Kaieteur News

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Thursday Edition

Pillion rider NEWS crushed by fuel truck after bike loses control AIETEUR

January 24, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 04 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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

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Executed taxi driver

was witness in Kaieteur News grenade attack

Injured and under guard: Devon Williams

- injured suspects detained after turning up at hospitals Backed by U.S., opposition leader claims Venezuela presidency - Maduro breaks relations with United States

Govt, Ram debate majority GECOM, Chief Whips meeting vote for passage of depends on outcome of no-confidence motion Commission's deliberations Against all odds…

PPP Govt will reopen sugar estates - Jagdeo Appointing AG as External Auditor for Natural Resource Fund a wrong move - NRGI

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 03

Executed taxi driver was witness in Kaieteur News grenade attack - injured suspects detained after turning up at hospitals

P

olice were last night keeping watch over two injured men, who are suspected to be the gunmen who executed taxi driver Kelvin Walters. Walters, a taxi driver, was the key witness in the Kaieteur News grenade attack case.

The suspects, Devon Williams, 32; and Roderick Thomas, 27 were arrested shortly after turning up at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the Woodlands Hospital.

Both men had sustained broken left legs, and police said that one of the suspects has been positively identified. Police believe that the gunmen were injured after Walters managed to ram his vehicle into the killers' CG motorcycle just as he was shot.

Kaieteur News understands that one of the men told police that he was run over by a car. Police have swabbed the hands of both suspects for traces of gunpowder.

Police also recovered a fully-loaded 9mm Taurus pistol at the scene.

Williams, of James Street, Albouystown, was charged in 2008 for armed robbery and abduction, while police had detained Thomas and two others following a high-speed chase at Industry, East Coast Demerara.

While police sources confirmed that Walters was a witness to the June 2016 attempted grenade attack outside Kaieteur News, investigators said they are still seeking a motive.

Indications are that the killers had kept Walters under surveillance for some time, since one of the suspects was allegedly recently spotted near the victim's Lot 242 Forshaw Street, Queenstown residence.

Walters, 38, was gunned down by two men on a CG motorcycle around 19:30 hrs on Tuesday, while driving south along the eastern carriageway of the East

Injured and under guard: Devon Williams Bank Demerara Public Road.

Police said that he was in the vicinity of Two Brothers Service Station when two men on a motorcycle turned in front of his vehicle.

The pillion rider then whipped out a handgun and shot Walters in his face.

Although wounded, Walters struck down the suspects who fled the scene on foot, leaving their motorcycle and 9mm Taurus pistol, with 14 rounds, at the scene.

Walters was rushed to the GPHC where he was

Executed: Kelvin Walters

pronounced dead on arrival.

“The two suspects, one of whom was already positively identified, have been arrested and are under guards at a private medical institution. “Both suffered injuries consistent with that of a motor vehicle accident,” police said.

CCTV footage showed one of the gunmen hopping north along the East Bank Demerara Public Road.

Testifying in the October 2016 preliminary inquiry into the grenade throwing incident outside Kaieteur

News, Walters had stated that he had seen the accused, Alfie Garraway, give a live grenade to Shemar Wilson, who is still wanted for the June 4, attack.

Walters had testified that Garraway had stated that the explosive device was to be thrown at the publisher's Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). Walters had also told the court that he was present at Garraway's home at the time.

Janeil Howard, 20, of 322 Section 'C' Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara; Alfie

Fuel truck crushes pillion rider after bike loses control

A

La Parfaite Harmonie teenaged father is dead after he was thrown under the wheels of a fuel truck on the West Bank Demerara yesterday.

The horrific accident left family and friends of John Walcott, called 'Redman', 19, in deep mourning.

According to reports, the fatal accident occurred around 11:45hrs on the Goed Intent public road.

Also involved in the accident was motor lorry, GJJ 3746 owned

by Jaikishan Naipaul of Nismes Village, West Bank Demerara. It was driven by Ramnarine Singh, a 42-year-old Sisters Village man.

The motorcycle, CH 4244, was said to be owned by Walcott but

ridden at the time by Orin Parris, 26, of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the motorcycle was proceeding south with Walcott on the pillion.

Witnesses said that it was going at a fast rate. Others claimed it was doing stunts.

At they negotiated a left turn, the rider lost control of the motorcycle.

Walcott, sensing danger, decided to jump off and ended up under the truck wheels, which ran over his head.

Parris reported fell with the motorcycle on the roadway injuring himself and causing

significant damage to the bike.

The two were both taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where Walcott was pronounced dead while Parris was treated.

The lorry and driver were both taken to the police station while the damaged bike was also lodged.

Witnesses said that the rider and pillion passenger were not wearing safety helmets at the time of accident.

It is reported that further investigation is in progress.

According to reports, Walcott recently became a father and was involved in a serious motorcycle accident less than a year ago. He was warned to be careful.

Garraway, 36, of Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown; and Leroy Williams, 25, of 11 D'Urban Backlands, are accused of conspiring together with other persons to cause an explosion by way of grenade, likely to endanger lives and cause damage to property.

Garraway is currently out on $300,000 High Court bail. The other accused remain on remand.

According to reports, on the day in question, a security staffer heard an unusual sound coming from near Lall's vehicle PRR 8398, which was parked on the western side of Saffon Street.

On checking the front of the vehicle, the staffer spotted a grenade lying near one of the front tyres.

Video footage from the company's CCTV cameras showed a grey-coloured vehicle, slowing as it approached Lall's vehicle.

The driver accelerated after the explosive device was thrown.

Dead: John Walcott, 19

Pic filed as john Walcott aka redman Pic filed as truck dead The body under the truck

Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 24, 2019

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

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

EDITORIAL

PREPARING FOR DENGUE FEVER

It seems that the Dengue fever which struck the Caribbean, including Guyana in 2009 is back in the region again. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has urged Governments across the region to prepare for the possibility of a severe outbreak of the mosquito borne Dengue fever.Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted via the bite of mosquitoes of the species Aedes Aegypti, and sometimes also by Aedes Albopictus. It most commonly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, including the Asia-Pacific, Central American and Caribbean regions.Since the last major regional outbreak of Dengue fever in the Caribbean, the region has experienced two large outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases—Chikungunya in 2014 and Zika in 2016— which are unlikely to reoccur anytime soon.The measures used for controlling the spread of Dengue fever are the same as those used for Zika and Chikungunya as these diseases are also transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes can survive subfreezing temperatures, which has allowed dengue to spread to cooler climates.Before 1970, only nine countries had experienced severe dengue epidemics. Today, the disease is widespread in more than 100 countries worldwide.

About half of the world’s population is at risk for dengue infection, and an estimated 500,000 people with severe dengue fever would require hospitalization each year. The mortality rate is about 2.5 percent.

CARPHA has also advised governments in the region to implement enhanced safety measures to reduce mosquito breeding sites such as man-made containers like drums, tires, flowerpots, and water containers.

Experts have contended that the most effective way to avoid becoming ill from the viruses and to prevent them from spreading is to cover all open drums and tanks, clean all gutters to allow the free flow of water, remove stagnant water sources, properly dispose of used vehicle tyres, and empty bottles and buckets.

According to CARPHA, last year, there has been a Dengue outbreak in several Latin American countries and more recently in Jamaica. Over the years, mosquito-borne diseases have threatened the health of the people, tourism, social and economic development of the Caribbean.

It is a global health problem and like Zika and Chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease.

However, non-specific treatments include rest; daily intake of plenty of fluids; and the use of paracetamol to control fever and pain but not aspirin or non-steroidal antiinflammatory medicines which could increase the risk of bleeding.With the arrival of the rainy season within a few months, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified. Governments in the region, in particular, the Ministries of Health, are advised to increase health promotion messages to prevent mosquitos biting and breeding sites; intensify vector surveillance and control and disseminate appropriate clinical care and treatment guidelines.Dengue fever is an infectious disease that can cause life-threatening illness or milder flu-like illness. It affects infants, young children and adults. The risk for severe dengue increases with each infection.

It cannot be spread directly from person to person, only by mosquito bites. Its symptoms which are wide ranging typically begin four to ten days after infection by a mosquito.

They include a high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, a metallic taste in the mouth, muscle and joint pains pain particularly affecting the ankles, knees and elbows, minor bleeding from the nose and gums, extreme fatigue and a characteristic skin rash.Medical experts have cautioned that those with a preexisting non-communicable or chronic disease would be at greater risk if they contract dengue. The disease is not usually fatal, however, in some cases, it could lead to death, especially among infants, young children and those with chronic diseases.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

What positives a national front government?

DEAR EDITOR, I first tabled some strain of national government over a decade and half ago. I still strongly believe that it furnishes the operating table of near-term relief followed by a lengthier period to reflect on rehabilitation of a nation. And then to position it to stand on its feet and contemplate, if not create, a new vision on a more satisfactory and manageable existence, given what was experienced and since learned.

Today, I offer in very simple strokes what I think could be the benefits of shared governance, with a word on the inherent dangers.

Economy: the sectors that separate or sit-down on their hands and energies (including investments and expansions) may be motivated to roll up sleeves and perform.

The commitment that diminishes, or grows lukewarm, or is withheld may loosen and be more forthcoming, as in the registering of an upward spiral in numbers, profits, foreign exchange, and state revenues.

The incentive - racial and political - will not disappear; it would be appealed to better, managed better, and with political and constituent principals feeling that they have a definite and meaningful stake to make things work.

With universal

representation present at the table, the eternal cry of token scraps and demeaning marginalization ought to be minimized to some extent as to the slicing of the pie.

There are sure to be critics, naysayers, and those so poisoned as to go against the common interests. But I believe in a practical and real material sense that the bureaucratic, on the ground (in the fields), politically inspired resistances and sabotages could lessen, and measurably so.

Danger: it is of those assembled parties divvying up the economic gravy primarily among close cronies and the well-placed and the well-rewarding; and w i t h t h e g r e a t inconsequential multitude left to fend on its own in its perpetually sorry and impoverished state.

Race: racial intolerance, racial tension, and racial distrust will not undergo any sea change. Too widespread, too embedded, too contagious, and too enduring for any slice of such a social and earthly Nirvana. But I do believe that a Unity Government would be hard pressed NOT to attract its respective bases, and to coalesce them under a single flag of purpose; that the mythical one destiny so long bandied about, but which could move however reluctantly, however slowlytoward a concrete hope, a real authentic sense of the promising; and that

Guyanese is, for once in its forlorn history, presented with the opportunity to look at each other as “us” instead of “them.”

It has always been one against the other, winners versus losers, the celebrating versus the despairing. And all the handicaps and calamities that have followed from such a clear, woeful outlook, process, result, and now way of life.

I challenge any and every Guyanese of any colour, any political persuasion to listen to this question (more of a statement and a position), stare hard in the mirror of rationality, practicality, commonsense, and logic, and then answer this: the way of life now lived, the quality of existence on a national social scale, is not of life, but rather is it not that of a slow, strangling death?

Is that not why we rush for the life-giving breath of foreign shores? Any welcoming, promising shore where despite all of our political and tribal loyalties, or perhaps because of them, there is the immediate and continuous need to take a clean resurgent breath elsewhere? Anywhere?

And it has been all because of the unalterable personal attachment and blind collective surrender to a racial and political nexus that has disemboweled first, neutered next, and deboned and denuded and deracinated last.

A careful look would

indicate that over the years and decades, many of those very closely attached to both parties, and who were wellpositioned and wellrewarded compared to the masses, made their way overseas and reenergized.

This was even when their government was in power.

What does that say? What does that indicate about racial allegiance when there is talk of the great Guyanese diaspora so populated with the major segments?

I deliberated ventured slightly to starboard to emphasize that even hardcore loyalists, in good standing, seized the opportunity for flight and the open doors welcoming voluntary sojourners. They were not choiceless asylum seekers hoping for a break, or desperate visa hunters breaching every established legitimate process, protocol, and practice to get far from here.

Again, these were, to some extent, citizens who voted for this or that government, purely as a race-based decision and then sought refuge in exodus, while their own political party was in power. Matters have deteriorated so terribly, and individual will become so degraded, that there is running away from the hauntings inflicted by our own identity, our own ideology and indoctrination, and our own inhumanity.

I have spent too long on (Continued on page 6)

Our Guyana not “Theirs” DEAR EDITOR I have been approached by a few groups who profess to be of “like mind” where my cartoons and their thrust, perspective and intended effect are concerned.

There are others who are not, and while that is the lay of the land (landmines included) which I traverse on a daily basis, I believe that these “like-minded” group(s) while well-intentioned will suffer the consequence of being labelled as ANTI (somebody) and eventually as going against the PNC/PPP status quo.

For 52 years and counting, the PPP/PNC stranglehold on our affairs has brought us to discord, isolation and stagnation. Yet these groups with their “well intended initiatives” have kept us deeply divided and

distrustful in a perverse way by providing “creature comforts.” for 52 years.

The disrespect and callous disdain the PPP/PNC has foisted upon this nation of race-voters need not be empahsised.

Along comes a group of differently thinking people, who hope to link with other “like-minded” thinkers and groups...and the song begins...cumbaya milord, cumbaya...

Groups of those (well meaning) are an excellent way of transmitting to the Dominant Powers that the gross disrespect meted out to its supporters and other citizens must be acknowledged In this world of awareness and informational overload, do NOT FOR ONE SECOND believe that your supporters

AND non-supporters are ignorant of your deeds.

As individuals, having an informed and educated view of the world and its shams and drudgeries we can see and understand by ourselves that reasoning and discernment needs to be a new way of decisionmaking, for our(individual) selves.

I, Paul Harris as a cartoonist am not Antianybody and I am not advocating mayhem and confusion as a solution to our present political and economic quagmire, I am, as an individual advocating PRO-GUYANA. My cartoons advocate letting the PNC/PPP know that I (we) are tired of the B A C K W A R D ,VISIONLESS, ASSININE AND RACIST Governance

you two unleash on OUR Guyana and it is TIME that you LISTEN. If the PNC/PPP grow-up and recognise that this country does NOT belong to “THEM & WE” and stop the negative ethnic and political partisanship that has brought us to this absolute mess, in which we ones who stayed ...and hoped...that the PNC/PPP who think like plantation owners would come to their....senses... could still be ...with ALL the vast potential we’ve been giving away...the Bread Basket it was blessed to be.

The Great John Lennon said “...You may say I’m a Dreamer...but I’m not the only one...” Maybe I am,...

BUT... if I’m alone on this one ...so be it...! All the best Guyana.

Paul Harris

Thursday January 24, 2019

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Kaieteur News

The approach to issues on marijuana should be alternative Let’s plan how we will use society, hence the entire financial landscape sentencing, not legalization masculine all of that oil money to fix famiin the country as it relates to many of the leaders are men, DEAR EDITOR, I wish to respond to Mr. Timothy Mc Intosh’s letter in the Stabroek News of 23 January, 2019, titled ‘Let’s have a good discussion on our approach to marijuana’. Thanks to Mr. McIntosh for the reference to the article from an Online Edition (https:// www.theguardian.com/global-development/2019/jan/ 22/take-power-away-criminal-gangs-legalise-drugs).

I read the article and it was indeed very informative and reinforces the argument for reform of drugs policies. In this instance, it is the legalization of marijuana.

Both Mr. Mc Intosh and Timothy Jonas mentioned countries which have legalized marijuana and have implemented supporting regulations and measures.

The countries mentioned are: Canada, Netherlands (Holland), Portugal and Uruguay.

I would like to inform both gentlemen that in the United Nations Development

Programme, Human Development Index for 2018, under the ‘Very High Human Development’ category, Canada is number 12, Netherlands is at number 10, Portugal at number 41 and Uruguay is at number 55. California is a state in the USA which falls at number 13 in the same category.

Guyana on the other hand, is number at 125 in the ‘Medium Human Development’ category.

Essentially what this means, is that the counties stated in the argument of these two gentlemen, are very highly developed at various levels to, in the first instance, ensure proper legislation and regulations and the effective enforcement of those legislation and regulations. Secondly, the social sectors are highly functional, including proper support and other required systems, such as safety nets.

Additionally, the GDP per capita income for Canada is over 45,000 USD, Netherlands

it is over 48,000 USD, Portugal over 21,000 USD and Uruguay over 16,000 USD, whereas in Guyana, it is over 4,000 USD. This means that in Canada, Netherlands, Portugal and even in Uruguay, there is money to go around; to purchase milk, cheese, bread, school items, transportation, among others; and also to purchase marijuana, if persons so desire. It also means that at this stage of the development and growth of these countries, they have mechanisms to make these decisions without having severe negative impact on their society.

In the case of Guyana, with GDP per capita being over 4,000 USD, our security sector, for example, particularly the private security services, have many of our grandmothers and mothers in their employ, so that these women can support their grandchildren and children.

In the societal cultural context, Guyana is mostly a

A forgotten journey of refugees DEAR EDITOR, I am disheartened to read about refugees dying in the ocean yet again. More than 179 refugees perished in the Mediterranean Sea while crossing for a better and a safer life. Every time I read about the demise of the refugees and none of the major newscasts report, it makes me wonder whether the refugees have lost not only their country but the human dignity.

My humble opinion is that we have gotten used to this sort of news so much that we can just flip news. It is unfortunate that we cannot do much from Guyana. We have been made to hear that refu-

gees are terrorists and criminals. It is imperative that we listen to our inner conscience than strong propaganda voices against the poor refugees.

We must bear in mind that no one wants to be a refugee by choice. Circumstances have led them to that state.

Most refugees are fleeing from war, violence and terrorism.

That means they are looking

for safety and a better life for themselves and more importantly for their children.

This letter might not do any good to these poor refugees, but at least it will bring awareness to the populace that there are people in the sea trying to sail to freedom and safety. Some even pay the ultimate price by laying down their lives.

Jerri Dias

however, when decisions such as legalizing marijuana are made or other similar decisions which may negatively impact families or our children, it is largely the responsibility of our women to deal with and live with the consequences. Our women are bearing and largely raising our society’s children.

They are the ones, mostly dealing with issues of addiction in relation to our children, etc.

Are you saying Mr. Mc Intosh and Mr. Jonas, that if decisions have to be made between purchasing marijuana and milk for the children, that milk will be chosen over an addictive substance?

Another point is that, Guyana is not an island on its own somewhere; it is a part of a regional and (international) community. Guyanese are already subject to all sorts of screening and security impediments when traveling to other countries, if Guyana legalizes marijuana, are we going to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the USA change their laws to accommodate our behaviour?

Guyana is about to become, I think, the 7th highest per capita income country in the world, (I stand to be corrected) as result of our oil and gas industry, this will change

our income earners. Our taxation policy may very well be reassessed, since taxes may not be the main income earner for the Government. Hence, the argument of taxes from a ‘marijuana industry’ may be irrelevant.

Additionally, even though in some countries the use of marijuana is legal, the cultivation is not, in some cases, except with strict regulations. Will the Ministry of Agriculture have a ‘Marijuana Cultivation Department’ to provide support and extension services?

In addition to taxes, would Guyana export marijuana as one of its foreign exchange earners? Would the Guyana Revenue Authority have a ‘Marijuana Tax Collection Department’? Would the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Business have Departments to explore markets and trade agreements and negotiations?

Let’s not be too broad in our attempt to find a solution to this matter, the mischief that Mr. Mc Intosh, Mr. Jonas and ANUG are trying to solve in this case, is the criminalization and incarceration of our young people for small amounts of marijuana; therefore the focus should be on alternative sentencing rather than on legalization.

lies and develop stable homes so that our women do not have to work as security guards in the nights, but have the option of staying at home with their children and grandchildren; nurturing them, assisting with school assignments; and encouraging our young people to build their own homes and businesses instead our using the oil money to purchase more marijuana.

Guyana is the ‘Singapore’ of South America and we have a lot of work to do at the individual, institutional and society level; ANUG has to prioritize its issues to be addressed.

ANUG’s approach to building a constituency should not be allowing our young people to use drugs freely but rather, to focus on strengthening the institution of the family and improving the quality of life of the citizens.

Please don’t give our women another unsolicited burden to carry ANUG. Yours faithfully Citizen Audreyanna Thomas

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Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PPP picked its strongest possible candidate DEAR EDITOR, First off I wish to congratulate Mr Irfaan Ali on his success at being elected Presidential candidate of the PPP/ C. I also wish to commend the unsuccessful candidates for the maturity they have demonstrated thus far, and their recognition that this is just a small part of a larger struggle to remove this corrupt and incompetent APNU+AFC government.

I am reminded of this quote by Dr Jagan, “I don’t think I have reached the pinnacle of my life, for the Presidency is only a means to an end, to attain the end is to attain a sane and safe world, to bring an end to exploitation, suffering and misery, to construct a New Global Human Order. The

struggle will continue.”

Indeed the Presidency is only a means to an end; we must now work diligently to remove this regime and bring an end to all the suffering they have inflicted on our people.

I have seen the narrative of Irfaan’s unsuitability, on several grounds, being peddled by detractors. I also saw expressions of disappointment by PPP supporters. I disagree with all and on several grounds.

Of the three frontrunners for the Presidential candidate slot, I can only give my assessment of two, as Frank Anthony withdrew. This in itself disqualifies him from serious consideration. It shows that he lacks the fortitude and fighting spirit re-

quired to not only confront the APNU+AFC, but also to lead the country.

It is my view that Irfaan represents the strongest choice Ali’s age, his experience in government, his experience in a senior managerial role in his party and his grassroots work make him the best candidate out of the contenders.Once again I wish to congratulate the party and urge that they all work together in the coming days ahead.

All for your consideration Arnold Sanasie

Adventures in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Greetings again from centipede-infested St. Philip, Barbados.

You don’t know me from Adam, and I wouldn’t blame you if I’m dismissed as an opportunistic blowhard.

I truly had some interesting experiences and adventures in Guyana, though.

As you would be aware, Guyana is infested with snakes and alligators. Here is a sample of my encounter with a camoudi (anaconda) My father had a farm, as it were, in the jungle. It was situated about four miles up the Lochaber Canal, which was used, in the past, as a

conduit to supply black water to the residents of New Amsterdam. (Olden days) We usually walked the four miles in from the main road, as the dam along the canal was not suitable for bikes, etc. On occasion, we borrowed small boats for transportation.

On one such occasion, I was pulling a boat with my parents aboard, (faster than paddling).

As I came across a grassy stretch on the dam, with just a narrow path for walking, I saw what looked like a log, stretched across the dam.

Just as I was about to step over it, it made an about turn

and headed into the bushes.

If that huge serpent had opted to attack me, I wouldn’t be here today.

Ps. Not long after that, a guy was attacked by a camoudi while crossing the same canal, in the water, not far from the spot where I encountered the snake.

Could have been the same one!

Yours is a serious newspaper with little or no room for trivia and frivolities. I still think, though, that your readers may find my musings interesting and, at times, entertaining.

All the best!

D. S. Drepaul

What positives a national front government?

From page 4 this, but I do believe that the option of a true racial governance partnership (that leaves no group out) has never been tried, and therefore the peace of mind, the sense of belonging, the spirit of commitment to create from scratch a foundation, and then build a different, more comforting life has never, ever been promoted, or presented, or powered to a place that persuades as to it possibilities.

In my inconsequential opinion, I think that alone would be priceless and serve as part of the missing cement that cannot necessarily bond permanently, but hold together for a time to give a chance to get footing and bearing.

And then some believing and visioning, followed finally by a degree of living.

Really living.

Dangers: First, in this society it has always been where the cult figure or the cast of bigoted diehards predominate and overpower thoughtful, progressive-minded moderates.

The result is: No listening, no reasoning, no mending and reconciling, no moving. Second, there

are those consumed by an u n q u enchable desire for power at any price; thus the national well is poisoned.

Public service: this is about the people behind the counter and before it. Service, serving, and servanthood.

Under the winner-takes-all political system, those in power empower their own; it is embraced and exercised.

Hence, there is taking care of (or treading cautiously with) their own. On the other hand, those perceived to be from the losing, and therefore, uninfluential powerless side, become fodder for ether crass exploitation or routine, casual dismissal.

The blatant money game that stretches its dirty tentacles starts with the lurking touts to the security screeners to the junior customer-facing clerk and up and up in one radioactive mushrooming edifice after another of the venal and the victimizing. Today, it is almost colourblind, though still politically sensitive.

A shared governance structure encompasses a vaster, less racially pronounced presence officially belonging inside the building, and arguably a more vibrant public, armed with confidence and unknown (feared)

reach.

The corrupt or prejudiced public servant would be compelled to think and weigh the implications of previously unreported, unmanaged, and unsanctioned actions.

Danger: things may change, but too slowly to register persuasively. Bureaucracies the world over are highly skilled at introducing innovative self-serving measures, covering tracks, and misleading self-absorbed political brass. Guyanese are among the best at this.

Thus, there could be the same timeless sea of outstretched hand and extended document.

With something from the Central Bank in between.

Public infrastructure: security, sand, stone, and supports. Who will be accusing whom? Who is failing to share?

Who is marginalizing and victimizing whom?

Who is stonewalling?

Who is leaking and undermining?

Which side is about continued playing of the ancient games? Imbalance and disproportion are sure to remain and stubborn to erase, even partially.

But instigating speeches and postures about witch-hunting and ethnic cleansing should be gradually milked out of the system.

As well as the either apprehensive or pugnacious alarms they sound.

Danger: this is envisaged as more of a four-eyes political principle; it could easily deteriorate into suspicion and allegations of political double-cross; of breaching both letter and

spirit of compacts.

There are other dangers: For many too ensconced in the old failed ways, this is sure to be damned as too idealistic, if not outright dreamy, and downright impractical. But that would have been on the money if the expectation was for a full 360-degree movement.

Nothing could be farther from good sense, and less grounded in practicality or reality. My own expectation is that with the right political leadership charge, and charges powerfully committed and focused on genuine racial and social change, then a 90-degree turn would be an acceptable first milestone and first inerasable indentation in the calendar. It has to be a hard period with defined doable deliverables followed by specific timetables and special goalposts, which should not be moved for expediency.

Finally, a national front/ unity/shared structure should not be seen as panacea; but as a starting point from which social reengineering could be provided, a footing for a more lasting constitutionally (amended) powered racial and social democratic apparatus. Guyanese have a saying: two teef duz mek gawd laff.

Unsaid is that it makes the population weep. It is time to put them (the two teef) in the same cell named shared governance. Naturally, there is great risk for even greater mischief.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Thursday January 24, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Against all odds…

PPP Govt will reopen sugar estates - Jagdeo The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is one of the many institutions that has advocated for Guyana’s authorities to reduce the size of its sugar industry since it was too costly to upkeep production at competitive rates.

Following this advice, the APNU+AFC administration closed four estates, which displaced over 4,000 sugar workers, leaving them without a social net or programme to fall back on.

But this state of affairs could all be temporary. According to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) wins the next elections, its members will find a way to reopen the estates.

Jagdeo said, “The PPP will find a way of reopening the estates that are closed so as to put people back to work. We will explore all forms of partnerships to get that done plus innovative financing and investments so people can return to providing for their families.”

The PPP General Secretary said that through a series of investment initiatives and support from the treasury, the workers from the Wales Estate would benefit from the PPP Government. He said, “We had said last year that we would also assist the sugar workers directly, that is, through a stipend. But if we can find jobs for everyone then we wouldn’t have to resort to that because they would be employed.” The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is using three estates for production –

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Blairmont and Albion in Berbice and Uitvlugt in West Demerara.

The remaining four estates, Wales (West Bank Demerara); Enmore (East Demerara) and Rose Hall and Skeldon (East Berbice), are up for offers of divestment and privatization.

BUILDINGA RESILIENTECONOMY Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, had warned that it is not likely that the APNU+AFC administration would be able to build a resilient economy by the next General and Regional Elections if radical changes are not m a d e .

In this regard, the Finance Minister, “Unless we are prepared to move away from sugar as we know it, into value added and

take opportunities available in Caricom markets but more particularly Brazil, once we can get a road going there,” then the nation cannot expect a sudden turnaround in the way the economy responds to external shocks.

The Finance Minister said that to get to resilience, which means the economy can withstand shocks, Guyana would have to move away from primary production into the next stage of the value chain. He said it would also require that the Government put in place, climate resilient infrastructure and practices.

The economist said, “We just won’t move from 50 years of doing the same thing into resilience. It has to be diversified and

it has to be green and withstand shocks that are ever present when you are involved in primary production.”

He continued, “Even if you were able to produce all the sugar you desired, we would have trouble because we don’t have a captive market anymore. We have to go out there and hustle like everyone else.

“At no time, certainly in the post independence period, were we able to produce sugar at a price that could have competed on the international market.”

Jordan added, “We always had to have some form of protection along the way. We had a long protection under the European Union artificial price, which allowed us to stay in it for a very long time and perhaps it was a good or a bad thing.

“It perhaps was a bad thing in the sense that, were we forced to adjust using international prices as our benchmark then who knows; we might have been a different sugar entity today.”

PAGE 8

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

Govt, Ram debate majority vote for passage of no-confidence motion Majority or absolute majority! This was the contention of Attorney General Basil Williams and Attorney-atLaw Christopher Ram as they addressed the court on several issues relating to the passage of the no-confidence motion against the Coalition Government on December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly.

The lengthy back and forth debates were before Chief Justice Roxane George at the High Court in Georgetown.

Those issues came about after Ram, through his Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran, filed an action asking the court to, among other things,

declare that the no-confidence motion was properly passed and that the President including Cabinet must resign, with all convenient speed and elections held by March 21—three months after the passage of the motion as prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana.

In arguing against Ram’s contention, Williams maintained that governance must continue. His basis for this is that the no-confidence motion was not validly passed as a vote of absolute majority was not obtained. It is Williams’s contention that the framers of the Constitution could not have intended for government to be defeated by a majority

but rather an absolute majority of all members present.

In all the circumstances, the government maintains that 34 votes were needed for the no-confidence motion to be carried. However, Ramkarran submitted that the government was defeated on a vote of no confidence brought by the Leader of the Opposition, which was passed with 33 votes in favour and 32 against.

In support of this, Ramkarran cited Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana which states, “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the

elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Further Ramkarran states that Article 106 (7) outlines, “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign.”

He said that the issue of when cabinet should resign is delineated in Section 39 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, which is specifically applicable to constitutional interpretation by virtue of Article 232 (9) of the Constitution (of Guyana), which provides that where no time

Chief Justice Roxane George is prescribed or allowed in a written law within which anything shall be done, such thing shall be done with all convenient time.”

According to Ramkarran, these means that while government remains in office, there is simply no one directing Government collectively, referencing Articles 106 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, which he says details the makeup of cabinet.

The lawyer submitted that the passage of the no-confidence motion means that although the President must resign, he still performs others function as mandated by Article 89 of the Constitution, one being, the Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces.

As it relates to ministers, Ramkarran said that will also remain in office but cannot direct and control government.

Asked by Chief Justice Roxane George to expound on this contention, he stated that this means that the Minister cannot sign off on contract, or put legislation in place, among other things.

According to him, in such a case, the various ministries are supposed to be run by Permanent Secretaries. He said that parliament and the judiciary are independent bodies.

Probed by the Chief Justice to outline what will be the function of government in such a case, Ramkarran said that it will perform essential functions like defending the country if Venezuela or attacks or giving monies to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for elections.

However, Williams argued that Ram failed to examine Articles 106 (6) together with Articles 106 (7) collectively. If he had done that, Williams added, that Ram would have recognized that cabinet and government are used interchangeably.

Stressing that the vote on the no-confidence motion was illegal, Williams said that the ordinary and legal meaning of a majority is a number (Continued on page 23)

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The AFC needs a reality check Is the AFC living in ‘Disneyland’? The party has to be operating in another galaxy if it is serious about possibly discussing its choice of a Prime Ministerial candidate this weekend.

The AFC is clearly assuming that it will go into the elections as a coalition with the APNU. That assumption may be too ambitious.

The APNU+AFC Coalition has been marked by betrayal.

The APNU dumped the AFC for local government elections. And while the AFC continues to insist that the Cummingsburg Accord is in force until after the next elections, the reality is that the Accord expired and has not been renewed or renegotiated by the APNU. If the AFC had any selfrespect, it would seek a new Accord with the APNU. It has not yet cemented such an arrangement with the APNU. Yet, it is suggesting that the issue of an AFC nominate Prime Ministerial candidate could be considered as one of the issues to be discussed this weekend.

The APNU will be under a great deal of pressure to not concede the Prime Ministership candidate to the AFC. The Prime Minister succeeds the President and theAPNU is still reeling from the angst that it was an AFC Member of Parliament who brought down the government in a no-confidence motion.

The Coalition Government has been riven with mistrust between the two parties. An internal email, which was circulated among senior AFC personnel

just before the November 12, 2018 local government elections revealed the troubled relationship between the AFC and the APNU. It was clear from that missive that the AFC felt that it was not being treated as an equal partner.

The AFC, under the CummingsburgAccord, was able to obtain 40% of Cabinet seats and 40% of the coalition’s seats in the National Assembly.

This was disproportionate to the votes, which it is believed that the AFC brought to the Coalition and a source of division between the AFC and the APNU. The PNCR, the main party in the APNU, felt that the AFC had gotten more than it deserved. This continues to a source of mistrust between the two sides.

The AFC has its own internal worries. It has failed to keep an independent line within the government and has allowed itself to be bound by the principle of collective responsibility within Cabinet – which some of the leaders once alluded to as a Stalinist principle.

Full executive authority rests not with Cabinet but with the President, this effectively has resulted in the AFC having to subordinate its independence to the demands of the APNU. The PNCR continues to insult the AFC. The PNCR has already made it clear that President David Granger is its choice for the presidential candidate even though it has

Dem boys seh ...

Irfaat win and de Chat-3 feel poked Guyanese got a way of describing people as big ones. If a man watch anodda one and seh he is a big one, most people gon understand dat de man claiming dat de odda one powerful. He could be a Ministah or a big drug dealer. Fuh sure, dem big ones always got money.

Dem boys was watching Irfaat and everybody agree he is a big one. But when people seh Irfaat is a big one, de term does confuse people. Of course, Irfaat was a Ministah, suh he had a driver. Then while he was a Ministah, money flow, suh he end up wid nuff property.

As a man wid nuff property and nuff money, even when he stop being a Ministah, everybody know he was a big one.

Is when dem boys laugh whenever dem hear Irfaat is a big one, dat people asking dem why dem laughing. After a while, people start to realize dat Irfaat is a big one in more ways than one. He also big in size.

Dem boys seh fuh a long time now, he start training to be a big one. He start to eat double de amount he use to eat. And of course, he start to grow. Dem boys heard dat after some welders go inside he house at West Coast. Then dem see de glare. Dem was welding ee bed. Suddenly, Irfaat tun Michelin Man. But de man had a reason fuh getting big. Is now dat he win de party nomination, dat people see wha de weight mean. Jagdeo put he weight behind Irfaat and de combined weight was too much fuh de Chat-3; Gail and Dr. Frank. None of dem coulda match Irfaat.

He had de size to push out Dr Frank, Gail, Dr Vindhya, Gail, De Chat-3 and even Sam who was planning a comeback.

De problem now start. Is de walkabout dat guh bother him.

And while dat happening, de Chat-3 complaining how Jagdeo use him. He pay Jagdeo passage to go to Suriname. When dem go to Essequibo, is he stand all de expense. De Chat-3 seh dat he now know how a gay man does feel. He seh he get poked.

Talk half and don’t go near to Irfaat wid a pin.

not even held talks with the other parties, which make up the APNU. Nor has the APNU held negotiations with the AFC on a coalition for the elections.

Sections of the AFC leadership are clearly desperate to hold on to the trappings of political office. They are therefore operating as if the AFC has the license to the post of Prime Minister in any future coalition government.

The AFC should be first asking itself whether the APNU wants to go back into an arrangement with a party from which one of its parliamentarians voted ‘yes’ in a

no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018.

The AFC must therefore stop and take a reality check.

The APNU may not be interested in an AFC Prime Ministerial candidate. The AFC will have a hard time convincing the APNU that it should retain 40% of Cabinet and the coalition’s seat in parliament.

The lack of internal security will mean that the APNU will want to take control of the Ministry of Public Security in any new government.

All of this means that key elements of the Cummingsburg Accord – the position of Prime Minister, the

60/40 split of Cabinet and parliamentary seats and guarantees of strategic Ministries – cannot be retained in a future APNU+AFC government.

The AFC leadership should also expect dissent from within its party. It has numerous disaffected members who are concerned that the AFC has become a doormat of the PNCR. Those members could well demand that the AFC return to its original position when it was formed.

That position was that it would never join with either the PPPC or PNCR. With the new “kid on the block’, ANUG, saying very much the

same, the contest is wide open as to who will be the kingmaker for the next government.

Given the PPP’s choice of its presidential candidate – a choice, which has led to deep rifts with the PPP – the PNCR may well calculate that it no longer needs the AFC to win the presidency.

PAGE 10

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Guyanese should ask AFC leaders to be strategically silent I am convinced that Moses Nagamootoo has become one of the most discredited politicians in Guyana’s history. Even if the construct called APNU+AFC should regain power, I think his political career has come to an end. Even if he is offered a Cabinet post in the next coalition government, I doubt he will be nationally seen as an asset.

The choice he made was his own. Throughout the entirety of this country, he is not seen as a major player that has done good for Guyana.

Could it be that because he is self-conscious of his self-destruction that he has thrown caution to the wind and is sounding more outrageous on each occasion that he opens his mouth since the APNU+AFC lost a no-confidence motion (NCM)?

Nagamootoo said that a constitution should not allow for an elected government to be removed from power. He does not agree with a government falling through an NCM. Since he made that ignorant observation, two democracies had NCMs – the UK and

Greece.

The same Nagamootoo submitted through his party, the AFC, an NCM in 2014, which eventually led to the shortening of the Ramotar presidency.

In some countries, there is a form of NCM named impeachment. Bill Clinton was impeached by the House of Representative. Elected Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached by the country’s legislature.

Does Nagamootoo understand what the separation of power is? He does not, which is unforgivable for a man who says he has more than forty years in politics.

An NCM gives power to the legislature to remove the executive if the legislature feels the executive has broken the social contract. This is straight out of the philosophical works of Thomas Hobbes. Nagamootoo had to do Hobbes when he entered UG to do first year law.

The NCM or the impeachment law gives the legislature ultimate say over an executive that is out of control.

If Nagamootoo has any sense of politics, he would support the retention of the NCM in Guyana’s constitution because I think Nagamootoo’s formation, the APNU+AFC, will have a chance to use the NCM mechanism again as it did in 2014 because after the next election, there will be a minority presidency and it may not be from Nagamootoo’s APNU+AFC. What is strange is that since the NCM controversy, the politicians who are speaking more on the subject, sprouting nonsense are from the AFC. If you minus Basil Williams, there is mostly silence from the rest of the PNC war room. Each time, you peruse the newspapers, it is the AFC leaders who are mouthing off and in the process embarrassing themselves and the country.

It is being asked all over Guyana if the votes of foreign-born MPs prior to December 21, 2018 can be sustained if the court rules that Charrandass Persaud was in-

eligible to vote.

This is what the court is being asked to rule on. It is so simple that a moron can understand it. Does the constitution prevent an MP from voting because he/she is a foreign citizen? If yes, then Persaud and all others have been illegally sitting in the House. Ramjattan says no.

Even if the judge rules in favour of the government, the ruling can only apply to Charrandass.

Then Ramjattan told the media that the AFC has not lost support whatsoever. He went on to add that the AFC strength as a party and its electoral power are virtually intact and in contesting the next election with APNU the request for forty percent of Cabinet position is valid by virtue of that strength.

How can any politician want to appear so foolish in the eyes of the nation literally two months after its complete annihilation in the local government poll? How can any politician say it should get forty percent of Cabinet po-

Frederick Kissoon sitions after the next general election when that party could not win one; let us repeat for emphasis, not even one, Local Government Authority (LGAs) out of 88?

But there is a retort. The AFC will say it did not contest in all the 88, only in 38.

But here is the where the embarrassment is even more humiliating. If you say we are good and strong in only 38 LGAs, and it is useless to compete in the other 58 LGAs, then surely, you are openly and graphically saying that in those 38 LGAs, is where you are popular. Yet the AFC did not win one LLA in those 38 constituencies. How can you still survive as a viable entity when even in your own identified localities you cannot win one LGA?

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

GECOM, Chief Whips meeting depends on outcome of Commission’s deliberations The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will have to make a decision on its readiness to host an election this year should there be need for one.

This is according to the Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

The Minister was at the time responding to questions following a site visit to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where the Seventeenth Session of the Committee for the Review of the Implementation of

the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (CRIC 17) will be hosted.

He said that while political parties may have concerns about the voters’ list, the authoritative statement will have to come from GECOM. “There is a whole process that leads to the production of the list of electors for an election and that process requires registration, it requires claims and objections and all of these

issues are dealt with in that process.”

The Minister added that, “at an individual level or a political party’s level, I believe we can have experiences, which say from what we have been told by our membership of our parties. We believe that there are some issues to the list, but it is ultimately GECOM that has to make a definitive statement on the matter.”

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Public Relations Officer of the

Guyana Elections Commissions, Yolanda Ward, said that based on the deliberations yesterday, a date will be set for the commission to meet with Government’s Chief Whip, Minister of Social Protection Amna A l l y a n d O p p o s i t i o n ’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira.

The meeting will discuss its readiness for possible elections.

Ward said at the statutory meeting on Tuesday, “The commission requested from the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), possible options as to when elections can be held.”

She noted that the CEO is in the process of compiling that report which will be presented to the commission on Thursday for deliberations.

After a decision is made, “the Chief Whips will be notified when will be the appropriate time to meet.”

During an interview with DPI, Government Chief Whip, Minister Ally said she will be entering the discussion with an open mind. She

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon emphasised the necessity to be fully briefed on the preparedness of the commission to host an election.

Minister Ally said, “Whether we are to have elections within 90 days, whether we are going to have elections after. I cannot anticipate them. Whatever the commission tells us, then we are going to be in a position to brief

our principal on the status quo of GECOM in terms of preparedness for the elections,” the minister stated.

Following a meeting between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on January 9, to discuss the way forward given the December 21 vote, it was agreed to by both parties that the government Chief Whip Minister Amna Ally and Opposition Chief Whip, Gale Teixeira, will meet with GECOM to determine its state of readiness for elections.

Early elections became a very likely possibility after a shocking no confidence vote on December 21 by Government parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud against his colleagues, topping the one-seat majority administration.

Under the law, elections for a new government have to be called within three months, unless the two sides agree for the life of government to continue.

Persaud has since fled the country with police announcing that it has initiated investigations into allegations that the parliamentarian attempted to buy and export a large quantity of gold.

Whatsapp conversations of Persaud indicated that he wanted to purchase US$1M in gold.

The former parliamentarian, who was expelled by the Alliance For Change, has admitted that he did attempt to purchase gold, but for a client.

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday January 24, 2019

Confusion at New Amsterdam Hospital A&E

- new regulations increase doctor-patient time; many forced to wait for hours

A

visit to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital yesterday at the request of residents in Berbice revealed a state of confusion and stress among patients waiting to see a doctor at the Accident and Emergency Unit.

According to a health care worker at the hospital, there is a new chart system implemented by the Chief Executive Officer. It allows for the removal of prescription at the A&E. An A&E chart is used, similar to one used at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

However, on the chart at the New Amsterdam Hospital a considerable list of details has to be filled out before the patient is seen.

Those details include name, address, race, nationality and age.

According to the source at the hospital who

witnessed the confusion since the system was implemented several days ago, "The nurse runs some tests, blood tests, etc and she inquires and writes down the complaint that the patient has. “When she finishes, she will determine if it is urgent or not."

According to the source, the doctors then tend to the "urgent matters" before the other patients "like those with vomiting, diarrhoea and so on."

P r e v i o u s l y, w h e n patients arrive at the A&E, they would meet with a clerk and a number is given. That number is called in sequence to allow a meet with the doctor.

The source explained that previously, if a doctor saw 10 patients within the hour, he/she is now tasked with assessing one patient within that time frame

Persons also waiting to see the doctors "because the doctors now have to assess you fine, fine for every little thing."

This system, however, has caused a buildup of patients, including schoolchildren, outside the A&E department. When students were given preferences to be attended to

by a doctor, they are now forced to "join the line" before a doctor sees them.

This has resulted in many skipping school for that day when they visit the hospital.

The elderly are treated just the same. Yesterday, an elderly woman was seen crying outside the door of the

A&E. Upon an inquiry, the woman said that 'she stand up here since morning and she in pain.'

The crying woman related that she was at the hospital since 8:00 am yesterday and only saw a doctor at 13:00 hrs. It was also revealed that there was only one doctor in the department.

A woman who was standing with her child dressed in her uniform said she was standing and waiting for three hours. She explained that they visited the hospital on Tuesday and was told to return yesterday, since she appeared to have a broken arm.

However, she stated that persons who came after her were seen by a doctor while she was left standing with her injured daughter outside the unit.

"They told me, I have to wait, that it is not an emergency, no proper reason really," she said.

Another frustrated parent who was also there with her child in uniform, told this publication that she visited the institution a week ago and had to go to the old hospital located at Charles Place, New Amsterdam to uplift a form to visit the lab.

However, when she turned up at the lab, the

health professionals there told her that, "they are not accepting that form."

According to her, she was given another form at the A&E where a doctor signed the empty form. "But when the form sign, I have to go through the long process just to rewrite the form just to carry back to the lab. “I have to come back again next week. My daughter is a CXC student; she is missing school again and it is not fair. I am here since 7:45 this morning."

One patient messaged at 15:15 hrs yesterday afternoon and stated that she is still waiting to be treated and that she was there since 8:00 am yesterday.

She complained, "Can't even see the CEO [because] she's in a meeting all day.

People have been here since 6:30; they came Tuesday and didn't get through so they come back."

According to a medical professional at the institution, "At 12:00 today, imagine 90 patients registered and only six saw the doctor. A man took his one-year-old child since 9:00 in the morning and done at 4:00 this afternoon. It is too stressful. Even the doctors frustrated because some patients threatening the doctors."

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Union offers new ultimatum to state over outstanding pension for retired GTC/GT&T workers

T

he Guyana Postal a n d Telecommunicati o n s Wo r k e r s U n i o n (GPTWU) has issued a oneweek ultimatum to the government over outstanding pension monies owed to retired Guyana Telephone and Telegraph C o m p a n y, ( G T & T ) a n d Guyana Telecommunication Corporation (GTC) workers.

The Union said that Government must honour the commitment to the workers or face legal action.

The GPTWU issued the challenge during a press briefing at the Union's East Street Headquarters yesterday.

This is the second time of the year that members of the Union are meeting with the press on issue.

On this occasion however, the GPTWU is refuting claims that the State had released the outstanding sums to the pensioners.

The issue dates back to more than a decade. It was spawn in the 1990s when moves were made by the then Government to privatise the GTC. At the time, the workers were each reportedly issued with a letter stating, “You will be continued in employment with GT&T and your service will be treated as continuous and unbroken and the other conditions of service will not be less favourable than what you presently enjoy.”

And based on that agreement, it was understood that the former employees, upon retirement from GT&T, should have received their pension and gratuity from the present Government through the Ministry of Finance, in keeping with the Pension and Corporation Acts.

Nevertheless, the former workers found themselves just receiving their gratuity as at December 1990, without interest, and the Government minimum pension of $18, 000 per month across the board.

During the press conference, yesterday, the representatives of the GPTWU noted that the

Union speaks on behalf of more than 100 affected workers.

At present, the Union said the issue has become more pressing since several of their members are dying out without having redress to the pension issue.

President Harold Shepherd of the GPTWU said that the Union has been making representation on behalf of the pensioners as early as 2003 to no avail.

These employees have given their sweat and tears to build the telephone industry in this country and we hope that we would not be forced to take to the road in protest,” Shepherd added.

He disclosed that the former employees are currently agitated enough to do whatever is necessary to be adequately compensated for their years of service.

The media conference had in fact preceded a meeting between the representing bodies and scores of the aggrieved pensioners with a view to ascertaining the next move in order to realise payment of the outstanding monetary benefits.

He explained that an affected former technician for instance should have currently been receiving a monthly pension of at least $50,000, while a former Manager should have been the recipient of way over $100,000 per month.

Moreover, the situation that obtains is that “retired senior managers, supervisors, janitors, technicians, labourers, among others, are all getting the same minimum pension,” the GPTWU President said.

Shepherd disclosed too that GTC had put in place a pension plan for its employees, but for some reason, following the privatisation, the employees did not benefit from that plan.

At the interim, he said the GPTWU has not ruled out staging protests.

We are currently seeking legal advice but we want to give the governing Coalition one more chance to keep its promise.

Members of the GPTWU speak to members of the media at the conference held yesterday.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Bush Lot double murder suspect further remanded

A

ppearing for the second time in court was Kieran "Romeo" Jeenarine, the 18year-old who was charged with the double murder of the Samaroo brothers from Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice. He appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh, represented by his attorney Charlyn Artiga.

Tuesday was set for the full disclosure of statements.

However the prosecutor, Inspector Joseph, informed the court that the file was still incomplete.

Artiga argued that it was unfair for Jeenarine to be hauled before the court on a charge of murder since based on her information, Jeenarine never gave police a caution statement.

She stated, "There is a possession of one (caution statement) but they are refusing to disclose it."

Thursday January 24, 2019

'Wrang Wuk!’

- police file still incomplete, another date set for disclosure of statements

Kieran Romeo Jeenarine

Artiga added, "From what I understand, that is the only evidence that they have and I am respectfully requesting that caution statement."

The attorney also offered to foot the bill for the photocopying of the statements to assist in speeding up the process of handing it over.

Jeenarine was further remanded until February 4, where the full disclosure of statements is expected to be given by the prosecution at the Whim Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Renita Singh.

Kieran "Romeo" Jeenarine was slapped with two counts of murder committed on his relatives Harricharran Samaroo and Premcharran Samaroo, of (continued on page 20)

There are complaints that this cement truck has been dumping waste at the side of the busy High Street, every single day, clogging up the drains.

The matter has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. (Darrell Carpenay photos)

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 19

Canadian charity underscores importance of monitoring NGOs

E

ven as he was preparing to wrap up his assessment of several locally-based charities, Chair of Global Monitoring at International Development & Relief Foundation (IDRF), Wi n s t o n K a s s i m , h a s underscored the importance of ensuring that NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organisations (NGOs) are accountable to their sponsors.

Last Sunday alongside IDRF Programmes, Director Nabil Ali, Mr. Kassim undertook a monitoring assessment of IDRF's CIOG/NACOSA projects, which include charitable giving programmes (Zakaat), orphans and vulnerable children as well as the women's vocational skills training projects.

The plight of poor Guyanese was first brought to the attention of IDRF by Mr. Kassim, a Guyanese who, despite living in Canada most of his adult life, never forgot the land of his origin.

Through his efforts, IDRF began work in Guyana. Under his leadership, the scope of the projects has expanded and increased over the years.

Over the past five years, IDRF has invested in projects amounting in excess of GYD $100 million and assisted more than 20,000 needy people in various parts of the country.

Having worked at an executive level of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for some 40 years, Mr. Kassim has been transferring his wealth of experience and performance management techniques used in the business community into the not-for-profit world.

In particular, he has implemented a laser-like focus on driving accountability, transparency, and efficiency among nonprofit organizations, which has led to external awards and recognition for IDRF. This is among the

Third from left: Chair of IDRF Global Monitoring, Winston Kassim and IDRF Programmes, Director Nabil Ali flanked by women of locally based NACOSA catering project as they showcase pieces of their work. reasons, he said; that IDRF was selected among the top 100 out of 86,000 registered charities.

According to Kassim, the Canadian Registered Charity is mandated to demonstrate direction and control throughout all project activities in adherence to the Canadian Revenue Agency requirements.

“Therefore, the need for rigorous monitoring and evaluation is in strict observance with all Canadian law and international best practices.

Key monitoring methods included but were not limited to reports, financial r e v i e w, f o c u s g r o u p

discussions and random beneficiary selection for interviews.”

Over the past week, Mr. Kassim conducted an assessment of the local projects.

The assessment began at the Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara where female participants who completed the project showcased their work. Many of the project participants designed and created their own outfits while also demonstrating the garments that they produced for sale under their businesses.

F u r t h e r, t h e c a t e r i n g participants cooked wonderful entrées, appetizers and desserts in

their efforts to highlight the skills they gained.

An underlying theme is the perseverance these women have demonstrated.

In the past, many of the participants faced various socio-economic barriers that have limited their ability to seek employment or start a business.

H o w e v e r, t h r o u g h completion of the project, more than 50% of the participants have now started their own catering and garment manufacturing businesses.

The National Committee of Sisters' Affairs (NACOSA) is a project that is aimed to support rural women from across Guyana

through vocational training courses in garment manufacturing and catering was also evaluated.

All of the participants completed a business development course to ensure they could effectively and efficiently manage their future businesses. The goal of the project is to ensure that every participant can use the skills gained to become selfsustainable.

As the project has now concluded, IDRF's monitoring visit aimed to assess key project outcomes and connect with project beneficiaries to better understand their experience and next steps.

Diandra James, one of

the project participants stated, “I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this programme. I did not have any garment manufacturing skills before I started this project and now I have my own business and work from home make a living and supporting my three children. I'm extremely grateful to IDRF.” Mr. Kassim remarked, “ Yo u a l l h a v e m a d e tremendous strides and I encourage you all to keep moving forward and working collaboratively. I am looking forward to 100% of you gaining meaningful employment over the next few months.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Thursday January 24, 2019

Dharmic Sabha receives prestigious Contractor to fix damaged award from Govt. of India West Dem. access road

O

Dr. Vindhya Persaud receiving the award from President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Prime Minister of Mauritius are also in photo.

T

he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha yesterday received the prestigious Pravasi Samman Award from the Government of India in recognition of its outstanding contribution in the field of community service.

President of the Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud, received the award from the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred by the President of India as a part of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention on a Non Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) or

organization or institution established and run by NRIs or PIOs, who have made significant contribution in several fields.

The awards were conferred at the valedictory session of this year's Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) on the concluding day of the three-day diaspora conclave.

The awards were conferred in the fields of social, community and public service, business, business management, entrepreneurship, chartered accountancy, training and simulation, science, medical s c i e n c e , e n g i n e e r i n g , t e c h n o l o g y, architecture, academics, arts and diplomacy.

fficials attached to contracting f i r m B K Engineering have accepted responsibility for damaged access road located at La Union West Coast Demerara (WCD).

In fact, even before the construction, the company dispatched an environmental officer to speak with the residents. This was to alert them to the fact that there would be road damage.

The damaged road became a source of contention for residents of the quiet rural community located just outside Crane, after it was destroyed by heavy-duty trucks traversing the area.

Over the past year, residents watched as the trucks transformed the once solid bitumen surface into a pot- holed mud dam.

Ram Singh and his wife, Pramie Singh, are firsthand witnesses to the destruction of the road. The couple has been complaining bitterly about the problem. “The road was paved with bitumen but after the trucks break it up, they throw sand and left it to fall apart,” the couple related.

The elderly couple explained that the trucks have been utilizing the pathway in front their home to carry out river defence works.

According to the contract between Government of Guyana, (GoG), the Caribbean Development

Bank (CDB), and the engine e r i n g f i r m , B K Engineering is obligated to repair any damage incurred to the access road at La Union, West Coast Demerara (WCD) over the duration of the river defence project.

BK Engineering commenced work on the $1B river defence project in August 2017. The project was scheduled to be extended over 18 months and be completed by the end of February.

However, even as the end of the project draws near, residents are concerned whether the contractor will actually honour the commitment. Kaieteur News has since reached out to officials of the contracting company who confirmed that the firm does have a commitment to fix the road.

“We are aware of the concerns raised by the residents. An environmental officer has met and spoken to the residents before but the project is not yet complete.

“We will fix the road but our focus is not on the damage done to road at this time until the sea defence aspect of the project is completed,” a spokesperson for the company explained briefly.

Meanwhile, residents are claiming that the road is not the only thing that is negatively impacted by the operation. “Because the road is so bad now when the rain fall it get holes and then when

the sun come, it turn to dust again. It's not just the condition of the road; it's the dust affecting us.

When the wind blows, the house is covered in dust from the road. All our food and everything is covered in dust, we can't continue to live like this.”

Mrs. Singh recalled that officials from the construction firm visited their home to inform them about the impending work.

“Three officials came and they told me that they will have to do work with lots of big bricks and heavy-duty trucks and so.

“They said that it was for the sea defence. I never thought it was such a massive project. These vehicles, long like train and they carry these huge boulders, so whenever they pass, the house shakes.”

“However, when the officials visited us, they said that they took photographs of my house, the road and environment and so on.

“They told us that they were committed to repairing any damage done during the process of the time when they would pass with these things to do their work.

“When they finish now, they said they were going to repair it or compensate us, and I took their word for granted.

“Now, the trucks break up the road and leave big holes… when the rain falls, it has pools of water in front my gap,” she added.

Bush Lot double murder suspect...

From page 18 Bush Lot Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The charge had read that the act was committed during the course of a robbery on December 31, 2018. Both men were shot and killed during the invasion.

Jeenarine turned himself over to police in the company of his attorney, Charlyne Artiga at the Whim Police Station and he reportedly confessed a day later to being a part of the

planning of the crime.

The police had issued wanted bulletins for Kieran Jeenarine and another suspect who is yet to be located, Kelvin Balgobin.

Kaieteur News had reported that three armed, masked men invaded the home of Irene Samaroo and shot and killed her two sons during the course of a robbery. The men reportedly stole approximately $80,000 in Guyana and US currency, altogether.

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Four dead in clashes ahead of Venezuela protests Marathon journey

home begins - Kidnapped Trini boys share tearful reunion with mom in Syria...

Trinidad Express - After a journey that most would only see in their nightmares, two Trinidadian boys lost among jihadists in Syria since 2014 are now on their way home.

Ayyub Abdul Qadir Ferreira and Mahmud Abdul Wahid Ferreira, now ages eight and 13, were reunited with t h e i r T r i n i d a d ian mother in Syria on Monday, then flown to Switzerland to meet their unlikely rescuer—

musician Roger Waters, former front man for legendary rock band Pink Floyd.

By the time they’d met their mother, Felicia PerkinsFerreira, the children had forgotten her name, international reports on the boys’ plight have said.

A United Kingdom Guardian online article Tuesday quoted Perkins-Ferreira as saying for the first time in four years, she was able to sleep properly.

Choksi surrenders Indian passport

Venezuelan opposition supporters take part in a march on the anniversary of 1958 uprising that overthrew military dictatorship in Caracas yesterday. (AFP Photo/Luis ROBAYO) Caracas (AFP) - At least four people have died following overnight clashes ahead of yesterday’s rival protests in Venezuela by supporters and opponents of President Nicolas Maduro, police and a non-governmental organization said. A 16-year-old was among the dead, having suffered “a firearm injury during a demonstration” in the capital Caracas, the Social Conflict Observatory said.

Police said the other three deaths occurred during looting in Bolivar City in the southeastern Bolivar State that borders Brazil.

A statue of iconic social-

ist revolutionary leader Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s predecessor, was torched by dozens of protesters in the town of San Felix, Bolivar State.

Photos and video s s h a r e d o n social media showed the statue, which was vandalized last year, engulfed in flames.

Te n s i o n s h a v e b e e n running high in the country since Monday when a group of soldiers took over a command post in the north of the capital and rose up against Maduro, publishing a video calling on people to come out into the streets in support.

The mutineers were quickly overpowered by police and the armed forces, with 27 people arrested.

But the brazen move sparked at least 30 small protests around Caracas, according to the Social Conflict Observatory, with the police firing tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

The opposition-controlled parliament had announced yesterday’s protest earlier this month as the legislature’s president Juan Guaido aims to rally support behind his attempt to chase Maduro from power and set up a transitional government

ahead of new elections.

The government responded by announcing its own pro-Maduro demonstration on what is a hugely significant date in Venezuela since it was on January 23, 1958 that the dictatorship of Marcos Perez Jimenez fell.

Opposition to Maduro’s rule has been stepped up since the former bus driver was sworn in for a second term of office two weeks ago.

The election he won in May was boycotted by the opposition and branded a fraud by the European Union, United States and numerous Latin American countries.

NO CREDIT FOR FUEL

Foreign fuel suppliers want up front payment Trinidad Guardian - Stateowned Paria Fu-el Trad-ing Compa-ny could be on a col-li-sion course with the Gov-ern-ment and State-en-ter-prise Na-tion-al Pe-tro-le-um Mar-ket-ing Compa-ny Lim-it-ed as it is in-sist-ing it must get time-ly pay-ments from the Min-istry of Fi-nance for the fu-el sub-sidy and wants NP to pay for its fu-el on time.

The com-pa-ny’s chair-man Wil-fred Es-pinet told Guardian Me-dia that it is a strug-gle to get the Gov-ern-ment and its repre-sen-ta-tives to un-der-stand that it has to pay its bills on time be-cause Paria and the oth-er com-pa-nies that have emerged

from the clo-sure of Petrotrin, must be run as a busi-ness and be prof-itable.

“It is a fight to make the Govern-ment un-der-stand that it has to pay its bills and it must pay them on time. When you go to the Min-istry of Fi-nance they do not re-al-ly care that you have work-ers to pay, all they say is that your cheque is not ready.

We can-not do busi-ness in this way, and while there are ways we can deal with this in terms of not pay-ing gov-ern-ment monies we owe to them, we don’t want to make this thing so messy.” Es-pinet told the Guardian Me-dia in a tele-phone

in-ter-view on Mon-day. Espinet said Paria had to pay in advance for the fu-el it was im-porting and needs to have its money re-turned in a time-ly manner. He said, “Be-fore the fuel is even loaded, we have to pay for it, and the Min-istry of Fi-nance can-not ex-pect to pay when it wants be-cause this is a com-mer-cial en-terprise. At the end of the day, the de-ci-sion to keep a lim-ited fu-el sub-sidy is a po-lit-i-cal de-ci-sion, and we are not respon-si-ble for that. There-fore, it is for the Gov-ern-ment to pay and we ex-pect pay-ment on a quar-ter-ly ba-sis.”

The end of this month should mark the first quar-ter that Paria has been pro-vid-ing fu-el to the coun-try since the clo-sure of the Point-a-Pierre Re-fin-ery.

Es-pinet said the gov-ern-ment gave the board a broad man-date with the cen-tral is-sue be-ing to run the busi-ness in such a way that it is prof-itable.

With the clo-sure of Petrotrin all the gaso-line, diesel and jet fu-el are im-port-ed in-to the coun-try by Paria and then sold to NP and UNIPET. Both UNIPET and NP are ex-pect-ed to pay for their fu-el and then retail it with-in the mar-gins set by the State.

Daily Observer A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a ’s controversial citizen by investment, Mehul Choksi, has surrendered his native Indian passport, in what is being described

by Indian news outlet NDTV as a move to avoid extradition.

According to the news outlet, Choksi, a wanted fugitive in his native country, has given up his Indian citizenship and listed his new address as Jolly Harbour, Antigua.

NDTV further reports that Choksi’s latest move could make it more difficult for Indian authorities to get Antigua & Barbuda to extradite him.

“His extradition proceedings are now ongoing and this is why he surrendered his passport and India doesn’t allow dual citizenship,” the media outlet reported.

The diamond jeweller a n d h i s n e p h e w, N i r a v Modi, have been fingered in a $2 billion-dollar

Punjab bank fraud.

Earlier this month, the main Indian agency investigating the alleged mega scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation, was reportedly considering sending a team to Antigua and Barbuda, in a bid to lay hold of the fraud-accused billionaire, who has been living in Antigua for about a year.

An extradition hearing is ongoing here, pitting Choksi against the government, with the parties due back in court on February 22nd.

When contacted , Choksi’s lawyer, Dr. David Dorsett, said he was unsure if or how this latest development might impact the ongoing extradition proceedings.

OBSERVER media has since confirmed that in the absence of any Indian diplomatic mission or representative here, Choksi surrendered his passport to the Indian Embassy in Guyana.

PAGE 22

FOR RENT

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

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

House plan drafting from $13,000. Sean #667-2189 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158S For doctoring erectile disfunction problems. Asthma burns, hearing & hair loss.

Call Bush doc. Tel 231-9348

FOR SALE 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1-9 Wheel Pneumatic roller, 2 Bitumen Kettle, 1- 3304 Di CAT engine. Tel#275-0367/ 683-7225

1 Shop assistant to work in the interior. Experience would be an asset. #669-3162

Bottom flat 2 bedroom apartment to rent situated at lot 229 Section A Block X Diamond Housing Scheme.

Contact 696-6463/673-6222

Urgently need dry Corilla Bush.Any amount from 1lb to 1000lbs. #609-8281

1-CAT 215 Excavator, 1 CAT 428 Backhoe, 1 Mack concrete mixer 8 Cu yds, 1 450 Honda Atv. Call: 275-0367/683-7225

Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290

Black German Shepherd pups, Riumzeight Gardens WCD. #269-0671/688-1656

3 bedroom house,2 living rooms, partially furnished, 3 bedroom apartment ECD. Contact #695-6550/656-9313

Used imported glass showcase L72" x H39" x W24" 40,000 each. Tel#625-1514 USED PARTS FOR 320/324 CATERPILLAR MACHINE. CONTACT 223-5273/74 One eight inch bearing block and water pump with 6x4 Y along with matching valves.

Tel#676-5725

One bedroom apartment Middle Road LaPenitance. $40,000 monthly. Preferable bachelor. Contact #666-9534 2 bedroom fully furnished Apt for rent, Providence and Diamond #672-1906/682-6238

FIRST AID/CPR COURSE. ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE to commence later in January, 2019. TEL: 225-9082

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) PEN PAL Guyanese/Canadian male seeking female career oriented 24-28 in marriage. Tel# 6641966 TO LET House to rent. 76 Kuru Kuru road side. #227-1042/6918420

Contract cars at City Taxi Service 8 Vlissengen Rd. Tel: 226-7150 One female domestic worker.

Must know to cook. Drivers/ porters. Preferably from the East Bank. Call 233-5255, 6109624 One female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. Age 2535. Contact 1868-386-5302 Factory workers male & female. Apply in person to: R.P’s Enterprise Area ‘K’ Le Resouvenir E.C.D. 220-2818 or 3710

Office clerk, Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500

Rottweiler & Mastiff pups for sale, 8 weeks old #6986796

Generator all size, working & not working. Starter for various heavy duty machine.

Contact# 623-8737

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

Copra meal. Call 223-5273/74

1 foreign used komatsu excavator for sale, 2010, 3,103 hrs. Serious enquiries only.

Call/Whatsapp #677-8104

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

VEHICLE FOR SALE

EDUCATION

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501 Nissan Laurel Executive antique car, Nissan Pathfinder 4-door Jeep.

Superb condition. Price Neg. Call your price. Tel#6603415/609-7766

One hair dresser and one nail technician to work. Contact# 698-3018 Relief guard 2 days a week.

Handyman. Must have a bicycle and cellphone. 2275536/ 223-0504 Wanted land to buy. Parfaite Harmonie, Farm, Providence, Tuschen, Diamond, Herstelling, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt. Call: 666-2326

VACANCY

CAR RENTAL

Cooks, Handyboys, Roti/Puri makers, Apply at Shanta’s 225 Camp St

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

Salon for rental. Hair & nail stations available. New market street. 638-1106. Massage room available Earn up to $5000 daily selling hotdogs. Food handlers needed. Contact Sean #6672189 Driver/Salesman, Security Guards, Handyman, Bulldozer Operator, Part time Mechanic. # 266 4427

Reliable Rentals: Top quality cars, SUV’s at very low rates.

Call: 227-2322/601-2622

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

Keyyfood McDoom Village.

Driver/Salesman. Cook - Age 30-45. Submit application to Survival Supermarket. 16 Vlissengen Rd. & Duncan Street, Newtown

One (1) seamstress to work for an established company.

Must have experience. Call 672-4695 for more information General Domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358 Vacancy for skill carpenter.

Apply at Alabama Trading at 65 Robb St Bourda VACANCYFOR PART/FULL TIME WAITER/WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CONTACT 219-0158 PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Street.

Tel#655-3332 Opposite Guyoil Gas Station

4 Reefer container 40 feet not working. Engine CAT 3306, cummings N14, M11, 855.

Detroit Diesel CAT Crank shaft. Contact# 623-8737

1 Toyota Raum in good condition. Price negotiable.

Contact: 615-1762

TM & Model M truck drivers for interior. Call 223-5273/4

LAND FOR SALE

Toyota Rav 4 L: 4x4, alarm system, music system, AC. $1.180,000. Tel#612-3365

Driver/purchasing clerk. Car/ van/lorry license. Call 6166988

House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657

HEALTH

Minibus Driver for Route 42 Bus #646-8748

House lots for sale, 200k downpayment, 20k monthly #622-1957

Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 (1) Fenced land Parfaite Harmony - $2M. Uitvlugt $2.5M Neg. Zeelugt $1.5M Neg. Zeelugt $2.3M Neg. Tel: 697-6311/642-1252 Land at Best Crane Vreed-enhoop 104x41 $2,000,000 transported, Land at Parfaite W.B.D Tel#672-0416 Parfaite Harmonie 2M 1.3M. Farm 4.5M 5.5M. Providence.

Tuschen. Herstelling. Eccles.

Uitvlugt. Call: 666-2326

HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 LEARN TO DRIVE P. Outar and C. Persaud Driving School at Maraj Building. Call: 622-2872, 6150964, 681-2808 N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561

Truck driver wanted in Georgetown. #227-1717 ACCOMMODATION Air condition room $3000 per day fully furnished apts $5000 & $6000 per day. 223-0994/ 678-5827 PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 Storey Building @ Prime location in Georgetown. Ideal for business & residence. 89 Robb Street, Bourda. #44-208737-1598/ 225-8427/264-1130

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

Commercial Property, double lot next to Harbour Bridge,East Bank... must go #622-1957 Large 3 bedrooms classic house in solid condition- all amenities, huge yard, security.

Price negotiable, Versailles WBD. Call: 660-3415/609-7766 6 bedrooms house on transported double-lot, all amenities, private yard/ parking.

Located in Georgetown. Call: 6603415,609-7766

VACANCY

1 Experienced legal computer clerk. Good pay and credits.

Call 624-7087 One Tutor/Nanny to teach 3 year old boy from 9:50pm.

Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Cashier (Shift 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) Submit Application to: Shell Service Station Providence EBD or Email:Shellramsburg@gmail.com Salon in Tortola, BVI needs hairdressers, nail technicians and barbers.

Email: divahairbvi@gmail.com or call: 1-284-543-1410 Urgent 1 male with cooking experience to work in multiple areas. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine # 695-6550/656-9313 Natural Beauty Salon & Spa needs an experienced hair dresser & professional makeup artist. Contact#652-5800 Cashier for the interior. #2237165 Camp Manager for the interior.#223-7165 Vacancy for sales girls. Apply to Alabama Trading. 65 Robb St. Bourda Vacancy for one female cleaner.

Apply to Alabama Trading. 65 Robb St. Bourda Vacancy for Delivery Clerk.

Apply at 65 Robb Street, Bourda One puri and roti maker. Apply with written application to Beacon Cafe. For more information call 225-9409 Continued on the next page

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Kaneville woman carries Sale of Mercedes car parts ganja in shoes to lock-ups leads to fraud charge

Sarah Charles was yesterday hauled before the court after she was reportedly found in an unfortunate situation of which she is being accused of trying to introduce narcotics to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts lock-ups.

Charles denied the allegation that was read to her by Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty. At the time she made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge read that on January 21, 2019 at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, Charles unlawfully introduced 23 grams of cannabis into the lock-ups.

The mother of three informed the court that she is 33 years old and hails from Lot 908 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara.

Charles told the court that she had no knowledge of the narcotic as she doesn’t really know the person she is being accused of taking the narcotic to.

“I only know this guy from the other day when I was in the lock-ups waiting for my bail to be paid. He took my number and we started talking. The day this thing happened, he asked me to collect $10,000 from someone to buy a shirt and food for him and bring it when he comes to

A resident from Hadfield Street, Georgetown, yesterday appeared in court to answer a charge of fraudulent conversion after he allegedly sold some car parts entrusted to him.

Joseph Garraway, 30, entered a not guilty plea to the charge that was read out to him by Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts.

It was alleged that between June 1, 2015 and June 13, 2015 at Oronoque Street, Queenstown, Georgetown being solely entrusted by Clairmonte Cummings with a

Remanded: Sarah Charles court.” “When I meet the person, they just gave me the shoes. I didn’t know it had weed in it.”

However, police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on information received that the parties are known to each other for the past three months.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant was

asked to do a favour of bringing the shoes to the lock-ups.

Upon arrival, she was told by police ranks that they needed to search the item. It was then observed that Charles began to act in a suspicious manner.

Checks were done and the cannabis was discovered in the soles of the shoes.

Bail was denied for Charles and she was remanded to prison until February 13, 2019.

Drug running taxi driver nabbed as police up the ante in Berbice A taxi driver, who was suspected of being involved in the drug trade, ran out of luck on Friday when he was nabbed at a police roadblock at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice.

Jermaine Caesar of Epson Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was the driver of motorcar HC 8824 on Friday evening about 21:00 hrs. The vehicle had two other passengers and was heading towards Georgetown when it was stopped by ranks manning a police roadblock on the Weldaad Public road.

The vehicle was searched and the ranks unearthed three bulky parcels in a black bag in a speaker box in the car. The parcels were opened and the items were retrieved and checked and were found to contain what appears to be leaves, seeds and stems of the marijuana plant.

Caesar was arrested and taken to the Weldaad Police Station along with the suspicious illegal substance. The substance was subsequently tested and weighed and was found to be 1710 grams of marijuana.

Caesar initially admitted that the drugs were his. He appeared in the Blairmont Magistrate Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh and pleaded not guilty and was remanded to jail.

Prosecutor Inspector Grace Bristol in objecting to bail told the court that the prosecution is depending on the statutes. She also pointed to the gravity and nature of the offence. Bail was refused and Caesar was remanded to jail until February 4, next, when the matter will be called again at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court.

MPs must not be confined...

From page 11 International EITI Standard 1.4, has committed to working with Civil Society and Companies. ”It has unequivocally and boldly announced its commitment to work with civil soci-

ety and companies. Also, the government has agreed to ensure that there are no obstacles to civil society participation in the EITI processes.

It agreed to refrain from actions which may result in narrowing of, or restricting of

public debate in relation to the EITI implementation.”

Dr. Jadoopat also took the opportunity to encourage all to consider it their civilian duty to actively participate in the activities and work of the Guyana-EITI.

quantity of Mercedes Benz car parts valued at $1,175,000, the father of one and chemical engineer fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

He was represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas. Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail based on the gravity of the offence and the fact that the defendant is known to the victim and the witnesses into the matter.

According to the attorney, in an application for bail, his client at no point in time ever tried to interfere with the victim or the witnesses. He

claimed that Garraway was instructed to sell the articles and he is willing to settle the matter once he receives the money from a third person involved in the matter.

He also stated that Garraway, if granted bail, will attend every court session.

Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty then granted bail to the accused in the sum of $100,000 under the condition that he reports every Friday to the Brickdam Police Station until the completion of the matter.

Garraway was instructed to return to court on February 13, 2019.

Canje hire car driver slapped with sexual assault on 13-year-old.

A hire car driver of New Area Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh on Tuesday, on a charge of sexual assault committed on a minor.

Nowrang Samaroo, called “Fenton”, was charged for allegedly touched a minor in a sexual

way without her consent to such touching on January 18, at Vryheid Public Road.

He was unrepresented and pleaded not guilty to the charge. He was subsequently placed on $75,000 bail and is set to return to court on January 29, 2019.

According to the facts of the case, on Friday last, the 13year-old boarded the driver’s

car en route to her school when Samaroo touched her inappropriately. He reportedly ripped the student’s uniform in the process.

The teen, in an effort to escape the man, reportedly jumped from the moving car.

She was shortly after picked up by a passing car and taken to the nearest police station where a report was made of the incident.

Charity resident freed on ammo charges Hayland Handy, 41, of Charity, East Bank Essequibo, walked out of court a free man yesterday after an ammunition charge was dismissed against him. This was after trial Magistrate Crystal Lambert upheld a no-case submission made by Attorney-at-Law Siand Dhurjon, who represented Handy.

Handy was brought before the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on June 23, 2018 and charged with having 49 rounds of ammunition in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm

licence enforced at the time. Police had said that they found the illegal items in Handy’s possession after carrying out a search on him.

Police had said that the rounds were hidden in the air breather in the engine bay of the vehicle in which he was travelling. After reviewing the evidence, Magistrate Lambert ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against Handy.

Hence, she dismissed the charge against him.

Handy had been out on bail pending trial.

Govt, Ram debate majority vote for...

From page 8 greater than half. And that according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary (1828), “majority rule” is defined as, “A political principle providing that a majority usually constituted by fifty percent plus one of an organized group will have the power to make decisions binding upon the whole.”

This definition of majority, Williams contends is applied in No Confidence Cases to both even and uneven numbers Parlia-

ments and in the latter case where fractions are involved the rounding up of the fractions require at least a majority of two clear votes.

Williams submitted that the failure to obtain 34 or more votes breached Article 106(6) of the Constitution and was unlawful and the certification by the Speaker of the National Assembly Barton Scotland by issuing Resolution 101 could not be conclusive.

However, it is Ram’s belief that “both on a gram-

matical and ordinary meaning of the words, “the vote of a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly” in Article 106 (6) of the Constitution as well as on a technical meaning of the words in the general context of the Constitution, the votes of 33 members of the National Assembly constitutes of a majority of all the elected members.”

The Chief Justice said that she will make a ruling in this matter on January 31.

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PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

Thursday January 24, 2019

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Kaieteur News

MPs must not be confined to chambers, should visit oil operations –EITI urges When it comes to the oil and gas industry, legislators will have a crucial role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability. But this cannot be achieved by merely sitting in Chambers and posing questions to oil and gas operators, says the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). Parliamentarians must go beyond the usual and conduct regular site visits of oil operations, the institution added.

EITI said this is necessary so that they can be enlightened about how the resource is extracted, how the company works, how its employees are treated, as well as grasp a better understanding of the measures in place for safety.

EITI said it is crucial that Members of Parliament are knowledgeable about technical, legal or financial aspects of the extractive industries and hold briefings for civil society groups and transparency bodies so that they can take advantage of their expertise.

EITI added, “Several countries have run into legal obstacles to EITI implementation, and a revision to the

laws has been required. Legislators can ensure these laws are changed in a way that reflects and reinforces the transparency required through EITI. In addition, although not a part of EITI requirements, some countries have strengthened EITI by enshrining the process itself into law.”

RIGID TAX LAWS Guyana is expected to submit its first report to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in April.

While officials of the local chapter have already initiated the process to prepare the report, it is already facing some difficulties.

According to Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, head of the GYEITI, the nation’s rigid tax laws are preventing some

government agencies from submitting crucial data needed to prepare the report.

Dr. Jadoopat said, “Guyana’s report is expected to help promote open and accountable management of our natural resources. It is expected to contain information from companies on payments that they make to the government that is then reconciled with data from the government, which says how much they claim to have received from the said companies.

“It is in this vein that we have had several engagements with government agencies. These include the Bureau of Statistics, Bank of Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Insurance Scheme.”

But Dr. Jadoopat said that not all the government agencies have submitted all the information needed. He said that this is the case with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The official said, “There are some obstacles, which have been cited by the GRA which is that the law does not allow them to provide taxpayers’ names to us and their TIN and all of that. So that is an issue we have to deal with.”

Dr. Jadoopat noted however that there are other jurisdictions, which were able to overcome such issues. The official pointed to Trinidad and Tobago.

He said, “The Income Tax Act and the Revenue Act of Guyana provide for how this information can be made

available and what are the exceptions. This information is needed to support the first report, which is due in April 2019...If you don’t know the names of the players who pay the government, then we cannot do our reconciliation...So this is where we are right now.

Hopefully, the government can provide a waiver to the GRA to help this situation.”

Dr. Jadoopat said that the government committed to the EITI process and there should be no barrier in ensuring Guyana complies with the standard of the global body.

He added, “If Government’s commitment is to be seen as real, then it has to ensure that its agencies provide data for the report…”

GUYANA/ EITI HISTORY EITI is an international body that was established in 2003 with the aim of making it harder for governments and companies to hide the truth about the proceeds garnered from the extractive industries.

The companies in the extractive sector report on what they are paying the government, and the government reports separately on what it received from the companies

in the sector.

A report is then prepared by a Multi-Stakeholder Group. The document, among other things, will highlight whether the numbers data collected from the two add up, or if there is an irregularity.

Dr. Jadoopat explained that Guyana must be praised for its efforts in recent years, which were all geared towards satisfying the EITI candidate sign-up requirements.

The official noted that the Government of Guyana had announced its commitment to implement the EITI Standards since May 2010. He said that Guyana and EITI even signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2012, which paved the way for Guyana to be assisted with its preparation of EITI candidacy.

He said that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank and the Carter Center provided assistance to the Government and supported its efforts towards EITI candidacy. Dr. Jadoopat said it is expected that this will continue.

He added that the government, as stipulated in the (Continued on page 23)

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Thursday January 24, 2019

Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

Hopes fade for soccer star Sala as rescuers suspend search L O N D O N / PA R I S (Reuters) - Rescuers said there was almost no chance of Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala being found alive after a recording emerged of a fearful voice message he apparently sent from his stricken plane before it disappeared over the English Channel.

Rescue teams reviewed satellite imagery and mobile phone data while four aircraft scoured seas off the island of Alderney, where unidentified debris had been spotted.

However they suspended their search on Wednesday evening after finding no trace of the missing plane after nine hours of hunting.

Cardiff City’s new signing and the aircraft’s pilot, named on Wednesday as Briton

David Ibbotson, had been missing since Monday night and rescuers said chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.

Police said a decision on whether to resume the search would be taken early on Thursday.

“We’re up there looking for stuff that we don’t expect to find,” John Fitzgerald, chief officer of the Channel Islands Air Search told Reuters. “If there was anything on the surface I think we would have found it on the first night because the weather conditions were really good.”

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Premier League side Cardiff City.

In a chilling voice message sent to friends, which Argentina’s Clarin newspaper said was authenticated by Sala’s father, the player expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in.

“I’m in the plane and it looks like it’s going to fall apart,” he said. “Dad, I’m really scared.”

Britain’s Air Accident Investigations Branch said it had opened an investigation into the disappearance of the U.S. registered aircraft.

Air traffic controllers had guided searchers along the path it took before it disappeared from radar screens at a little more than 2,000 feet (600 meters), Fitzgerald said.

“R.I.P. Bro” Sala joined struggling

Thursday January 24, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have the creative ability to make a real go of your music or writing. Why not put it to better use? Are you afraid to take the risk?

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Keep your mind on the present, Libra. As much as you'd like to be somewhere else, your daydreaming is getting out of hand.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Prosperity isn't just around the corner - it's here, Taurus.

Your finances are looking better than ever. Don't rely on this money, however.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There's passion in the air today, Scorpio. You can feel it. The feeling is so strong that the air almost pulsates.

What are you going to do about it?

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You've never looked better, Gemini. As a result, people are drawn to you and you have an unusually large circle of friends. This is fun but time consuming, as everyone seems to want a piece of you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You've always been interested in the arts, and now you want to explore that interest on a deeper level. A visit to a museum isn't likely to do the trick, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Errands seem to rule the day.

You spend most of it in the car, running hither and yon.

Don't be surprised if you run into an old friend you haven't seen in a while. The casual pleasantries you exchange could develop into something more.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The planetary configuration makes you likely to reap the benefits of all your hard work, Virgo. The little windfall you receive is nice, to be sure, but don't think of all of it as fun money.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Has the opposite sex always been so attractive? Today they seem especially so, Sagittarius, and capture your attention right and left.

One person, in particular, you've always considered a platonic friend, but today seems interested in you romantically.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your poise and gracious nature serve you well now, Capricorn. The best thing you can do today is spend time around other people. Go to a party or other social gathering tonight.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Creativity and romance are a good combination, Aquarius, and today both are in top form.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Is a bit of redecorating in order? This is a perfect time to spruce up your home.

Rather than rush into a project that you might later regret, Pisces, it's better to spend the day with color and fabric swatches.

General view of tributes left outside the stadium for Emiliano Sala.

(REUTERS/Rebecca Naden)

Cardiff from FC Nantes last week for a club record fee of about 17 million euros ($19 million), having scored 12 goals for the French club this season.

Both clubs were fearing the worst.

Cardiff City fans laid tributes outside their stadium to a player they barely knew but had built high hopes around.

“Sala a Bluebird. R.I.P. Bro. Big Love,” read one, in reference to the team’s nickname.

In Nantes, supporters laid rows of yellow flowers and held club scarves aloft in the city center late on Tuesday.

Police on Tuesday said the chance of finding survivors was slim and the prospect appeared bleaker a day later, with the water temperature in the Channel barely 10 degrees centigrade (50 degrees fahrenheit).

“There’s no chance.

You’d have to be really, really fit to survive even four or five hours in the water,” Fitzgerald said.

He said the pilot had filed a ‘VFR’ flight plan, which requires aircraft to avoid bad weather, have sight of the ground and stay out of certain air corridors.

The plane had been cruising at 5,000 feet (1,525 m) when the pilot requested to descend to a lower altitude on passing Guernsey. It lost radar contact at 2,300 feet, Guernsey police said.

British media yesterday cited Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman as saying the club had not organized Sala’s travel plans. “He declined and made his own arrangements,” Mehmet was quoted as saying.

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Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

NB A rroundup: oundup: R olling R aptor s rrout out Kings NBA Rolling Ra ptors Fred VanVleet scored 19 points and added seven rebounds and seven assists Tuesday night as the Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings 120-105.

Kyle Lowry added 19 points and nine assists for the Raptors, who won their season-best 10th straight home game and are 9-2 in January.

Pascal Siakam had 18 points and Serge Ibaka had

15 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors. C.J. Miles added 15 points and Norman Powell had 11 points.

Marvin Bagley III scored 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Kings, who have lost two in a row.

Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 points, eight rebounds and nine assists.

Thunder 123, Trail Blazers 114

Guinness Greatest of the Streets West Demerara/East Bank Zone continues tomorrow night The opening leg of the 2019 Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ street football tournament continues tomorrow night at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac with night two of the West Demerara/East Bank Zone.

A release of the fixtures from the organisers showed that a total of eight group matches are scheduled to kick off from 19:00hrs with the feature match commencing at 22:30hrs, which will feature the defending champions Showstoppers matching skills with Up-top bosses.

Showstoppers will be aiming to solidify their chance of reaching the knockout round by securing a second consecutive victory. While Brothers United, Jetty, Bagotstown Warriors, West Side Warriors and Up-Top Bosses will be looking to continue the winning form.

The night’s full fixtures are as follows: Jetty vs West Side Ballers-19:00hrs Boom Bang vs Up-Like-7-19:30hrs Genna vs Dream Team-20:00hrs Young Ballers vs Agricola-20:30hrs ESPN vs Brothers United-21:00hrs Ballers Empire vs Bagotstown Warriors-21:30hrs Rising Stars vs Phoenix Ballers-22:00hrs Showstoppers vs Up-Top-Bosses-22:30hrs Meanwhile, the current points table stands:

Paul George scored 36 points to lead Oklahoma City to a home win over Portland, the Thunder’s third win in a row. The result snapped the Trail Blazers’ three-game winning streak.

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook had 29 points, including a pair of emphatic dunks in the final two minutes to put the exclamation point on the victory. Westbrook added 14 assists and 10 rebounds to complete his NBAbest 14th triple-double of the season.

Portland got 34 points from Damian Lillard and 31 from CJ McCollum. Jusuf Nurkic added 22 points and 15 rebounds.

Mavericks 106, Clippers 98 Disillusioned guard Dennis Smith Jr., returning from a six-game absence, scored 17 points and grabbed a seasonbest eight rebounds to lead Dallas past visiting Los Angeles.Smith missed three games with a sore back and an illness before leaving the team for another three games, upset over his role playing alongside rookie sensation Luka Doncic. Amid trade rumors, Smith stayed away from the club as it lost four of the

Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) during the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports) six games. The explosive guard’s return provided a burst of offense that Dallas needed in snapping a fourgame losing skid.

Patrick Beverley paced the Clippers with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Timberwolves 118, Suns

91 Karl-Anthony Towns scored 25 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and handed out seven assists to lead Minnesota to a win at Phoenix.

The Suns were seeking payback after Derrick Rose’s buzzer-beating shot on Sun-

day lifted the Timberwolves to a 116-114 win, but Towns and Minnesota had other ideas.Josh Okogie scored 21 points for the Wolves. Josh Jackson finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Suns.

(Field Level Media)

Beuran Hendricks called up for last three ODIs; Steyn, de Kock return

ESPNcricinfo - Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn are back in South Africa’s squad for the remainder of the ODI series against Pakistan, while the left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks, who is uncapped in ODIs, has also been called up.De Kock and Steyn were rested for the first two matches after three Tests in quick succession. Hendricks’ selection is part of South Africa’s continued search for back-up seamers ahead of the World Cup. Hendricks, who has played seven T20Is between 2014 and 2017, showed consistent form for Jozi Stars in the recent Mzansi Super League, taking 12 wickets at 17.16.

Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson and Heinrich Klaasen are the three players to drop out of the squad for the remaining ODIs, and rotation within the squad will

Quinton de Kock nudges the ball to the leg side. (AFP) continue as the selectors are hoping to pick fast bowler Anrich Nortje once he has fully recovered from an ankle injury and, after the ODIs, rest

Kagiso Rabada for the T20I series against Pakistan.

“We are very happy with the depth of our fast bowling resources,” said selection

M.Y.O. Inter- Jamaat Softball set to start on February 3 The Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana Inter-Jamaat softball cricket competition is schedule to start on 3rd February, at the MYO ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.The registration fee is $3,000 per team and lots of trophies and cash incentives will be at stake.All Jamaats interested in participating are kindly asked to make contact with Br. Imran Ally on 231-9822 (h), 689-7425 (c), Br. Ralph Khan on 625-4330 or Br. Abdool Kumar on 670-8207, Br. Azad Ibrahim on 624-3362. Registration closes on Wednesday January 30th at 6 pm, followed by the draw.

panel convener Linda Zondi, “particularly if you consider that Lungi Ngidi is still on the road back from injury and we also want to have a look at Anrich Nortje when he is fully recovered. At the same time we want to explore all the options that are available to us and Beuran will be able to offer variety to our attack.”

Left-arm seamer Hendricks has taken eight wickets in his seven T20Is and has 87 wickets in List A cricket at an average of 32.86.“We are well aware of what Duanne, Dane and Heinrich have to offer and in the case of Duanne we are mindful of the amount of bowling he has done at the top level over the past month and we want to give him a break ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka,” Zondi said. “For the same reason we will be looking to rest Kagiso Rabada for the entire T20 International Series.”

South Africa ODI squad for 3rd, 4th and 5th ODIs: Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir , Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Rassie van der Dussen.

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Plucky Pliskova stuns Serena with epic Australian Open fightback MELBOURNE (Reuters) Serena Williams squandered four match points and blew a 5-1 lead in the deciding set as seventh seed Karolina Pliskova p r o d u c e d a fightback for the ages to claim a 6-4 4-6 7-5 quarterfinal win over the American great at the Australian Open yesterday.

Wi l l i a m s , c h a s i n g a milestone 24th Grand Slam triumph, also saved two match points in the last game but netted on the third as the big-serving Czech shocked a packed Rod Laver Arena with her remarkable rally from the brink of defeat.

The American’s hopes of matching Margaret Court’s all-time record of Grand Slam singles titles, and claiming a first since becoming a mother in 2017, were denied once more, after she also lost in finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open last year.

While disappointed, the 37-year-old was philosophical in defeat and pledged to regroup for another tilt at the French Open.

“It’s definitely not easy for me. From day one, I expect to go out and, quite frankly, to win,” the seventimes champion in Melbourne told reporters.

“That hasn’t happened.

But I do like my attitude... I’ve only been playing 10 months, but I expect to win, and if I don’t, it’s disappointing.

“I rather think of it that way and know that it’s going to happen sooner or later than making an excuse for myself. I don’t like making excuses.”

The brave Pliskova advanced to meet Naomi Osaka in the last four, denying Williams a chance to avenge her controversial U.S. Open final defeat to the Japanese fourth seed.

“Normally I’m having a lot of comebacks, but maybe from a set down or a break down, so nothing like this. I think it’s the best comeback ever so far in my life,” an elated Pliskova told reporters after qualifying for her first Melbourne semi-final.

“This time I really believed, like, (she’s) still a player, I know she’s the great-

est ever, but I don’t want to put her somewhere where I would not have a chance to beat her.”

BATTLE FOR TOP RANKING Pliskova avenged her quarter-final loss to Williams at last year’s U.S. Open and now holds an enviable 2-1 Grand Slam record against the American, having beaten her in the 2016 semi-finals at Flushing Meadows.

The 26-year-old former world number one, chasing her maiden Grand Slam title, is the second Czech into the semi-finals after double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova thrashed home favorite Ashleigh Barty on Tuesday to book a match with Danielle Collins.

Locked in a three-way battle with Osaka and Kvitova to take the world number one spot from Simona Halep, Pliskova will emerge as the top-ranked woman if she claims the title.

Williams, seeded 16th as she continues her return from maternity leave, rolled her ankle when serving for the

Arrested Portuguese hacker is Football Leaks ‘whistleblower’: lawyers LISBON (Reuters) - A Portuguese man arrested in Hungary on suspicion of extortion and secrecy violations hacked football bodies’ documents - which later appeared on the Football Leaks website - because he was “outraged” by criminality in the sport, his lawyers said.

The man, named by his lawyers as 30-year-old Rui Pinto, was detained in Hungary yesterday on a European arrest warrant filed by Portuguese police who want to extradite him. His lawyers said they would oppose this.

Speaking to Reuters, the lawyers said Pinto, whom they described as a “whistleblower”, would remain under house arrest in Hungary until a decision on his extradition had been made.

Portuguese police said a national had been detained on Wednesday on a European arrest warrant. The individual was suspected of qualified extortion, violation of secrecy and illegally accessing information, the police said.

Asked by Reuters if the arrested man was Rui Pinto, Carlos Cabreiro, the Portuguese police’s head of cyber crime, said he could not comment.

He also declined to comment on the lawyers’ intention to oppose Pinto’s extradition.

The Football Leaks

website includes emails, contracts and presentations relating to football clubs.

German magazine Der Spiegel, which shared access to the documents with Reuters and more than a dozen other media outlets in cooperation with the European Investigative Collaborations (EIC) reporting project, said the material came from a source who identified himself as a Portuguese man named “John”.

Reuters could not determine if Pinto was the source mentioned by Spiegel.

Spiegel and EIC said in a statement that they do not comment on the identity of sources.Reuters was also unable to determine what information the arrest warrant related to or whether it was linked to reporting by the consortium.

His lawyers, William Bourdon and Francisco Teixeira da Mota, said in a statement to the media that Pinto was not a criminal. “(He) was outraged with practices in the sport (football), which he believes do not dignify the players and damage their image,” they wrote.

Pinto, they said, became an “important European whistleblower for Football Leaks” and his revelations have “enabled numerous European judicial authorities to

gain knowledge of criminal practices in the world of football”.

The EIC started releasing information based on Football Leaks in late 2016, prompting the European Parliament to question representatives of football bodies.

According to Pinto’s lawyers, Doyen Sports, a Maltabased investment company providing funds to football clubs, filed a criminal complaint against Pinto in Portugal in 2015. The lawyers declined to give details of the complaint, which Reuters hasn’t viewed.

A Doyen spokesman, Francisco Empis, told Reuters the company had initially contacted the Portuguese police in 2015 after receiving an email from an “unknown user” who threatened to leak confidential documents, including players’ contracts, unless the company paid a “generous donation”.Empis said the case had been on hold until emails from Portugal’s biggest football team, Benfica, were leaked in 2017, prompting Portuguese police to act.

Portuguese police said they could not comment on investigations related to the Benfica emails leak, citing laws that prevent them from disclosing any details of an ongoing investigation.

Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova reacts after winning the match against Serena Williams of the U.S. (REUTERS/Aly SongEdgar Su) match at 5-1.

She promptly double-

faulted after missing a passing shot on her first match

point and was broken after dumping a backhand into the net.

Pliskova held on grimly, saving three more match points when serving to stay alive at 5-4, before breaking Williams to love and charging to 40-0 in the final game.

Williams saved two of the match points, the second with a courageous backhand winner, but Pliskova held firm to add another highlight to a tournament laden with upsets.

The American said her ankle was not a factor in defeat, and credited Pliskova for playing “unbelievable” on match points.

“She literally played her best tennis ever on those shots,” she said.

Fiba Americas Qualifier Doman to replace Victor Less than a month remains before the National men’s basketball team are scheduled to depart for Colombia where they will take part in the biggest tournament of Guyana Basketball’s history; the FIBA Americas qualifiers.

Recently, it was disclosed by head coach, Junior Hercules, that the team’s vicecaptain Ray Victor who was very influential during Guyana’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship winning campaign last year, is injured with a broken leg.However, Hercules shared with this publication that he has been in contact for about five months with a more than suitable replacement in 26-year-old Sean Doman.Doman, who is U.S. based, stands at 6’3" and weighs 200 pounds. He is a combo guard and has played College ball at Montreat College before a semi-professional stint in China where he

Sean Doman averaged 24.6 after seven games.The player is of Guyanese decent through his mother Barbara Thornton of Georgetown, while his father, Clifton Doman, is Jamaican.

When the Communications scholar received word that he will be given the opportunity to try out for the Guyana team, he was ecstatic.

In an invited comment to this publication, he posited that, “I live by the words

‘Humble and Hungry’ and I feel I am a crafty and aggressive guard on both ends, I’m definitely blessed and honored to be given an opportunity to represent Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Coach Hercules, who has been keep an eye on the player for almost half a year, noted that, “It’s a great asset for Guyana to have an exciting and equally humble semiprofessional player for the very important upcoming FIBA Americas qualifiers next month.”

The qualifiers will run from February 22nd to 24th in the city of Bogota, Colombia and Guyana is in Pool B that includes the hosts, Bolivia and Paraguay. With Colombia Basketball set to provide meals, accommodation and transportation to the games, the estimated travel and miscellaneous cost for a 15-member contingent has been pegged at around $5million.

(Calvin Chapman)

Mc Gill SC secure place in final ...

From page 31 runs on both sides of the pitch. He anchored his team innings, hitting six fours and four sixes in an unbeaten 98; his fourth consecutive half century of the tournament. Amar Deen claimed 2-41, while there was one each Balram Aron, Daniel Basdeo and Travis Persaud. In reply, Mc Gill SC lost opener Shafiek Deen, bowled by Richie Looknauth for one, Sudesh Persaud caught off Avinash Dhaniram for nine and Abdul Razack for three to be reduced to 32-3.

Following a downpour, Mc Gill were then set a revised target of 154 from 27 overs, needing a further 118 from 90 balls. Singh then blasted eight sixes in a top score of 70 not out and got valuable support from Badsdeo who made 20 with two sixes as Mc Gill reached 157-8 in 26.4 overs. Persaud returned to take 4-22 from 5.4 overs, Richie Looknauth had 2-12, while

Naveed Ali and Mohammad Wazidali had one apiece. At Joe Vieira Park, rain prevented further play in the second semi final between Independence A and Zeeburg SC. Independence A batted first and managed 188 all out in 33.2 overs; the game was reduced to 45 overs. Vivian Beckles made 54 with two fours and five sixes, while Javon Hector got 32 (2x4,3x6) and Ceenauth Bisessar 30 (3x6). Offspinner Malcolm Hubbard bagged 5-45 off eight overs and Yutesh Dhanpaul 2-33.

Rain caused a delay in the resumption of play after which Zeeburg were given a revised target of 127 from 30 overs. They were 77-6 in 12 overs when rain prevented further play.

Cornelius Rising made 27; Hubbard 21 and Dhanpaul 21 not out. Mahendra Dhanpaul, Jagnarine Etwaroo and Arshad Azim took two wickets each. The game has been re-scheduled for Sunday.

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Thursday January 24, 2019

Kaieteur News

Weightlifting: Thailand faces Olympic ban after six positives at worlds

Sopita Tanasan (THA) of Thailand competes at the 2016 Rio Olympics. (REUTERS/ Kai Pfaffenbach)

Sukanya Srisurat (THA) of Thailand competes at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

(REUTERS/Yves Herman) LONDON (Reuters) Thailand’s weightlifters face a ban from the Tokyo 2020 Games after six positive tests, two of them from reigning Olympic champions, at last year’s World Championships.

The Thais were caught when the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) carried out extra tests in Cologne, Germany, on samples taken last November from “target athletes” at the World Championships in Turkmenistan.Any nation with three or more positives in a calendar year faces a ban of up to four years. Thailand had six, from a team of 19, at

the World Championships, and has two further doping cases yet to be resolved since December 2017.The country was also involved in a doping scandal in 2011 when seven teenage girls were banned after testing positive, two of whom are among the six new cases.Thailand is hosting this year’s IWF World Championships in September but if suspended it would have to withdraw.The IWF said in a statement that it had previously suspended nine countries for repeated doping offences and it “will not hesitate” to do the same again.The decision will rest

with a new sanctioning panel comprising anti-doping experts and lawyers from the United States, Canada, Germany and New Zealand.

The first two of Thailand’s World Championships positives were announced on Dec. 23 — women’s super-heavyweight bronze medalist Duanganksnorn Chaidee, and 17-year-old Teerapat Chomchuen, the only male among the six.

The other four, named by the IWF on Wednesday, are reigning Olympic champions Sopita Tanasan (48kg) and Sukanya Srisurat (58kg), plus

BCB launches Spready’s Snackette Second Division Tournament The Berbice Cricket Board plans to host at least thirty Cricket Tournaments in 2019 and was given a major boost when another sponsor came on board last weekend. Mr. Manoj Singh, CEO of Spready’s Snackette readily agreed to sponsor the finance of hosting a 100 Balls Second Division Tournament for fifteen teams in the Lower Corentyne Sub Area. The Tournament bowled off on Sunday 20th January at venues across Berbice. The Tournament would be played on a Knock-out basis with the Final scheduled for the historic Port Mourant Ground.

Albion Community Centre Cricket Club and Rose Hall Town Bakewell Cricket Team have been barred from playing in the Tournament as the Berbice Cricket Board seeks to encourage other Clubs to exce l w i t h o u t p l a y i n g against the two most powerful Clubs in the Ancient C o u n t y. T h e S p r e a d y ’s Snackette 100 Balls Tournament is a fulfillment of a committment made by BCB President Hilbert Foster to the Secretary of the Chesney Cricket Club to organise a Tournament between Clubs who do not have any major

First Division Players.

In 2018, Rose Hall Town Bakewell dominated the Second Division Tournaments with Under-19 Players Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson, Junior Sinclair and Kevin Sinclair not being considered First Division Players. Players from Albion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club have been barred from the Tournament, while only Players living between Bush Lot and No. 1 Road would be allowed to participate.

Seventeen Clubs would feature in the historic Tournament, Courtland, Fyrish Road, Fyrish, Chesney, Kilcoy, Toopoo, Tamarind Root, Belvedere United, Jai Hinds, Albion Open, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Tigers, Tain Block 4, Whim Nationals, Nigg Intruders, Kildonan and Ramnarine Memorial.

Matches would start at 13:00hours sharp with Teams bowling fourteen six balls overs and two eight balls overs. Teams are reminded that once they give walkovers, they would be banned for the rest of 2019 along with their players, while Captains would forfeit their rights to the toss if they are not present at the

venues by 12:45hours. All Players shall have to be attired in white uniforms as the Berbice Cricket Board seeks to lift the standard on the field of play.

Foster also disclosed that in 2019, the Berbice Cricket Board would be playing two new Tournaments at the Under-23 and Intermediate levels.

These would be in addition to the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Unde-21, Female, Internal Zone, Double Wicket, Primary School, Secondary School, Second Division and First Division levels. The BCB President expressed gratitude to Manoj and Narine Singh for their support of Berbice Cricket and pledged to organise a successful Tournament.

Spready’s Snackette, during the Presidency of Keith Foster, had sponsored an Under19 Tournament for three years.

Manoj Singh in brief remarks stated that he was delighted to be associated with Berbice Cricket again as he was very impressed with the improvements over the last year. Sports, he stated was the best avenue to keep youths off the road and his Business was committed to fulfilling its corporate duties.

Thunya Sukcharoen and Chitchanok Pulsabsakul.

Srisurat and Pulsabsakul were caught up in the 2011 scandal and suspended for two years.Srisurat and Sukcharoen both won World Championships gold in Turkmenistan, where Thailand finished second behind China in the medals table.

ROLE MODEL Earlier this month, the Thailand Amateur Weightlifting Federation (TAWA) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a visit to IWF headquarters in Budapest where its president, Boossaba Yodbangtoey, spoke of the great strides made by the sport.

Boossaba is general secretary of the Asian Weightlifting Federation and her husband, Intarat

Yodbangtoey, is a vice-president of the IWF.Boossaba said in Budapest that weightlifting was Thailand’s most popular Olympic sport and that her success in recruiting girls to the sport made her “a role model”.TAWA said in a statement on social media that it was “greatly surprised and confused” by the new positives, and that it had already set up an internal inquiry. “If it is found there are wrongdoers, they will be punished,” it said.Boosaba was not immediately available to comment when contacted by Reuters.The IWF had said in a statement that it tested more than half of the 600 athletes at the 2018 World Championships, with no positives.

But it then carried out further analysis on “targeted athletes” samples” at the Co-

logne anti-doping laboratory, using “the most sophisticated available technique: Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS)”.

This led to the Thai positives.Weightlifting is effectively ‘on probation’ at Tokyo 2020, having been told its place on the Olympic Games schedule beyond then is under review.The IWF has toughened up its anti-doping procedures and said: “The IWF remains committed to implement the most advanced testing techniques to ensure that the very small minority who cheat are identified and sanctioned.“With the IWF’s anti-doping efforts before, during and after the 2018 IWF World Weightlifting Championships, this was proven once again.”

Berbice Cricket Board honours former Secretary Oscar Ramjeet with its highest Award “Over the last ten months, we at the Berbice Cricket Board have achieved the impossible. From a long period of being dormant and almost buried, Berbice Cricket is now the pride of Guyana and we are once again at the top of the mountain. None of this would have been possible without your support and your committment to Berbice Cricket is unmatched.”

Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster as he honoured former BCB Secretary Oscar Ramjeet with the Board’s highest Award “The Tribute to Hero Award”.

Ramjeet was honoured for his service to the Berbice Cricket Board in the 1960’s when he served as Secretary and also for personally raising over $3M in 2018 for the development of Berbice Cricket. Foster noted that when he took over the Berbice Cricket Board, the Board was indebted and had only $42, 000 in its Bank Account. Ramjeet, Foster stated called him immediately after the election and pledged his cooperation. The former BCB Secretary, despite his advanced age, worked beyond the call of duty and was able to get his close friends and clients to come on board. Ramjeet, an Attorney-at-Law was able to raise funds for numerous Berbice Cricket Board projects including Award Ceremony, Cricket Academy, Educational Posters, Countywide Coaching, Cricket Clinics, Reds Perreira visit, Dave Martins Concert, Training of Pre-level One Coaches and Double Wicket Tournament among numerous others.

Foster hailed Ramjeet as a true Hero of

Berbice Cricket and someone who walk the walk instead of just talking. The Tribute to Hero Award is specially reserved for persons who have made major contributions to the development of the game in the Ancient County.

Other Awardees in the Past have included Carl Moore, Malcolm Peters, Dhieranidranauth Somwaru, Mortimer George, Lennox Phillips, Ancel Hazek and Roy Baijnauth. A humble Ramjeet, in response, stated that his love for Berbice Cricket is deep rooted and he would remain committed to its development until he draws his final breath. The former Berbice Cricket Board Secretary stated that he was very impressed with the vision and hard work of the Hilbert Foster led Administration. He expressed delight that all of his friends were clearly delighted with the usage of their funds, the regular reports they have received from the Berbice Cricket Board and the wide spread media coverage.

Ramjet was born in 1939 in the sleepy village of No. 2, East Canje and briefly played First Division Cricket for Vryheid, West Canje.

In 1965, he represented the Berbice Cricket Board at the Guyana Cricket Board duo of Fred Wills and Rex Mc Kay started the struggle for more votes for the Berbice Cricket Board.

Ramjeet later obtained scholarship to West Germany but the Berbice Board was eventually granted more votes than the ordinary clubs. He was honoured in 2014 during the BCB 75th Anniversary for his Service to Cricket in the Ancient County.

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 31

KMTC President peeved….

Mc Gill SC secure place in final following two-wkt Rising Sun’s meet clashes with Phagwah races win against Cornelia Ida

Akshaya Persaud Mc Gill Sports Club of Canal Number One have secured their place in the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association President's Cup 50-over tournament after defeating Cornelia Ida by two wickets in their semi final encounter on Sunday last.

Malcolm Hubbard In a game which was reduced to 38 overs due to rain, Cornelia Ida CC batted first and managed 211-5 at Canal Number Two ground.

Akshaya Persaud and Dhaniram Azamudeen handed their team a solid start as they brought up their half century stand in the 10th

Prahalad Singh over. The duo continued to play their shots and went on to post 123 before Azamudeen was taken off Balram Aron for 53 off 45 balls with three fours and four sixes. Persaud continued to rotate the strike well as he accumulated his Continued on page 29)

Farifield, Ogle, Lusignan B, Enmore triumph The 2019 edition of the ECCC/SPR Enterprise 40 overs cricket tournament for teams on the East Coast of Demerara commenced on Sunday last at several venues.

The preliminary games are being played in a round robin format across two groups with the highlights of last Sunday’s action being a six wickets haul by Owen Andrews and Chaterpaul Ramraj and a century by Krishna Deosarran.

The summarized scores are as follows: At Fairfield: Fairfield SC defeated Mahaica Cavaliers by six wickets.

Mahaica Cavaliers SC made 101 all out in 27.2 overs, batting first. P. Chowtie got 34; T. Charles and R. Chatura took four wickets and three wickets respectively. Fairfield SC responded with 105 for 4 in 13.4 overs.

At Ogle: Ogle SC Blasters defeated Paradise SC All stars by eight wkts.

Paradise SC All stars managed 61-7 in 17 oversinnings closed; Andre Gomes took 4 for 15 runs from 5 overs. (three players were absent). Ogle Blasters

Owen Andrews got to 63 for 2 from eight overs. Andrew Samaroo scored 21.

Lusignan B defeated host Starthavon SC by two wickets in a game that was affected by rain. Starthavon scored 193 all out in 37 overs. Ganesh Sugrim struck 61 and S. Budhu 35.

Lusignan B chasing a revised target of 107 from 22 overs, got over the line in 21.3 for the loss of eight wickets. M. Persaud scored 37 whilst G. Hemraj took 2 for 15 runs.

Host Enmore CCCC Enforcers overcame Mahaica SC by six wickets in a game that was adjusted

to 25 overs. Mahaica SC made 81 all out in 21 overs.

Chris Surat took 4 for 18 for ECCCC Enforcers who replied with 84 from 6.4 overs. Bheemraj Ramkelawan and Rudolph Singh scored 43 not out and 20 respectively.

At Buxton: Buxton SC dismissed Helena SC for 95 in 19.3 overs with Owen Andrews taking 6 for 4 runs.

I. Alli resisted with 41 for Helena SC. In reply Buxton SC were 40 without loss (6.4) overs before rain put a halt to the match.

The game between Lusignan East Strikers and Better Hope Sixers was rained out.

Action continues this weekend with Lusignan SC A vs Lusignan East Strikers on at Lusignan, Enmore will host Beehive SC, Cane Grove New Generation SC at home to Buxton SC, Better Hope A vs Golden Achievers SC at Better Hope, Ogle Blasters vs Strathavon SC at Ogle, Strathavon B vs Better Hope Sixers at Strathavon and Fairfield SC vs LBI SC at Fairfield.

All matches will commence at 11:00am.

President of the Kennard M e m o r i a l Tu r f C l u b (KMTC), Justice Cecil Kennard is peeved that the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has set a horserace meet at Rising Sun Turf Club on the same date that his club has set their Phagwah meet, which, for the past 40 years, has been held at this time.

K e n n a r d , K M T C ’s President for the past 26 years, lamented that the Guyana Horseracing Authority, which would deal with such issues, is now defunct and the March 24 date for the Phagwah meet was published since January 6.

At that time the KMTC has indicated that there will be a total of five horserace meets this year staged by the club with the first slated for Sunday, March 24.

Justice Kennard

In a correspondence, the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice based turf club noted that the other meets were set for May 19, August 4 (Independence meet), Sunday, 20 October and the Boxing Day meet on December 26th.

According the Kennard, Jumbo Jet who does not own a Track, has set their Triple

Crown dates for Mashramani, Phagwah and Easter week.

“We (KMTC) are very disappointed that Jumbo Jet has set their meet at the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Berbice on the same date that we have published our meet to be held on since last year.

Some of the Horse owners are also disappointed,” an upset Kennard stated.

“We want to let the public know that two-weeks ago the Vice-President of our club, Dennis DeRoop called Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr from Jumbo Jet to discuss the matter and to ask them to change their date because that has always been our date and Rising Sun has never held a Phagwah meet,” informed Kennard, who said his club will go ahead with the March 24 date. (Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 30

Anderson breaks through to turn first Test for England Shai Hope, England's nemesis at Headingley in 2017, made a fine start ©Getty Images

Windies opener John Campbell received his Test cap from Sir Garfield Sobers before the start of play ©Getty Images

Roston Chase picked up the cudgels for his side ©Getty Images

ESPNcricinfo - James Anderson broke through with the new ball to turn the first Test against West Indies in England's favour on a tough opening day of toil for the fast bowler in Barbados.

In the absence of fellow quick Stuart Broad, overlooked as the tourists opted to play two spinners, Anderson's four scalps took the pair past the 1000-wicket mark between them.

Anderson laboured long and hard for his first wicket, and it was a crucial one, breaking a 46-run partnership between Shai Hope and Roston Chase. Bowling his 17th over, he found an inside edge from Hope with a ball that jagged back for a neat caught behind by Ben

Foakes.

Anderson should have had a second one a short time later when Shimron Hetmyer drove to Jos Buttler, diving to his right and getting his hands to the ball at short cover but failing to hold on to it. It could have proved costly had Anderson not struck late in the day, with Hetmyer going on to reach an unbeaten 56.

West Indies captain Jason Holder had repeatedly called on his batsmen to stand up in this match. The issue for the home side could well prove to be that too many faltered after intitially heeding his instructions. Three of his batsmen reached half centuries without going on with the job, while two more

- debutant John Campbell (44) and Kraigg Brathwaite (40) - fell just short.

England took the new ball after 80 overs and Anderson struck almost immediately, tempting Chase (54) with an outside edge collected neatly

by Joe Root at slip. Shane Dowrich followed a short time later for a duck but Anderson saved his best for last with a one-handed caught-and-bowled to dispatch Holder cheaply and claim figures of 4-33 off 24 overs, half of them maidens.

For all the early talk of England's two spinners versus West Indies' one and what next for a snubbed Broad, it was allrounder Ben Stokes who ensured England went to tea in better shape

than at lunch.

Stokes snared the wickets of experienced duo Brathwait and Darren Bravo shortly before rain forced an early tea with the home side still looking to be in a solid position, thanks to a resilient Hope.

Brathwaite, who had played the unlikely role of extra for the first hour as Campbell carved out an eye-catching start, began to look threatening as he picked up his scoring rate immediately after his opening partner's dismissal. But he managed to add only nine runs after lunch before Stokes struck, enticing an edge which carried to Root at slip.

Bravo's return - he was playing his first Test in two years after the resolution of a dispute with the West Indies board - was short lived. He managed just two runs before Stokes had him out lbw.

Stokes chimed in with the last wicket of the day when he had Kemar Roach Caught

by Root for no score.

England's selection of a twin spin attack with Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid, in contrast to the home side's decision to opt for four fast bowlers, bore fruit with Moeen claiming the only wicket of the morning session - that of Campbell, whose rush of blood brought him undone when he attempted to sweep and was hit flush on the back leg for lbw.

Moeen and Rashid were selected for a pitch Root admitted he would have batted first on too, had he won the toss, and Broad was edged out by Curran whose batting strength turned the

decision. The spinners were expensive though, Moeen conceeding 59 runs from 12 overs while Rashid's 17 overs cost 56 runs. Curran finished the day with none for 54 from 12 overs.

West Indies opted for just one spinner, Chase, in addition to four quick bowlers, which included a recall for Alzarri Joseph after a long-standing back problem.

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st Innings K Brathwaitec Rootb Campbell lbwb Moeen S Hopec Foakes b Anderson Bravolbw b Stokes Chasec Rootb Anderson

S t o k e s

Hetmyer not out Dowrich c Buttler b Anderson Holderc & b Anderson Roachc Rootb Stokes Extras1nb 0w 0b 5lb Total (89.2 overs) for8-wkts2 6 Bowler Overs Maidens Anderson 24.0123341 S Curran 12.035404 Stokes 19.224732 Moeen 12.015914 Rashid 17.015603 Root 5.001002 fall of WicketBatsman 53-1 (18.1 ovs) 126-2 (46.4 ovs) 128-3 (48.2 ovs) 174-4 (65.2 ovs) 240-5 (82.5 ovs) 250-6 (84.6 ovs) 261-7 (86.6 ovs) 264-8 (89.2 ovs)

4 0 4 4 5 7 2 5 4

5 6 0 5 0 6 4

Runs WicketsEcon .

3 8 .

5 0 .

4 3 .

9 2 .

2 9 .

0 0

Campbell K Brathwaite Bravo S Hope Chase Dowrich Holder Roach

Toss: West Indies won the toss and decided to bat Venue: Kensington Oval, Bridgetown Officials: Christopher Gaffaney, Rodney Tucker, Handunnettige Dharmasena, Joel Wilson, Jeffrey Crowe

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 24, 2019

PAGE 33

Government’s partnership imperative to help propel nation to inaugural Concacaf Gold Cup

President David Granger

Wayne Forde - GFF President

By Franklin Wilson

offered Guyana a golden opportunity to be there in the USA later this year; it would be the biggest achievement of the nation in its 100+ years i n t h e s p o r t .

It is therefore essential that the government engage the GFF now, if it has not already done so to ensure that come Saturday March 23 next at the Guyana National Stadium Providence, the entire nation turns out to give Head Coach Michael Johnson and his Golden Jaguars the energy needed to get past Belize and qualify for the Concacaf Gold Cup which will kick off on Saturday June 15 next.

Six of the 16 national teams scheduled to participate have qualified, those being the countries that participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Hexagonal qualifier round: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad

C

ome March 23rd next, and well before that date, it’s is imperative for the Government of the day to ensure that all the necessary support is given to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in its quest to create history by guiding Guyana to the Concacaf Gold Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Lady Jags created history when they qualified for the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup in 2010 which was contested in Cancun Mexico and now it’s the Golden Jaguars’ turn to emulate the Lady Jags.

This 15th edition of the premier competition in Concacaf which has seen an increase of teams from 12 to 16 which was announced in February of 2018, has

The Lady Jags became the first team from Guyana to qualify for the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup in 2010.

MYO clears the air on abandoned match The Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) would like to clear the air on their Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society second division 40-over game against Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) which was abandoned due to rain.

Batting first, GYO were 185-4 in 32 overs when the rain intervened. A release from the club stated that when the umpires signaled for the covers, the rain was almost on the ground and this gave their lone ground staff little time to cover the pitch before it began to rain harder.

“Subsequently, the players assisted the ground staff to cover the pitch; however it is not the players’ duty to ensure that the pitch is covered. It rained for about 30-45 minutes which caused seepage on the pitch and about one hour later the umpires instructed the ground staff to remove the covers; he was assisted by players of both teams. During this process (when the covers were taken off) there were more seepage on the pitch and the

umpires following an inspection, decided to make another inspection one hour later. It began to rain once more and the umpires instructed that the pitch be covered and this was done. Following the showers and removal of the covers (for the second time), the umpires, after their inspections, decided that further play was not possible,” The release stated. “MYO wished to make it clear that the ground staff followed the instructions of the umpires and was ably assisted by its players and despite getting wet they were willing to continue the game.

Additionally, at no time were the players hesitant in assisting the ground staff. MYO can only afford to employ one ground staff and it is difficult for him alone to handle the covers and no player, from whichever team, is obligated to assist any ground staff. The umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play and it is to them to decide whether the condition is too dangerous for play to take place,” The release informed.

Golden Jaguars celebrate with fans after their win against host, Turks and Caicos Islands.

and Tobago, and the United States.

Three of the four qualifying rounds in the Caribbean Nations League (CNL), the gateway to the Gold Cup have already been completed and Guyana, one of the 34 contesting nations is in the reckoning for a top 10 finish which will earn a place in the Gold Cup. Guyana is currently holding down the 8th place with 6 points from 2 wins and a loss, they are behind Curacao, Haiti, Canada, Cuba, Jamaica, Martinique and Bermuda in that order.

The Guyana National Stadium was mentioned earlier in this piece but it is has not been confirmed for the match to date; this is a much bigger and better accessible venue than the Leonora Track and Field Facility which is listed on the

Concacaf Website as the host venue.

Given the nature of this historic showdown against Belize, all efforts must be made by the Government, which is charge of the Providence Stadium as well, to ensure that the venue is made available with all related costs being underwritten as their contribution to this nation in its quest for glory.

A win come March 23rd next would not only be for the Wayne Forde led GFF to take pleasure in, it will be a victory for all throughout the length and breadth of this 83,000 square mile country.

The GFF too, must commence a rigorous, robust and consistent campaign to keep all Guyana as well as Guyanese in the Diaspora up to date with its plans.

Replica national team

jerseys ought to be procured so that fans can identify with their team come match day.

Guyana defeated Barbados 3-0 (decided by disciplinary committee), Turks and Caicos Islands 8-0 and lost to French Guiana 1-2 in week three.

Concacaf would have already announced that the Estadio Nacional, in San Jose, Costa Rica will host a Concacaf Gold Cup doubleheader featuring the home nation on Sunday, June 16, 2019.

This is another first timer for this tournament that matches will be played in Central America; the two matches will kick-off the action for Group B. This summer’s expanded Gold Cup will also see a yetto-be-announced Caribbean venue also hosting a double header,

rt o p S

Anderson breaks through to turn first Test for England P.32

- James Anderson took three wickets for six runs off five overs in his final spell of the day. (Getty Images)

Shimron Hetmyer batted without a helmet against the spinners to reach a half centuryŠGetty Images

Plucky Pliskova stuns Serena Fiba Americas with epic Australian Open Qualifier fight back Doman to P.29

P.29

replace Victor

Serena Williams of the U.S. in action with Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)

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Doman in action during the his semi-pro stint in China.

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