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APNU MPs' Dual NEWS Citizenship is none - Cathy of AFC's business Hughes AIETEUR

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Thursday Edition January 17, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 03 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Online readership yesterday 147,745

Elections unlikely in 90 days

- Govt. prepares for house-to-house registrations - AFC

Much-needed: The Grove/Diamond access road, from the junction to the secondary school, is getting a walk-way to cater for school children and residents.

Govt. GTT preparing statement on telecoms liberalization - Minister Hughes

75-year-old 'Gaza Nani' arrested for running small 'cocaine empire' in Suriname We have been massacred for Eco Atlantic to drill first well three Constitutional Reform, but it years ahead of can still be achieved - Ramjattan committed time

Van West Charles' future in question over fuel racket

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 03

Van West Charles's future in question over fuel racket T

he Ministry of Public Security will be asking the country's water chief to explain allegations against him that his company is involved in tax fraud.

Following several reports and silence from authorities and Government, the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has finally broken his silence on the issue.

Yesterday he announced that he will be asking for explanations.

Dr. Richard Van West Charles is no ordinary executive. He is the Managing Director of the Guyana Water Inc., a stateowned company in charge of billions of dollars.

He is also a director of Atlantic Fuels Inc., a company that is apparently being run from his Meadowbrook, Georgetown home. He is also said to be a senior official of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), which forms a major part of the coalition

government.

He was the son-in-law of former President Forbes Burnham.

Atlantic Fuels is being accused of, on at least two occasions, tendering Customs documents that indicate that the price for fuel that came in the name of the company was lower than the actual purchase price.

The documents were reportedly submitted to Customs for the two transactions which occurred between September and October last year.

The Guyana Revenue Authority reportedly lost over $40M because of the transactions.

Dr. Van West Charles was reportedly summoned

by GRA last week but there have been no statements from that agency.

After days of attempting to make contact, Minister Bulkan was finally available yesterday.

He said he has noted with “deep concern” the articles in the Kaieteur News

Minister Ronald Bulkan

Atlantic Fuel's Director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles

accusing Atlantic Fuels, a company of which Dr. Van West Charles is a director and its registered address being the same as his home address, of having defrauded the treasury of millions of dollars in duties on fuel imports.

“My concern arises from Dr. Van West Charles's position as the Managing Director of the Guyana

Water Inc. (GWI), an agency for which I have ministerial responsibility and for which I have to account to the National Assembly for,” the Minister said when contacted.

Bulkan, when questioned, admitted that to date he has not seen any report(s) of Dr. Van West Charles disassociating himself from “these

extremely serious and disturbing allegations or rejecting them, neither have I heard directly from Dr. Van West Charles to such effect”.

Bulkan explained that oversight responsibility for the GWI is not only that of the Ministry of Communities but also of its Board of Directors which has statutory responsibility for hiring the Managing Director.

“I am yet to hear from the GWI Board as to if they are in contact with the MD in an effort to ascertain or otherwise the veracity of the allegations which I consider to be necessary for a determination on the suitability of the MD to continue to discharge the functions of the office.”

Bulkan was also critical of Kaieteur News, noting that contrary to the narrative being “painted”, the administration has no tolerance for condoning corruption by public officials.

“I do expect to hear from

Dr. Van West Charles rejecting these accusations.

That is necessary for the morale within the GWI, and public confidence in the stewardship of this critical public agency,” he said.

Ye s t e r d a y , s e n i o r executive of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and Minister o f P u b l i c Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, insisted that the administration is strong against corruption.

“I want to say that this Government had established a Procurement Commission.

We have SARU (State Assets Recovery Unit); we have SARA (State Assets Recovery Agency). We have a police force. And our position is that, you know, what would we say? We're not the ones investigating.”

According to Hughes, she is aware, through the press, that the GRA has already engaged and “therefore, I'd say that we got enough agencies. Let the agencies do the work. We're (continued on page 20)

Put actions to your words - Trinidad Youth Minister tells Caribbean Summit on youth crime and violence

By Rehanna Ramsay

T

he Caribbean summit on youth crime and violence is a call to action for stakeholders and representatives of young people across the Region.

Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa Cudjoe, underscored the need for more action on youth policies and programmes tackling violence and crime at the closing of the summit held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

The two-day Caribbean summit, which was aimed at examining and redefining violence prevention solutions for young people, brought together youth leaders, who concluded that crime and security is an issue that is having an impact on all 15 members of the regional integration grouping.

The forum is being hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat,

UNICEF, the Barbadosbased Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat, the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, and the Caribbean Learning for Youth Networking and Change Sessions (LYNCS) Network.

During the closing ceremony yesterday, the Trinidadian Youth Minister told the gathering of the need

for follow-up action, while noting that the conversation on tackling youth crime and violence started decades ago.

“This is an important call to action for all stakeholders.

The big question to you now is 'what am I going to do when I return home?' because the Government needs your help in order to make the goals once set, a reality.”

“I have witnessed conference after conference happen where people attend;

they dress fancy and talk nice. However what happens after that is critical. Your efforts should not stop at the level of talk,” she stressed.

“We have been having the same conversation over and over again. Over the years, we have USAID, CARICOM and United

Nations investing money in these workshops and seminars. We must not allow our hard work to go to waste.

So, when you get the information and the skills, take it back to your communities and implement them. Utilise your youth spaces and programmes,

build partnerships which help you to execute your objectives!”

Cudjoe noted too the importance of building network which can help facilitate, the goals that have been set.

You cannot achieve the (continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

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

Civil society must stand up The time and circumstances have never been more opportune for civil society to show its face, take a stand, raise its voice, and project influence. What is it currently?

What it is not? What must it be?

Currently, civil society is too placid, too reserved, too politically correct.

It is also too establishmentarian, and peopled with sometimes well-meaning, but not always forceful thinkers and cleareyed visionaries.

It must be more vociferous and vibrant. The urgency of the times demands unrelenting vigor. Civil society, as loosely constituted, cannot be a parade of peers focused on itself, and lacking in any relation to ordinary society.

The question is: does civil society possess the texture, sinews, and drive to power past where matters have been inextricably stuck forever? There has to be ONE agenda: what is needed for the betterment of this country.

Then all energies and minds should be absorbed and immovably concentrated on getting there in the most constructive manner, but least possible time. It cannot be the ulterior motives of who is going to get a position, and from which group representation will be chosen. That must be secondary to the primary interests, thrusts, and objectives.

Again, what is best for the wellbeing of this nation?A bloodless, sober assessment of civil society, as it stands, is neither invigorating nor comforting. It must rise up to the thorny, wounding challenges that confront and confront them fearlessly.

It is a mystery as to how any of this would be possible when many of the movers and shakers under the civil society umbrella are ideologically, umbilically and psychically attached to the very principals and powers that have wrought so much damage and brought to the desperate straits now occupied.

What it is not? Civil society is not the small company of columnists, letters writers, suspect private sector bodies, and outside authorities. All of these, bar none, have their place and justify their existence, whether agreed with or not.

No one should ever accuse the leading voices-steadfast and dedicated-of lacking issues that trouble, or hesitancy in challenging, or shrinking from the controversial. The intellectual care is there; but the compassion from the gut is missing; and so, is that vitally needed core and cohesion, coherence of message, as well as the cash to carry forward to greater efforts and farther reaches.

Their presence and contributions are needed, if only to hear a different voice with a strange sounding message; and sometimes at a higher pitch. Otherwise, this would be an even more barren, anemic society adrift in sandstorms of tumult and without compass or sense of bearing.

But no! Civil society is not and cannot consist of these lone voices of dissent, and which sometimes generate so much angst, disturbance, and disfavour.

Civil society must be less of a Coach-carrying, Hermesknotted, Gucci and Manolo Blahnik--encased, Samsonite accompanied and Armani-suited elite looking after its own priorities and programmes and designs.

Civil society must go beyond the ideals of good governance, justice, and fairness, all wonderful things. It must understand, immerse itself, and identify with the plight of the poor struggling Guyanese: the insecurities, the inequities, and the iniquities experienced under the trampling feet of government after government; and those well-heeled, sharp-spurred bureaucratic partners who rush to do the bidding of those same government(s) now denounced.

It should come as no surprise that some of those same sanctimonious, but nefarious, agents are established members in the civil society apparatus.

Through and through, a functioning civil society must be a champion of the common people.

Who will be saviour and redeemer for this blighted, uncaring land?

DEAR EDITOR, It is party time. Somehow, I thought that the festive season was over since it is almost the middle of dry January. This being Guyana, apparently it is just beginning. That 2 a.m., curfew has no effect; who cares about recorded music? Not when everyone (and anyone) can make their own.

Well, that certainly seems to be the case, with Guyanese lovelies tumbling over one another to get on the political dance floor. Yes, it is that kind of party, and it promises to get crowded and louder. I shall refrain from any disparagements through verbal assassination. Some of the persons of interest seeking to generate electoral interest speak loudly and vituperatively for themselves.

I caution: be vigilant about guilt by association.

Remember that old Guyanese saw: show me yuh company….” Just don’t show the police or any notso-old social media clips. Still, I must commend men and women for stepping forward and wanting to do better for a savaged electorate. The qualifier in my book is simple: those aspiring must be better through and through. No history of slick personal, professional, legal, or commercial behavior; no questionable standards in matters that are of a serious nature; no old painted over skeletons. If so, then keep on trucking and earning and collecting. Be such on the

side, below the radar, or through suspect arrangements with even more suspicious characters.

Always good to see Guyanese rising to the occasion; I give credit.

Whither voter interest?

Whither traction and momentum?

Whither credibility and sustainability?

Ah, if only I were younger….I stray. More should be expected, as it is not only party time, but open hunting season.

Some sense a crack in the armour of the aging political dinosaurs that have ruled the social jungle that is Guyana; but I think they overreach and too early. Here is the top and bottom line: the voter base has not changed; its feet are shod in clay. If that is a little too thick to digest, then try molasses.

The voting segments in this country have a heroic strain and martyr’s complex.

They will sacrifice for the good of the parties, even if that is not so good for them.

If I may be excused for mixing this up and venturing into strange territory, I suggest that the few thoughtful constructive citizens still around look around dispassionately. This is what they should and would conclude: the Guyanese voting population is afflicted with a severe case of Stockholm Syndrome. What is that and where is that?

The geography and origin can always be figured out.

But, as is well known,

Stockholm Syndrome in a nutshell, is where the abused, intimidated, brainwashed, and bamboozled identify closely (inseparably) with their abusers.

From my perspective, that is what has happened to the Guyanese voter - whether older or newer, more experienced in life’s unending vicissitudes or more callow as to the ways of the world - who have all succumbed to the stridencies and memories of forbears, the animosities of community and contemporary, and the cajolery, trickery, and rapacity of political confidence men.

And just to be inclusive and balanced, the participating women should not be forgotten. But clearly and undeniably, the victimized and brutalized Guyanese public and voter is not willing, not listening, not thinking, and not acting in any way than they have always done. Expect more of the same, newcomers or not.

I am certain there are more political groups in the woodwork, deciding on an opportune hour to make a grand announcement and grander arrival. The problem is that there would most likely be a meagre few on hand to welcome and encourage. It is more than being jaded; it is merely a reflection of how set people are in their ways. Yes, the Guyanese people are angry, disappointed, disgusted, and disillusioned.

But I assert: not enough, and not right now…perhaps not

in the foreseeable future.

As an example, I have some regard for ANUG, at least some of the people driving that bus; I think it has credibility and character. Yet, I do not think that it will attract much of a following outside of the smart set and shrunk thinking class. And neither of those would be enough to make a difference.

I applaud Mr. Shuman for voluntarily relinquishing his dual citizenship; not a simple or easy decision. I am, however, taken aback by current hesitation to disclose financial details now. To me, that does not register well.

Having taken the bold admirable step of giving up that coveted citizenship, it would be real praiseworthy to continue with the financial disclosure.

Clear. Up front. No hedging.

In the meantime, I think the leading political men and women, who still control the show know that it has to go on. There is one difference that can gather a head of steam as time unfolds in the years ahead. They know it well, and as best rendered and made famous by Carlos Antonio Figueroa Santana: you got to change your evil ways. And evil it has been.

The Young Turks (and few whippersnappers in the midst) are banging on the door and nipping sharply at the heels. What will it be?

Who will be saviour and redeemer for this blighted, uncaring land?

Sincerely, GJK Lall

Mr. Figueira is out of his depth on sugar DEAR EDITOR, Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira of Region #10 in a letter which appeared in some sections of the media spoke about, among other things, the sugar industry. While the MP has a right to have a view – a right we uphold – we could not help but notice what seems to be a slanted approach in his missive.

Mr. Figueira writes that European Union (EU) Sugar Protocol is what provided ACP sugar-producing countries certain prices and market access. What the MP does not say, maybe it is because he is unaware, is that the Sugar Protocol was a commercial agreement between the EU and ACP. In the 1970’s when the world market price of sugar rose to historical highs, the ACP abided by the terms of the agreement, notwithstanding sugarproducing states could have received higher prices outside

of Europe. The ACP had abided by the agreement in good faith, but nevertheless, the agreement was abdicated by the EU. The MP also informs that ”…sugar has been on a downward slide in the region as Belize, Barbados, St Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago, had abandoned sugar”. This is a clearly inaccurate statement and could be attributed to Mr. Figueira’s unfamiliarity with the industry.

For the sake of correctness, Belize and Barbados still produce sugar.

Indeed St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago exited the sugar production. At the same time, however, we cannot fail to consider the limitations to sugar production in small island states, such as access to large areas of flat arable land and the need for large amounts of freshwater.

In the case of Trinidad and Tobago, a study

conducted by UWI – St Augustine concluded that following the cessation of sugar production, those who were linked with the industry had ”…a great dependence on other sources of income, such as children. Also the majority of the farmers’ monthly individual income was decreased and the majority of the farmers’ dependence on public services increased.”

It is not hard to imagine the ramifications in Guyana’s case, where our economy is less diversified and nowadays finding itself in difficulty. At the same time, we do not confront the limitations in terms of land and freshwater other regional sugar-producing nations confront.

The Region #10 Parliamentarian refers to the performance of the Skeldon factory which indeed has experienced its fair share of difficulties. While indeed its performance has been below

expectations, Mr. Figueira seems not to know that the very estate he is critical of has a fairly profitable electricity plant.

As GAWU has said time and again, the plant realized in 2016, the most recent data we have, some $9.5B in revenues. Dismayingly, those revenues went to Skeldon Energy Inc. (SEI) and not GuySuCo. Certainly with improved performance, a feat which can be realized, the estate’s value to GuySuCo and Guyana would be further demonstrated.

The MP also tells us about GuySuCo’s losses and, among other things, says it’s attributed to ”…too many workers…”. This is the first time we have ever heard such an explanation being provided, as GuySuCo has always complained about not having enough workers.

We recall the July 20, 2018 Stabroek News reported that ”…GuySuCo’s Continued on page 6

Thursday January 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Leaning and rotten Vendors across Guyana, small entrepreneurs, GPL poles need lost confidence in APNU+AFC long ago urgent replacement DEAR EDITOR, In the community of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, there are many leaning and rotten GPL poles - these poles were planted since the inception of the scheme. Priority must be given to section ‘A’ between Fourth and Sixth Avenues in the first cross street (lots 622 & 1125). These poles are a serious threat to the lives of residents, passersby, and worst of all the children of the new nursery school that is in the vicinity.

Our residents made several reports, but no action taken.

Please GPL, fix them, we don’t want the cables to burst and fall on the ground or the transformer to blow.

Yours Co-operatively, Parmanand Ram

Canje Bridge is in a deplorable state DEAR EDITOR, There aren’t enough pages in this newspaper to cover the amount of issues that are plaguing Berbicians, but the one I would like to voice for my fellow pedestrians and vehicle drivers is the Canje Bridge.

This bridge is the only means of crossing over the Canje Creek to get on either side. Many persons who traverse this bridge on a daily basis can attest to the deplorable state it’s in.

Never mind the beautiful and colourful artistic signs of businesses across this region, let’s take a look why driver’s have to replace bent tyres and change multiple car parts because of the big holes in certain areas of the bridge that cause very expensive damage to their vehicles.

I know of lots of workers and school children who would ride across this bridge to and fro and have the same complaint of having to change bicycles parts and sometimes replacing the one they had. Also not forgetting the horse and donkey carts - it is very dangerous for these animals if they get a hoof stuck and are carrying a load.

Even the President and his Ministers have crossed this bridge numerous times before and the bridge has been this way for a while and is getting even worse. When are they going to do something? When it collapses and people cannot get across?

Another thing on my mind is the lights for the bridge. The lights have been replaced with the new and improved LED lights, but it’s a dud and a waste of tax payers’ hard-earned money. These lights are not working and the entire bridge is in darkness. Pedestrians used to walk this bridge for a nice evening exercise/stroll or the night shift workers who would walk or ride across to get home. They cannot anymore, out of fear of either being robbed, walking into one of the holes, or even being knocked over if a vehicle tries to avoid one of the many holes.

I speak on behalf of everyone who uses this bridge. I ask that someone in authority kindly look into these issues as soon as possible before something really serious happens.

Kelly Ally

DEAR EDITOR, Our children were forgotten by their government for almost four years now. This APNU+AFC Government also forgot most ordinary Guyanese, like the vendors in Georgetown and across Guyana.

When Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP challenged APNU+AFC with a noconfidence motion in Parliament on December 21st 2018, it was because of the daily cries of ordinary people everywhere in Guyana.

Every day, everywhere in Guyana, we have reminders of big and small reasons for noconfidence in the APNU+AFC government. While there is a desperate effort to avoid the will of the people after the parliamentary no-confidence defeat, APNU+AFC continues to display arrogance, and an obnoxious disregard and disinterest in the problems that ordinary citizens face on a daily basis.

The PPP’s no-confidence motion in Parliament reflected the total loss of confidence that people across Guyana feel.

Whether it is ordinary working class people, small vendors and small business owners or large businesses, whether it is junior or senior public servants, teachers, doctors and nurses, police officers and soldiers, people have become demoralized and have lost all confidence in this government.

Like other citizens, it must make vendors in Georgetown

and across Guyana upset and angry that APNU+AFC, faced with an election after the December 21st NoConfidence Resolution in Parliament, suddenly remember them, suddenly wants to dance and prance with them, suddenly wants to meet with them.

After neglecting and treating them as not important and as not good enough for the bourgeois in Government to deal with, after ill-treating them and casting them aside, APNU+AFC now treats them as the most important people in our country.

Almost immediately after the No-Confidence Motion, the Ministers showed up by Stabroek Market and wanted to share beers and food and wanted to make merry with the vendors and their clients.

Election time is here and those who think they are the elite in society, the upperclass bourgeois, now pretend that the vendors are their sisters and brothers, their long-forgotten sisters and brothers. But the vendors will not easily forget how badly APNU+AFC treated them in the almost four years they have been in government.

Take the story that played out last week. A week after more than a dozen vendors with stalls in the Stabroek

Market lost electricity last week Wednesday (January 9th), they still had no electricity. No one in control of the market cared that these vendors could not ply their trade adequately for more than week. No one at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which manages the market, cared.

No one at the Ministry of Communities bothered to find out what was wrong; the Minister of Communities, like all his other Cabinet colleagues, was missing in action. GPL claimed it was not their problem. The disinterest is amazing, but totally deplorable.

This government’s disinterest, coupled with their mismanagement, incompetence and corruption knows no end. While this problem affected a small group of vendors at the Stabroek Market, it is a microcosm of the problem vendors, small businesses and citizens across the board too frequently experience across Guyana.

Vendors in Georgetown and across Guyana are hardworking people trying to make a living for themselves and family. Often, their daily sale helps them to put bread on the table for that day. By no means are these rich people.

These are the hard-working people for whom government matters. They are not asking government for a handout; they simply want government to empower them and make it possible for them to earn a decent and honorable living.

Many of them, especially those in Georgetown, are active supporters of the PNC and, therefore, of APNU+AFC. Their votes were important in 2015 to permit APNU+AFC to barely win the 2015 elections. But immediately after the election in 2015, and for three-and-ahalf years now, APNU+AFC betrayed the vendors.

Grossly ungrateful, they deliberately, aggressively took steps to make it difficult for the vendors to make a living and this was most visible in Georgetown. For APNU+AFC, beyond a shadow of doubt, the vendors were only important for their votes. Immediately after the elections, the vendors became victims, like so many other ordinary Guyanese.

Soon after the May 2015 elections, APNU+AFC, using the clean-up campaign as an excuse, decided that one of the major causes for Georgetown being a dirty city is the vendors. They targeted Continued on page 6

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

Charrandass Persaud’s vote has also exposed the flaws of the Cummingsburg Accord DEAR EDITOR, Charrandass Persaud’s vote in support of the Opposition-sponsored No Confidence Motion (NCM) has not only created legal turmoil in Guyana, but has also exposed the flaws of the Cummingsburg Accord, a factor that could hinder any of the new, emerging political parties from forming a coalition with either of the two major parties in the future, as long as the current constitution prevails.

The Cummingsburg Accord was a “gentleman’s” agreement - based on trust, rather than a legally binding document. It was geared for public relations to convince AFC’s supporters to vote for the coalition. It could not supersede the constitution, which means that the President, once elected, could ignore or circumvent the requirements of the Accord, if he so desires.

After the elections (2015), the public realized that Messrs. Ramjattan and Nagamootoo were outmaneuvered. They were given the positions they requested, as per the Accord, but their responsibilities were diluted. Functions previously carried out by their predecessors were removed

from their portfolios and handed to APNU ministers. In particular, many political analysts have written about the stripping of Prime Minister Nagamootoo’s responsibilities and transferring them to Mr. Harmon, State Minister, Ministry of the Presidency.

Despite public protestations to the contrary by the AFC, this set the stage for subservience of the AFC to APNU. Over the ensuing years, the AFC’s leadership never asserted their independence and supported every policy decision of the Government, decisions which were seen as positions of APNU or rather the PNC. Columnists Dr David Hinds and Freddie Kissoon have written extensively on the subservience of the AFC to APNU. In his October 10, 2018 column in the Kaieteur News, Kissoon, citing Hinds, wrote “... the AFC bought into all the policies its partner, the APNU was pursuing and pursued” and continued “The AFC became dead meat...”.

In explaining his decision to vote in favour of the NCM, Charrandass Persaud states that the lives of sugar workers in his village in Berbice were

destroyed (by the Government) “and I can’t live with that”; he was incensed at Minister Volda Lawrence’s statements that she would only employ PNC (People’s National Congress Reform) people and the AFC Leader’s defence of her; and he was upset by the vote on the Prime Minister’s Pension Bill, giving a former Prime Minister, Mr. Hamilton Green, an upgraded pension. According to him, the AFC parliamentarians have little say on Government decisions and they are expected to say yes to everything.

AFC and APNU leaders have claimed that Persaud never expressed any dissatisfaction with the coalition’s policy and are now branding him a “traitor”. Some are claiming that he was paid for his “yes” vote. He has refuted the accusation of bribery and the police are now investigating this matter. It is hoped that the investigation will be swift and the result made public promptly.

Regarding the claim by his former colleagues that he never expressed any dissatisfaction with the AFC or the coalition, his nondisclosure is understandable. He was aware that the AFC leaders

Vendors across Guyana, small...

From page 5 the vendors in the clean-up campaign and sought to remove them from the various vending sites.

APNU+AFC started with the vendors in front of Demico House and in front of the Stabroek Market, warning them to vacate the area, without making any provision to relocate the vendors.

Without notice, they dismantled some of the stalls, manhandling many of the vendors and threatening to jail them, after many of the vendors protested the harsh treatment.

After weeks of being out of business, the government provided a temporary arrangement for the vendors when they relocated the vendors into a privatelyowned area by Hadfield Street, behind Parliament Buildings.

After several months of free-use of the area, the private owner asked that vendors be removed, because

the Government failed to make any arrangement to continue the use of the area.

To this day, the vendors have found no place to earn a living.

They keep moving from place to place. The party they voted for forgot them, until they were defeated in the NoConfidence Motion and found use again for the vendors.

APNU+AFC and the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown - which APNU controls - also removed vendors along the Georgetown Wharf area, an area behind Stabroek Market.

The excuse this time was the wharf had to undergo repairs. These repairs have been conducted in a snailpace slow manner and the vendors are still looking for a place to sell their goods.

Every day vendors in Georgetown, around Stabroek, Bourda Market, along Robb and Regent Streets and other places, are subjected to intimidation and

Someone once said that division is caused more by impatience than by a conflict in creed.

harassment from government and city officials.

They have to pay more than one group of people in order to conduct business.

The vendors’ only fault is they are poor people at the mercy of the elite in government.

But election time is here.

APNU+AFC is desperately trying to run away from the elections, however, even they know they can run, but they cannot hide.

Suddenly, they want to be friends with the vendors, they want to be equal with the vendors, they swear that they have to find solutions for the vendors.

They are conveniently now sidestepping cold hard facts - for almost four years they ignored and neglected and punished the vendors.

As election approaches, these vendors will not forget the truth - they have no confidence in APNU+AFC. The PPP and Bharrat Jagdeo’s No-Confidence Motion in Parliament was because of the travails and agony of ordinary people like these vendors.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

consistently supported/ defended the Government’s/ President Granger’s positions. Even the rebellion of the US and Canadian Chapters did not cause the leaders to change their views.

As well, Messrs.

Ramjattan and Nagamootoo did not speak up when their own portfolios were gutted.

In such an environment, it is unreasonable to expect that a backbencher, Mr. Persaud, would have voiced his dissatisfaction. Had he done so, it is very likely he would have been considered a

dissident and recalled earlier.

As a lawyer, he would be aware of the weakness of the Cummingsburg Accord and he concluded that his party leaders were unlikely to support him.

In a recent column, Dr David Hinds notes “The AFC’s loyalty to the coalition has cost it the Indian Guyanese base that was the basis for its value to the coalition”. Charrandass has now exposed a plasteredover schism in the party’s base and this will likely impact the next general elections.

Once again we are likely to see a return to voting along racial lines, which means a contest between the two behemoths of Guyanese politics (the PPP and PNC/ APNU), to the detriment of the new parties.

Hopefully the Liberal and Justice Party of Mr. Lenox Shuman, if it retains its independence, will gain support in the Amerindian community, hold the balance of power in the new parliament, and work to bring about constitutional reform.

Harry Hergash

Mr. Figueira is out of his depth...

From page 4 Corporate Communications Manager, Audreyanna Thomas revealed that there are presently over 600 vacancies at the Albion Sugar Estate”.

The crux of the industry’s difficulties relates to poor productivity and production in the fields. It is not the first time that the industry has faced such challenges, and GuySuCo is well aware of what needs to be done to overcome those difficulties.

We recall positive efforts made in this regard when the industry’s production reached 231,000 tonnes sugar in 2015 as a result of work done in 2014. Sadly, those efforts were not sustained and production fell significantly.

The public is also told by Mr. Figueira that GuySuCo’s losses are in part due to ”…Guyana’s inability to compete with large producers like Thailand and Brazil…”. Again, the MP’s strangeness to the industry is demonstrated.

For his information, Guyana and GuySuCo never had any intentions of competing with major sugarproducing nations like Thailand and Brazil. That is akin to an ant versus an elephant.

Guyana’s intentions were always to have a diversified sugar sector production, direct consumption sugars, refined white sugar, electricity, extranuclear alcohol and fuel alcohol. Interestingly, it was these very things that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommended be pursued.

We are also reminded by the MP of then President Jagdeo’s remarks regarding the importance of sugar. But weren’t those remarks correct? Today we see in real terms the vacuum created by closure of Skeldon Estate.

Today, we see and hear of the hardships the people face, the troubles that their minds must contend with and the difficulties they must face up to. Today, as former President Jagdeo said, the Skeldon Estate has become ”…a ghost town…”.

The MP also refers to GuySuCo’s current Finance and Marketing Director, Paul Bhim’s presentation to the Economic Services Committee in 2014. We are told by Mr. Figueira that Mr. Bhim informed that the industry’s debt was $58B apart from a further $22.4B owed to lenders regarding the Skeldon project.

It seems that the MP is mistaken or misinformed, and we urge him to consult the Parliament to receive a copy of Mr. Bhim’s presentation.

On this score, the July 18, 2014 Stabroek News reported ”[t]he Guyana Sugar Corporation is currently $58 billion in debt with $22.4 billion (US$112M) stemming from loans needed to build and operate the beleaguered Skeldon Sugar Factory”.

What the statement clearly indicates is that the Skeldon debts were subsumed in the total debt figure Mr. Bhim presented.

Mr. Figueira speaks about the Government’s support to the industry, but strangely, doesn’t see that the support jumped from $6B in 2014 to $12B in 2015, a two-fold increase. Yet in spite of that support, production tumbled from 213,000 tonnes in 2015 to 183,000 in 2016 and 138,000 tonnes in 2017. In that period too, workers’ wages stagnated, apart from 7,000 workers being made jobless.

But, at the same time, sums relating to key managerial personnel leapt up astronomically.

While the MP says ”…the country could

not continue to flog a dead horse”, it seems to us he fails to see several contributions sugar made and makes. We need not repeat the massive contribution to the State arising from the Sugar Levy which totalled billions of dollars. Or the substantial transfer of skills to the economy from the GuySuCo Training Centre, deemed the best technical school in the Caribbean, and which, we hear, will close its doors.

Certainly, the MP would, for instance, recall voting in favour of $1B in supplementary allocations in 2018 in order for the State to undertake drainage works previously done by the industry. He also doesn’t see, it appears, the connection between the consumption of goods and services by the workers and its role in generating economic activities and tax revenues – a fundamental economic principle. To make the statements being made is, in our view, to be ignorant of the contributions of sugar to the Guyanese people and nation.

Today, while the MP, atop his perch, makes incorrect statements and assertions, tens of thousands of Guyanese are in miserable situations. They exist without an even glancing look from the State. They face life not knowing what tomorrow will bring and what challenges they will encounter. They know not whether they will have adequate meals; or afford to send their children to school; or to pay their bills.

Today, for this group of Guyanese, the unknowns of a jobless life is a bitter pill they need not have swallowed.

Indeed, this shouldn’t have been their path, but is the reality they now confront.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

Thursday January 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

APNU MPs’ Dual Citizenship is none of the AFC’s business – Cathy Hughes of Persaud’s eligibility to serve as MP is actually because the government is “utilising whatever arguments the lawyers are going to come up with. So, that is how it’s going to be done.

Same thing in Trinidad and Jamaica, [the arguments were brought up when] necessary.” It was raised that the government is targeting Persaud on the basis of

AFC Vice Chair, Cathy Hughes Alliance for Change (AFC) Vice Chair, Cathy Hughes, has said that the AFC is not challenging the eligibility of Members of Parliament from its coalition partner, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), to hold office.

She said that asking for information on their nationality would be an infringement of their personal business.

Hughes fielded questions from the media, yesterday, on whether the AFC would hold APNU MPs accountable for breaching the Constitution, by having dual citizenship status, as the party did with former AFC MP, Charrandass Persaud.

During the press conference held at the AFC’s Centre for Change in Kitty, yesterday, Hughes told members of the media that her party had taken note of speculation by the general public that there are AFC MPs who have breached Article 155 of the Constitution by swearing allegiance to a foreign state.

In response to this, Hughes said that “… none of its 11 MPs has sworn allegiance to any foreign state.

Ten of the party’s MPs are citizens of Guyana only. The other MP, Minister Dominic Gaskin, was born in the United Kingdom but is a citizen of Guyana by descent.

“The issue of renouncing citizenship does not apply to Guyanese who are born in another country. Therefore, Mr. Gaskin constitutionally sits as a duly elected MP without any hindrance or issue.”

The AFC panel, which included Chairman of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, was asked whether it noted the precedent a challenge of Persaud’s validity as a MP

would set for other sitting MPs, both, on the government’s side and that of the Opposition.

Ramjattan said that if the Chief Justice rules in favour of the government on the challenge of Persaud’s eligibility as a MP, then should the ruling have a domino effect on other MPs, the party would respect such implications.

He noted, however, that the government is only currently interested in challenging Persaud’s eligibility due to his “treacherous, egregious betrayal” of the AFC. The panel was asked whether the AFC considers itself responsible for holding its coalition partner, the APNU, accountable for breaches of the Constitution, as is the case with sitting APNU MPs who, like Persaud, have dual citizenship.

Hughes said that it is not the responsibility of the party to hold individuals accountable, but the individuals themselves.

She said, “There is no way that we could say that a Member of Parliament does not know the requirement of the Constitution, especially a lawyer. If somebody is going to deliberately deceive, there is no protection for that. Your citizenship, like the day you were born, like many other bodies of personal information is valid, and is personal to an individual.”

“Therefore, if somebody sets out to deceive, I don’t

AFC Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan see what else you could do, other than maybe put in place some system by which they have to prove that they don’t have citizenship in another country. “That, in itself, is a challenge because everybody knows that, in today’s world, where you want to protect the integrity of your personal information that, quite often, it probably would be illegal to ask.

“So, we come to the table with the assumption that you know what is required; you know the integrity of the position. Therefore, we would take at face value what the prospective MP would give as an answer to that question.”

Ramjattan said that even though he and others knew that dual citizenship rendered an individual ineligible to serve as an MP, he did not

raise the issue before because of the precedent that was set by politicians from the PPP since Guyana gained independence.

“When I was in the PPP, I knew that Gail Teixeira was a Canadian citizen. I knew that Janet Jagan was an Americanborn citizen. But, because of a kind of practice that allowed the thing to just go on - she was a Parliamentarian since independence - what do you do?” He stated that the impetus for the specific challenge against Persaud is the fact that the coalition wants to invalidate the No-Confidence motion which was carried on December 21, 2018.

“The scenario here, however, is that we are, in a sense, arguing a case in which that Charrandass [Persaud]’s vote could be vitiated.

He said that the challenge

breach of Constitution, even with the knowledge that there are other sitting MPs in the coalition who are in similar breach.

Ramjattan responded, “You know, this politics is not easy. You can say that, but I want to be frank with you. When you get someone as treacherous as that, with such duplicity, it was far more egregious than what we have here.”

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

Region Ten vaccination coverage falls short - but officials anticipate improved results Despite the implementation of a number of meas u r e s , R e g i o n Te n h a s found itself lagging behind in its vaccination coverage.

This is according to the Region’s Senior Health Visitor [ag], Ms. Karen King, when she shared the results of the region’s Exp a n d e d P r o g r a m me on Immunisation [EPI] review for the third quarter of 2018.

The senior health official said that while the Region had projected 75 percent coverage in each vaccination area, this was not achieved despite several efforts.

“We did not get the proposed 75 percent of the various antigens but for most of the antigens we did get 75 percent and over,” she informed.

Among the areas of

concern that fell below 75 percent are Bacillus Chalmette-Guerin [BCG], Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine [BOPV], Yellow Fever [YF] and Diphtheria Pertussis and Tetanus [DPT].

“We intend to work on these areas feverishly as we want to ensure that we can take them to 75 percent and beyond in the future,” King assured.

Realising improved results will be possible since according to King, the Region has been able to detect the root of its shortcomings. According to her, the Region has been faced with the vaccination shortfall because, among other things, a number of eligible clients have not been coming forward for the requisite vaccinations.

She declared, too, that

Senior Health Visitor [ag] for Region 10, Ms. Karen King. while the health workers have been doing their best, the challenges faced by several of the Region’s

New JSC board to be in place by month end President David Granger is hoping to have a new board of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in place before the end of this month.

During a recent meeting with the press at State House, President Granger said that he had been in discussion with the relevant officials on the matter.

The President said that he has held discussions with a number of persons including the Minister of Legal Affairs.

“I am hoping that it could be done during this month.”

The Government has been accused of trivialising the Judicial Service Commission, (JSC) an important constitutional agency which

holds the authority to make appointments and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in judicial offices.

Senior judicial officers commenting on the absence of the JSC, have noted that the void has put the independence of the judiciary at stake.

“The JSC by its legal definition is the guardian of our autonomy. The JSC upholds the independence of the judiciary. It ensures by its diligence that judicial officers resist being influenced by improper partisan and personal interests.”

As such, the government should make every effort to

ensure that it is placed. It should be treated as a priority. “ The JSC is made up of exofficio members of the JSC. It includes acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, Chairman of the Guyana Public Service Union, (GPSU) , a member appointed by Parliament and one by the President.

These persons must be selected before the JSC is in place.

The life of the membership of the last JSC expired September 30, 2017. As such, social and political commentators have lamented that the absence of the board is creating a constitutional vacuum.

Russia, U.S. fail to save missile treaty, Washington to pull out BRUSSELS (Reuters) The United States yesterday rejected a Russian offer to save a landmark treaty that keeps nuclear missiles out of Europe because it could not be properly verified, setting the stage for Washington to withdraw from the pact next month.

After a meeting in Geneva between Russian and U.S. officials, U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson said Moscow was refusing to allow proper inspection of a new Russian missile system that Washington says breaks the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF).

The INF treaty, negoti-

ated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the U.S. Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the world’s two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice.

The treaty bans landbased missiles with a range between 500 kms and 5,500 kms (300-3400 miles).

“We weren’t able to break any new ground yesterday with Russia,” Thompson said of the Jan. 15 meeting with Russian Foreign Ministry officials.

“Based on yesterday’s discussions and corresponding rhetoric today, we see no

indication that Russia would choose compliance,” Thompson told reporters.

SHORT NOTICE The United States and its NATO allies want Russia to destroy its 9M729 nuclearcapable cruise missile system, which Washington says could allow Russia to strike Europe at short notice, and comply with the INF. Without a deal, a U.S. withdrawal over six months will start from Feb. 2.

“Russia must come back into compliance,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told Reuters after a meeting at NATO in which Thompson briefed allies.

(Continued on page 24)

Community Health Workers [CHWs] in particular, are enormous. She pointed out that because of the limitations in several of the areas, it continues to affect the percentages in terms of the vaccination coverage that expected for several of the areas.

“When the health workers go out to find [patients], some of these patients would deliberately give wrong addresses thus making it practically impossible to locate them.

There are also cases where you call the [telephone] numbers that they give you and it is not the correct number, and there are cases where we turn up at addresses given only to find out that such persons don’t even exist.

“These are the challenges that we have to contend with and it can be very difficult to increase our percentage when we are forced to face these difficulties,” King stated.

Revealing the results obtained, King said that in the area of BCG the Region recorded 72 percent; for Inactivated Polio Vaccine [IPV] it recorded 76 percent; in the area of BOPV it recorded 74 percent; while for Pentavalent [Penta] it recorded 76 percent.

She continued that for P n e u m o c o c c a l Va c c i n e

[PCV 13] it recorded 77 percent, for Rotavirus [RotaMix] it recorded 81 percent, in the area of Measles Mumps and Rubella [MMR] it recorded 80 percent, in the area of DPT it recorded 68 percent with a similar percent being achieved for YF. King noted too that the Region was able to achieve 100 percent coverage in the area of Diphtheria Tetanus [DT].

Meanwhile, King said that while 1,492 persons were estimated to be vaccinated with the Human Papilloma Virus [HPV], the Region was only able to vaccinate a mere 350 persons. But according to the senior health official, the region is nevertheless pleased with its figures noting that she expects to see better results when the review of the final quarter of 2018 is completed.

Although more will have to be done to realise the desired goal, King expressed gratitude to the entire health sector of Region Ten, adding that the results gained represented a collective effort of all.

“This was a joint effort, therefore I must say that we are happy with the collective efforts of all of our health care workers and I want to remind the CHWs that they are our partners and together we will

achieve our set targets because they are playing a meaningful role too,” King asserted.

The third quarter of the 2018 EPI results review were made known at a recently concluded threeday CHW EPI workshop held at the Len Complex in Linden. The workshop saw the participation of 40 CHWs where a number of issues were addressed and moves made to enhance and improve their reporting skills and techniques.

King disclosed that because of the challenges and difficulties faced by CHWs in terms of effective report writing, it had increased the challenges of the region in terms of its figures and data. She said that several of the health workers’ reports are not done properly in terms of how they should be submitted.

She therefore noted that efforts were made to better educate and inform the CHWs on the appropriate format and style that they need to follow when doing reports.

“We have found that several of the reports submitted by the CHWs are not done properly or to the standards that have been established,” said King as she anticipates this challenge becoming a thing of the past.

Childcare and Protection Agency clamping down on illegal Day Care - all Day Care Facilities to get in order The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is urging Day Care Service providers to get their facilities registered by March or face closure.

Head of the CPA, Ann Greene, said persons who are desirous of registering their Day Care Facility must possess a valid Police Clearance and Food Handlers’ Certificate. She added that the facilities will be Inspected by the Fire Department, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Ministry of Public Health for safety standards compliance.

According to the director, the CPA is working to tighten its grip on illegal Day Care practices and will be enforcing strict measures and inspections of every Day Care Facility, to ensure compliance.

“This year we are planning to get all the existing Day Care Facilities licensed; they must be licensed. They must take the time to go and get themselves in order. We are granting the licences, but

Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene they must go out and get themselves in order,” Director Greene said. The director further mentioned that the agency saw a large turnout of persons for the Day Care Training programme offered last year. She emphasized that Day Care Service is a developing business countrywide and it is

important for persons to get serious and ensure their businesses get registered.

More than 130 Day Care Facilities were registered in 2018 under the Ministry of Social Protection’s Early Childhood Development Programme which aims to monitor and improve Day Care Facilities.

Thursday January 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Our young people are failing us because we have failed them We do not need politicians of any particular caste; we need politicians of class.

We do not need leaders of high breeding; we need rulers of high morals and principles.

Sophistication, class, high principles and high morals is what our political leaders should embody. We need politics of refined tongues, not those who use expletives as a second language.

We need politicians to set a good example for the younger generation. This is the legacy that we should bequeath to our children and grandchildren.

We are fond of saying and hoping that the political and economic salvation of Guyana resides in our young people. Each generation of young people has failed us because we have failed them.

Each generation of young

people has found itself coopted into our rotten political culture. Our young people should have by now broken with race politics; they have not. Election after election, the younger generation have fallen victim to the ethnic polarization that has characterized Guyanese politics for the past sixty years. Each election there is some degree of violence and leading this violence are young people.

They have fallen victim to Guyana’s dreaded political culture of refusing to accept the will of the people. We must however be patient with the young generation.

We should not expect much of them until we begin to expect more from ourselves. But in being patient with the younger generation, we must also encourage them to partake in a new type of politics, one that is not nasty,

Dem boys seh ...

Wha happen in darkness does come to light This is a strange time. Wha people was hiding all along now come to light. Indeed, all that happen in darkness coming to light. Carl got British citizenship but he never tell; anybody. He not de only one in de party. Li’l Joe got an American passport and dem boys seh Amna got one too.

When dem boys check wid KFC de leaders of that party seh nobody ain’t swear to no farrin government. One man born in England but he parents is Guyanese and he live in Guyana. Nobody didn’t look at de Opposition because dem know that couple people got farrin passport.

This thing was a secret till Charranrass bruck up de coo coo party. Jagdeo ain’t mek nuff noise about this because he know that people like to have somewhere to run when de trap closing behind dem.

But is Irfaat who keep de biggest secret. Nobody coulda find fault wid de government like Irfaat but as dem boys know, look after you own problems before you look after you Mattie own. De Bible has a nice way of talking bout this thing. It seh something bout moat and beam.

Irfaat had a big beam in ee eye. It suh big that de whole country now seeing it. De only people who didn’t see it was Jagdeo and dem oddas in parliament. And to help blind dem eye, Irfaat get people to design some nice certificates.

That was de first signal that de man was no fool. Then when he was a Minister he use to keep de finance of de Ministry wid lead pencil.

Fuh sure dem boys gun ask Jagdeo bout Irfaat qualification. Of course Jagdeo can play smart because he got some qualifications that he never had to study for.

And while he thinking about wha he gun tell dem reporters, dem boys see a new oil company shouting how it find de sweetest oil in de world. That is de oil from Guyana. This oil don’t have to get plenty refining.

Imagine Guyana didn’t know what it had.

Talk half and check dem certificates.

dirty, or clannish.

The best way to encourage these new values within our political culture is through example. There is no greater catalyst for change than example. Children learn what they live. Young people imitate what they see.

The younger generation needs heroes and heroines.

They need political leaders that they can look up to and be inspired by. They need to see leaders of sophistication and class, not leaders who are carpetbaggers and opportunists.

They need to see politics as a worthy undertaking. Politics must be seen as the pursuit of high principles. Unfortunately, this is not what our young people are witnessing in Guyana.

The politics of Guyana is rotten. It is rotten to the core.

The young people are

witnessing politics as a parade of egos. This is not good for them. Politicians must come across as persons of integrity and principle, but who can be humble at the same time. The politics that our young people are witnessing is the politics of vendettas.

Our politics is vicious.

This is not the sort of legacy that we should be leaving for future generations. There is too much hatred, anger and venom in local politics.

The young people need to see our political leaders in civilized discourse rather than always attacking each other.

They need to see an end to the constant bickering and fighting that is taking place.

Politicians on one side of the political divide will have differences with politicians on the other side. But they should express their differences in a way that does not

breed personal animosity.

Politics in Guyana has become a game of dirty tricks.

Sadly we have not learnt from the lessons of the past.

Our young people therefore today are increasingly viewing politics as a dirty thing and something that they should avoid.

Politics has become a ruthless profession in Guyana and those with power have shown the propensity to use that power to settle personal differences. This is far from the example that we should be setting for the younger generation.

Politics must be about service. It should not be seen as a gateway to personal enrichment.

A person who enters politics in Guyana should not do so out of the need to become rich. There is nothing wrong with making a career out of

politics, but it must not be seen as a means to get one’s hands into the cookie jar.

Politics should be about principles. It should be about honouring agreements, negotiating in good faith, and not trying to outfox or deceive one’s opponents. Politics should not be for rogues; it should be for gentlemen and ladies. Unless and until we do that, we should not expect anything better from our young people. They will continue to fail us because we are failing them.

PAGE 10

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A creeping fascistization in the APNU+AFC Well, well! The French said it so long ago; “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Have you been reading the Chronicle and looking at NCN? Did you see what happened to the launching of the Amerindian Party? Did you see how Charrandass Persaus is being pursued?

One day, Lincoln Lewis and I were speaking about our frustration with this government that is taking Guyana down a long road that leads to nowhere. I twice wrote about what Lincoln said and

how I replied. Here is the third time. Lincoln said that at least the government isn’t arresting critics, locking up people, dismissing employees etc.

I said to Lincoln, “But they are only in power two years now.” I directed Lincoln to Jagdeo’s early years. There were no arrests, no killings, no dismissals. By the time Jagdeo’s 12-year tenure was up, there were arrests (including yours truly), they were dismissals (including yours truly) and they were assassinations.

Lincoln Lewis became a

victim of the APNU+AFC regime. He knows the big wigs that ordered his removal from the Chronicle. If you think those are my words, let me qualify them by saying he told me he knows who made the decision.

Surprisingly, David Hinds mentioned that he was twice victimized by a government of which his party, the WPA, is a part of. Here are his words; “… along with Lincoln Lewis’ column, it was removed by the powers that be from that newspaper, which they have

treated as their personal property. It was the second time since they took power that the government removed me from a government agency for my independence.”

I read David’s column and he never mentioned the first occasion when he was removed from a placement he occupied. I think he owes his readers an obligation to expand. I was never in any doubt about the power intentions of the APNU+AFC leaders. The attitude to the no-confidence vote (NCM) has not surprised me. I want to put pellucid emphasis on my opinion on the NCM. This columnist believes the NCM was legally valid and constitutionally proper.

My opinion is that the government should formally resign and remain in office until the results of the next election. I will only shift from that position if the sordid is introduced, meaning if there is proof that Charrandass was the beneficiary of financial inducement. This columnist wants to express another opinion – I am of the viewpoint that the APNU+AFC

leaders (with the exception of David Granger – will be inclined to tamper with the outcome of the next general elections.

My vote will be offered to David Granger if he cleans up the current mess at UG before the next poll. I stated that in my last Sunday column. I will see him as a president that responds to genuine concerns by citizens who want to see competent and clean functioning of vital state institutions. Should he ignore what is taking place at UG, I am voting for the Amerindian party although the leader says it is not purely an Amerindian outfit or I am voting for the new party based in Berbice (FED-UP) Here is another opinion of mine. There is a creeping fascistization in the exercise of power, not to mention the presence of philistinism since 2016.

Look what happened to Shuman’s party. It was to have its official launching at the Umana Yana then close to the date, it was cancelled. I do not believe the government’s explanation; not even for a fraction of a second.

Frederick Kissoon The Chronicle has an obsession with Shuman.

The Chronicle’s descent into gutter display is on par with when the PPP was in power. How Shuman hasn’t sued them as yet is a mystery. On the front page of the chronicle after the NCM on December 21, the Chronicle carried a large p h o t o o f C harrandass Persaud with the words “Judas.”

When I saw that, I think of how barefaced this current leadership is. They ran all over Guyana in 2012 telling Guyanese that the PPP uses the state media as their toy.

They have done just that.

There hasn’t been one interview on the NCM on state television with a leading opposition figure or an independent commentator.

I do not have doubts about the APNU+ AFC intentions should they stay in power. I have predictions.

They are no cut above the PPP. In fact, there are a few former PPP ministers that were far more competent and accommodating. We never knew this bunch we voted for on May 2015. They got into power and all the masks fell off their faces.

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

Staff apprised of Ministry’s Strategic Direction Administration and Operational staff in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs was on Monday apprised on the Ministry’s strategic direction in achieving its mandate to the indigenous peoples.

Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valerie GarridoLowe; Permanent Secretary Alfred King and Deputy Permanent Secretary Samantha Fedee were among those present.

The engagement was the first for 2019 and came on the heels of a successful 2018.

The Ministry was able to deliver on its Current and Capital Budgetary allocations with an expenditure totaling approximately 96%.

Minister Sydney Allicock assured staff that the APNU/ AFC coalition remains in Government and will deliver its mandate to the indigenous peoples since they (the indigenous populations) is dependent on the Ministry to de-

liver needed goods and services.

The Minister also encouraged staff to ensure that

projects under the Presidential Grants initiative which are incomplete are completed in a timely manner and assis-

Miner steals bicycle John Broomes, 43, of Mahdia found himself before Senior Magistrate F a i t h M c G u s t y, y e s t e rday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and entered a guilty plea to a charge of simple larceny.

The charge read that on January 15, 2019, at Norton Street, Georgetown, he allegedly stole one bicycle worth $30, 000 property of William King.

Broomes after pleading guilty to the charge offered an explanation. The defendant told the court that the night before the incident happened, unknown men who made good their escape into the yard, where

the victim resides, robbed him of an amplifier and an undisclosed sum of cash.

On the day in question, he did escape with the bicycle in an attempt to bring the men out from hiding to recover his stolen articles.

According to the facts presented by police prosecutor, Alisa Brummell, the accused was seen by King’s neighbours, going into the garage of the victim and removing the bicycle. Following an alert King came out and saw Broomes escaping with the bicycle.

As a result, of the

alarm, public-spirited ind i v i d u a l s a p p r e h ended Broomes and later handed him over to police ranks from the Brickdam Police Station.

The accused informed the court that he is 43 years of age and resides in Mahdia where he does mining for a living.

Prosecutor Al i s a Brummell objected to bail being granted to Brooms given the fact that he did not provide a definite location of address in Mahdia where he resides. Broomes has since been remanded to prison and will return to court for his next hearing in March 2019.

tance be given to ensure this is realized.

Some $1.9B was approved in the National Assembly for 2019.

Minister Valerie GarridoLowe also noted that staff is critical to delivery, and encouraged all, to work together so that much will be achieved.

Alfred King, who is the Ministry’s Accounting Officer, also noted that to realize development, staff must be able to give a good account of their hours at work and be good stewards for the allocation of resources which will ultimately benefit villages and communities.

In order for effective and efficient execution of the Ministry’s budgetary allocations, the Policy team last week sought assistance from the Finance Ministry to successfully implement its budgetary allocations.

The Ministry of Finance proposed a 5-STA R a p proach which will be used by the Ministry to implement its policies and

programmes.

The approaches are the Quick Gains, the Green Dot, the Yellow Dot, the Low Hanging Fruits with the fifth and final approach being the REDDD Flags.

“The Quick Gains’ approach will see a matrix developed for all roll over projects with stipulated timelines and progress reports, and once those timelines and guidelines are observed, implementation of project/s will be execute in accordance with Government’s developmental agenda.

This approach identifies issues, challenges concerns (if any) that were encountered during the execution phase.

“The Green Dot” approach will see projects budgeted for in 2019 and executed in a timely manner, since they would have been in “a state of readiness” following the acquisition of designs and Bill of Quantities.

A matrix must be developed. It must include Name

of Project, date advertised, Close Date of Bids, Date for Evaluation to be completed, Date for Award from the National Procurement Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Date of No-objection from Cabinet (if necessary), Date of Commencement and Completion of Works.

“The Yellow Dot” focuses on projects for which no designs are available and hence cannot be tendered.

A matrix will be developed and must include, Name of Project, Preparation of designs (if In-House), Preparation of TOR for consultant ( if External design consultant), Date for Launch of tender, Closing Date, Award date an Period of design and preparation of Bill of Quantities.

Hereafter, Ministries must apply the Green Dot status and the Quick Gain status as required.

“Low Hanging Fruits”, which refers to the procurement of goods and services will also see several guidelines observe among them, acquiring technical specifications (where technical specifications are not available, prepare specs immediately), commencement of the tendering process and as far as practical, group procurement of similar goods, equipment and supplies across departments/ divisions, then proceed to the “Green Dot” phase.

“The REDDD Flags” identifies projects that are not yet identified in budget 2019 among them miscellaneous roads, drains, bridges, schools, health facilities, police stations to name a few.

Staff in the Procurement, Governance and Projects is the specific target departments since they play a key role in implementation.

The Ministry has in its employ some one hundred and thirty three staff covering Policy, Administration and Operational.

A national football player was yesterday arranged for a court hearing following an accusation that he stole from his girlfriend and damaged her car.

Jobe Caesar made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty.

He denied the allegation which stated that on November 25, 2018 at Lot 178 Albert and Charlotte Streets he unlawfully and maliciously damaged one motor car valued at $3.5 million property of Jennifer Valder.

Also, it was alleged that on the same date and at the same location, Caesar while being armed with a gun, he robbed Jennifer Valder of one J2 Samsung cell phone valued

at $30,000.

Attorney at law Paul Fung-a-Fat represented the accused. In an application for reasonable bail, he told the court that his client is only 19 years of age. He strongly argued that the allegation made out against Caesar is false as the parties had shared a relationship. He added that on the night in question the parties were seen kissing and hugging at a popular nightclub. However, he stated that the victim would have uploaded videos and photos on social media of the vehicle and the colour keeps changing. Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail under the grounds that a gun was used for the robbery and on the day in question, the defendant used threatening

language towards Valder.

He went on the say that Valder was constantly abused by the accused. The prosecutor further objected to bail based on the serious nature of the charges, the penalty they attract and the fact that Ceasar has a pending matter before the court.

Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty then upheld the submission made by the prosecutor and remanded Caesar to prison until January 30, 2019 where he will make his next court appearance.

Caesar was charged last year September for assaulting a police officer and snatching the officer’s service revolver and pointing it at him. He is also before the court for another assault charge of which his girlfriend is the victim.

We have been massacred for Constitutional Reform, but it Football player kicks his way into prison can still be achieved –Ramjattan Some local critics hold the perception that the Alliance For Change (AFC) must shoulder some of the blame for one of its former members, Charrandass Persaud, throwing his support behind the Opposition’s historic NoConfidence Motion.

This perception is rooted in the fact that the AFC has performed poorly.

Critics have reported that the AFC failed to be a visible and consistent check and balance as it had promised to be on the APNU. The party has also heavily criticized for failing to ensure Constitutional Reform was realized.

At a press conference held by his party yesterday, Pub-

lic Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan sought to address these perceptions.

Ramjattan said, “The life of politicians and the life of a democracy will always have developments like this happening…We, however, never expected Charrandass to do what he did…

“As for Constitutional Reform, yes indeed, the Prime Minister (Moses Nagamootoo) tried his best to deal with these issues in relation to reform.”

The Minister continued, “He had it sent to the committee dealing with the Parliament and it has been there.

That does not mean that we do not want constitutional reform.

“So many other things took on priority such as sugar and the budget. We are being so massacred for constitutional reform when in 23 years, nothing happened on this issue that we are now expecting out of a three-term government.”

He added, “Everybody expected the AFC to do these things but if they didn’t happen then we will have to take the blame and we will probably pay the price for it. But we have seen a PPP government in action and they had other priorities too…”

The AFC Chairman said that despite the delays, Constitutional Reform can still be achieved.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

PAGE 13

Surinamese authorities investigating undercover in Berbice, B' Division unaware

Executed Dutch businessman...

A

s investigations continue into the murder of Dutch businessman Nitender Oemrawsingh, whose lifeless body was found nestled among some vines on the Number 63 beach shore, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Dutch authorities are in Guyana investigating "undercover".

It was confirmed by a "backtrack" source that at least five cops from Suriname entered Guyana on Tuesday and departed yesterday.

B' Division Commander, Paul Langevine, told reporters that he is not aware of any police from Suriname being in Guyana. He added that they are not in contact with Dutch authorities.

According to Langevine there are no leads pointing to anyone and no arrests have been made. He also stated that he is not aware if the police in Suriname are in contact with the country's Crime Chief Lyndon Alves.

The only thing Langevine confirmed was that the body of the businessman was handed over to relatives, yesterday.

He remained silent on the progress of the investigation.

A post mortem examination conducted on the body of Oemrawsingh at the Skeldon Hospital

Relatives at the Skeldon mortuary

Dead Dutch businessman: Nitender Oemrawsingh Mortuary revealed that he died from shock and haemorrhage due to a single gunshot wound to the head.

There were also lacerations to the brain. The autopsy was conducted yesterday morning by Government Pathologist Vivekanand Bridjmohan.

While questions linger as to when the businessman would have entered Guyana or if he did at all, a relative

who was present at the Skeldon Mortuary, said that his relative did not go missing in Suriname because he spoke with him the Friday prior to his death.

He stated, "The same day (Sunday) he cross over here. He was never arrested, n e v e r. H e w a s j u s t questioned, not arrested or detained."

The man added that his relative went about the week

as normal and had never confided in him about anything. The relative stated that everyone is still in shock in Suriname over Oemrawsingh's death.

According to the man, "You know how it shocked us? He do nuff things for old people, less fortunate children. He was known to everybody. He never had fight and so with nobody".

Another relative of the

Diamond Club raid‌

Woman charged again for human trafficking

Y

e s t e r d a y, a woman found herself before the court for the second time to answer to charges of trafficking in persons and was remanded to prison on the four charges that were made out against her.

The charges alleged that between August and October last year, Fiona Hopkinson engaged in the trafficking of persons, by procuring four vulnerable Venezuelan nationals for the purpose of prostitution or exploitation.

Police facts indicated that a raid was conducted on the Diamond Club in Georgetown and the four Venezuelan women were found.

The women reportedly told the investigators that they were taken to the club by the accused and forced to work as a way of repaying her for bringing them to the city.

In addition, it was noted that one of the alleged victims was forced to be employed at a city nightclub after her travel document was confiscated.

Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail based on the fact that the accused was previously charged with offences of similar nature.

Bail was denied and Hopkinson was told that the case will continue on February 6, 2019.

In January 2018, Fiona Hopkinson and Rodwell Dempster were both remanded to prison after being arranged for allegedly trafficking five Venezuelan women for sex work.

The women, whose ages ranged from 18 to 22 years, were rescued after police in collaboration with the TIP unit, raided the Diamond Hotel and Bar which is located on George Street, Georgetown.

Remanded: Fiona Hopkinson

dead man, who lives in Berbice, told this publication that Oemrawsingh was no stranger to the country since he would often come.

The woman said, "He doesn't come like every week; he does come once in a while." She stated that when he ventures over, he would stay at local hotels. It was also disclosed that he

also came to Guyana unbeknownst to anyone.

He was said to be involved in the “bird business" in Guyana.

T h e D u t c h businessman's body was discovered along the 63 beach shore with a single gunshot wound to the head.

He is believed to have been (continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 17, 2019

Govt. GTT preparing statement on telecoms liberalization - Minister Hughes

S

even years ago, in April 2012, the Donald Ramotar administration approved plans to sell its lucrative stakes in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

The 20 percent shares were sold in a US$30M deal to a Hong Kong registered company.

There is a US5M still owing with the Coalition Government contemplating approaching a court in the United Kingdom to collect it.

The wheels for the socalled liberalisation were set in motion, then, for the Government of the day to start opening up the telecoms sector to allow new players to compete in the lucrative mobile and data market.

However, over those seven years, key legislations to open the industry lingered with lawmakers before being passed over two years ago.

Over the past year or so, negotiations have been dragging on between the Government and GTT. GTT has, on paper, the monopoly for landlines and international calls.

Before the US-owned

Minister Cathy Hughes Government and GTT are set to release a joint statement soon on the outcome of liberalization talks for the telecoms sector, Minister Cathy Hughes has said. company gives up that monopoly, it wants some concessions, including bandwidth and reportedly tax breaks. The negotiations were supposed to have been completed at the end of last year.

It also involved taxes said to be owing to the Guyana Revenue Authority.

From indications, the

move to allow new players into what is one of the most lucrative sectors, is nearer to completion.

Yesterday, according to Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, the Government and GTT are working to prepare a joint statement which will serve to map the way forward.

However, when asked about the timeline, the minister would only say “soon�. Digicel, which is GTT's competitor in the mobile market, has been piling on the pressure for the sector to be open.

Digicel wants to land its own submarine data cable.

The two companies have long been at it in a high

stakes game involving billions of dollars in business, in a market that is growing.

Digicel last year launched a legal action against the telecoms regulator in neighbouring Suriname after a crossborder data link with Digicel to Guyana was blocked.

That microwave link was used to feed data capacity to its customers in Guyana.

The shutdown caused significant data outages for

Digicel's customers in Guyana.

GTT had long complained that Digicel should be forced to buy its data capacity from its rival instead of feeding it over the border, presumably for less cost.

GTT had previously alleged that Digicel deprived Guyana of US$30 million in lost charges by bypassing its network. It claims the link is illegal. Digicel has denied those claims.

Seven on trial for Meten-Meer-Zorg shopkeeper's murder

J

ustice Navindra Singh is presently presiding over the trial of seven persons, including a woman, who are accused of a 2013 murder which occurred on West Coast Demerara.

The murder accused are Allan Dorsett, called 'Baird', 'Fat man', 'Allen' or 'Dada'; Delwayne Croft; Esan Lawrence called 'Muscle'; Jermain Williams, called 'Yankee'; Andrew Chandler called 'Sonic' or 'Sowie'; Samuel Bacchus called 'Kirk' and Casindra Dorsett also known as 'Cassandra SinghDorsett'.

It is alleged that on September 10, 2013, they murdered Zulfiker Namdar, called 'Vickey' in the course or furtherance of a robbery.

They have all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Based on previous reports, on September 10, 2013, heavily armed gunmen stormed Namdar's home at Lot 76 Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

While there, it is reported that the men shot and killed him before escaping with a large sum of cash and jewelery. An injured Namdar who was later discovered by his parents lying in a pool of blood inside the shop he operated was

The seven murder accused during an appearance at the Leonora Magistrate's Court in 2014 MURDERED: Zulfiker Namdar rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Ashley Henry are appearing for Allan Dorsett.

Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson is appearing for Lawrence, Croft and Casindra Dorsett, while Attorney-at-Law George Thomas is representing Williams, Chandler and Bacchus.

Presenting the case for the (continued on page 15)

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Moves apace to introduce primary level robotics this year - Education Ministry

T

h e l o c a l education system h a s b e e n continuously working to incorporate robotics at all levels. This is important since robotics is seen as crucial to help develop the scientific thinking of children within the school system.

With scientific thinking it is expected that the intended targets will be better able to understand the applications in daily life through every day experiences in the

environment.

Robotics is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering and science that include: mechanical, electronic and information engineering, computer science and others.

It is therefore said to deal with the design, construction, operation and use of robots as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing.

Such technologies are used to develop machines that can substitute for humans and

Seven on trial for ...

From page 14 prosecution are State Counsel Tuanna Harding and Abigail Gibbs. So far, the parents of the deceased were among the witnesses called by the prosecution.

During her time in the witness box, Namdar's mother, who was emotional, recounted that he was her only child.

The mother recounted how gunmen stormed her home and gun-butted her before she found her son lying in a pool of blood inside the shop. As for the deceased's father, he told the

court that on the night of the attack he went to use the bathroom. Shortly after, he heard loud gunshots coming from outside.

The father told the court how he hid in a bedroom from where he heard one of the gunmen conversing with his wife. Both of them testified that they could not recognize any of the men who invaded their home.

In court, both parents pointed out Chandler, whom they testified to knowing for decades. This trial is continuing at the High Court in Georgetown.

replicate human actions.

Already such tactics have been introduced at the secondary and other levels of the local education system but strategic measures have been put in place to incorporate robotics at even the primary level.

At least this is according to Assistant Chief Education Officer [Primary], Ms. Carol Ann Benn. She disclosed, yesterday, that the Ministry of Education will be introducing robotics at the Primary Level this very year and it is the sector's intention that this tool will be used to deliver quality education to the nation's children.

Benn said that over the years pupils have been improving gradually in this area, and this is because of the various interventions employed by the Education Ministry. “But we will not stop here.

“In this technological age, while we have been using the radio and television, we see the need to venture into new and more modern ways of teaching,” Benn explained while sharing the rationale behind introducing robotics in schools and even at the primary level.

She stated that the Education Ministry in its continued effort to promote the quality of education and promote STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics] while contributing to a green economy has decided to introduce robotics in the primary schools.

“Robotics will empower our pupils to make wise choices, develop their problem solving skills where they will be able to think and act quickly in different situations, develop deep critical thinking and concretize learning while building skills in navigating successfully through STEAM,” she informed.

According to Benn, too, by introducing robotics early in the education curriculum, students can also build interest in this field and nurture their talents. She went on to note that the initiative will be piloted with the Grade Four pupils across the country this year and revealed that Grade Four teachers will be trained

Assistant Chief Education Officer [Primary], Ms. Carol Ann Benn. before the rollout of the programme.

With the introduction of the robotics programme at the primary level, Benn is convinced that pupils are poised to benefit in a number of ways.

“This programme will

help to build our pupils' leadership qualities, increase their creativity, promote i n c l u s i v i t y, e n c o u r a g e teamwork, enhance their soft skills, teach our pupils selfcontrol and prepare them for the future,” the Assistant CEO theorised.

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Elections unlikely within 90 days - Govt. prepares for house-to-house registrations - AFC

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he possibilities of general and regional elections being held within 90 days are becoming less likely.

Yesterday, the Alliance For Change (AFC), the smaller of the two governing factions, made it clear that it is not ruling out heading as far as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to appeal any decision that does not favor the administration.

In addition, the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is also being called into question with a house-tohouse registration to clean the Voters' List a very real possibility.

The disclosures were made yesterday by Chairman for AFC, Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan, during the party's press conference.

Early elections were mandated when Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, on the evening of December 21 voted yes to a no-confidence, causing the government to fall.

Persaud flew out within hours to Canada, under the protection of the Canadian High Commission. That situation has sparked a diplomatic spat between Government and the Commission.

Government has since taken the vote to court, questioning the legality of it in view of that fact that the Member of Parliament had dual citizenship with Canada, a no-no under the Constitution of Guyana when it comes to eligibility of parliamentarians.

The situation has caused a Constitutional crisis with the Opposition- the People's Progressive Party (PPP) insisting the government resign.

Yesterday Ramjattan, to

whose party the now expelled Persaud had belonged, was vocal on the way forward.

He said that in any elections, it is likely that AFC will again join with the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) in another coalition as the “chances are better there”.

However, he warned, the holding of elections and date is dependent on what the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) says.

During a meeting with President David Granger recently, it was agreed that two representatives from each party – Government and Opposition- will be sent to talk to ailing Chairman of GECOM, (Ret'd) Justice, James Patterson, on arrangements and the readiness.

The two are MPs Amna Ally and Gail Teixeira.

According to Ramjattan, a former leader of AFC, it will be recalled that it was the PPP in Opposition who agreed with Government to spend $3B in a house-tohouse registration this year.

There was no money budgeted for elections.

Parliament, he said, will have to be reconvened to pass funds for elections now, he said- even if the Opposition wants to be absent, the Government's majority will be used.

Implications and Consequences According to Ramjattan, the current Minister of Public Security, when bringing a no-confidence motion, one does not only look at the 90-day stipulation, there are implications and consequences too.

According to the Constitution, outside of the 90-day, the Government and

AFC officials: (l-r)- MPs Michael Carrington; Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan; General Secretary, Marlon Williams and Cathy Hughes the Opposition must agree for lengthening the life of the administration.

The official noted that Guyana is not like Canada and other developed western countries where a noconfidence motion can spark immediate elections.

With regards to the Voters' List, he said that there are many persons who would be disenfranchised –including 15-year-olds who would be 18 this year.

In fact, it was pointed out that the late parents of Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes were on the list.

The list has to be cleansed to also avoid accusations of rigging- a situation of “damned if you do; damned if you don't.”

According to Ramjattan, there is clear intention of the administration to pursue the court cases till up the CCJ if the results are not f a v o u r a b l e .

There is also an understanding that there will be expeditious hearings in the matters.

According to the party yesterday, the AFC will host its first National Executive Committee meeting for 2019

on Saturday, January 26.

The full National Executive of the party will be in attendance.

“This NEC will be expanded to include municipal and regional councillors and other regional and district officials from across the country along with attendance by representatives of the Diaspora.

The party expects, as usual, robust presentations on various agenda items, particularly regarding the prevailing political position,” Ramjattan disclosed.

According to Ramjattan, the party restates its position that it feels betrayed by the vote on December 21 and “it is now evident that it was not a conscience vote but that much more was at play. The police are conducting investigations in this regard.”

He said that the AFC is pleased with the maturity displayed by the respective sides at the meeting on January 9 between President David Granger and his team of ministers and the Leader of the Opposition and his team.

“The party notes and is heartened by statements following the meeting that the sanctity of Government remains and trusts that this political maturity will hold in the coming weeks and months as the matter continues to unfold.”

Ramjattan insisted that the Coalition remains strong and is reassuring that the party is firmly committed to the rule of law and remains Guyana's largest multi-ethnic party which continues to be unwavering in pursuit of representing the interest of all Guyanese.

NO Allegiance According to Minister Hughes, the AFC has noted media reports relating to the citizenship status of its Members of Parliament.

“The AFC wishes to advise that none of its eleven MPs has sworn allegiance to any foreign state. Ten of the party's MPs are citizens of Guyana only. The other MP, Mr Dominic Gaskin, was born in the United Kingdom but is a citizen of Guyana by descent.”

The issue of renouncing citizenship does not apply to Guyanese who were born in

another country. “Therefore Mr. Gaskin, constitutionally, sits as a duly elected MP without any hindrance or issue.”

Ramjattan would not be drawn on investigations by police into allegations that Persaud was actively seeking to buy a large amount of gold.

He assured that Top Cop, Leslie James, will likely hold a press conference in the coming days on the probe which involves a case of “national security”.

Ramjattan said he was briefed on the probe and from indications, the vote by the MP was not one of conscience.

Evidence from video tapes and other meetings clearly dispel this.

“It is obviously blindsided us. It is treachery and betrayal.”

According to Marlon Williams, AFC's General Secretary, all MPs of his party were aware of their Constitutional obligations to disclose if they had dual citizenship. The party never knew of Persaud's.

Also there at the press conference was MP Michael Carrington.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Agencies mourn passing of Allison Butters Grant

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he passing of Allison ButtersGrant, Chief Executive Officer and President of Global Seafood Distributors (GSD), is being mourned by a number of agencies with which she interacted, as well as family, relatives and friends.

Butters-Grant passed away on January 13, last, in New Jersey, USA, following a brief battle with cancer.

A statement from the GSD reads that the entire GSD “family mourns this loss. On behalf of our management team, employees and family, we extend our deepest thanks to all the kind words and sympathy during these difficult times.”

GSD referred to her as a “larger-than-life figure” and mentioned the passion, energy, experience and value she brought to the company and all that she crossed paths with. GSD stated that Butters-Grant's dedication to her country spawned many developments over the years.

The company lauded her for her passion for progress.

GSD related that she was greatly respected and

admired as a female entrepreneur and trailblazer, one who infused the Company with deeply held values of integrity, a strong sense of right and wrong, great compassion and l o y a l t y, a n d a s o l i d commitment to family, staff, community and a quality product.

She, the company stated, “guided the company from its humble beginnings to a household name for quality seafood products.”

Her husband and Managing Director Kerwin Grant will assume the post of Chief Executive Officer.

GSD thanks its partners for the condolences they have expressed, and their continuous support.

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Limited (GMSA), on which Butters-Grant served as an Executive Board Member, also expressed condolences to her family for her loss.

The company stated, “Mrs. Butters- Grant was greatly admired and respected as a successful female entrepreneur. In our interactions with Ms. Butters-Grant she exhibited

Thursday January 17, 2019

75-year-old 'Gaza Nani' arrested for running small 'cocaine empire' in Suriname

Allison Butters-Grant commitment to doing more for Guyana and creating opportunities for young people. She always brought new ideas and perspectives to the GMSA. We will miss her.

Guyana will miss her.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources extended deepest condolences to her family, as well. The Ministry's statement lauded the role Mrs Butters-Grant played in the natural resources sector as a miner in her own right, functioning as an alternate for the industry in the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative's Multi Stakeholder Group (MSG).

The ministry remembers Butters-Grant as a source of inspiration within the MSG and wider natural resources sector.

(CMC) – The arrest of a 75-year-old grandmother on drug related charges is resulting in people hilariously trolling police and calling for her release.

The woman was arrested on Tuesday after police raided her home and found that she was running a small “cocaine empire” from her house in the western Paramaribo.

The arrest of coke Nani (granny) Nankoemarie N. has become such a hot topic in the country that the hashtag #FreeGazaNani has been trending all day Wednesday.

Prior to the arrest of the woman, police had caught a group of teenagers selling crack cocaine in Piano Street i n Vi c t o r i a P a r k , a neighbourhood in Kwatta, in western Paramaribo. The boys, ages ranging from 15 to 20 years told police that they were selling the narcotics for a woman with one of them identifying her as his aunt.

When police raided the house, they did indeed find a large amount of cocaine inside. They also found proof that the boys were

Nankoemarie

selling the drugs at her behest. The grandma was immediately arrested. The boys were also kept in custody. The case took an unexpected turn however, when people nicknamed the woman Gaza Nani — a play on the Gaza Strip's terrorism reputation and the woman being as tough as a terrorist — and started calling for her release.

“Free Gaza Nani, she is so inspiring. Girl Power Female Power! Let her go.

She is a well-respected drug dealer who wasn't selling kilograms, but just a couple of grams here and there so she could buy bread, milk and masala,” one person joked on social media.

Another person, who said he had spoken to one of

her customers, said she could easily rival the big dealers.

Then someone found a photograph of the bespectacled Gaza Nani clad in a pristine sari, grinning widely and throwing gang signs, and that only served to further fuel the virility of the story.

T h e h a s h t a g #freegazanani quickly started trending, with many people joking around about the case, but some hinting seriously that a little old lady did not belong in a cold prison and that police would do better to go after big drug dealers. Some also pointed out that the country is in a sad state when its elders have to resort to crime to stay afloat.

Media reports said that Nankoemarie went into the drug trade to augment her retirement income.

“When she started having trouble walking, she asked her nephew to help out and together with friends of his she built her own little drug empire,” the report stated.

None of this has been confirmed by police.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

PAGE 19

Govt. provides subsidy Venezuelan migrants for Calypsonians will be documented Mash Coordinator, Andrew Tyndall

- migrants do not need to fear deportation

D

N

ewcomers and veteran Calypsonians alike were recipients of governmentsponsored subsidies to aid in the recording of their songs for the 2019 Calypso competition.

On Monday during a press conference held at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Mash Coordinator, Andrew Tyndall, said that this decision is another first for the Department of Social Cohesion.

It is intended to bring about awareness of

the artistes' work.

“A Mashramani compilation that includes Calypso, Soca and Chutney is being put together and will be issued to all media houses and radio stations so that it can be played on programmes and be publicized to make it popular and so that people will know the music and the artiste,” Tyndall explained.

“Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind,” is this year's theme for Mashramani as Guyana celebrates its 49th Republic Anniversary on February 23.

Judge rules law enforcement can’t force suspects to unlock their iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID

By Chance Miller

S

everal months ago, we heard of the first known case of law enforcement requiring a suspect to unlock their phone with Face ID. Forbes reports today, however, that a California judge has ruled that, even with a warrant, the government can’t force people to unlock their devices via biometric features.

In this particular case, being heard in the U.S. District Court for Northern California, police were seeking a search warrant as part of a Facebook extortion case.

The victim in the case was being asked to pay a sum of money to avoid having an “embarrassing” video released to the public.

Law enforcement wanted to use the search warrant to raid the property of people whom they believed to be suspects in the case. Through that raid, they also sought to unlock any phone on the premises with Face ID and Touch ID. The judge agreed that the cops had probable cause for a warrant, but did not have the right to force the suspects to unlock their devices via biometric technology.

Judge Kandis Westmore

said the request was “overbroad and neither limited to a particular person nor a particular device.”

Of note, this particular ruling could perhaps be overturned in the future if law enforcement requests a narrower warrant.

On a broader scale, however, Judge Westmore ruled that even with a warrant, suspects cannot be forced to incriminate themselves through biometric technologies like Face ID and Touch ID. The judge explained in her ruling that fingerprints and face recognition are not the same as physical evidence in the context of unlocking a phone: “If a person cannot be compelled to provide a passcode because it is a testimonial communication, a person cannot be compelled to provide one’s finger, thumb, iris, face, or

other biometric feature to unlock that same device,” the judge wrote.

In lieu of having access to the devices found during the raid, Judge Westmore said there are other ways to access the needed data that “do not trample on the Fifth Amendment.” This includes going to Facebook and asking for access to the Facebook Messenger conversations.

In the case we reported on last October, required a suspect to present his face to the iPhone X, thus unlocking the device. At that time, Face ID and Touch ID were not protected under the Fifth Amendment.

The effects of Judge Westmore’s ruling will play out as time progresses, but ideally, this should provide users the same protection for Face ID and Touch ID as offered for alphanumeric passcodes.

irector-General (ag) of the Civil D e f e n c e Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said there is no need for Venezuelan migrants to fear deportation.

The acting head of the CDC, assured there is no n e e d f o r Ve n e z u e l a n migrants settling in Guyana to hide.

Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said, “I know sometimes people come and they hide, thinking that they will be locked up.

That's not the position that is taken as it relates to migrants,” Lieutenant Colonel Craig said.

The Director-General said the immigration department has a responsibly to document incoming migrants. He added that the migrants are granted stay for a certain

period, but in many cases, it is extended. It was also noted that once the migrants are documented, assistance is given to them.

“So, if they come out and get documented, we would be able to give them some amount of support.”

In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Craig said the rehabilitation of the building identified for the establishment of the migrant support centre is expected to be completed within three months.

He told DPI that the location was chosen because it was found that many Venezuelan migrants enter Guyana through Charity and are not documented.

He explained, “The Migrant support centre is not a place where people are going to go and live, it's a centre where people are going to receive services.

So, the Venezuelans would come and be documented.

“They are going to

receive vaccinations; they are going to receive any treatment they would need, any guidance and it would also help us to monitor electronically, persons coming in and screen persons coming in.”

Lieutenant Colonel Craig described the ongoing migrant issue as a complex humanitarian situation.

Over the last few months, Guyana has seen an influx of Venezuelans crossing the borders to escape the economic and political turmoil in their homeland.

To date, approximately $25M has been expended in funding, to aid the migrants.

The CDC, in collaboration with several international organisations such as the UNICEF and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been distributing food and sanitary supplies to migrants in the border regions of Guyana.

Wife to stand High Court trial for domestic murder

L

isa Halley, a woman who murdered her husband in July 2017, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court after Senior Magistrate Leron Daly found sufficient evidence to commit her.

The charge alleged that, Halley on July 29, 2017, unlawfully murdered Devon Halley in Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

Halley, who cried bitterly on her first appearance in court, said that she suffered on a daily basis, abuse at the hands of her husband and that she would have eventually found enough courage to leave him. She added that the deceased would have forced her into prostitution.

On the day in question, the now dead man reportedly turned up at the woman's home and demanded to talk to her. Devon Halley was told by the woman's brother that she was not at home.

Shortly after, the accused entered the yard and the deceased upon spotting her allegedly attacked her with two knives. During the process, Halley managed to get her hands on one of the knives and stabbed her abusive partner.

Committed: Lisa Halley

Surinamese authorities investigating undercover in Berbice, B' Division unaware From page 13 executed and not robbed since Suriname and US currency was found on him. His cell phone was also found near him on the beach.

Kaieteur News was told that the businessman may have been

murdered by a Surinamese businessman in fear that he may have "ratted them out" while he was being questioned.

Authorities in Suriname confiscated 2,300 kilos of cocaine from a rice shipment. The coke bust

was made at the Jules Sedney port, in the southern district of the capital. It was reportedly stashed in an eightcontainer rice shipment filled with rice, awaiting loading at the harbour.

The shipment was destined for France, through Guadeloupe.

Security workers of the port stumbled upon the shipment during their regular controls. They alerted the Narcotics Brigade of the police, in Suriname.

The rice was said to be from Oemrawasingh's factory.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 17, 2019

Guyana needs to be ready for Put actions to your words mass gathering emergency

A

s t h e government moves to ensure the safety of all Guyanese, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has completed a National policy on Mass Casualty Management (MCM) and Incident Command Systems (ICS). It will be taking steps to implement the policy countrywide.

Acting Director General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that Guyana, like any other country, is vulnerable to the impacts of natural and manmade hazards. Hence, the country must work to enhance its collective capacity to be able to provide an effective response to emergencies and disasters at all levels.

The Director-General said that with the completion of the policy, the CDC will be looking to implement the guidelines in all regions.

“The policy was drafted at the end of last year with support from Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO). This year we are working to implement the policy, training persons, and to ensure organisations including the private sector, follow the policy and ensure that systems are in place,” Lt. Col. Craig said.

He explained that the

Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig CDC wants to promote the use of the plan, whenever there is a mass gathering, to alleviate or reduce the impact of any arising emergency.

“I recall some time last year there was a stampede at

one of the shows at the [Providence National] stadium and we want to have the systems in place so that we are able to save lives.”

He pointed out, also, that with upcoming activities such as Mashramani and the

Van West Charles's future in...

From page 3 not interested in pronouncing on it.

But we feel very strongly about eradicating corruption which has become an epidemic in Guyana. It's a way of life. Every level in Guyana, there's some form of corruption and we have to work on that. And that's why we were so strong about putting a public procurement commission in place. So let these agencies do their job.

They must be able to operate independently.”

The fuel trade is a multibillion-dollar one in Guyana, with spending accounting for a huge chunk of precious foreign currency annually.

With revenues for the country hard to come by, especially as sugar is doing p o o r l y, t h e r e w e r e indications also that fuel importers have been colluding with Customs brokers and officers to record lower volumes.

The attention on the troublesome fuel trade has been making media

headlines time and time again because of wrongdoings that have been surfacing.

Also a director of Atlantic Fuels is Lear Goring, who was the Debt Recovery Manager of GWI until he was let go because of an undisclosed criminal background.

Goring, according to Customs records, remained in business with his former GWI boss, as they both sat as Directors for Atlantic Fuels.

The fuel import, storage and wholesale licence was controversially approved in late 2015, around the same time that Van West Charles was hired as the new chief of GWI. There has been intense scrutiny about the procedures.

It emerged that applicants for licences have to show evidence of storage capacity, safety a r r a n g e m e n t s , environmental permits and a host of other requirements.

At the time of approval, it

was unclear whether Atlantic Fuels, a new company, had shown a track record in the fuel business.

What is known is that others were applying and are not succeeding.

Atlantic Fuels received its licence in just over month, a rapid approval compared to the months that others have applied and had to wait.

GRA, to collect its outstanding taxes from the under-invoicing, which is evidenced from Customs records, is likely to examine past shipments of Atlantic Fuels, going back to 2015 or 2016, to determine whether there were other instances of under-invoicing.

GRA then has the option of using the market acquisition prices relative to those shipments and assess Atlantic Fuels with the correct taxes.

GRA itself has reportedly pinpointed a number of its staffers and independent Customs brokers who were complicit in the fuel racket scheme.

Guyana Carnival, “Guyana needs to be ready for any emergency.

L a s t y e a r, d u r i n g carnival, we utilised elements of the policy, Mashramani was the same thing and we were able to keep all instances of emergencies at a minimum,” Craig said.

“We also want to roll out elements of this policy in the regions, because I believe r i g h t n o w, w e h a v e Mashramani celebrations started already in the regions.

So, there is where our regional system can kick in and put systems in place.

We don't know when an emergency will occur. But when you have the system in place, we are able to reduce the impact of the emergencies,” he stressed.

L a s t F e b r u a r y, t h e government, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), collaborated with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health O r g a n i s a t i o n (PAHO/WHO), the Ministry of Public Health and the Canadian High Commission in Guyana for a one-week Mass Casualty Management (MCM) and Incident Command Systems (ICS) workshop, with 86 participants from 20 organisations, each of whom is now internationally accredited in mass gatherings management techniques. Forty-two of the participants completed the ICS and 39 the MCM training. (DPI)

From page 3 objectives on your own, so build partnerships; establish links and exchange ideas and programmes which can assist you in your cause…

The Trinidad Youth Minister issued a direct call to policy makers in this regard.

“I want to turn my attention to the Directors of Yo u t h . Yo u h a v e a tremendous amount of power that you are not using…You are responsible for establishing the youth agenda but you like to say you are waiting on the Government or the Minister for the work to be carried out.

That is not so, the Minister is a political figure you ought to have a youth agenda which is a robust call to action that is available no matter which Government is in place.

“So do not tell the young people that you're waiting on the Minister because Ministers are looking to you for a plan and for your guidance.”

Cudjoe's call to action follows on close heels with the statement of Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque who on Tuesday told attendees of the summit that youth violence and crime in the Caribbean demand a regional solution.

“It is a regional problem that demands a regional solution. It not only requires the full co-operation of all our countries but also all the

stakeholders within the member states.

“The multi-state, multisectoral response to this challenge is vital for us to succeed in defeating it,” LaRocque told the gathering.

The CARICOM Secretary General noted, too, that youth are the demographic that is most affected by crime and violence and that some of the main findings of recent studies are that the majority of victims, as well as perpetrators of crimes recorded by the police, are young males 18 to 35 years old.

He alluded to a UNDP report as indicating that the Caribbean has some of the highest figures of youth convicted of crime with at least 80 percent of prosecuted crimes being committed by young people between the ages 19 and 29 years old.

“There are a number of socio-economic determinants of crime, not least of which is the high youth unemployment rate in the region of 25 percent in 2017.

That is three times the adult average and highest among young women ages 18 to 30 at 33 percent,” he said, adding that to combat this scourge, Caribbean leaders approved the CARICOM Crime and Security Strategy in 2013, which incorporates the CARICOM Social Development and Crime Prevention Action Plan.

Thursday January 17, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Eco Atlantic to drill first well three years ahead of committed time

By Kiana Wilburg The almost flawless exploratory success of ExxonMobil offshore Guyana has many of its neighbouring block owners bursting with exuberance to execute their drilling plans.

Eco Atlantic, for one, plans to spud its first well this year in the Orinduik Block.

According to Eco’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gil Holzman, this puts them three years ahead of the committed time.

Holzman said that the partners of the Orinduik Block, being Eco Atlantic, Total and Tullow (Operator), approved the initial 2019 work plan and budget for the first exploration well on the Orinduik Block on November 30, 2018.

He said that the initial budget is for drilling the ‘Jethro-Lobe’ prospect to be spud by the end of May - early June 2019. He said that this will be the first well out of at least two well campaigns proposed by the Operator in 2019.

Holzman also said that the partners have approved the purchase of the necessary long lead items and are currently considering the proposals offered

by drilling and service contractors who have offered a firm drilling window within the partners’ envisaged timeframe and competitive rates.

He said that Eco estimates that the approximate net cost to Eco of the first well is around US$7.6 million. The CEO said that Eco is fully funded for the 2019 campaign having current cash of over US$20 million, as announced on November 29, 2018.

Holzman explained that the Jethro-Lobe prospect, which will be drilled from a conventional drill ship, is an Upper Te r t i a r y stratigraphically trapped canyon turbidite in approximately 1,350 meters of water. He said that the targeted prospect is estimated by the company to hold 250 million barrels of gross prospective resources and the chance of success is estimated to be 44 percent.

During an interview, Holzman expounded further on the aforementioned. He noted that after the first well has been drilled, the Orinduik operators will know exactly where it will continue to drill more wells.

“The reason we chose

Eco Atlantic’s CEO, Gil Holzman this Jethro Lobe target is because it has the potential to open a complex of targets which lies underneath and surrounding it…So basically, it can open a big field discovery. But we have more than 10 targets in the licensed area and each has an average of 300m barrels of recoverable resources…We estimate over three billion barrels of potential resource on the block…”

Premier to lead Bermuda delegation to Davos forum HAMILTON, Bermuda CMC – Premier David Burt is heading a delegation to Switzerland to attend the annual meeting of global leaders next week. Burt said he is the only head of a British Overseas Territory to have been invited to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

He said given “recent events” in Europe and Britain, “it is important that Bermuda take an active role in promoting our economy overseas and reminding global business leaders why Bermuda is different.”

Burt will take part in meetings and discussions on topics including technology, education and the environment. He will be joined by Andy Burrows, the chief executive of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, and Denis Pitcher, the government’s financial technology (fintech) consultant. “We will be using this excellent opportunity to advance this government’s agenda for growth and economic diversification while we continue to promote Bermuda as a leading jurisdiction for

Holzman continued, “But again, the block is extremely prospective because of its structure; big channels, big canyons that flow south west to north east … The block could easily hold 10 to 15 wells in the coming years. But we need to start somewhere and we are starting on the eastern side of the block which is a bit deeper in terms of water depth.”

The CEO of the Canadabased firm added, “And it correlates perfectly to the latest Exxon discovery but we have so much time on the license. We are drilling the first well three years ahead of the committed time. And it is going to be a very exciting drilling campaign.”

Eco’s Chief Operating Officer, Colin Kinley, has also commented on the potential of the block. “There are a number of high-potential additional drilling candidates that are on the top of its interpretation list.”

He said that the partners are currently evaluating the synergies of drilling a second well in this campaign and are assessing rig timing and budget to drill a second candidate.

Kinley said, “We have a great deal of confidence in the selection of the

about foreign investment opportunities on the island, including in hospitality and tourism. “The way the world does business is changing and Bermuda cannot afford to be on the side-lines. We are a well-respected financial centre and have a well-educated and eager working population, able and ready to be retrained and retooled for the jobs that can and will be moved to Bermuda.”

The forum from Tuesday until Friday.

first 1000km2 of the 2550km2 3D Survey. Further, Tullow contributed an extensive 2D seismic data set and interpretation.

The Company’s 2550 km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the Company made for the initial 1000km2.

In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A. Pursuant to the option.

Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm-in to the Orinduik Block. An additional payment of US$12.5M was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco’s working interest in September 2018.

Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block’s working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%.

Last October, the Government approved of the Total farm-in on the Orinduik Block, which has the potential for almost three billion barrels of oil equivalent.

FLA wants probe into video on social media KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) yesterday sought to distance itself from a video circulating on social media with graphic sexual content that is purportedly being linked to the organization. In a statement, the FLA said that it is in no way associated with the recording and would be making a formal complaint to the Cyber Crimes Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).

“The video, which is

international companies,” he told a news conference.

“We will also use the platform to meet with global companies that have Bermuda entities but currently no physical presence, to discuss our approach to economic substance and why Bermuda will be the right choice for multinational corporations to establish physical operations to meet the new global requirements.” Burt said the Bermuda delegation would also provide information

Jethro-Lobe drill candidate; the Partners are unanimous on the selection of the location, reservoir quality, charge and production characteristics and view this candidate as having a high chance of success and potential for a first discovery.”

The COO added, “Our confidence was bolstered even further by the upgraded estimate of the discovered recoverable resource to over five billion barrels of oil equivalent on the Stabroek Block, as announced by ExxonMobil and Hess on December 3, 2018.

Further evaluation of previous discoveries in addition to the tenth discovery on the block, Pluma-1, contributed to the upgrade.”

Kinley said that each successful well drilled on Stabroek lowers Eco’s risk on Orinduik.

ORINDUIK JV PARTNERS In January 2016, Eco signed a Petroleum Agreement and is party to a Petroleum Licence with the Government of Guyana and Tullow Oil for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana.

Tullow Oil as the Operator of the Block, paid past costs and carried Eco for the

primarily being broadcasted on WhatsApp, shows a male and a female performing a sexual act on a desk in an office. The video is accompanied by the caption, “FLA ADVISORY – Female Applicants!” the FLA said in the statement.

The FLA, which is responsible for the licensing and regulating of the use of firearms in Jamaica, insisted that the video and the individuals featured are not employed to or in any way connected to the

organisation.

It said it wants the Cyber Crimes Division to investigate the source of the “malicious” video as it is viewed as a blatant attack on the integrity and reputation of the organisation.

The FLA is urging “responsible Jamaicans” to discontinue the circulation of this video and its accompanying message and is encouraging persons to report to the police those who continue to forward it to others.

CL Financial bailout …Closing the circle T r i n i d a d Express This is an update on my efforts to get the remaining details of the CL Financial bailout in which over $25 Billion of our scarce public money has been spent.

A l t h o u g h t h e d e tails of over 13,200 EFPA claim-

ants who received $10.823 Billion were provided, the Consent Order entered in the Appeal Court on 24th January 2018 has not been fully complied with.

The Ministry of Finance is now claiming that the CL Financial accounts relied upon by

t h e n F i n a n c e M i n i s t e r, Wi n s t o n D o o k e r a n , i n preparing his April 3, 2012 affidavit, cannot be found. Also missing in action is the list of creditors of CL Financial. I am challenging that noncompliance with the assistance of my attorneys.

PAGE 22

FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

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

For professional bee removal with a warranty call The Bee Musketeers on 639-6911 today House plan drafting from $13,000. Sean #667-2189

FOR SALE 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1-9 Wheel Pneumatic roller, 2 Bitumen Kettle, 1- 3304 Di CAT engine. Tel#275-0367/ 683-7225 1-CAT 215 Excavator, 1 CAT 428 Backhoe, 1 Mack concrete mixer 8 Cu yds, 1 450 Honda Atv. Call: 275-0367/683-7225 Black German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656 1 (250KVA) generator power

by NT55 Cummings. Contact #269-0603/609-2350/644-1190 Used imported glass showcase L72" x H39" x W24" 40,000 each. Tel#625-1514 USED PARTS FOR 320/324 CATERPILLAR MACHINE. CONTACT 223-5273/74 Tacoma, tundra, titan, FI50 parts - engine, transmission, back & front suspension, alternator, starter etc, CD players. Call 695-6461/6397758 Transported property at Covent Garden Island. Call 265-3586

GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

Nissan Laurel Executive antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep.

Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660-3415/609-7766 One (1) unregistered new model Tacoma, white in color, crash bar, step, alarm etc. Call 695-6461 or 639-7758 Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501

1 bedroom apt for working couple/single person $35,000 monthly. Light and Water included. Lodge. Call: 6230076 One 2 bedroom apartment located at North East La Penitence. Contact#668-3259/ 621-3762 Bottom flat 2 bedroom apartment to rent situated at lot 229 Section A Block X Diamond Housing Scheme.

Contact 696-6463/673-6222 1 well-appointed furnished 2 bedroom apartment in Bel Air, with Parking. Tel Nos: 2254106/225-4708 between 8:004:30 Mon-Fri

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Reliable Rentals: Top quality cars, SUV’s at very low rates.

Call: 227-2322/601-2622 HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924

WANTED One Mechanic to work in the interior must know about Cummins engine. Contact #699-4718 Urgently need a car in good working condition to work and keep. 673-5240 1 Shop assistant to work in the interior. Experience would be an asset. #669-3162 1 Cleaner to work shift system.

Apply in person Buddy’s Gym. 137 Sheriff St. 231-4104 Urgently need dry Corilla Bush.Any amount from 1lb to 1000lbs. #609-8281 Contract cars at City Taxi Service & Vlissengen Rd. Tel: 226-7150

House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 6878445

House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657 Commercial Property, double lot next to Harbour Bridge,East Bank... must go #622-1957 House lots for sale, 200k downpayment, 20k monthly #622-1957

VACANCY 1) Doosan Mechanic must specialize in Doosan Parts 2) Receptionist to work @ Hotel 3) Land surveyor, must know to use GPS. Contact# 2235273/223-5274 Cashiers - CXC required porters. Survival supermarket 16 Vlissengen Rd. Newtown General Cleaner & Bond Clerk, must have police clearance, for more info call: 223-0090 Experienced Cashier, Apply at American Variety Store.

Guyana 140 Regent & Light Street, Bourda Georgetown 1 Fitter Machinist Contact# 225-2093 Cooks, Handyboys, Roti/Puri makers, Apply at Shanta’s 225 Camp St

1 Maid. Tel: 225-3234

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street.

Tel#655-3332 Opposite Guyoil Gas Station CAR RENTAL

RZ Minibus BJJ series 6 Lugs new tyres & engine (bottom is pitbull) white. Tel 616-7616, 603-2252. Asking $1.2M

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Transport property for sale, BB Eccles, EBD. Call: 616-9490

TAXI SERVICE

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

Looking for experienced cook to make soup daily. Good pay, Flexible hours, Call: 622-2693 1 Live in or part time maid. 6955505/611-6364. Between 9:00am to 4:00pm General domestic with cooking experience. Age 3055. Call 616-6988 Assistant office administrator. Sales and spares assistant. 628-9268 LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109

Salon for rental. Hair & nail stations available. New market street. 638-1106. Massage room available Vacancy exist for 2 assistant cooks @ People’s Choice Kitchen 88 James St Albouystown. Tel#679-9449.

Strictly night shift (2) Responsible male to graze and milk cow. Age 30-45. #2332049 Call anytime after 12 $22,000 start salary.

Earn up to $5000 daily selling hotdogs. Food handlers needed. Contact Sean #6672189 Driver/Salesman, Security Guards, Handyman, Bulldozer Operator, Part time Mechanic. # 266 4427

(1) Fenced land Parfaite Harmony - $2M. Uitvlugt $2.5M Neg. Zeelugt $1.5M Neg. Zeelugt $2.3M Neg. Tel: 697-6311/642-1252

Experienced salesman 40-45 yrs with driver license. Must know to write bills/calculate.

Keyyfood McDoom Village.

LEARN TO DRIVE

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Tel: 656-7329

N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way.

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P. Outar and C. Persaud Driving School at Maraj Building. Call: 622-2872, 6150964, 681-2808

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

EDUCATION Private Customs Brokerage Certificate Training Course, starts this month end, Register now. Call: 694-8322/501-6931.

Job Opportunity Available Nursery: Phonics & Aftercare.

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Passenger gets six months for free taxi ride Yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Gajeshwarorito Sewnarine, from Berbice, was sentenced to prison after he admitted to a fraud charge that was made out against him.

It was alleged that last month at Laluni Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, Sewnarine obtained credit from Ryan Pires by use of vehicle HC 7134 for transportation and incurred a debt of $30,000; he failed to make that payment.

After listening to the charge that was read to him

by Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty, Sewnarine pleaded guilty and offered an explanation for his actions.

According to Sewnarine, he hired the taxi to travel to Berbice and promised to pay when he went to the bank to uplift his money. However, he went without proper documentation and was unable to receive his money.

Pires, the driver, stated that the accused never told him that he does not have any money. What Sewnarine related was that he needed to do a transaction at the bank and that he should wait for him. Pires said that he stayed there until the bank closed but Sewnarine did not return.

With help from the security guard who assisted him by going through surveillance cameras, Pires saw that Sewnarine left the bank shortly after arriving.

Police prosecutor Alisa Brummell objected to bail being granted to the accused based on the seriousness of the offence and therefore Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty remanded Sewnarine to prison and instructed him that he repay his debt in two weeks.

Sewnarine then contended that he could not repay the debt in that timeframe.

The magistrate, left with no other choic and sentenced the defendant to six months in prison.

Thursday January 17, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Guyana’s Cara to manage iconic T&T hotel Trinidad- (Trinidad Guardian) Cara Ho-tels has leased the 53-room ho-tel attached to the Na-tion-al Acade-my of the Per-form-ing Arts (Na-pa). Ac-cord-ing to a Decem-ber 2018 Cab-i-net note about the deal, the com-pany will pay some TT$390,000 per year to lease the Na-pa Ho-tel, payable in quar-terly tranch-es. The first payment is not ex-pect-ed un-til 2021.

Chief Ex-ec-u-tive Of-ficer, Shaun Mc-Grath, came into the coun-try from Guyana on Mon-day night. While he did not want to dis-cuss the fi-nan-cial as-pects of the deal, which is still in the draft stages, he con-firmed that his com-pa-ny has ne-go-ti-at-ed a sev-en-year tax break and du-ty-free con-ces-sions as part of the 10-year lease agreement.

“When all this is done and dust-ed, I will hap-pi-ly sit down and give you all the gory de-tails but I can-not do it now. I have com-mit-ted a cer-tain amount but I know I may have to put more in-to that,” he said.

Mc-Grath said while manage-ment of the ho-tel will be

Guyana’s Cara Hotel has leased the iconic Trinidad’s NAPA hotel.

un-der the Cara um-brel-la, he and his busi-ness part-ner are for-mu-lat-ing a new com-pany to take over Na-pa ho-tel.

Ac-cord-ing to the Cab-inet Note, a cap-i-tal in-vestment of some $1.6 mil-lion is need-ed to de-vel-op a walkway, up-grade the restau-rant and bar, re-fur-bish and up-

grade the lob-by and the trans-form one of the two restau-rants in-to a con-ference room. An-oth-er $2.1 million is ex-pect-ed to be spent on fix-tures and fit-tings and equip-ment.

Mc-Grath said that while it might be sur-pris-ing news to some, Gov-ern-ment had

been ac-tive-ly try-ing to outsource man-age-ment of the Na-pa ho-tel for the past decade.

“We first sent in a ten-der about nine years ago and heard noth-ing. Nine years of si-lence. We sent notes to the for-mer gov-ern-ment ask-ing about the sta-tus and we did not get a re-ply,” he said.

“We wrote suc-ces-sive min-is-ters and we heard noth-

ing. We could not un-derstand how this ho-tel was sitting there, do-ing noth-ing. It was such a waste of a na-tional as-set that was just sit-ting there and do-ing noth-ing. I was floored.”

Mc-Grath said the new request for pro-pos-als was issued in 2016 and he and eight oth-ers went on a site vis-it.

He said when he re-ceived the call that he had won the ten-

der, he asked for a chance to ful-ly in-ves-ti-gate the ho-tel.

“What was sur-pris-ing was how good a con-di-tion the ho-tel was in. I was blown away by how well it had been main-tained. Noth-ing de-teri-o-rates faster than a building that has not been used.

But this was very well maintained,” he said.

He said while the ho-tel was in good con-di-tion, there are some struc-tur-al is-sues that need-ed to be ad-dressed al-most im-me-di-ate-ly.

He said Cara Ho-tels took on the biggest chunk of the cost to up-grade the Na-pa ho-tel but Gov-ern-ment is also ex-pect-ed to put up some cash.

Mc-Grath and his team expect to take over the ho-tel next month but the mat-ter is still be-fore the lawyers.

“It is not like Hilton (Trinidad) or Hy-att (Regency). Once we set it up there is no Gov-ern-ment involve-ment,” he said meaning that Cara Ho-tels will take full re-spon-si-bil-i-ty for main-tain-ing the ho-tel.

Mc-Grath has al-ready met with de-sign-ers and other con-trac-tors to take Na-pa for-ward but noth-ing can be done un-til the fi-nal con-tract is signed.

Unemployed man charged with killing Corentyne mason Ruling looms for rape convict appealing 37-year sentence

A 28-year-old man appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court for a killing his friend and drinking buddy.

Dharmendra Sewpersaud, of Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was charged with the murder of Narindradat Bhawan called “Altaf” or “Mice”, a 21-yearold mason of the said village.

It is alleged that on Wednesday January 9, last, at Number 70 Village, Berbice, Sewpersaud murdered Bhawan. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and was not represented by an attorney.

Sewpersaud is set to make his next court appearance before Magistrate Alex Moore on February 21, 2019 at the Springlands Magistrate Court. Sewpersaud and another man were arrested just a day after the murder took place. Investigating ranks from the Springlands Police Station, acted promptly on information that the suspect and a friend were at Fyrish Village. The cops swooped down on them and brought both men in custody.

The unemployed man reportedly confessed to the crime while under intense interrogation. He admitted to hitting Bhawan to the head, when he subsequently collapsed.

Bhawan’s body was

Dead: Narendradat Bhawan

Charged: Dharmendra Sewpersaud

found on the parapet of the Number 70 Village Public road by a passerby. The individual immediately informed the relatives of the young man.

When the relatives showed up he was reportedly still breathing at the time but had a visible swelling to his left side temple and was frothing from his mouth.

He was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An uncle with whom the dead man lived told reporters that the suspect had showed up at his house three times asking for Bhawan, prior to his death. He had told him that

he gave Bhawan $5000 to purchase a bottle of alcohol but he could not locate him.

The suspect wanted the uncle to refund him the $5000 but after the man refused, the suspect began to argue and then made a worrying statement.

“He seh if he reach (Bhawan) before we, he go kill am”. Both the suspect and the deceased were friends and often imbibed together.

This raised questions and suspicions in the minds of the investigators who subsequently cracked the case.

A post mortem examination that was conducted on the body was inconclusive.

A man who is said to be a father of 12 will know his fate on January 29, as the Court of Appeal is set to hand down a ruling in his case. He is appealing two rape convictions as well as the sentences.

In September 2015, Linton Pompey, 53, was convicted by a 12-member mixed jury on two counts of rape of 14-yearold girl. Trial Judge Jo-Ann Barlow later imposed separate sentences for each of the offence. She, however, ordered that the prison terms run consecutively, hence Pompey is currently serving a 37-year-sentence.

Yesterday, Chief Justice Roxane George and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory commenced hearing arguments in the matter.

Appearing for the Prosecution is Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer.

Arguing on behalf of Pompey was Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes who is asking the Court of Appeal to reverse, set aside and/or discharge the decision of the High Court.

The lawyer is arguing that the trial judge failed to adequately put the defence of his client to the jury. The lawyer argued, too, that the

Linton Pompey sentences were excessive. It is Hughes contention that consecutive sentences are only warranted when there is some level of extreme violence.

However, the Chief Justice, sought to remind Hughes that rape, by itself, is a violent offence.

Meanwhile, Prosecutor Natasha Backer disagreed that the sentences were excessive given the nature of the offence.

Citing a case from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Backer said that it was reasoned that consecutive sentences may be given if the offences occurred in unrelated acts.

She explained that in Pompey’s case, he committed the acts on the girl, 14, on different days. She pointed out that a considerable amount of time would have elapsed between the commission of the offences.

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Thursday January 17, 2019

May seeks to end Brexit stalemate after winning confidence vote LONDON (Reuters) Prime Minister Theresa May won a confidence vote in the British parliament yesterday and then appealed to MPs from across the political divide to come together to try to break the impasse on a Brexit divorce agreement.

MPs voted 325 to 306 that they had confidence in May’s government, just 24 hours after handing her European Union withdrawal deal a crushing defeat that left Britain’s exit from the bloc in disarray.

With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now in the deepest political crisis in half a

century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973.

After the results of the confidence vote were announced to cheers from her Conservative MPs, May said she believed parliament had a duty to find a solution that delivered on the 2016 Brexit referendum result.

But with lawmakers (MPs) deadlocked on the way forward, the United Kingdom could face a disorderly “nodeal” Brexit, a delay to Brexit, or even another referendum on membership.

“Now MPs have made clear what they don’t want, we must all work construc-

tively together to set out what parliament does want,” May said in a statement outside her Downing Street office.

“That’s why I am inviting MPs from all parties to come together to find a way forward. This is now the time to put self-interest aside.”

After the confidence vote, May met several party leaders, but the main opposition leader, Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn, refused to hold talks unless a no-deal Brexit was ruled out.

The votes on Tuesday and yesterday brought into sharp relief the problem May faces; trying to win over proEU supporters in her own and other parties without alienat-

Migrants depart from El Salvador as new U.S.-bound caravan forms SAN SALVADOR/ TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) At least 150 Salvadoran migrants departed in a group for the United States yesterday, the latest in a string of such ‘caravans’ that U.S. President Donald Trump has used to build his case for a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border.

The group, organized through social media, is following in the wake of a larger caravan that departed from Honduras this week.

Yesterday morning, between 900 and 1,000 Hondurans gathered at the country’s border with Guatemala, waiting to cross en-route to the United States, local police chief Jorge Rodriguez told Reuters.

Several hundred Honduran migrants already entered Guatemala on Tuesday, according to activists traveling

with them.

Caravans from Central America have inflamed the debate over U.S. immigration policy, with Trump pointing at the migrants to try to win backing for his border security plan.

The U.S. government has been partially shut down for over three weeks as Democrats resist Trump’s demand that Congress provide $5.7 billion to fund a border wall.

In El Salvador, Jose Sorto, 30, said violence drove him to leave his home. Three years ago, he said, he was attacked by the Barrio 18 gang.

El Salvador is grappling with a wave of crime and violence. In 2018, the country’s murder rate stood at 50.3 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the highest levels in the world, according to the United Nations.

The Salvadoran government estimates that some 2,700 people have left the country through half a dozen caravans over the past year.

About 600 have returned voluntarily, and three have died, according to government figures.

“I joined the caravan because here you can’t live in peace. I have to run away and hide every day,” said Sorto, who is unemployed and lives in the town of Ilobasco, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of the capital.

In the United States, he said, he hopes to “live quietly and work to buy a house for my mom.”

Walking through the streets carrying backpacks and water bottles, the migrants were escorted by immigration authorities and the police.

Russia, U.S. fail to save missile treaty, Washington to pull out From page 8 But he said the alliance now needed to be prepared for the collapse of the INF treaty and that he had asked military authorities to look into the consequences, although he declined to go into details.

European allies are worried about the deployment of U.S. missiles in Europe, as happened in the 1980s, while being caught up in nuclear competition between Moscow and Washington.

“This is part of a pattern where Russia is investing in, modernizing, exercising and

testing nuclear weapons,” Stoltenberg told Reuters. “I think the whole idea is for Russia to try to be able to reestablish a sphere of influence where they can try to intimidate and control some of their neighbors.”

Russia denies any such strategy and accuses U.S. President Donald Trump of using Moscow as a pretext to quit the INF. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to save the pact and the United States had not

properly considered Moscow’s proposals and prevent a new arms race in Europe.

But Thompson said the Russian side only offered a look at the cruise missile system, a so-called static display, which she said would not verify the true range of its warheads.

Moscow says the range puts them outside the treaty and the distance they can fly is not as long a s Wa s h i n g t o n a l l e g e s , meaning Moscow is fully compliant with the INF.

ing those who keep her in power - for instance, by giving up the “no-deal Brexit” that they see as a crucial bargaining chip.

Hardline Conservative Brexit-supporters, who last month made an unsuccessful attempt to oust her as leader, and the Northern Irish party that props up her minority government will not countenance a deal that keeps close ties with the EU. “The confidence and supply arrangement (to support May) of course is built upon delivering Brexit on the basis of our shared priorities,” said Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party.

NO DEAL, NO TALKS However, Corbyn said no positive talks were possible unless a no-deal Brexit was taken off the table. His party wants a permanent customs union with the EU, a close relationship with its single market and greater protections for workers and consumers.

May’s spokesman said she was not ruling out a nodeal option and that it was government policy to be outside an EU customs union.

Critics said this meant May was not budging from the deal that had alienated all sides in parliament.

Other opposition parties wrote to Corbyn after the confidence vote to demand he now back a second referendum, which Labour has agreed should be considered if it cannot force an election.

However, he and other senior political figures fear that stopping Brexit could alienate the 17.4 million people who voted to leave.

Sterling was trading just off two-month highs against the euro after May won the confidence vote, with many investors believing the prospect of a no-deal exit had receded as parliament hardened its stance against it.

Companies warned of catastrophic job losses and chaos at ports if there was no deal. Trade with the EU would then default to basic World Trade Organization rules, which many argue would disrupt innumerable manufacturing supply chains relying on rapid, friction-free trade.

Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to leave the EU in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged by France and Germany after the devastation of World War Two. “NO MORE GAMES” Tuesday’s crushing de-

feat appears to have killed off May’s two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce in which a status-quo transition period would be followed

by Britain operating an independent trade policy alongside close ties to the EU, the world’s biggest single market.

Other members of the EU, which combined has about six times Britain’s economic might, called for discussion but indicated there was little chance of fundamental change to the deal May had negotiated.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that “the time for playing games is now over”.

For the EU, already reeling from crises over debt and refugees, Brexit may be the biggest blow in its 60-year history, though its 27 other members have shown remarkable unity on the issue.

Brexit supporters anticipate some short-term economic pain but say Britain will then thrive if cut loose from what they cast as a doomed experiment in German-dominated unity.

Opponents of Brexit say it is folly that will weaken the West, make Britain poorer and torpedo what remains of its post-imperial clout.

Hours after U.S. troops killed in Syria, Pence says Islamic State defeated WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Islamic State has been defeated in Syria, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said yesterday, hours after Americans were killed in a northern Syria bomb attack claimed by the militant group.

Pence did not mention the attack in his address to 184 chiefs of U.S. diplomatic missions who gather annually in Washington from around the world to discuss foreign policy strategy.

“The calipha t e h a s crumbled and ISIS has been defeated,” Pence told the U.S. ambassadors and other senior American diplomats, referring to Islamic State.

In separate statements later, both the White House and Pence condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the deaths of the U.S. personnel.

The Pentagon said two U.S. service members, a Department of Defense civilian employee and one contractor working for the military were killed and three service members were injured in the blast in the northern Syria town of Manbij.

An Islamic State-affiliated website said the attack was the work of a s u i c i d e bomber. Trump made a surprise announcement on Dec. 19 that he would withdraw 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria after concluding that Islamic State had been defeated there. His decision led to the resignation of U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who cited policy differences with the president for his departure.

LACK OF PROGRESS Despite talks of a second leaders’ summit between Trump and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, Pence acknowledged that efforts to convince Pyongyang to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway.

“While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region,” he said.

The vice president also criticized China’s “unfair” trade practices and loans to developing countries that pushed up their debt

levels as it tries to gain greater influence in the world.

“The truth is that too often in recent years China has chosen a path that disregards the laws and norms that have kept the world state prosperous for more than half a century,” he said. “The days of the United States looking the other way are over,” he added.

Pence said the administration’s foreign policy was based on Trump’s “America First” agenda. “No longer will the United States government pursue grandiose, unrealistic notions at the expense of American people,” he said.

He acknowledged that Trump’s foreign policy was “different from what the world has come to expect” and that the United States faced different threats than during the Cold War. “Today we are not up against one super power but several great powers competing with us for preeminence across the world,” he said, saying the United States faced a “wolf pack” of rogue states including Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 17, 2019

Govt. passes new legislation Opposition Leader warns to tighten spending of “dangerous precedent” BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Prime Minister Mia Mottley has welcomed legislation she says will place a cap on contingencies, prevent the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) from overprinting money and would also allow for an independent audit of Government’s finances.

Winding up debate on the Public Finance Management Bill 2019, Mottley, whose administration was swept into power in the May 2018 general elections, said the legislation would also prevent future governments and legislators from operating “under the cover of night”.

She told legislators that the legislation was also needed in light of the former administration that chalked up a debt of BDS$15 billion (One Barbados dollar=US$0.50 cents) “with nothing to show for it.

“No Government in this country must ever be allowed to act in the manner in which the last government acted, with impunity, hiding under the cover of night, with nothing to show for what they did to take money from innocent taxpayers and we have come here conscious of this.

“This is not about getting even with a previous Government, this piece of legislation is about the future. This is about the standards to which we bind ourselves as a Government in good faith,” she told parliament.

She said the Public Finance Management Bill 2019 is one “of the most important pieces of legislation that will be passed in a post-Independence Barbados” and “will be able to significantly increase the level of accountability of a government to be governed”. Prime Minister Mottley said the bill would demand levels of transparency which had never before been seen in the Caribbean.

“In less than nine months we have already brought to this house two major pieces of legislation with respect to the personal conduct of public officials

Prime Minister Mia Mottley and other pieces related to the standards to which public finances must be held and we have incorporated some of those in this piece of legislation here” She said the bill seeks in almost every respect “to heighten the levels of accountability and transparency by the government of Barbados, by ministries and departments, by ministers and public officials, by commercially-owned state enterprises and other state enterprises in this country, in other words, all entities or persons acting in the public name in this country”.

Earlier, Attorney General, Dale Marshall, described the legislation as a key component in ensuring Barbados does not go through some of the economic hardship it experienced over the past decade.

“The bill was moved in December but we needed to get it right, so we set up a joint select committee to look at it so that it could do what it was supposed to do. “While we did not have any public meetings on it as we did with the Integrity in Public Life legislation, we did have good contributions on how we could improve it from the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, one of the Opposition Senators and one of the independent Senators, so we did get the benefit of opposing views from people with expertise and training in these areas.” Marshall said that while the original bill was passed in 2007, “it was not effective enough. “This new

one shows that the glaring mistakes of the last government do not happen again, and will hopefully remove some of the cynicism most Barbadians feel when they think of accountability for government spending,” he said, noting that all government departments and stateowned corporations submit financial reports at least twice a year.

“This legislation will call on every state-owned agency to have an annual plan outlining its financial and other performance. So, for example, if the Rural Development Commission wants a million dollars, they must be able to state the purpose for it, whether it is for houses, loans or payment of salaries.

“Their plans of action must be posted on a Government website within a week of the Estimates. And after six months, they must present a halfyearly report to Parliament, stating what they have achieved, and if they have not met all their goals, they must explain why and account for all the money they have spent.”

Marshall said that another element of the legislation is that if a public official, including a minister, “Intends to commit government’s finances in an inappropriate way, a public servant has the right to warn that higher official that it is wrong, and if he disagrees with that counsel, he has to write the public servant back and give reasons as to why he is not following his.

KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips has warned of a “dangerous precedent” being set as Jamaica moves to table legislation to forcible re-take the 49 per cent shares

by Venezuela’s PDV Caribe in the state-owned oil company, Petrojam.

PDV Caribe, an affiliate of the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., and the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) entered into a joint venture agreement which resulted in the sale of PetroJam shares in August 2006 and February 2007 respectively.

The agreement had called for the upgrading and expansion of the refinery to improve its competitiveness and meet local and international market demands, but Johnson Smith said these objectives were not met and that this poses a risk to the economy.

Last week, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith, defended Kingston’s position saying “it will not be a general piece of legislation which allows for acquisition of property rights, other than land, beyond the scope of the transfer of ownership of the 49 per cent shares in PetroJam currently held by PDV Caribe”.

But speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Phillips condemned the move telling legislators “the fact is we have never expropriated the property of any investor in Jamaica before.

“It is a dangerous precedent for us to set and indeed it is premature because the joint venture which exists

between Petrojam and PDVSA provides for mediation and arbitration, and even outside of that the Government could have used the good offices of friendly states to seek an amicable solution before indicating this extreme measure of expropriation,” he added.

He told Parliament the action by the Andrew Holness government bring into question the timing of the Petrojam shares buyback announcement.

“The question is: why choose to announce when the legislation isn’t even ready and when the committee which has been set up to look at the financial viability of Petrojam isn’t due to report until May? One is left to draw the conclusion that the timing had to do with a decision that had been taken to vote in the OAS not to recognise the Maduro regime. That also was ill-advised,” he said.

Jamaica along with Haiti, the Bahamas, Guyana and St. Lucia supported the Organization of American States resolution last week in not recognising the second five-year term of President Nicaols Maduro, while Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname voted against the measure. St. Kitts-Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Belize abstained during the vote earlier this week, while Grenada was not present when the matter was put to the vote.

The government has insisted that it was under no pressure from the United

States or any other country to vote in support of the resolution that was passed on the same day that Maduro was sworn into office.

Phillips said that Jamaica has enjoyed long relations with many countries whose internal affairs it does not support.

“We recognise North Korea, we recognise Cuba, we recognise China…We don’t have to be coy about the fact that there are many things that are wrong in Venezuela, but Venezuela deserves to be treated with respect as a sovereign country.

“If we don’t behave honourably towards our friends we soon will have no friends. Between 2010 and 2013 when no other state would provide any financial support for Jamaica, the Maduro government was the only state that enabled us to survive when oil was selling for US$140 per barrel,” he added.

But Attorney General Marlene Malahoo Forte said the content of the resolution was consistent with a resolution adopted by the OAS General Assembly in June 2018.

“On that occasion the Government of Jamaica in supporting the resolution acknowledged that the fundamental values and principles including maintenance of the rule of law, respect for human rights and democracy as well as non-intervention in the internal affairs of states remained pertinent considerations…for us our interest has always [been] and continues to be that of the well-being of the people of Venezuela,” she said.

Hilarious reactions over the arrest of crack granny PA R A M A R I B O , Suriname - CMC – The arrest of a 75-year-old grandmother on drug related charges is resulting in people hilariously trolling police and calling for her release. The woman had

been arrested on Tuesday after police raided her home and found that she was running a small “cocaine empire” from her house in the western Paramaribo. The arrest of coke Nani (granny) Nankoemarie N. has become such a hot topic in the country that the hashtag #FreeGazaNani has been trending all day yesterday. Prior to the arrest of the woman, police had caught a group of teenagers selling crack cocaine in Piano Street in Victoria Park, a neighbourhood in Kwatta, in western Paramaribo. The boys, ages ranging from 15to 20 years told police that

they were selling the narcotics for a woman with one of them identified her as his aunt.

When police raided the house, they did indeed find a large amount of cocaine inside. They also found proof that the boys were selling the drugs at her behest. The grandma was immediately arrested. The boys were also kept in custody.

The case took an unexpected turn however, when people nicknamed the woman Gaza Nani - a play on the Gaza Strip’s terrorism reputation and the woman being as tough as a terrorist- and started calling for her release.

Thursday January 17, 2019

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Nadal spins way into third round Cristiano Ronaldo: Kathryn Mayorga lawyer to meet Jasmine Lennard with near flawless display MELBOURNE (Reuters) Rafa Nadal picked apart second round opponent Matthew Ebden 6-3 6-2 6-2 at the Australian Open yesterday, in a near flawless display of top-spinning artistry.

The second seed overcame an early first set challenge from the Australian, who should have secured a break-of-serve with the scores locked at 3-3.

Ebden missed a backhand volley off an unexceptional passing shot - and it proved costly.

The Australian was broken the next game, succumbing with a doublefault, and the Spaniard went through the broken line of defense, securing the set and an early break in the second.

“I started a little bit slow ... then I saved that game at three-all,” Nadal said.

“After that, things changed. I think I played well.”

Sensing an early end to the proceedings, the crowd tried to lift one of its few remaining local hopes, while at the same time being dazzled by the Spaniard’s control of the court.

The 17-times Grand Slam winner was never seriously challenged again, and the third set became an exhibition match.

At one stage, Ebden simply shrugged after Nadal unleashed a wild forehand winner that was yet completely under control.

Nadal, who showed no signs of discomfort from a thigh strain that troubled him ahead of the first major of the year, will play Alex de Minaur in the third round, marking his third consecutive match against an Australian.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal in action during the match against Australia’s Matthew Ebden.

(REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

BBC Sport - The lawyer of Kathryn Mayorga, who has accused Cristiano Ronaldo of raping her in 2009, will travel to London to meet a woman who claims to be the Juventus forward’s ex-girlfriend.

Leslie Stovall says he has spoken to British model and reality TV star Jasmine Lennard, who says she dated Ronaldo 10 years ago and has offered to assist Mayorga’s case against the Portugal captain.

Ronaldo, 33, denies American Mayorga’s claims and his legal team say he has no recollection of meeting Lennard.

Lennard appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and earlier in January the 33-year-old targeted Ronaldo with several social media posts but has since deleted her Twitter account. The rape allegation against the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player relates to an incident which took place in a Las Vegas hotel.

Police in the American city have since issued a warrant for a DNA sample from Ronaldo as part of their investigation, but his lawyer told BBC Sport it was a “very standard request”.

Peter Christiansen said: “Mr Ronaldo has always maintained, as he does today, that what occurred in Las Vegas in 2009 was consensual in nature, so it is not surprising that DNA would be present, nor that the police would make this very standard request as part of their investigation.”

Cristiano Ronaldo denies Kathryn Mayorga’s claims and his legal team have said he has no recollection of meeting Jasmine Lennard. (Reuters) Larissa Drohobyczer, who is part of Mayorga’s legal team, said: “I can confirm that Leslie Mark Stovall has spoken to Ms Lennard regarding Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Mr Stovall’s travel to London, England will be based upon his discussions with London lawyer Jonathan Coad and his client Jasmine Lennard.”

Thursday January 17, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your thinking is unusually influenced by emotions today — your own, and those of others, too.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Hold onto your hat because you’re in for a rollercoaster ride today. More accurately, its your wallet that’s in for an adventure and you could be treated to some ups and downs while trying to hang onto it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Quick-paced developments draw you into the emotions of the moment. You’re likely to adapt to changing circumstances unless you’re insistent upon pursuing a more far-ranging agenda.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Overcome your inner resistance to listening to another person’s side of the story today.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Friends line up to be helpful today. You deserve no less than this kind of grand treatment after the countless good deeds you’ve done for others.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your genuine reflection on a project can infuse passion and personality into everything you do today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) On the surface, it might seem that you’ve already casually brushed aside an intriguing idea or an inspiration.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) So much hinges upon balance today. Saying too much might make you feel vulnerable, but carrying too many secrets could weigh you down.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your spontaneous inclination is to be responsive to the needs of others today.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your expectations about how a plan should unfold could be based as much in feelings as in logic today.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Changeable conditions provide the chance to flex the muscles of your willpower today. You are awesome at staying on track when you choose to be.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your natural ability to duck and dodge comes in handy today, especially if you’re being pelted by requests from friends, associates, and who knows who else.

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Thursday January 17, 2019

Kaieteur News

GSCL Inc/Regal Stationery softball set to start on Sunday

Australia’s top ranked players win through, salvaging local hopes

Abdel Gamal

Australia’s Alex De Minaur celebrates after winning the match against Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen. (REUTERS/Adnan Abidi) The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre cricket competition is set to commence at 09:30hrs on Sunday with matches at several venues in the city.

The tournament will be played in the Open and Over-40 categories with no entrance fee required. The organisers are asking that all teams be fully uniformed and must submit a list of not more than 15 players (full names) and contact information when registering. This information will be stored for future reference like annual awards ceremony.

Cash and trophies will be up for grabs and the first eight teams in each category will be accepted. The tournament will be played on a round robin format using white balls and teams can contact Abdel Gamal on 673-5602 or 610-7902 for information on registration.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) Australia’s top-ranked male and female players, Alex de Minaur and Ashleigh Barty, won their respective secondround Australian Open matches yesterday, salvaging an otherwise difficult start to the tournament for the host nation’s best players.

Teenager De Minaur beat qualifier Henri Laaksonen 6-4 6-2 6-7 (7) 4-6 6-3 to set up a clash with second seed Rafa Nadal. Earlier in the day, Barty beat Wang Yafan 6-2 6-3 in a straight-forward affair, and will play Greece’s Maria

Sakkari in the third round.

The pair carry the hopes of a nation at a tournament where Australians have had limited success despite boasting several Grand Slam singles champions like Samantha Stosur, Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter since the 1990s.

No Australian man or woman has won the singles title at their home Grand Slam since the 1970s. The last women’s finalist was Wendy Turnbull in 1980, while Hewitt lost the 2005 final to Russia’s Marat Safin.

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty waves to spectators after her win against China’s Wang Yafan.

(Reuters Edgar Su) Local hopes have for several years largely rested on Stosur, Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, all of whom lost their first round matches this year.

The 15th-seeded Barty is the highest ranked local player — either man or woman — in the tournament and is known for her court craft and is an accomplished doubles player, while she has also played elite-level cricket.

“I felt like today was pretty clean, except for a couple of games where I got passive,” Barty told reporters

after her match.

De Minaur, seeded 27, is on a seven-match winning streak, after winning the leadup event in Sydney, although he faces a difficult match-up against 17-times Grand Slam champion Nadal who has already dispatched two of his countrymen.

“To be able to get all these wins under my belt definitely helps a lot, to build just that momentum and keep playing some good tennis day in, day out,” he said. “Obviously against Rafa that’s going to be something special.”

Doping: Russian bobsleigh chief Zubkov banned for Campbell hails grandfather in rise to highest level two years - IBSF (Reuters) - Russian Bobsleigh Federation president Alexander Zubkov has been suspended from any activities related to the sport for two years for doping violations, the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) said yesterday.

Former bobsledder Zubkov, who carried Russia’s flag at the opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Games, was stripped of his two Sochi gold medals by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2017 on doping grounds.

He appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the court upheld the IOC decision.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov, head of Russia’s Olympic Committee, said in a statement that it would request that Zubkov leave his position immediately.

“This is a very unpleasant situation for bobsleigh overall (in Russia),” Pozdnyakov said. “It requires rapid, clear and understandable action.”

Zubkov, who has denied any wrongdoing, did not answer Reuters phone calls on Wednesday.

The IBSF also said Russian bobsledders Ilvir

Russian ex-bobsledder Alexander Zubkov in Moscow, Russia January 11, 2019.

(REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) Khuzin, Aleksei Pushkarev and Alexander Kasjanov have been suspended from competition until 2020 for violating anti-doping rules.

“There are no circumstances that will lead to an elimination or reduction of the standard period of ineligibility,” the IBSF said in a statement. Zubkov had been provisionally suspended from Dec. 19 last year, while Khuzin, Pushkarev and Kasjanov were provisionally suspended from Dec. 13, 2018.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – New West Indies recruit John Campbell has credited the dedication of his grandfather, Clive Campbell, for paving the way for him to become a cricketer and reach as far as the the international stage.

The 25-year-old was on Tuesday named in the West Indies 13-man squad for the first Test of the Wisden Series against England starting next Wednesday at Kensington Oval.

Campbell, who hails from the parish of St Ann’s in Jamaica, has represented the region at all age group levels, and is relishing the chance to make his international debut.

“It’s a dream come true, a boyhood dream for me. I’m elated to be selected at the moment – I’m very, very happy,” the left-hander said.

“It’s been a while coming, from Under-15 all the way through the Jamaica team, through the ‘A’ team and now to reach this level. But not just me but also for my family… especially my grandfather.

“His name is Clive Campbell he was also my first coach and taught me many, many things about cricket and

Opener John Campbell … has praised the contribution of his grandfather. in life. I’m a country boy, as they say, so he helped me with my cricket and overall so it’s also his dream to see me play for the West Indies in a Test match.”

He continued: “Growing up in Jamaica, I always had that dream that one day I would make it. But dreams don’t work unless you do the work so I know there was a

lot more to it than just the talent.

“My grandfather always talked about discipline and hard work and now I have reached this stage, now is where the work has to continue. I’m happy to get into the team, actually I feel great, but I know the game at this level (Test) is not going to be easy so I have to

continue to push hard and stay very patient and disciplined.”

Campbell had a productive last season for Jamaica Scorpions in 2018, scoring 603 runs at an average of 43, before also averaging 37 for West Indies ‘A’ Team in the two four-day Tests against India in England last summer.

He is a product of the Tacky High School in St Mary’s and St Ann’s cricket club, which has also produced two other Test openers, Leon Garrick and Xavier Marshall. Campbell said he was clear about how he wanted to approach his newest challenge.

“It’s Test cricket and you have to play situations. You have to be clear in your mind how to go about the game,” he pointed out.

“You have to be selective in your batting, you have to play to your strengths and be confident. We have a good team unit and I know most of my teammates very well. I have played with most of them at some level and we all get on very well, so I’m comfortable coming into the team.”

Thursday January 17, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Kerber wins battle of left-handers Rampaging Sharapova sets up mouth-watering Wozniacki clash to progress to third round

Germany’s Angelique Kerber in action during the match against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia.

(REUTERS/Edgar Su)

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - German second seed Angelique Kerber easily won the battle of left-handers against big-hitting Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2 6-3 to stroll into the third round of the Australian Open yesterday. The Wimbledon champion broke the 22-year-old Haddad Maia twice in the opening set and converted her first set point when the Brazilian sent a forehand wide for her 29th unforced error in the set.

Kerber, a triple Grand Slam champion who won in Melbourne in 2016, faced just one breakpoint in the match in the second set and converted her first opportunity in the eighth game to go 5-3 up and serve for the set.

“I think it was a good match from my side.

I was trying to play aggressive from the first point until the last one, serving good, really focusing on the moment on court,” Kerber told reporters. “I think I was playing good, especially in the second set, it was a little bit close.”

The strongly-built six-feet tall Brazilian saved 10 breakpoints in the first set, six of

them in the sixth game for a hold, and hit more winners than Kerber. However, she was undone by her erratic shot making.

Haddad Maia cut down on her unforced errors in the second set and made Kerber work harder as the rallies grew longer. The second set went on serve till Kerber broke to go up when Haddad Maia sent a forehand wide.

Another wide forehand groundstroke from the Brazilian gave Kerber the match on the Rod Laver Arena.

“She’s also a lefty, so it’s always a little bit different to play. Then she was serving good.

She really hits the ball hard and tough,” Kerber added. “So I was trying to get a lot of balls back. Also, like I said, being aggressive. I think she’s a good player, she really played well.”

Former world number one Kerber will next meet Australian wildcard Kimberly Birrell, who earlier ousted 29th seeded Donna Vekic 6-4 46 6-1, tomorrow while also celebrating her 31st birthday.

“Maybe it’s a good omen to play on my birthday,” Kerber said.

Enes Kanter: Turkey seeks arrest of New York Knicks star - media BBC Sport - Turkish prosecutors have issued an international arrest warrant for New York Knicks basketball player Enes Kanter, Turkish media report.

They reportedly accuse Mr Kanter, a 26-yearold centre at the NBA club, of having links with armed groups said to be behind the 2016 failed coup. The athlete, who describes Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a “dictator”, denies the allegations. His Turkish passport was cancelled in 2017. He holds a US green card.

Earlier this month, Mr Kanter said he would not travel to London for his club’s NBA game on 17 January because of fears over Turkish spies.

“There’s a chance that I can get killed out there,” he said. In a Facebook post yesterday, Mr Kanter wrote that the “Turkish government cannot present any single piece of evidence of my wrongdoing”. “I don’t even have a parking ticket in the US. I have always been a law-abiding resident,” he added.

Mr Kanter’s US green card allows him to live and work in America on a permanent basis.

An arrest warrant was issued for his father, Mehmet, in June 2018 after the university professor was accused of contacting members of a banned organisation. More than 50,000 people have been imprisoned across Turkey in a massive crackdown by the authorities, following the failed coup.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) Former Australian Open winner Maria Sharapova continued her marauding form by handing out a 6-2 6-1 thrashing to Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson yesterday to set up a blockbuster thirdround showdown with holder Caroline Wozniacki.

In a clash of former world number one players, the fivetimes Grand Slam winner will next meet Dane Wozniacki, who eased past Johanna Larsson 6-1 6-3 earlier in the day.

“It’s always a physical match,” Sharapova told reporters of her third-seeded opponent looming in the next round, with Wozniakci having won her first Grand Slam here last year.

“She gets a lot of balls back. A great retriever of the game. Just incredibly solid.

Does a lot of things well. You kind of have to, to be number one in the world, to be a Grand Slam champion. I expect her to do all those things on Friday.

“I think the Grand Slam was the one trophy she was looking for.

With determination she got there last year. She loves playing here, loves everything about this tournament. I certainly have a tough match ahead of me.”

The Russian 30th seed, who was suspended for 15 months for taking banned drug meldonium in 2016, broke 23-year-old Peterson twice in the opening set and peppered the court with powerful groundstrokes in a superb display of hitting.

Sharapova, who also thrashed Britain’s Harriet Dart 6-0 6-0 in her opening round match, won seven consecutive games against the Swede to take a 4-0 lead in the second set before world

Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki in action during the match against Sweden’s Johanna Larson. (REUTERS/ Adnan Abidi)

Enes Kanter joined the New York Knicks in September 2017. (EPA)

Russia’s Maria Sharapova reacts during the match against Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson.

(REUTERS/Adnan Abidi) number 64 Peterson could get on the board in the set.

LATE FINISH With the previous match between local hope Alex de Minaur and qualifier Henri Laaksonen lasting five sets at the Margaret Court Arena, Sharapova’s match ended long after midnight and the Russian was in a hurry to finish as it was way past her bedtime.

Asked what her bedtime was, Sharapova said: “10:30.

Like in bed at 10:00, sleep by 10:30. My boyfriend challenges it quite a lot, but 10:30 is my time.

“It was definitely a different type of match. Took a lot of warming up for this one. Bit of uncertainty going into a match quite late. But, yeah, despite all those changes, I thought I played well.”

The 31-year-old Sharapova, who last won a Grand Slam at the 2014 French Open, only struggled against the Swede briefly in the

second set during a lengthy hold of serve to go up 5-1.

But such was her dominance that the Russian, who won in Melbourne in 2008, did not face a break point in the match and sealed the contest in 71 minutes with a third break in the second set.

“I think there’s certainly things I want to improve. I’ve been happy with the way I focused throughout the match, kept my concentration,” she added.

“It’s not easy to start one match at 11 am, then 48 hours later, a little bit more, to start one that’s just before midnight. Just all those things, they’re about adjustments. I have that experience.

“So I’m happy that I’m able to come out into a match like this and say, ‘I’ve done this before, I know the drill, I know how this goes, I’m ready, and I need to step it up. No matter what my opponent brings today, I have to get it done’.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

CWI Regional First-Class cricket

Jaguars aiming to extend unbeaten streak to six matches Clash with Hurricanes, only team to beat them in 44 games

By Sean Devers The last time Guyana Jaguars lost a game in this tournament was in the last round of 2017 Edition when they were beaten by the Leewards Hurricanes at Providence 15 matches ago while in their last 44 matches, the four-time defending Champions have only lost twice, both times to the Hurricanes.

Today from 09:30hrs at Providence, these two teams will again be engaged in battle in the fifth round of CWI Regional First-Class tournament in which the host has won their last five games.

After winning the last game in the 2018 season, Jaguars have won all four of their matches in the 2019 edition to sit on 80.2 points, 36.6 points ahead of second placed Hurricanes.

Today on a track which again should be good for batting the Jaguars will be favoured to move closer to equalling Jamaica’s record of five consecutive titles which Jamaica achieved from 2008-2012.

With the elevation to Windies Assistant Coach, Esuan Crandon has been replaced by Dr Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who brings with him the experience of 164 Tests in which he scored 30 centuries.

Team Manager/ Head Coach Rayon Griffith informed that the only change in the Jaguars line-up was Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo replacing Shimron Hetmyer who has left for Windies duties against England in Barbados.

Griffith a former First-Class pacer, who played with Chanderpaul for Guyana, says that Chanderpaul’s appointment should be a positive for the batsmen.

“Shiv will bring a wealth of knowledge with him as assistant Coach and since he played for the Jaguars last year, his presence in the dressing room will be nothing new for the players who are accustomed to what he is like in the dressing room,” said Griffith.

While the Jaguars will be without Hetmyer, Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer and

Skipper Leon Johnson will need a big score today.

Chanderpaul Hemraj who are with the Windies president’s team engaged in two Two-day matches against England in Barbados, they still have plenty of the depth in their batting and potency in their bowling.

They will hope to get a solid foundation

from Trevon Griffith who is prone to playing carless shots at times and 22-year-old Tagenarine Chanderpaul who has demonstrated great temperament and concentration who will hope to face less dot balls and rotate the strike more today.

The son of Shiv, Tagenarine has 300 runs with a century and a fifty from eight innings, while Skipper Leon Johnson, with just a single fifty, will know that he has to contribute with the bat although he is the best Captain in the Region.

Keeper Anthony Bramble is enjoying a dream season so far with 337 runs from just four innings including consecutive tons in addition to effecting the most dismissals (18) from his four games.

Fast bowling all-rounders Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano and Kemo Paul have contributed with the bat as has batting all-rounder Sherfane Rutherford and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

The inclusion of Bishoo strengthens an already strong batting line-up which has made three 300 plus totals (548 v B’dos, 454-9 dec v Windwards at Providence and 310-4 dec v Windwards in St Lucia). Bramble (2), Chanderpaul and Hemraj have scored tons while Reifer fell 10 short.

Permaul (23) is the leading wicket taker in the tournament while Paul had a 10-wicket haul in his only game, shepherd has 14 and Pestano 10.

Hurricanes Manager/Assistant Coach Winston Cornwall said his team made 425 against the Red Force in Trinidad but with the loss of Jamal Hamilton and Devon Thomas due to Windies A team duties, the batting is a bit weak for this encounter, while the selection of Alzarri Joseph-their quickest bowler-for the Test series leaves most of the bowling on the shoulders of the burly Rakeem Cornwall, wildly regarded as the best off-spinner in the Region.

“While we are not at full strength in this match it provides the young players the chance to grabs the opportunities and show

Regarded as the best off-spinner in the Region, Rakeem Cornwall show-off his football skills at Providence yesterday. they can contribute at this level,” Cornwall said.

Without Hamilton and Thomas and their Test Batsman Guyanese Rajendra Chandrika, who has just managed 16 runs from three innings at an average of 8, before being dropped, the Hurricanes’ batting will hinge on their out-of-form Skipper Kieran Powell, Montcin Hodge, Kacey Carty, Akeem Saunders, Orlando Peters and Cornwall.

Cornwall (12 wickets) will have to do the bulk of the bowling for the Islanders and without Joseph and Jamaican Sheldon Cotterell, he will hope for support from Sheno Berridge, Jeremiah Louis and Damian Jacobs.

Rass Powell and Wicket-Keeper Jaison Peters have been brought into the side. Peters who was born in Mahaicony, the largest Village on Guyana’s Coast, is mourning the death of his mother who will be buried on Sunday in Mahaicony.

Hurricanes warm up with football yesterday at Providence.

Thursday January 17, 2019

ECCC/SPR Enterprise 40-over to commence on Sunday The 2019 edition of the East Coast Cricket Committee/ SPR Enterprise 40 overs competition is slated to commence on Sunday with matches at seven grounds on the East Coast of Demerara.

This competition which is in its third year will see nineteen teams vying for honours in two groups with the preliminary rounds being played in a round-robin format. The last edition of this competition was severely hampered by inclement weather and as a result the organizers have decided to start its competition early this year whilst the weather is favorable for cricket.

Following the final in December 2018, the sponsor’s representative Scottie Ramroop challenged teams on the East Coast Demerara to

display more discipline in an effort to encourage parents to have their children engage in sports.

Lusignan SC (A) are the defending champion and are in Group A whilst 2018 semifinalist Fairfield SC and Better Hope A will join Enmore CCCC and Strathavon SC in Group B. In this weekend’s fixtureGroup A; Lusignan SC (A) will host Cane Grove SC, Buxton SC will entertain Helena/ Supply SC, Fairfield SC will stay at home to Mahaica Cavs, Lusignan will travel to Beter Hope.

In Group B: Ogle will host Paradise SC, Strathavon SC (A) will play Lusignan B at Strathavon, and Enmore CCCC will host Mahaica SC. All matches commence at 11:00hrs.

WDCA President’s Cup set for Sunday The semi finals of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) President’s Cup will be contested on Sunday starting at 09:00hrs.

Independence Sports Club A will take on Zeeburg Sports Club at Joe Vieira Park (Nandkumar Shivsankar and Andrew Singh umpiring) and Mc Gill Sports Club will play Cornelia Ida at Canal Number Two (Chetnarine Persaud and R. Etrawoo).

The matches are expected to be keenly contested with Independence Sports Club A depending on the likes of Safraz Esau, Mahendra

Dhanpaul, Ewart Samuels, Vi v i a n B u c k l e s , A n a n d Bharat and Jevon Hector, while Zeeburg will look to Yutesh Dhanpaul, Ronaldo Renee, Malcolm Hubbard, Andre Seepersaud and Mark Jeffers.

Mc Gill SC include Suresh Persaud, Travis Persaud, Troy Persaud, Daniel Basdeo, Abdool Razack, Balram Aron and Shafiek Deen while Cornelia Ida comprise Akshaya Persaud, Naveed Ali, Richie Looknauth, Avishkar Ramgobin and Shameer Khan.

The final will be played on January 27 at a venue to be announced.

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Kaieteur News

Guinness Greatest of the Streets 2019 edition kicks off tomorrow at Pouderoyen The Guinness Greatest of the Streets Football championships has returned for its tenth year and the West Demerara/ East Bank Zone will be the first to kick start the action tomorrow at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac, West Bank Demerara.

At the launch on yesterday at Banks DIH, Thirst Park, organisers indicated, this will be the fifth year for this zone hosting the championships. Furthermore, it was noted that they have received record entries, after over 35 teams have registered to bid for the grand cash prize of $500,000 and a spot in the National Playoffs.

Usually, the Georgetown zone kicks-off the championships but they decided to make a change and allow Georgetown, the most supported zone, to be the final leg before the national play-offs.

Brand Manager of Guinness, Lee Baptiste, envisioned fans will turn out in their numbers this year, given majority of the match days will be Fridays.

Long serving supporter of the street football event, Colours Boutique, has increased their support by providing each team with branded uniforms. Their representative Creanna Damon hoped the tournament continues to reach its potential and impact communities.

The opening night will have eight matches commencing from 18:00hrs. The other match nights are January 25th, February 1st, 6th, 8th and the finals on the 16th.

The runners up will pocket $250,000, while the third and fourth place finishers will receive $200,000 and $100,000, respectively. Last year, Showstoppers got their third straight title when they topped ESPN 3-0 in the final.

GBA starts 2019 with the Patrick Ford Memorial on Feb. 17

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has collaborated with Alford McDonald to stage the Patrick Ford memorial tournament on February 17 at the National Gymnasium.

In what is anticipated be an exciting night of fistic fury, the tournament will be kick start GBA’s International Events for 2019 and the Card, which will have 15 bouts, is scheduled to commence at 19:00hrs.

Forde, who died at age 55 in Brooklyn, New York in 2011, fought Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight championship of the world in 1980 and was the first Guyanese to fight for a world title before he fought his last professionalbout in 1987.

This is the second year that this tournament will be held and last year the inaugural event included

three Countries; Guyana, Suriname and St Lucia with the host Nation emerging as Champions.

According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle this year’s Tournament will see pugilist from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia and Suriname matching gloves as they vie for Championship honours.

“We expect to have all the pivotal divisions at this time; M i d d l e w e i g h t , Bantamweight, lightweight, Welterweight, Junior Welterweight and light Heavyweight.

Those are the divisions that we would have done quite well at in the Caribbean Championship and we are trying to push and ensure these guys get some much needed competition leading up to Pan Am,” Ninvalle added.

Alford McDonald The Patrick Ford Memorial Tournament comes on the heels of the Mike Parris U-16 Championships informed Ninvalle, who noted that the need for more work to be done with the juniors was one of the challenges

faced by the GBA in 2018.

The Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis annual National Novices, the Lennox Blackmore National Intermediate and the Terrence Ali National Boxing Championships are also scheduled for a packed calendar of local Boxing in 2019. The GBA has plans to honour 1978 Commonwealth Gold Medallist Winfield Braithwaite.

“Braithwaite won a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games and did well for Guyana in Amateur Boxing and we are looking to honour him for what he did for Amateur Boxing,” said Ninvalle. The GBA head has applied to AIBA for the Caribbean Championship to be made a qualifier for the Pan Am Games and anticipates a positive word early in this year. (Sean Devers)

President’s XI draw with England – 2nd day CAVE HILL, Barbados, CMC – CWI President’s XI drew with England on the final day of their two-day tour match at the 3W’s Oval here yesterday.

Scores: ENGLAND 317 (Joe Root 87, Ben Stokes 56, Chris Woakes 39 not out, Rory Burns 35; Bryan Charles 5-100, Chemar Holder 3-67).

CWI PRESIDENT’S XI 128 (Vishaul Singh 35, Jahmar Hamilton 25).

GHB selects training...

From page 33 Bushani Kaladeen and Akeaba Singh.

The 23-member men’s indoor training squad is as follows: Medroy Scotland (GK), Michael Hing (GK), Steven Xavier, Mark Sargeant, Kareem McKenzie, Meshach Sargeant, Robert France, Rayon Branford, Andrew Stewart, Jamarj Assanah, Aroydy Branford, Leon Bacchus, Tivesarid Garnett, Shomere Garnett, David Williams (GK), Paul D’Andrade (GK), Jael Gaskin, Omar Hopkinson, Dominic Alleyne, Stefan King, Hilton Chester, Hilmar Chester and Troy Hodge.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle with the 2018 CBC Champions Guyana.

PAGE 32

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 17, 2019

GuyanaNRA Smallbore Section recognize Federer fends off British Top 5 Year-End Championship winners ‘mirror’ Evans to advance Gordon Richards (Senior) and Jason Cox (Junior) leads the way

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after winning the match against Britain’s Dan Evans.

(REUTERS/Edgar Su)

Top five senior from right, Jermaine Softley, Surujbali Persaud, Gordon Richards, Harold Hopkinson and Shawn Smith.

The Smallbore Section of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) has rewarded the top five senior and junior competitors for their 2018 year-end championship.

According to Smallbore Captain, Dale Hing, the presentation of trophies followed the association’s .22 Following is the full results: Senior Category Name Gordon Richards Surujbali Persaud Jermaine Softley Harold Hopkinson Shawn Smith Junior Category Name Jason Cox Rawattie Shiwdin Satya Dayaram Eshwar Shiwdin Navindranauth Puran

Precision Pistol and Action Pistol events.

Emerging as the top senior was Smallbore Vice-Captain Gordon Richards with a total of 508 points and 5 V-bulls, while the junior winner was Jason Cox with 362 points and 5 V-bulls.

.22 Precision 353/6 372/11 353/3 271/5 242/7

Action Pistol 155 125 96 163 96

Total Points 508/6 497/11 449/3 343/5 338/7

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

.22 Precision 264/5 277/6 240/3 221/4 221/2

Action Pistol 98 67 86 65 63

Total Points 362/5 344/6 326/3 284/4 284/2

Place 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

Top five juniors from Navindranauth Puran, Jason Cox, Rawatte Shiwdin, Satya Dayaram and Eshwar Shiwdin.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) Double defending champion Roger Federer weathered a stern test from the impressive Dan Evans and paid the British battler the ultimate compliment after prevailing 76(5) 7-6(3) 6-3 to reach the third round of the Australian Open yesterday.

Having thrashed Denis Istomin in his Melbourne Park opener, third seed Federer faced a different beast in world number 189 Evans, who made a mockery of his ranking and pushed the Swiss hard throughout a highquality duel at Rod Laver Arena.

“It feels like playing a mirror a little bit and that was my mindset going in,” 20times Grand Slam champion Federer said of qualifier Evans, who is rebuilding his career after serving a yearlong drug ban.

“He has a lot of slice and more serve and volley, my size can help me a bit more.”

Showcasing a sturdy defense and counterpunching gamely, Evans broke Federer for the first time in the tournament, dragging the former world number one into a second tiebreak to cheer British fans after Andy Murray’s first round elimination.

But the Birmingham man lacked the edge in the clutch points while Federer was clinical.

He broke Evans in the fourth game of the third set and served out the match to love, sealing the win with an imperious backhand winner down the line.

“He was feeling it today, I thought,” said Federer, who will play Taylor Fritz for a place in the fourth round.

“He was very sort of cat and mouse a bit. Very interesting. I liked the match.

I thought he was playing well.

It was enjoyable.”

Evans sparkled in a run to the fourth round at the 2017 tournament but missed last year’s action at Melbourne Park, after testing positive for cocaine at the Barcelona Open.

He entered Rod Laver Arena for his Federer matchup to a soundtrack of Blur’s Britpop anthem “Parklife”.

There was nothing hazy about his game, however, as he attacked the lines with abandon and rushed the net with conviction.

He saved a set point at 65 with a punchy backhand volley down the line and had Federer on the ropes in the tiebreak.

But instead of volleying into an open court to prise a set point off the Swiss, he pushed the forehand well wide.

Reprieved, Federer took full advantage and closed out the set when a scrambling Evans missed a desperate backhand passing short.

The Briton was clearly gutted by the lost chance and promptly threw away his next service game in the second set while still in a funk.

Yet he regathered his wits quickly.

He battled to save two set points at 5-3 down and then broke back to 5-5, outpointing Federer with an elegant onehanded backhand passing shot that the former world number one would have been proud to call his own.

Once again, Federer lifted in the tiebreak, bringing up three set points in a trice and converting the first with an ace. From there it was a formality for one of the game’s most ruthless front-runners as Federer cruised to victory to keep his bid for a hat-trick of Melbourne titles alive.