past military/ 5503 or 676-1748 security. Send resume & LAND FOR SALE picture by email:. bvisecurityandinvestigators @ g m a i l . c o m Parafaitend Harmonie- High income 2 Avenue pitch road One female cleaner and driver with big parpet, concrete wall for office in Eccles. Call: 233- (100ft x 50ft) $3M Tele: 6562745 0701/651-1969 Cleaner – submit written application to Barton-Sukhraj Farm (Newly fence) (East Accounting Lot 78 Breda & Bank) $3.5M Uivlugt (100ft x Hadfield Street, Werk-en-rust 50ft) $3M Herstelling $2.5M or e-mail to Parafaite Harmonie $1M & 1.4M Tel# 656-0701/651-1969 bs.taxes@yahoo.com Temporary Tax Consultant – Minimum qualification – CXC inclusive of Mathematics, Accounting & English, e-mail application to bs.taxes@yahoo.com

Parafaite Harmonie 1.4M 3.5M 1.6M 2.5M Herstelling 3.5M Tuschen 5M 5.5M, all prices negotiable. Call: 6662326. 100 acres Agricultural land, right bank, Barima river,NWD, Essequibo. 668-7687/677-9638

WANTED Drivers for Private cars & minibus route 44 all previous Lot 46 (Long Dam) applicants can re-apply. Call: Vergenoegen East Bank Essequibo. Land approx 225-3234 10,000 sq ft Building 656 sq ft. One skilled gasoline mechanic $4.5 neg. Tel: 628-9390 Contact 671-8122/649-1290 Attractive Salary TOLET Wanted experience cashier, supervisor & salegirls, apply in person. Sales persons apply to Shanta’s. 225 Camp St

Lodge apartments (Vlissengen/Durban): unfurnished $40,000-60,000 p/m. Furnished (for visitors) $600 US p/m. 668-7687/6779638/697-6421

Saturday January 13, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Govt. distances itself from Imran Khan’s views on MPs trip to India The dust up between the India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Venkatachalam, and Director of Communications, Imran Khan, has engaged the attention of Prime Moses Nagamottoo. This was disclosed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at his post-cabinet media briefing. Harmon told reporters that Government does not endorse the Facebook post by Khan which questioned the Indian Government’s decision to exclude Coalition Government Ministers from the conference for Members of Parliament of Indian heritage which was held in Indian on Tuesday. “I have seen the article in the newspaper and what I would say is that it does not represent the position of the Government,” Harmon stated. Khan took to Facebook on Wednesday evening, stating that ‘something smells and it ain’t parfum’. He questioned whether the Indian High Commission in Guyana was interfering in Guyana’s internal affairs and attempting to engage in the destabilisation of the Coalition Government. Khan’s portfolio falls under the Prime Minister’s office. He is also a high-ranking official of the Alliance For Change (AFC), which makes up the Coalition Government. Khan’s Facebook post was in connection with the 23 representatives from Guyana who attended the special conference for the People of Indian Origin Members of Parliament, held in India. Guyana’s delegation was the largest and included 20 MPs, 17 from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and three from the Coalition Government. “Were any of the IndoGuyanese Ministers of Government and sitting Members of Parliament invited to the Persons of Indian Origin Members of Parliament Conference currently ongoing in India? Or did the High Commission only and deliberately invite three Coalition Government backbench parliamentarians while

specifically ignoring ministers? If so, on what basis was this decision made?” Khan questioned. Harmon stated that Government shares excellent relations with India through a mutually beneficial arrangement that in the event of an aberration both sides can basically agree on what is the view of the government. Khan, yesterday, doubled on his previous assertions by pointing to Jamaica’s Attorney General, Marlene MalahooForte’s attendance at the conference. According to Khan, Malahoo-Forte is an elected member of the Jamaica Parliament and a ranking member of Cabinet. “She was invited to and attended the Persons of Indian Origin Parliamentarians Conference in New Delhi, India. No Minister from Guyana was invited. Only non-minister

- PM to intervene in debacle MPs were invited from Guyana. Why the double standard?” Khan questioned. Harmon stated that there is not much control that that Government can exercise over postings made by Government employees on their personal pages. “This question of people posting on their blogs and so on, there is not much control which you can exercise over it because people put up things on their personal pages and all we can do is ask that if you are in Government that you exercise a certain amount of restraint in putting out information there which are your personal opinions. In the initial post, Khan tagged the Indian High Commissioner. Several

comments supported Khan’s decision to express his views via his personal Facebook page while others were critical of a senior government spokesman making his views public. Some persons called on Khan to remove the post, among them Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence. “This is distasteful and not in keeping with how this Government treats their guests,” Lawrence stated in response to Khan’s post. It was later removed. The High Commissioner described Khan’s comments as reckless in addressing a serious issue on social media. He stated that comments were a clear intention to mislead the general public by none other than Director of Public Information. “[It] is unfortunate,

Director of Communications, Imran Khan irresponsible, unprofessional and to say the least, mischievous, given the excellent bilateral relations being enjoyed by both India and Guyana and the ongoing friendly

Another charged with murder of overseas-based Guyanese Another man was yesterday charged with the murder of French Guianabased Guyanese, Purcell Junior Moore, who was shot dead during a robbery last month at Craig, East Bank Demerara. Selwyn Dawson, 21, a mason, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan indicted for murder. Particulars of the charge alleged that on December 20, 2017 at Old Road Craig, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Moore during the course of a robbery. An unrepresented Dawson was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts. Moore was returning home from a shop when three men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, confronted him. An argument reportedly erupted

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MURDER ACCUSED: Selwyn Dawson

MURDERED: Purcell Junior Moore

MURDER ACCUSED: Kevin Persaud

between Moore and the men. This escalated into a scuffle, during which the individual with the gun discharged several rounds at Moore, hitting him in the right side of the chest before fleeing. Moore was rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was

pronounced dead on arrival. Police found two spent shells from a small calibre handgun on the scene. Dawson is the second person to be charged with the killing. About one week after Moore was killed, Kevin Persaud, 21, of 14th Avenue Diamond, East Bank Demerara,

the alleged trigger man, was charged for Moore’s murder. He appeared before City Magistrate Faith McGusty and was remanded to prison on the indictable charge. It was reported that Persaud told detectives that Moore’s killing was a “wuk.” He claimed that he accompanied the two other men but was not the one who pulled the trigger. Dawson and Persaud were ordered to return to court on January 22, after Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that advice is being sought on whether to charge them jointly for the offence.

driver... New York City sues ExxonMobil, Shell, other... Taxi From page 20 From page 13 devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, calling it “a tragedy wrought by the actions of the fossil fuel companies.” He detailed the 44 people who died in New York as a result of Sandy, as well as the estimated $19 billion in damage it caused. “That is the face of climate change,” de Blasio said. “That is what it means in human and real terms.” De Blasio claimed fossil fuel companies were complicit in worsening climate change, because they knew of the problem decades ago but continued to sell a product to Americans that contributed to only more greenhouse-gas

emissions. “The city of New York is taking on these five giants because they are the central actors, they are the first ones responsible for this crisis and they should not get away with it anymore,” he said, adding: “We're going after those who have profited. And what a horrible, disgusting way to profit — the way it puts so many people's lives in danger.” “It's time that they are held accountable,” de Blasio said. “It's time that things change in the way we do business.” In addition to the litigation, officials said they expect to divest up to $5 billion in investments from as many as 190 companies with fossil fuel

cooperation in various multilateral fora,” Mahalingam stated. According to Indian officials, the PPP delegation was led by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo; and includes Clement Rohee, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Dr. Frank Anthony, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Indranie Chandarpal, Collin Croal, Bheri S. Ramsarran, Zulfikar Mustapha, Ganga Persaud, Neendkumar, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Nigel Dharamlall, Bhagmattie Veerasammy and Vickram Bharrat. The coalition members who attended the conference are Rajcoomarie Bancroft, Charrandass Persaud and Haimraj Rajkumar. Corriverton’s Mayor, Krishnand Jaichand, was in attendance along with Anna Regina’s Mayor, Rabindranauth Mohan, and Vijay Ramoo, the Mayor of Rose Hall.

ties, even as they promised to maintain their fiduciary duty to New York's pensioners. “We're using this moment to send a message to the world,” said New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer. “We believe a green economy is a thriving economy.” Bill McKibben, an author and co-founder of the climate advocacy group 350.org, praised the city's actions Wednesday. “I've been watching the climate fight for the last 30 years,” McKibben told reporters. “This is one of the handful of most important moments in that 30-year fight.” But the oil and gas lobby said that by not investing in their industry, New York was

doing city workers a disservice. “Today Mayor de Blasio turned his back on millions of first responders, police officers and public employees who depend on their pensions to provide for themselves and their families in retirement,” said Karen Moreau, New York Executive Director for the American Petroleum Institute, the largest U.S. oil and gas lobbying group. “Government pension managers have a responsibility by law to seek the greatest return for their investors and pensions that invest in oil and natural gas companies have historically delivered a stronger return than other investments.”

escaped lawful custody. The Magistrate told the court that the prosecution was unable to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt citing that insufficient evidence was led by the prosecution team. He added that the accused was charged under the wrong section of the law. According to information on the day in question about 23:40 hrs, the defendant was arrested and taken into police custody on an allegation of rape and robbery. It was reported that about 02:30hrs the following day, the prisoner managed to unlock his handcuff and ran out the station after pushing a female police constable down who attempted to stop him.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday January 13, 2018

Two police officers with Guyana roots first for Schenectady city SCHENECTADY, NY (Daily Gazette) — The city on Friday added 14 new police officers — the largest group of recruits to be added in the 21st Century, and one that adds women and the first Guyanese-Americans to the force. The addition of two officers of Guyanese descent is a first for the city, which has developed a significant Guyanese population over the past two decades. “I’ve always wanted to be in law enforcement,” said Shaquille A. Hemerding, one of the Guyanese-American officers. “I want to challenge myself every day.” The 23-year-old, who moved here from Brooklyn while in the fourth grade, is a graduate of Niskayuna High School. He has attended Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College. He recognises that he will become a role model to other citizens of Guyanese background. “I want to show everyone, wherever they come from, that they can come forward and can challenge themselves,”

Hemerding said after he and the other new officers were sworn in by Mayor Gary McCarthy. Most of the recruits, none of whom has previous police experience, will attend a regional police academy in Colonie for six months and will then work under supervision before becoming fullfledged officers. It’s a process that takes about a year, overall, said Police Chief Eric Clifford. “It’s important that the Police Department be reflective of the community, and we’ve done that,” Clifford said. “But first, these are quality candidates.” The hiring brings the Police Department to its budgeted staffing level of 161 officers, Clifford said. Six will replace officers expected to be assigned to the Schenectady County street crime task force, and eight are filling vacancies. McCarthy said the hiring shows Schenectady is taking the measures needed to maintain public safety, as the city works to improve its image to attract more residents. “We’re not going to tol-

erate people who do not play by the rules,” McCarthy told the recruits, before a large audience of family members and friends. “We’re going to make sure the community is safe.” Leah R. Howe, 26, is a Schenectady native who attended Schenectady County Community College and worked for the past three years as a corrections officer at the county jail. “I’m looking forward to having a job where you don’t know what to expect — to challenging myself every day,” Howe said. “I’ve always wanted to do this, either this or be in the military, have a safer community and be a better person,” said Nicholas Smith, 23, a graduate of Schenectady High School with a University at Albany degree in digital forensics. He has attended Finger Lakes Community College and SCCC. “I was involved in every step of the selection process, and so was the command staff,” Clifford said. The appointments were actually made by McCarthy. (dailygazette.com)

Region refuses machine, demanded...

The bulldozer in question. From page 17 for a reconditioned D3 angleblade bulldozer to KP Management Company. I would have since instructed the supplier verbally on January 9, 2018 that he needs to retrieve the bulldozer and to supply the one that he would have been awarded,” the REO disclosed yesterday. Mechanics found several problems with the machine that was supplied. “I want it to be noted that I am not interested whether these defects can be fixed…the contract was breached and this was noted

in the letter.” The REO added that failure to supply the region with the correct equipment within 60 days will see the region taking legal action against the company. It was explained that the monies for the bulldozer did not come from the Regional Administration. Officials indicated that from the evidence, the equipment was delivered and monies paid without the necessary checks to ensure what was supplied was what was stated in the contract. The REO stated that the

bulldozer was delivered on December 20, 2017. According to Regional Chairman, David Armogan, the bulldozer was not bought through the region since its cost was over the regional limit of $14M. The purchase of the equipment has been angering Berbicians who are questioning why no actions are being taken for what is clearly a procurement breach. The matter is being hotly debated on social media, with Berbicians divided on the issue.

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Kaieteur News

Trump denies vulgar remarks about Haiti, African countries; condemnation mounts Trump denies vulgar remarks about Haiti, African countries; condemnation mounts WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Facing strong condemnation at home and abroad, U.S. President Donald Trump yesterday denied using the word “shithole” to describe Haiti and African countries, but kept up criticism of a Senate immigration plan that he said would force the United States to admit people from countries that “are doing badly.” Trump reportedly made

the remarks at a White House meeting on immigration on Thursday. U.S. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who attended the gathering, told reporters yesterday that Trump used “vile, vulgar” language, including repeatedly using the word “shithole” when speaking about African countries. The Republican president’s comments were decried as racist by African and Haitian politicians, by the United Nations human rights office and by U.S. lawmakers from both major parties. Trump, who has been accused of racism over several

issues since he took office a year ago, sought to walk back the comments on Friday, saying on Twitter, “The language used by me at the DACA meeting was tough, but this was not the language used.” Trump also denied saying “anything derogatory about Haitians other than Haiti is, obviously, a very poor and troubled country.” According to two sources, at Thursday’s meeting Trump questioned why the United States would want to accept immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as “shithole countries.”

Saturday January 13, 2018

Concerned relatives want to hear... From page 19 immediate moves to be made to suction the clot. “These are usually post mortem diagnosis...when the patient is dead a lot of times the cause is known but we were able to make the diagnosis before, but we still couldn't save her,” said Dr. Singh. She continued, “We did everything that would have been done in any international centre but this patient had such a massive clot that she couldn't be saved.” Even as she stressed that there was no negligence or wanting care by experts at the hospital, Dr. Singh asserted that “even in the most advanced countries some deaths do occur. We did our best to save this patient and we did what any advanced centre could have done including providing emergency

Cath Lab facilities.” The hospital in a statement said, “If her [Peters] family was so concerned, then they should have found out more about her condition.” Meanwhile, the relatives are also contending that hospital officials refused to release Peters' newborn baby into their care until they paid in full the balance owed for the medical attention rendered. According to Dover, she was personally told of this stance of the hospital and thus she was the one to make the relevant payment before the baby was released. But the hospital in response to the family's accusation said, “An offer was made for our paediatric nurses to care for the baby while the father was making arrangements for the baby's care. At no time was it said that the

bill must be paid off before the baby can leave the hospital.” The hospital has insisted, too, that it informed the father of the child that it was imperative for the baby to complete a 24-hour observation period before being discharged. But according to Dover, 24 hours had long elapsed when attempts were made to gain access to the baby. All hospitals are mandated to complete a report and submit same to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within the Ministry of Public Health once a maternal death occurs. This publication understands that a report of this nature has been completed by the hospital for the attention of the CMO which should be followed by an investigation to determine whether the hospital was indeed culpable.

Saturday January 13, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Blackwood, Campbell hand Scorpions initiative KINGSTON, Jamaica, C M C – Te s t b a t s m a n Jermaine Blackwood confirmed his return to form with his second half-century of the match, as Jamaica Scorpions took the initiative over Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their ninth round clash here yesterday. The right-hander, who top-scored with 81 in the hosts’ first innings on Thursday’s opening day at Sabina Park, returned with another fiery 70 as his side reached 182 for seven at the close. Left-handed opener John Campbell hammered 55 and all-rounder Fabian Allen chimed in with 24 but

Scorpions squandered much of their advantage after slipping from a strong position of 138 for three. Seamer Sheno Berridge (2-44) and off-spinner Chaim Holder (2-51) picked up two wickets apiece to lead the Hurricanes bowling. The visitors had earlier scrapped it out, converting their precarious overnight position of 60 for four into 171 all out in their first innings. Keacy Carty, unbeaten on 20 at the start, topscored with 78 while his overnight p a r t n e r, wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton, supported with 40.

The right-handed Carty stroked six fours and a six in a 211-ball knock, anchoring two key stands to get Hurricanes close to their target. First, he extended his fifth wicket stand with Hamilton to 67 before inspiring a 44-run, eighth wicket partnership with Mervin Mathew (18). Hurricanes then lost three wickets for 30 runs to crash to 125 for seven. Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs was outstanding, picking up his 12th fivewicket haul in first class cricket as he finished with seven for 74, while captain and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller supported with two

Saturday January 13, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be cautious while traveling to foreign countries. Get involved in groups and organizations that are of a distinguished nature. Your intuition will be right on. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Get ready to do some fancy footwork when it comes to taking care of your financial situation. You must look into your options. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Family outings that aren't expensive will be enjoyable and help strengthen ties. Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with. Focus on your own domestic problems. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Do not sign contracts or get involved in any uncertain financial deals. Do not ruffle feathers if possible. Don't think the worst if you hear something negative about your partner. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't make any drastic changes or begin new projects today. Find a way to consolidate. Put your time and energy into travel, philosophy, and soul-searching. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. Discuss your objectives with partners or peers.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try to curb overindulgence today. Your romantic inclination should lead to a committed relationship. Get busy trying to make more money. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money. Take some time to change your house around. If you can't get away, make plans to do something special with friends or relatives. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You are best not to discuss your personal life with others. Be careful signing important contracts today. Invite friends over. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan.19) You can make gains if you look at long-term investments. You will be encouraged to get involved in a moneymaking venture. Resist the temptation to gamble. Risks will not be profitable. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Your ability to put a deal together will surprise others. It's time to get yourself back on track. Don't let others bully you into agreeing with them. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You are best to avoid joint ventures, and whatever you do, don't lend to friends or relatives. Abrupt changes in your home may send you for a loop. Don't bother getting even; they'll make themselves look bad.

for 32. Armed with a lead of 28 runs, Scorpions’ second innings started uncertainly when Assad Fudadin fell without scoring with the score on 22 and Chadwick Walton departed for five at 54 for two. Blackwood then joined with Campbell to add 41 for the third wicket before combining with Paul Palmer (13) in a 43-run fourth wicket partnership. All told, Blackwood struck eight fours and a six in a 97-ball innings while Campbell produced a cameo, facing a mere 48 deliveries and counting seven fours and a six. Once Palmer was dismissed, the Scorpions in-

nings declined, as four wickets went down for 43 runs. Scorpions lead by 210 runs with two days remaining in the contest. Scores: SCORPIONS 197 (Jermaine Blackwood 81, John Campbell 28, Assad Fudadin 24; Sheno Berridge 4-46, Chaim

Holder 3-50, Jeremiah Louis 3-62) and 182 for seven (Jermaine Blackwood 70, John Campbell 55, Fabian Allen 24; Sheno Berridge 244, Chaim Holder 2-51). HURRICANES 171 (Keacy Carty 78, Jahmar Hamilton 40; Damion Jacobs 7-74, Nikita Miller 232).

PAGE 28

Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News

MCG gets official ICC warning for ‘poor’ pitch MELBOURNE (Reuters) The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has received an official warning after the pitch for the fourth Ashes test was rated ‘poor’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC) earlier this month. The track drew criticism from both teams after the drawn clash between Australia and England saw only 24 wickets fall over five days, the only stalemate in a series dominated 4-0 by the hosts as they regained the urn. Australia scored 327 and 263 for four declared, while England scored 491 in their only innings, with match referee Ranjan Madugalle saying in his report that the surface did not allow for an even contest between bat and ball. Cricket Australia (CA) did not contest the rating given by Madugalle, the governing body said in a statement. “Cricket Australia... highlighted that the ground is a frequently used venue that has no history of preparing poor pitches for international cricket,” the ICC said. The ICC said there was a commitment by both the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) and Cricket Australia to improve the pitches presented for international cricket at the MCG in the future. The Melbourne test was

The Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, Australia v England, 4th Test, Melbourne, December 26, 2017 © Getty Images the last to be rated under the ICC’s pitch and outfield monitoring process, with a revision of the system coming into effect from Jan. 4. Under the new process, if a pitch or outfield is rated as being substandard, that

venue will be allocated a number of demerit points, which will be active for a five-year period. The MCG will host the first one-day international between Australia and England tomorrow.

Navratilova backs Kvitova, Venus... Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic

South Korea proposes talks on North Korea’s participation in winter Olympics SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea has proposed workinglevel talks with North Korea on the latter’s participation in the Winter Olympics set for next month, the South’s unification ministry said yesterday. It suggested a date of January 15 for a meeting with the South’s three-member delegation led by vice minister

Chun Hae-sung, to discuss the North’s participation, the ministry said in a statement. Following the first inter-Korean talks this week in more than two years, the two sides had agreed to hold talks on Jan. 20, hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “The South also delivered a document presenting its

position regarding the North’s participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics and matters on cultural events,” the ministry added. Earlier, a senior Seoul official said the South made a proposal to the North for both to form a united women’s ice hockey team to participate in the Winter Olympics.

UCCA’s Baijnauth T20

#70 Spartans & # 72 All Stars in winner’s row

From page 27 faster - so the surface should be perfect for her.” Serena Williams decided not to defend her title in Melbourne this year after saying she was not yet ready to compete at the top level after giving birth to her first child in September.

It leaves her sister Venus with another opportunity to win her first Australian Open title, having finished runnerup last year. “While this tournament is wide open, and there are a number of players who could win the title, I would give Williams a slight edge over the others,”

Navratilova added. “Last year, Williams came so close in Melbourne... and now she goes into the tournament knowing she won’t have to deal with Serena, and that should put some pep in her step.” The first grand slam of the year begins at Melbourne Park on Monday.

Joining the list of winners in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association’s (UCCA) Baijnauth T20 competition were Number 70 Spartans and Number 72 All Star teams after registering wins over Guns & Roses and Bomb Squad respectively. Performing in front of a huge crowd at the Number 72 All Stars Ground, the hosts defeated Bomb Squad by 46 runs after scoring 129-7 and dismissing the opposition for a paltry 83. Sanjay Deochand (26), M. Bhoj (24) and Demetri Cameron (21) were the main contributors with the bat, while P. Gobin (419) and D Pooran 92-20) were the main wickettakers for Bomb Squad. Only P. Luen (23) reached double figures when Bomb Squad replied as W. Garnett 4-15, Demetri Cameron 2-21 and S. Gobin 2-16 did the damage. At the Number 70 Ground, Spartans defeated Guns & Roses by four wickets after reaching 118-6 off 17.3 overs in reply to Guns & Roses’ 116 all out.

Saheed Rohoman (30), Neaz Ali (35) and Brandon Mohan (16) led the way for Guns & Roses, while Mohamed Deochand 4-18, Tameshwar Ramotar 2-20, and Naeem Yacoob 2-20 were the main wicket-takers for Spartans. Tameshwar Ramotar scored 36, Akash Persaud 34, Taresh Ramgolam 23 and Chris Bollers 19 all contributed meaningfully with the bat for Spartans. Omesh Mathura 2-20 and T. Baichan 1-16 bowled well in a losing cause. At a simple ceremony after the games, Number 70 Spartans and the members of the Guns & Roses thanked the UCCA and its President Hamant Jagdeo for the holding a successful competition. Jagdeo thanked the teams for their discipline shown throughout the game and encouraged them to work with the youngsters in the Upper Corentyne Area to and improve the level of the game. The competition continues tomorrow at venues across the Upper Corentyne area.

Saturday January 13, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Team Midas Touch qualifies for Millrose Games Team Midas Touch, Coached by Andy MedasKing, founder and Organizer of the King Medas-Pansy Adonis Classic Foundation, qualified for the 111th Millrose Games set for the Armory in Manhattan on February 3. This track is considered the World’s fastest Indoor Hall of Fame track in the World. The team includes Kcaysha Medas-King, Kayleigh Jameison, Alana Moore and Anissa Moore, all between 10 and 12 years old, was put together on the spot and made headlines. Kcaysha Medas-King, who is not fully fit due to a hip injury and middle distance runner Kayleigh, ensured that the team did well. Anissa anchored the team to give them qualification before returning to win the 400m to qualify for the 12 and under event. Kcaysha ran a well gauged 400m for an athlete who is now making a come-back from severe injury to place 10th overall in a heat the

was decided by 100th of second. Medas-King explained that this is the same success he is trying to bring to Guyana in the junior Olympic Games. The young Kunusasha Medas-King was also in action this time in the 55m dash for a spot in the finals for the 8 & under title of the fastest kid on the block, an accolade won by her sister Kcaysha in 2014 at the then 108th Millrose games. “In the next Junior Olympic Games there will be an 8 & under, 100m race for the fastest child in Guyana so we can start identifying young talents like these in the USA,” said Medas-King. “Its events like these that can bring that change to a country that have so much talent and I am encouraging more sponsors to come forward and help build this games into a nursery where we can take these talents to the next level,” continued Medas-king.

Chelsea back investigation into racism allegations against two former coaches (Reuters) - Chelsea will cooperate with any investigations into allegations of racism and bullying made against former coaches Graham Rix and Gwyn Williams by three former youth team players, the Premier League club said yesterday. A report in the Guardian newspaper alleged that Rix and Williams racially abused and physically attacked black players during the 1990s. “We take allegations of this nature extremely seriously,” a Chelsea statement said. “We are absolutely determined to do the right thing, to fully support those affected, assist the authorities and support their investigations.” The statement was read out by Chelsea’s director of communications, Steve Atkins, in manager Antonio Conte’s news conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match at home against Leicester City. Eddie Johns, the solicitor representing Rix and Williams, released a statement on his cli-

ents’ behalf saying: “Our clients deny all and any allegations of racial or other abuse. “These allegations were the subject of a thorough investigation by specialist officers of the Metropolitan Police Service. The MPS did not consider there was sufficient evidence even to report it to the Crown Prosecution Service. Our clients cooperated with that investigation. “The allegations in The Guardian newspaper are contained, as we understand it, within correspondence sent to Chelsea Football Club. That correspondence has not been seen by our clients or by us. “No correspondence has been sent to our clients or us by these individuals or those representing them. We will of course deal with any allegations if made directly to our clients. “Our clients are cooperating fully with the FA in this matter.” When contacted by Reuters, an FA spokesperson said: “The FA is not in a position to comment on this matter.”

Bravo cameo fails to save Renegades in derby MELBOURNE, Australia, CMC – Dwayne Bravo’s handy cameo was not enough to help Melbourne Renegades stave off defeat, as their cross-town rivals Melbourne Stars broke out of their rut to win their first match of the Australian Big Bish here yesterday. Chasing 168 at Docklands Stadium in the Melbourne derby, Renegades came up short by 23 runs, handing their neighbours their first points of the tournament in their sixth outing. The right-handed Bravo, batting at number four, topscored with 26 from 18 deliveries with two fours and a six. He put on 35 for the fifth wicket with Afghan allrounder Mohammad Nabi (23) before perishing in the 14th over, caught at long-on off seamer Evan Gulbis. Jack Wildermuth pitched in with 23 off 11 deliveries but the Renegades innings slowly fizzled out and lost momentum. Left-arm pacer Jackson

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo. Coleman was the best bowler with three for 47. Earlier, Stars rattled up 167 for four off their 20 overs after being sent in, with former England star Kevin Pietersen smashing 74 off 46 deliveries and opener Peter Handscomb getting 41. Ben Dunk fell to the third

ball of the match without a run on the board but Pietersen added 110 for the second wicket with Handscomb to revive the innings. Bravo went wicket-less in his four overs which cost 38 runs while Nabi claimed two for 15 from four brilliant overs of off-spin.

Navratilova backs Kvitova, Venus at Australian Open

Dottin shines with the ball in Heat win MACKAY, Australia, CMC – West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin shone with the ball but struggled with the bat, as her Brisbane Heat strolled to a five-wicket victory over Melbourne Stars, to go joint top of the Women’s Big Bash League. Opting to bat first at Harrup Park yesterday, Stars rallied to a competitive 133 for three off their 20 overs, with Dottin the best bowler snaring two for 13 from three overs of tight medium pace. Katie Mack top-scored with 57, anchoring stands of 32 for the first wicket with South African Lizelle Lee (15) and 77 for the second wicket with Mignon du Preez (30), also of South Africa. Dottin accounted for Lee in the sixth over, caught and the wicket and returned to prise out du Preez, lbw in the 18th. In reply, Heat were fired by opener Beth Mooney’s 57

Venus Williams of the USA

Brisbane Heat all-rounder Deandra Dottin. from 38 deliveries while Jess Jonassen finished unbeaten on 23. Dottin, batting at number three, failed with two, falling lbw to leg-spinner Alana King

(2-22) in the 10th over. The win took Heat to 12 points, alongside Sydney Thunder who boast in their ranks Dottin’s Windies captain, Stafanie Taylor.

(Reuters) - Former world number one Martina Navratilova believes Petra Kvitova’s attacking style of play makes her one of the top contenders for next week’s Australian Open, while Venus Williams’ experience gives her the edge over the rest of the women’s field. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, missed the entire Australian season last year after she received a serious injury to her playing hand while fighting off a knife-wielding intruder

in her home in Dec. 2016. Despite winning a grasscourt title in Birmingham, it was not until the U.S. Open where Kvitova looked close to reaching her top form, reaching the quarter-finals, and then going a step further with a semi-final appearance in Beijing in October. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Petra Kvitova - after all, she’s a Czech lefty like me - and my admiration and affection for her has only grown due to the way she has fought back to form over the last 12

months,” Navratilova wrote in her column for the WTA’s official website (www.wtatennis.com). “In the absence of Serena Williams, I believe it’s entirely possible Kvitova could end up landing the title at the Australian Open... and what a story that would be. “Kvitova’s attacking tennis brought her two Wimbledon titles, and the Plexicushion courts in Melbourne are lightning quick - like grass, only (Continued on page 26)

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Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News

RHT Pepsi defeat Ramnarine Memorial CC by 55 runs to open RHTY&SC 2018 Season - Club makes donation to Berbice Cricket Umpires Association The Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19 Team of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS started their 2018 Campaign with an easy 55 runs victory over the Ramnarine Memorial Cricket Club at the Kennard Cricket Ground. The Rose Hall Town Pepsi Team were specially invited by the home team to start the 2018 season. The match was delayed by early morning rain and was reduced to 30-Overs per side. Rose Hall Town Pepsi won the toss and elected to bat first despite the pitch being full of moisture. They reached 174 all out in 29.5 Overs with national junior cricketers Kevin Sinclair 63 and Junior Sinclair 69 being the principal scorers, while the talented Kevlon Anderson supported with 18. Kevin Sinclair’s innings included four massive sixes and five boundaries, while Junior Sinclair struck six maximums and four boundaries. Bowling for Ramnarine Memorial, J. Dipnarine took 3 wickets for 31 runs and Amar Ramnarine 3 for 16. In response, the home team were rocked early by hostile pace bowling from Kevlon Anderson and Joshua Wilson and found themselves at 16 for 3 in the fifth over. E. Mendonca and Rawle Park then featured in a partnership of 39 for the 4th wicket before Mendonca was dismissed by Kevin Sinclair for 18. Only

Park 20 and an aggressive Dipnarine with 33 offered any resistance as their team was bowled out for 119 off 25.3 Overs. Bowling for Rose Hall Town Pepsi Under-19, Sinclair completed a fine allround performance by taking three wickets for 18 runs, Kevlon Anderson 2 for 11 and Keith Simpson 2 for 13. Kevin Sinclair was named Man of the Match and received a pair of batting gloves as his prize. Meanwhile, the team on Friday last, the club handed over a financial donation to the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association towards the hosting of their Annual Social Get Together and Award Ceremony. The team also handed a trophy and a quantity of educational materials to the President of the Umpires Association, Joseph Simon. The trophy would be used to honour Umpire Albert Sinclair for his success at the Umpires Association. Asst Secretary of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Simon Naidu, who is also a member of the Pepsi Team, stated that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club received a request from the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association and approved it immediately. The donation was the first of its kind made by the Cricket Teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation in 2018 and

RHT Pepsi Under-19 Team. Naidu stated that while the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would be cutting back on donations in the new year, assistance would be given to those who work hard and make a positive difference in the lives of others especially youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the

donations to the Umpires were in recognition on their outstanding contributions toward the development of Berbice Cricket and the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club does not need any favour in return. Among the players in the Pepsi Under-19 Team are Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Sylus Tyndall, Jun-

ior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Matthew Pattaya, Chanderpaul Govindan, Vikash Subramanie, Joshua Wilson, Mahendra Gopilall and Jeremy Sandian.

The Pepsi Team along with the nine other cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would next make a donation to the Rose Hall Town Primary School under the Club’s Say Yes to Education Programme.

Red Force stumble despite St Clair career-best ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Kavem Hodge struck a career-best hundred but left-arm quick Daniel St Clair answered with a personal best of his own, yet Trinidad and Tobago Red Force found themselves against the ropes in their ninth round Regional Four-Day match here yesterday. The right-handed Hodge converted his overnight 87 into a splendid 128 as Windward Islands Volcanoes rallied to 366 all out on the second day of the contest at the National Stadium here. Not to be left out, St Clair snatched six for 62 – his maiden five-wicket haul in first class cricket. Red Force were then floored by a two-wicket burst from left-arm seamer Delorn

Johnson (2-16) as they staggered to the close on 51 for four. Left-handed Amir Jangoo stroked 24 but was one of two wickets to fall in the space of 17 balls towards the end of play. Earlier, Volcanoes resumed on 270 for four but suffered an early blow when they lost left-hander Kyle Mayers after he added just one to his overnight 73, with two added to the overall total. His demise ended a promising 117-run fifth wicket stand with Hodge, and when wicketkeeper Dennis Smith fell to the very next delivery to leave St Clair on a hat-trick, Volcanoes were in danger of a quick decline. Hodge, however, found an ally in former Test spin-

ner Shane Shillingford, and they put on 53 for the seventh wicket to stabilise the innings. The 24-year-old Hodge, who has been in good touch this season, grabbed the chance to raise his second first class hundred. All told, he faced 348 deliveries and struck 11 boundaries. Shillingford, meanwhile, got 24 from 53 balls counting three fours and a six. The partnership ended when left-arm spinner Khary Pierre (2-44) prised out Shillingford, leading to the last four wickets tumbling for 41 runs. There was no joy for Red Force in reply as Johnson claimed Jeremy Solozano to the sixth ball of the innings before he had scored, with just three

runs on the board. Pacer Sherman Lewis then t r apped Ewart Nicholson lbw for two with the score on 13 in the fourth over to leave the visitors in further strife before Jangoo and Yannic Cariah (7) offered a temporary reprieve in a 26run, third wicket partnership. The innings appeared to be settling down when Jangoo perished at the hands of Johnson and Cariah followed him soon afterwards. Red Force trail by 315 runs heading into day three today. Scores: VOLCANOES 366 (Kavem Hodge 128, Kyle Mayers 74, Devon Smith 45, Roland Cato 26, Shane Shillingford 24; Daniel St Clair 6-62, Khary Pierre 2-44). RED FORCE 51 for four (Amir Jangoo 24; Delorn Johnson 2-16).

Umpire Simon (right) receives donation from RHTYSC.

Saturday January 13, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Guyana Football Review Pt. 3

The GFF Elite League and Super 16 yearend tournament The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite league third season kicked off on Sunday November 19, 2017 at the Leonora Track and Field facility, football pitch with a double header. This late start by two months from the league’s original September scheduled kick off was explained by President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, who said the reason for the delay of the league which is being funded exclusively by the local governing body: “We (GFF) were working with FIFA to finalise a proposal that would’ve seen them (FIFA) fund the league.” The GFF boss in an interview with this publication further stated that his organisation in seasons one and two of the Elite league funded 85% of the 50-60 million dollars event that runs for a projected nine months from September to May. This funding, Forde explained, was coming from the GFF’s operational and developmental funds that placed the federation’s accounts in a deficit, so it was important that the deal to have FIFA fund the league finalised. The deal that the GFF made with FIFA will see the world governing football body funding the Elite League for three (3) seasons starting with this current season. Forde posited that he and the current GFF executive committee are, “Hopeful that after the three-year support from FIFA that Guyana’s Elite

League will become attractive enough to sustain itself with a broader cross section of sponsors and also the return of fans that will help generate revenue from entry fees.” Forde shared the fact that it is hard to run a sustainable model of professional football within the Caribbean Football Union without any support and he explained that the Jamaican and Trinidad and Tobago Football Federations receive much support from their governments. In fact, Forde highlighted the TT$80,000 which each pro-club in the Twin Island Republic receives to help with overhead costs, since the T&T government sees sports as a way and means of curbing crime and keeping youths off the streets. At the moment, the GFF league is on a break and managers are busy in this January transfer market seeking to bolster their respective squads. After two completed rounds in season three of the Elite League, newly promoted club, Den Amstel is top of the table with two wins, slightly ahead of Victoria Kings and Fruta Conquerors that have also won both their games on goal difference. When the competition resumes on Friday, February 2nd, newly promoted clubs, Milerock, New Amsterdam United, Ann’s Grove and Cougars which have lost both their respective matches, will be hoping to get some points on the board and escape relegation.

Team GDF pose with their GFF Super 16 year-end Classic Championship trophy. The GFF in a statement noted that the League is not an expense but an investment and this is a major fact for Guyana’s football to develop. Super 16 yearend tournament The inaugural GFF Super16 year end Knockout tournament in 2017 that concluded on New Year’s Day was a success with a fitting final between “giant slayers” Grove Hi Tech and Elite

League champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The tournament that featured all ten Elite League teams and five of the best association teams in the nation along with an Indigenous AllStar XI, was divided into two groups of eight teams with the winner of each group contesting the final. Grove Hi Tech emerged from the more difficult of the two groups, easing past the likes of Western Tigers, fighting for a 10man come from behind victory against nemesis Police FC and brushing aside Fruta Conquerors on their way to the final. Grove was led by stellar performances from national players Kelsey Benjamin and Curtez Kellman, while Denzil Crawford was one of the best wide players in the entire tournament. Meanwhile, the army men steamrolled Milerock 4-1, edged Winners’ Connection 3-2 after penalties and

needled Pouderoyen 1-0 on their way to the final with the entire team playing well collectively. Hi Tech were no strangers to success in yearend football tournaments after copping the Stag Inter Association knockout tournaments on January 1st 2015 and 2016 and the East Bank Football Association top club was already being labeled as giant slayers after their super run in Super 16. However, the Guyana Defence Force silenced all doubts and laid the promising and tired Grove Hi Tech team to rest with a 2-0 victory in the final at Leonora. The first half of that final on January 1, 2018 was electric with many excellent opportunities to go ahead being created by both teams but the finishing touch was missing. Heading into the dugout at the first half, the game was poised to be evenly matched but as Grove began to tire coupled with a silly red card

in the second half, the seemingly tireless GDF slotted home two unanswered goals behind the excellent Lloyd Mathews (in goal for Grove) to seal the win. The Elite League champions won $2million for their triumph while Grove Hi Tech was awarded a much deserved $1million for their super performance in the knockout competition. This tournament was organised by the GFF as opposed to the past when the body relied almost exclusively on third parties or promoters to run events/games, including International Friendlies. “It’s important that the federation develop the capacity to run our tournament, leagues and international games from within but we will still use the expertise of our partners and stakeholders when necessary for the overall success of our initiatives”, head of the GFF, Wayne Forde explained to Kaieteur Sport. (Calvin Chapman)

National Junior and Senior Chess Qualifiers start today

Some of Grove Hi Tech top performers in the Super 16 (from left) Curtez Kellman, Kelsey Benjamin and Denzil Crawford.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) is set to commence its 2018 programme this weekend with the National Junior and Senior Qualifiers. The seven-round Swiss System FIDE-rated qualifiers will start today with registration at noon and the first set of games starting an hour later. Games are slated for the National Aquatic Centre, Railway Embankment, Liliendaal. The Juniors will compete on January 13th, 14th,

20th and 21st, while the Seniors will take to the boards on January 20th and 21st and February 3rd and 4th. The top players from these qualifiers will move forward to compete at the National Championships, slated for later this year. Registration fee for the qualifiers is pitted at G$1,500 per player, and interested players can call 664-1650, 613-2083 or 600-0007 for registration and other information.

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Saturday January 13, 2018

GMRSC set to open new season with month-end Endurance meet 2018 Calendar released

Flashback! Competitors gather at the starting line for the commencement of the 2-hour Endurance Race at a previous Meet. Motor racing fans can rest easy as the anticipated 2018 season of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) will get underway early this year with an Endurance meet that is billed for the South Dakota Circuit on Janu-

ary 28th. Five classes will be in action on the day which will feature both bikes and cars competing in separate races. The first class will feature cars up to 1500cc and the second class will range from 1501

QC Inter Class cricket concludes Domino tourney set for tomorrow at Sadam Place Sophia One D defeated One A in the final of the Queens College Boy’s Inter-Class Tapeball 10-over cricket competition during the two days of the Christmas term on the school’s Basketball Court while One B beat One C in the Girls softball final. The presentation is scheduled for Monday at the school’s auditorium Meanwhile, the South Turkeyen Sports Club Committee and New Level Sports Bar has organised a pre Mash 6-team Domino competition in

honor of QC’s Sports Organiser Johnny ‘overseas’ Barnwell. The tournament is organised by Barnwell and Sadam and is set for Sadam Place, Lot 8 Dennis Street Sophia from 13:00hrs tomorrow and entrance fee is $6,000 per team, while food and drinks will be on sale. Trophies are sponsored by Trophy Stall, Knight Rider Bus Service, Tent City and N Khan Sun Shop in Sophia, while Medals are donated by Barnwell and Sadam,

Yhip’s Bakery on board... From page 31 in effect.Entrance fee is $12,000 per team and interested teams can contact Wiltshire on tele#655-5855. Only teams that pay will be allowed to play according to the Organiser. Turning Point Sports Bar is the venue for the competition. There will be an after domino Oldies with Big P and Revolution One Man Band. Bar-b-que will be on sale at a cost of $1,000. Among the other sponsors on board are: Sweet Point, Big Boss Trucking Service, Hopkinson Mining, Strikers DC, Dynasty Restaurant, N&H Car Rental, Tony’s Jewellery, Faye Joseph and Spartans.

-1600cc. The third class will see cars in the 1601-2000cc class with the unlimited class featuring cars over 2000cc. On the release of the GMRSC 2018 calendar yesterday, President of the Club Rameez Mohamed commented that, “We know that the guys [racers] were asking for early indication of events so we tried as much as possible to get that out so persons can prepare.” He continued, “We also saw the need to get the bikes involved [for this endurance] as well because they are an important stakeholder in rac-

ing and the support for them during the last outing was outstanding.” “What we also have this year is the endurance calendar being done on a championship basis rather than by meet so persons can rebound from a bad weekend to still fight for a championship.” The endurance championship will be followed by a local drag race meet on February 11 with the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held set for the 16th of the month. March 3 will feature the first of four Georgetown

Grand Prix karting events at the GT Motorsports facility in Georgetown. The tentative date for the CMRC Trinidad & Tobago leg is March 4; however there is a strong possibility that this may be shifted to July. Circuit racing action returns in 2018 on March 25 with another Drag race meet set for April 22 and another Georgetown Grand Prix set for April 28. The Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) will see its Jamaica leg on May 12 at the JAMWEST Raceway, while

circuit racing returns on June 17. July 1 will feature another installment of the Georgetown Grand Prix with another Endurance meet planned for the 8th of July and the International Drag race meet planned for August 19. The CMRC Barbados round is set for September 2 in Barbados with another Circuit racing event billed for October 7, Georgetown Grand Prix set for October 20th and the CMRC Season finale set for November 11th in Guyana.

Guyana’s 3x3 B’ball ranking improves to 91 Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) International FIBA 3x3 Ranking has improved. Out of the total of one hundred and fiftynine (159) countries that are ranked by International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) in the 3x3 format of the traditional 5 versus 5 format, Guyana is now ranked 91 in 3x3 U18 men Basketball. GABF officially signed on to FIBA 3x3 basketball in 2016 and in less than two years has improved the Guyana’s international 3x3 ranking. This improved ranking comes on the back of Guyana’s under-18 3X3 basketball team who played unbeaten in the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Lesser Antilles under-18 Championships in St. Lucia up until the final where they lost 9-8 to Martinique; a memorable silver medal performance in the lads’ first outing. Guyana’s improved under-18 3x3 ranking and their success in the sport last year, according to the GABF 3x3 coordinator, means that, “Guyana has a higher possibility of advancing in the bas-

Guyana’s silver medal under-18 3x3 team in St. Martin last year, from left Jamal Gilkes, Stanton Rose, Jonathan Mangra and Timothy Thompson. ketball through this format, inclusively of a more realistic aim of qualifying for the 2024 games since the 3x3 format is

now competed at the Olympic level.” In a press release by the GABF, the entity noted that, “This achievement should not

go unnoticed. To all the stakeholders and players who played a part and continue to do so, we thank you.”

Saturday January 13, 2018

Kaieteur News

Yhip’s Bakery on board Wiltshire B/day Dominoes

General Manager of Yhip’s Bakery John Yhip (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Organiser Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire. This Sunday’s Birth Anniversary Dominoes Competition, which will be played in honour of Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, received a timely boost when Yhip’s Bakery on Robb Street, Bourda added its name to the list of sponsors, during a simple ceremony that was conducted at the entity’s location. Making the presentation to Wiltshire was John Yhip, General Manager of the establishment that has been serving the nation for over 70 years. Yhip, who celebrated his birth anniversary this week, said because of his love for the game he had no hesitation in offering support to Wiltshire. “Me and my brother Troy has been involved in the game for a number of years and even though our participation has been reduced in recent years our love for the game has never diminished,” Yhip stated. Wiltshire in his response thanked the brothers for their

support, adding that his association with them started a number of years back. He promised that the tournament will be executed in a manner that will be appreciated by the sponsors. Over $300,000 in prize monies and trophies will be up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $175,000 and the winner’s trophy, while second, third, fourth and fifth place finishers will take home $80,000, $40,000, $20,000 and $10,000 along with trophies respectively. Wi l t s h i r e s a i d t h e tournament will run on a points system, while all the Guyana National Dominoes Federation rules will be in effect. Most Valuable Player of the finals will receive $5,000, while the Best Female Player in the tournament will be given $10,000. All prizes are guaranteed and the Organisers have stated that zero tolerance for indiscipline will also be (Continued on page 30)

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Shepherd jolts Pride, after newcomer Holder stars – 2nd day, 9th round

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – An aggressive spell from Romario Shepherd trumped a memorable debut for Chemar Holder to leave Barbados Pride on the rope against recently-minted champions Guyana Jaguars in the Regional 4-Day Championship yesterday here. Shepherd grabbed 4-27 from 10 overs to break the backbone of the Pride’s batting and reduced them to 147 for seven, replying to Jaguars’ first innings total of 297 before rain and bad light brought an early close on the second day of their ninth-round match at Kensington Oval. In a destructive second spell of 5-115-3 from the southern (Malcolm Marshall) end of the ground after tea, he removed West Indies pair of Roston Chase and Shane Dowrich, as well as Pride captain Shamarh Brooks to rock the hosts’ batting. Brooks has so far led the way with 25, opener Shayne Moseley, also dismissed by Shepherd, made 24 and fellow lefthander Jonathan Carter added 21. This followed Holder, a member of the triumphant Windies Under-19 World Cup side, capturing 5-57 from 17.5 overs on his first-class debut to lead the Pride bowling. West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach supported with 3-31 from 16.4 overs before he pulled up lame and left the field. Jaguars, starting the day on 185 for

four, extended their first innings to 20 minutes after lunch with West Indies allrounder Raymon Reifer leading a rearguard action with 33, Sherfane Rutherford making 32 and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul gathering 30. Pride then got off to a steady start w h e n We s t I n d i e s o p e n e r K r a i g g Brathwaite and club-mate Moseley gathered 41 for the first wicket. But Brathwaite was run out for 13 looking for a second run before Moseley followed four balls later caught at gully off Shepherd from a leading edge to leave Pride 46 for two. Carter came to the crease and with Brooks carried Pride to 66 for two at tea and put on 37 either side of the break before things unravelled for the home team. Keemo Paul had Carter caught behind playing loosely outside the off-stump before Jaguars captain Leon Johnson replaced him with Shepherd and the fastmedium bowler exploited the helpful pitch. He had Chase caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble for one, stunned Dowrich with a first-ball snorter that the Windies wicketkeeper fended to short leg and had Brooks caught at gully from an indecisive shot to leave Pride in tatters on 115 for six. Next over, Rutherford tightened Jaguars’ hold, when Justin Greaves was

caught at cover for 16 from a drive leaving Kemar Roach, not on on five, and Jomel Warrican, not out on one, to bat through the final 35 minutes before the weather drove the players off. Earlier, Jaguars reached 230 for six before 230 for six before Chanderpaul was caught behindh off Roach for 30 as he pushed outside the off stump. Paul, fending at a lifting ball, was caught low at second slip to his left by Carter off Miguel Cummins for nought to leave Jaguars 235 for seven. A stand of 40 between Reifer and Rutherford however, put the Pride on their heels and carried the Jaguars past the 250 mark. Holder however, was belatedly introduced and had almost immediate success when he had the left-handed Rutherford caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper Dowrich before the innings quickly folded. Holder bowled the Barbados-born Reifer before he had Veerasammy Permaul caught down the leg side by Dowrich for five to bring the innings to a close. Jaguars entered the match with an unassailable 135 points, but have so far gained two batting points, two bowling points and 1.4 pace bowling points. Pride have so far earned three bowling points and two pace bowling points to add to their season total of 85.8.

Umpire Patrick Gustard watches Romario Shepherd bowl. (Photo by Kerrie Eversley)

Team Midas Touch qualifies GMRSC set to open new for Millrose Games P,27 season with month-end

Endurance meet Guyana’s 3x3 B’ball ranking improves to 91 Navratilova backs Kvitova, Venus at Australian Open National Junior and Senior Chess Qualifiers start today P.30

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P.27

These beaming lasses, coached by Andy Medas-King enjoy the moment after qualifying for the Millrose Games in the US.

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