Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Wednesday January 23, 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
POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY It is sad to say that since the late 1950s, adjectives such as “tumultuous” “turbulent” and “chaotic” have been used from time to time by the British and others to describe events in the political and economic history of Guyana. Today, even with the formation of a coalition government and large oil finds—a positive turning point for Guyana and the Caribbean region—the country’s political climate is being described by many as a soap opera due to the passage of the no confidence motion last December, and the subsequent fallout. In short, we have not disappointed the naysayers. The government is faced with a reality check - a disgruntled member of the coalition broke ranks and voted with the Opposition. For the first time Guyana has to deal with a successful no-confidence vote. The Government and its supporters are trying to gather their wits and determine how to deal with this calamitous development. Legal minds have advised that an absolute majority should be 34 votes, and not 33, and have counseled that the matter should be taken to court for a definitive judgment. The government has concurred. While everyone was reeling from the results of the noconfidence motion, not only did the Venezuelan Navy launch a foray into Guyanese waters, interrupting work being done by ExxonMobil, which had recently announced additional oil finds offshore Guyana, but the economy has been left to churn on its own. Although we are only a few days into 2019, there are ominous clouds that are gathering on the horizon. As far as the economy is concerned there are already signs of a slippage in production, especially in agriculture and in the mining industry. And there hasn’t been any meaningful growth in the gross domestic product figures as boldly forecast. If anything, the country is far more indebted than anyone could have predicted at this stage. Its trade deficit has widened as imports outweigh exports. This excess expenditure has to be met from other resources including savings/reserves, aid or loans, etc. It has been stated repeatedly that, as a small, open economy, achieving robust, sustained economic growth in Guyana depends on the country’s performance in international trade – an area that has been uninspiring to say the least So far, there is no indication that for the first quarter of the year there will be any positive trends in the economy to make any quantitative difference to 2018. Indeed, the indicators point to negativity as political uncertainty in particular, reverberates across the country. The most that the people can hope for is, at best, a three percent growth for the year, and this is a stretch of the imagination. When one considers the low production rate coupled with increasing health care and education costs, one cannot help but see the real makings of an uncertain and perplexing year for many. Bear in mind also that intense campaigning is likely to begin for an early election - due to the defeat of the government in the no-confidence motion. The mood in the country would be at fever pitch especially if the court upholds the 33/32 parliamentary vote margin as a majority. Taking all the above into consideration, one would not be wrong to assume that doom and gloom seems the most likely environment to envelop us. However, one thing is certain, no one should ever underestimate the resilience of Guyanese to ride this out as they have done several times in the past. But there will be pain.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Mr. Jonas seems be supporting Exxon’s unfair contract Dear Editor, I am responding to a letter by Mr Timothy Jonas, titled “Untangling the Gordian Knot.” My response is because: 1. The letter concerns oil and Guyana’s development. 2. I believe oil should be the top agenda item for all parties in the next elections. 3. The letter is from a member of a new political party. 4. All political parties should explain their plans for oil and how to ensure Guyana benefits from oil. 5. All political parties should explain their reasons for/against re-negotiating the contract with Exxon for the Stabroek Block. 6. All political parties should explain their plans for investigating the highly suspicious awards of oil blocks in the run-up to the last election in 2015. 7. The letter links
Guyana’s unemployment problem with the sanctity of contracts (of foreign investors). 8. The letter suggests Guyana’s unemployment problem can be overcome by increasing the extraction and exploitation of natural resources. Although my response here to Mr. Jonas’s letter will be seen as critical, I generally support all new political parties because Guyana has suffered 53 years of failed politics, failed development, and injustice. My main concerns with Mr. Jonas’s letter are that it seems to be a veiled attempt at supporting the unfair contract with Exxon, is based on spurious reasoning, and it makes i n a p p r o p r i a t e recommendations. The linkage between unemployment and sanctity of contract is not evident in Guyana. Where is the historical evidence in G u y a n a t h a t
overwhelmingly links Guyana’s unemployment problem with the breaking of contracts with foreign investors? Guyana does not have a long history of breaking contracts with foreign investors. G u y a n a ’ s unemployment problem is due to a myriad of other factors, such as an inappropriate system of governance, flip-flopping racially based government, c o r r u p t i o n , mismanagement, the braindrain, an abandoned education system, etc. Mr. Jonas claims that Guyana can only attract foreign investors if Guyana respects the sanctity of contracts, i.e. Guyana can only attract investors if Guyana does not re-negotiate the contract with Exxon. But I view this claim as incorrect. Contracts in the oil and gas industry are commonly re-negotiated as conditions change. The 1999 Exxon
contract has already been renegotiated in 2016, and it needs to be re-negotiated again. Guyana is losing US$ 2.6 Billion on the first project alone, i.e. Liza Phase 1 (assuming internationally benchmarked terms for royalty and tax). And Guyana will be losing more on the second project Liza Phase 2, and even more on the third and subsequent projects. If Guyana does not get a fair deal now, this will jeopardise the sustainability of our new oil industry. Guyanese may react severally in the future once they see the value being forfeited. Just look at Venezuela next door. With regard to investor confidence, please consider the following alternate view. The fact that large natural resource companies areattracted to our country is not a sign of investor confidence. Far from it, it (Continued on page 6)
The health sector is in chaos, both Ministers of Public Health are missing in action Dear Editor, When it comes to the APNU+AFC Ministers, the discourse in most households and in most gatherings relate to which minister is mostly missing in action, which is the most MIA minister. In fact, the discourse relating to APNU+AFC ministers across the board is which one is the most incompetent, most corrupt or the most disinterested in their sector. A good example is the discourse relating to the public health sector. Just one day of newspapers and TV newscast stories reveals something is really wrong. Newspaper stories, TV newscasts, the social media today (Tuesday 22) tell stories of two children who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where parents and relatives have major concerns surrounding the circumstances of their deaths. A third child appears to be in critical condition because of the same issues that led to the death of the two children. More than one week has passed since the
first child died. GPHC insists it is still conducting an investigation, an investigation that should have started, in accordance with standard protocols, the minute after the child died. Even as this scandal is eliciting rage in the population, there is another family asking questions about the death of a young woman after she gave birth to a baby at the same hospital that occurred earlier in the month, but the hospital insists it is still conducting an investigation. Today (Tuesday January 22), people got up and were horrified by newspaper stories that, at least, four bodies have decomposed while stored at the nonfunctional mortuary at the New Amsterdam Hospital. There was prior knowledge the mortuary is not functional for some time now. I heard this story since Saturday last. It cannot be that the Ministers of Public Health are now finding out of this calamity, just like everyone else, from the newspapers. While this mortuary is creating even more grief and agony for
people who have lost their loved ones, there is the continuing month-long problems at Skeldon Hospital. This hospital which used to receive electricity supply from the Skeldon Estate which is now closed, was eventually, after almost a year, connected to GPL. But the electricity supply is not stable, insufficient and plagued by constant blackouts. Management and staff have to determine which equipment will be used, since all of them cannot be used at the same time. This nightmare is not fiction, it is real. These stories are only those in Tuesday’s (January 22) news and do not include other stories that people are numb to. There are operating theaters not functioning, Xray equipment out of order, laboratories without laboratory supplies and the continued medicine shortages, among the many woes that patients and health care staff confront daily. While all of this are affecting people, the Ministers are busy with their politics. With all this chaos, one
wonders where the Ministers are. Neither of them seems interested, they are distant from the problems and they signal a “don’t-care-attitude” that compound the rage people feel. The Ministers are consistently, for the last three-and-a-half years, totally missing in action, MIA. Even professionals in the public health sector have deemed the Ministers of Public Health the MIA Ministers. The truth is that most, if not all, of the APNU+AFC Ministers are living in la la land, all MIA. With the magnitude of chaos in the health sector, this past week, the Senior Minister of Public Health was on the East Bank Demerara, at Diamond commissioning a Billboard touting the benefits of a Smart Hospital. Last week the Junior Minister of Public Health found herself assuring people again, while she was on the West Coast Demerara, that the Ministry is working on ensuring adequate medicine supply, after she was forced to acknowledge that complaints of medicine (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
This is akin to extortion. Dear Editor I should be grateful if you could publish this letter so that through this medium GT&T could deliberate on my complaint, for using the company’s customer service facility is an exercise in futility. Since October last year I have been subscribing to GT&T Flame Plan on its Blaze internet service. Prior to this I was on the DSL Gold Plan for almost a decade. On both plans (DSL Gold & Blaze Flame), up until two weeks ago, I was able, without any hindrance, to remotely view the images from the surveillance cameras at my home via either my phone or tablet. Unable to view the images, I solicited the help of an independent IT technician
who verified that GT&T has blocked the port that was enabling the viewing of the images. On January 21, 2019 at about 8.30 am I called the company’s customer service on number 097 and spoke with one Susan, who after a while informed me that her supervisor has advised her to inform me that I would have to upgrade my Blaze Flame plan to the Inferno before I could remotely access the cameras images, since the viewing requires a higher bandwidth. I immediately objected to the supervisor’s advice. My contention is that with the previous DSL Gold plan that had a bandwidth of maximum 10 mbps and the Blaze Flame, which I currently have, with maximum bandwidth of 20 mbps, I effectively have been
accessing the images, for if the bandwidth on both of these plans were inadequate I would not have been able to view the images. I could only conclude that GT&T has deliberately disabled the system, not for the inadequacy of the bandwidth, but to force the consuming public who wishes to access the service as I do to unnecessarily upgrade to a higher and more expensive service. This is not right; it’s akin to extortion. I have yesterday officially lodged this complaint with the Public Utilities Commission and will also be approaching the Consumers Association. For security and confidential reason, I have refrained from publishing the particulars of my account. Yours faithfully Frustrated Customer
It seems that the PPP/C has learned nothing in its time spent in opposition. Dear Editor, In 2015, the PPP/C lost the general elections for the first time in over 25 years as a result of a growing public perception of the PPP/C being corrupt, dishonest and nepotistic. Rather than return to the grassroots framework founded by the late great Dr. Cheddi Jagan, epitomized by honesty and hard work, the PPP/C has done nothing to quell the aforementioned public perception. By selecting (through undemocratic communist central committee procedures), Mr. Irfaan Ali as the next PPP/C presidential candidate, the PPP/C has only perpetuated, not detracted from the view that the PPP/C is a corrupt political party. Mr. Irfaan Ali’s reputation
is far from unblemished and while I will not get into whether or not Mr. Ali is or was a corrupt, dishonest government official, the fact is that Mr. Ali has been the subject of numerous allegations while serving as the Minister of Housing. The PPP/C has thus selected a candidate that has been em-
broiled in the public’s apprehension of corruption and dishonesty. In so doing, the PPP/C has done nothing to change its image in contemplation of the upcoming snap elections and this is something that should be of exceptional concern to Guyanese in general, but also, to the world at large. -The Real Observer
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The Coalition’s delaying tactics Dear Editor, As a young lad, I was present when Guyana’s Prime Minister Forbes Burnham made his famous utterance in a speech at Parade Ground; I remember the mood of the crowd being ominous before the speech, the air was electric! , then on came the man and he started slowly, his sonorous voice had a calming effect; then; his voice rose, it thundered “back to back, belly to belly, ah don’t give a damm, ah done dead ah-ready” the response was s spontaneous, primal roar of approval, forgotten were all the rumblings of discontent, that crowd, that night, would have fought Satan himself for the soul of their hero if asked. Editor, the man thereafter dubbed the ‘Kabaka’ would be saddened to see the state of his beloved People’s National Congress today. The PNC cowers behind cries of ‘house to house’ as they fear the wrath of an electorate betrayed most abominably. The Official List of Voters (OLV) used by the Guyana Elections Commission for the November 2018 Local Government Elections remains valid until the 12th May 2019, well past the 19th March 2019 deadline for General and Regional Elections as stipulated by The Constitution, our Supreme Law. There were no claims of irregularity made to GECOM or reported flaws in the OLV by any party or group that contested the LGE in 2018. No issues have been raised in any forum or legal redress sought. The 2018 OLV withstood the test at an election in November 2018 and there is no reason for a ‘house to house’ verification exercise at this time. The registration and verification exercise planned
for June 2019 can be done at that time. The Granger Administration has mercifully left enough funds in the treasury to enable GECOM to carry out its mandate and deliver an election on or before 19th March 2019. The PPPC presidential candidate , Irfaan Ali at 38 is three years younger than LFSB was when he became Prime Minister, he is three years older than our youngest ever President Bharat Jagdeo, he brims with passion to make a better life for all Guyanese, he has faced the vilest of accusations with an equanimity that demonstrates maturity beyond his years, Irfaan’s list of achievements, his experience and on the job performance already make him the most qualified candidate for the presidency in our nation’s short history. An impromptu campaign at Leonora on Sunday saw thousands roar their approval; they know we have a man from the people, for the people, pledging his service to benefit all Guyanese. It pains me that so many reminders that our constitution is inviolate, have to be made to our Head of State. The leader of the party of Burnham professes to be a great admirer of the man and has turned his (D.A Granger) former home into the Forbes Burnham Research institute; however Granger fails to emulate his hero’s indomitable fighting spirit, no more ‘back to back’ instead, he hides behind the skirts of ‘house to house’ .My father, Jai Narine Singh Sr. famously wrote that Burnham had become a man whose “head has grown too big for his hat.” I can only surmise that he would have observed that Granger was trying to wear shoes much too big for his feet. Respectfully Robin Singh
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Kaieteur News
This is a dark time, PPP Dear Editor, This is a dark time, my love (PPP). I have always been proud of my support for the People’s Progressive Party because of the Party’s history, past Leaders and struggles toward a Guyana that contributed to it being an Independent country and away from rigging elections and abuse of power against the majority of its people by a few power drunk elites. The Party’s principle, its policies and programs influenced my choice to vote for the PPP in the past. Based on the Party that I know, I can’t imagine (much lest believe) that it acted contrary to its traditional principles to select Irfaan Ali as the Presidential candidate for the PPP/C. Frankly speaking, this is not the ideal candidate that will sustain its support base and mobilize support (electorate) outside of the PPP/C camp. How can I make such a statement? Because I for one
will continue to stand for principles, wrong is wrong even if your own party is condoning it. I cannot vote for PPP/C with Ali as a Presidential candidate, since I see no difference with him or APNU/ AFC. This is a dark time, my
love (PPP). It is the man of death, my love (PPP), the stranger invader. Watching you (People of Guyana) sleep and aiming at your dream (Guyana’s prosperity). Yours faithfully, M. Saks.
We need less of Mrs. Thomas’ political views and more on GuySuCo Dear Editor, Provide me just a few lines in your newspaper to ask Ms. Audreyanna Thomas to focus on areas where she is reportedly more knowledgeable. I’ve noticed her response to the A New Guyana Unites Party’s Mr. Timothy Jonas saying in a letter, ‘Let’s fix families and develop more stable homes Mr. Jonas, not legalise marijuana’ and couldn’t help pondering on how she continues to comment and write on matters unrelated to the most important voice she should have at this point for keeping the public well informed about what is happening at GuySuCo.
Ms. Thomas, who is the Public Relations Officer at GuySuCo is doing an extremely poor job at informing the public on how GuySuCo is rolling out its transition programme and as such caused many people, particularly the Opposition PPP and its GAWU arm, to peddle all kinds of untruths about the sugar industry and government’s plans for that sector.Ms. Thomas, it is your right to address any newspaper’s letter pages and air your views, but can we have less of your near death experiences, your political views and more on GuySuCo? Yours Respectfully, Winston Mars
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Mr. Jonas seems be supporting Exxon’s unfair contract... From page 4 might in fact be the opposite. Companies like Exxon thrive in chaos, and they are able to make huge profits in war zones. Just look at some African oil producing countries. Being able to attract Exxon to Guyana is not a sign that Guyana is open for business. Guyana will know it is open for business when small/medium regional companies and diaspora feel safe to open shop in Guyana, and when there is a level playing field. Guyana will know it is open for business when small/medium companies from Europe and the Americas know they can operate in Guyana without having to bribe some government officials for permits and when they are not vulnerable to shake downs. Guyana will know it is open for business when visiting businesswomen know they do not have to meet with high level government officials, but instead can follow an efficient, transparent and respected process to setup a business. Guyana will know it is open for business when some government officials stop taking bribes to have meetings, and when some commercial judges/magistrates stop accepting bribes to influence
court decisions. So let us not be fooled that because Exxon and other natural resource companies are here, we are somehow suddenly open for business. There is much work still to be done to make Guyana attractive to real diverse sustainable investment. It is good that we have oil and it is good that Exxon will be a contractor to help us extract our oil, but also remember these companies are able to thrive in chaos, and these companies will likely make even more money from our oil if Guyana falls apart (social unrest, militarisation, police state, etc). Some claim that multinational natural resource companies not only benefit from chaos, and that they sometimes encourage the degradation of democratic institutions so as to increase profit. Hence large multinational companies and their sovereign backers can benefit by keeping border disputes alive. For example, they may demand a higher risk premium for investing in a country with a border dispute. Mr. Jonas states “To create these jobs, Guyana needs new investors who can set up shop in the interior and extract resources without having to rely on our failing infrastructure”. But Guyana should not
The health sector is in chaos, both... From page 4 shortages are now worst than they have even been since APNU+AFC. Neither Minister seemed bother by the chaos in the sector, giving no sign that they care. The Guyanese people across the board have no confidence in the public health sector. No matter who they voted for in May 2015, no matter where they live, no matter their economic circum-
stances, no matter their race or religion, the Guyanese people have lost confidence in APNU+AFC’s ability to manage the public health system. It is not only the incompetence, mismanagement and corruption which are rife in the Ministry of Public Health that exasperate people, it is the absolute disinterest by the Ministers that make people angry. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
focus on the extraction of natural resources in its interior. These industries rarely help countries develop in sustainable ways, and usually do serious and lasting damage to the environment. Guyana should instead focus on getting a fair deal for its oil (by re-negotiating the Exxon contract), and on using that revenue to develop the country and its infrastructure, and to spur other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, green tourism and research, etc. Mr. Jonas uses Singapore as an example for sanctity of contract. Although it seems Singapore did in fact honour investor contracts, these were likely to be fair contracts negotiated by qualified bureaucrats, and not the lamentable form witnessed in Guyana with Exxon. But Singapore did not succeed in its project of nation building because of some blind adherence to respecting contracts with foreign investors. No, Singapore succeeded because of the rule of law, and because of a rulesbased system for every aspect of the country’s business and its people’s lives. Singapore succeeded because it had long-term visions and stability via an authoritarian and somewhat benevolent leader, and because Singapore dealt with its racial issues with a strong hand (race became subservient to a higher goal, which was economics). Singapore succeeded because it invested huge sums in education. The letter by Mr. Jonas raises another issue. Many of Guyana’s best law firms are now working for oil companies or their contractors. This could pose a conundrum for some lawyers who may feel they have to choose between advocating for the best interests of their country folk versus advocating for the best interests of their clients, in instances where these interests might diverge. Hence all those in politics or entering politics should declare their ties to oil and associated companies. Guyana needs more of its young sons and daughters to step up like Mr. Jonas and Mr. Shuman, and I admire and support them for what they are doing. The best course for Guyana is to develop a long-term plan which addresses Guyana’s existing deficiencies, for Guyana to fix its existing failed political system, and for Guyana to focus on routing out corruption. We should not use oil as a panacea for our ills. This will not work. Regards, Jan Mangal
Wednesday January 23, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Chief Elections Officer to brief Commissioners tomorrow on readiness for polls
G
uyana could know as early as tomor row when General and Regional Elections are to be held. Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, is expected to brief the six commissioners and the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at 9am tomorrow. According to Commissioner for the Opposition’s People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Robeson Benn, the CEO has been told to brief the commissioners on his work plan, including on his need for more money, resources, staffers and training.Speaking with Kaieteur News earlier, GECOM’s spokesperson, Yolanda Ward, confirmed that Chairman, Justice (Ret’d), James Patterson returned to work yesterday after more than six weeks on sick leave. He met hours later with commissioners for the weekly statutory meeting. The CEO was told to provide a report on the possible options for elections and what will be required for elections to be held in the shortest possible time. According to Ward, based on that briefing, the Commission will then determine a date for a meeting with the Chief Whips, representing both Government and Opposition, to brief them on the likely date. Meanwhile, Benn, a former Public Works Minister
for the PPP, said that it was pointed out that the life of the current list of electors expires on April 30th, a chief constraint for the holding of elections. During the meeting yesterday, it was disclosed that Chief Parliamentary Whip for the Government, Amna Ally had written GECOM on January 10th asking for meeting to discuss the readiness of the entity for elections. The GECOM chairman, commissioners were told, replied on January 14th to Ally informing her that a meeting would soon be convened on the readiness. The issue of early elections was thrust into the spotlight on December 21st when a Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, voted yes in a no-confidence motion tabled by the Opposition.In doing so, Persaud’s lone vote caused the one-seat majority Government to fall.It was the first time that Parliament had experienced a no-confidence vote being tabled and carried. Persaud after that vote, invoked his right as a Canadian citizen and sought the protection of the Canadian High Commission that same night. He flew out the next morning to Canada. Government has gone to the courts challenging the legality of the vote by virtue of the fact that Persaud, who has since been expelled by his party, the Alliance For
Sea defence Contractor obligated to repair damaged WCD access road -Ministry official The contractor is obligated to repair any damage incurred to the access road at La Union, West Coast Demerara (WCD) over the duration of the river defence project. Chief Sea and River Defence Officer attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kevin Samad noted this as he commented on the concerns raised by residents over the condition in which heavy duty machinery has left one of their main access roads. The residents have express concerns that the road will not be repaired. However the Ministry official has noted the contract between the Government of Guyana, (GoG), the Caribbean Development Bank and the contractor—BK International— makes provision for the road to be restored to its original state. Samad told Kaieteur News that BK International commenced work on the G$1B river defence project in August of 2017. According to Samad, the project was scheduled to last 18 months and be completed by the end of February. However, with complaints leveled against the contractors over an access road in the area, Samad noted that intervention will be made on behalf of the residents. “We will have someone speak to the contractor to ensure that the residents have some course of redress and the road is fixed,” Samad added. Over the past year, residents of the small community located along the stretch of West Coast Demerara highway just outside Crane, have watched as heavy duty trucks transformed their once solid bitumen paved road into a pot-holed mud dam.
Change, had dual citizenship, a no-no under the Constitution of Guyana.However, the Opposition is insisting that the vote is legal. On Saturday, the People’s Progressive Party named Irfaan Ali, a former Housing Minister, as its presidential candidate. Under the laws, a no-confidence vote is supposed to see elections called within three months of that vote. A decision by the High Court that Persaud’s vote was illegal because of his dual citizenship could see the current discussions of early polls being thrown out of the window. However, it would also raise a legal dilemma, as there are parliamentarians on both sides of the House who have dual citizenship.
The Government and Opposition, during a meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency to discuss the fallout of the no-confidence vote, had agreed to send the two parliamentary Chief Whips to GECOM to find out about the entity’s readiness. GECOM has six commissioners, excluding the Chairman. Three commissioners are nominated by the Government and three from the Opposition.GECOM is an independent entity tasked with overseeing General, Regional and Local Government Elections. The positions are jealously guarded by political parties, with the Chairman’s post being something of a hot-seat.
Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield
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Wednesday January 23, 2019
Lawyers file High Court submissions over no confidence motion Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards, who is representing the Attorney General has said that the Constitution should not be interpreted in a narrow and legalistic way. Edwards was at the time responding to the case against the State by political commentator and attorneyat-law, Christopher Ram. Ram, by way of constitutional proceedings, is asking the court for a declaration that the noconfidence motion was properly, validly and lawfully passed by the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. In the Fixed Date Application (FDA), Ram is seeking relief under the Constitution of Guyana for the court to grant several declarations. He is asking for a declaration that the passage
of the no confidence motion requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President, with all convenient speed. Ram wants the court to declare that the government comprising 33 elected members of the National Assembly coming from the coalition between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) elected at elections in 2015, excluding the Cabinet including the President who shall resign with all convenient speed, shall remain in office until after the President takes the oath of office after elections to be held within 90 days from December 21, 2018, or within such extended period as the National Assembly shall determine by resolution support by not less than twothirds of the votes of all
elected members. At the same time, Ram also wants a declaration that the passage of the motion requires that national and regional elections be held no later than Thursday, March 21, 2019, that date being the ninetieth day from December 21, 2018. The applicant further seeks an order that at all times prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules of 2016 be abridged as necessary in order that these proceedings be dealt with an determined in the shortest possible time as being of the most urgent nature. Ram said he has several grounds for the application which includes that on December 21, 2018, on a vote of all elected members of the National Assembly, the government was defeated on a vote of confidence brought
Anil Nandlall
Maxwell Edwards on a motion by the Leader of the Opposition, which was passed with 33 votes in favour and 32 against.
Ram argues that under Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana, the Cabinet including the President, has to resign if the Government is defeated on a vote of no confidence. According to Ram, “Section 39 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, which is specifically applicable to constitutional interpretation by virtue of Article 232 (9) of the Constitution (of Guyana) provides that where no time is prescribed or allowed in a written law within which anything shall be done, such thing shall be done with all convenient time.” But Edwards, in his rebuttal, said Ram has completely misconstrued the requirement of Article 106 (7) which clarifies that the resignation is contingent upon the dissolution of Parliament before the holding of General and Regional Elections. It was pointed out that Article 106 (7) states that the government shall resign “after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” “The First Named Respondent rejects the contention of a caretaker government as alleged by the Applicant in his Submissions. It is submitted that the Resolution of Parliament upon which the Applicant relies was not validly passed by an absolute majority of all the elected members within the meaning of Article 106 (6) so as to constitute a valid defeat of the government upon a vote of confidence,” Edwards argued. He said that the argument is “untenable,” contending that Ram fell into error by predicating his case on the
contention that Article 106 (6) required a simple majority. In similar cases filed against the government, Attorney–at–law Anil Nandlall in his representation of the leader of the opposition, noted that questions about the validity of Charrandas Persaud vote on the basis of his dual citizenship should be rendered null and void. “Perhaps a convenient point to begin is Article 163 of the Constitution. It is this article that confers upon this Honourable Court the exclusive jurisdiction to determine a number of questions set out in the said article. In his submissions, Nandlall noted that it cannot be disputed that the Persaud was elected to sit in the National Assembly pursuant to elections held under Articles 60 and 160 of the Constitution as referred to by Article 163(5) of the Constitution. “It is submitted that Parliament has indeed made provisions to which Article 163(4) of the Constitution makes reference. That provision manifests itself in the form of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and National Assembly (Valid i t y ) o f Elections Rules. It is further submitted that this Honourable C o u r t ’s j u r i s d i c t i o n t o determine any question regarding the qualification o f a n y member of the National Assembly can only be done in the manner prescribed by Article 163 of the Constitution, that is to say, in accordance with the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and the accompanying rules.”
Wednesday January 23, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Even the dead deserve some dignity
G
uyana will con tinue to be viewed as a backwater nation. The country is spending millions to redesign hospitals and health institutions to protect them from natural disasters, while at the same time corpses are being allowed to rot at a public hospital mortuary because the freezing system malfunctioned. Yesterday’s Kaieteur News carried a very disturbing report that several bodies, including an infant’s corpse, were found in a decomposing state at the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary after the facility’s freezer went down. Efforts by the newspaper to obtain a comment from hospital and health officials were unsuccessful. One man was reported to have alleged that the body of his relative was handed over to him in a decomposed state. He is said to be extremely upset. He is a poor man. Such a situation ought not to have developed. Surely if the freezing system went down, contingency plans should have been immediately put in place. Years ago when persons died in the countryside, many families would hire ice boxes
in which they placed their dead. The corpses would be preserved within these boxes using ice. These boxes are still available and could have easily been rented from the funeral parlours. In any event, the hospital authorities could have arranged for the bodies to be stored at private funeral parlours until such time as the mortuary’s freezing system became functional again. That this did not happen demands an explanation as to whether there were any protocols governing a breakdown of the freezing system at the mortuary, and if so, whether these were complied with. If on the other hand there were no such protocols, it must be asked why there were none and why, in any event, there was no intervention to avoid the decomposing bodies. If the authorities knew about the breakdown of the mortuary’s freezing system, then it can be considered callous on their part that contingency plans were not activated immediately. If on the other hand, they did not know, the question is why and what measures were there in place to monitor what was taking place.
An independent investigation should immediately be launched into this matter. It would be highly insensitive and disrespectful for the health authorities – both the regional health authorities and the Ministry of Public Health – not to undertake an investigation into these allegations which are now in the public domain. Governments have always been wary about public calls for investigations, because they imagine such calls as part of a conspiracy to embarrass them or their supporters in public office. But there is a greater public good to be served by such investigations. Such investigations help quell speculation. They provide answers as to what went wrong. This helps to bring closure to the case, which in this instance will be for the grieving families. It is very hurtful for those poor families whose loved ones lay dead in that mortuary, to have additional burdens added to their griefstricken state. It is not fair to them, especially since the option could have been offered for them to have the bodies stored in private funeral parlours without
in any way compromising the intended post mortem examinations. It is not unusual for bodies to be shuttled from funeral parlours to mortuaries for the purpose of autopsies. An investigation must not be viewed as threatening to supporters of the government who may find themselves in the firing line. It is important for improving the functioning of systems and to avoid a repeat of any such future occurrence that an investigation be launched. This investigation should be seen as providing the causes of what happened,
what went wrong and what can be done to prevent a recurrence. It is not these objectives which government fear. What is feared is who should be held responsible for what went wrong. It is fear of this implication which has seen attempts at covering up incidents or launching doctored investigations. For the sake of the dignity of the dead, let us hope this does not happen in relation to the allegations of decomposed bodies at a public hospital mortuary in Berbice. The tragedy of Guyana is that
when it comes to the poor, justice is always slow. You can bet your last dollar that if it were rich families whose deceased were the victims of a malfunctioning freezing system at that mortuary, there would have been public outrage over the incident. But poor people have to bear their humiliations and hope that public pressure leads to justice.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Frank Anthony and Dr. Vindhya Persaud were asked to withdraw In journalism, there are several categories of the supplier of information. There is your friend who has a substantial position in a particular entity. The friendship is not publicly known and over the years,
this person has been an impeccable supplier. There is the trusted source. This is a level lower than your friend. This is someone that you have had a long established relationship with. You trust that person
with the supply of information, and it has held good over a long period of time. The third level is called the reliable source. The closeness with the journalist is not there as in levels one and two. But the person sees
you as a person that is dependable to publish information that the public needs to knowThe other levels need not be discussed. For this column, the information that is revealed in the title of this column has
come from the third category listed above. At the very last minute, Gail Teixeira, Frank Anthony and Dr. Vindhya Persaud were called into a room and asked to withdraw from the contest for the presidential candidacy. I first disclosed this on the Naim Chan early morning television show on CNS channel 6 yesterday. Anthony and Persaud have offered different reasons for withdrawing. This is what party loyalty demands. Refusal would certainly have engendered serious rifts in the party’s leadership. But Anthony and Persaud do not depend on the state for an income; they are vital elements in the PPP’s physiology, so they should be honest with the Guyanese people. Anthony and Persaud know who they confided in. Teixeira’s exit has no theoretical or political importance to the shape of the contest, so I will not dwell on her decision to quit. She was asked to participate to split the votes. See my column of Tuesday, January 15, 2019, “Is Gail Teixeira fit and proper to be president?” The forced withdrawal of Anthony and Persaud has uncertain consequences for the future of the PPP. If Nandlall would have received 9 votes, had Anthony and Persaud remained in the arena then it is possible that the 24 ballots that Irfaan received would have been split between Persaud and Anthony, giving either one of them victory. Sadly, it seems that if you do the mathematical equation it looks like Nandlall was never going to win. The ballot was secret. Unless the process was engineered, and I am told that the secret use of the pen was not tampered with, then Anil simply lost out. You can say the 35 voters were manipulated before the meeting convened. But either persons voted out of fear or just didn’t want Anil. Surely, even if some central committee members felt that they owed Jagdeo favours or that Jagdeo promised them goodies, secret balloting could have saved them. All they had to do was to insist
Frederick Kissoon to Jagdeo that they voted for Irfaan and offer to take a lie detector test, which wouldn’t have been done anyway. Looking at the small number of votes Anil got (you have to discount the ballots of Anthony and Persaud, because they would have had to vote for themselves if they had remained, it appears that either Anthony or Persaud would have won that race. It meant that had they stayed in the ring, either one of them would have pulled more than Anil’s 9 votes and become the presidential candidate. Let us do some guesswork. Irfaan, Anthony and Persaud had to split 26 votes among themselves, because Anil’s tally was already decided. Is it possible Anthony could have picked up 11, Persaud 9, leaving Irfan with 6, including his own? The results would have been, Anthony 11, Anil 9, Persaud 9, Irfaan 6. Or maybe it could have been Persaud 11 and Anthony 9. The decision to force the fait accompli on Anthony and Persaud was a perceptive one. Those who did it perhaps knew what the Guyanese population didn’t. And that is, Anil would not have won, contrary to popular thinking, and that Anthony or Persaud would have been the real favourite. No matter what kind of manipulation went on weeks before the voting, 26 persons voted against Anil and they did not do it by a show of hands. My choice was Anil. I do like him. I think he was the better candidate, though I would have liked to see a woman winning the prize. I think most people expected Anil to win. And I would like to know why his showing was so poor. In the meantime, Anthony and Persaud should know that Guyana has a small, overlapping population, so people know that they confessed.
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Miner allegedly attempts to burn colleague alive during robbery
A
miner will be spending the next few days in jail as he was remanded, following two charges which involved violent robberies. Conrad Henry called ‘Andre’ of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, denied the allegations after the charges were read to him. It is alleged that on November 13, 2018 at Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, he
robbed Hines Joseph of one BLU cellular phone valued at $26,000 by use of violence. Furthermore, it was also alleged that Henry on the same date and at the same location, stole from Joseph articles amounting to $1,691,000 - the property of James Fowler - by use of violence on Hines Joseph. The accused appeared
before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Henry informed the court that he is 29 years of age and does mining as his source of income. The victim, Joseph, made an appearance in court despite his injuries. Police prosecutor Quinn Harris presented the facts of the charge which stated that
the defendant and the victim work together as employees of Fowler. On the day in question Henry left Joseph in charge of the mining camp and upon his return he asked the victim for the keys to a strong box. Joseph refused to hand over the keys and this angered Henry. Later in the day Joseph returned and attacked Joseph. He tied him up along with
two others from the camp. The accused then allegedly poured gasoline on the victim and threatened to burn him alive. Henry then fled the scene. Joseph was soon rescued and taken to the Matthew’s Ridge Hospital for medical attention. Fowler later saw Henry in Vreed-en-Hoop where he confronted him, and Henry allegedly handed over an article he stole. Fowler then alerted the police and Henry was arrested and taken into custody. When asked if he had anything to say to the court pertaining to what was related by the prosecutor, Henry stated that, “I don’t know anything about what I am accused of or how this man got his injuries.” “Fowler saw me many times before I was arrested. I took a computer box because he owed me money. He came and begged saying he will pay me, so I gave him back the box.” Prosecutor Harris objected to bail based on the seriousness and the prevalence of the offence. Also, the defendant fled
Remanded: Conrad Henry the jurisdiction after the robbery and if granted bail he would not return to court. Magistrate Marcus then refused bail for Henry and adjourned the matter until February 4, 2019 at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court. Henry while leaving the court room was heard saying, “I got to come out of here.”
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
Gunmen kill taxi driver execution-style on East Bank highway An Indian Chief Taxi driver was shot dead execution-style last night, around 20:00 hrs, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, while his horrified girlfriend and five-year-old daughter sat in his car. Kevin Walters, 35, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara, was shot in the face and died shortly after at the Georgetown Public Hospital. There are reports that one of the gunmen was injured after Walters, said to be an exsoldier, rammed into the gunmen’s bike. Reports suggest that the gunmen had trailed their victim. According to reports, Walters was heading south along the East Bank of Demerara in Toyota Allion, PXX1509, when the gunmen, on a CG motorcycle, came up to his car, in the vicinity of the Two Brothers Gas Station near Eccles. On seeing the men, Walters reportedly
attempted to ram his car into the bike, but the pillion rider opened fire, shooting Walters in the face. The mortally wounded man remained at the scene for some time before being rushed to the GPHC, where he was pronounced dead. Walters is the third individual to be executed in recent weeks. Some three weeks ago, Sean Allister O’Brien Greene, 38, of Queenstown, Georgetown, and Number 78 Village, Springlands, Corentyne, was riddled with bullets outside a Hotel in Queenstown. This was followed by the killing of Suriname businessman Nitender Oemrawsingh, whose body, bearing a gunshot wound to the head was found on the Number 63 beach. The latter killing is believed to be linked to the recent discovery in Suriname of 2,300 kilos of cocaine in a rice shipment
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Proxy wars heat up as May 22 set for Goldfields’ meeting on Board performance Proxy wars heat up as May 22 set for Goldfields’ meeting on Board performance Canadian-owned Guyana
Goldfields Inc. has set May 22nd for a special meeting in which a number of shareholders will be asking for the current board to be sacked.
The company had been written to by the shareholders, among them Patrick Sheridan, a founder and former chief who was let go last year. Sheridan and a number of shareholders are accusing
the current board of mismanagement and misrepresentations of the true performance of the company which led to Canadian $1B in value to be wiped off the company within the past year. Yesterday, Guyana Gold-
fields, which is the country’s largest private producer of gold, described the shareholders as the “Sheridan Dissidents”, and announced the special meeting, which is likely to see a vote for new directors, will be held on May 22, 2019. A special committee of independent directors has also been formed to ensure that actions taken regarding the “Sheridan Dissidents” are in the best interests of the company, Guyana Goldfields said. Government and Guyana will be paying close attention to the company is gold is the biggest foreign currency earner. Guyana Goldfields’ production declined by 10,000 ounces for 2018. The company said that the actions of “The Sheridan Dissidents” initiated a costly and unnecessary proxy fight without any notice to or engagement with the company. “The board has instituted a series of fundamental operational and governance improvements at the company since Mr. Sheridan’s termination. Alan Ferry has decided to resign as a director to allow for Board refreshment.” Guyana Goldfields said that it will set the record straight on inaccurate statements by the “Sheridan Dissidents” in its Management Information Circular. “It is unfortunate that the Sheridan Dissidents provided no prior notice or opportunity for constructive engagement before rushing into what will surely be a costly proxy contest,” said René Marion, NonExecutive Chairman of the Board. “We welcome the views of all shareholders and would certainly have been willing to speak with Mr. Sheridan, who after all was a board member until he resigned less than three months ago, on October 30, 2018.” The Board said it has instituted a series of fundamental operational and governance improvements at the Company since Sheridan’s termination “It is disappointing that Mr. Sheridan refuses to accept any responsibility for the Company’s operational, governance and governmental relations challenges which arose over his 20 plus years as the company’s top executive,” said Mr. Marion. “Fortunately the Board has instituted a series of fundamental operational and governance improvements at the Company since his termination.” “As the proxy contest progresses, I want to assure shareholders that the Company’s management, many of whom joined after the Board terminated Mr. Sheridan, will remain focused on implementing these positive operational and gover-
nance changes.” As part of this commitment, in October 2018 the Company appointed Roscoe Postle Associates Inc. (“RPA”), an independent firm of engineers and geologists, to assist in the review of the geologic controls and grade variability at the Aurora Gold Mine. The RPA review will be incorporated into the updated resource and reserves estimates expected to be released in late March. The Company also said that it strengthened management accountability following the termination of Mr. Sheridan. “Prior to his termination, the Company was saddled with an ineffective dual reporting structure under which Mr. Sheridan was responsible for exploration, government relations and the Company’s North Roads office in Georgetown, Guyana, where those activities were managed. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Sheridan resisted the implementation of a more efficient single-channel structure.” After “terminating” Sheridan, the Goldfields statement said yesterday, the Board implemented the single channel reporting to the President and CEO, a best practice for management accountability. “Following Mr. Sheridan’s termination the Board also appointed an independent, non-executive Chairman, a best practice for corporate governance.” The company also noted that in an effort to improve relations with the government of Guyana, it recently appointed Perry Holloway as Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Affairs. “Mr. Holloway reports to Mr. Caldwell and initially is focusing on government affairs.” Holloway was the United States Ambassador to Guyana and the Caribbean Community. The Company will set the record straight on inaccurate statements by the “Sheridan Dissidents” in its Management Information Circular. Shareholders of the Company are warned that the Sheridan Dissidents have made a number of misleading, irresponsible and unnecessarily inflammatory statements that could undermine the Company’s share price, even going so far as to allege “serious doubt Guyana Goldfields will remain a going concern.” The company warned its shareholders to disregard such “wildly inaccurate allegations”. “The Company maintains a strong balance sheet with an unaudited cash balance of US$82 million at December 31, 2018 and total debt balance of just US$40 million.”
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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. House plan drafting from $13,000. Sean #667-2189 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158S For doctoring erectile disfunction problems. Asthma burns, hearing & hair loss. Call Bush doc. Tel 231-9348
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 One eight inch bearing block and water pump with 6x4 Y along with matching valves. Tel#676-5725 Copra meal. Call 223-5273/74
EDUCATION Private Customs Brokerage Certificate Training Course, starts this month end, Register now. Call: 694-8322/501-6931. Job Opportunity Available Nursery: Phonics & Aftercare. Prenursery & playgroup services. Grades 1-4 phonics & reading. Common entrance preparation. Rising Star Academy. Call 690-9378 FIRST AID/CPR COURSE. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE to commence later in January, 2019. TEL: 225-9082
Rottweiler & Mastiff pups for sale, 8 weeks old #6986796 The #1 guyanese artist on canvas in history. For art students. Don’t believe it? www.paintingsron.com LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 (1) Fenced land Parfaite Harmony - $2M. Uitvlugt $2.5M Neg. Zeelugt $1.5M Neg. Zeelugt $2.3M Neg. Tel: 697-6311/642-1252 Land at Best Crane Vreed-enhoop 104x41 $2,000,000 transported, Land at Parfaite W.B.D Tel#672-0416
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Schoonard $4M. Dairy $3.5M & $2.2M. Parfaite $1.6M. Farm $3.5M & $3M. www.paintingsron.com 6481635, 651-1969
Wednesday January 23, 2019
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1 Shop assistant to work in the interior. Experience would be an asset. #669-3162
Bottom flat 2 bedroom apartment to rent situated at lot 229 Section A Block X Diamond Housing Scheme. Contact 696-6463/673-6222
Urgently need dry Corilla Bush.Any amount from 1lb to 1000lbs. #609-8281
Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290 (1) Upper flat (4) bedroom house fully grill in first st Herstelling E.B.D. Contact 265-3844, 662-2687 3 bedroom house,2 living rooms, partially furnished, 3 bedroom apartment ECD. Contact #695-6550/656-9313 One bedroom apartment Middle Road LaPenitance. $40,000 monthly. Preferable bachelor. Contact #666-9534 2 bedroom fully furnished Apt for rent, Providence and Diamond #672-1906/682-6238 PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street. Tel#655-3332 Opposite Guyoil Gas Station House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657 House lots for sale, 200k downpayment, 20k monthly #622-1957 Commercial Property, double lot next to Harbour Bridge,East Bank... must go #622-1957 Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenities, huge yard, security. Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766 6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amenities, private yard/ parking. Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766 LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie 2M 1.3M. Farm 4.5M 5.5M. Providence. Tuschen. Herstelling. Eccles. Uitvlugt. Call: 666-2326
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Contract cars at City Taxi Service 8 Vlissengen Rd. Tel: 226-7150
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Cooks, Handyboys, Roti/Puri makers, Apply at Shanta’s 225 Camp St
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Driver/Salesman, Security Reliable Rentals: Top quality Guards, Handyman, cars, SUV’s at very low rates. Bulldozer Operator, Part time Call: 227-2322/601-2622 Mechanic. # 266 4427
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Experienced salesman 40-45 yrs with driver license. Must know to write bills/calculate. Keyyfood McDoom Village.
One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. Age 2535. Contact 1868-386-5302
Part time domestic. East Bank Demerara preferably Diamond/ Grove area. Cooking included. Tel: 656-7329
Factory workers male & female. Apply in person to: R.P’s Enterprise Area ‘K’ Le Resouvenir E.C.D. 220-2818 or 3710 We buy land in Herstelling, Farm, Eccles, Providence, Parfaite Harmonie. www.paintingsron.com 6117223, 656-0701 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Office clerk, Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 One hair dresser and one nail technician to work. Contact# 698-3018 Relief guard 2 days a week. Handyman. Must have a bicycle and cellphone. 2275536/ 223-0504 Wanted land to buy. Parfaite Harmonie, Farm, Providence, Tuschen, Diamond, Herstelling, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Call: 666-2326 TM & Model M truck drivers for interior. Call 223-5273/4 Land with foundation and c o l u m n . www.paintingsron.com 6481635, 656-0701 PEN PAL Guyanese/Canadian male seeking female career oriented 24-28 in marriage. Tel# 6641966 TO LET House to rent. 76 Kuru Kuru road side. #227-1042/6918420
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One (1) unregistered new model Tacoma, white in color, One (1) seamstress to work for crash bar, step, alarm etc. Call an established company. 695-6461 or 639-7758 Must have experience. Call 672-4695 for more information Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda General Domestic with axela, bluebird, 192 fielder cooking experience for East wagon. 650-7501 Bank. #614-4358 Nissan Laurel Executive Vacancy for skill carpenter. antique car, Nissan Apply at Alabama Trading at Pathfinder 4-door Jeep. 65 Robb St Bourda Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#660VACANCYFOR PART/FULL 3415/609-7766 TIME WAITER/WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN 1 Toyota Raum in good RESTAURANT. CONTACT condition. Price negotiable. 219-0158 Contact: 615-1762 Salon in Tortola, BVI needs hairdressers, nail technicians and barbers. Email: divahairbvi@gmail.com or call: 1-284-543-1410 Urgent 1 male with cooking experience to work in multiple areas. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine # 695-6550/656-9313 Natural Beauty Salon & Spa needs an experienced hair dresser & professional makeup artist. Contact#652-5800 Office assistant for the interior. #223-7165
VACANCY Driver/Salesman. Cook - Age 30-45. Submit application to Survival Supermarket. 16 Vlissengen Rd. & Duncan Street, Newtown 1 Experienced legal computer clerk. Good pay and credits. Call 624-7087 One Tutor/Nanny to teach 3 year old boy from 9:50pm. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St
Cashier (Shift 7am-3pm & Camp Manager for the 3pm-11pm) Submit interior.#223-7165 Application to: Shell Service Station Providence EBD or Vacancy for sales girls. Apply Email:Shellramsburg@gmail.com to Alabama Trading. 65 Robb St. Bourda ACCOMMODATION Vacancy for one female cleaner. Air condition room $3000 per Apply to Alabama Trading. 65 day fully furnished apts $5000 Robb St. Bourda & $6000 per day. 223-0994/ 678-5827 Vacancy for Delivery Clerk. Apply at 65 Robb Street, Continued on page 27 Bourda
Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
PAGE 27
Palms, Mahaica Children’s Home receive special needs buses
The Palms Geriatric Home and the Mahaica Children’s Home yesterday each received one Special Needs minibus, at a total cost of $11.4 Million, from the Ministry of Social Protection. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally officially handed over the minibuses which are fully equipped with multiple lifts, seatbelts and advance security mechanism. It was noted that the vehicles will aid significantly in the transport of elderly citizens and special needs patients. Ally said her ministry is dedicated to providing proper services to the citizens of Guyana and will ensure that the patients of the Palms Geriatric Home are offered the right amenities. “We are very happy that we can provide service to the elderly, we will put in the extra effort and this is just one step further. We have done a lot of refurbishing at the Palms and there will be more infrastructural advancement in the future,” the Minister saidAdditionally, she noted that along with the Palms and the Mahaica Children’s Home, the buses will also provide services to other organisations when the need arises. In 2018, three elevators and a rehabilitated ward were commissioned at the Palms Geriatric Home in the ministry’s mandate to raise the standard of the Geriatric Residential Facilities.
Capoey house destroyed... From page 23 She said the fire caught onto a carpet and quickly spread to the bedroom; preventing her from salvaging any belongings. She recounted that she grabbed her one-year-old daughter, quickly exited the burning house, and cried out for help. When neighbours arrived on the scene the house was already engulfed in flames. One neighbour told this publication, “when we come the house deh already deh pon fire. When we watch it, we seh that nothing can’t save here, because it ain’t got no pipeline around. Even if we try to get water from the lake, by the time we go to the lake and come up back with water the fire would already burn everything, because the distance is too far.” According to Williams, she and her husband had built their home two years ago. The family estimated that their losses may be as much as $1.5 million dollars. Since the Capoey Lake sits between the main coastland and the Capoey Top Side, where the house was situated, it was impossible for the fire
department, which is located in Anna Regina, to respond. Nevertheless, a team of fire officials yesterday conducted their own investigations during a visit to the community.
From page 26 HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 LEARN TO DRIVE P. Outar and C. Persaud Driving School at Maraj Building. Call: 622-2872, 6150964, 681-2808 N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
Officials observing a demonstration exercise of the Special Needs bus.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Self-confessed drug dealer testifies to overhearing accused planning robbery …as trial continues into 2013 Meten-Meer-Zorg murder A self-confessed drug dealer who says he overheard some men planning to rob his neighbours, was called to testify yesterday in the trial of seven persons, including a woman, who are accused of the September 2013 murder of shopkeeper Zulfikar Namdar. The murder accused are Allan Dorsett called ‘Beard’, ‘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 Cassandra Dorsett also known as ‘Cassandra SinghDorsett’. They have pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on September 10, 2013, they murdered Namdar during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Ashley Henry are appearing for Allan Dorsett. Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson is appearing for Lawrence, Croft and Cassandra Dorsett, while Attorney-at-Law George Thomas is representing Williams, Chandler and Bacchus. Presenting the case for the prosecution are State Counsel Tuanna Harding and Abigail Gibbs. According to previous reports, Namdar was shot and killed after heavily armed gunmen intruded his Lot 76 Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara home where he resided with his parents. The gunmen shot at Namdar while he was in the shop he operated, leaving him lying in a pool of blood, before escaping with a large sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery. Namdar was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead. In his evidence, selfconfessed drug dealer Nick Skeete, who said he is a cousin of Allan Dorsett, the number one accused, told the court that he resided about 200 yards from the Namdars. Allan is the husband of the number seven accused, Cassandra Singh-Dorsett. Skeete, who was deported to Guyana in 2012, fingered the seven accused in the robbery/murder. He, too, was arrested by police as a suspect in the murder, but was later released. According to the witness, he is in protective custody. The court heard from Skeete that he became to know Bacchus, Lawrence and Croft through
Murdered: Zulfikar Namdar his cousin, adding that, Chandler was a childhood friend of the Namdars. Further, he told the jurors that on the evening of September 03, 2013, the male murder accused bought marijuana from him and smoked it under a tree, from where he overheard them planning to rob the Namdars. According to him, on the night of September 10, 2013, he saw Croft, who sported dreadlocks holding a long gun, while the others had smaller firearms. He said that five minutes after the men left his residence he heard gunshots and later learnt that Namdar was killed. Disclosing that he was arrested six days later in relation to the crime, Skeete said that police held confrontations between him, Croft, Dorsett and Chandler, who all denied involvement in the robbery/murder. After giving his evidence in chief, Skeete faced intense cross examination from lawyers for the murder accused. The lawyers suggested to him that he had fabricated the story of overhearing the men planning to rob the Namdars. However, Skeete denied the suggestions, but admitted that he had inquired from one of the Namdars’ workers if his boss had money in the house. Furthermore, Skeete denied a suggestion put to him by one of the lawyers that police did not charge him after he provided information on the whereabouts of the murder accused. In many instances, it was put to Skeete by the lawyers that he was lying. But the witness maintained that he was telling the truth, even as the lawyers pointed to several inconsistencies in his police statement, deposition from the preliminary inquiry, and at the trial. Earlier this week, one of the prosecution’s witnesses testified that Cassandra Dorsett provided (Continued on page 29)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Citizens’ Bank records $124M drop in profits … high level of non-performing loans in banking sector … new branch for Mandela Avenue Citizens’ Bank recorded a profit of $602.3M in profit after taxation for fiscal year 2018, as opposed to the previous year, which saw the bank gathering $726.6M in profit after taxation. This represents a profit drop of $124.3M. The bank’s Chairman, Clifford Reis, noted this at the bank’s annual general meeting yesterday at its Camp & South Road office. He said that the drop should be considered in the context of knowledge of the fact that the bank benefited from a one-off transaction in the fiscal year 2017, the after-tax results of which increased the bank’s net profits by $210.3M. Citizens’ Bank recorded
G. McDonald, Michael H. Perreira, Paul A. Carto, Wilfred A. Lee, Rakesh K. Puri, Deenawati Panday and Ronald Burch-Smith. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR Reis said that the local banking system remained relatively sound, despite the high level of non-performing loans, with other commercial banks and other licensed depository financial institutions reporting higher capital and profits respectively. The consolidated average capital adequacy ratio, which is a measure of a sector/bank’s capital to its risk, was computed at 30.6%, comfortably above the optimal benchmark of 8.0%
From left: Board of Directors, Ronald Burch Smith, Deenawati Panday, Wilfred , Michael Perreira, Rakesh Puri, George McDonald, and Eton Chester and upgrades of a number of technology driven services in 2018 was noted to have improved the operational perfor-
Citizens’ Bank’s shareholders at its Annual General Meeting, yesterday for the fiscal year 2018, a net income of $2.7B, compared to $2.9B in the prior year, with a profit before taxation of $1B, compared to $1.2B in the previous year. Total revenue for that fiscal year, sits at $3.2B, with balances for total assets and deposits experiencing marginal growth. Reis said that the bank’s loan portfolio continues to be relatively sound, but noted challenges experienced by customers in 2018 that impacted the bank’s overall portfolio. Non-performing loans at September 30, 2018 represented 11.7% of the bank’s total loan portfolio, compared to September 30, 2017. Reis highlighted focused efforts of the bank to improve its risk management as well as asset maintenance. In 2017, the bank’s shareholders benefited from a dividend of $2.70 per share, paying an interim dividend of $0.70 per share in May, 2018. Now, the directors recommend a final dividend of $1.80 per share, bringing the total dividend payment to $2.50 per share, for a total payout of $148.7M. The bank’s board of directors is headed by Reis, who is the Chairman and Managing Director of Banks DIH Limited. Other board members are Eton M. Chester, George
The sector’s total loans and advances grew by 5.0% to $227.2B at September 30, 2018, with credit to the private sector credit increasing by 4.8% to $226.0B. The bank’s annual report noted an 8.0% increase in deposits at commercial banks to $396.7B as of September 30, 2018, with private sector deposits growing 7.0% to $316.5B; accounting for 79.8% of total banking sector deposits. Reis said that the banking sector continues to report high levels of liquidity. To sterilise this liquidity, the bank prefers the utilization by the Bank of Guyana of the auction of Treasury Bills, through its open market operation. At September 30, 2018, outstanding Treasury Bills totaled $71.1B, with commercial banks holding $57.5B or 80.9%. The operating environment continued to experience many of the same challenges as the prior year, such as underperforming economic sectors and delays in projects implementation. INITIATIVES FOR FISCAL YEAR, 2019 Citizens’ Bank intends to harness the efficiencies derived from investment in technology to deliver new products and services to its customers, since the introduction
mance of the bank. The bank’s annual report notes that developments in the oil and gas sector, along with early implementation of the 2019 budgetary measures and improved implementation of the public-sector invest-
ment programs, will create opportunities for the bank and other non-energy entities. Hence, Reis pointed out that the bank’s initiatives will focus on utilizing those opportunities to offer potential and current clients’ unmatched products. Reis told the gathering of stakeholders that the bank’s 2019 plans are to ensure the mitigation of operational inefficiencies and the strict adherence top robust risk-management policies and practices, assuring the growth, competitiveness and stability of the bank. Human Capital was lauded as Citizens’ principal asset. Hence, the bank intends to place great emphasis on the strengthening and improvement of its Human Resources Management capacity, so clients benefit from a high level of customer relationships. NEW OFFICE BUILDING AT MANDELAAVENUE
Chairman of the board, Clifford Reis
Chairman Reis indicated that the fiscal year 2019 will see the commencement of construction for a modern office building. Reis made the announcement at annual general meeting, yesterday, that edifice will be a relocation of the Thirst Park branch.
The new bank will be situated at the end of Mandela Avenue, between Aubrey Barker Road and David Rose Street. The branch is being constructed in keeping with the bank’s promise to provide an enabling environment to its customers.
Cops still to trace driver in fatal Kuru Kururu accident Police have questioned the survivor of last Saturday’s hitand-run accident at Kuru Kururu, in the hope of identifying the driver who struck down and killed auto technician Brian Basdeo. A senior traffic official said that investigators have been unable to thoroughly interview the injured man, who was a friend of Basdeo’s. The official said that part of the vehicle’s bumper was left at the scene, but this has yielded no clues about the type of vehicle. Basdeo, a 21-year-old auto body technician from Grass Field, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was struck down on Saturday night when he stopped on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway to check a vehicle. According to reports, Basdeo was steering a vehicle which was being towed by a friend, when he and the friend exited their cars to check one of the vehicles. It is alleged that another vehicle, which was being driven at a fast rate, struck both men, but the driver failed to stop Basdeo died on the spot while his friend was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre before being transferred to the GPHC The traffic official said that police are also still to trace the driver of another vehicle which struck down and killed 34year-old Supply, East Bank Demerara resident Shayne Haynes on December 31, 2018. According to reports, Haynes was walking along the East Bank Demerara public road near his home at around 04.00 hrs when a speeding car struck him. So loud was the impact that it woke up neighbours who found Haynes lying on the roadway.
The injured man was rushed to the Diamond Hospital. He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. The police have visited the scene and retrieved Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from a resident.
Self-confessed drug dealer testifies to overhearing ...
from page 28 her co-accused with head ties to cover their faces. Previously, the parents of the deceased were among the witnesses called by the prosecution. During her time in the witness box, Namdar’s mother emotionally 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 after which he heard loud gunshots coming from outside. Further, the father told the court of 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, since their faces were covered. In court, both parents pointed out Chandler, who they testified to knowing for decades. This trial is continuing before Justice Navindra Singh at the High Court in Georgetown.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Govt. looking to fund NGOs in quest to boost economic activities With strategic funding, government is aiming to boost the country’s economic activities. Moreover, government, through its Ministry of Social Protection, has called on Non Governmental Organisations [NGOs] to lend support to this tactical cause. In an advertisement published in the Sunday Edition of this newspaper, government announced that it is seeking the support of NGOs with the ability to create or expand economic activities
that will result in job opportunities. According to the advertisement, government is hoping that NGOs with the key traits will opt to benefit from strategic funding on offering. With the funding being offered through its Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme, which falls under the purview of the Social Protection Ministry, government is optimistic that NGOs interested in receiving funding will embark on
entrepreneurial activities. Projects, the Social Protection Ministry has announced, “must result in the creation or expansion of economic activities that will result in job opportunities and income generation at the grassroots level.” Each application, according to the Ministry, will be examined from the point of view of: cost benefit, employment creation amongst the disadvantaged and persons in difficult circumstances such as
youths, women, single parents, unemployed, persons with disability and other vulnerable groups, and contribution to the promotion of a green economy. Moreover, to be considered for a grant under the SLED programme, groups must be registered or have commenced the registration process. According to the Ministry too, “registration as a cooperative is preferable in keeping with provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Act.” Added to this, applicants
must also complete an application form and have a bank account within four months of being identified for funding. All applications must be completed on or before February 8, 2019. Persons desiring of take advantage of this initiative can obtain applications forms from the SLED Programme Unit of the Social Protection Ministry at Lamaha and East Streets, Georgetown or contact the office on telephone number 227-3497, Ext. 213 or 212 or email ministryofsocialprotection@ gmail.com. According to information released by government, more than 277 households have benefitted from incomegenerating activities under the SLED programme in 2018, with an estimated 1,264 persons including women, young people and entrepreneurs being the beneficiaries. During the 2019 budget debates Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally had told the National Assembly that in 2018, $150 Million was budgeted towards the programme and 33 projects were identified in various regions “Areas of business include poultry rearing, pig rearing, farming, garment construction, manufacturing outlets, preservation of fruits, making of jams and jellies, salted fish processing, shade house cultivation, women’s
empowerment training, block making and leather craft production,” Minister Ally explained. With an allocation of $250M in the 2019 budget, the Ministry of Social Protection is set to expand the programme this year. Minister Ally said this is necessary, since the programme has positively impacted households. She boasted that under her Ministry via SLED, residents in the communities of Akawani, Pomeroon, Chenapau, Hiawa, Moco Moco, Aranaputa and Aishalton were empowered. “We are investing more into this initiative because of the positive impact that the programme is having on households as well as communities as a whole, we are transforming people’s lives. Many who could not sustain themselves and families can now do so, the figures and the evidence are clear,” she said. The SLED Programme along with the Ministry’s Women of Worth (WOW) and People of Worth Entrepreneurial Resources (POWER) loan programmes, will continue to provide funding to persons targeted for various business start-up ventures in the 10 administrative regions of Guyana, Minister Ally shared. The Ministry’s goal, she stated, is to ensure the programmes assist in reducing dependency on the social safety net.
Bel Air man jailed for illegal weapons Lloyd Johnson and Andre Smart appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts yesterday before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus to hear their fate as she ruled on their matter for possession of illegal weapons. Based on the evidence provided by the police prosecution, the magistrate found that it was sufficient for her to find Johnson guilty of the charges. On the other hand, the evidence provided proved that Smart had no knowledge of the articles, therefore he was set free. Johnson was represented by attorney at law Adrian Thompson. In a plea of mitigation, the attorney told the court that Johnson is 43 years old and resides at 226 Bel Air Park, Georgetown. He also told the court that Johnson is married and has two children. After listening to the attorney, the Magistrate Marcus sentenced Johnson to two and a half years imprisonment and fined him a sum of $50,000 for the two charges. The sentences are to
Lloyd Johnson run concurrently. According to reports, acting on information received, police ranks from ‘A’ Division conducted an operation along the East Bank of Demerara. They stopped motor car PRR 3017 which at the time was driven by Johnson. A search was conducted on the vehicle, and two handguns were discovered. Smart, who was a passenger, and Johnson, were promptly arrested and taken into custody.
Wednesday January 23, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Supply of inventory items for Parliamentary Office attracts 16 bidders The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NTPAB) yesterday opened 16 bids for the Supply of Inventory Items for the Parliamentary Office. Some companies vied for all the lots, while other companies vied for specific lots.
Bids were also opened for procurement of computer hardware, accessories, and related equipment for support to the Probation Officer, Ministry of Legal Affairs.
Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation- Expression of Interest 1. Design and Supply of Cargo Facility 2. Design and Supervision of Office Area 3. Design and Supply of Commercial Centres
Regional Democratic Council, Region 10 ( Retender) to have the Design and Supervision of the Construction of Bamia/ Amelia’s Ward Primary School (Grade B), Upper Demerara/ Berbice, Region No. 10
Former cop gets four years for trafficking in cocaine A City Magistrate yesterday sentenced a former member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to four years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty on a narcotics charge. Twenty-two-year-old Louie Dublin was sentenced by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the conclusion of the trial in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Dublin, Devon Bunbury, 28 and Gavin Harris, 26, were charged separately for the same offence. The court heard that on March 17, 2017, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the men had in their possession 588 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. They all pleaded not (Continued on page 32)
Jailed: Louie Dublin
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Former cop gets four years for ... Frome page 31 guilty to the charge on their first court appearance. The Magistrate in handing down her ruling yesterday, told the court that after perusing the evidence of the prosecution witnesses, led by Police Prosecutor Richard Harris, she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Dublin did traffic the narcotics mentioned in the charge. However, she ruled that the Prosecution was unable to prove their case against Bunbury and Harris; hence, she dismissed the matter against them. It was reported that on the day in question, members of the Police Force carried out a sting operation at the Lotus Restaurant and Bar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. Dublin was searched and the cocaine was found in his possession. It was stated that when Dublin was arrested, he gave the police a caution statement stating that he was given the bag by two individuals whom he named as Devon Bunbury and Gavin Harris, and also apologised for having the substance in his possession. Dublin was later arrested and charged for the offence. Throughout the trial, Dublin was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson, who had argued that his client had no knowledge of what was inside that bag that was given to him, since the bag was sealed.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Wednesday January 23, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Cardiff City soccer player Sala missing after plane disappears over English Channel
Emiliano Sala in action at La Beaujoire Stadium, Nantes, on March 18, 2017. (REUTERS/Stephane Mahe/ FILE PHOTO)
PARIS (Reuters) - Cardiff City’s new soccer star Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that disappeared en route to the Welsh capital for his club debut, France’s civil aviation authority said yesterday. Sala was flying from the French city of Nantes to Cardiff when the plane lost radar contact off the English Channel island Guernsey late on Monday. Rescue aircraft and boats had searched more than 1,000 square miles of sea for the single-engine Piper Malibu by midday yesterday, but: “no trace of the missing aircraft had been found,” Guernsey police said. The 28-year-old Argen-
Wednesday January 23, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Conversation and travel are highlighted today, Aries. You may sit next to someone fascinating on a plane ride. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you may take a look around your home and see what needs improvement, Taurus. A pending visit from a friend or relative may provide the incentive to get things in shape. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Family, home, and hEarth are on your mind today, Gemini. There may be a community event that you attend out of a sense of obligation but stay for the sheer fun of it. CANCER(June21–July22) Today may be an odd combination of social and financial, likely a combination of the two in some way. Perhaps you need to meet with an attorney and end up dining together. Or you and a casual acquaintance could decide to go out for a drink.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may feel slightly bored and restless, Libra. If so, an opportunity may come your way today that shouldn't be ignored. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You consider yourself a rational person, Scorpio. If you aren't a scientist, you should be. You view life objectively and rarely let extraneous matters cloud your thinking. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is your lucky day, Sagittarius, and you can expect all sorts of wonderful surprises. You may enjoy a financial surprise or someone could propose an interesting and potentially lucrative project. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Passion is very much on your mind, Capricorn. Unfortunately, you have a lot to do before you can concentrate on romance.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Even though you seem content with your career, you're ready for some change in your life. This is the time to consider joining a group. How about a local book club?
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You're never at a loss for an opinion, Aquarius, and today is no exception. The energy of the day is such that you're happier listening to conversations than participating in them.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Even though you think of yourself as a rational person, today your intuition is so keen that even you can't ignore it. Rather than try to will it away, why not embrace the messages that bombard you? There's no harm in trying to understand the extent of your power.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Finances are highlighted for you today, Pisces. This isn't necessarily a good or bad thing - it just is. Spend as much time as necessary sorting out your records and making sure everything is in good order. It's never too early to collect receipts and get organized.
tine-born forward joined struggling Cardiff City from FC Nantes last week for a club record fee of about 17 million euros ($19 million). He had played in France since 2012. “We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team,” club CEO Ken Choo said in a statement. “We continue to pray for positive news.” Yesterday’s training session was called off. “The management and the whole club are staying hopeful and the whole FC Nantes family is praying for Emiliano Sala and the other passengers to be found safe and sound,” Nantes said in a statement. British authorities contacted airfields along the coast to check if the plane had made an unplanned landing, but there was no sign it had,
Guernsey police said. The plane had been cruising at 5,000 feet when the pilot requested to descend to a lower altitude on passing Guernsey. It lost radar contact at 2,300 feet, the police said. John Fitzgerald, chief executive of Channel Islands Air Search, said: “From what I gather, nothing has been seen as yet. If they are wearing the right dry suits or they got into a life raft, then the probability is not too bad. “If they are in the water without any protection, the water is really too cold at the moment for any form of survival beyond an hour or so,” Fitzgerald told Sky TV. Sala’s father Horacio told Argentine TV channel C5N: “I didn’t know anything because I’m away from home, I’m a truck driver. A friend who saw it on TV told me. I’m
in despair.” Julio Muller, the mayor of Progreso, the small town in the farming province of Santa Fe where Sala grew up, told Clarin online: “The town is in shock. The only thing we were talking about was his transfer.” Daniel Rivero, the president of Sala’s first club, San Martin de Progreso, told radio LT9 he was “hoping for some kind of a miracle.” Sala scored 12 goals for Nantes this season. Officials at the Ligue 1 club did not immediately comment. France’s soccer federation postponed Nantes’s French Cup last-32 game against Entente SannoisSaint Gratien that had been scheduled for Wednesday. Sala on Monday tweeted a photo of himself bidding farewell to his Nantes team mates, saying. “The last one. Ciao @FCNantes.” ($1 = 0.8801 euros)
National U-15 cricketer gets... From page 40 Bhagwandin, Ian Bhagwandin, Derick Beharry, Renick and Guytri Beharry, Kalvin Somrah, Raj Mathura, Faizal Jaffarally, Bobby and Pamela Kewlachand, Mukesh Mattai, Danny Somai, Tribhowan Mohabir, Yadram Bojh, Sharmila Muneshwar, Javed Raffik, Nazim Hussain, Allan Mangru, Owen Humphrey, Leanna Bachan, Imran Saccoor, Sean Devers, Vijai Das, Rakesh Sooppersaud, Bhimsain George, Jeffrey Samaroo, Jack Beharry and Surendra Hiralall.
GABF elections and AGM... From page 41 Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC), Women’s Basketball Association (WBA), the Georgetown Masters and GT Pioneers group. The GABF AGM and Elections takes places less than a month before the nation’s senior men’s team are scheduled to depart for Colombia in what is going to be biggest competition in Guyana basketball history; the FIBA Americas qualify tournament. Guyana has been placed in Pool B of the qualifiers alongside Bolivia, Paraguay and the hosts Colombia, with the top two teams qualifying for the 2021 FIBA Americas Championships, which will see participation of the World’s number one team, the USA and regional powerhouse Canada. (Calvin Chapman)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Magnum Mash Cup 2 futsal launched
Officials of the organisers, sponsors and Director Christopher Jones during the launch.
The second annual Magnum Mash Cup inter-ward futsal tournament will kick off at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, where 32 teams will clash for almost $1million in cash prizes, beginning February 2nd. The launch was held yesterday at the Windjammer Hotel where organiser of the event, Esan Griffith, indicated that all systems are in place for another exciting tournament that will last a total of nine playing nights, concluding on March 2nd. The Magnum Mash Futsal is a collaborative effort with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the director of that body, Christopher Jones, was also present at the launch yesterday and he
noted that the increase in prize money is a clear indicator of how successful the initial tournament was and the event has his full support. The champions will pocket $600,000, while the second and third place teams will pocket $350,000 and $200,000 respectively. ANSA McAL Trading, through the Magnum Tonic Wine brand, continues to embrace the tournament with the headline sponsorship. The other playing days for the inter-ward football tournament are February 5, 9, 13, 16, 19, 21, 24 with the grand final slated for March 2. Security will be one of top priority during match nights the organisers affirmed.
Ronaldo accepts fine for...
Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo arrives with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez to appear in court for tax fraud in Madrid, Spain. (Reuters Susana Vera) From page 35 Alonso said he was confident he had not committed a crime and would have to wait while the magistrates evaluated his case.“I’d be worried if I thought I had something to hide or something I didn’t do right but as that isn’t the case I am carrying on,” Alonso told reporters outside the court. Ronaldo had to enter the courtroom through the front door after his request for special security measures to
avoid the spotlight was denied on Monday. In 2017, Ronaldo denied the accusation that he knowingly used a business structure to hide income generated by his image rights in Spain between 2011 and 2014. After reaching the deal, he paid a fine of 5.7 million euros, plus interest of about 1 million euros, in July 2018, the prosecutor’s office said last week. ($1 = 0.8803 euros)
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 35
Ramkelawan elected as chairman of ECCCC The Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) of East Coast Demerara held its 2019 Annual General Meeting and election on Sunday last at the club’s pavilion. With ECCCC having average success on the cricket field during 2018, there were several changes in the 2018 executives. Bheemraj Ramkelawan was elected as the Chairman of the ECCCC ahead of outgoing Chairman Tajnauth Jadunauth, while Suresh Jainarine and Tahal Ganesh were elected to serve as Club Secretary and Treasurer respectively, whilst Anil Persaud will perform duties as the Assistant Secretary/trea-
surer. The other persons elected to serve were Bheemraj Ramkelawan -Club Captain, Rudolph Singh and Yuvraj Dyal–(Vice Captains), Ramdeo Ramkissoon, Kenon Ramascindo and Chaitram Ramlall- Committee members. Ramkelawan thanked the members for their confidence and challenged the newly elected body to work collectively in delivering its mandate to the Community. He also thanked outgoing Chairman, Tajnauth Jadunauth for his service and inspirational leadership over the years, which was the catalyst for the club’s success after its resuscitation in 2013.
Holder only Windies player in 2018 Test XI LONDON, CMC – Allrounder Jason Holder is the only West Indies player selected to the ICC teams-ofthe-year, announced yesterday. The Windies Test captain found a place in the Test team led by India skipper Virat Kohli, following an outstanding year which saw him dominate in the longest format. Holder picked up 33 wickets from six Tests at an average of 11.87 – the best by any bowler in a calendar year for the last century. His performances catapulted him up the ICC rankings where he lies tenth in the bowling rankings and second in the all-rounders charts. Overall, the Barbadian has taken 86 wickets from 35
Tests at an average of 28.50. Holder is preparing to lead West Indies in a threeTest series against England beginning at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Wednesday. He missed the recent tour of Bangladesh with injury but is fit again. The 27-year-old is one of four seamers in the ICC Test team, with South African Kagiso Rabada, Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Indian Jasprit Bumrah all included. Australia’s Nathan Lyon is the front-line spinner. Kohli was also named captain of the ICC one-day team-of-the-year, which includes the likes of fellow Indian Rohit Sharma, England’s Joe Root and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor.
Ronaldo accepts fine for tax evasion, avoids jail MADRID (Reuters) - Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was fined almost 19 million euros ($21.6 million) for tax fraud yesterday but will avoid serving a 23-month prison sentence after agreeing a deal. Ronaldo, holding hands with his Spanish fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, came out of the court room smiling, pausing to sign autographs before leaving in a black van. The 33-year-old Juventus forward, who played for Real Madrid from 2009-18, agreed to settle the case by paying an 18.8 million euro fine and accepting a suspended jail sentence. Under Spanish law, a first offender can serve anything less than a two-year sentence
under probation and Ronaldo will not have to go to prison. His court appearance lasted about 15 minutes as the five-times world footballer of the year only needed to sign off on the previously settled agreement. The trial of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team mate Xabi Alonso, also in court on Tuesday over accusations of tax fraud, was suspended, a court magistrate said. Prosecutors were seeking a five-year jail sentence and a fine of 4 million euros for Spaniard Alonso, who retired as a player in 2017, accusing him of defrauding the Spanish state of some 2 million euros between 2010 and 2012. (Continued on page 34)
ECCCC Executives: from left – Ramdeo Ramkissoon, Kenon Ramascindo, Suresh Jainarine, Bheemraj Ramkelawan- Chairman, Tahal Ganesh, Chaitram Ramlall and Anil Persaud.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Engines and other activities starting to rev-up for Bartica Regatta 2019 - Mayor Marshall is Chairman of Planning Committee
Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall (right) chairing the initial meeting of the Bartica Regatta Planning Committee.
Flashback! His Excellency President David Granger took time out last year to meet patrons at the Bartica Regatta Powerboat racing held at Golden Beach’ Mayor Gifford Marshall is at right. Plans have commenced for what is anticipated to be the biggest Bartica Regatta with Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, Chairing the Regatta Planning Committee. The first meeting was convened last week in the Office of the Mayor and it has been revealed that this initial meeting allowed members of the committee to meet each other before getting down to intense planning to get the show on the road. Last year’s Easter Regatta was organised by the Bartica Development Business Association (BDBA) but this year, the responsibility has now been handed to the Town Council with Mayor Marshall pledging that every effort would be made to ensure that this year’s event sets the bench mark for others to come. ”I know that Bartica Regatta has been around for many years now and would have many different groups involved in organising this marquee event; I would say that with a new body taking charge, the Council directly, we will ensure that it is the best ever held and persons coming to this Town to enjoy what we will be having on offer will have the best time of their lives.” Marshall noted that they would not be re-inventing the wheel but would be building on what obtained in the past to ensure that patrons, businesses, athletes and all stakeholders are satisfied with what would be served up in the sports and entertainment arena. Marshall would be assisted by the veteran Holbert
Knights, who is very experienced when it comes to Bartica Regatta, Knights is the Vice Chairman of the committee with Ms. Ciana Persaud as the Office Manager. A robust plan to garner support from corporate Guyana has already commenced whilst plans for the usual programmes/activities would be fine tuned and released to the public in the coming weeks. ”We would be working to ensure that the activities are all encompassing for the patrons so that the experience would be second to none. The various sub-committees have been activated and we would be having regular meetings to ensure that a great time is had by all.” One of the attractions for Regatta is the Pageant which has four segments attached to it – top model, carnival and sashing ceremony, intelligence segment and platform presentation and the Pageant night. The Sports Programme will see cricket, dominoes, volleyball, basketball, river swim, dirt bike racing, street football and powerboat racing being served up for the athletes and fans to enjoy, while on the Entertainment front there would be a gospel night, Bartica Regatta talent competition, road jam, regatta racing and beach party and regatta wash down which would bring an end to the 2019 edition of Bartica Regatta. The confirmed dates, times and venues would be released shortly.
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Windies aim for consistency amidst Pybus controversy BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Underdogs West Indies will hope to shake off the controversy that has overshadowed their buildup and spring a major surprise when they take on powerhouses England in the opening Test of the Wisden Trophy Series starting here today. Ever since Englishman Richard Pybus was named as interim head coach earlier this month, his controversial appointment has dominated the headlines and caused friction in the Caribbean fraternity. Cricket West Indies director, Enoch Lewis, slammed the appointment and then sparred publicly with fellow director, Barbadian Conde Riley, over the contentious issue. And last week, CWI said it had referred comments made by Lewis to its ethics committee, further increasing the rancour. Almost unnoticed in the midst of the mayhem, the Windies have quietly gone about their preparation at a training camp here, and captain Jason Holder said Tuesday the Caribbean side would not be distracted by the swirling controversy. “This is the first time I’m working with him (Pybus) in a coaching capacity and it’s been refreshing. He’s copped a lot of criticism off the field but that is something that I really can’t control or get involved in,” Holder told reporters.“We’ve got a job to do and it’s just about us players supporting him as much as we possibly can. We’ve got our goals in the side as well and it’s just a matter for us to concentrate on that. We can’t concentrate on the peripherals and things that we have no control over. “Once we do that I’m sure we’ll have a really good series.” West Indies know that a
strong performance over the next few days will immediately change the narrative but it will be finding the consistency to produce such, which has proven challenging for the hosts in recent years. They are coming off a chastening series in Bangladesh where they were swept 2-0, with neither Test lasting beyond three days. The tour capped off a disappointing year where the Windies managed just three wins in nine Tests. However, Holder said there was belief within the unit that they could produce positive results through the series. “I think we’ve got to be consistent – consistency is really something that has plagued us in the past, particularly with our batting,” the all-rounder pointed out. “I think we just need to start the series well in terms of putting some runs up on the board in the first innings and making an early statement. They’ve obviously got a quality bowling attack and we have seen glimpses of what we can do against this bowling attack as well. “We had a really good time in Headingley and we really fought back well in that series. And obviously the last time they came here in the Caribbean, we did really well to fight back here in Barbados. “We definitely know we can perform against this attack, it’s just a matter of being consistent and sticking to our game plans for long periods.” Despite their wretched overall record in recent years, West Indies have not fared badly against England in the Caribbean. In the last series four years ago, they drew the first Test, got hammered by nine wickets in the second but
Pybus upbeat about Windies’ chances... From page 38 handled that exceptionally well.” The WINDIES skipper, according to Pybus, has improved markedly: “His performance has really evolved over the last while and he has become one of the standout all-rounders in international cricket. He was superb with the ball last year and his batting has really come on. So, I think he’s also getting to a point in terms of his own personal maturity, where he’s comfortable where he is with the captaincy, and I think he
is confident being in a situation where he can really demand excellence out of the side.” Meanwhile, Pybus, an Englishman, deflected criticisms surrounding his appointment to the regional Caribbean side, chalking it up to part of the landscape of professional sport. “It just goes with the territory really. We’ve got a test match coming up. That for me, is what I’m personally focused on. Wherever you are, there are critics, and as a coach, your job is to make sure that you produce winning cricket.”
picked themselves up to win the final match at Kensington Oval by five wickets. In the five-match series of 2009, West Indies won the first Test and drew the next four to earn a precious series win. West Indies enter the series at number eight in the ICC Test rankings, well behind their rivals who have climbed to number three, but Holder said his side were looking forward to challenging England. “The last time we played against England it was a highly competitive Test series, with them starting the series quite well and them fighting back here in Barbados,” he said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it. They obviously
have been playing very good cricket so it’s going to be good task.” SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shane Dowrich, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Shannon Gabriel, Shamarh Brooks, Alzarri Joseph. ENGLAND – Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
West Indies captain Jason Holder goes through his paces in the final training session ahead of Wednesday’s opening day of the first Test. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kohli becomes first to sweep top three ICC awards
India’s captain Virat Kohli kisses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as they celebrate a 2-1 series victory over Australia following play being abandoned in the fourth test match between Australia and India at the SCG in Sydney, Australia, January 7, 2019. (AAP/Dan Himbrechts/via REUTERS)
(Reuters) - Indian captain Virat Kohli capped a memorable 2018 season by becoming the first to win the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) cricketer, test and oneday international (ODI) player of the year awards, the ICC said yesterday. Kohli, the top scorer in both tests and one-dayers in 2018, was also named captain of the ICC test and ODI teams of the year. The 30-year-old top-order batsman scored 1,322 runs in 13 tests at an average of 55.08, and scored 1,202 runs in 14 ODIs at an average of 133.55, notching up 11 centuries across the formats. “It feels amazing. It’s a reward for all the hard work
that you do throughout the calendar year,” Kohli said in a statement. “To be rewarded in this manner... is a very proud moment for me and something that gives you more motivation to keep repeating the same things because you have to keep the standard of cricket up and keep bringing in consistent performances.” Kohli, who won cricketer and ODI player of the year in 2017, was the unanimous choice for the former award in 2018, with South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada finishing runner-up, the ICC said. Rabada also finished second in the test player category, while Afghanistan legspinner Rashid Khan was
runner-up to Kohli for the ODI award. ICC awards: Test team of the year: Tom Latham, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kane Williamson, Virat Kohli (captain), Henry Nicholls, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Jason Holder, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Lyon, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Abbas. ODI team of the year: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Virat Kohli (captain), Joe Root, Ross Taylor, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Ben Stokes, Mustafizur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year - Virat Kohli (India) Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year - Virat Kohli (India) Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year - Virat Kohli (India) Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year - Rishabh Pant (India) Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year - Calum Macleod (Scotland) Men’s T20I Performance of the Year - Aaron Finch (172 off 76 balls v Zimbabwe)(Australia) Umpire of the Year Kumar Dharmasena Spirit of Cricket - Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
Pybus upbeat about Windies’ chances against England
Interim men’s West Indies head coach, Richard Pybus. BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - Newly appointed interim coach of the WINDIES cricket team is confident the squad selected for the test series against England has the skills and motivation to emerge victorious. “We have a clear goal - we are here to win the series,” said Richard Pybus, who believes that despite strong opponents the WINDIES side is ready to start consistently delivering “some really great cricket”. Pybus, recently called up to lead the regional side through the busy upcoming 2019 cricket series, said the West Indian players were disappointed with their performance during the recent tour of the sub-continent, but have a point to prove. “Playing at home in the region, the guys are very motivated,” Pybus reckoned, explaining that the team with its good balance and experience would focus on consistency. He welcomed the support of his coaching staff, which includes assistant coaches
Vasbert Drakes of Barbados, Esuan Crandon from Guyana and Englishman Toby Radford, along with spin bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed, who Pybus previously coached when Ahmed played for Pakistan. “Mushtaq is great to have around the guys, he is incredibly positive and has a superb cricket brand. Toby is highly experienced in the system, he knows all the guys and brings a lot of value. Vasbert was part of our high-performance program, he is a World Cup-winning coach in his own right and is well-established as a player and a coach; and Crandon has been the standout first class coach for a quite a period of time now,” he commented. Pybus lauded the leadership of captain Jason Holder, who he believes has matured as a cricketer and as a leader was well poised to help the team advance: “At times it has been a really tough gig, from where he started to where he is now, and I think he has (Continued on page 37)
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
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ECCC SPR Enterprise 40-over cricket
Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ CC denied possible victory due to rain, lack of covers
R
ain washed out the opening round encounter of the East Coast Cricket Committee SPR Enterprise 40-over tournament at Buxton ground between Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club and Helena-Supply Cricket Club last Sunday with the home side in a good position to register victory in their debut in the tournament. The Buxton bowlers capitalized on the overcast conditions in the 23 overs a side reduced match, to bundle out the Visitors for 95 in 19.3 overs. Saied Allie blasted an aggressive 41 but he was the only batsman who managed a significant score in testing conditions. Urged on by the home crowd, medium pacers Owen Andrews took career best figures of 6-4 in 4 overs, while Ceazier Glenn chipped in with 2-30 from 2.3 overs. In reply, Buxton openers Skipper Marvin Cato and
Anthony McFarlane had put their team in a comfortably position at 40 without loss from 6.4 overs before rain and the lack of covers possibly robbed the Buxtonians of what could have been a comfortable victory. Earlier, overnight rain and a damp pitch contributed to a late start and Buxton invited Helena to bat on a quick track with good pace and carry and despite consistent swing bowling the team from Mahaica on the Upper East Coast, were moving steadily along at 27 without loss after six overs in testing conditions as the left arm pair of Travis Gilbert (119 from five overs) and Ganesh Surujpaul (1-15 from five overs) kept the batsmen in shackles. And after 10-overs Helena were 35-2. Skipper Cato then turned to his pair of right arm seam bowlers on a track that assisted the pacers and they
Buxton Skipper Marvin Cato gives his team a solid start before rain spoiled the contest.
did not disappoint. Bowling lively spells, Andrews and Glenn combined to orchestrate a
dramatic collapse which resulted in all 10 wickets tumbling for 68 runs before the adverse weather
condemned the contest to no-result with Buxton large and in charge in their own back-yard. (Sean Devers)
Owen Andrews had career best figures of 6-4.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
National U-15 cricketer gets help from BCB Ball project National under-15 pacer Isaiah Thorne was the recipient of a pair of batting gloves compliments of the Berbice Cricket Board ball project. Thorne is among the quickest young pacers in the country who represented Guyana in 2018 and is set to do so again this year. He has improved significantly in his batting and is fast developing into an all-rounder. The board through the ball project fund helped many clubs in the county. Cricket in Berbice was dormant for about two years before the H i l b e r t F o s t e r administration took over. Speaking on behalf of the BCB, Alex Algoo, himself a national youth cricketer, said that he is very thankful to the board for giving himself and other young cricketers lots of opportunities to play cricket. He added that there are many competitions played with lots of emphasis placed on youth cricket. He encouraged Thorne to take
Wednesday January 23, 2019
P&P Insurance Brokers’ annual practical pistol match to start GSSF’s calendar Ms. Dhavina Balgobin (left) of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd. hands over sponsorship funds to GSSF Director, Mr. Andrew Phang.
Alex Algoo (left) handing over batting gloves to Isaiah Thorne.
the game seriously and strive for excellence. Algoo also told him to train hard, be discipline at all times and remain committed. Thorne in response thanked the BCB for the kind gesture and promised that he will surely do everyone in Berbice proud. BCB president Hilbert Foster only recently presented a pair of bowling boots to young Thorne.
The Berbice Cricket Board takes the opportunity to thank the following persons for their contribution to the ball project and wish to work together for more success in 2019: Brian Chunilall, Noreen Seubarran-Gaskin, Two friends of Berbice Cricket, Yasin Mohamed, Randal Patterson, Ryan (Continued on page 33)
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o ca l p r a ct i c al shooters will for the fourth year be g i v e n a n opportunity to participate in the Annual Practical Pistol Match which has been exclusively sponsored by P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited and hosted by the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation. A s s i s t a n t Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Andrew Phang, noted that this will be the first competition for the GSSF’s calendar year. Competitors in the upcoming Match will be separated into two divisions based on their firearm setup: Production Division (for out of the factory firearms) and Limited Division (where some add-ons and higher end aftermarket parts are
allowed.) Mr. Phang noted that with sponsorship from P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Limited, prizes for the Top Three Overall Shooters in each division will be up for grabs. He expressed appreciation to P&P for their continued support of the G.S.S.F. and this event. He further opined that it is corporate support, such as the one P&P gives, that ensures that the sport continues to function locally. Executive director of P&P, Mr. Vikash Panday attested to the fact that they have been doing this for quite a number of years and that he is happy to pledge their support to make this event a success and is confident that the event will be carried out well. ” We h a v e a g a i n dedicated our sponsorship and support to the GSSF,” he added. Practical Shooting Chairman, Mr. David Dharry noted that the Match will be open to all experienced Practical Pistol Shooters of Guyana and advised
competitors to pre-register. Interested sanctioned practical shooters wanting to come out to have some safe shooting fun, can contact any Committee Member of the G S S F , v i s i t www.guyanasportshooting. com for further details or simply send an email to info@guyanasportshooting. com indicating their interest to participate. At the presentation at P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd.’s office located at Lots 272-273 Lamaha Street, North C u m m i n g s b u rg , Georgetown, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the Foundation, Mr. Andrew Phang in accepting the kind sponsorship, conveyed thanks to the Director, Mr. Vikash Panday. The Foundation expresses its thanks once again to Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bishwa Panday and P&P Insurance, who unhesitatingly came on board to support the sport shooting fraternity for the fourth year making this an official event on the shooting Calendar.
Wednesday January 23, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 41
GABF elections and AGM slated for Saturday
- Singh pegged to be elected unopposed
Michael Singh is poised to take the helm of the GABF executive committee after the elections this Saturday at the Roraima Duke Lodge Hotel.
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) has announced that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Executive Committee elections will be held this Saturday at the Roraima Duke Lodge hotel located at 94-95 Duke Street, Kingston, from 13:00hrs. Current President, Nigel Hinds, has indicated that he
will not be contesting the elections, while a release from the GABF noted that up to press time, there was the submission of just one slate, which will more than likely be unopposed at the elections. Current Vice President (VP) of Operations, Michael Singh, is expected to become the new President of the
The immediate focus of the new Executive committee will be to get ready team Guyana for the FIBA Americas qualifiers in Colombia. GABF and he has provided the federation with a slate for the elections that includes no strangers to the local basketball fraternity. The slate which has been submitted reads: Michael Singh – President Kenrick Thomas –
VP -
Lawrence Simon –
VP Alex Graham – VP Patrick Haynes – General Secretary Gavin Singh – Treasurer Andrew Hercules – Technical Coordinator
Kenrick Thomas served as VP during the current Executive Committee’s tenure and he will remain along with Patrick Haynes who is the Honorary Secretary of the GABF. The other members of the outgoing body include Haslyn Graham (VP), Cecil
Chin (Technical Director) and Clement DeNobrega (Treasurer). Affiliate Members of GABF are entitled to two votes and those bodies include the Linden, Bartica, Berbice and Georgetown basketball associations, the (Continued on page 33)
t r o Sp
Kohli becomes first to sweep top three ICC awards India’s Virat Kohli poses with the ICC Champions Trophy during a press conference. (Action Images via Reuters / Tony O’Brien Livepic)
Windies aim for consistency amidst Pybus controversy
Jason Holder and Joe Root shake hands on the eve of the first Test. (Getty Images)
Chris Jones (center left) poses with the Championship trophy alongside organiser Esan Griffith.
Magnum Mash Cup 2 futsal launched Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.