Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Years later...

Guyana

Thursday Edition January 23, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 03

still awaits oil

p.

3

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

depletion policy

Online readership yesterday 133,620

Way clear for FIU, CANU to share information on - arrangement will allow drug crimes for parallel investigations p.

8

Granger wants to cut jail sentences PSC seeks to and increase magistrates enhance elections p.

8

p.

3

Code of Conduct Sophia man 23p. who killed wife, slept beside her, jailed for 15 ½ yrs

Slap costs 'Big Man' five months in jail p.

23

Crane man makes court appearance p.

Modernised Grove/Diamond 21 p. for stabbing 23 Magistrates' Court commissioned wife to death - features recording apparatus, domestic violence unit Chancellor (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards with President David Granger as student of the New Diamond/Grove Primary, Julia Lalljee cuts the ribbon to open the new court yesterday.

Oil and Corruption...

p. 7

Guyana can push for Audit Office to check officials' emails - University of Houston Instructor

PAGE 02

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 03

Years later...

Guyana still awaits Depletion Policy

I

t was in early 2016 that talks emerged about the need for Guyana to have a depletion policy which allows the leaders of the day to determine how fast or slow the oil and gas resources must be developed.

B u t e v e n a f t e r the assumption of its petro-state status years later, the country is still to have this document for the efficient management of the sector.

This newspaper understands that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) would have approved in December 2018, a loan of US$11.6M to help Guyana develop its capacity for the industry.

Part of this money was dedicated to the creation of this policy. To date, the

citizenry remains in the dark about the stage of completion for this document.

Tr i n i d a d i a n E n e rgy Expert, Anthony Paul, would have cautioned in a previous interview that if Guyana wants to lengthen the life of its oil industry, then it urgently needs to put this policy in place.

In the absence of this crucial document, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, are steaming ahead with plans to extract Guyana's oil as quickly as possible from the Stabroek Block.

In fact , the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that ExxonMobil would be introducing five Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) into the

Stabroek Block, by 2025.

The fir st FPSO, Liza Destiny, was in operation since December 2019.

The sec ond FPSO, Liza Unity, is projected for hook up by 2022.

The FPSO for Payara has a 2023 deadline.

The IMF noted that a fourth FPSO would be in Guyana's waters in 2024 with the fifth vessel hooked up in 2025.

I n a s p e c i a l r e port prepared for Guyana's authorities, the IMF said that bringing on stream, five oil production projects in five years is “unprecedented”.

It said that if this were to be realised, Guyana would reach one of the highest ratios of oil daily production per capita in the world.

(KIANA WILBURG)

Map showing placement for three of Exxon Mobil's FPSOs in the Stabroek Block

Granger wants to cut jail sentences and increase magistrates

G

overnment is contemplating m o r e magistrates and is pushing for less custodial sentences as part of the wider improvement of the judiciary.

The disclosures were made yesterday as President D a v i d G r a n g e r commissioned a $140M Magistrates' Courts at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Equipped with an elevator, briefing and two court rooms, the building located next to the Golden Grove Police Station was hailed as key move in modernising the justice system.

Before yesterday, the East Bank Demerara area was served by the magistrate's courts at Providence. There, the magistrates toiled for hours, some days until 6pm.

Speaking to a number of high-ranking judiciary representatives, including judges, magistrates and Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, the president said that government is mindful of the strain that

willing to support the appointment of a sufficient number of magistrates so that courts could be manned adequately to ensure the timely dispensation of justice,” President Granger said to applause.

Granger also made a case for the need to reduce mandatory incarceration.

“Specialised courts attempt to get to the root of criminal behaviour. They place greater emphasis on restorative justice and the reduction of recidivism, including through the

Chancellor (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards with President David Granger as student of the New Diamond/Grove Primary, Julia Lalljee cuts the ribbon to open the new court yesterday. magistrates work under.

“Guyana's 54 functional magistrate's courts – including the Bail Court, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Court, Juvenile Court and the Sexual Offences Court – are presided over by a small corps of only 23 magistrates.

This is much work for few hands.

“The Executive is

imposition of non-custodial sentences where these are deemed appropriate.”

According to Granger, the criminal justice system should not respond in a stereotyped-style to all crimes.

“Greater flexibility is needed in dispensing justice so that one-type of punishment – imprisonment for example-- is not perceived as a panacea for punishing or deterring crime.”

He pointed out that (continued on page 22)

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Dual citizenship

N

obody under the Guyana sun--not the disengaged, not the hard of hearing, not even the retarded--could testify that they were unaware and plead ignorance. Yet, the media is plastered with reports of three new aspirants who did just so on this dual citizenship standard.

Now, how could they in good conscience? If the reports are accurate, how could anyone believe that he or she would be allowed to pass under the radar, would escape unscathed, would continue with the charade of violating trust and principle from the inception and in a most reckless, contemptuous manner?

Dual citizenship requirements and positions are so well known, were so well publicised that it is incredible that anybody would try to pull the equivalent of a fast one, a low one.

The standard had caused so much angst and controversy that one had to pass through the wringer and filter and distiller to meet muster, to make the grade.

And, it is bewildering that some tried this shaky and uncertain ploy, while the whole of Guyana--anyone who could read, see, and hear-was fiercely affixed on every development, every person, every situation. It simply boggles the mind that anybody thought that they could get away with this.

It was not even some slick sleight of hand, but in plain sight right out in the open.

The word is that documents submitted were falsified.

People knowingly and deliberately, provide inaccurate and material information relative to dual citizenship circumstance. This was placed on official declarations before the overseeing authorities.

Again, how could they? How could anyone sink so foolishly, so early, so blatantly, so unheedingly?

This publication reminds its readership and all citizens what is at stake here.

It is about running for president, for leading the people of this country out of the quicksand in which they are stuck, for offering a ray of hope in a land of appalling, impenetrable darkness.

Yet there were those, as was known since January 10, who threw caution to the winds and gambled. Whether it was a gamble or not, it has blown up in the worst way possible.

Trust, that precious commodity, so lacking in this benighted place, is once again shattered.

In many other jurisdictions, such a development would be greeted with more than disqualification. It would be declared a chargeable offense.

But that is a secondary issue to the one that stirs us here at this paper. This nation needs trust, people on whom it can depend, leaders who pass through the fires of scrutiny and emerge unsinged and unsullied.

That word trust encompasses a world that is scorned and unexplored and dismissed in this land. We are worst off for the absence of trust, we are lacking and made into lesser people, when our national leaders-established or aspiring-embody that which is about a terrible case, a chronic and serial case, of the woeful and the wretched, even the flagrantly wicked.

Some of the old ones have been flayed, and rightly so for its is deserving, and when the newer ones jump on that easy, convenient bandwagon to share the licks, then they had better be a monument to the immaculate.

From these developments, now in the public domain, the Guyanese people have lost again. Whatever meager, residual trust that there was has to be further thinned, if not altogether dissipated.

It does not leave us in a good place, when the only kind of leadership that will take us to any place that is new and different and wholesome has to be-must be-of the moral, the ethical, and the transformational. And all three weaved so deeply and seamlessly into one, that the result is the inspirational.

We need to manage the oil, and our environment but first, we have to manage ourselves. It starts with trust.

The Citizenship Initiative group is worth a listening DEAR EDITOR, Under normal circumstances, I would have gone with one new group, given it a chance, and chanced my arm. But elections times are never normal around here.

Still, from what I have been hearing, I think this band of newcomers called The Citizenship Initiative deserves something more than it is likely to get at the upcoming date of reckoning on March 2nd.

I wish to repeat where I stand from right upfront: I am for the coalition government, as I believe that it is due one more chance, the full term of five years to show its mettle, how it can be, what it can deliver.

I am this way, despite its weaknesses (tangible and familiar), notwithstanding its errors (and there were those, some of which are inexplicable and were avoidable). And having made clear where I stand, I add this other unmoving morsel: when I am done with this government, and if I am still not satisfied and still around here, then that is it for me.

I would not be identifying

with any other group, there is nothing looked for, hoped for, positioning for, or selling for, like so many others in this circus laden with human yo-yos and individual political cartwheels parading their way across the stage to grab the attention of the party bosses, so that they will be remembered favourably later.

I could not care less about any of that, as there is no personal, self-serving agenda. It would be over for me with respect to public political identification, though I could and would vote for some other team, if I were ever to trust the system and people running for office to vote again.

With that out of the way, I could quietly vote for these Citizenship Initiative people.

I like some of the things that I am hearing. Recently, I heard from the presidential candidate that that group is thinking of scrapping the Grade 6 (I hope I have that right) as part of a vision and effort to reform the education system.

I have not thought of that, since my interest and attention have been concentrated at the higher end of the spectrum. That is, the CSEC, or

Form 5, level. Still, I think that they are on to something with that start, which I am told has the support of some in the teaching profession.

Then, I learned of plans to legalise marijuana, which is causing so many ruffles and anxieties around here. If I were to see the product, I would not know it, though I should be able to smell what I heard is its distinctive aroma.

I have no position on this one, one way or another. But as a vote getter, it has some merits and definite drawing power. It is sure to touch responsive cords in those to whom this is important, and of which I am sure they are many.

Now, I take the liberty of sharing a conversation that the group’s presidential candidate had with me; I do not think I am violating any confidence. She mentioned that she and her group are all for full disclosure of sources of campaigning financing, which has been made known to her political competition. I think that that is a wonderful idea; one that is different, that is the kind of standard, which if delivered, separates from

the regular pack of noisy people, who say many a mouthful, but deliver nothing but air. Further, the candidate has articulated shades of the realistic and pragmatic, in that her expectations for March 2ndare carefully and sensibly managed.

The plan right now is to get on the radar and build from there. Sights are already set from this early hour to local government challenges and all the rest that is involved for five years hence.

I like that, all of it.

Throw in some constitutional reform, and serious intents about racial reconciliation, and there would be a sturdy supporter from this side of the Milky Way in the presence of yours truly. What I hear from the leadership of The Citizenship Initiative people is clear-cut, appealing, and enduring on some issues.

I regret that they may not matter to the extent that they should on this go around.

Simply a product of the nature of the Guyanese political beast, a monster of one it is.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

THE PREPONDERANCE OF EVIDENCE CONTINUES TO SHOW JAGDEO FAILED THESE WORKERS DEAR EDITOR, Response is being made to GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine’s letter “All workers must be treated justly, equitably and fairly” (KN 22nd January 2020).

There is full agreement all workers must be treated justly, equitably and fairly, but the man whose stewardship is under review never embraced or practised this universally acceptable principle.

Seepaul’s deception that “Mr. Jagdeo accepted [Hoyte and Corbin’s] proposals and went on to implement them” has to be laid to rest. Leaders of the Opposition Desmond Hoyte and Robert Corbin were able, through dogged pursuit and militancy, to extract an agreement (2001) and communiqué (2003) with President Jagdeo to attend to matters affecting workers, which included the beleaguered bauxite workers and their communities.

Jagdeo NEVER implemented those agreements, though history will record Hoyte and Corbin fought and succeeded in bringing him to the table. As Leader of the Opposition, he never fought to bring the Coalition Government to the table to discuss the sugar industry and these workers’ welfare.

In the absence of being briefed (publicly or otherwise) on the exchanges among the President, Minister of Agriculture and GuySuCo with re-

gards to an October 2019 petition by sugar workers for pay raise, there cannot be a definitive pronouncement.

If Seepaul is willing to share the totality of those exchanges with the public or me, an informed comment will be forthcoming. This notwithstanding, what still stands is that in December 2019, the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan “stressed that the union must sit with management to come up with a deal for satisfactory pay packages.” This is two months after the October petition!

GAWU and/or the PPP is/ are yet to respond to my question: Why Jagdeo refused to use his political privilege and muscle to work with the Minister, GuySuco and GAWU to ensure collective bargaining and arriving at “a deal for satisfactory pay packages?”

In the presence of this fact, it cannot be understood the reason for arguing that, “even when the industry couldn’t have afforded to offset pay raise to the workers [Jagdeo] stepped in [to] ensure that the sugar workers…benefitted from some improvement in their pay levels.”

GuySuCo, which is now controlled by NICIL via shares, comes under the Minister of Finance. Cheddi Jagan would not have failed to reach out to the minister and/or publicly hold him to account for his statement and sought

to bring the management and union to the table. Jagdeo continues to fail in this regard.

I remain unbothered and unmoved by the effort to bring Ramjattan into a matter that has no bearing on Jagdeo’s leadership on sugar, as President and Leader of the Opposition. It is his stewardship that is under questioned and must be accounted for.

If holding him to account is deemed “incomprehensible” and a “preoccupation” that’s a matter for Seepaul, but him (Jagdeo) having held these two premier constitutional offices, and as one who pays his emoluments and a trade unionist, I’d be darned if I fail to hold he who has responsibility unaccountable.

Seepaul needs to stop spinning, because he is doing a poor job. The fact that GAWU took legal action during the Jagdeo and APNU+AFC administrations to ensure workers receive their benefits under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, means both administrations flouted the law. It matters not that in the instance of the PPP the court case was withdrawn before payment and the Coalition moved to pay after the court ruled. In both instances, workers were not paid promptly as expected under the law and sought judicial recourse.

Further, I am not going to accommodate his game of

twisting my words to divert attention from the germane issue. My stated position on the matters of solidarity and collective bargaining are clear and could be understood by any Standard Two child. Likewise, is the mischief to give the impression there is opposition to GuySuCo, which is state-owned, having to rely on support from the Consolidated Fund.

The fact remains, it was under the Jagdeo administration the sustenance of GuySuCo became increasingly reliant on the Consolidated Fund, which underlined a financial problem and his inability to address same.

Further, where both Opposition (now government) and Government (now Opposition) supported the release of funding, validates the point that Jagdeo’s refusal to try to secure pay raise for sugar workers through engagement with the government was deliberate.

The face-saving attempt

by Seepaul on the management of the over US$200M Skeldon factory does not hide the fact that in 2013 Roger Luncheon, the government’s spokesperson, said it was a “letdown” (KN, 29th March 2013- US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory seen as a letdown).

In that said article, Tony Vieira blamed the PPP Government for the decline of the (Continued on page 21)

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

The Prime Minister, even in his last days in the post, is still singing his tuneless song DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU has seen again Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, even in his last days in the post, still singing his tuneless song. It appears to us that the PM really has no bounds and will spin a tale that justifies punishment to sugar workers and their families.

On January 22, it was reported in another newspaper that Mr. Nagamootoo told an arranged audience at a public

meeting held at Whim on January 21 that closed sugar estates were “absolutely useless…” This is the first time, we can recall, such an explanation or rationale has ever been advanced by the Government or its officials.

The PM, an erstwhile friend of the sugar workers, according to a January 26, 2018 DPI article, reportedly said at a meeting with some of the displaced workers of Skeldon and Rose Hall Es-

DOCTORS’ RIP-OFF DEAR EDITOR, Suddenly, we are awakened to the medical abuse and scam that was swallowing the nation’s poor for the last 10 years as if Columbus has now descended on the Western world. I say poor, even though the rich and middle class have also suffered drastically from it too. But because the high class have easily dished out the dole to the hospitals like a minibus fare, they allowed the rip-offs to continue unabated. No wonder many of our politicians resort to attend to their medical need overseas even if it was only a cold and cough.

This medical rip-off that we have now heard of has already consumed billions of dollars of poor people’s hard earned income yearly, and will continue like if there was no tomorrow despite this brief publicity. Patients were deliberately conned into believing that they will die the next day when they went for a simple medical checkup costing $2,000 but end up paying $200,000 to these brutish, selfish individuals. I can personally think of 20 cases immediately.

I am sure that if some organisation set up a complaint desk about this medical racket where the victims can report their past sorrow

and grief, they would be overwhelmed and shocked with the number of reports they would receive for the past 5 years.

This medical racket uncovered has resulted in untold suffering and mental depression on this nation and may be responsible for the high level of workplace absences and suicide. No wonder, most of our medical practitioners live a lavish lifestyle with mansions, Mercedes Benz and Las Vegas-style vacations.

We must thank Leonard Gildarie and Kaieteur News for exposing this silent monster that will continue to slowly consume us, unfortunately, as a nation. I am sure all the politicians and media houses were always aware of these brutish acts, but no one was willing to bell the cat. No one wants to make an enemy with doctors, even though how powerful they may be in society, because we all know the answer. I am sure that Mr. Gildarie and Kaieteur News knew about this phenomenon a long time ago, but it takes one family to experience it before we scream. Nevertheless, bravo to Mr. Gildarie and KN, because the other media houses and politicians are just chickens.

Jessica Larson

tates that “…the government is currently engaging overseas investors through the Special Purpose Unit (SPU), which was established under National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), to ensure future job creation.”

It will be recalled that NICIL’s SPU, through several advertisements, in inviting interested investors to acquire the shuttered estates pointed out many of the positive characteristics of the estates now deemed by Mr Nagamootoo as useless.

We remember, for instance, the East Demerara Estate being described as “…the advantage of operating a sugar factory, with packaging warehouse and fields in five hectare plots each next to water transport system.”

Investors were also told that there were “well established research facility and nursery with several cane varieties and a local pool of experienced factory management and welleducated workforce.”

It was also touted that the estate would offer 85% mechanisation from mechanical tillage/planting to harvesting and excellent drainage and irrigation systems with new pumps.

That hardly sounds like a useless entity to us. Several entities, we recall, expressed interest in acquiring that estate.

Moreover, an online news outfit in a June 09, 2019 report shared that “[a]n IndianGhanaian-Guyanese consortium is likely to buy out the Rose Hall sugar estate…”

One would have imagined that the consortium would have done their due diligence before making a proposal.

Unless we are to believe that the investors are senile.

The failure to close the deal revolved around the caretaker status of the Coalition

Administration. The same online news outfit in an August 14, 2019 report shared that Finance Minister, Winston Jordan disclosed, among other things that, “I don’t think, at this stage, quite frankly, with our status of interim that we would want to engage in any major privatisation at this time”.

Mr Nagamootoo also described the Skeldon factory as a “white elephant”. We find the PM’s remarks strange, though his abandonment of what he said previously is not unknown. We know too the PM may have forgotten that a relative of his, at one time, was the salesman, intermediary or broker regarding the sale of the so-called white elephant. On January 26, 2017, the same news outfit reported that according to the PM “…his son-in-law is helping to find potential investors in the financially crippled stateowned Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guysuco)”. It was later learnt that the PM’s relative had arranged visits to all the estates, including Skeldon.

The PM later said “[a]ll of the redundant workers… got severance…” What he didn’t say though, was that the workers had to approach the Courts to get those payments. Mr. Nagamootoo also said that the exworkers”…opened chicken farms, some buy minivan, some started pig farms, some alternative employment...”

From the narrative Mr. Nagamootoo presented, it appears, all is rosy and fine and the workers have all but moved on, but this is known not to be true.

Just last Wednesday, displaced sugar workers, at an engagement with the media, disclosed that their lives have been turned upside down since the closure of the estates. One worker shared that he is forced to give away pro-

duce from his kitchen garden, as no one can afford to buy.

The reality is that just a few workers have gotten jobs and most with conditions worse than they enjoyed as sugar workers. Mr. Nagamootoo ought to be aware that he can spin his web all he wants, as is often the case, he himself will eventually be caught in it.

The PM said that due to the Government’s support of the sugar industry, public sector workers got the “raw end of the stick, because we had no money to improve their wages.” This is utter hogwash. Mr. Nagamootoo, said that the Government was providing $1B per month to the industry.

It in effect, means that the Administration ought to have $12B more to improve wages and salaries for the public servants. Considering the State’s 2018 employment cost, as per the Budget Estimates, the $12B saved from assisting sugar in 2019, was sufficient to give all public servants an across-the-board increase of 20.1 per cent. The obvious question, therefore, why was it only 9 per cent and given just to those workers below a $100,000? See, Mr. Nagamootoo’s web is slowly entrapping him.

Mr. Nagamootoo told his arranged audience that, “We don’t want to produce a generation of your young people to fetch bundles of cane on their head, we want them to use their brains not their heads.”

This is a desire not alien to the workers too, who have similar hopes and aspirations for their children. In fact, we recalled not too long ago, that quite a few men and women in our society who have reached high posts and are making meaningful contributions to our society have had roots in the sugar industry.

The point is that such dreams of those children and their parents are shattered.

Right now there are many displaced workers who cannot afford to send their children to school how can those children, using the PM’s words, “use their brains”. The PM also said that our children should be prepared “…to compete in an oil and gas sector”. That sounds nice, but does the sector have space for all our children.

It appears, to us, there is hardly space for everyone.

Moreover, it has been estimated that oil will be with us for just around 30 years, based on current discoveries.

Indeed, even before first oil we should have been planning for the days after oil.

Rather, the Coalition, known for its pageantry, had glass invitations, champagne and a fireworks celebration rather than addressing how to really move the nation and its people forward.

Mr. Nagamootoo, who claims that he is loved by the people, we saw in another newspaper spoke “…from a stage that was completely surrounded by security”. Certainly, this is unusual for someone who says he is admired.

The reality is the PM and his colleagues have been ensconced in their ivory towers, are disconnected from the hardships and realities of our peoples. Their extraordinary security measures are, no doubt, an indicator of the walls they have erected.

Today, while the PM and company will seek to woo voters with new promises and fancy dreams, our Guyanese people confront untold hardships and unimaginable misery.

Yours faithfully Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

PAGE 6

Presidential Nomination in USA and Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese at home and in the diaspora (based in USA) are taken up with elections in both societies. The elections in both countries are different – Guyana holds elections on March 2 to elect a President, a national parliament, and ten regional councils, whereas the US has elections to choose (nominate) a Presidential candidate for a party in the general elections in November.

The Presidential candidates of the parties have already been selected in Guyana without membership input. It is interesting to note a major difference in the selection (nomination) of a Presidential candidate of a party in the US and in Guyana.

In the US, which Guyanese politicians like to describe as the premier imperialist country, democratic elections are held to nominate a Presidential candidate – all members of a party have the ballot and the overall winner in the elections (in fifty states plus four territories) becomes the nominee.

In Guyana, which politi-

cians like to describe as a democratic country, members of a party have virtually no rights. Clearly, one can determine which country is really democratic. Members of a party in Guyana don’t have the vote in nominating a candidate of a party. The members may be allowed to select delegates who are under the control of the party leaders.

The delegates have limited independence in selecting the nominee once they showed up to vote on candidate selection. In the US, members have a secret ballot.

In Guyana, often a few folks in the party get together and choose the Presidential nominee without the approval or support of members of the party. The process is rigged.

While it may appear that delegates or the few in the leadership have a democratic voice with a vote within a party to select a nominee, in reality, the process is a farce.

Delegates or the selected few who participate in the process are often instructed how to vote or threatened how to vote. If they don’t carry out the instructions,

they may be victimized. Yet the very same Guyanese politicians and even their supporters and members of the party tend to condemn the white man’s system of democracy.

Which system is better?

Every Guyanese-Americans support the US system of choosing a nominee. They want the same for Guyana.

Will the politicians in Guyana listen or are they afraid of empowering the people?

The white man in America allows Guyanese to vote in party elections, but the politicians in Guyana don’t give their supporters the right to vote in party elections. The white man gives absolute freedom – vote for whoever you want as Presidential candidate; you will not be punished.

The white man also does not rig elections. Yet the Guyanese politicians have the gall to call the white man imperialist, exploiter, and racist. Have Guyanese politicians looked at themselves?

Empower the voters!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

DEAR EDITOR, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP) agrees with Freddie Kissoon’s article, “Small parties tell the story of an insane nationality” (KN, 21/1/20).

The article addresses an issue that OVP addressed months ago.

On August 16, 2019, OVP was the first organisation to invite all the small parties to a round table discussion at Critchlow Labour College.

Popular political commentators, Christopher Ram and Ramon Gaskin were invited as observers.

At that meeting, OVP opened the discussion by suggesting that the small parties form what is known as a “Big Tent”. This means that they would unite around a common platform. OVP suggested the following points for agreement: 1) Protect Guyana’s sovereignty.

2) Initiate constitutional and electoral reform – end winner takes all and the duopoly of PNCR and PPP.

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

3)Re-establish free education from nursery to university.

4)Provide quality healthcare for all – modernise Georgetown Hospital and all national healthcare services with an emphasis on preventive healthcare.

5)Revisit Guyana’s immigration and citizenship policies.

6)Re-negotiate the ExxonMobil contract Surprisingly, there was agreement on the above points. Everyone expressed the sentiment expressed in Mr. Kissoon’s article; that the only way the small parties could bring about change is to merge into a coalition. This could have denied both political dinosaurs a majority by holding just one seat that would give them the balance of power. The rest is history and suffice to say, a great opportunity was missed.

Mr. Kissoon remarks, “These misfits have just dropped out of the skies and want to defeat two humongous political parties”.

He posits that faced with this “grim reality” it seemed obvious that a merger was the only way forward. But alas, as Mr. Kissoon laments, a combination of “pomposity, hubris, hauteur and insanity” prevented the leaders of the small parties from understanding what Mr. Kissoon refers to as “their place in the scheme of things”.

OVP observed that big egos combined with a complete lack of political experi-

ence and knowledge of Guyana’s political architecture prevented these newcomers from developing an effective strategy. Once we realised that a “big tent” was not possible, we took a decision to adopt our current electoral strategy, precisely because we fully understand “our place in the scheme of things”.

We are asking the electorate to give their presidential vote to APNU+AFC. We have made it clear that this is critical support and that we have serious ideological and political differences with the ruling Coalition. Why then, ask some, is OVP asking us to give them our vote?

Because, due to the failure of the small parties to form a “big tent” we are now faced with a situation that could possibly open the gates for a return of the PPP regime.

Surely, our memory cannot be so short as to have forgotten the days of extrajudicial killings and political assassination. January 30th, 2020, will mark the 14th anniversary of the assassination of political activist, Ronald Waddell, and there can be no turning back.

The very reason that there are now so many new parties on Guyana’s political landscape is precisely because of the breathing space created by the PPP’s defeat.

Unlike us, many of those now speaking up were too afraid to do so when the PPP was in power.

As we have said, (Continued on page 21)

Elections must not only be free and fair, but also be free from fear DEAR EDITOR, As the country prepares for General and Regional Elections on March 2, the issue uppermost in the minds of Guyanese is whether or not the elections will be free and fair and free from fear.

Such concerns are not exaggerated. This was particularly evident during the pre1992 period when all elections from 1968 to 1985 were blatantly rigged in favour of the then ruling PNC, aided and abetted by a then subservient Guyana Elections Commission.

Much water, as it were, has passed over the bridge since then, thanks to the intervention of the Carter Centre and other western powers, most notably the United States, Canada, and Britain among others. Those interventions along with mounting pressure from Civil Society resulted in democratic elections on October 5, 1992, which was decisively won by the PPP/C. Since 1992, elections were generally free and fair, except for some sporadic episodes of

post-elections disturbances orchestrated by the PNC following successive defeats in the 1997 and 2001. The PPP/C was forced in 200, in the interest of peace and stability to give up two of its elected five-year term under a Caricom brokered agreement, despite the fact that the elections were declared free and fair by local and overseas observers.

Post-elections tension in Guyana resulted to a large extent from unrealistic expectations, in which supporters of the PNC were falsely led to believe that the PPP/C obtained power through undemocratic means. Nothing could have been further from the truth, but the damage inflicted on our democracy and our democratic credentials were long-lasting and debilitating.

I urge political parties, in particular the ruling APNUAFC Coalition to exercise caution in terms of tempering voting outcomes and expectations with objective political realities. Calls for ‘vigilance’ and encouraging party

members and supporters to remain at the close of polling are unhelpful in terms of a peaceful and incident-free poll, and should be retracted.

Moreover, it is in conflict with the GECOM Advisory urging voters to leave the polling places peacefully after having cast his or her ballot.

All political parties should be asked to sign on to a Protocol in which they ask their respective party supporters to desist from milling around polling stations at the close of poll. The only persons to have access to the Polling Stations after the close of poll must be the Statutory GECOM Officials and Accredited Party Scrutineers. All others should be debarred by security personnel from remaining in the immediate vicinity of the polling stations.

I repeat. Elections must not only be free and fair but it must also be free from fear.

Any attempt to disrupt this fundamental democratic principle should not only be eschewed but sanctioned.

Hydar Ally

Hurried allocation of over one million acres of state forest will be a national Development Strategy and the Agreeenvironmental disaster State ment with Norway? The President has been DEAR EDITOR, It was widely reported in the print and online media as well as on GFC website that the GFC Board is planning to allocate or reallocate a significant tract of state forest previously held by Baishanlin and Barama.

This is a significant development. Allocation of such large-scale state forest - presumably over one million acres - a mere 40+ days before National Elections, looks premature and ill-advised if not foggy. Something does not augur and smell right about this transaction.

Why wait until the last days, when these lands as reported were re- possessed sometime ago.Contrary to the GFC Board’s belief, the State Forest is a National Patrimony and belongs to all Guyanese, and not to one group of stakeholders. In this day of Climate change and the sensitivity of the Environment to Natural Disaster, this seemingly hurried and reckless decision will have dire consequences on our Environment.

What has suddenly happened to the Green

on record as stating that he was committing two million acres of forest to Protected Areas or Conservation back in 2015. Has this promise ever materialized? Why now, instead of putting the forest to protection, has the recently appointed Commissioner decided to give large scale allocation for log production?

Export of logs will no doubt skyrocket.

I am calling on all Environment groups, the Norway, EU, Civil society and all local and international partners who have an interest in protection of the global environment, to please do your bit to stop the GFC/Board/Government; to put on hold any large-scale issuance of State Forest.

The recent forest and bush fires in Australia, Bolivia and California should serve as a living example of how vulnerable the environment is to Natural Disaster and thus Forest Protection is a must, not an option.

Sincerely, V. Li Concerned Environmentalist

I stand with teachers! I am forever respect? thankful to you! mutual I stand with teachers! I am forever thankDEAR EDITOR, I am saddened at the state of affairs that has resulted in a teacher and parents being before the court. We raised 4 children. We have had issues with teachers. I have worked full-time for over 35 years. Despite the issues we have had with teachers, they are a bunch of professionals who are very close to my heart. I contend that teachers helped to raise our children. All our children went to school before age 4. No matter how annoyed I may have been at times, it never crossed my mind to disregard a teacher or have our children do so.

What has happened to our values? Where did self-respect go? What has happened to

ful to you! I do however also implore teachers: Be good Ambassadors of your profession. Conduct yourselves with dignity and integrity to command the respect of others.

Never give students, parents and guardians cause against you. Never react to their bad behaviour.Teachers, I thank each of you for all the ways you care for our children. Our grandchildren are now in your care. Thank you for all you will continue to do to help them. I thank you! I bless you! Be encouraged as you continue to serve that there are still many parents who highly regard you and value all your sacrificial work.

Yours sincerely Joy Maria Wilson

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 07

Oil and Corruption...

Manslaughter accused Guyana can push for walks free

Audit Office to check officials' emails - University of Houston Instructor

W

h i l e corruption is not unique to the oil sector, there are numerous examples around the world which prove that it is without question, one of the most tempting avenues for secret deals and cockishness.

Kaieteur News would have highlighted that in Nigeria for example, its former Oil Minister, Dan Etete, made every effort to direct over US$1.1B away from the national coffers to a special account he opened overseas.

The authorities were able to prove this, and more importantly, recover this sum that was paid for an oil block in 2011 using leaked emails between the government officials and the oil companies involved in the corrupt deal.

Upon considering this, University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, says Guyana can use this as its premise to push for the Audit Office to include as part of

University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro its work, the audit of officials' email.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Mitro said that obviously, this intention by citizens to push for this to be done would put the companies on notice that they need to be transparent in dealings via email. He was keen to note as well that with the release of the emails, some difficulties may be encountered.

The industry expert said, “There might be a few

problems with disclosing all emails. For one, there may be so many it would be almost impossible for one to go through them all and figure them out.

And the email with the illegal dealings might not be with the operator, it is more likely to be with one of the subcontractor companies.

And there are probably hundreds of those...�

Further, he was keen to note that quite often, the best source of information on an illegal deal is someone who was initially involved in the deal but felt that they were cheated.

Another source is obviously an honest representative from the government or the company w h o b e c o m e s a whistleblower.

Even as the foregoing are considered, Mitro said that an alternative may be for Guyanese to push for the Audit Office to have the right to audit emails as part of its general audit of books and activities.

J

ustice Sandra Kurtzious yesterday upheld a no-case submission which led to two men being freed of a manslaughter indictment.

The men, Lennox Baharally, 36, and Rondell Edwards, 22, both of Region Two, were accused of the April 26, 2016 unlawful killing of Mohamed Abdool Shameer, Baharally's uncle, which took place at Jacklow, Pomeroon.

Kaieteur News had previously reported that Shameer, a farmer, left his home on April 25, 2016 in a paddle boat to visit a friend.

He was reportedly on his way back home in the boat when he was run over by a larger boat reportedly piloted by Baharally. The nephew and two other persons including Edwards were allegedly in that boat.

It is alleged that after the collision occurred Shameer's body was pulled out of the water and later found buried in a shallow grave. Though they were initially charged with murder, the charge was reduced to manslaughter following a preliminary inquiry before a Magistrate who committed them to stand trial.

At the High Court in Suddie, State Prosecutor

From left: Rondell Edwards, Lennox Baharally and lawyer Jerome Khan Lisa Cave presented the manslaughter indictment against the men, who p l e a d e d n o t g u i l t y.

Following the close of the prosecution's case, the men's lawyer, Jerome Khan, made a no-case submission before the Judge.

The lawyer argued that the prosecution failed to show that Baharally did an act that was unlawful leading up to the boat collision.

Further, counsel argued that the prosecution failed to lead evidence to show that his

clients acted in a manner that was dangerous to themselves and the public at large, or that they behaved in a negligent or reckless manner.

Citing case laws, Khan argued that where the evidence has not been established the court is left with no other alternative than to withdraw the case from the jury. Justice Kurtzious agreed with those submissions, and thereby instructed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The men were discharged.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday January 23, 2020

Way cleared for FIU, CANU to share information on drug crimes - arrangement will allow for parallel investigations

T

he way is clear for two major crime agencies to collaborate on sharing information on drug crimes.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed to allow for the exchange of information and intelligence relating to subjects suspected to be involved in or convicted of committing drug related offences-- in a proactive, timely, safe and secure manner.

The agreement will allow the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) to help further neutralise the challenges and implications that come with non-compliance, including but not limited to

blacklisting.De-risking will be further neutralised.

According to the National Anti Narcotics Agency (NANA), satisfying the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force recommendations (FATF) requires that the FIU cooperate and collaborate with all relevant stakeholder agencies and demonstrate effectiveness in sharing its intelligence product with law enforcement agencies and other appropriate authorities.

NANA explained: “Effectiveness will be tested based on the quality and usefulness of the FIU's intelligence product in furthering investigations for effective prosecutions, convictions, confiscation

NANA's head, Major General (ret'd) Michael Atherly (centre) with FIU's chief, Matthew Langevine at the recent signing.

and forfeiture (both criminal, civil or administrative processes) of assets which

PSC proposes new code of conduct

I

n light of several controversial statements made by politicians on the campaign trail to the March 2, 2020 polls, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has p r o p o s e d t h e implementation of a new code of conduct to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to which all contesting parties must subscribe.

According to a letter addressed to GECOM's Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, PSC Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia indicated that the proposed code of conduct was “derived from extensive research and compiled by the Private Sector, after due consultation, embracing

established principles and practices.” The PSC said that it is commonly accepted international good practice in democratic multiparty general elections for contesting political parties to subscribe to an agreed Code of Conduct.

The Chairman stated that the PSC believes that the current political parties should have no difficulty in subscribing, since the general and regional Elections are mere weeks away.

Additionally, the PSC proposal requests that GECOM introduce all contesting parties as well as urge them to voluntary subscribe to the code of conduct. The letter further points out for this to be done

at GECOM, in the presence of Civil Societies, the International Diplomatic Community, International and Domestic Observers and the Media.

This follows the PSC's recent condemnation of calls by members of the governing c o a l i t i o n u rg i n g t h e i r supporters to assemble in large numbers and remain at polling places to “protect their ballots.” The PSC indicated that such utterances are deemed as a “direct threat to the peaceful conduct of the elections.”

It is unclear on whether GECOM intends to implement its previously used code of conduct. Efforts to reach GECOM's Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, proved futile.

are derived from illegal activities, including but not limited to drug trafficking.”

NANA pointed out that drug trafficking is one of the most common predicate offences of money laundering committed in Guyana.

“CANU is one of the key agencies involved in the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances in Guyana. Hence this MoU is seen as a significant and important development in the country's fight against drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorist f i n a n c i n g . ” It was stressed that the formalised arrangement provides the necessary safeguards against the

misuse of information shared or exchanged and provides for strict confidentiality of the information exchanged between the agencies.

“This arrangement will also allow for parallel investigations to be conducted against subjects suspected to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

Consequently, greater efficiency and effectiveness in our fight against these crimes will produce improved outcomes. Our agencies and the nation will therefore be further compliant with their international obligations and standards relating to fighting money laundering and drug trafficking.”

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), established under the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act (the Act) of 2009, is the primary agency responsible for the collection and analysis of financial information and the dissemination of intelligence reports to law enforcement agencies for further investigation of money laundering, terrorist financing and related offences.

Under section 9(4) (n) of the Act, the FIU is vested with the authority, to enter into any agreements or arrangements with domestic government institutions or agencies for sharing and/or exchanging information.

Gaskin demands key documents from Govt., Exxon & partners to file lawsuit against oil contract

A

ctivist Ramon Gaskin has o ff i c i al ly, through Satram & Satram Attorneys-at-Law, written to a series of Government officials, and oil companies operating on the Stabroek Block, requesting that he be furnished with documents to support his lawsuit against the controversial Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

The Accountant made a commitment since last year to go after the contract

because it is riddled with what he purports to be a series of illegalities. Gaskin is clear that he doesn't want the contract to be struck down, but that he wants it to come into conformity with the law.

The letter is on behalf of the Public Interest Research and Action Institute Incorporated, formed by Gaskin himself.

The persons/entities addressed in the letter are President David Granger; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL); Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Guyana Revenue

Authority (GRA) Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia; Ministry of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Commissioner; Head of the Energy Department; Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer; and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited.

Gaskin expects to hear from the addressees within 14 days after the letter, dated January 20, 2020.

The letter states that Petroleum is a national resource that belongs to the people, and that if the demands are not complied with, orders will be sought to compel the production of those documents.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 09

GTU's concerns over salary increase finally addressed - confident other matters getting needed attention

B

y the time a new government takes office and a fresh budget is passed, some public school teachers should become eligible for a two percent outstanding difference on their most recent pay increase.

The outstanding sum arose from a miscalculation of the percentage pay increase owed to some teachers as part a multi-year remuneration package for them which was inked between government and the Guyana Teachers Union [GTU] towards the end of 2018.

The union had in fact raised concern with the Ministry of Education about the sum computed for its membership but no resolution was forthcoming during the past year.

This publication understands that the union and the Ministry had decided to amicably have the matter resolved which saw the expertise of the Auditor General being sought. This development was confirmed

by GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte.

Lyte in an invited comment, said, “Both sides agreed that we would approach the Auditor General with a neutral person, along with one we had and they did another calculation.”

At a meeting held between the stakeholders and in the presence of the Auditor General on the first school day of the term

GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte [January 6, 2020], Lyte said it was asserted that the union's computation concern was legitimate and therefore should be rectified.

However, while the government side has accepted that error, Lyte disclosed that the Auditor General did point out that “government will not be able to honour the payment of the difference until after a new budget is passed.

“We have to tell our members that the situation has been rectified but the payment will have to be after budget because the AG explained that government is operating under a nonbudget period.”

Lyte has called this development “another goal that has been settled.”

But there are other matters of concern that the union has under the

spotlight. Lyte is hopeful that these will be addressed shortly given the perceived commitment of the Education Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Alfred King.

“During the latter part of last year, in December, we met the new PS and few of the education officials at the Ministry of Education and we put forward our concerns as they relate to several outstanding things to be done in relation to the last multi-year agreement [of 2018],” Lyte explained.

Currently, there are about six issues left to be ironed out in the agreement, which interestingly expired soon after it was inked.

Among the issues yet to be addressed is the placement of teachers on debunching scales.

“We were able to discuss that and the Ministry promised that the costing and everything for the debunching should take effect...[it] is before the Ministry of Finance and they are going to have that settled within the first quarter of 2020,” said Lyte.

Acknowledging the colossal task ahead, he added, “Debunching is a large scale issue but I am aware that the effort is being made to get those resolved and the fact that we are now preparing to enter into new discussions indicates that they are pushing to have it sorted.”

By virtue of the expiration of the agreement

Dem boys seh...

Dis time nah lang time

A

man appear in court because he kill he wife. Dis same man try to dodge de court suh he drink a poison.

He drink a poison dat does kill ants suh dem boys want to know if he think he is ants.

Anodda one kill he wife and get 85 years. De court find him guilty of murder.

Right away people seh he wouldn't come out until he dead.

De lawyer appeal and de people in de Court Of Appeal overturn de sentence and order a new trial. Was like if you playing cricket and you know you out but de umpire refuse to put you out. De man go to court de second time and he didn't even wait fuh de judge ask him if he guilty

or not guilty. De man seh he guilty of manslaughter.

He smell de rat during de first trial suh he didn't want to tek a chance fuh get try fuh murder again. Dat is wha happening these days.

People getting two bite of de cherry. If dem get convict fuh murder de first time, de next time dem quick to plead guilty to manslaughter and get a small sentence.

Dis is nice time. Dem have some people who get long sentence in days gone by and dem still in jail.

Modern day criminals who get long sentence coming out of jail before dem old time ones. Dat is why Dougla Elsie sing de song, “Dis time nah lang time.”

Anodda thing dat got

dem boys thinking is how de police does do dem wuk. If a man deh at he wuk place and a man come to fight him in he wuk place de man got to tek wha he get. Pon de road is a different story.

But dem boys notice dat even if you deh at you wuk place and you got to defend youself, de police charging you. Dat happen to two teachers. In one case, a lady walk off de road and attack a teacher. De teacher get beat up and de police still charge she.

Four of dem go in a school and bank a teacher and de teacher get charge.

Dem boys want to know wha happening.

Talk half and watch how justice change.

in effect, the union early last year approached the Ministry to negotiation a new multi-year salary package. That process has been limping along.

The GTU President is even nevertheless confident that all of its concerns will be addressed without the initiation of industrial action, a tactic it was forced to resort to, to force Government's hand at negotiating the 2018 multiyear agreement.

“Since PS Alfred has been there, he has made certain commitments and we have been seeing them come through. He has been

rigorously engaging the Ministry of Finance to get things resolved.

“For example the outstanding $10,000 for Special Needs teachers, they [teachers] are expected to get that at the end of this month and that will mean some teachers will collect a tidy sum for the four-year [20162019] period that the payment was due,” Lyte explained.

Another matter that the union president is eager to see implemented is the way being cleared for Special Needs teachers to benefit from promotions that were earlier issued. As he shared

his optimism that issues of concerns to the teaching fraternity will be addressed, Lyte shared yet another that has been remedied.

“Teachers who were employed 2016 and after, they were getting salaries of the previous year that has been fixed and those teachers will be placed in their correct scales this year,” said Lyte. He added, “Several things that have been implemented have given us confidence about the other things. We have seen several things happening in relation to some of the outstanding matters.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday January 23, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Is a point three percent government majority nonsensical?

L

ost, completely lost, in the rejection of the no-confidence vote (NCM) by those who said it was a constitutional farce to remove a sitting government by one parliamentary vote was the incandescent fact that the very government won the election by point three percent.

The final results of the 2015 elections showed that APNU+AFC beat the PPP by 4,503 votes. Those votes do not add up to a

parliamentary seat. You need 5000 votes to become an MP. I was in the 2019 May Day rally when I heard TUC General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis, in his address said that an NCM needs far more than one parliament vote to remove a government.

President Granger at the launch of his party's 2020 election campaign described the December 2018 NCM as nonsense. What would be his reaction if asked if he thinks an organisation that won a general election by point three percent ought to have a legal mandate to govern and it is morally proper for such a formation to make policies for the entire country and exercise unrestrained power with such an infinitesimal majority that in cricketing

terms is described as a coat of varnish?

The crucial question, which academics need to analyse is; was there a connection between the need to have the NCM given the existence of the point three percent reality?

Was it this reality that drove the PPP to sponsor the NCM? I applaud the initial reaction of David Hinds when the NCM was passed.

He said given the narrow majority of the APNU+AFC, it should have threaded carefully in how it governed.

This is indeed a strong point and it is missing in the repertoire of those who continue to see the NCM as a farce because one parliamentarian, they

believe, should not have the constitutional authority to bring down a government.

The reality of just one MP voting to remove a government has angered many in the APNU+AFC castle but I have no sympathy for them because they used their point three percent coat of varnish to use power without broad-based consultations in the society.

They had a moral duty to consult because of the narrow mandate. I can offer myself as an example. Let me be brutally candid with my detractors on using myself as an example. I don't care what your reaction is. I believe my contestation here is valid and morally sound.

I think someone like me that gave political and election support to APNU+AFC should have been consulted by my government on the restructuring of UG because I have the qualification and experience to offer my thoughts. It didn't have to be a paid employment. It didn't mean that your offerings had to be implemented.

A second example was the closure of the sugar estates. Such a decision had far-reaching implications and qualified specialists who studied the industry whether

they live in or out of Guyana should have been brought together to search for answers. The policy to close or not to close was not the only dimension.

What if the consensus was to close then by consulting you had available ideas on the alternatives?

The APNU+AFC did not bring into being such a group. Charran told me he did not know of the decision to close even though he sat on the government side in parliament representing Region Six. Maybe he is lying. I don't believe he is.

The third example is the media. The APNU+AFC inherited the Chronicle and NCN. A wise direction to have gone into was to assemble a group of media personnel including persons from the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News to generate ideas on how to restructure the state media.

Look what Guyana got after 2015. The Chronicle has the identical visage that it wore when the PPP was in power. With a point three p e r c e n t m a j o r i t y, t h e APNU+AFC chose to remove two popular African rights columnists from the Chronicle using the authority invested in them knowing full well that the

Frederick Kissoon authority rested on a narrow mandate.

A fourth example was the annual budget. How many times in those four budgets were the trade unions consulted? Alright, if you don't want to confabulate with PPP aligned unions like GAWU and NAACIE what about the other unions?

The two UG unions come to mind. What input the TUC had in the annual budgets of the APNU+AFC administrations? In fact, in the very last budget, the TUC head and the Finance Minister had a tempestuous disagreement arising out of statements the minister made on the television p r o g r a m m e – “ Wa l t e r Rodney Groundings.”

If an NCM is nonsense so is a point three percent government majority.

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

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 13

Second teacher, parent in Four to be charged with murder of East Coast Pensioner court for fight at school

F

A

lmost two months after two women were involved in a fight at a public primary school, Charmain Mendonca, 42, of 330 Grove Housing Scheme, and Yolanda Jackson, 28, a teacher, yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus to answer to their individual wounding charges.

The women denied the charges after it was read to them. The charges stated that on November 27, 2019, at Winfer Gardens Primary School, East Street Georgetown, Mendonca unlawfully and maliciously wounded Jackson and the other charge alleges that on the same date and at the same location, Jackson assaulted Mendonca so as to cause her actual bodily harm.

According to information, on the day question, around 08:30 hrs Jackson reported for duty. She was approached by Mendonca who accused her [Jackson] of hitting her child in school.

Jackson denied having any knowledge of hitting Mendonca's child. When Jackson turned and attempted to walk away, Mendonca reportedly picked up a board eraser and dealt Jackson several lashes to her forehead.

Mendonca's action caused a scuffle to ensue. After

Yolanda Jackson (second right) with other teachers outside of the court yesterday

Charged: Charmain Mendonca hearing the commotion, teachers came and separated the two. Jackson was taken to the Georgetown Public

Hospital where she received several stitches for the wounds she sustained.

The matter was reported and both parties were charged for assaulting each other.

Police Prosecutor Delon Sullivan made no objection to bail being granted to the two defendants but highlighted that Jackson received multiple laceration to her forehead, neck and wrist and Mendonca received abrasions to her left hand.

Principal Magistrate McGusty grants Mendonca bail in the sum of $30,000 and Jackson was granted $20,000 bail. The matter was adjourned to January 29, 2020.

Mendonca is currently before the court for another wounding charge in which she allegedly assaulted a University of Guyana student.

Corentyne farmers descend on...

From page 11 Bush area. The farmers dem go in there and see if for themselves,” Ulic Mattheson said.

Meanwhile, after a meeting with REO Kim Williams-Stephens, Tuesday afternoon, Rambridge informed this publication that they were promised that instructions would be given to start the third pump in Black Bush Polder.

He stated that she said that there are issues with the dams, which are preventing fuel from being transported to the pumps.

But she also disclosed to them that “they have a machine working to fix the access dam so more fuel can go to the pumps”.

He and the other farmers are hopeful that the dams could be fixed as promised and fuel can be moved to work the pumps.

our men who were arrested for the brutal beating of a 72-year-old Strathspey, East Coast Demerara pensioner, will today be slapped with murder charges.

A senior police official confirmed this information with Kaieteur News.

The pensioner, Ramsahoye Deochand, succumbed to the injuries he sustained after enduring a severe beating from his son's employer over stolen money and a gold chain on Tuesday.

The man was hospitalised for

Dead Pensioner: Ramsahoye Deochand

two days before drawing his last breath at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

An autopsy conducted by State Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, on Wednesday gave the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and multiple injuries.

From graphic images posted on social media, Deochand endured a cruel assault; his head was cut open, fingers bloodied and the elderly man sported bruises and abrasions about his body. The injuries seen on (continued on page 24)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 23, 2020

Guyana launches strategic plan to tackle HIV/AIDS - aims at eliminating disease by 2030 T

he National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) under the Ministry of Public Health, along with the Pan-American Health Organization/ World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O / W H O ) , h a v e designated 2030 as the new target to end the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.

This follows the health agencies launching their new National Strategic Plan to end HIV/AIDS 2021-2025 Tuesday, at the Ocean View Conference Centre.

The strategy will, among other things, seek to scale up efforts to achieve a new 95 percent target of ensuring more persons know their status, access treatment and if positive, achieve viral suppression by 2025.

Consultations began on the drafting of the plan. It engaged a wide crosssection of stakeholders including those from the private sector, faith-based organizations and civil society among others.

In her remarks, Minister

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

Some of the stakeholders who were engaged in the launching of consultations to draft the strategic plan of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, noted that Guyana has made many notable achievements towards ending the AIDS epidemic. This, she said, was made possible through collaboration with stakeholders who do much of the groundwork.

“Some of the milestones include adopting combination prevention, introduction of Pre-exposure

Prophylaxis – an HIV treatment through a privatepublic partnership with private physicians and we will certainly extend clinic hours at the country's largest treatment site. “(We will) pilot social contracting, achieve universal coverage for HIV testing among pregnant mothers, the gradual scaleup of index testing and provider-initiated testing

and provision of more potent HIV medicines.”

W h i l e t h e s e achievements are worthy of mention, Minister Lawrence suggested that the new strategic plan needs to be more targeted. She highlighted some of the challenges to be considered during the drafting, including ensuring HIV positive persons stay on treatment and attain viral

suppression.

“There should be increased local partnerships between line ministries and private sectors in particular… a firm stance against stigma and discrimination, awareness among young people and the key population… prevention programme for persons at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS and also seek to migrant health and men's health.”

P A N C A P Representative, Dr. Shanti Singh, embraced the successes of the current strategic plan, which is in its final year. Throughout the 2013-2020 strategic plans, much had been achieved by the Ministry of Public Health regarding the 90/90/90 goal towards ending the AIDS epidemic.

“I congratulate Guyana (continued on page 20)

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Joint Services prepare for elections

PAGE 15

Police hunt for second brother in murderof Kaneville labourer

I

Members of the Joint Services on Tuesday participated in one of several training activities in preparation for General and Regional Elections scheduled for March 2, 2020.

In these army released photos, a Study Day and Internal Security training exercise was held at the Police Officers Mess Annex. It allowed for interaction among ranks of the various services.

nvestigators are on the hunt for a second suspect fingered in the murder of a 50-year-old Kaneville labourer, Mark Burkett, whose battered body was found in a clump of bushes on an unoccupied house lot last Saturday.

Police had stated that they were tracking two key suspects but sources close to the investigations revealed to this publication that those suspects were related to Burkett. In fact, they turned out to be his brothers.

According to the Divisional Commander, Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, one brother has so far been arrested and should be charged shortly while police continue to hunt for the other brother.

The first brother was arrested on Monday.

It was said that two men fingered to be the brothers had a confrontation with the now dead labourer moments before his demise.

Burkett was described as an easy-going person who did odd jobs around the community of Kaneville.

He was last seen “walking about the community� the day before his body was found.

It was said that the man's brothers were the last to see him alive.

When police searched the men's home, all of the dead man's belongings were packed up and removed.

Investigations are continuing.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Citibank officials calls on Foreign Affairs Minister

Thursday January 23, 2020

Three in custody as cops await DPP's advice on newspaper vendor's murder

T

A delegation from Citibank yesterday called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings. Over the past two days, the delegation met with representatives from the public, private and banking sectors in Guyana. (From left to right) Corporate Banking Head, Miguel Martinez; Citi Country Officer, Trinidad and Tobago, Mitchell de Silva; Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Karen Cummings; Executive of CitiBank, Washington, D.C., Shawn Sullivan

hree youths are likely to know today whether they will be charged for murdering Queenstown, Essequibo newspaper vendor, Shawn Mannilall.

An official said that police are awaiting word from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after submitting a file yesterday.

The High Court had granted police clearance to further detain the suspects, while ordering the release of others due to a lack of evidence.

The detained youths now in custody were among four who were held during the early stages of the investigation. They were released but then re-arrested after an associate provided evidence against one of the suspects.

Meanwhile, three other men, Carl Carter, Delhoya McKenzie and Carlton Carter, remain on remand for murdering Mannilall during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

According to information, Mannilall, 48, of Parcel 61 Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, was shot dead on

Dead: Shawn Mannilall January 10, 2020.

It is alleged that the vendor and his family were about to enter their home when two men, who wore helmets confronted them.

The robbers, who had a gun and cutlass, reportedly demanded some $125,000 from Mannilall, who was said to have recently uplifted the cash from a bank.

One of the bandits shot Mannilall in the chest, shoulder and abdomen after he resisted. The gang reportedly fled emptyhanded. Mannilall was pronounced dead on arrival at the Suddie Public Hospital.

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Thursday January 23, 2020

Mother of one drives home No lawlessness for elections in new Nissan Juke from GTT - Granger tells visiting US congressional team - Car a wish come through

Stacia Rose with the grand prize

A

fter a five-week long run of GTT's + Size Christmas promotion in December 2019, mother of one, Stacia Rose emerged as the winner of the promotion copping the grand prize of a Nissan Juke.

Rose on Tuesday collected her brand new car from the telephone company after completion of final paper work for ownership of the car.

The 34-year-old mother expressed gratefulness as she collected her prize, noting it was her desire to one day own a car.

“My daughter is autistic, so she does not travel in public transportation. It has been difficult because I would usually take her to school in a taxi every day. I have been doing this for the

past four years, so I know this win would bring much comfort for her,” Rose explained.

Senior Marketing Executive, Tashandra Inniss, congratulated Rose on emerging as the winner.

She said, “The contestants were all given a fair chance to win, as we would have given all of them handouts to study on the GTT related questions.”

Inniss added, “All of the final participants were winners as they all received +Size weekly prizes from GTT. Our crowd pick participant won herself $40,000 worth of grocery and one month free internet.”

On December 28, last, GTT's +Size Christmas promotion grand finale went

down in fine style at the MovieTowne Guyana where it saw six participants competing in a gameshow style for the Nissan Juke model car.

Among the final participants were the weekly winners Rhonda Thom, Kevin Anthony, Lancelot Harris, Richard Mackey, Stacia Rose and winner pick from the crowd LeTisha DaSilva.

The contestants were faced with three rounds of “question and answer” as they battled their way for the grand prize by scoring the highest points.

Each contestant was given the chance to spin the wheel, which allocated specific points to him or her upon answering questions “About GTT, Products of GTT and GTT Promotions.”

P

resident David G r a n g e r , y e s t e r d a y afternoon, met members of the United States (US) Congress at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The visiting delegation comprised Congressmen Albio Sires, Chairman o f t h e We s t e r n H e m i s p h e r e , C i v i lian S e c u r i t y, a n d Tr a d e Subcommittee; Gregory Meeks (D-NY) 5th District and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) 9th District.

The Congressmen and Congresswoma n w e r e accompanied by US Ambassador to Guyana,

Ms. Sarah-Ann Lynch.

President Granger, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, State and Social Protection, Dr. Karen Cummings, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Ms. Amna Ally, said the meeting was cordial.

The Head of State said he a s s u r e d t h e U S Congressional team that General and Regional Elections, slated for March 2, 2020 will be free, fair and credible.

"I was able to assure the US Congressional team that all the preparations that need

to be made, are being made by the Elections Commission in accordance with the law and that the Executive Branch of Government has been compliant with the Constitution and, that we are working to ensure that the elections are indeed free and fair.

“We will continue to cooperate with the Elections Commission to do so," President Granger said.

The President said the Congressional team was assured that there would be no disorder or lawlessness and could look forward to Guyana playing a key role in the Western Hemisphere.

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

'How Baroness Scotland was elected Commonwealth Secretary-General' By award-winning African journalist and publisher, Kayode Soyinka .

(Republished from the December 2019 edition of: The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs)

T

he Government of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda is to host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June 2020.

That could be seen in Rwanda's confidence in branding this as 'Africa's CHOGM'. And why not?

Africans have that family spirit of doing things together and leveraging on the success of a fellow African nation.

Besides, CHOGM does not come to Africa as frequently as it should.

After South Africa in 1999, Nigeria in 2001, and Uganda in 2007, there has been a 13-year gap for the continent, and, of course, many African leaders were displeased by the way that Patricia Scotland got elected as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in Malta in 2015.

But the truth be told, Africans only have themselves to blame for the choice of Baroness Scotland by putting forward a candidate of their own for whom, eventually, they could not get enough support, and at a time when it was the widely held view in Commonwealth circles that it was the turn of the Caribbean, not Africa, to produce a S-G. Elections were conducted in Malta in November 2015 by Commonwealth Heads of Government or their representatives to fill the post at the expiry of the term of office of Kamalesh Sharma from India.

The popular Caribbean candidate who had the endorsement of 10 of the 12 Commonwealth Caribbean countries was Sir Ronald Sanders. The British government however wanted an S-G over whom they could exercise influence, particularly as they were concerned about the successor to Queen Elizabeth as Head of the Commonwealth.

They desperately wanted Prince Charles to succeed his mother. Had the headship shifted away from the British Monarchy, it would have

been a blow to the pride of the British Government.

Therefore, the British Government persuaded the Government of Dominica to act as a surrogate for Britain in nominating Baroness Scotland, a member of the British House of Lords and a former Attorney-General of Britain, who had been born in Dominica but left for Britain when she was two years old.

In addition to wanting to influence the incoming S-G over the headship of the Commonwealth, the British Government also wanted to retain their influence over the agenda of the Commonwealth, having experienced S-Gs who had asserted the independence of the Secretariat from Whitehall and favouring direction from a broader range of Commonwealth leaders.

Sanders had received firm indications of support from African governments, including the Presidents of Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. But, Mmasekgoa MasireMwamba of Botswana who had served as Deputy Secretary-General at the Commonwealth Secretariat decided to run for the post, even though it was not Africa's turn – a point that even many African governments had accepted.

However, their efforts failed to persuade Botswana not to persist with its candidate, even though they emphasised that this would break solidarity with the Caribbean and probably rupture the strong cooperation between the two regions.

The Botswana candidate won greater support from African countries at the last minute, largely because Nkosazana Clarice DlaminiZuma, the South African Foreign Minister, was Chair of the African Union Commission.

In the absence of President Jacob Zuma, who had personally pledged his support for Sanders, she persuaded some African Foreign Ministers to stand behind an African candidate, particularly a woman. She was joined in this last ditch effort by Amina Chawahir Mohamed Jibril, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Kenya, whose President Uhuru Kenyatta also did not attend the Conference and who had personally given Sanders his

office.

The 'old' Commonwealth that brought her in is now in the forefront of wanting to remove her – the person they described as 'one of us'.

It will be unprecedented if Baroness Scotland's tenure is not renewed and she is removed from office when the Heads of Government meet in Rwanda. However, if that should happen and Africa covets the post this time round, they will have to

Baroness Scotland support.

In the meantime, the British had marshalled the support of the 'old' Commonwealth countries behind its 'Caribbean' candidate, Baroness Scotland. Prime Minister David Cameron was especially active, describing the Baroness to Justin Trudeau, who was elected Prime Minister of Canada on the eve of the 2015 Malta CHOGM, as 'one of us'.

Australia was also particularly active in pressuring Pacific countries to back Scotland.

At the Malta vote, Sanders polled the lowest number of votes, largely because his African supporters dwindled as a result of some key heads of government not attending the meeting, and the Pacific countries bowed to pressure from Australia.

On the second run-off, several votes were deliberately spoiled by Heads of Government who supported neither of the two candidates, but Caribbean countries that had supported Sanders decided to cast their votes for the other nominal Caribbean candidate. Only one vote separated the two when the tally was taken, including several spoilt votes.

Botswana called for a third vote, but the Conference Chair, the Prime Minister of Malta, and an EU colleague of David Cameron (the Brexit referendum had not yet been held), ruled the contest over.

By not supporting Sanders, the Africans allowed the British to take control of the Secretariat. It is only the Baroness's alleged excesses in the post and her below-par performance that have now caused them to be concerned about her remaining in

make amends to the Caribbean for failing to support that region and its favoured candidate, Sanders in 2015.

And if that should happen, this could truly be 'Africa's CHOGM' that members will remember for a very long time – just like Abuja in 2001 when President Robert Mugabe sensationally pulled Zimbabwe out of the Commonwealth.

And this will undoubtedly be an added boost, again, for Rwanda's international status with President Kagame, who until recently was Chair of the AU, a Rwandan also as S-G of the Francophone, and a Kigali CHOGM to be followed by two years of Rwanda in the chair of the Commonwealth.

Kayode Soyinka publisher@africatoday.com

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 23, 2020

Murder accused sprints out of court after being freed

T

he man who was on trial in the Berbice High Court for the April 2015 killing of a Jamaican national up the Berbice River, raced out of the court after the murder charge against him was dismissed and was told he was freed to go. Quacy Walker, of Kimbia, Berbice River, who had spent five years in jail was on trial before Justice Simone Ramlall and a mixed Jury. He was accused of killing Michael Dillon, a Jamaican national on April 27, 2015 at Itcholoko Creek, Kimbia Creek, Berbice River.

Attorney-at-law Seeta Bishundial presented the state's case while attorneyat-law Charlene Artiga is representing the accused.

The defence and prosecution had earlier wrapped up their case. When the matter began, Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall took less than an hour to sum up the evidence to the jury as

Quacy Walker she guided them on the points of law.

The jury in analysing the evidence took about 1½ hours before returning with the unanimous verdict of not guilty of murder. Walker ran for a good distance, not even looking back as he rejoiced over his freedom.

Attorney-at-law Charlene Artiga said that there was no evidence that her client was ever in the Itcholoko Creek area, where the body was found. She said

that her client was beaten.

A post mortem examination was done some five months after. What was startling, the attorney said, is that the police had presented photographs showing the deceased with a number of gold dentures while the PM report stated the deceased had a gold creasing in his mouth.

She said that her client had given an alibi that he was at Rose Hall, Corentyne, at the alleged time of the

incident. This was never investigated by the police.

She said that her client reportedly gave an oral confession, which could not be substantiated.

The state case was that the men were friends and were farmers together in the Kimbia area. The deceased reportedly cultivated marijuana and had a kitchen garden.

Dillon was reportedly killed following a robbery.

His body was found days after at his camp. When he was found, his body was on

its back. He was dressed in a pair of shorts, and his chest had a lot of holes, which appeared to be gunshots.

When his body was found, it was badly decomposed and was buried in a shallow grave.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh testified that the cause of death as undetermined due to its decomposed state.

The police had testified that a marijuana farm with plants measuring two to six feet in height were found in the area and destroyed.

The prosecution called a number of witnesses including a number of police officers – Assistant Superintendent Mitchell Caesar, Detective Assistant Superintendent Orin Cameron, Crime Scene Detective Inspector Curtis Cort, Crime Scene Examiner Sergeant Leon George, firearm and ammunition Detective Corporal Floyd Hosanna, Selion Bourne, Carlton Williams, Cleon Doris and Surjit Singh.

Toshao Ecliffe Lindie of K i m b i a Vi l l a g e a l s o testified.

Housing Minister files libel suit against Jagdeo, Guyana Times

J

unior Minister of Communities with the responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, has filed a lawsuit against Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the Guyana Times claiming in excess of $10 M in damages for libel.

The lawsuit stems from the publication of an article by the news outlet that Ferguson used her office as Minister to acquire more than one parcel of lands at Eccles.

The article is based on statements made by Jagdeo at during a press conference.

In the civil action, Ferguson is asking for in excessive of $10 M in damages from Jagdeo and the publication entity for the statements which she said are slanderous and untrue and have caused irreparable damage to her character and reputation.

As such, the Minister has asked the court to consider granting her an injunction which will prevent further publication of reports.

The injunction is to restrain the defendants, their servants, agents and assigns from further publishing, disseminating and circulating to the public and electronically publishing on the World Wide Web words similar to those listed in an article written under the caption of the Guyana Times dated Wednesday, December 11, 2019, titled 'Opposition Calls Out Minister For Lying About House Lots Allocation.

The matter came up before Justice Gino Persaud at the Georgetown High Court on Tuesday.

Lawyer representing the newspapers, Devindra Kissoon, has since opposed application for an injunction on the grounds that the newspaper is protected by the qualified privilege.

Minister of Communities, Annette Ferguson

He noted that the Guyana Times was just reporting on statements made by the holder of a public office.

Kissoon is expected to file a defence by January 29.

Meanwhile statement of claim drafted by Ferguson's attorney, Lyndon Amsterdam, states that on December 11, 2019, an article of the newspaper reported that Jagdeo made allegations against Minister Ferguson, claiming that she has had a swift rise in wealth within two years of becoming a Minister.

He insinuated that she used her office to acquire three plots of land in Eccles on which she is building a sprawling house.

The applicant (Ferguson) is asking Jagdeo and Guyana Times to prove to the court, with evidence, that claims m a d e a b o u t

misappropriation, rise in wealth, and the Minister's ownership of three house lots at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) are true.

She is contending that the tenor and contents of the article suggest that as a Minister in Government, she acquired unexplained wealth by dishonest means.

She is also contending that contents of the article were deliberately written and circulated by the newspaper to tarnish her reputation as a Minister of Government and cause right thinking person's to think that she is a corrupt and dishonest person.

Ferguson noted that the newspaper also used an aerial picture in support of the article to create the impression to the public that the claims were true that she has more than one parcel of land whilst that is not true.

Guyana launches strategic...

From page 14 on two high-level achievements that I have observed in the global AIDS monitoring report the first one is that Guyana is the only country in the Caribbean that has achieved the first 90 of people knowing their HIV status.

“The second achievement which is significant as well is that Guyana is among the

few countries in the region that is on its way to achieving the second 90 (which is ensuring 90 percent of the first 90 is on Antiretroviral Therapy),” Dr. Singh stated.

In the new National Strategic Plan, the focus will be placed, particularly, on targeting the youth population and redesigning service intervention to meet the setout targets.

Thursday January 23, 2020

The preponderance of ...

From page 4 industry. Vieira went further to say, “Beginning in 2006, the EU had started paying the development fund to Guyana which was our compensation for the loss of the preferential price for sugar in the EU markets… and the money was never released to GuySuCo.” Luncheon confirmed this!

Nothing Seepaul said moved the needle to support his position that “during the Jagdeo administration sugar workers were treated with re-

spect and dignity.”

They were not! In fact, the more he writes the more he allows for the exposure of Jagdeo’s mismanagement of the industry and betrayal of sugar workers and their communities when they were and are at their most vulnerable.

The preponderance of evidence continues to show he failed these workers as President and Leader of the Opposition.

Lincoln Lewis

Don’t put all your eggs...

From page 6 presented with a choice of 20 lashes or 10 lashes, we will choose the 10 lashes, while acknowledging that no lashes is the better option. We are also very clear about the fact that after these elections the struggle continues. The fight to complete our national liberation struggle is underway. OVP fights on many fronts – elections is only one front.

We are very clear that in order to bring about a new order in Guyana, where true independence and economic justice prevail, we need to break out of this two-party stranglehold, but as we all know, this is easier said than done.

Given the absurd dialectic that we find ourselves trapped in, we say, as we said in 2015: Give your top vote to APNU+AFC (to keep the PPP out of office) but don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Vote OVP in Region 4 – it’s called shared governance. A carefully crafted strategy to give the people the power to keep things in check!

Yours faithfully, Gerald A. Perreira Leader Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

New Magistrates Courts for Bartica, Mahdia

A

ccording to Chan cellor of the Judi ciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, two towns will soon see new Magistrates Courts in as early as two months time.

Speaking at the commissioning of the new Diamond/ Grove Magistrates Courts yesterday, the Chancellor captioned the moment as “Coming to a city near you.”

Justice CummingsEdwards said, “This statement finds expression in the

projects that we are engaged in at the Supreme Court. Indeed it is our plan to take court houses and to extend justice and its accessibility throughout the country.”

The Chancellor said that very shortly new courthouses will be constructed in the towns of Bartica and Mahdia.

She stated, “In the town of Bartica, maybe even in another two months, and then followed by the town of Mahdia, there will be two brand new courthouses. So

courthouses are coming to a city near you.”

It was highlighted that matters being heard at the magisterial level was becoming overwhelming for the East Bank Demerara district and therefore, the Judiciary saw a need for the expansion of the magisterial district.

Following the boundaries being defined since 1951, it has led the Judiciary to have discussions with the relevant stakeholders for expansion.

Discussions were done

with the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Lands and Survey and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Chancellor added that on East Bank Demerara from Eccles to Timehri, to the riverain areas and parts of the Linden Highway, there will be the formation of another magisterial district.

This will be established in the not too distant future and it may be termed as the Lower Demerara Magisterial district.

GPHC joins Social Protection to investigate abuse of the elderly by relatives The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will now be collaborating with the Ministry of Social Protection to investigate cases of elderly patients complaining of being abused by their relatives.

A senior official reported that the patients complained of being abused at home.In a recent interview, the official stated that they would relate their problems to nurses about the treated meted out to them by their loved ones.

As a result of the ill-treatment, when discharged from the GPHC the majority of the elderly persons would refuse to go back to their respective homes, the official disclosed.

Kaieteur News understands that between November 9, 2019 and January 15, last, 30 patients between the ages of 65 and72 lodged complaints with nurses.

The official stated, “There are some mean people out there, people who would not think twice about beating someone who is twice or thrice their own age.

“And it doesnt necessarily have to be a stranger because

from my years of working at this hospital, I have worked along with elderly patients that have been beaten so badly by their own relatives. Pain did not kill them; grief did,” the official further stated.

According to sources, when such cases of abuse are reported to the city hospitals complaints department, officials from the Ministry of Social Protection would be contacted to launch an investigation. A report is also lodged at a police station.

If it is found that the allegation is true, the elderly person will be removed from that home and temporally placed in a senior citizens home until another relative comes forward to take care of them.

“From the moment you cannot walk or provide for yourself, nobody wants you and that is bad. As the younger or upcoming generation, we have to instill in ourselves an attitude of caring for the elderly in our society because they are the ones who know a great deal about what was before us.”

PAGE 22

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Granger wants to cut jail sentences and increase magistrates

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are often described as 'inferior' courts, but their “inferiority” is of rank and not of importance. They constitute the first tier of the justice system and serve as an important link between citizens, the community and the judiciary.”

In fact, magistrates' courts are guardians of citizens' rights.

He acknowledged that the Diamond-Grove area is one of the fastest growing settlements in the country.

“It is estimated that more than 35,000 persons now live in this neighbourhood. Diamond-Grove…two decades ago, was primarily cane fields.”

According to the President, the establishment of the court typifies the connection between the courts and the community.

“It manifests the decentralisation of legal services, particularly to rural and hinterland regions and communities.”

Granger also made it clear that the Executive branch respects the independence of the judiciary. “It has never sought to interfere with, or to direct, the administrative policies of the judicial branch of the state. It has supported the efforts of the judiciary in improving the country's legal system.”

The establishment of the court will ease the caseload which had to be borne by the Providence Magistrates' Court.

“The East Bank of Demerara corridor – between Mc Doom and Golden Grove villages – has witnessed the development of large housing estates and a consequent surge in population. The new court will improve access to justice for the estimated 70,000 residents of the entire East Bank of Demerara.”

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From page 3 magistrate's courts in some jurisdictions are taking steps to reduce the practice of mandatory incarceration for certain offences.

“That is good. Alternatives to custodial sentencing are being carefully considered where appropriate and are part of the heritage of the country's ethnic groups.”

The president insisted that the establishment of the Diamond-Golden Grove Magistrates' Court in the Demerara-Mahaica Region is another step in the direction of providing easier access to justice, for everyone, everywhere in Guyana.

“The decentralisation of the Magistracy conforms to the Government's policy of extending public services countrywide.”

Stressing the challenges of traversing the vastness of Guyana, Granger said that magisterial districts seemed to correspond with the old 'District' system.

“The establishment of the new Upper Demerara Magisterial District in 2017 brought the administration of justice more in line with the current regional system and coincides with the recently adjusted policing divisions. The republic has pursued a policy of regionalisation in order to extend public services, expand public utilities and enhance regional and national development.”

The president said that the importance of magistrates' courts should not be understated. “Magistrates' courts

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

Thursday January 23, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Sophia man who killed wife, slept beside her, jailed for 15 ½ years A North Sophia, Greater Georgetown man who strangled his 19-year-old reputed wife then slept right beside her was yesterday sentenced to 15 years and six months’ imprisonment for the crime.

The custodial sentence was imposed by Justice Sandil Kissoon on 28-yearold Michael ‘Mikey’ Persaud who appeared in court and pleaded guilty to manslaughter, thereby admitting that he unlawfully killed, Maduri Padumdeo.

Though he was initially indicted by State Prosecutors for murder, Persaud, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Glen Hanoman, opted to plead guilty to the lesser count.

Persaud was first indicted for the murder of his wife in 2014; he was tried and found guilty by a jury and was subsequently sentenced to 83 years’ imprisonment.

Persaud, through his lawyer, contested the conviction and sentence at the Court of Appeal. That court allowed the appeal in that it overturned the conviction and ordered that Persaud face a new trial.

Yesterday, after consulting with his lawyer, Persaud, instead of contesting the charge, pleaded guilty to the lesser count in order to get a lighter sentence.

According to reports, Padumdeo, who was 19, and a cane juice vendor, was discovered naked and dead with a piece of cable tied tightly around her neck in their home. Persaud was present at the time the discovery was made; he was

found lying in the bed next to her corpse at their Lot 8 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown residence.

A post mortem examination conducted on the body of the woman showed that she died of ligature strangulation.

During a sentence hearing before Justice Kissoon, Persaud expressed that he was deeply sorry for what he had done and begged for forgiveness. He said that at the time of the killing, he was under the influence of alcohol and still cannot remember what really transpired.

Persaud, who shares a 10year-old son with his now late reputed wife, said that he is trying to move on with his life and hoped that one day he will be able to raise his child.

Hanoman during a plea of mitigation told the court that there is a high possibility of his client being reintegrated into society. In that regard, he submitted that the court is in an excellent position to assess whether this is likely for Persaud who has been making every effort to elevate himself academically.

According to Hanoman, his client dropped out of school at age 13, and previously made an attempt to write CXC while incarcerated.

But his efforts were aborted after the prison system was left in chaos following a fire in 2017. Apart from that, the lawyer told the court that in 2015 his client was adjudged first place after participating in the interprison essay competition.

The lawyer said, too, that his client is a barber and boasted that he grooms many prison

Maduri Padumdeo officers and prisoners.

Hanoman asked the court to consider that apart from being a well-behaved prisoner, his client is a first offender, who spent most of his adult life behind bars.

He said that the efforts of Persaud clearly show that he is ready to be reintegrated into society.

State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy said that while she is not pressing for a harsh sentence, she is asking that the punishment reflect the nature and gravity of the offence.

The Prosecutor added that though Persaud has taken responsibility of his actions, the fact remains that a young life was lost.

According to the prosecutor, alcoholism was at the centre of this killing and that the trend of women being killed by their partners needs to stop. Against this backdrop, she said that the court must impose a sentence that will serve as a deterrent.

Slap costs “Big Man” 5 months in jail A 53-year-old vendor was yesterday jailed for slapping a woman that he claimed came too close to his face.

The defendant, Wayne Johnson, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

After admitting that on January 17, 2020, at North Road, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Carol Ann Smith, Johnson told the court that he didnt like the manner in which Smith came up to him.

He added that Smith was the one who started an argument.

Johnson said, “Me and she [Smith] had an argument and she bring her face too close to mine so I slapped her.”

However, Smith then told the court her side of the story, she said “I am totally fed-up of Wayne and his nonsense…After he bax me, I run to the Station and made a report. The Friday when he see me on the road, he started to tell me all sorta things.”

“So after I told him that I made a report at the Station, he is to turn and tell me that he is a big man and he aint frighten police… That is how he walk and gone to the station. Right there they hold him and charge he.”

After listening to Smith and Johnson, Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty sentenced

Jailed: Wayne Johnson Johnson to five months imprisonment for the offence.

Johnson was also slapped with another charge which alleged that he used threatening language towards Carol Ann Smith on January 20, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to that charge.

He was remanded on that charge and he is expected to make his next court appearance in the new month.

JAILED: Michael Persaud

Maduri Padumdeo’s mother had a few words to say to the court. She said that Padumdeo was her only daughter. The grieving woman added that she raised her daughter as a single parent and misses her every day.

Meanwhile, a prisoner officer told the court that Persaud has been an inmate

of good conduct. She revealed that Persaud was housed across three prisons and has never been charged for any prison offence.

Further to that, she informed the court that Persaud has been exposed to art and craft and Mathematics and English classes.

Justice Kissoon commenced the sentence at a

starting point of 25 years from which he made deductions for early guilty plea as well as aggravating and mitigating factors. He arrived at a sentence of 15 years and six months from which the prison authorities were ordered to deduct 97 months which represents the time Persaud spent in pre trial detention.

Some of the mitigating factors the judge considered were the fact that Persaud is a first offender who stands a likelihood of being rehabilitated for reintegration into society. Further to this, judge also considered that he was very young when he committed the offence, and has accepted responsibility for his actions.

The aggravating factors the judge pointed out were that a young child is left without a mother. The Judge also pointed out that the killing stemmed from domestic violence. He also took note of the victim’s age and the effects her untimely demise continues to have on her family and friends.

Crane man makes court appearance for stabbing wife to death A Crane, West Coast Demerara Construction worker was on Tuesday remanded to prison for brutally stabbing his wife eight times while she slept just one week ago.

Natram Lall was not required to plead to the indictable charge read to him by Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court.

The charge read that on January 15, 2019 at Lot 15, Old Road, Crane, West Coast Demerara, he murdered Bibi Zameena Ally, called ‘Annette’. Lall will make his next court appearance on February 2.

On the day in question, Kaieteur News reported that a late-night domestic dispute left the 34-year-old mother of three, Bibi Zameena Ally dead.

Ally succumbed after she was stabbed multiple times

by Lall, who attempted suicide moments later. He reportedly ingested a pesticide used to kill “wood ants” and was hospitalised for a number of days before being released.

Kaieteur News was told that the couple‘s relationship was on the rocks for some time. Prior to the incident, Lall had accused his wife of having an affair.

Relatives of the dead woman recalled that the couple would constantly engage in heated spats. Their fights reached a boiling point on that fatal night, when the husband reportedly grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed his wife repeatedly in her sleep.

The man had cooked up a

Murder accused Natram Lall and his wife Bibi Ally in happier times bizarre story of self-defense as the motive behind the stabbing but investigators were not too convinced. Lall reportedly told police that his wife brought her lover to their home to murder him but he learnt of the plan and decided to act first.

The dead woman’s mother recalled the traumatising ordeal of being awakened by the screams of her daughter. The woman said that she immediately rushed to her daughter’s assistance and stood between her son-in-law, who was armed with a bloody knife, and

her daughter who had collapsed in a bloody mess on the floor.

The couple’s three children, ages 19, 16 and seven, stood watching as their grandmother tearfully begged their father to hand over the weapon. After getting him to calm down and relieving him of the knife, he left the home.

She said that she was assisted by her grandson to lock the doors.

The woman started screaming for help as she tried to revive her daughter, but the Ally never regained consciousness.

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Four to be charged with murder of...

From page 13 the head were caused by being beaten with a music amplifier and equaliser.

The pensioner had suffered a stroke, leaving his entire right side paralysed.

The man's grandson, Randy Deochand, had disclosed to Kaieteur News that the beating stemmed from allegations that the one of the man's sons removed an undisclosed amount of cash and a gold chain from his employer.

At the time of the beating, the elder Deochan was at home with his wife, two sons, his daughter-in-law and his grandchild. Police reported that at around 02:45 hrs, his daughter-in-law, Taijwattie Bhawanie, awoke to the

sound of a window being smashed.

Upon investigating, she saw four identifiable men hurling objects at the house.

The suspects subsequently gained entry to the upper flat where the elderly Deochand and his family resided and proceeded to ransack the home, forcing the woman and family to flee the residence.

After the suspects escaped, the woman returned to her home and saw most of her valuables destroyed.

On proceeding to the upper flat of the home, she saw Deochand covered in blood with lacerations and bruises to his face and about his body.

Kaieteur News learnt that

the employer and others had previously thrashed Deochand's son after accusing him of stealing the items.

This beating reportedly forced the young man into hiding and his employer commenced an intense search for him.

They were said to have raided several of his relatives' homes in Berbice, Linden and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Not being satisfied however, the men made their way to his father's home in an attempt to get him to reveal his son's location.

But this did not happen, so the men proceeded to thrash the pensioner and destroy his home.

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 23, 2020

Berbice rice crop crisis…

Corentyne farmers descend on RDC, demands solutions to water shortage

A few of the farmers at the RDC office, Region 6 on Tuesday.

S

everal rice farmers on Tuesday converged at the Region Six Democratic Council to express concerns over the current issue of the limited supply of water in the Black Bush Polder and 52-74 areas.

The group of men who travelled from the Corentyne to New Amsterdam were seemingly frustrated about what has been happening in the rice sector in Berbice, they are concerned that their time, labour and finances will be wasted if nothing is done to address the problem in a timely.

President of the Rice Producers' Association, Lekka Rambridge, who were among the group present on Tuesday, briefed the media on the current status of the situation and their way forward. Rambridge said that their plea for irrigation water is even louder now since farmers are already

losing.

“The region has over 60,000 acres in rice, in the front lands alone. The Number 52-74 community is close to over 40,000 acres of rice. We have on the ground over 20,000 acres of rice under threat in the rice lands and we can see losses in another few days and further threat in another few days,” the RPA President explained.

He called on “whoever is in charge” to ensure that the necessary steps are taken “urgently” so that water can be available to farmers.

He added that currently, there are only two pumps in operation at Black Bush Polder while one is working for the 52-74 areas. This, he said, is “insufficient” to service the farmers and their crops needs.

“We have five pumps there and I do not know why they are not starting the other pumps. We can't say if fuel is the problem and so this is

what the authorities need to tell us.

“In the 52-74 area over 40 percent of the crop is under threat. The entire cultivation is getting red; the water needs to be flushed and farmers are not having water,” he said.

He reasoned that if indeed two pumps were working day and night there would be a reasonable amount of water entering the fields, but he is under the impression that the pumps are not being operated in the nights and only in the day.

This was confirmed by another farmer who was present. He said that a cattle farmer and a rice farmer who ventured into the Canje Creek to tend to their crops, noticed that the pumps were not working at nights while they were there.

“They told me that right now in night time, no pump ain't working in the Black (continued on page 13)

Farmers are complaining of no water in drought like condition at Berbice.

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Serena into third round in Melbourne Jaguars aim to hurt... after testy win over Slovenian MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Serena Williams overcame an erratic performance at the Australian Open yesterday to beat Slovenian Tamara Zidansek 6-2 6-3 and advance to the third round.

The 38-year-old American, who is bidding for a record 24th Grand Slam singles title, was hardly troubled in the first set as she broke Zidansek twice to wrap up the opener in just over half an hour.

But the 70th-ranked Zidansek put up an impressive defence in the second set, saving seven break points as an increasingly frustrated Williams racked up more than a dozen unforced errors.

Zidansek, however, could not keep up the resistance and Williams clinched the victory with a cross-court forehand winner to set up a meeting with Chinas Wang Qiang.

Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts during the match against Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)

Thursday January 23, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Romantic relationships take on a fairytale aura, Aries, bringing up the kind of desire, passion, and sense of unity associated with Lancelot and Guinevere.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might attend more than one group activity or social event involving spiritual or metaphysical matters. Your sense of intuition is very high, Taurus, and your level of understanding is especially acute.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Intellectual or artistic work could take up a lot of your time today, Gemini. Your level of inspiration is high, and you're apt to be full of ideas that others would find beneficial.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Study of religion and spiritual matters could well be of particular interest for you today, Cancer. You're likely to discuss your knowledge and beliefs regarding such matters with a close friend, which could prove rather enlightening for both of you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today communication with others is more likely to be on a subtle rather than verbal level, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Inspiration drawn from recent religious or spiritual occurrences could have you writing down accounts of your experiences.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You should be feeling especially strong and healthy today, Libra. The drive to exercise, particularly if you do it alone and outdoors, is likely to get the endorphins going and thus give you a natural high.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today, Scorpio, you might find yourself picking up uncanny telepathic messages from a friend who lives some distance from you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Creative inspiration flows freely today, Sagittarius, enabling you to channel it in more than one way. An opportunity to earn a sizable fee doing something artistic could come your way.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Usually you prefer to approach events with a practical and scientific attitude, Capricorn, but today you're feeling especially intuitive and more aware of the other worlds, so it might be difficult to hang on to your usual mindset.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you've been thinking about taking up the study of astrology, numerology, alchemy, or any other occult science, this is the day to get started.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Some rather intense and vivid dreams could inspire you to embark on some in-depth study of a subject that specifically interests you, Pisces.

From page 34 most wickets after two matches and along with Keon Joseph (8) are both quick and could hustle the Trinis even on the Providence surface which should favour the spinners as the match progress.

In addition to Romario Shepherd, Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford (Resting) and Keemo Paul (injured), Guyana will also be without left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer who is still in Barbados after being hit on his helmet in the last round.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, who missed the last game due minor injury, and need another nine wickets for 250 Regional First-Class victims, while Left-arm spinner Permaul has eight wickets so far and should do the bulk of

bowling for Guyana if the Red Force makes a big score.

Sinclairs off-breaks needs to be a bit more attacking in spin, pace and line in four-day day cricket if he hopes to take wickets at this level. But at 20 he is still learning his art and he is a work in progress.

Renaldo Mohammed has been included in the squad but Guyana could leave out him and Joshua Persuad today and replace Reifer with Bishoo.

Only Jamaicas Paul Palmer (262) has more runs than Bravo (199), arguable the best batsman in the West Indies when in top form. The elegant left-hander could be Guyanas biggest threat in this game.

Bravo will look for support from Da Silva (193), Cariah, Mohammed, Jeremy Solozano and Kegan Simmons.

Akeal Hosein is the tournaments leading bowler with 15 wickets, while Oden Smith and Brian Charles both have six wickets and along with Hinds the new kid on the block, could offer pace support.

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Thursday January 23, 2020

FIFA reports show further upward trend in both mens and womens transfer markets

Global Transfer Market Report FIFA has just released the new edition of the Global Transfer Market Report. For the second consecutive year, it is offered in two versions: one covering mens football and another covering womens football.The two reports provide detailed data on the global international transfer activity at professional football clubs around the world throughout 2019.Key statistics from the mens report: * Spending reached a new high of USD 7.35 billion, 5.8% more than in 2018 * A new record was set with 18,042 international transfers, which involved 15,463 players of 178 different nationalities * 80% of all spending on transfer fees came from 100 clubs combined * Portugal had the largest positive net balance with USD 384.0 million. England had the largest negative net balance with USD -549.9 million * More than one in every four transfers of players under 18 included sell-on fees

Key statistics from the womens report: * All-round upward trends, including the number of international transfers (+19.7%), clubs involved (+24.5%) and transfer fees

(+16.3%) * Almost 20% of all transfers involved a player from the USA, by far the most represented nationality in the transfer market * The average contract dura-

tion has grown from 10.5 months in 2018 to 12.1 months in 2019 (+16%)The reports also include summary tables with the volume and value of transfers for each of the 211 FIFA member associations,

FIFA President addresses business leaders at Donald Trump dinner in Davos Gianni Infantino was invited by Donald Trump to make the introduction speech at a dinner hosted by the President of the United States at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and the FIFA President said that he hopes that “the American dream becomes reality…all over the world” when addressing an audience of top business leaders.

The FIFA President also took the opportunity to present Mr Trump with an official FIFA match ball to open his address, stating: “This is just to remind everyone what the real priority is of life. It gives joy and it gives hope to millions and millions of people all over the world. That is all we have to do.”

Mr Infantino referenced the continued economic growth of football in the United States, adding: “America is on the verge of becoming a great soccer power.”

The FIFA President then referenced the competitive spirit of the President of the United States in line with fulfilling the American dream. ”The American dream is something we all need to have,” Mr Infantino said. “All those who love soccer.

The four billion people around the world. We all need to dream this dream and I am

and other information such as transfer types, nationality and age of the players involved, and historical comparisons.”We are happy to once again share the GTM reports for both men and womens football, which clearly reflect the constantly evolving trends in the global transfer market. It is remarkable to see a new record number of transfers in the mens market. We observe as well increasing all-round figures in the womens market, which is

a sign of the positive overall development womens football over the last year which we trust will continue in 2020,” said FIFAs Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Dr Emilio García Silvero.The data published in the FIFA Global Transfer Market Reports is extracted from ITMS, which is used by all 211 FIFA member associations around the globe and over 7,000 professional football clubs for the international transfer of professional football players.

South Korea, Saudi Arabia seal Tokyo Olympics berths

President Trump holds the ball in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right. sure that with your help, President, with your contribution and the contribution of all of you here, we can make sure that the American dream becomes reality, not only in America, as we have seen, but all over the world.”In 2026, USA is set to play a central role in FIFA competitions, as together with Canada and Mexico, it will play host to the largest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup™ finals ever.

Forty-eight teams from all six

continents will feature in the 80-match competition, which is planned to be staged in 16 cities across three countries, thus creating new business opportunities in the host countries and across the w o r l d . ”Its an honour to be involved with bringing the World Cup to the United States,” President Trump replied.

“I was involved as president-elect and even a little bit before that, but they called and they said, could you help.

And through yourself (Mr Infantino) and your people, [FIFA] chose the United States, and were bringing some games to Mexico, and… to Canada, and it will be tremendous. ”I really appreciate it, and I appreciate your steadfast movement,” the President of the United States concluded.

“Its going to be very exciting... I want to thank you very much. You have been my great friend, and it has been an honour.”

BANGKOK (Reuters) South Korea and Saudi Arabia claimed two of Asias three places in the Olympic soccer tournament in Japan later this year after reaching the final of the Asian Under23 Championship yesterday.

The Koreans beat Australia 2-0, a victory that was more comprehensive than the scoreline suggests, while Saudi Arabia edged past Uzbekistan 1-0 to book their place at the Olympics for the first time since 1996.

Despite dominating against Graham Arnolds side, Kim Hak-bums impressive Korean team had to wait until 11 minutes into the second half before opening the scoring when Kim Dae-won converted from close range after Lee You-hyeons initial shot came back off the post.

Lee Dong-gyeong added a second 20 minutes later to earn the Koreans one of the three places available for the continent at the Tokyo 2020 Games, which will be held in July and August, and main-

tain the countrys run of qualifying for every Olympics since 1988.

The Saudis booked their berth in Tokyo with victory over Uzbekistan in the opening semi-final.

Nasser Al Omrans strike from distance took a deflection off Abdullah Al Hamdan and wrong-footed Uzbek goalkeeper Abduvakid Nematov before nestling in the net.

The win ended Saudi Arabias 24-year absence from the Olympics, having not qualified for the finals since appearing at the Atlanta Games.Saudi Arabia will face the Koreans in the final of the Asian Under-23 Championship on Sunday while Uzbekistan and Australia will meet on Saturday, with the winner taking the continents third and final place at the Olympics.

Japan, who made a shock early exit from the competition in the group phase, qualify automatically for the Games as hosts.

Thursday January 23, 2020

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‘I literally was competing only Farah to face Bekele in Big Half with white players’ - Jonty Rhodes race in London (Reuters) - Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah will begin his Tokyo Games preparations by going headto-head with Kenenisa Bekele at the Big Half race in March, organizers said yesterday.

Farah, who has won the previous two editions of the half marathon event in London, faces a tough battle to keep his streak intact against Ethiopian Bekele the secondfastest marathon runner of all-time.

After competing as a marathon runner for the last two years, Farah has decided to return to the track in a bid to complete an Olympic hat-trick in the 10,000m race in Tokyo.

He has not featured on the track since the 2017 world championships, but confirmed he will begin his season by continuing on the road at the Big Half on March 1.

“I am really looking forward to coming back to the Big Half and kicking off my 2020 season,” said Farah.

“Everyone knows how much I enjoy racing in London. Its my home city and it always gives me a buzz to come back and race here.”

Bekele, the world record holder for both 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, produced a stunning 2:01:41 run in Berlin last September but missed the marathon world record by

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele wins the men’s elite race at the Berlin marathon.

(REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke) two seconds.

The 37-year-old believes the Big Half gives him an opportunity to compete against a strong field before he takes on world record holder Eliud Kipchoge at Aprils London Marathon.

“This will be my first time racing at the Big Half and it will be a good test for me as I prepare for the London Marathon,” Bekele added.

Farah and Bekele will lead the field that also includes Kenyan Marius Kipserem, who set a new course record to win the Rotterdam Marathon last year.

Britain’s Mo Farah in action during the men’s marathon. (REUTERS/ Mike Segar/File Photo)

WADA provisionally suspends Moscow lab for ‘serious violation’

MOSCOW (Reuters) The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said yesterday it had provisionally suspended the status of Moscows anti-doping laboratory that had allowed it to analyse athlete biological passports (ABP) as Russias doping scandal continues.

The move comes little more than a month after WADA barred Russians from competing under their countrys flag at major international events for four years as punishment for having provided it with doctored laboratory data.Russias appeal against the sanctions, which also bar it from hosting or bidding for major events, will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).WADA said in a statement that the Moscow laboratory would not be allowed to carry out “any work related to the analysis of blood samples in connection with the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program” pending disciplinary proceedings.WADA said its Laboratory Expert Group had deemed Moscows deletion

ESPNcricinfo - Jonty Rhodes, the former South Africa batsman, has admitted that he might not have been picked to play for his country had it not been for white privilege.

“I certainly benefited from the fact that I wasn’t really competing with 50% of the population,” Rhodes said in a recent interaction with The Hindu, Deccan Herald and The New Indian Express in Bengaluru. “I literally was competing only with the white players.

“You talk about white privilege and it raises a lot of heat and debate on social media but it is the case. I’m very aware of that. My cricketing statistics as a player were very average when I was selected.

“If I was competing with the rest of the country then possibly I wouldn’t have been picked. And I would not have been diving around the field.”

Rhodes was part of the first, mostly white generation of post-Apartheid South Africa internationals.

The racial composition of the team has changed in the years since, with quotas coming into place for players of colour.

The current transformation target for the national team is for six players of colour, including two black Africans, to feature per match, averaged over a season.

Rhodes is in full support of transformation quotas.

“We in South Africa have a legacy of apartheid,” he said. “How many generations does it take to address that?

You still have disadvantaged communities based on race.

So they might have political freedom but they don’t have economic freedom.”

The process of transfor-

Jonty Rhodes takes an incredible flying catch. (Adrian Murrell / © Getty Images)

mation hasn’t been straightforward, with several players, mostly white, giving up on playing for South Africa in order to take up lucrative Kolpak contracts in English county cricket. This has led to a depletion in the pool of talent and experience, particularly at domestic level, which may be one of the reasons behind South Africa’s poor results over recent months.

Since the start of 2019, they have lost a home Test series to Sri Lanka, failed to get past the league stage of the ODI World Cup in England, and suffered a 3-0 Test whitewash on their tour of India. They currently trail England 2-1 in a Test series at home.

Rugby has had a

smoother ride with transformation, and a Springboks team led by Siya Kolisi, their first black captain, and featuring six players of colour, won last year’s World Cup in Japan. Rhodes believes rugby has done a better job than cricket has of reaching out to disadvantaged communities in South Africa.

“The biggest question for me is why in over 20 years have we not produced opportunities for young players in disadvantaged communities,” he said. “It’s not about racism. It’s about equal opportunity and that’s not happening.“ What rugby has done well is in building their structures, working in disadvantaged areas. Cricket has a lot to learn.”

Coco Gauff sets up meeting with ...

A view through a fence, decorated with the Olympic rings, shows a building of the federal state budgetary institution, which houses a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in Moscow. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin) and alteration of laboratory data to be “a serious violation.”The laboratorys full accreditation was revoked in 2015 after a WADA-commissioned report found evidence of institutionalised doping in Russian athletics.

The countrys athletics federation and anti-doping agency RUSADA were also suspended in the wake of the scandal.In 2016 WADA authorized the laboratory to analyse athlete biological

passports (ABP) to ensure the programmes continuity.

However, its right to carry out other anti-doping activities remains revoked.ABP is designed to monitor different biological components that reveal the effects of doping over time.Russia has denied the existence of state-sponsored doping in the country but has at times acknowledged shortcomings in its enforcement of anti-doping regulations.

From page 35 the way she consoled the American youngster that stole the headlines.

Osaka gave Gauff a big hug at the net before inviting her tearful opponent to stay on the court with her to speak to the crowd. The Japanese even apologised for playing so well against her.

Gauff is looking forward to the re-match.

“She’s a great competitor so I think it’s going to be a good match,” said the American, who is playing in just her third Grand Slam and making her debut at the Australian Open.Barty, Wozniacki & Kvitova through Australian Barty, who

reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park last year, eased to a 6-1 6-4 victory against Slovenia’s Polona Hercog in just over an hour.

Caroline Wozniacki recovered from going 5-1 down in the opening set to win 7-5 7-5 and put off her impending retirement for at least another match.

The 2018 champion won six games in a row to clinch the opening set and also went 3-0 down in the second before mounting a comeback against Ukrainian 23rd seed Dayana Yastremska.

The Dane, 29, will face Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who beat British number one Johanna Konta in her open-

ing match, in the third round.

Meanwhile, Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova, who was beaten by Osaka in last year’s final, progressed with a 7-5 7-5 victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa.

American 14th seed Sofia Kenin saw off compatriot and wildcard Ann Li 6-1 6-3, while Germany’s Julia Goerges knocked out Croatia’s 13th seed Petra Martic in a 4-6 6-3 7-5 victory.

In her final season before retirement, Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro won her firstround match against Belarusian 11th seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (8-6) to set up a meeting with Polish 18-year-old Iga Swiatek.

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Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

New GASA President Goodridge calls for support as he aims to expand the sport

By Zaheer Mohamed Newly elected President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Brian Goodridge is calling on support from the business community as he aims to take the sport to another level.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Goodridge who was elected to the post last September said there are lots of areas in the sport that need much emphasis.

One such area is to expand the pool of swimmers whereas more emphasis can be placed on camps. “We would like to give more support to the children in Linden and other areas so that the sport can expand, but this is proving to be very difficult due to the financial constraints, so I am calling on the business community to lend support so we can render assistance to the swimmers in these areas,” he posited.

Goodridge indicated that they are also hoping to have the support of the parents so that they can host fund raising activities. “We are working towards paying off our debts so we can give the children more exposure which will

The newly elected body of GASA and the NSC will be looking to expand their annual swimming camps. help them to develop.”

He explained that they are working to have a better financial reporting and filing system in place. “To date we have trained three members of the team to utilise the financial tool QuickBooks, compliments of PPDI and Zamcorp”.

Goodridge added that

they want to re-introduce water polo at the club level and to have a timing system for the swimming pool at the National Aquatic Centre.

“We have had the support of the National Sports Commission for the utilisation of the facility for our office, so we are happy for this.”

While the GASA have their annual tournaments, the NSC usually hosts camps for the young and aspiring swimmers during the school vacation and the President stated that they are working to expand on these camps as well.

Currently, the GASA are working on putting together

a team for the Carifta games which is set for April and the President feels that with the help from the Government and business sector, more talent can be unearthed.

He expressed gratitude to the clubs and for electing him in office and urged his fellow executive to work col-

lectively for the growth of swimming.

The other executive members are: Elke Rodrigues- Vice President Admin., Shefetah Tzedeq Vice President Technical, Yelema Phillips Secretary, Valmikki Singh Treasurer, Renee Charles Assistant Secretary Treasurer.

Captain Stafanie Taylor, who missed the T20 series against India through injury, is also fit again and back at the helm.Chief selector Ann Browne-John said the return of Taylor and Dottin, who bowls sharp medium pace, was a filip for the side, especially with the experienced new-ball fast-bowling pair of Connell and Shakera Selman both also fit again.

“The World Cup squad continues to show a blend of experience and young emerging players,” BrowneJohn said.

“It is boosted by the return of captain Stafanie Taylor who was out of the T20 series against India through injury. We are also pleased to welcome back Deandra Dottin who made such a big impact on International cricket in the past few years until she was sidelined by injury. “The two experienced fast bowlers Connell and Selman who have also been on the injured list are now are back in the squad.”

Twenty-year-old Guyanese Fraser is the only uncapped player in the squad while Kirby, 32, played the last of her six international matches 12 years ago.

Cooper featured for West Indies for most of last year

but missed the India series.

Browne-John praised the inclusion of both Kirby and Fraser, noting they were both expected to be assets.

“Lee Ann Kirby returns to the team after an extended absence but she has shown herself to be a prolific scorer,” she said.

“In addition, the introduction of the young fast bowler Cherry-Ann Fraser is ideal for the Australian pitches which are generally fast with some bounce. The team has the experience and talent to excel at the World Cup.”West Indies have been installed in Group B of the event alongside England, South Africa, Pakistan and Thailand.

The 2016 champions, the Windies reached the semifinals of the last tournament staged in the Caribbean before going out to eventual champions Australia.

SQUAD Stafanie Taylor (captain), Anisa Mohammed (vice captain), Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Lee-Ann Kirby, Britney Cooper, Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman, Sheneta Grimmond, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Aaliyah Alleyne.

Archer closer to recall Dottin returns for T20 World Cup after impressing in nets JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - England paceman Jofra Archer will get one more day to prove his fitness for a place in the team for the final test against South Africa but he is staking a strong claim for a recall, assistant coach Graham Thorpe said yesterday.

An elbow injury kept the 24-year-old out of the last two tests, which England won to take a 2-1 lead in the series going into the final encounter starting at The Wanderers tomorrow.

“Jofra had good rhythm and bowled nice and quick today,” Thorpe told reporters after yesterdays net session.

“Thats where we want Jof to be. He looks good, but he will have to come in again tomorrow and back it up.

“The elbow problem has been a big issue for him. You cant force that, you have to wait for the player to be confident with it.”

Archer would likely thrive on a pacey pitch in Johannesburg and if he is fit that would pose a selection dilemma for coach Chris Silverwood and captain Joe Root.Mark Wood and Chris

England’s Jofra Archer during nets last year.

(REUTERS/Ross Setford/File Photo) Woakes are also in contention along with off-spinner Dom Bess, who took a maiden test five-wicket haul in the emphatic innings win in the third test at Port Elizabeth which finished on Monday. “ M a r k Wo o d h a s n t played back-to-back test matches for a while but he bowled exceptionally well for us in Port Elizabeth.

He bowled at high speeds of 90mph plus and gave us an X-factor. Well have to see how he is and Im sure Woody will be really honest with us.

“Historically, its a pitch which has good carry and

pace and generally starts softer then quickens up. It has that carry which bowlers, batters and spinners alike enjoy,” he added.

“It would be tough if Bess didnt play this test. He has done himself no harm, though, in the way he has come into the set-up and the way hes bowled.

“Hes progressed from the last time I saw him about six months ago and when you perform it gives you confidence.

So we wont rush straight into a decision. It will be nice to have all those options on the table,” said Thorpe.

ST JOHNS, Antigua, CMC Fit-again all-rounder Deandra Dottin is poised to play her first international in 12 months after being recalled to the Caribbean side for next month s Womens Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

The 28-year-old Barbadian was sidelined for most of last year, having picked up a shoulder injury and then forced to undergo surgery.

Dottin, the regions most experienced Windies womens player with 110 T20 Internationals, returned to action during a franchise tournament in Trinidad last month before resuming active Windies training during the preWorld Cup camp in recent weeks.

She is one of several changes to the squad which faced India in a five-match series last November, with Lee-Ann Kirby, Britney Cooper, Shamilia Connell and Cherry-Ann Fraser all called up for the February 21 to March 8 campaign.

Veteran Stacy-Ann King, recalled last year following a three-year break, has been axed again while Kyshona Knight, Natasha McLean and Shabika Gajnabi have all been also left out.

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Imperious Federer thumps Gibson named Tigers bowling coach Krajinovic to set up Millman show MELBOURNE (Reuters) Roger Federer displayed imperious form to canter into the third round of the Australian Open yesterday with a 6-1 64 6-1 thumping of Serb Filip Krajinovic, leaving the 20time Grand Slam champion feeling a “little bit sorry” for his opponent.

Starting his match at around 2100 local time under the closed roof of Rod Laver Arena, the Swiss appeared to be in a hurry to finish the contest, breaking his opponents serve twice in the first two sets and thrice in the third.

Krajinovic took a medical timeout to have his right upper arm attended with Federer leading 2-1 in the third set but it made no difference to the 38-year-olds momentum.

He breezed through the next four games and hit a crosscourt forehand winner his 42nd of the night - to end the contest in a little over 90 minutes.

Krajinovics first outing against a top-five player at a Grand Slam ended up being a forgettable occasion.

The 41st-ranked player had his first-round match against Quentin Halys postponed due to rain on Monday and faced Federer after needing almost four hours to battle past the French qualifier in five sets on Tuesday.

“I thought it wasnt 100% fair that he played three-anda-half hours yesterday and me zero,” Federer said in an on-court interview. “The rain helped me. I do feel a little bit sorry actually like this but you

Former West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during the match against Serbia’s Filip Krajinovic.

(REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) have to take advantage of it.”

Krajinovics first serve percentage in the first two sets was almost 90%, which Federer called “rare”. But it had no impact on the outcome of the match.

Unlike his main rivals, Federer, who won his last major title in 2018 at Melbourne Park, opted out of the inaugural ATP Cup in Australia to spend more time with his family before launching his 22nd season on Tour.

“I prefer this much more than (being) overcooked,” Federer told reporters. “As easy as it looks, theres always the effort, trying to extend the lead.

“Of course, its not quite

the same stress level if youre down a set or a break or two sets, whatever it may be. I prefer it this way because you have always extra left in the tank if you need it.”

Next up for Federer will be a meeting against local hope John Millman, who beat him in four sets at the 2018 U.S. Open.

“Hes a super good guy, unbelievably tough opponent,” Federer said. “There are not many fitter guys than him out there and those are the guys I respect the most, actually.“He gets absolutely the most out of the game and I hope it is going to be a great match with some great rallies.”

Mathews hits double hundred to pile pressure on Zimbabwe AFP - Angelo Mathews struck his highest Test score with an unbeaten double century yesterday as Sri Lanka left Zimbabwe battling to save the series opener going into the final day at Harare.

Former skipper Mathews eclipsed his previous Test best of 160 and finished 200 not out after a marathon knock spanning 468 balls, as Sri Lanka declared their first innings on 515 for nine.

Zimbabwe, playing their first Test since November 2018, ended the fourth day on 30 without loss and trailing by 127 runs after Brian Mudzinganyama was drafted in as a concussion substitute for opener Kevin Kasuza.

Debutant Kasuza, who made 63 in the first innings, suffered a delayed concussion after he took a blow to the helmet while fielding at short leg on Tuesday.

Mudzinganyama became the fourth Zimbabwean to make his Test debut in this match. He was unbeaten on 14 with Prince Masvaure 15 not out at stumps.

The 32-year-old Mathews brought up his 10th Test century, his first since December 2018, in the morning session and steadily added to his total with considerable support from Dhananjaya de Silva and Niroshan Dickwella.

He was dropped shortly after reaching his ton when wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva was unable to hold a difficult chance off left-arm spinner Ainsley Ndlovu.

De Silva and Dickwella both scored 63 but two quick wickets for Sikandar Raza, who finished with three for 62, hastened the declaration as Mathews reached 200 with a sweep to the square leg boundary.

With one day remaining, the visitors appear the only team capable of victory although the pitch looks likely to have the final say.

The two-Test tour was only announced by the Sri Lankan cricket board last week.

Zimbabwe were readmitted as an ICC member in October following a three-month suspension over political interference.

The Sri Lanka games represent their first Tests since a 1-1 series draw in Bangladesh in November 2018.

Zimbabwe last played a Test at home against the West Indies in October 2017.

Scores: Zimbabwe 358 and 30 for 0 (Masvaure 15*, Mudzinganyama 14*) trail Sri Lanka 515 for 9 dec (Mathews 200*, Mendis 80, Raza 3-62, Nyauchi 3-69) by 127 runs.

DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC Former West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson has signed a two-year deal to become the new Bangladesh bowling coach, replacing South African Charl Langeveldt who resigned last month.

Barbadian Gibson, 50, was sacked as South Africa coach following last year ICC World Cup in England after a two-year stint, and most recently oversaw the Cumilla Warriors franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League which ended last week.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive,

Nizam Chowdhury, said Gibsons “tremendous experience” would make him a pivotal member of the sides coaching staff.

“He brings in tremendous experience and has coached or played all over the world. He has also had the opportunity to observe Bangladesh cricket from close,” said Chowdhury.

“I am sure he will be a very valuable addition to the Bangladesh Teams coaching group.”

There will be no honeymoon period for Gibson as Bangladesh take on Pakistan in a three-match Twenty20 International series in Lahore from January 24-27.

The squad is scheduled to leave here yesterday.

Gibson took over as West Indies coach in 2010, subsequently overseeing the first capture of the ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka two years later.

He was controversially fired two years later and returned to the role of England bowling coach in 2015, a position in which he had previously served between 2007-2010.

Gibson played two Tests and 15 ODIs for West Indies between 1995 and 1999.

Blessed Woods admits age is affecting his game

Tiger Woods plays a tee shot on the 7th hole during The Challenge: Japan Skins golf competition at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club. (Matt Roberts-USA TODAY Sports) SAN DIEGO (Reuters) Tiger Woods has acknowledged age is increasingly affecting his game but said on Tuesday he was in a good place as he bids for a recordbreaking 83rd PGA Tour victory in Torrey Pines this week.

The American, who makes his season debut at the Farmers Insurance Open today, said he was blessed to be competing after back injuries threatened to end his storied career.

“When I was younger, I had more good days than bad,” Woods told reporters on a cloudy day at the oceanside course.

“Now that Im 44, I feel more bad days than I do good days. I think all of you who are my age or older can relate to that,” he said with a smile.

“Thats the hardest part of being an older athlete.”

The 15-time major champion said he did not get bogged down thinking about

what might have been if injuries and surgeries had not sidelined him for stretches of his career.

“There were a number of years where I didnt compete and didnt play so those were some missed opportunities,” he said.

“But granted, Im playing again now so these are blessed opportunities. I didnt think I would have these.”

Despite his veteran status, Woods said keeping his cool was a key to his success since he can no longer overpower the field with his driver like he did in his prime.

“Managing adrenaline takes a little bit of time,” said Woods, who matched Sam Sneads long-held record of 82 PGA Tour wins at the Zozo Championship in October.

“Im so amped up to play that I really have to dumb myself down. Sometimes I need to take a step back and calm down before Im ready.”

Woods marveled at being paired this week with 22-yearold rising star Collin Morikawa, who was not even born when Woods turned professional.

“Thats one of the neat things about this sport. It does not just encompass a few years,” he said.

“To be considered a good player in football, maybe you can get to a decade of playing in the league. Here were measured by decades played, which is very different.

“Arnold (Palmer) and Jack (Nicklaus) and Gary (Player) have been pro for over 50 years.

“Its a different sport but its neat to see the young kids come out.”

World number six Woods this week will battle a starstudded field including defending champion Justin Rose, four-times major winner Rory McIlroy and three-times major winner Jordan Spieth.

PAGE 34

Thursday January 23, 2020

Kaieteur News

CWIs PCL Four-day league

Jaguars aim to hurt Red Force at Providence Ali-Mohamed in for injured Reifer

By Sean Devers Off of contrasting results from their last matches, leaders Trinidad & Tobagos Red Force face-off with five-times defending Champions Guyana in their own backyard in the third round of the 2020 Regional First-Class season from 10:00hrs today at Providence.

At the Kensington Oval in Barbados, the Bajans secured a seven-wicket win against Guyana, while the Red Force blew away the Leewards by an innings and 168 runs in South Trinidad.

T&T are early leaders with 29.6 points after drawing their opening game against Jamaica in Trinidad, while the Jaguars mauled the Leewards by 10 wickets in Antigua in the first round and are in fourth place with 24.8 points.

Last season the Trinis were one of three teams that managed to beat the 11 times Champions; their last five

titles coming in consecutive years, while last years win in Port-of-Spain was T&Ts only win against Guyana in 10 matches.

Trinidad & Tobago has won five titles but none since Daren Ganga led them to the 2006 Carib Beer title and today they battle the Jaguars, back in familiar conditions after several of their batsmen were hit with short balls on a two-paced track in Barbados.

Both teams will be without their West Indies players who have been allowed to miss this round after competing against Ireland.

The Red Force comes to South America with a powerful batting line up which produced totals of 552-9 declared against the Leewards and 4604 declared against Jamaica who made the other 400 total when they scored 404-8 declared against the Windwards.

Guyanas 388 in Antigua is fifth highest total after Barba-

Vishaul Singh who made 79 in Barbados will hope to score a century today against the Red Force at Providence.

dos made 389 against the Guyanese.

In a tournament that has produced eight centuries in the first two rounds, a major worry for the Jaguars is that although five batsmen have scored half-centuries, none has converted to a three-figure score.

In contrast, Daren Bravo, Joshua De Silva, Yannick Cariah and Terrence Hinds (batting at number nine) have all scored centuries for the Red Force.

The tournaments highest partnership is 160 and was made twice by Red Force batsmen (Da Silva & Cariah for the 5th wicket) and (Bravo & Jason Mohammed for the 3rd wicket), while Chris Barnwell and Raymon Reifer who put together 111 for the 5th wicket in Antigua is the only Guyanese pair to register a three-figure stand.

The Red Force have travelled with an unchanged squad from their last match and their Coach, former Test pacer Mervyn Dillion said that although his teams batting has been producing big scores, Guyana have always been a tough team to beat.

“Last year was the first time that we have beaten them since this Franchise League started and on their home pitch we are in for a fight. We have not won a First-Class title in last 15 years but we are ready for this match and will try our best to maintain our lead in the tournament,” said the 45-year-old Dillon who taken 131 wickets from 38 Tests.

When asked about the importance of Daren Bravo to the Red Force?

Dillion explained that while Bravos experience and present form adds value to the team, Bravo is not the T&T Red Force team and he expects if everyone can play as a team and contribute their best effort this could be the year his charges can break their long Championship drought.

Today on a track with far less bounce than the one in Barbados and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Guyana s leading run scorer with 146 runs from four innings could be very hard to dislodge if he bats in his usual ultra-cautious manner.

Kevin Sinclair thinks he has Anthony Bramble LBW during yesterday practice at Providence.

Watched by Umpire former Windies all-rounder Carl Tuckett and Kevin Sinclair, Devendra Bishoo bowls in yesterday’s practice at Providence. Coach Esaun Crandon is also in the photo.

His unbeaten 66 in Antigua lasted 404 minutes but despite him being the glue that holds the innings together he will want to rotate the strike a bit more and go on to get a century after reaching fifty twice so far.

Chanderpaul Hemraj is one the five batsmen with a fifty and his positive strokeplay makes him the ideal partner for the rock solid Chanderpaul.

Skipper Leon Johnson is another batsman who has failed to carry-on from a fifty and will want to lead from the front with bat, while Barnwell who made 82 in Antigua is batting well and a lot will be depended on him.

Vishaul Singh (who made 79 in Barbados) and Anthony Bramble and Kevin Sinclair, who made his debut in Barbados and looked good and along with Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul and Nial Smith, are capable of contributing important runs.

Rookie pacer Nial Smith (10 Wkts) has the second (Continued on page 29)

The match officials for today’s game with the Curator on the match pitch at Providence yesterday.

Thursday January 23, 2020

PAGE 35

Kaieteur News

Dandrade places Coco Gauff sets up meeting with defending second in Chinmaya champion Naomi Osaka Mission 5k BBC Sport - American t e e n a g e r C o c o G a u ff recovered from a set down to set up a meeting with defending champion Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open last 32.World number one Ashleigh Barty also reached the third round on Wednesday.

Japanese third seed Osaka put a “childish” outburst behind her to beat Saisai Zheng 6-2 6-4 before 15-year-old Gauff saw off Romania’s Sorana Cirstea.

The world number 67 was 3-0 down in the deciding set but fought back to win 4-6 6-3 7-5 in two

Lionel DAndrade (L) with Christopher Mitchell and George Smith on the podium.

Guyanese athlete Lionel DAndrade finished second in the Chinmaya Mission 5k race which took place on Sunday last in Trinidad and Tobago.

DAndrade clocked 17 minutes and 34 seconds, while Christopher Mitchell of

Trinidad and Tobago won the event in 17.28 and George Smith also of the host nation placed third in 17.38.

DAndrade, who is being sponsored by Builders Lumber Yard, will be in action again on Saturday.

BQCS Guyana Masters Squash Tournament starts today The Guyana Squash Association will be serving off 2020 with a new addition to its calendar; the first BCQS Guyana Masters Championship. Sponsored by property and development company BCQS International, the tournament will host squash masters from Barbados, Tortola, Jamaica and of course home shore, Guyana.

From today, 26 players will contest in categories’ Women’s over 35, Men’s over 35, over 45, over 55 and over 65 to show mature athletes still have the ability to perform in this ultimate court game. From young Masters to VETs, the line up of players promises some outstanding play and close battles in the various age groups. Guyana’s long time players Denis Dias and Tony Farnum will be representing in the over 65’s, Narendra Singh, Lloyd Fung A Fat and Wayne Alphonso in over 55s, David Fernandes, Joe Mekdeci for over 45’s, and Regan Pollard in the over 35’s. In the women’s over 35’s Lydia Fraser and Tian Edwards challenge the lone overseas women’s competitor from Barbados.

Having sponsor BCQS International on board for this event is welcomed by GSA as an opportunity to broaden the scope of Masters squash in Guyana and allow those with a lifelong dedication to the sport to showcase their experience and expertise.

Matches begin today at 5:00pm at the Georgetown Club Camp Street. Play will continue on Friday from 5:00pm with two sessions on Saturday from 11:00am and 4:00pm. Spectators are welcome to join the championships and enjoy squash at its best.

hours and six minutes.

“It’s amazing,” said Gauff. “Honestly, I didn’t think I would get so much support in Australia. I was down 3-0 and you really made me believe.”

Osaka, 22, went through in straight sets but threw her racquet on the floor and kicked it after China’s Zheng broke her serve in the second.

“My racquet just magically flew out of my hand,” joked Osaka, who won in one hour and 20 minutes.“I couldn’t control it, I think that’s how I dealt with my frustration.“It was a

Coco Gauff is making her first appearance at the Australian Open. (EPA) bit childish. I just want to play one match without throwing my racquet or kicking it. That’s all I want.”

Gauff v Osaka - part two It is the second Grand Slam in a row where Gauff

will play Osaka, who was also the defending champion when the pair met in the US Open third round in September.

The Japanese triumphed 6-3 6-0 that day but it was (Continued on page 29 )

CWIs PCL Four-day league

Jaguars aim to hurt Red Force at Providence

rt o p S

P.30

Ali-Mohamed in for injured Reifer

Leaders Red Force aims to play ‘Team Cricket’ today at Providence.

Renaldo Ali-Mohammed replaces the injured Raymon Reifer in the Jaguars squad for today’s match against T&T. (Sean Devers photos)

Dottin returns Mathews hits double hundred to pile for T20 pressure on Zimbabwe World

Cup

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (C) eclipsed his previous Test best of 160 against England at Headingley in 2014. (AFP / Jekesai Njikizana)

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin.

Coco Gauff sets up meeting with defending champion Naomi Osaka

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