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Wrong diagnosis NEWS costs teen's parents $800,000 and trip to Miami

Tuesday Edition

AIETEUR

January 28, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 04

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

readership yesterday 120,044

Guyana should not allow oil companies to recover interests and other financing costs - IMF p.

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Children's Mash takes off! Cabinet briefed p.

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weekly on performance of foreign mining companies- Trotman Republic Bank's computer glitch hampers City Hall's financial operation - Treasurer claims p.

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Taxi driver 'pleases Carpenter charged for mind' by damaging - court knocking out cop's teeth woman's car hears p.

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Stabroek Block estimates moved to 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels p. 17

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

State insists on PI for Marcus Bisram case

I

t was another lengthy session at the Whim Magistrate's Court yesterday in the Marcus Brian Bisram case. Both defence and prosecution had back and forth arguments again as to how the case should proceed.

The prosecution's representative Attorney-atlaw Stacy Goodings from the DPP chambers presented arguments in support of

having a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) conducted in the interest of justice.

Quoting section 71A which she noted "seeks to address a magistrate's role when holding a PI at the stage of a committal..." she argued that "meeting justice is not premised on a shortcut".

Goodings stressed that "this is a serious crime" and as such they should be

afforded the opportunity to have evidence presented and have the main witness testify before the court.

She asked the court to grant the opportunity to proceed by way of PI. Meanwhile, Attorney-atlaw Dexter Todd argued that when the matter was called before Magistrate Alex Moore, who has since recused himself from the case, "over three hours was spent deliberating as to whether 71A should be applied or not... and Magistrate Moore determined paper committal".

He added that " the legal argument should be whether you can reverse the order of Magistrate Moore; this case is not a done over matter.

Evidence has to be taken. If the order of Magistrate

Marcus Bisram leaving the Whim Magistrate's Court yesterday

Moore is to be reversed, then the court can only entertain whether it has power to do so, which Attorney Goodings has not addressed". This he said was “a waste of judicial time".

Todd questioned the

Magistrate on whether there was a notation from the Chief Magistrate in Georgetown when the case was called there that "the orders of Moore be vacated".

To that the Magistrate replied and stated that what

should be asked is whether the ruling made by Magistrate Moore before he recused himself from the case, was recorded on the case docket. She stated that checks will be made to ascertain if that was done.

In addition to Todd's arguments, his colleague Attorney Sanjeev Datadin also referenced the ruling by Magistrate Moore and mentioned that there was no appeal of the decision handed down by the Magistrate then. His argument was to back up their preference to have the case proceed by way of Paper Committal. He too questioned why his client can't be afforded a shorter trial.

Datadin further stated that "we have all the evidence and are ready to go, we are not saying who you call or not, our position has nothing to do with calling of the witness, it is how that we are concerned with".

Magistrate Singh will rule on the way forward on February 10th.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Cabinet briefed weekly on performance of foreign mining companies - Trotman

T

he Cabinet of Ministers is continuing to be apprised weekly on the performance of the foreign mining companies.

“The committee is in place and we exchange information on a weekly basis. The committee would then give Cabinet gets a weekly report,” explained Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman over the weekend.

The committee, comprising a number of ministers and other technical officials, started work in December, as pressure came on the Government over a number of mining companies, including Rusal/Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI).

In addition to labour issues, there have been questions about what exactly Guyana was getting from the mining companies being here.

Last month, Government announced that the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Natural Resources met to discuss and strategise about ongoing

matters and future developments within the gold, bauxite and manganese industries.

Specific focus was placed on the welfare of workers, the operations of foreign companies and the overall sustainability of the sector, it was explained then.

According to Trotman, the current issue that is engaging the committee is the Rusal one.

Some 142 workers were sent home last week after the Russian-controlled bauxite company claimed it is running out of the duty-free fuel that was supposed to be approved by government.

Since then, workers have blocked the Upper Berbice River, Region 10, essentially halting shipment of bauxite from the area.

“Because it is a labour matter, the Ministry of Social Protection is taking lead with the Ministry of Finance well aware…over claims by Rusal that it is not accessing duty free fuel.”

Last month, the statement by government disclosed that the Cabinet

The ministers and technical officials from the Cabinet sub-committee meeting yesterday. has ordered that a team of ministers and senior government officials report on the overall performance of the companies.

The Natural Resources sector has been rocked in recent months by layoffs and burning questions over the duty free concession and tax breaks the companies would have benefitted from.

Guyana should not allow oil companies to recover interests and other financing costs - IMF

E

ven though Guyana has Production Sharing Agreements (PSA) which allow oil companies to recover the interest garnered on loans, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is saying there is no economic logic for allowing this. It has therefore advised the Government to prohibit oil companies from recovering the interests and other financing costs.

The IMF even went further to state that the nation's production sharing framework should explicitly state that this is not allowed.

The financial institution said that this would be an important step for Guyana as it would be closing a potential loophole for inflated costs via intercompany financing.

According to the Stabroek and Orinduik Production Sharing Agreements (PSA), Guyana has allowed loans taken by the companies to be considered eligible

recoverable costs, regardless of the interest rates.

In the eyes of University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, this arrangement leaves Guyana open to the abusive use of debt by the operators, since Guyana is essentially standing all the costs.

During an exclusive interview, Mitro had said, “The treatment of loan interest varies by country and situation. Countries like the USA that have only an income tax on oil and no production-sharing do allow tax deductions for interest on debt of oil companies.

However, countries like the

U.K., Angola and Nigeria that have royalty and special petroleum tax regimes, do not allow tax deductions for interest costs of oil companies.”

The Petroleum Consultant had added, “This is due partly to the fact that these governments offer certain investment tax incentives already, such as tax credits or special allowances, and they view interest on tax deductions as unnecessary or duplicative.

In some PSAs they do allow interest as part of cost recovery, but that is no longer a common practice. If (continued on page 9)

According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, several ministers and officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines

Commission (GGMC) met yesterday over the ongoing situation and the way forward.

While the Ministry was

not specific, a short statement made it clear that the situation was important to warrant the attention of the (continued on page 20)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Rest easy, Kobe Bryant It is as if they had to have the last laugh, which brings the first of our tears, many tears. He came to us young, straight from High School, a mere stripling youth.

Now he is gone to basketball heaven almost as young, but leaving echoes of the footsteps of a player, a competitor, a performer, a leader, who along the way became a man of rare calibre, as befitting his extraordinary talents.

That is one of the words - the many glittering phrases, with which basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, will be remembered and immortalized.

There is no need for him to be mythologized, as he had done that on the court, the yards of life, and the annals of man.

The myths and wonder of it all, of him and his swaggering, swashbuckling persona, will leap and soar to new heights from that flame strewn wreckage, that ashladen hillside from a foggy midmorning in golden California.

The Mamas and the Papas sang of California Dreaming.

Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers lived it at the heights.

To be so young and so gifted, made many, almost all, forget that he was black. It did not matter. Oh, he received his share of passes, from the mistakes he made.

A hotel in Colorado was one, and his succumbing to the wiles of the flesh and the eternal weakness of man. But he learned and moved on, without looking back, without revisiting the memory and story of a very public lapse in judgment, in responsibility, in what he had to come to represent and embody to family, and to a world that adored him, that fell at his feet each time he lifted off and went into orbit through elevation and hang time that defied the dictates of gravity.

Kobe operated in a zone peculiar to him, and which few are gifted enough and committed enough and driven enough to inhabit.

Only the rare good ones, the exceptional ones, can understand that, live there, and flourish in that demanding universe, which knows neither restraint nor discretion, only the heroic virtue of valour. That was what he brought in buckets, night in and night out, in the grueling crucibles of endless seasons and for many of them.

Many a time his teammates, who did not fully understand nor appreciated the special thoroughbred in their midst, were left behind, bemoaned the scanty pieces with which they were left to be contented.

It was the same way for his coaches who, on occasion, shackled him from roaming free in the majesty of his sightless will, and that breathtaking instinctive genius summoned so effortlessly.

But Kobe was always about growing, of being ever so slightly ahead of his peers, his times, even himself. His was a call to get there in a hurry, to deliver the astounding gifts with which he was blessed so abundantly.

It is not surprising that, in life after basketball (if there could be such a contemplation for this superstar) he became an ambassador to youths trapped in hazes of their own making, to communities imperiled by troubles that burden, to his people bowing before the weights of a harsh, unforgiving world, and before an approving world that watched him grow beyond the courts and come of age, while advancing to an age that most do not even know existed.

Kobe Bryant lived the stuff of dreams realized, the American Dream in full technicolour and at supersonic speed. There would be no restful retirement for his unflagging spirit, to relish the rewards of his toils that thrilled countless many globally, who embraced basketball as a universal phenomenon and crowned him one of its youngest kings.

He did stride like a king among men made pale by his long shadow, leaving many of his conquests scattered on the field of battle, as they tried to chase him, and failed to catch him.

Now time and destiny did catch him on a Sunday morning in the West as the sun was rising. His star will rise still more, as he leaves the moves and memories for which there will always be hush and awe. Rest easy, Kobe Bryant.

Thanks for the grand times.

It is up to the people of Guyana to pass judgment at the upcoming Elections DEAR EDITOR, I am open to being challenged on my observation that President David Granger, given his short reign, is on record for being the President who abused the Constitution more profusely than any other President.

The Court of Appeal recently unanimously affirmed and upheld the decision of the late Chief Justice, Ian Chang, that Winston Felix and Keith Scott occupied their seats in Parliament illegally and that President Granger acted illegally in appointing them as Ministers. The Government had forestalled their removal by applying for a stay of the Chief Justice’s order until an appeal is heard. They knew full well that this process would take years to conclude.

The illegals continued to enjoy all the aggrandizement of the Minister’s portfolio.

Should a case be made for

voiding the decisions of the illegals? Who will repay the taxpayers for the millions the illegals received? The logical conclusion is that those who were responsible for the unlawful appointments should be held accountable.

Yes, I am saying that President Granger and his chief legal advisor, Basil Williams, should be held responsible.

The Government ran a country with at least six illicit Ministers. These Ministers held senior Cabinet positions, including acting as President.

They formed a significant core of the executive decisionmaking process and therefore represented a substantially illegal Government. They and their families and friends illegally benefitted from millions of taxpayers’ dollars.

Instead of holding them accountable for returning their illicit gains to the people, the President rewarded them

with lucrative alternative positions. President Granger appointed these individuals as Members of Parliament and Ministers when he was fully conscious that they were either non-elected Members of Parliament or dual citizens and therefore prohibited from such appointments. He cannot fool anyone that he did not know that his son-inlaw is a British Citizen. David Granger should bear the costs for these illegalities.

Why aren’t these dual-citizen Ministers charged for knowingly and recklessly making a false declaration to GECOM and personally benefitting from their illegal actions?

Illegal GECOM Chairman According to the Caribbean Court of Justice, President Granger illegally appointment James Patterson as GECOM’s chairman. Many within the leadership and rank and file of the Alliance For

Change warned about this ominous development.

Khemraj Ramjattan reprimanded them, and he professed legal soundness of the appointment. Ramjattan is on record for agreeing beforehand with David Granger to appoint GECOM’s chairman unilaterally. I am calling on the people of Guyana to hold President Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan personally liable for the unlawful appointment of James Patterson. Basil Williams should also bear responsibility for his puerile legal advice that cost the taxpayers millions in legal costs.

Illegal Government The Coalition plus AFC Government represents the antithesis of parliamentary democracy. They refused to accede to the fall of the Government when it was brought down by the No (Continued on page 5)

Guyanese reverse the acts of victimization/discrimination DEAR EDITOR, By sheer accident, I ran into the path of “The Unruly Horse” where it’s rider, Mr. Anil Nandlall, eloquently (as usual) established many of the instances by this government, since 2015, of blatant abuse of power, disregard and disrespect for the rule of law, flagrant and obvious racial discrimination as well as political, where persons were perceived not to be in their “camp” (remember the 2,000 plus Amerindians who were summarily dismissed, and the Afro Guyanese farmers on West Coast Berbice, whose leases were terminated, from all appearances it seems because they were approved

by President Ramotar).

I cannot match Anil’s oratory and written skills and carefully noted his mention of the personages of Minister Ashni Singh, MP Dharamkumar Seeraj and others, but would just like to once again bring to the public’s attention the glaring discriminatory manner in which this government makes its decisions.

In my case, I had a valid contract, and which, contrary to what was peddled was first signed in 2008 (certainly NOT months before the 2015 elections).

My contract would have expired in February, 2016, but I was instructed to return to Guyana at the end of August, 2015, which instruction I complied with.

After what amounted to a dismissal, absolutely disregarding the terms and conditions of my contract, I put my case to the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affair and finally Mr. David Granger, and after not even an acknowledgement was received, was left with no alternative but to take the government to court.

To “cut a long story short” I won in the High Court (even though an important element of my entitlement was inadvertently not claimed, and which injustice I still hope to benefit from when the PPP/C again assumes the reins of government in March of this year.

The government has, true to form, unbelievably, appealed the decision. I am now in “holding on mode” to see if my appeal would be heard before the “decade of development” (who believes that, anyway?) ends, and I would be able to enjoy “the good life”, which has so far eluded all, except those in the government corridors of power.

I remember just about the time I had my problems in getting the government to honor my contract, statements made by the number two man in government (many say he is the number one) that Coby Frimpong had a contract for which performance was sadly lacking (my words) BUT he

was paid, even though the contract was incomplete. I wondered at the time if the treatment of Coby’s contract and mine were different because of ANY particular reason (Coby is Ghanaian and I am Guyanese).

Going back to the Unruly Horse, while Anil mentioned some names, there are many others whose names were not, because of obvious space constraints, but which are imprinted in the electorate’s collective memories, like the name of Kassim Bacchus, a brilliant Guyanese in the educational field, who was hounded out of a job in the Burnham era, and went overseas to significantly contribute to another society.

In closing, however, I cannot fail to mention the case of former President Ramotar’s three children. The treatment of these YOUNG people has significance, not only because of who their father is, but because of the depth to which THIS government has sunk our dear Guyana.

Some say we are heading back to the Burnham days (and nights) but I say we are there, already.

All three of the Ramotar children were removed from the positions they held, and it seems as if their “sin” was having immediate past President Ramotar as their father, a person who was in the “trenches” to help ensure that democracy returned to

Guyana.

If the treatment of LISAVITA RAMOTAR and her siblings (who are all three eminently qualified to do the jobs they were doing) is not the MOST blatant act of discrimination and victimization, then I am living on another planet.

It seems to me that since they could not come up with excuses to tarnish the name of Mr. Ramotar, they have descended with vengeance on his defenseless offsprings.

One can only imagine the extreme trauma these persons are going through as a result of the assassination of their characters and competence.

I only hope that when the PPP/C again assumes the government in March of this year that the victimization/ discrimination done against the thousands of Guyanese, would be addressed with immediacy.

The voices of the Guyanese people MUST, on March 02, reverberate to reverse the acts of victimization/discrimination, the violent rape of the Constitution, the disregard of the rule of law, the nepotism, the corruption, the decline of the economy and the many more negatives that have been the hallmark of this government and its disgraceful and unforgettable legacy.

Sincerely, Harry Nawbatt

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Would you agree with me that Guyana is a confusing place?

DEAR EDITOR, Would you agree with me that Guyana is a confusing place?

(Stabroek News, December 15, 2017 Greenidge says he advised against disclosing bonus defends decision in context of Venezuela border controversy) (Kaieteur News, January 27, 2020 - “I never resisted disclosure of ExxonMobil’s contract and US$18M signing bonus” – Carl Greenidge) I do not have a personal vendetta against Mr Carl Greenidge, and I believe it is best to focus on the issues

and not the people. But Mr Carl Greenidge is a key public servant and leader in Guyana, so it is not surprising that people will ask questions of him.

I would be the first person to praise Mr Carl Greenidge if he changes his stance on the need for a rebalancing of the Exxon contract.

And it would be perfectly understandable if he does change his stance. I also recognise that he believes his current position is best for Guyana, although I disagree with the position.

But I believe it was President Granger who decided to publish the

agreement with Exxon, and it is clear to me at least, that President Granger is the better man for this act alone, a hugely important act, and who is far more concerned about ordinary Guyanese and the future of the country.

I also am somewhat troubled by Mr Greenidge’s stance on Exxon, and that his stance is best for Guyana, when he as a Member of Parliament, with vaunted experience he boasts, sat illegally in Parliament as a dual citizen? Did he not know, or was he too important to care?

Regards, Jan Mangal

Educating the nation about the oil and gas industry is critical DEAR EDITOR, It was with absolute enjoyment that I have been able to listen to a symposium which was aired on a radio station on Wednesday and Saturday evenings of last week. Let me first admit that I have no professional claim of knowledge of the oil and gas industry and all I know is based on my experience within the boundaries of my kitchen.

With that being said, I now refer to the subject of this letter.

It was very refreshing for me to listen to a symposium which was aired on the radio station which was arranged by the group “Youth in oil and gas”.

M r. N i g e l H u g h e s , Attorney at Law, in his usual gifted eloquent manner delivered a most thought provoking presentation to the attendees by disseminating the map of Guyanese progression since its independence.

He went on to give advice relative to the current situation in the oil industry in which Guyana is now a producer. He also gave justifiable advice to the young people by saying “for over thirty years you have been asking for a chair at the table. Pick up your chair, take

it to the table…”

Also at that event was a geophysicist (whose name I cannot now recall) who professionally explained the economic burden of oil companies in their quest to find oil in frontier regions like Guyana. It was a well attended event.

Editor, after listening to that programme I am now more aware of the Herculean task ahead for the guardians of this new industry.

I am now more informed and able to recognize the political naysayers who abound with much alacrity upon the wagon of negativity in my beloved country.

If, by chance, a forensic approach is taken of their qualifications relative to the industry I would not be surprised to find that their only claim to such knowledge rests comfortably in their cushioned minds supported by no experience, a certificate, a diploma or even a Master’s in Oil and Ga s w i t h n o practical experience, These “wannabee”

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Kaieteur News

p r o f e s s i o n a l bandwaggonists are misinforming the citizenry about the real situation and are just seeking relevance in the eyes of the Guyanese public not thinking about the result of their ignorant protestations on our society.

Having worked in the areas of Communication, I am most cognizant of the fact of the role of educating the nation via radio and television is a very critical aspect in the moving forward of our beloved country.

I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the authors of this symposium and humbly recommended that copies of the event be given to the Department of Information for airing throughout the country so that every Guyanese at home and abroad be made aware of the situation at hand and the importance of their individual involvement.

Regards, Orin Major

I feel victimized DEAR EDITOR, I am writing this letter highlighting an issue which I am being victimized for whatever reason. I have been a resident of the North Ruimveldt community for in excess of 30 years. I have been occupying the land situated at South of 2560 North Ruimveldt. During this time I would have spent in excess of $600,000 (and still spending) on clearing and building up of the land which was initially a swampy area.

I December 2016 I would have filed for papers

concerning ownership of the land. In June 2019 I would have been told that approval was granted. To this date I am yet to collect such documents.

I have been back and forth between two district departments within the Guyana Lands and Surveys and am at a distressing stage, since they would have informed me of the approval.

I had made a living mainly through agricultural crops and this had to be discontinued as I was also barred from erecting a

fence, thus allowing animals to destroy my crops and plants.

Editor, I cannot confirm at this moment, but it is my strong opinion that individuals are in collusion with others to “defraud” me of what should have been granted to me, for their personal reasons of course.

In a ddition to highlighting my problem, any advise on the direction I should take pertaining to moving forward would be greatly appreciated.

Michael George

It is up to the people of Guyana to...

From page 4 Confidence Motion. The despicable clinging to the absurd argument that 32 is greater than 33 is an assault on the intelligence of the Guyanese people never seen before. Some people at the highest level of the legal profession sold their souls to the highest bidder and succumbed to tribal instincts.

The legal profession is not merely a business. It is a public trust, and that trust was betrayed by senior lawyers who conceived this pernicious nonsense and the Court of Appeal who ruled in a manner alien to law or logic.

A careful reading of the Court of Appeal’s majority ruling that 32 is greater than 33 is most outrageous. It is my opinion that the majority of judges committed the cardinal judicial sin of reasoning backwards to justify their predetermined decision.

Speculations abound as to why these two judges failed to appreciate the gravitas of their choice. They are directly responsible for the continuation of a government that no longer

had official authority. This ruling will certainly cast doubt on the creditability of their future decisions. The Caribbean Court of Justice once again pronounced on President Granger and his Government’s illegality. The question that lingers is who bears the cost for this Government’s illegal actions.

How can the illegals be brought before a court of law and account for their illicit actions? The illegals took millions of dollars of the peoples’ money. They and their families directly benefitted from their illegal activities. Also, those who supported these illegals must shoulder some responsibility.

No More Illegals This analysis demonstrates the trajectory of the Coalition plus AFC’s illegal mindset. There are many other illegalities of this Government which will come out from an objective enquiry

of their ruinous five years rule.

The people cannot trust these illegals with the governance of Guyana’s newfound oil reserves. It is common knowledge that this Government gave away Guyana’s oil reserves for a pittance. You can take your pick whether the Government is merely incompetent, grossly negligent or corrupt.

There is no logical explanation for why the Government gave away Guyana’s wealth without regard for the best interest of its citizens.

It is not far- fetched to speculate that those responsible acted in self-interest at the expense of the people.

It is up to the people of Guyana to pass judgment at the upcoming Elections on whether this Government can be trusted to respect and uphold the law.

Yours truly, Tameshwar N. Lilmohan

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Seriously, hang the school children? This is utterly ludicrous DEAR EDITOR, One of the APNU+AFC Cabinet members, Jaipaul Sharma, asked by the media for a comment on the escalation of violence in Guyana’s schools, stated “bring back hanging. This thing has got out of control”.

Is he serious? Is Mr. Sharma seriously proposing we hang children? Outside of him joking, there is no other way to interpret what he said.

And if his fallback position is he was joking, then it is still preposterous and reckless - this is no joking matter.

When taken together with Nicolette Henry’s disdainful declaration a few months back after two children were engaged in a violent confrontation in a city school that “these things are normal, they happen all the time”, it suggests that the Cabinet is clueless, totally insensitive, when it comes to dealing with school violence.

I suspect both positions are ones David Granger himself would want to

distance himself from. I refuse to think he is so disinterested, callous and so heartless that he would align himself and his government with these extreme, outrageous positions. It is, therefore, bothersome Mr. Granger did not hazard a comment when either of his ministers uttered such utter garbage. None of his other cabinet members or spokespersons did either.

Silence in this case speaks loudly. While not an option, exercising silence on such sensitive, critical matters demonstrate cluelessness or simply that the government does not care.

Cabinet members, when they speak, present positions that the public considers government’s position, unless the head of the government or responsible spokespersons clarify government’s actual positions. In the absence of such public communications and clarifications, these ministerial declarations constitute government’s positions. It is imperative

when a cabinet member speaks with such “loose mouth” that somebody either owns or disowns on behalf of cabinet. I shudder to think what would have been the consequence had one of BhaRrat Jagdeo’s cabinet member uttered such nonsense. Jagdeo would have immediately disowned such nonsense, distanced the cabinet, rebuked the cabinet member and also would have had the cabinet’s spokesperson issued a statement officially disowning it. The recalcitrant cabinet member would have heard from him in private and in cabinet and Jagdeo would not have been shy in publicly rebuking that minister.

School violence is a serious social issue, it is a critical developmental area, one that government cannot and must not take a place on the sidelines. Government is not just a player, not just another stakeholder in addressing this issue, government must be the lead stakeholder to address

GuySuCo fooling government and the nation DEAR EDITOR, Based on press reports, GuySuCo provided a statement on its performance for the year 2019 in which it highlighted reasons for its appalling sugar production of 92,246 t sugar. The Corporation explained that it produced 17,000 t sugar less because of delayed capital investment, industrial unrests, mechanical failures and adverse weather conditions. From the reports, GuySuCo did not provide any sort of detail on the programmes it formulated to address the very factors that caused its underachievement by 17,000t sugar. The Corporation deliberately chose to highlight that 1,981 hectares (ha) of matured canes were not reaped resulting in a total of 151,000t of cane that will be taken over to 1st crop 2020.

Editor, in summary, GuySuCo is claiming that 1,981 hectares would have produced 151,000t cane and yielded 17,000t sugar if those canes were taken to factories.

In examining these numbers, it shows that GuySuCo was expecting a cane yield of

76.22t of cane per hectare (tc/ ha) and a sugar yield of 1 tonne sugar for every 8.88t cane (tcts).

Editor, 76.22tc/ha and 8.88tc/ts are all unrealistic performance levels, given GuySuCo’s past and current patterns of performance. In fact, GuySuCo, over the last 10yrs. produced cane at an average of 60.43tc/ha and produced sugar typically between 12-13tc/ts. It appears that GuySuCo was expecting something miraculous from this 1,981ha that it could not harvest in 2019 or, the Corporation made a mistake in its calculations or, the Corporation deliberately tried to fool government and the nation to cover-up gross mismanagement of core estates.

There is rapid decline in production and efficiency at Albion and Blairmont estates which are historically known as good performers. These estates were high level producers just 4 short years ago.

We are happy to hear about GuySuCo’s futuristic plans such as Plantation White Sugar, A-Grade Molasses and Cogeneration

but GuySuCo needs to tell us more about its 2019 performance such as: What is the cost of production? What is the selling price of sugar?

How much value added sugar was produced? What are the costs associated with agriculture, factory and administration? How much income was obtained from drainage services provided?

Most importantly, what will GuySuCo do to mitigate the factors that affected production in 2019? We need to see these numbers to confirm that GuySuCo is right-sizing to become a viable and resilient business since diversification at Wales is now reclassified from a pleasant dream to a punishing nightmare.

The Corporation needs to effectively address the problems it has identified in 2019 or else White Sugar, AGrade Molasses and Cogeneration will be failures.

If the Board and Management cannot address 2019 factors of failure pointedly, they should all take lead from the Minister of Agriculture and gracefully bow-out.

Sookram Persaud

school violence. Government must have a plan and invest in and play a leading role in implementing an active programme. School violence is not something that is limited to Guyana. It is a global phenomenon and, unfortunately, Guyana is not the only country where school violence is escalating.

When we hear cabinet members echoing idiotic, reprehensible statements like the ones Ms. Henry did and now the one Sharma has, it exposes the cluelessness, the unpreparedness and unreadiness of those in charge to take control of the situation.

In these circumstances we can expect the problem to mount and to

get worse.

Mr. Granger has largely sidelined himself from all these grave matters. It is the same with violence against women. As the man who took the mantle of Head of State in May 2015, these are matters he must inject himself into, no matter how uncomfortable it is. When he hears one of his own cabinet members dismissing school violence as “something that happen all the time, that is normal”, he has to act immediately to distant himself and government from such a reckless statement and approach to the problem. Yet, Mr. Granger said nothing and the cabinet spokesperson allowed that statement to

remain unchallenged, even after an enormous public outrage. Now that Sharma has come out with an even more preposterous position, suggesting we ‘bring back hanging” to deal with school violence, Mr. Granger must not remain silent. The sideline is the last place he should want to be on this matter and the sideline is not where the citizens expect the Head of State to find comfort.

Somebody must demonstrate maturity and someone needs to take responsibility.

Instead, as usual, we are floating, the responsible officials are in lala land, as the problem morphs into an outof-control monster.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

We must guard against the world becoming a more dangerous place DEAR EDITOR, January 27 is the International Holocaust Day. This year it marks the seventy five years since the liberation of Auschwitz by Soviet troops, the largest camp established by Nazis for persecution of Jews, which included a concentration camp, killing center and forced labour camps. About six million Jews including 1.5 million Jewish children were killed during the Holocaust.

Especially Jewish children were used for medical experiments.

The Holocaust is an unparalleled cruelty against humanity in the history. The “Seventy five years ago” is not in a distant past, but almost very near to our

period. Therefore we should remember this day as a reminder to not split ourselves between “We” and “Them” and be inclusive.

Shortly after the liberation of Auschwitz , there was another genocide in 1947 in newly formed Islamic State of Pakistan , (shortly after partition of India), millions of Hindus and Sikhs were murdered and millions were displaced.

More recently, genocides happened in Rwanda, Bosnia, etc. We may remember all the victims of these genocides during the Holocaust Remembrance Day because Holocaust represents all genocides in the written history of humanity. It reminds us about the dangers

of hate speech, prejudices and intolerance.

Across all democracies of the world, there is concern about a resurgence of racism and intolerance and attacks directed at groups of peoples, especially religious and racial minorities — hate speech becomes common - that were once considered taboo have become common across the world’s liberal democracies.

This is a dangerous trend for the world. It’s our right to disagree with the cause if we want but hate against those who disagree with us or those who are different from us must stop now otherwise the world will become a dangerous place to live.

Yours, Rooplall Dudhnath

Large scale allocation of Guyana’s pristine rainforest breaches int’l best practice DEAR EDITOR, A recent article in another newspaper titled “GFC’s hurried allocation of State forest will be a national environmental disaster” serves as a gentle reminder that public officials have a duty to exercise due care for the Environment when making decisions.

The use of the phrase hurried allocation of state forest does not adequately represents the disastrous consequences that this allocation of approximately one million of Guyana’s Pristine rainforest will have on Guyana’s Environment, the Flora and Fauna, plant and animal lives and the lives of Forest People and our Indigenous brothers and sisters. These concessions

cut across very sensitive eco systems and the allocation for rampant cutting down of trees and thereafter export of raw logs will disturb the natural eco system leading to potential wide spread death of a range of plant and animal species, insects, butter flies, harpy eagle and other rare plant and animal species.

This is not what we called good environment practice.

Guyana has been on the fore front in the fight against climate change and how our forest helps to protect our environment and mitigate the effects of climate change. This recent development of reckless allocation goes against every grain of Guyana’s effort over the last 10 to 20 years on climate action.

Additionally, I believe

that these allocations may not have followed international best practice for allocation of prime natural resources. Large scale allocation I believe needs to go through a very thorough and transparent process. The mere or HURRIED approach to sparsely advertise for less than one month I believe breaches international best practice and presumably it’s also against the forest laws of Guyana. Allocation must be guided by the spirit and intention of the Forest Laws Act 6 of 2009 and the Green State Development Strategy which speaks of Forest Conservation and Protection and not “THE CHOPPING DOWN OF OUR TREES.” Sincerely, S. Hamid

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Suspect confesses to murdering Berbice hotel owner, watchman - firearm, victim's cellphone found

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nvestigators from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) attached to the Guyana Police Force have managed to get a confession from a suspect that they arrested over the weekend in connection with the double murder at a Number 62 Village, Corentyne hotel.

The major breakthrough comes several weeks after the grisly crime took place.

Investigators in Berbice initially began investigating when the bodies of Vivekanand Brijbassi called "Veka" and his workman Harry Persaud Prashad called "Guana" were discovered decomposed in the Sunsplash Hotel and

Resort located near the beach.

Regional Commander Calvin Brutus confirmed with this publication that there was a confession by the suspect who was arrested over the weekend. He disclosed that ranks from the MCU rearrested several persons that were previously questioned in the matter and under intense questioning, one of them cracked and admitted to executing the grisly crime with the help of an accomplice.

Sources have since revealed that the suspect (name provided) who resides on the Corentyne confessed to killing the men. However,

while there is no clear motive revealed, the police source disclosed that an unlicensed firearm was found in the yard of the confessed suspect along with a cellphone believed to be that of Brijbassi.

Just a few weeks after the crime had taken place, police in Berbice hit a brick wall after very little information was being provided to police.

Persons were arrested but subsequently released.

Brijbassi and Prashad's bodies were found decomposed in the upper flat of the two storey business place near the beach. Several parts of their bodies were missing and police had said

Murdered: Harry Persaud Prashad called "Guana" based on the state their bodies were in "they were tortured" during the ordeal.

The building was also completely ransacked.

Brijbassi had returned to Guyana in early December

Murdered: Vivekanand Brijbassi

2019 with the intention of refurbishing his hotel and have it up and running again.

Just a few days after his return he was killed along with his workman who normally stayed at the

building when Brijbassi was overseas. Brijbassi was last seen by his sister on the 16th December 2019 while Prashad was last seen some three weeks prior by relatives living in Port Mourant.

Wrong diagnosis costs teen's parents $800,000 and trip to Miami

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he parents of a teenager are now complaining about the treatment meted out by a private hospital here. The teen was treated for pneumonia, kept five days in a private room, but doctors in Florida later determined that it was a minor infection. At the end of it, the family was left with a bill of over $800,000.

The parents claimed they were left shocked at the amount of medication which was used to treat their daughter for the wrongly diagnosed pneumonia.

The story is one of the many being told by patients and families who are coming out and complaining about what is now emerging to be a scheme by at least two private hospitals, to scam

unsuspecting persons.

It is being claimed that persons are not only being forced to take unnecessary tests, but compelled also to undergo surgical procedures that were not needed in the first place.

In the case of the teen, her parents said a few months ago, she complained of a cough. She was taken to one city hospital where the

doctors could not find anything wrong. Still worried, she was taken to another private hospital. The doctor suspected pneumonia and ordered tests.

The daughter was made to undergo several tests, including x-rays. CT scan and blood work.

For five days, the mother said, the daughter was kept

in a private room. She was given medication, with the mother sleeping there with her.

After five days, and (continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

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Council mulls policy for leasing city assets

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he Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors, (M&CC) is mulling a policy which will help to inform and guide the municipality on the leasing of properties under its control. City Mayor Ubraj Narine noted that Council has suspended all leasing of properties until the formation of the plan.

Former City Mayor

Patricia Chase -Green noted the need for a policy to guide the process during the statutory meeting yesterday.

Chase-Green noted that “There is no system. At present there are leases for 99 years; some persons get 20-year leases, others 40 years. What is the policy used to come up with these figures?”

However Narine said “It was agreed that unless there

is a policy on percentage and other issues there will be no leasing of properties belonging to the council.

There must be a formula which allows the council to benefit significantly.”

He added “We need a policy that should stipulate a period of review for the percentage that the Council is getting on each leased property.

“That should be based on

the performance of the business and the type of business the property is leased to conduct.”

The Mayor said that the investment and development committee will lead the formation of the policy.

Issues about the leasing of city assets came to the fore earlier this month when officials of the M&CC debated a proposal to lease a prime piece of property under its control.

The Council was offered $1.5 million per month to lease the grounds of the City C o n s t a b u l a r y Tr a i n i n g Complex located on Water Street, Georgetown.

However during a hearing of the Full Council, City officials appeared split in their views as it relates to leasing.

During the debates, Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick was among those who cited the need for a system to determine the value and other properties of the facility before it is leased.

Jerrick noted that a valuation of the property would give the Council a better idea on how much money the premises is actually worth and how much it should be leased for.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Fisherman granted $1.5M bail on death by dangerous driving charge

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27-year-old fisherman was yesterday released on a total of $1.5M bail after he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, among other charges. Quacy De Cunha of Supply, East Coast Demerara appeared before Magistrate Rondell Weaver to answer to the list of charges which stated that on Friday January 24, 2020, he drove his vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public resulting in the death of 47year-old Dhanraj Budhram.

De Cunha was also charged with being an unlicensed driver, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to render assistance, failure to report an accident and breach of insurance.

On the day in question, it was reported that the victim, Dhanraj Budhram of lot 1380 Belle West Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara was riding his motorcycle with registration number CJ 5890, proceeding north along the western side of Craig Public Road.

He was in front of

motorcar PEE 2203 being d r i v e n b y 3 1 - y e a r- o l d Leonard Juan, of Lot 9 Diamond, Junior Staff Compound, East Bank Demerara, at the time.

A c c o r d i n g t o investigators, the driver of motorcar PEE 2203 alleged t h a t a s i l v e r- c o l o u r e d motorcar, being driven by De Cunha and proceeding south along the Eastern side of the road drove onto the western lane and into the path of the motorcycle.

As a result of the collision, Budhram fell off his motorcycle and onto the surface of the road. He was bleeding profusely from his mouth and there were bruises and lacerations on other parts of his body.

After the accident, Quacy De Cunha fled the scene while the other driver along with public spirited persons rushed the injured man to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

De Cunha later turned himself in at the Grove Police Station in the company of his lawyer.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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I hope you get the promised 'good life'; I gone!

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hink about a situation in which you are employed as a labourer. The boss man promises that he will pay you $5000 per day. But after you have completed a day's work, your employer hands you $1,000. How are you going to feel?

Will you take it and just say, “Well at least I still got something? Or will you protest for your entitlement?

I am sure that you would take the latter position, because to pay you $1,000 is to rob you blindly.

Yet, many Guyanese are prepared to overlook what is the worst deal in the history of oil agreements. They are prepared to ignore the fact that the government sold out our birthright when it inked that deal with Exxon Mobil.

Instead of protesting, many people are simply hoping that even with the 2% royalties and the 12.5% take from profit oil that they will still get something rather than nothing. They are not

concerned about the fact that what the country will be receiving amounts to daylight robbery.

“It still better than nothing…,” is what many people are saying. A multinational corporation comes here and robs you of your birthright and all you can say is that it is still better than having nothing.

It is like someone coming into your house, throwing you out on the streets and providing a tent for you to live and all you can say that it better than not having anything over your head. Guyana is a poor country because of this type of thinking. We are poor because for years we have allowed all manner of foreign companies to come here, take advantage of us and when they leave, we are still poor. After these firms would have plundered our resources, we comfort ourselves with the thought that we got some benefits, notwithstanding we were

robbed blindly.

Once is a mistake, twice is a choice. The government has made its choice. Not satisfied with the pitiful 2% royalty it signed with Exxon, it went to another company and signed a cost recoverable royalty. Those who want to see this as a mistake can see it as mistake.

I view it as a choice.

The government has made its choice; the people have made their choice and I have made mine. As far as I am concerned, I have made a decision not to vote at the 2020 elections. I have no intention of doing so because it is my personal and private form of protest against this sell-out of the country's birthright.

I am not going to allow my intelligence to be insulted. One man went on radio and said he thought that the US$18M signing bonus was a gift. What a thing to say! Since when governments receive gifts from oil companies? Well if

Dem boys seh...

Guyana don't know wha it getting fuh oil

O

il coming up.

One boat done gone wid one million barrels and anodda one going out next week wid anodda million barrels.

Every time de boat lef people know that is money coming to Guyana. Is like Guyana selling de oil.

But dem boys still don't know how much Guyana selling for. De first boat lef and soon after dem boys was expecting to hear how much money Guyana getting. It got to get at least de two per cent royalty. Next week, Guyana should get at least US$60 million because is one million barrels at US$60 a barrel.

If that is how dem counting de money then Guyana gun ship about four boatload of oil fuh de whole

year which is not a bad thing because Guyana don't own an oil tanker and it ain't got equipment to pump up de gas. All that happening and somebody got to pay.

But if Guyana gun get US$250 million from Lisa one every year it gun got to put a tax pun dem heavy vehicle that dem oil company using to bruck up de road.

Some farrin company buy a piece of land near de waterfront.

Dem boys watching how dem developing de property.

Every day is couple dozen big trucks passing over de road leading to de waterfront. Don't think that is only pun that road dem travelling. Dem travelling from all over de city suh de city streets getting damage.

That money that dem might collect from de oil gun have to repair all dem road.

That is when people gun realize that de oil giveth and de oil taketh.

De odda day dem boy see pun social media how some Minister in one African country lock up some people who bruck up de road in de country while dem was building some structure.

De Minister tell dem up front that wouldn't do that in dem own country. Dem boys don't know what come out de story but dem know fuh sure that de company repair de road from dem own pocket.

So de oil going but Guyana don't know what coming.

Talk half and wait to see wha Guyana getting.

Guyana should not allow oil companies...

From page 3 it is allowed, it is vital to establish strict rules that prevent potential abuse.”

Mitro had said that most common is setting a maximum debt to equity ratio that effectively limits the borrowing to no more than 60-70% of the capital costs.

Also, Mitro said that these regimes may limit the

repayment period of the local computations so that interest isn't excessive.

Another common practice, the official pointed out, is to cap the rate of interest.

In this way, Mitro said that governments avoid companies pushing a lot of their corporate debt at inflated rates into the local project, merely in order to

obtain cost recovery benefit at the expense of the government.

Mitro said that there have been notable cases of abuse such as Chevron in Australia where the authorities accused them of charging interest to their local affiliate at a rate that was well above their actual borrowing rate merely to obtain tax recovery benefits in Australia.

this money was a gift to the government, why was it not passed through the Consolidated Fund immediately? Why was it placed in an interest-bearing account at the Bank of Guyana?

I am saying to all the politicians out there not to come to me with that jazz about national security considerations. Do not also come and tell me what you are going to do for me with the oil revenues. Come to me and tell me that you have decided to annul the contract.

Confirm for me whether

the Cabinet and the President were aware of the contract. If they were not aware, then in my estimation this contract is not valid. It is void. A contract of that nature and of that importance should be authorized by Cabinet and the President. If Cabinet did not pronounce on the contract and if the President did not authorize its signature, then it is not valid, plain and simple.

Eighty percent of the Guyanese people have expressed the view that Guyana did not get a good deal. But most of them are not going to press for

changes. They are content with getting something.

I wish luck to all those who wish to be content with the contract because of political loyalties. I hope you get the good life which you are promised. I gone!

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

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Winston Jordan, Volda Lawrence, Nagamootoo and Guyana

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he Stabroek News ran two editorials c o n d e m n i n g Vo l d a Lawrence's advocacy at the Kitty Market Square campaign meeting of her party. I will liken Ms Lawrence to her leader, David Granger. I accused Mr. Granger in my column of Sunday, January 19, 2020 under the caption “David Granger epitomizes the inherent flaws of Homo sapiens”, of not learning from the past.

In case you missed that analysis, my condemnation centered on his description of the existence of a clause in the constitution, the noconfidence motion (NCM), as nonsense, and his

intention to get rid of it if he is reelected as president. I suggested to Granger that he was being impertinent to history and needs to learn from the mistakes of the past.

The early holding of general elections by President Ramotar in 2015 and his prior prorogation of parliament was a result of Ramotar's paranoia that the AFC's NCM, introduced in 2014, brought about.

Ramotar prorogued parliament, thus preventing the NCM, because the NCM would have toppled him. I reminded Granger of those series of events and further suggested that if the PPP wins the 2020 poll by one seat, an NCM can remove President Irfaan Ali.

Back to Lawrence. She told her attendees that after the polls close on voting day “At 6 o clock, you return to work at the places of polling and you will remain out there and let our staff inside know you are out there …

Comrades, you have to remain there until they get it right, until they have counted all ballots and the returning officer comes outside and paste up the statement of polls and then our nice strong men will be mobilised to follow that ballot box for it to go into that container and have the APNU+AFC padlock and chain placed on that container to protect our ballots.”

In my opinion this is

dangerous advocacy. There is a subliminal message in that emanation. If you chose not to see it, I have seen it.

Ms Lawrence has not learned from the past. Is she capable of? Or is it that she is capable but for Guyanese politicians, power is a priority not the stable, peaceful future of Guyana.

Ms. Lawrence has to know that it is such deportment over the past seventy years by PNC leaders that has caused other sections of the community to see the PNC as having an inherent willingness to use inflammatory rhetoric, thus distancing themselves from the PNC. One should not be naïve to think that the PPP has not resorted to violent demagoguery over the past seventy years. They have, but maybe they are smarter than the PNC mandarins.

They boil their inflammatory brew at the bottom house meetings where the world misses it, because the press was not there. In the case of the Kitty Market Square advocacy, it was made public the next day by the media

who were there watching, listening and recording.

The Stabroek editorials offer a reason why Ms. Lawrence went the route she took at Kitty Market Square – fear of losing and when that happens, the PNC will fall back on the “street thing.” This is not the first time since the NCM in December 2018 that acidic rhetoric has been generated

by PNC leaders.

R e m e m b e r Wi n s t o n Jordan's outburst at Bartica after the CCJ ruled that the NCM was validly voted on?

Addressing a Cabinet outreach meeting in his capacity as minister and not in his capacity as a politician, he told the attendees; “comrades, from today, war break” in reference to the ongoing national registration.

He shouted, “no registration, no election.”

GECOM stopped House to House Registration and the election is about a month away. Jordan is yet to tell Guyanese if in stopping House to House Registration (HTHR), there will still be an election in March. Has Jordan's war break call turned into break wind?

At the same Bartica Cabinet event, Nagamootoo, donning the green colours of

Frederick Kissoon the PNC, told his listeners that if there is no HTHR then the youths will not be on the list, they will not accept being disenfranchised and there will be trouble in the country. HTHR has ceased, there are no youth rebellions, and no one has since claimed that the youths will be disenfranchised. Of course, the youths in Nagamootoo's home village of Whim in Berbice may rebel, but not against the ending of HTHR, but against Nagamootoo himself.

Can one say that the mouths of Jordan, Nagamootoo and now Lawrence betray a Freudian fear inside their minds of losing, thus the tempestuous rhetoric, the incitement, the subliminal message? Is Guyana's future at stake if there is a loss?

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

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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Carpenter charged for allegedly knocking out cop's teeth

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twenty-twoy e a r - o l d carpenter was yesterday released on $70,000 bail after he was charged for allegedly cuffing a police officer to his mouth causing him to lose three teeth.

The defendant, Shem Willkie, of 111 Miles, Mahdia, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, where the assault charge was read to him.

Willkie pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleges that on January 11, 2020, at 111 Miles Mahdia, he inflicted grievous bodily harm towards Mohamed Kadir, a police constable attached to the Mahdia Police Station.

Attorney-at-law Ronald Daniels is currently representing Wilkie. The lawyer told the court that his client was defending his brother after a few police officers pounced on his brother while they were at a nightclub.

According to the facts of the charge, on the day in

the fight, Wilkie and his brother ran away and went into hiding. On January 25, 2020, Wilkie was arrested by a police officer who was on foot patrol in the area. He was taken into custody and charged The police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the fact that he and his brother evaded the police, the prosecutor then highlighted that the

Charged: Shem Willkie question, around 2am, Wilkie and his brother were at a nightclub when four police officers who were on foot patrol approached them.

It was reported that the police officers had observed Wilkie's brother behaving in a disorderly manner, so they asked him to desist from behaving in that conduct.

H o w e v e r, t h e m a n

refused and one of the officers then attempted to arrest Wilkie's brother. The man resisted and started to fight with the officer.

Kadir then tried to intervene to stop the fight, when Wilkie stepped in and Kadir received a cuff to his mouth. As a result of the blow, Kadir lost three teeth.

The court heard that after

defendant's brother is still at large.

After the facts of the charge were read to the court, Wilkie's attorney told the court that the defendant and his brother never evaded the police at the nightclub, but in fact the police were the ones who go together and left. Daniels then said that the police at Mahdia Station know where Wilkie and his brother live, but they never went there to arrest anyone.

He added that there is no mark on the defendant's hand to indicate that he cuffed the police constable to inflict damage to the effect that was highlighted to the court.

After listening to the prosecutor and the attorney, Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the Wilkie bail, with the condition attached that he report to the Mahdia Police Station every Friday at 8am.

Wilkie will make his next court appearance on February 3, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Republic Bank's computer glitch hampers City Hall's financial operation - Treasurer claims City Treasurer, John Douglas

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i t y Tr e a s u r e r John Douglas is blaming his failure to submit monthly financial reports on time, on the computer glitch at Republic Bank.

Douglas addressed a meeting of the Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC) yesterday after queries were made about the delays in submitting the financial report.

The issue was raised by Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick. Jerrick told the Council that Douglas should be made to respond given his apparent refusal to correspond with her privately on the matter.

Jerrick said that “I am kindly asking the City Treasurer to respond to the Council because I've written officers and asked that the monthly reports be submitted at a certain time, but the City Treasurer is only person who has been opposing my instructions and has not been submitting his reports within the time frame.”

Former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green suggested the treasurer's refusal to comply is a breach of the law and regulations of the Council.

Chase-Green noted that “in accordance with Chapter 28:01, the treasurer is answerable to the Town Clerk who is head of the city administration.”

“So why I am not hearing of any sanctions?” “Is the treasurer higher than the Town Clerk I don't know?”

Mayor Narine weighed in.

He noted that the question which should be asked is whether the city's bank statements are up-todate.

Jerrick in turn told the council that she had instructed the treasurer both verbally and in writing, to inform Republic Bank of the d i ff i c u l t y t h e c o u n c i l encounters when the statements are not up-to-

date.

She said, however, that she received no correspondence to the effect that the treasurer has complied with her instructions.

“So I can't be certain that the Bank is to be blamed. If the bank is providing your correspondence late, you have a right to visit the office and uplift the statement for yourself.”

The city treasurer nonetheless maintained there was back and forth communication between himself and the town clerk a b o u t t h e d i ff i c u l t i e s encountered with the bank.

He noted that it is no secret that a certain banking institution had a change in the IT system. Douglas said that due to the introduction of the new system, the bank had been experiencing some challenges.

“As a result of that change, it's having some structural challenges in supplying costumers with the same level of service it once did.”

He explained why the report is coming late.

“If you check my report for December, you will see a notice that I don't have a bank statement for December, and I received the November statement late. I received a memorandum from the Town Clerk that she would like all reports by the 15th of the month. I don't have a problem with that, but from time to time, situations may arise and cause delays.

I even provided a correspondence about the holdup we have, because of the statements arriving late.

He noted that in the absence of the statement he cannot produce a report.

“Sometimes, the statements are received on the 13th and 14th of the month, that is unreasonable time to ask the staff to produce the work in time for the deadline…”

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

Grand celebration held for 70th Anniversary of Republic Day of India

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h e 7 0 t h Anniversary of the Republic Day of India was celebrated last Sunday, 26th January, by the High Commission of India, Georgetown, in a grand manner, with a Flag Hoisting Ceremony in the morning at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Georgetown, and a National Day Reception in the evening at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Over 250 people attended the Flag Hoisting event, including Indian citizens and their families, members of the Indian Diaspora, friends and well wishers of India and students. His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India, hoisted the tricolour Indian National Flag and read out the message of the Honourable President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the celebratory occasion.

The event featured cultural programmes including dance and music

presentations by the High Commission's Cultural Centre, SVCC, and presentation of skits based on patriotic themes by the students of Texila American University and Lincoln American University in Georgetown. The event also included prize distribution to the winners of an essay/drawing competition conducted by the High Commission on the topic “Swachhata Pakhwada” (Clean India Campaign).

The National Day Reception in the evening was attended by a number of high-level dignitaries – His Excellency President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland, former President Mr Donald Ramotar, former President & Prime Minister Mr Samuel A Hinds, former P r i m e M i n i s t e r M r.

Hamilton Green, Second Vice President & Minister of Public Security Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General & Minister of Legal Affairs

President David Granger addresses the gathering at the National Day Reception at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, as H.E. Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, High Commissioner of India (third from right) and other dignitaries listen attentively Mr. Basil Williams, Minister f o r P u b l i c Telecommunications Mrs Catherine Hughes, Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, Local government officials, Indian Diaspora, friends of India, students from local Universities and a large

media contingent. Over 400 guests attended the Reception.

Addressing the gathering, High Commissioner Dr. Srinivasa emphasized the warm and friendly bilateral relations existing between India and Guyana and the vast areas of collaboration between the two governments. The High Commissioner also mentioned that the Government of India is celebrating India@70 - the completion of 70 long years in its life as a Republic, and to commemorate the

adoption of the Constitution of India.

Seventy years ago, on 26th November 1949, the Indian Constitution was adopted and came into effect on 26th January 1950.

The High Commissioner also reiterated that India is not only the largest democracy in the world with 1.3 billion people and over 900 million eligible voters, but Indian democracy is also known to be one of the most successful. He emphasised that it is a model for all nations in the globe to follow and adopt as to how

democracy could be kept alive and intact, despite all diverse traditions, culture, religious beliefs and faiths, regions, etc.

The High Commissioner also presented to President G r a n g e r , t h e Commemorative Stamps issued by Government of India on the occasion of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

President Granger during his address lauded many achievements in the collaboration between Guyana and India. He (continued on page 22)

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Stabroek Block estimates moved to 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels

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xxonMobil has revised its reserve estimate for the Stabroek Block to more than 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Not 8 billion barrels of oil. The term 'oil-equivalent' includes the quantity of oil as well as the quantity of gas in the quoted estimate. The company still has not made public the proportion of oil to gas in most of its discoveries, despite calls for it to do so.

ExxonMobil had previously stated 6 billion oil-equivalent barrels as its estimate for the 15 discoveries it made on the Stabroek Block before the year started. Further appraisals gave the company the data it needed to make a more informed estimation of the reserves.

“With recent highquality finds at Tripletail and Mako contributing to our recoverable resources, our investments will continue to provide benefits for the people of Guyana,” Senior Vi c e P r e s i d e n t o f Exploration and New Ventures, Mike Cousins, is quoted as saying, in an ExxonMobil press statement.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil announced a 16th discovery in the Block, called Uaru. It is the first discovery of 2020, and is not included in the revised estimate.

ExxonMobil said that in t h a t d i s c o v e r y, i t encountered approximately 94 feet (29 metres) of highquality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well, drilled in 6,342 feet (1,933 metres) of water, is located approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) northeast of the Liza field, which began producing oil in December 2019.

Hess Chief Executive Officer, John Hess, said “We are pleased to have another

significant oil discovery on the Stabroek Block at Uaru.

Previous discoveries on the block including recent high quality finds at Tripletail and Mako underpin a significant increase in estimated gross discovered recoverable resources for current and future developments.

We also continue to see multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential remaining.”

Energy Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe said in a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, “All Guyanese should welcome this new discovery and should begin to appreciate that the nation is on the cusp of major economic transformation and sustained development. The Department of Energy remains committed to working with its partners and ecosystem of agencies, to ensure that the benefits from the sector, both direct and indirect, redound to every Guyanese.”

Four drillships are currently exploring and appraising, and a fifth drillship is expected to be added later this year, according to ExxonMobil and Hess.

ExxonMobil expects to ramp up production in the coming months for the Liza phase one project to the maximum production capacity of the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel, 120,000 barrels per day.

The oil major and its partners have already gotten approval for production in the second phase of the Liza field. The Liza Unity, meant to operate in that project, is under construction in Singapore, and is expected to start production in 2022. It has a maximum production capacity of 220,000 barrels

Map showing 15 of ExxonMobil's discoveries.

The 16th discovery is not yet included in the oil major's 8 billion oil-equivalent estimate. per day.

ExxonMobil hopes that Government will review and accept its third Field Development Plan, for the Payara project.

The company has jumped ahead prematurely awarding contracts for works related to that project, including initial construction work for the third planned FPSO, the Liza Prosperity. It is being built to have the same production capacity as the Liza Unity, 220,000 b a r r e l s p e r d a y. T h e company expects to start production in 2023.

Dr. Bynoe stated that “The petroleum sector is already stimulating increased employment and expanded services, and we are expecting a ramping up of these benefits during the Decade of Development (2020-2029) which is aimed at ensuring that the country's petroleum resources are utilised to improve citizens' quality of life and retaining

greater value from the sector for Guyana and Guyanese.”

The Ministry of the Presidency's statement noted that Guyana will be getting two percent royalty and a minimum of 12.5 percent (which is profit oil), amounting to a minimum share of 14.5 percent.

Government expects that Guyana's share will increase as the capital and operating costs invested by Exxon and its partners are liquidated.

Hess and ExxonMobil expect that production on the Stabroek Block will meet 750,000 barrels per day by 2025, but still have not explained how that figure will be reached. Currently approved projects would take production to a peak of 340,000 barrels per day. If Payara is approved, production would peak at 560,000 barrels per day. The companies have indicated that they envision five FPSOs operating in the (continued on page 18)

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Children's Mash takes off!

T

he Children's Mashramani R e g i o n a l Competition opened with more than 20 primary schools from Region 4 showcasing their talents at the National Cultural Centre yesterday.

St. Pius Primary set the stage as the first school to perform and delivered an exceptional performance titled 'Reflection', under the category of Fantasy.

The all-girls dance group, decked out in their multi-coloured ballerina costumes, portrayed the lucid dream of a girl whose dolls came alive during a visit to the toy store.

The piece which included well-crafted props was a crowd pleaser and left the audience wanting more.

Other schools such as Sophia Primary, North G e o r g e t o w n P r i m a r y, Westfield Prep and Smith Memorial did not disappoint.

The children's competition, which is specially coordinated by the Ministry of Education, to promote the expressive arts, is a part of the national Mashramani celebrations.

The ministry aims to encourage all schools, parents and communities to work cooperatively in providing opportunities for

students to display their talent and to foster a sense of pride and national identity.

According to Sherwyn Blackman, District Education Officer, the competition will see hundreds of performers from approximately 66 schools private and public schools, from nursery to secondary level.

He said the ministry has an exciting addition this year to target violence in schools.

“Since it's our 50th [Republic Anniversary] we have a new addition to the programme this year, which is the jingle competition,” Blackman stated.

He continued: “That is as a result of an intervention from our Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry, where the jingle competition focuses heavily on the violence that we have in schools.”

The competition continues today, January 28 thru Friday, February 7 with Dramatic Poetry and Calypso; Choir Presentation and Jingle Competitions; Masquerade Dance; Physical Display and Costume; and Nursery Mashramani Day of Activities.

The categories include Fantasy, Ring Games, Religious Beliefs, Masquerade Band, as well as Dramatic Poetry.

Stabroek Block estimates moved to 8 billion...

From page 17 Block by 2025, but haven't made the necessary proposals to Government yet.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres. ExxonMobil's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is the operator with 45 percent interest.

Hess Corporation's local subsidiary, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, holds a 30 percent interest. CNOOC International Limited's local subsidiary, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, holds 25 percent.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Wrong diagnosis costs teen's parents $800,000 and trip to Miami From page 7 seeing no signs, the family decided the take the teen to Miami. There, the doctors examined the test results from that second private hospital in Guyana.

The doctors could not find indications of pneumonia. They prescribed nasal drips and some medication and within two days, the teen was better. “I was very concerned that they were packing my daughter with medication that maybe was not needed for something that she was not even suffering from. That is frightening.�

One businessman over the weekend also came forward and told of being charged over $1.3M for what the same hospital in question had charged a woman, 64, who was feeling pains.

She was kept over a week and charged for rooms, doctors' visits, medications and other things. The doctors' fees alone were over $300,000.

If you know someone who has suffered or believed that they have been scammed by a private hospital in Guyana, please contact us o n 2 2 5 - 8 4 9 1 o r e m a i l kaieteurnews@yahoo.com.

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Troy Resources restarts operations T

roy Resources Guyana Inc. yesterday announced that as planned, following a successful fund-raising required to restart, operations at the Karouni Gold Mine were resumed during the second week of January.

“The company complied with all the requirements and received the requisite approvals for the resumption of activities from the various government agencies enabling it to restart operations,” the statement explained.

The restart, which is being done in phases, began progressively, initially with the employment of personnel involved in mining activities and later and ongoing with personnel involved in processing activities.

“Processing restarted a few days ago and work is moving apace to have the processing plant operate on a full time (24 hour) basis. All operations, including people and processes involved in the restart, are expected to be regularized and normalized by mid-February.”

Troy thanked all of its employees, shareholders, suppliers and other stakeholders “for their patience and support during one of the most challenging periods in the company's history”.

The company closed operations in its Cuyuni, Region 7 area, last year, after a deadly pit cave-in.

Scores of workers were sent home.

Troy, owned by Australians, is one of the two large-scale gold mining operations in Guyana.

Troy has restarted its Region 7 gold mining operations

Cabinet briefed weekly on performance of foreign mining companies...

From page 3 Cabinet.

“The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Natural Resources met… to discuss and strategise about ongoing matters and future developments within the gold, bauxite and manganese industries.

Specific focus was placed on the welfare of workers, the operations of foreign companies and the overall sustainability of the sector.” Trotman

Beautiful

chaired the meeting of the committee which included David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure; Winston Jordan, Minister of Finance; Winston Felix, Minister of Citizenship; and Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection.

Also at the meeting were Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Newell Dennison and technical officers

from the respective ministries.

According to the ministry, “The Committee will report to Cabinet on a continuous basis as it engages stakeholders and reviews the overall performance of companies operating within the sector.”

The decision to look closer to the operations of a number of those mining companies would have come amid deep worry.

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

Advanced technology kits presented to 14 primary schools - aimed at boosting digital learning Explaining that these new learning methods will broaden the access to modernized education, the minister said the government, through the ministry, would continue to provide more opportunities for students to advance and grow.

She added that, “Witnessing the metamorphism of traditional education to digital learning, particularly during this phase of global

One of the ProFuturo kits

H

undreds of Region 6, East B e r b i c e Corentyne, students now have access to digital learning programmes. The digital learning initiative is part of the 'ProFuturo' project, funded by the Organization of American States (OAS), which aims at seeing the introduction and enhancement of digital learning in the region.

The handing-over ceremony was held yesterday at Cumberland Primary School, one of the recipients of the kits. The other 13 schools that received kits yesterday were

the Edinburgh Primary School, Overwinning Primary School, Lacaba Primary School, Sandvoort Primary School, St. Theresa's Primary School, New Amsterdam Primary School, All Saints Primary School, St. Aloysius Primary School, Fort Ordnance Primary School, Sheet Anchor Primary School, Rosehall Estate Primary School, Betsy Ground Primary School and Gangaram Primary School.

The 152,000 Euros project is said to benefit more than 5000 children across Regions one, six and 10, and almost 500 teachers

will receive training on modern methodologies and how to use technology to enhance the learning experience of students. The ProFuturo kits comprise 40 tablets, one router, a projector and a laptop.

Minister of Education, Hon. Dr Nicolette Henry who handed over the equipment to the schools yesterday, said the digital learning kits were part of the provision of excellent education opportunities for all, and a move that would see students in the hinterland and more vulnerable communities receiving ICTenabled learning.

technological advancement and this decade of development should stimulate and encourage our collaborative determination to ensure our nation is adequately prepared for the technological growth.�

The OAS Country Representative in Guyana, Ambassador Jean Ricot Dormeus in his remarks said that the programme aims to prepare the next generation for the future. He said by heading the Digital Literacy

Project, the OAS is impacting the lives of persons with their democracy. In May 2019, Guyana signed a technical assistance cooperation agreement with the OAS and the ProFuturo Foundation.

Following the handingover ceremony Minister Henry and Ambassador Dormeus along with officials visited the Gangaram Primary School as a model school for ProFuturo implementation.

PAGE 22

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Taxi driver 'pleases mind' by damaging woman's car

SERVICES

FOR SALE

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

Lot 14 - 10,204 Sq ft Ph#264-2948/615-2270.

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

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Jacob’s Jewellry and pawnshop, friendly money lenders. 16 Pike Street Kitty, Georgetown. Tel#227-8748/ 622-4970 We repair Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washer, Dryer-Call#2310655/683-8734 Omar.

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OFAC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822

(3) Mack Garbage trucks, 1 Skip Truck. Tel#683-6814/4420162 Copra Meal for sale.

Contact#223-5273/2235274 Freezer & Quality used restaurant equipment. Call: 618-5080 Prime piece of hand at La Grange Public Road 300ft X 100ft $100,000 US Dollar.Contact Annie 6950333.

Corrugated steel rods 1/2 ‘’ (12mm) $745 = + 14%vat, 5/8 (16mm) - $1,310+14%vat at Alabama Trading, 27 Lombard St or call #231-3345/227-4234 Yamaha Outboard 150HP 400k, 4 HP, 120k, all foreign use. Call: 699-6467 99 Mining permits- Cuyuni Mazaruni. Contact #683-9756

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.6M Neg.Call #649-0956.

CAR RENTAL DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM LEARN TO DRIVE

Nissan Juke 2010, Blue, PTT series, fully loaded, excellent condition. Call: 681-4208/ 2206262 1 RZ minibus for sale, series BSS Newly spray over, hardly work $1.3M Neg. Contact# 603-2640

Shalom Enterprise Driving School, 2 Croal St. Call: 2277560/227-3869-6. Join us on Facebook

Massey Ferguson Tractor 283 $2.5M(Foreign Used) MF 165 $1.5M, MF 135 $1M,MF 165 Loader Tractor $2.1M.6825230/615-4414.

ACCOMMODATION Aracari Hotel -WBD (Near Bridge)-Pool etc.Open 24 Hours.From $25 USD.Phone 264-2946/8

Pick-up from Truck Canada Extra-Cab, 2005 Tacoma $1.750M, Ford-F 150 Sport $1.1 M, Ford Ranger Sport $1M.682-5230/615-4414.

PEN PAL

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Indian Overseas male seeks female 30/35, must have good personality. Call: 602-9975 LAND FOR SALE

Lot 89 Robb street Lacytown, Georgetown.

Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size-3431.25 Sq.ft.Phone:617-5323/6668052.

Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public Road #2 Village W.C.B/ce 5 mins from B/ce bridge.Contact#686-4818/6487109.

One 3 Story building at 97 Sugar Cane St.S/Rveldt Gdns $125,000,000.Tel#674-9905/ 695-1365/225-2971.

FOR RENT

VACANCY

2 bedroom concrete fully furnished apartment. Two story, family preferred, Master bedroom with A/C, Peter’s Hall Public Road. Tel# 671-1441

Salesman, good verbal/ excellent attitude, knowledge in stocktaking, computer literate & team player.Keyfood McDoom.

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

1 bodywork technician. Tel# 668-7033 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132

Snackette for rent, Mobile snackettes, price $20,000 monthly. Tel# 697-6311

Soup Cook & Kitchen Assistant, Mon-Sat, Job location in town, Good pay. Call: 660-9983 between 8am-3pm for interviews

One bedroom apartment, furnished, AC, washing machine, internet, light & water included. Parking. Call: 682-6238/617-2666

Pump Attendant & Cashier, shifts rotated weekly Shell Service station Providence.Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com.

High & Saffon St (Business) Office space at High & Hadfield Street. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685

Female cleaner office & home.

Call: 642-9823

PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc.

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Broad Street & Republic Gardens, Georgetown, Enterprise & Enmore East Coast. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Modern Home, Georgetown, 3 self contain rooms upstairs, 2 room downstairs, Automatic Garage & Gate. Contact Ray’s Realty # 627-9685

Factory Workers- Must have sound secondary education, for more information. Please Call: 223-0090 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown.

Tel#227-8748/622-4970 One male Janitor. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda Labourers & Maintenance workers. Contact #621-6969, serious enquiries only.

Office assistant, Maths & English required, knowledge of Excel & Quickbooks, Mima Decor , 8 Sheriff Street, mimadecor12@gmail.com (227-0186)

3- Storey unfinished building, Lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling EBD. 2 storey unfinish building, Lot 1488 Onderneeming WBD. #6093777/697-4557/641-3893/6860522

Female Cook/Baker for interior location. For further details.

Call: 618-2020

VACANCY

WANTED

Security Officers $85,000, Apply within @ 47 Croal St. Tel# 226-9905 or on FB page, Atlas Security Services Inc

Receptionist, Handyman and maid to work at Hotel, 25 years & older, able to work shifts, Apply in Person. Tel# 2259211

One General Domestic, must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda Front end loader operator.

Contact#223-5273/223-5274 1 Female Office Assistant.

Must have knowledge of NIS, Payroll & computer literate, Age 30 +. Contact PSGCS #621-6969, serious enquiries only Driver- must have sound secondary education, for more information. Please Call: 223-0090 Driver/Expeditor. Contact # 231-0363/ Accounts Clerk.

Contact # 231-0363

1 Office Clerk, Computer Literate. Tel# 233-2725/2332439 Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie on the West Coast and East Bank. Tel# 697-6311 1 Live-in male, multi-tasking & 1 live-in domestic female, experience in cooking creole foods. Tel# 675-2550/656-9313 Sales girl. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street 1 Lorry Driver, must be able to work flexible hours.

Contact Annie #233-3512 / 264-3720 One experienced female cook for a family, must be between 25-35 yrs. Call: 231-8737

A taxi driver yesterday admitted to damaging a woman's car, before telling the court that he did it to please his mind. The man said that he and the woman had an agreement for her to fix his car after she drove into his vehicle sometime last month.

The defendant, Quacy Lord, 29, of Cummings Lodge, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on January 14, 2020, at Georgetown, he maliciously damaged 2 head lamps, a front windscreen and 2 right side windows, property of Jenell Dazzel.

Police prosecutor Stacy Gittens told the court that the defendant and the virtual complainant are known to each other. On the day in question the defendant was on his way home when he saw motorcar PTT 1976, parked along Dennis Street.

The court heard that the

accused stopped and went to the motorcar with a long spanner which he used to damage the front windscreen, 2 head lamps and 2 right side windows, over a misunderstanding that had happened in the past.

The matter was reported and the defendant was later arrested and charged for the offence.

Lord then told the court that Dazzel had agreed to pay him to fix his car, but after she made one payment of $25,000, she stopped paying him. Lord said, “While I was heading home I saw her car PTT 1976 on the road… so I stopped took out a long spanner and lash up her car just to please my mind.”

He added when he saw Dazzel's vehicle, he felt betrayed, and emotions took control of him, so he damaged her vehicle.

However, even though Lord admitted to the charge, he told the court that he never damaged any head lamps.

Lord said he only damaged 2 right side windows and the front windscreen. The court heard that Lord and Dazzel had come to an agreement to settle the matter at a cost of $140,000.

However, Lord said he never agreed to $140, 000, he agreed to $80,000. The two WANTED parties were then given some Maid. Requirements: person time to come to an agreement. must be living on the East When Lord and Dazzel returned to court they were still Bank. Contact# 600-6887 at odds over the compensaPorters to work in Grocery tion.

Stall, Attractive Salary at Stabroek Market. Tel#2269800/683-9500. Experience an asset One Accounts clerk must be From page 16 writing CAT, Previous work applauded India for setting experience necessary, send the example in alleviating imapplication to P.O Box 16005 pacts of climate change and promoting solar energy, One experienced welder to which he said will certainly work in the interior, must have help Guyana to achieve the experience. Contact Imran # 'green' transformation it actively seeks. He noted 226-9416/502-8587 Guyana's participation in the Excavator operator to work International Solar Alliance with mining firm, must have (ISA). experience. Contact Imran The President also men#226-9416/ 502-8587 tioned about his visit to India in January 2018 as a milestone Diesel Mechanic to work in in furthering and strengtheninterior, experience with ing bilateral relations, includperkins, duetz, doosan ing cooperation in the field of engines necessary. Contact education, training and skill Imran #226-9416/502-8587 development. Amidst a list of One driver for residence at achievements, the President Montrose, must have 10 noted the Centre of Excellence years experience within the in Information Technology age 35-45 years. Contact (CEIT) established at the University of Guyana Campus at #608-2440 Turkeyen, and various forms Female Domestic wanted for of developmental assistance light housekeeping $3000 projects being undertaken by Daily, Male skill labourer India in Guyana. $4000 daily Vreed-En-Hoop The event also included 682-5230/615-4414. the offering of toasts by the High Commissioner and the Wanted experienced hire car President. The formal part of drivers at Ramada Princess the programme in the evening Georgetown Hotel. Contact # was followed by a brief cul265-7075 / 616-5419 tural segment.

Grand celebration held for 70th ...

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

PAGE 23

Court rules out co-op society transport - Over 15 residents to in Enmore North land feud continue occupying homes

A

ruling by the Georgetown High Court has effectively set aside a transport used to cha l l e n g e t h e o c c u p a t i o n o f l a n d by some 15 residents of the community of Enmore North, East Coast Demerara.

The court case stems from a land feud between residents of Enmore North and the North H a s l i n g t o n C o - o p e r a t i v e S o c i e t y.

In 2018, over fifteen homes in the community of Enmore North were on the verge of being taken away with the continued issuance of documents from persons acting as the Secretary and Chairman of the North Haslington Co-operative Society.

The dispute led to the residents' homes being broken into by persons who claimed ownership of the land they occupied.

Their belongings were reportedly thrown at the side of road. The issue was publicized in the media after the police become involved.

The feud eventually led to a case being filed in the High Court by Althea

Seymour and Charlton De Ally who claimed that the parcels were passed to them by the Co-operative Society.

Their application was challenged by Yasmattie Rambarran and Nadia Rambarran, who were represented by the law firm of Mohabir Anil Nandlall & Associates.

A c c o r d i n g t o information provided by the law firm, the Rambarrans in their counterclaim stated to the Court that they had been occupying the land which was inherited from Ya s m a t t i e ' s u n c l e , Ramgopaul Singh, for over two decades.

In their response, the defendants claimed that Singh's occupation of the land was by virtue of his membership of the cooperative society for over twenty years.

As such the residents asked the Court to set aside the transport on the ground of fraud.

The case was presented for trial in the High Court before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Last week, the Court ruled upholding the

Lawyer Anil Nandlall during a discourse with residents of Enmore North

submissions of the Rambarrans' Attorneys, Anuradha Deodasingh and Anil Nandlall.

According to the ruling, the evidence of De Ally and Seymour contradicted itself, and found the evidence of the Rambarrans to be clear and credible.

Furthermore, the Court

found that at the time the property was transported to the Claimants, (Seymour and De Ally) there was no valid management committee of the North Haslington Co-operative Society and therefore, Mary Luke and Eldon Alderson did not have the authority to transfer lands of the said Co-

operative Society.

The Judge further ruled that the evidence established that the claimants engaged in unconscionable conduct and were privy to fraud.

Consequently, the Court set aside the Transport of the Claimants, Seymour and DeAlly, and an injunction was granted restraining

them, their agents, servants and representatives from entering upon the subject land.

Costs were awarded to the Rambarrans in the sum of $450,000.

The Co-operative Society has agreed to transport the land to the Rambarrans.

Murder convicts say delay in hearing of appeal breaches constitutional rights

A

rguing that a five-year delay in the hearing of an appeal against their conviction and 20-year sentence for murder, is a breach of their constitutional right guaranteed under Article 144 of the Constitution, Joshua Persaud and Raphael Morrison are asking the Court of Appeal to order their release from prison should the court affirm their conviction.

In 2014, following a trial at the High Court in Georgetown, Morrison and Persaud were found guilty of the June 3, 2013 murder of M a r l o n A n d r e w Ramcharran.

Based on previous reports, while armed with a cutlass and pieces of wood, Persaud and Morrison inflicted several wounds on 18-year-old Ramcharran of Tain New Housing Scheme, Corentyne.

Reports are that the men were at 'Dusk Till Dawn Nightclub' when an

Murdered: Marlon Ramcharran argument broke out between them. Ramcharran's cause of death was given as shock and hemorrhage resulting from multiple incised wounds.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal comprising Chancellor of the Judiciary Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s Edwards and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory commenced hearing arguments in the case.

Persaud, 30, and Morrison, 29, are being

represented by lawyers Murseline Bacchus and Kim Kyte, respectively. Senior State Counsel Mercedes Glasford is appearing for the prosecution.

Persaud and Morrison were convicted and sentenced on April 17, 2014.

According to court records, their Notices of Appeal were filed the same day.

Both their lawyers are arguing that the five-year delay in the hearing of their clients' appeal is a breach of their constitutional rights. To substantiate their argument, both lawyers cited the local case of Mark Fraser vs the DPP. On 14 November 2007, Fraser was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter and sentenced to four years' imprisonment. After filing an appeal against his

conviction, and obtaining bail on 17 December 2007, Fraser never returned to prison. His appeal was then fixed for hearing almost 10 years later, but that hearing was further delayed, as the record of appeal was not made available to his attorneys until 4 October 2017.

While Fraser's appeal against his conviction was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, the Court agreed that the delay in proceedings breached his Article 144(1) right to a fair hearing within reasonable time and stayed any further imprisonment.

Fraser then applied to the CCJ for special leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing to set aside his conviction. The CCJ found that there were no special or exceptional circumstances established to

justify cancelling the conviction.

There was therefore no proper basis upon which to grant special leave to Fraser and his application was dismissed by the CCJ. Apart from this, Bacchus is arguing that the trial judge failed to properly put his client's defence to the j u r y. T h e l a w y e r i s contending that the prosecution's star witnesses gave a statement to the police in which they said certain things that were inconsistent with their testimony.

In fact, the lawyer submitted that the inconsistency does not o n l y r e l a t e t o their credibility but also to the evidence of identification.

Among other things, Bacchus argued that the trial Judge made an error in law when she rejected the nocase submission made by him on behalf of his client. In fact, the lawyer said that the records of appeal do reflect

the trial judge providing reasons for rejecting the nosubmission.

He insisted that reasons must be recorded so that the higher court could c o n sider whether the submission was properly rejected/admitted.

During their trial, Persaud and Morrison had made unsworn statements from the dock, citing their innocence, stating that they knew nothing of Ramcharran's death.

They both mentioned that they went out during the night in question at the 'Dust Till Dawn Nightclub'. They said they left to go home and ended up in an altercation with some boys from 'Train Line'.

In sentencing the men to 20 years' imprisonment, Justice Diana Insanally said that the Human Rights aspect stated that when youths are involved in crime they are not to be punished for their entire life.

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

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Joseph, Berridge deal Volcanoes innings defeat GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Test pacer Alzarri Joseph struck a cavalier halfcentury and enterprising seamer Sheeno Berridge captured a devastating fivewicket haul as Leeward Islands crushed Windward Islands Volcanoes by an innings and 165 runs on the final day of their third round match in the Regional FourDay Championship here yesterday.

In a rain-hit, day/night contest at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground which appeared headed for a stalemate after the entire first day was lost to rain, Joseph turned the game on its head when he slammed an unbeaten 64 from 56 deliveries as Hurricanes, resuming on 234 for five, powered their way to 354 for

eight declared.

Armed with a first innings lead of 216 runs, Berridge then snatched five for 22 from 10 overs to send Volcanoes tumbling for 51 in their second innings – their second lowest total ever in the championship.

Test off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall supported with two for seven from six tight overs as only 20-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman Emmanuel Stewart, with 11, managed to reach double figures.

The victory broke a run of two defeats for Hurricanes while Volcanoes tasted defeat for the for the first time this season.

Not many envisaged the outcome at the start of the day, especially after lefthander Amir Jangoo fell to the

Alzarri Joseph slammed an unbeaten half-century to follow up his five-wicket haul. first delivery of the evening without adding to his overnight 51 and with Hurricanes yet to add to their tally.

Tuesday January 28, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A conflict between career obligations and home responsibilities could present itself today. You're likely to feel totally powerless in the situation.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Long-distance phone calls from people living in distant states could bring some rather disconcerting news your way.This might arouse some anger within you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Nightmares that come your way today are likely to cause you to wake up feeling extremely angry for no tangible reason.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A partner, either your life partner or a colleague, is likely to be in an irritable mood today, which you could find a bit upsetting.

Bear in mind that this person's mood probably has little if anything to do with you.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Too many unfinished tasks or chores today might have you feeling pressured to get them done, creating unnecessary stress and strain.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Emotional levels run high among members of a group you're affiliated with as disagreements turn into quarrels. It won't do you any good. Write down your impressions and share them with the others at another time when tempers have cooled down.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Pressures to get unfinished tasks completed and new ones begun cause emotions to run high. Everyone, yourself included, is likely to feel nervous and stressed out, and quarrels may break out.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Frustrated energy resulting from inability to put your plans into action could have your nerves on edge today, and you might be tempted to get into petty quarrels with those around you.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Overwork and the resulting stress and nerve strain might result in fevers or headaches today. Therefore, it might be a good idea to start out the day pacing yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you're involved in a class or if you find yourself in any kind of group activity or social situation, be prepared for quarrels to break out among the people there.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Frustration and upset with others in your circle could tempt you to go out and get rid of that energy by spending a lot of money.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) An increased level of irritability and frustration could tempt you to take it out on friends, children, or your significant other. You're probably feeling especially energetic, with little if any outlet for that energy.

Entered Joseph, already with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, to transform the game, belting half-dozen fours and three sixes while adding 49 for the seventh wicket with Jaison Peters who converted his overnight 39 into 57 – his second first class hundred.

Peters faced 116 balls and counted four fours in just over 2-¼ hours before he was bowled by fast bowler Sherman Lewis who claimed two of the three wickets to fall to finish with three for 80.

Joseph then combined with Cornwall, whose 37 came from 24 balls and contained two fours and three sixes, to post another another 58 for the eighth wicket and push the Hurricanes lead beyond the 200-run mark.

Needing to simply bat out the day to save the game, Volcanoes’ second innings lasted a mere 33 overs as Berridge claimed four of the first five wickets to fall, with just 28 runs on the board.

The best stand of the innings was 14 for the fifth wicket between Stewart and Montcin Hodge (9) but once Berridge bowled Stewart, the last five wickets tumbled for 15 runs.

Berridge finished with match figures of nine for 61 while Joseph picked up Manof-the-Match honours for his all-round display.

Scores: VOLCANOES 138 (Devon Smith 49, Alick Athanaze 23; Alzarri Joseph 5-41, Sheeno Berridge 4-39) and 51 (Sheeno Berridge 522, Rahkeem Cornwall 2-7).

HURRICANES 354 for eight decl. (Kieran Powell 69, Alzarri Joseph 64 not out, Jaison Peters 57, Amir Jangoo 51, Rahkeem Cornwall 37; Sherman Lewis 3-80, Preston McSween 268).

FOX Sports and Concacaf agree...

From page 27 World Cup, the revamped format for which will include more clubs from this region, starting with the 2021 competition.

“FOX Sports is an excellent partner for Concacaf and we are extremely pleased they have invested in our rights across so many competitions, beginning with what should be an exciting Women’s Olympic Qualifiers,” said Concacaf President, Victor Montagliani. “They have an outstanding track record of delivering high-quality soccer coverage that reaches big audiences making this great news for fans, international teams across the region and clubs competing in our Champions League.”

“FOX Sports is excited to further its commitment to the sport of soccer through this new agreement with Concacaf,” said Mark Silverman, FOX Sports President, National Networks. “The U.S.

Women’s National Team captivated a country with its World Cup victory last summer, and we’re honored to showcase this inspirational team once again as they begin their Olympic journey this week.

Furthermore, we look forward to offering more men’s soccer, including the next two editions of the Gold Cup and the U.S. Men’s National Team Olympic Qualifiers.”

For further details on the Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, including the full schedule and ticketing information please follow this link: www.concacaf.com/ en/olympics-qualifyingwomen The 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League begins on Tuesday February 18 with exciting ties including Liga MX’s Club Leon vs MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club. For a full schedule, please follow this link: www.concacafchampionsleague.com/ en.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Magnum Tonic Wine Fog likely to figure prominently in probe Mashramani Cup of Kobe Bryant’s fatal helicopter crash Futsal Tournament continues tonight All roads will lead to the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue this evening when the 3rd edition of the Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Tournament continues with another round of group matches.

In the opening match, Sophia will match skills with Island All-Stars from 19:00hrs, with Broad Street battling Kingston from 19:30hrs and Albouystown tackling Belfield from 20:00hrs.

This will be followed by Mocha engaging Future Stars from 20:30hrs, while the fifth match will witness Rio All-Stars opposing Melanie from 21:00hrs.

In the sixth clash, Gold is Money take aim at Stabroek Ballers from 21:30hrs, while Bad-a-Yard lock horns with Back Circle from 22:00hrs in the final match.

According to tournament coordinator and Co-Director of San Sports, Esan Griffith, during an official press release, “Tonight is the continuation of what is expected to be another monumental night of action. The event has already started in dramatic fashion with several upsets which bodes well for the tournament going forward and highlights the development and emergence of the format and the teams.”

He further said, “I want to reiterate to the players and fans that all systems are in place to ensure a safe and memorable event. There is a genuine atmosphere of excitement amongst the respective communities which bodes well for the tournament and its continued growth.”

The other match-days are Thursday January 30th, Saturday February 1st, Tuesday February 4th, Thursday February 6th [Round of 16], Saturday February 8th [Quarterfinals] and Saturday February [Semi-finals], with the finale scheduled for February 22nd.

The groups are Group-A: Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Ansa McAl All-Stars and Bad-A-Yard, Group-B: Rio All-Stars, Leopold Street, Spartacus and Melanie, Group-C: Future Stars, Alexander Village, Spot-7 and Mocha, GroupD: Bent Street, Showstoppers, North East La Penitence and Avocado Ballers, Group-E: Sophia, Broad Street, Kingston and Island All-Stars and GroupF: Gold is Money, Albouystown, Stabroek Ballers and Belfield Warriors.

Winner of the event will pocket $700,000 and the championship trophy, while the second place side will collect $400,000 and the respective accolade. On the other hand, the third and fourth place unit will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Fixtures-Day-2-Tuesday 28th Sophia vs Island AllStars-19:00hrs Broad St vs Kingston19:30hrs Albouystown vs Belfield Warriors-20:00hrs Mocha vs Future Stars20:30hrs Rio All-Stars vs Melanie21:00hrs Gold is Money vs Stabroek Ballers-21:30hrs Back Circle vs Bad-aYard-22:00hrs Fixtures-Day-3Thursday 30th Future Stars vs Spot-719:30hrs Alex Village vs Mocha20:00hrs Leopold St vs Spartacus20:30hrs North East La Penitence vs Avocado Ballers-21:00hrs Sparta Boss vs Ansa McAl-21:30hrs Bent St vs Showstoppers22:00hrs Fixtures-Day-4Saturday February 1st Mocha vs Spot-719:00hrs Melanie vs Spartacus19:30hrs Sophia vs Kingston20:00hrs Broad St vs Island AllStars-20:30hrs Albouystown vs Stabroek Ballers-21:00hrs Gold is Money vs Belfield Warriors-21:30hrs Back Circle vs Ansa McAl-22:00hrs Rio All-Stars vs Leopold Street-22:30hrs

Victims of the deadly helicopter crash in Calif. on Jan. 26, 2020. (CBS/KHOU 11) CALABASAS, Calif.

(Reuters) Weather conditions appear likely to come under the scrutiny of investigators probing the helicopter crash that killed former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others near Los Angeles on Sunday, when overcast skies and fog grounded other aircraft.

Bryant’s Sikorsky S-76 chopper slammed into a steep hillside outside the town of Calabasas, California, about 40 miles (65 km) northwest of downtown Los Angeles, igniting a brush fire and spreading debris over a quarter-acre (1,000 square meters) of grassy terrain.

Hours later, Los Angeles County authorities said all nine people aboard the helicopter died in the crash.

The deaths of Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were confirmed by the National Basketball Association, as expressions of disbelief and grief poured in from fans, fellow athletes and politicians.

Bryant and his entourage were reported by local media to have been on their way to a sports academy in the nearby city of Thousand Oaks, where he was to have coached his daughter’s basketball team in a youth tournament.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board began arriving in the area on Sunday to launch separate crash investigations.

Among the factors expected to be at the forefront

of the probe are weather conditions, given that forecasters reported low clouds and limited visibility in the vicinity at the time of the crash, and various eyewitnesses recounted thick fog over the foothills where the helicopter went down.

Fog in the area was so bad on Sunday morning that both the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department grounded their helicopter fleets, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing officials.

“The weather situation did not meet our minimum standards for flying,” a Los Angeles police spokesman Josh Rubenstein told the Times.

Bryant, who won five NBA championships in his 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, was known since his playing days to travel frequently by helicopter to avoid the Los Angeles a r e a ’s notorious traffic.

Several media outlets identified the pilot as Ara Zobayan, adding that he was instrument-rated, or qualified to fly in fog.

CNN reported that air traffic controllers on Sunday gave the pilot “Special Visual Flight Rules,” or special clearance to fly in less than optimal weather.

In addition, the pilot asked air traffic controllers for constant monitoring, or “flight following,” but was informed that he was flying too low, CNN said.

“Two echo x-ray, you’re still too low level for flight following at this time,” an air traffic controller told the pilot,

possibly in meaning the chopper was too low to be seen on radar, CNN said, citing audio from the website LiveATC.net.

Others aboard the ill-fated helicopter, in addition to the pilot, included a teammate from Bryant’s daughter’s basketball team, Alyssa Altobelli, and the girl’s parents John and Keri Altobelli.

John Altobelli was just about to start his 28th season as baseball coach at Orange Coast College, having won his fourth state championship just last year, the college said in a news release on his death.

The same statement identified Keri and Alyssa Altobelli as victims of the crash.

The Altobellis are survived by two of Alyssa’s siblings, J.J. and Lexi, the

college said.

Also killed on board was Christina Mauser, an assistant girls basketball coach at a private school in Orange County, Mayor Katrina Foley of Costa Mesa, California, said on Twitter.

Mauser was the wife of Matt Mauser, singer with the rock and party band Tijuana Dogs, who mourned his wife with a statement on Facebook.

“My kids and I are devastated. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash. Please respect our privacy. Thank you for all the well wishes, they mean so much,” Mauser wrote.

Sarah Chester and her middle-school-aged daughter Payton also were on board, according to a Facebook post by elementary school principal Todd Schmidt.

Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant goes up for a dunk against the New York Knicks during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, December 16, 2008. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo)

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Turbo Knockout football

Heartbreak for GFC again as Conquerors clinch championship Fruta Conquerors under20 didn’t disappoint and were undeterred by the threat of rainfall on Sunday night as the pre-tournament favourites kept their cool to ease past challengers Georgetown Football Club (GFC) to win the third Turbo Energy Drink knockout tournament 3-1 at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground.

GFC, who lost in the final of the last Turbo knockout tournament to Northern Rangers in 2018, were extra disappointed to have fallen short again.

The contest had shaped up to be quite an anticipated showdown with representatives and fans from both teams being outspoken on social and print media, the game eventually was a onesided affair.

Skipper Nicholas McArthur led from the front and continued his purple patch to open the scoring in the game with a successful strike in the 16th minute.

Ten minutes later, Joshua Braithwaite received a red card to put his side, GFC, in further woes but miraculously, the score remained unchanged until the break.

GFC were still in the match heading into the second period of play but Jermaine Garett doubled Conquerors lead after finding the back of the net, three minutes into the half, before Bailey sealed the win for the Tucville based

Action between Fruta Conquerors under-20 (on the ball) and GFC during Sunday night’s final at the MOE ground. club five minutes from stoppage time.

GFC’s Kelsey Benjamin scored a consolation in stoppage time, an expertlytaken penalty kick.

Conquerors received $400,000 and the championship trophy, while GFC pocketed $200,000 for their efforts.

Earlier in the third place playoff, Northern Rangers needled Pouderoyen thanks to a first half strike from

Damian Williams in the 34th minute.

Rangers, who won the last tournament, walked away with $100,000 for their third place finish, while why Pouderoyen received $50,000 for finishing fourth.

The Turbo Knockout football tournament was sponsored by Guyana Beverage Inc. and coordinated by Petra Organisation.

(Calvin Chapman)

FOX Sports and Concacaf agree exclusive three-year US English language rights deal - 2020 Women’s Olympic Qualifiers included Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and major US network FOX Sports have penned an exclusive three-year English language rights agreement which begins this week with live coverage of the Concacaf Women’s Olympic Qualifiers.

The tournament – which kicks-off today – includes current FIFA Women’s World Champions USA, and fellow World Cup participants Canada and Jamaica, as they compete with Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Haiti and St Kitts & Nevis for the two regional spots at the Tokyo

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Kaieteur News

2020 Olympic Games.

Continuing the road to Tokyo 2020, Fox Sports will also broadcast live the Concacaf Men’s Olympic Qualifiers, taking place in Guadalajara, Mexico, in March. This new multitournament agreement will see English language coverage of the Gold Cup – the region’s flagship men’s international competition – remain exclusively on Fox Sports for the next two competitions (2021 and 2023), continuing a hugely successful partnership that began in 2013.

FOX delivered first-class coverage of the 2019 Gold Cup last summer, including

the Final between Mexico and USA which was FS1’s most watched non-World Cup game in the network’s history.

FOX Sports’ commitment to bringing Concacaf competitions to fans in the US also includes the next three editions of the region’s premier club competition: the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.

This elite club knock-out tournament is the only official competition that features competitive matches between the region’s best club sides, including from MLS and Liga MX. It is also the only route for clubs in the region to qualify for the FIFA Club (Continued on page 25)

Youth Hoops Basketball Clinic & Tour set for Easter The annual Youth Hoops Basketball Guyana Clinic and Tour is back this Easter.

United States-based Xperience Outreach Youth Coach Rich Mahler and another NBA star are expected in Guyana to conduct several free youth clinics in April.

Former NBA players Jermain Taylor (Washington Wizards) and Anthony Bonner (New York Knicks) have trained more than 200 young players during successful 2019 clinics in Georgetown and Linden.

This year the training will be shifted to Kwakwani, a community in Upper Demerara-Berbice with around 4,000 residents. Boys and girls between the ages of 7 - 19 who are already playing the sport will have an intense two-day training session.

Training will focus on footwork, aggressiveness, mentality, and all around offensive skills including ball handling and shooting. The programme will then move to Georgetown where young players will receive similar training.

“We are excited to include Kwakwani on our youth basketball training tour. The

young men and women from this community have dominated youth basketball for over a decade, that is impressive. Additionally, they have travelled to Georgetown and Linden for our last two clinics in 2019 so this time we are visiting their community.

I would like to thank Coach Ann Gordon and her supporters for partnering with us to ensure the success of the Kwakwani leg of the tour,” Amanda Wilson of Green Mango Media stated.

Youth Hoops Basketball Guyana founder Amanda Wilson visited Kwakwani to examine facilities and met with Coach Gordon, a former national volleyball and basketball player who is committed to developing basketball in that community.

Coach Gordon noted that the experiences gained in her early sporting life have driven her passion to give back to the community.

“I cannot sit at home beyond 4:30 pm on a given afternoon, my phone would ring and more so, there will be about ten kids outside my home calling me out to the court.”

Kwakwani has over the years produced a number of

national male and female basketball players, including Stanton Rose who is now on a full scholarship at Jacksonville College in Texas, United States.

The community has two outdoor basketball courts.

The main court was built in the 1960s in the heart of community and was suitably renamed the Anne G Basketball Court.

While the Ministry of Communities has built bleachers and is now constructing change room facilities, Coach Gordon stressed that the central court badly needs further upgrading, from resurfacing to adding durable backboards, additional lights, scoreboard and team benches.

Coach Gordon continues to inspire her young players through her unwavering commitment to keeping basketball alive there. In addition to the Youth Hoops Basketball Easter Clinic in April, the Kwakwani Under 18 Youth Basketball Guyana 2019 national male and female champions are expected to tour neighbouring Suriname for the first time, Easter Weekend.

Champions Jaguars back at summit but Pride snapping at their heels ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Five-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars have returned to the summit of the Regional four-day standings following their emphatic victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force last weekend.

They registered a 219-run victory inside the first hour of the final day at the Guyana National Stadium, to move to 44.6 points, but are only marginally ahead of second placed Barbados Pride on 44.4 points.

Jaguars opened their campaign with a 10-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Antigua but then slumped to a seven-wicket defeat to Pride in Bridgetown in the second round, to slip out of first place in the standings.

Pride, who suffered a shock defeat to Windward Islands Volcanoes in the opening round, won their second game on the trot last weekend when they crushed Jamaica Scorpions inside three days by 119 runs in Kingston.

Volcanoes, meanwhile, have slipped to third on 32.8

Veersammy Permaul collects a trophy from GCB’s Colin Staurt for reaching 500 First Class wickets. points following their heavy innings and 165-run loss to Hurricanes in a day/night contest in St Lucia.

The game looked set for a draw after the first day was lost to rain and only 44 overs were possible on the second day but Volcanoes were dismissed for 51 in their second innings – their second lowest total in the championship – to taste defeat on Sunday’s final day.

For Hurricanes, the victory was their first of the campaign and left them fifth on 26.6 while winless Scorpions lie bottom on 21.2.

In round four which bowls off February 6, Jaguars will host Scorpions, Pride travel to Warner Park in St Kitts to take on Hurricanes while Volcanoes welcome Red Force at Windsor Park in Dominica.

PAGE 30

Tuesday January 28, 2020

Kaieteur News

Silver Bullets dump defending Linden champs High Rollers from Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Silver Bullets dumped defending champion High Rollers out of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship, prevailing 1-0 in their quarterfinal matchup on Saturday at the Amelia’s Ward Hardcourt.

The former two time champions exacted revenge for last year’s semifinal loss, compliments of a Colwyn Drakes strike in the 10th minute. The first half conversion occurred as Drakes slammed home with his favoured left leg from the center of the field to stun the large crowd, which gathered at the venue.

Silver Bullets were also joined by Amelia’s Ward Russians and Swag Entertainment in the semifinal section, following wins by the aforesaid duo. Tournament favorite Swag Entertainment overcame Presidential 1-0 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 1-1. Prior to the penalty shootout, Presidential took the lead through Kelroy

Anthony in the seventh minute, who blasted into the back of the net from just over the halfway line.

However, Kwesi Quintin equalized in the 13th minute from the penalty mark after Presidential accumulated more than the allowable two fours per half following a blatant handball.

Also Amelia’s Ward squeaked last Amazings 2-1. A Guinness Goal (GG) - (a goal scored in the final three minutes counts as two) in the 20th minute

by Jevante Waldron sealed the win. For the loser, Errol David netted in the fifth minute.

Meanwhile, Quiet Storm drew a bye to the semifinal round which is slated to be held at the Christianburg Hardcourt on January 31st. In the earlier Guinness Plate Championship, Barsenal defeated NK Ballers 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation time ended 0-0.

In their earlier match, Barsenal defeated Retrieve Unknown 1-0. Barsenal will

Silver Bullets dump defending Linden champs High Rollers from Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ now be joined by the losing quarter finalists in the semifinal round of the Plate section.

Winner of the event will pocket $400,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the second place side will pocket $150,000 and the respective accolade.

Similarly, the third and fourth place teams will receive $100,000 and $75,000

respectively and a trophy.

Meanwhile, the winner of the Guinness Plate Championship will pocket $60,000.

Complete Results Guinness Goal-(GG)-2 Goals Quarterfinal Game-1 Amazings-1 vs Amelia’s Ward Russians-2 Amelia’s Ward Scorer

Jevante Waldron-(GG)20th Amazings Scorer Errol David’s-5th Game-2 Silver Bullets-1 vs High Rollers-0 Colwyn Drakes-10th Game-3 Presidential-1 vs Swag Entertainment-1 Swag won 1-0 on penalty kicks

Swag Scorer Kwesi Quintin-13th Presidential Scorer Kelroy Anthony-7th Plate Section Game-1 Barsenal-1 vs Retrieve Unknown-0 Game-2 NK Ballers-0 vs Barsenal0 Barsenal won 1-0 on penalty kicks

Trophy Stall Open Tennis tournament

Lopes & Chand win Men’s doubles The excitement, drama and one of the biggest upsets in local Tennis were ingredientsof a sumptuous two-day Trophy Stall Open Tennis tournament which climaxed at the Le Resouvenir Tennis Court on the East Coast of Demerara on Sunday night.

Following their victory on

Saturday, Andre Lopes and Sandeep Chand defeated Devon Gonsalves and Aubrey Younge 3-6/6-2(10-6) on Sunday as the pair traded hard serves and long cross court forehand rallies before moving to the netto finish the point with vollies.

But the highlight of the tournament was the incredible

Kristian Jeffrey & Nicolette Fernandes won the mixed doubles on Sunday night.

performance of Squash stars Nicolette Fernandes and Kirstian Jeffery playing in the mixed doubles of their first Tennis tournament.

The transition from the Squash Court to Tennis Court for the 36-year-old Fernandes, who is also a very good Hockey player, looked seamless while 31-year-old former National Squash Champion Jeffery who is also an International Motor racer looked at home on the Tennis Court.

The pair beat National Junior Champion Afruica Gentle and fourth seeded Benjamin Osbourne 7-6(75)6-4.

Both Gentle, also a member of Guyana senior Women’s cricket squad and her partner Osbourne, played several big hitting power shots.

But the Canadian-born Fernandes Guyanese who won Gold in Squash in the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia and the multitalented Jeffery countered with some Squash-like slices which confused their opponents In the first set the score was 3-3 before Gentle and Osbourne went up to 5-2 but Fernandes and Jeffery fought back to take the score 6-all before the Squash players won the

- Squash stars create major upset in mixed doubles on debut

From left: Sandeep Khan and Andre Lopes beat Devon Gonsalves and Aubrey Younge in the Men’s doubles. tie-break 7-4.

In the second set, the extremely fit looking Fernandes and Jeffery went to3-1 and then 5-2 before they were broken and the score went to 5-4 before they closed out on Fernandes’ serve.

On Saturday in Fernandes and Jeffery had

teamed up in mixed double match up against Grace Mc Calmon and Javed Khan and dominated the proceeding to register an easy win Wa t c h e d b y a l a rg e gathering which created a picnic-like atmosphere on the lawns, Javed khan & Kevin Matti defeated

Andre Erskine & Gerald Scotland 6-3/7-5 while Lealand Leacock &Jordan Beaton defeated David Rose Philbert Clarke 6-1/6-3 In the other Mixed doubles matchRonald Murray &Fiona Bushell defeated Surendra Khayyam &Judy Khayyam 6-1/6-1.

(Sean Devers)

Tuesday January 28, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Three of nine victims’ bodies from Kobe Bryant helicopter - Six remain on ‘logistical nightmare’ hillside crash site recovered Daily Mail - Three bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of Kobe Bryant’s helicopter, but police will not say who they belong to.

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, died when their helicopter crashed into the side of a hill in Calabasasa, California, on Sunday morning.

There were another seven people on board who also died; two of Gianna’s basketball teammates, their parents, a coach and the pilot.

Where the helicopter crashed is on a patch of ‘rough’ terrain which emergency teams had trouble accessing throughout the afternoon on Sunday.

They had to suspend their efforts on Sunday night and started again yesterday morning once it was light. It is unclear what kind of condition the bodies are in.

Upon impact, the helicopter caught fire. Sheriff Alex Villlanueva said on Sunday: ‘It’s a logistical nightmare in a sense, because the crash site itself is not easily accessible.

‘They cannot access the crash site, it is a very rough terrain, dangerous even in daylight. We just want people to stay away.’

He said the terrain was ‘rough’ and that there was

debris for 100 yards in every direction of the crash.

What caused it remains unconfirmed. The NTSB will continue its investigation into the crash.

Audio of the pilot’s interactions with air traffic controllers show he intended on following the 101 highway towards Thousand Oaks where the basketball academy was - when he veered off path and ended up crashing into the hill.

It is possible he had become disoriented because of the poor visibility and thick fog and clouds.

The pilot had been qualified to fly in foggy conditions and he was even given special clearance to fly on Sunday. The recovery effort is ongoing.

Bryant’s former pilot has claimed that the Sikorsky S76B that was carrying the NBA legend and eight others when it crashed into a hillside Sunday morning is such a ‘reliable’ aircraft that it wouldn’t just fall out of the sky.

Kurt Deetz, who used to fly the basketball superstar around in 2015, described the helicopter as being like a ‘limousine’ that was in ‘fantastic’ condition and subject to a ‘very good maintenance program’.

as emergency teams struggle to reach them

Debris scattered for 100 yards in each direction of the crash upon impact.

It is unknown what kind of condition the bodies are in. (RAAK/BACKGRID) Deetz said the helicopter is a ‘very complex’ aircraft that’s meant to be flown by experienced pilots. He said that pilots need at least a couple thousand hours flying in a twin engine to be ready to fly the helicopter. ’There aren’t a lot of people readily qualified to fly

it,’ he said. While speaking about the reliability of the helicopter, Deetz told CNN: ‘They just don’t fall out of the sky.’

He also said the model is considered nearly ‘bulletproof’.

Ara Zobayan, 50, was flying the aircraft when it

Christianburg ‘Multi’ gets Spalding regulation backboard from LABA/Brusche’s Classic/Think Green The Christrianburg Wismar Secondary ‘Multi’ School is the recipient of a brand new, Spalding adjustable, shatter proof, regulation size all weather basketball backboard. The presentation was held last Thursday at the CWSS compound, where receiving

the equipment from President of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) Lawrence Simon, was Ronon Stephens, teacher and an assistant basketball coach for the school.

President of the Linden Amateur Basketball

Association Mr. Lawrence Simon made the presentation on behalf of the LABA, Brusche’s Basketball Foundation and Think Green Organisation.

Simon said, “This will enhance basketball in the school and to support the clinic that we propose to

launch soon to basketball within the secondary schools.” According to Simon, they will be engaging the Ministry of Education to launch the programme which will target the secondary schools across Linden and as resources are received other schools will benefit.

LABA President Lawrence Simon, third from left, hands over the basketball equipment to Ronon Stephens of CWSS.

reportedly plummeted nearly 500 feet in 15 seconds before crashing and killing Bryant, 41, his daughter, Gianna, 13, John Altobelli, 56, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa. The crash also killed Payton Chester and her mom, Sarah, as well as Christina Mauser.

Zobayan, who also died in the crash, was an experienced pilot.

He was a licensed commercial helicopter pilot of 12 years, certified flight instructor of two years and a ground instructor of 11 years, according to federal aviation records.

Rising Sun horserace meet set for Sunday 9th February - Banks DIH Trophy Stall among major sponsors The Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice, is set for a horserace meet on Sunday 9th February 2020.

The event is organised by the Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, Jumbo Jet and some other sponsors.

The event has six races listed on the day’s card with close to $3M in cash, trophies and other prizes up for the takings.

The Feature event will be for animals classified G and lower for a winning take of $400,000 and trophy over 1400M. The other events listed on the day are - The event for H3 maiden and lower which has a winning take of $300,000 and trophy over 1400M. The race for three years

old Open Guyana Bred animals will also be contested for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy over 1100M. The K and lower event will see the animals racing over 1100M for a winner’s take of $200,000 and trophy.

The L and lower Open animals will be galloping for a bounty of $150,000 and trophy in an 1100M contest.

The L class maiden horses have a winning prize of $125,000 and trophy to aim for as they compete in another 1100M event.

Interested person can contact Fazal Habibulla on Telephone 657-7010 for any details on the meet. Entries are expected to close on Sunday 2nd February. Race time is 13:00hrs.

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Tuesday January 28, 2020

Bowlers, Yusuf, Chunilall lead Regal Masters to Trophy Stall T20 title

Unnis Yusuf accepts the man-ofthe-match prize from Ian John.

A spirited bowling performance, led by Mahendra Hardyal and a 74run opening stand between Unnis Yusuf and Mahase Chunilall led Regal Masters to a nine-wicket victory over Ariel Masters when the teams collided in the final of the Trophy Stall T20 softball competition on Sunday.

Batting first, Ariel Masters lost R. Kumar (01), bowled by Tyrone Sanasie, and Samuel Kingston (08) caught off Hardyal to be reduced to 12-2 at the Ogle Community Centre ground.

Harydal picked up two more quick wickets, including that of Shaheed Gittens for 17, which included one four and a six to further peg back the Ariel Masters’ innings.

However, P. Gosiah propped up the total with a top score of 33, which came off 44 balls and included two fours and a similar number of sixes, before he was run out.

Sanasie, Khalid Haslim and Roy Persaud polished off the rest of the batting as Ariel Masters were bowled out for 102 in 20 overs.

Regal Masters won the Trophy Stall T20 title on Sunday.

Hardyal finished with 333; Persaud took 2-17, Sanasie 2-24 and Haslim 1-13.

Openers Yusuf and Chunilall put Regal Masters on course with determined batting.

Yusuf was aggressive from the onset, striking three fours and four sixes before he was removed

by Kingston for 41 off 20 balls.

Chunilall remained unbeaten on 40 off 34 balls

with one four and three sixes, while, Eon Abel made seven not out as Regal Masters finished on 103-1 in 10.4 overs. Kingston had 1-21.

Yusuf was named man-of-thematch.

Earlier, Khalid Haslim bagged five wickets and Yusuf slammed an unbeaten half century to guide Regal Masters to a 10-wicket win over Success Masters. Haslim finished with 5-7, his maiden

five-wicket haul in the Masters category as Success Masters were limited to 84-9, taking first strike.

Hackim Majeed made 23 with two fours and two sixes, while Seekumar Budram scored 16 and Rafman Ali 11.

Regal Masters responded with 86 without loss in 8.3 overs. Yusuf struck two fours and six sixes in a top score of 51 off 27 balls, while Chunilall made 29 not out with one four

and three sixes off 20 balls.

Ariel Masters overcame Fisherman Masters by six runs.

Ariel Masters took first turn in the middle and scored 146-7. Mark Fung led with 51, while P. Gosiah made 30.

Stanley Mohabir grabbed 430.

Fisherman Masters managed 140-9 in reply.

Mohabir made 33; Alex Singh took 2-16.

Dr. Puran Singh National Players Financial Scheme

Dr. Singh renews sponsorship for 2020 as support for Berbice Cricket pours in Berbice junior and female cricketers would continue to benefit from the Berbice Cricket Board in 2020. The BCB has renewed its

sponsorship package with overseas based Guyanese medical doctor, Dr. Puran Singh for the hosting of the 3rd annual national players

scheme. The main objective of the scheme is to assist Berbice Under 15, Under 17, Under 19 and female cricketers financially once

Dr. Singh poses with Kevin Sinclair and Nial Smith after presenting them with bats.

they gain selection at the national levels.

Dr. Singh started to sponsor the scheme in 2019, while the BCB used its own funds in 2018 to launch the ambitions project.

BCB President Hilbert Foster, MS whose idea was to establish the scheme, hailed the renewal of the sponsorship as another redletter day in the rapid development of Berbice Cricket.

Foster, noted that on his election to the Presidency of the BCB in February 2018, a parent approached him for assistance to purchase a pair of uniforms for her child who was going to play for Berbice at the Under 15 level.

The parent in tears told him that she was unable to purchase the uniforms because she was unemployed and didn’t want to shatter her child’s dream of playing cricket for Berbice. The idea for the national players was born at that moment, Foster stated, as poverty should not be the reason why a child should not fulfill his/her dreams.

The other objectives of the scheme are to encourage players to be proper role

model, to represent the Berbice flag with pride and to act as an investment into the player’s career. The BCB, Foster stated, is very committed to making sure that all of its players have equal opportunities to develop their talents. The financial scheme is just one of the programmes directed at assisting youths with the board planning to host numerous coaching programmes, educational sessions, cricket academy and social/etiquette programme.

Additionally, the BCB would be hosting numerous cricket events at the Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, Under 19, Under 21, Under 23, Primary School, Secondary School and female levels in an aggressive effort to unearth and develop talents across Berbice.

Since the establishment of the scheme in 2018, the BCB has handed out, close to $700,000 to its players and officials. Under the scheme, players and team officials would receive $10,000 each to assist them to prepare for the different tournaments.

Dr. Singh, who is based in Barbados and is the younger brother of BCB main sponsor

Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, last year contributed $300,000 and in 2020 would be investing $320,000. The elder Dr. Singh since 2018 has donated over $4M of his own funds to the BCB to sponsor countywide coaching, annual cricket academy, restoration of the BCB office, preparation of inter county teams.

Dr. Puran Singh stated that it was with pride that he agreed to renew the sponsorship as he was totally pleased with the work of the Hilbert Foster led administration.

He praised the BCB for its accountability of his funds, regular reports with photos and providing media coverage of the activities of the scheme. Dr. Singh committed to sponsorship of the scheme in the future and expressed confidence that Berbice would continue to produce players of excellence at all levels.

On Sunday last, Dr. Singh hosted the Guyana Senior Cricket team at his Barbados home and presented Berbicians Kevin Sinclair and Nial Smith with bats. Dr. Singh is an awardee of the BCB highest award, Tribute to Heroes.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday January 28, 2020

BCB’s Lewison General Store U-15 cricket

Deonarain, Gaffur share unbroken triple century stand for B Blairmount

PAGE 33

Singh in stable condition after GMR&SC Endurance championship incident

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lairmount Cricket Club beat Bush Lot Cricket Club by 261 runs in their latest match in the BCB’s Lewison General Store U-15 cricket tournament on Saturday at Blairmount ground in West Bank Berbice.

Led by an unbroken triple century partnership between 13-year-old Romeo Deonarain who scored 156 with 24 boundaries and Rashaad Gaffur who made 110 with 11 fours, Blairmount reached 348-1 off of 43 overs. Extras contributed 67.

The pair joined forces at 44-1 when Travis Dookaram fell for 15 to Kenny Budhoo and they played an array of shots to add 304 before the overs expired.

Bush Lot in reply, catapulted to 88 as only Budhoo (33) and extras (27) reached double figures as Sajaad Ishmael had 5-6 and Deonarain, who had three catches dropped off his bowling, supported with 318.

Romeo Deonarain (156 no.), right, and Rashaad Gaffur (110 no.) featured in a 2nd wicket unbroken partnership of 304.

Romeo Deonarain (right) took 3 wickets despite 3 simple catches dropped off him, Sajaad Ishmael claimed 5 wickets.

Kamarang Combined U-15 secure draw with Jawan Combined U-15 in football match

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s part of its Sports for Development and Culture, which is being held every Sunday at the Edwin’s United Sport Ground in Waramadong, the D.C. Caesar Fox Secondary School staged a football match between Kamarang Combined U-15 female and Jawan combined U-15 female.

The game provided much entertainment for the fans with Kamarang Combined coming from a goal down in the first half to secure a 4-4 draw.

Colita Daniels put Jawan Combined ahead in the 12th minute before Glendy Lewis drew Kamarang Combined level three minutes later. Odil Henry handed Jawan Combined the lead once again when she found the back of the net in the 18th minute, but Lewis found the equaliser when she blasted home her second from within the area in the 20th minute.

Shevonie Henry scored in the 24th minute to give Jawan Combined a 3-2 lead at the break.

Lewis completed her hattrick just moments into the second half when she slotted home in the 30th minute to draw Kamarang Combined level once again.

Kamarang Combined took the lead for the first time as Sue Edwards netted in the 44th minute, however Kendra Williams equalized in the final minute of the contest.

Prior to the game, HM of DC Caesar Fox Secondary, Indra Granes, delivered a talk on teenage pregnancy since it is a common issue in the District.

Shairaz Roshandin (front) led the race for the first few laps but couldn’t maintain his good start.

P

ierre ‘Ravi’ Singh, who narrowly escaped his motorcar that spontaneously caught fire on Sunday during the first round of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Endurance Championship round one at South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, has shared with the media that he is currently in a stable condition as he nurses back to health.

“Everything is okay. It’s a lot of pain but I am trying with it.

Thank God that I am still alive, I had to think fast and get out the car while it was still driving just to save myself and it’s an experience that I will never forget. I must also thank everyone who was there to help me,” Singh shared.

Singh was leading third overall in the Sunday’s Endurance meet that saw 20 cars starting the race and was seeded in first place of the unlimited class before the incident, which he was lucky to survive with just a first degree burn to his left thigh and hand.

Singh would have been burnt alive if he

hadn’t managed to escape.

According to unofficial results, before the accident, defending champion Adrian Fernandes was leading the race with Danny Persaud in second place, followed by Singh in his Miracle Optical sponsored motorcar.

The endurance race began with Shairaz Roshandin leading for the first few laps before lap record holder; Rameez Mohamed took over with some blazing times, including a 1m 18s lap.

However, front runners Mohamed and Roshandin were derailed before 20 completed laps and Roshan Ali led momentarily before Clint Seebarran took the reins of the contest.

Earlier in the day, 2019 rookie class bikes’ champion, Dwayne Caesar edged John Bennett in a 30-lap bikes’ race.

The main race was red-flagged with approximately 45 minutes to go and the club is to make a decision on the final results since some issues are yet to be sorted out. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)

Dwayne Caesar on the go during the bikes’ 30-lap race.

GCF has not sanctioned Guyana – Suriname Goodwill Ride

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he Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has stated that it is in no way associated or has sanctioned the upcoming Go For Glory Cycling Group Ride set for January 30th to February 3rd.

The ride, organised by Kwame Ridley and Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, will see riders making the trip from Guyana to Suriname over the days mentioned under the theme,

‘Ride Long, Be Strong, Live Long’.

Following is the full text of the GCF’s letter signed by Secretary, Marc Sonoram: “The Guyana Cycling Federation wishes to notify the general public that the Federation has not organised, sanctioned, or is no way affiliated to the Guyana – Suriname goodwill cycle ride.

The Federation wishes the participants of this event, a safe and enjoyable ride.”

A packed grid of 20 cars lined up at the track for round one of the Endurance Championships Sunday last.

rt Spo

Turbo Knockout football Fruta Conquerors youths are champions of the Turbo Knockout football tournament.

Heartbreak for GFC again as Conquerors clinch championship Youth Hoops Basketball Clinic & Tour set for Easter

Three of nine victims’ bodies from Kobe Bryant helicopter crash site recovered - Six remain on ‘logistical nightmare’ hillside as emergency teams struggle to reach them

Champions Jaguars back at summit but Pride snapping at their heels

Youths training in Kwakwani.

Fog likely to figure prominently in probe of Kobe Bryant’s fatal helicopter crash Deonarain, Gaffur share unbroken triple century stand for B Blairmount

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