Kaieteur News

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Opposition calls for NEWS probe into several 2020 multi-million$ state contracts

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

January 30, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 04

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

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 124,997

Liza Phase One cost now stands at US$3.5 Billion p.

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Fire destroys section of GPHC Psychiatric p.

Ward 17 - Allegedly started by mentally-ill patient

Smoke emanating from the building moments after the fire started

Hess puts up US$450M for exploration andp. appraisal wells on 3

Stabroek, Kaieteur Blocks Captured ‘house jumpers’ land in hospital with head injuries

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UN’s human rights review of Guyana…

US concerned about ‘misapplication’ of Constitution and certain court rulings p.

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E-Networks lands fibre optic cable

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Guyana producing “approx. 75,000 barrels” - To reach full capacity of oil per day in the coming months p.

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Opposition calls for probe into US Ambassador, Foreign Affairs discuss ongoing several 2020 multi-million$ projects, elections state contracts

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he Opposition has written the police asking them to probe several contracts which appeared to have been illegally signed this year.

From all indications, the contracts were catered for in the 2019 budget, but were only signed this year.

Two of the projects, for the construction of schools at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke highway and for the Essequibo Coast, are a whopping total of $1.3B. The Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, had warned against any signing of contracts this year for monies budgeted last year. It is against regulations, the official had said.

Bishop Juan Edghill, a former Parliamentarian for People' Progressive Party/Civic , in his letter to Commissioner of Police, Leslie James on Tuesday, said that it has come to his attention by way of news reports that new contracts for public works have been signed by Permanent

Juan Edghill Auditor General, Deodat Sharma Secretaries of various ministries. This is in flagrant violation of the laws of Guyana. In fact, it was reported that a total of 57 contracts were noted by a Cabinet sub-committee as of the December 30th, 2019.

“The Auditor General of Guyana made it very clear to the media a few weeks ago that it is not allowed under the law for new contracts budgeted for in 2019, to be signed in 2020", yet we found that several contracts

were signed in 2020, including the largest of those being for the sum of eight hundred and twenty-seven million Guyana dollars, (GYD 827M), which was signed with BK International for the construction of a secondary school at Yarrowkabra.”

Edghill also said that it has come to his attention that despite the absence of a signed contract for the construction of a school at Abram Zuil, Essequibo coast, a cheque was cut on the 31st December 2019 for $65M by the accounting (continued on page 16)

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mbassador of the United States of America to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings. “Ambassador Lynch and Dr. Cummings discussed ongoing projects ahead of national elections, including technical assistance provided to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by the International

Republican Institute (IRI),” the ministry disclosed.

It continued: “Notably, the United States recently facilitated a two-day training session for local media personnel in preparation for elections. The Ambassador also shared that there has been an increase in American companies interested in investing in Guyana.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

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UN's human rights review of Guyana…

Hess puts up US$450M for US concerned about exploration and appraisal wells on Stabroek, Kaieteur Blocks 'misapplication' of Constitution, certain court rulings

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ess Corporation, one of the Stabroek Block partners alongside ExxonMobil and CBNOOC/NEXEN, has put forward a US$3 billion exploration and production capital budget for 2020.

According to the American oil company, more than 80 percent of the budget will be allocated to high return investments in Guyana as well as its project at Bakken in the USA. In its breakdown, Hess noted that US$450 million has been budgeted to drill exploration and appraisal wells on the Stabroek and Kaieteur Blocks offshore Guyana, while two exploration wells will be drilled in the Gulf of Mexico.

It also stated that funds are included for seismic acquisition and processing in Guyana, Suriname, and the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and for license acquisitions.

In addition to this, US$100 million was budgeted for the Liza Phase

Hess Corporation CEO, John Hess One development where first production was achieved in December 2019. And US$400 million was set aside for the Liza Phase Two development, where first production is expected by mid-2022.

Kaieteur News understands that US$360 million will go towards development plans for the Payara Field, where production

Ramotar made offshore allocations outside of Cabinet

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ormer President Donald Ramotar has admitted that any track record that principal of Mid Atlantic Oil, Kamal Edris Dookie, might have had in oil discovery was limited to exploration conducted by CGX. But he was quick to point out that CGX had no history of successful drilling.

He was responding to questions posed by Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes during a hearing of his libel suit against Kaieteur News, its publisher Glenn Lall, and its Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris. Mr Ramotar took to the witness stand on Monday as the hearing began before Justice Navindra Singh in the High Court.

Questioned on the allocation of the oil blocks, the issue that led to the suit, Mr Ramotar stated that he

Former President, Donald Ramotar had allocated the licences after he had announced a date for the 2015 elections.

He also told the court that he allocated exploratory licences for 10 of the 11 offshore blocks. The one that was not allocated was in ultra deep water.

He further testified that this was not discussed in cabinet. The mater will continue on February 7, next.

is expected as early as 2023, and for front end engineering and design work for future developments.

Overall, the company said that the $3.0 billion budget is allocated as follows: $1.69 billion (56%) for production, $860 million (29%) for offshore Guyana developments and $450 million (15%) for exploration and appraisal activities.

Following the recent release of the budget details, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess said, “We continue to successfully execute our long term strategy, with the majority of our capital budget directed to Guyana and the Bakken -- two of the highest return investment opportunities in our industry that will become significant, long term cash generators for our company.”

The CEO added , “We are well positioned to deliver industry leading cash flow growth while also achieving significant reductions in our unit costs, which will drive margin expansion and lower our breakeven oil price to below $40 per barrel Brent by 2025.”

In his brief commentary, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Hess, Greg Hill, said since Liza Phase One development is now on production focus in 2020 will be on the Liza Phase Two development and on front end engineering design work to develop the Payara Field.

Hill said that Hess will also continue to invest in an active exploration and appraisal programme in Guyana on both the Stabroek and Kaieteur Blocks and in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

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he United States has expressed concerns to the United Nations Human Rights Council for Guyana's handling of a number of court rulings that stemmed from the December 21st, 2018 no-confidence motion.

Yesterday, Sean Mariano Garcia, on behalf of the United States of America, told the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva, Switzerland, that the “United States is concerned about recent actions by Guyana that may undermine democratic principles including apparent misapplication of the Guyanese constitution and certain court rulings…”

The US would be referring the December 21st no-confidence motion which catapulted Guyana into uncharted waters after the Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, initially ruled that the vote was carried.

It was challenged by the Coalition Government, which according to law, should have called elections within three months, and triggered a number of court challenges all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

It was agreed by the CCJ that the vote was carried and that dual citizens cannot hold parliamentary posts in Guyana, as it conflicts with the Constitution.

T h e c o u n t r y, s i n c e December 2018, has been riveted on the happenings,

US representative, Sean Mariano Garcia during his presentation in Geneva yesterday. with general and regional elections due on March 2nd.

According to Garcia in his presentation yesterday, the US would also like to see the implementation of reforms to strengthen electoral procedures and the Guyana Elections Commission, and ensure that that there is free, fair,

transparent and credible elections on March 2nd.

The US also wants to strengthen enforcement of all labour laws with the imposition of penalties to help deter violations. The meeting was webcast live, and the US presentation can be seen here: (continued on page 13)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 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

Unnecessary medical tests It was long suspected that this was happening right under the nose, under the cover of authorizing prescriptions, and under any circumstances that could be exploited to put a dollar in the pockets of unscrupulous professionals and exploiting medical institutions. It is an extended instance of American-style medical practice (malpractice?) here in Guyana. We learn quickly to cook up grave situations and clean up with repeated cash hauls.

Not all of the people who seek attention, desperate help, at private medical institutions are brimming with cash.

If they are lucky, they may have a relative or two outside who care and do something about it. Like sending a hundred or a thousand - which goes a very long way to assist in defraying the huge charges that now seem almost automatic. Nothing is cheap, absolutely nothing is free; and what is not present is invented, what does not apply is made to matter with grave faces and well-practiced lines by those well-schooled people who populate our medical ranks.

It is a largely different breed today, one that is about getting as much as possible, even if this means punishing the poor, pushing to the brink of despair, and inflicting additional and unnecessary anxieties and traumas on their hapless heads in times of severe distress.

Many of the impoverished look up to doctors, believe in them, even worship them, such was and still is the hallowed ground on which they are believed to walk. Except that quite a number of them don’t, since they are lurking in ambush behind desk, with stethoscope and uniform to match, and with an accompanying air of piousness and compassion that is the epitome of hypocrisy, and yet another example of the degraded state of this society.

At one time, a long time ago, the Hippocratic Oath meant something to those who were trained and came to heal, not just body but spirit. Well, that is history nowadays, and looks like it is here to stay, medical council and all, and press exposure and all. The environment is too ripe for picking, the pickings too rich in opportunity (not necessarily in financial resources) to let go passing by without chancing one’s arm and reaping the sweet returns.

Who is there to stand in opposition? What is there to block and correct, and that brings the caution of second thoughts and hesitancy? No one and nothing, for all that is observed. So many of our veteran doctors make hay while the sun shines, while patients suffer in silence, and are forced to bear the financial pains that they cannot manage. Regardless of whether they can afford or not, it is not right for these kinds of values and standards to be so prevalent - and almost out in the open, for all the disdain shown - and to go unaddressed and undisciplined and unchecked.But it is not only some of the seasoned medicine men and women, who scout the territory and take fearful hold of the vulnerable and weak.

For this is also about the younger ones, new to the lucrative trade, who have heard the stories, know the game, and are quick to get into the lush action, by carving out their own rewarding space, at the expense of those who come to them to seek relief.

Instead of relief, they get their MRIs and ultrasounds and X-rays and who knows what else. These shady, dirty practices have become so much a part of the norm.

The public secret, the public misgivings and apprehensions, is not limited to the individual medical practitioner, hustler, exploiter, and opportunity manufacturer. No! It is not, since it is an open book that the roofs (hospitals), under which they ply their trade and perfect their underhanded business, are also part of the squeeze plays and enriching action. After all, they have overheads to cover, profits to make, and numbers to deliver.

It should be no surprise that more than a few medical institutions have become bazaars of the bizarre, with patients ripped off, and profits pocketed in an unending stream. It is so established and sometimes sophisticated that it may be hard to eradicate.

Most Politicians have their own agendas DEAR EDITOR, Has anyone ever seen a Politician with a firearm, or cutlass or other dangerous implement in Guyana’s Parliament threatening to hurt or hurting his/her opposite number?

Have you ever seen any of the above when Politicians socialize at the embassies or other high level functions?

Do those Politicians who are lawyers beat each other up in Court? No! They call each other “My learned colleague” and other respectful nomenclatures.

CAN GUYANESETHEN EDIFY ME WHYWE, AS THEIR FOLLOWERS, GETALL NASTY TO EACH OTHERAT TIME OF ELECTIONS?

Our Politicians work us into a frenzy and we go at each other’s throat. They feed us all gimmicks and we go wild, ready to tear apart the supporter of the other party. We want to break their cars and burn their properties.

FOR WHAT or FOR WHOM? Every day we see and read expressions unbefitting of civilized people. Are we civilized?

Politicians have mastered the skill to turn brother against brother, friend against friend, village against village. They encourage the ordinary man to break the law so that they, the Politicians, can accede to power.

Where is their mastery at uniting us rather than divid-

ing us?

Have we ever considered how many promises they have made to us over the past 70 years? If 25% of those promises were delivered, Guyana would not have been in the economic and social morass it is in today. It is easy and cheap for political hopefuls and seasoned campaigners to jump on a soap box and dish out promises.

How much have they delivered? Yet we are ready to kill each other over what is dished out!

Fellow Guyanese, wake up! Most Politicians have their own agendas. They go in power as ordinary, poor individuals and many become rich overnight. How? They will rap at our doors

for days to ask for our votes.

But when they get into office they give us a false smile but no access to their ivory towers.

Each Voter has a right to vote for whom he/she prefers.

Let us not fight each other over that right. To do so can only make us un-civil and backward.

This Nation needs us all more than it needs Politicians.

We only need Politicians who respect our concerns over and above theirs.

They promise to serve us, and not to set us apart and have us fight each other. Let them do so! Let us hold their feet to the fire!

FELLOW GUYANESE, WAKE UP! Taaj Jadunauth

WHICH SIDE IS MR GREENIDGE REALLY ON? DEAR EDITOR, A day or two ago Mr Carl Greenidge dedicated about 14 minutes of his speech at the APNU campaign in Berbice to criticising an accomplished international anti-corruption NGO called Global Witness, and myself, Jan Mangal, a former adviser to President Granger on oil & gas.

In my role as adviser to President Granger on oil & gas, I advocated for transparency of oil contracts since the oil belongs to the Guyanese people, not to ExxonMobil nor to government ministers.

I also advocated for anti-corruption, and for getting a better deal for the people of Guyana via a re-negotiated contract. Global Witness, who Mr Greenidge called “jokers”, is world renowned as the foremost anti-corruption body in oil and gas. This NGO has uncovered massive corruption amounting to billions of US dollars in the past.

Why would Mr Greenidge be against disclosing the Exxon contract information to the people of Guyana (“Greenidge says he advised

against disclosing bonus defends decision in context of Venezuela border controversy” – another newspaper reported on December 15, 2017), when his superior, President Granger, believes in transparency and believes the Guyanese people should see the oil contracts? And when his party, APNU, claims to be a transparent government? Was it not the former PPP government who were completely against sharing the contracts with the Guyanese people?

Does Mr Greenidge intend to align with the PPP on this issue and not with APNU? Is that why PNC members chose President Granger to lead their party and country instead of Mr G r e e n i d g e ?

President Granger is clearly a man of integrity, unique in this respect amongst Guyanese politicians, and APNU professes to be very much about anti-corruption, so why is Mr Greenidge so riled up and critical about Global Witness and myself? Does he believe we should not tackle corrup-

tion and therefore let it be part and parcel of our new oil and gas industry? Was it not the previous PPP government who were voted out in 2015 because Guyanese were sick of the corruption and arrogance? Was it not the previous PPP government who would have quickly chased out an NGO like Global Witness, and who would never have employed someone like me? So which side is Mr Greenidge really on?

Have I not made my assessments clear about the risks posed to our oil & gas industry by corruption, and the risks posed by the behaviours witnessed under the previous PPP government, and sadly now those same behaviours being exhibited by some members of this government? Have I not indicated how positively important some of President Granger’s decisions on oil & gas have been?

Were Mr Greenidge’s attacks on Global Witness and me personal or party views? If personal, why is he so intimidated by transparency and

anti-corruption? Why did he abuse 14 minutes of precious APNU stage time? Did APNU know Mr Greenidge would use their stage to disparage the ideals of the party and President?

Guyanese need to remember Mr Greenidge has been an advocate for the foreign oil companies on some of the most important issues, such as keeping contract information secret and not re-negotiating to get a better deal for Guyanese. I believe that if the Coalition does badly in March, it will be because of “leaders” like Mr Greenidge and Mr Trotman, who never grasped the real significance of the change of government in 2015.

In summary, it seems Mr Greenidge thought he was on a PPP campaign stage in Berbice, and not on an APNU campaign stage, since most of his sentiments, expressed on stage and supported by his previous statements, were aligned with the PPP and not with APNU. R e g a r d s , Jan Mangal

We cannot expect children to do what adults are not doing DEAR EDITOR, Many citizens have lamented that Guyana needs to resume beating and flogging children in schools to prevent the children from beating and injuring each other. Others have said to bring back beating, with prayers in the school.

Because beating children and prayers in the schools in the past created the wonderful non violent peace loving Guyanese adults today.

Guyana has not stopped beating children in schools.

There is a myth going around, that promoting the rights of children has created the situation of violent schools. The Ministry still allows teachers to beat and flog children. The

Ministry has no intention of encouraging and supporting the teachers who are refusing to flog and beat the children.

Maybe one of the reasons that the Ministry of Education cannot reveal the results of investigations of parental conflicts with teachers is the problem where some of those conflicts have started where teachers have hit children, and injured them.

Maybe some of those investigations will reveal that the inability of the Ministry to deal with bullying, resulted in the culture of ‘stand up to your bullies, represent yourself, which resulted in more tragedy.”

There was valid protest

against violence against teachers.

But that protest makes no sense, if there is no protest and work done to stop violence against children. The Guyana Teachers Union cannot expect others to do unto its members what it will not do for children in their care.

And all violence is connected. We cannot expect children to do what adults are not doing. Guyana’s political landscape features the threat of violence, and violence sometimes. There is intense violence on the roadways.

And if anything to show from the recent workplace incident, the educated, the professional can find themselves

resorting to violence.

And because some powerful people need violence to retain power, we will not solve any of the violence problems in Guyana.

There are stories of teachers and schools who are not using violence in their classrooms.

Many parents have stopped beating or don’t beat their children. But those stories are rarely told of course, because the trauma of believing that another world is possible is probably worse than the everyday trauma of believing that children can be peaceful when adults are not.

Yours sincerely, Vidyaratha Kissoon

Thursday January 30, 2020

Wisdom that is still relevant today DEAR EDITOR, Today, January 30, marks the 72nd Anniversary of the assassination of Mohandas Karamchand Ghandi, the revered Mahatma and spiritual leader of India in its march to Independence which it achieved from the British earlier, on the 15th of August, 1947.

This letter, dear Editor, I hope will serve as a lesson and guide to all of our young people and even the older folks who may be young at heart.

The usefulness is significant because lessons to be drawn from Ghandi’s life and assassination are profound and relevant for us in Guyana today.

These lessons can help our young people to pick up the baton from the Mahatma, the likes of Rev. Martin Luther King (Jnr), Rev. Sung Yun Moon, Sister Theresa, Nelson Mandela and run with this baton to make them morally upright and spiritually pure so that they can be the leaders of a new and better world, having the tools to navigate through murky and turbulent global oceans.

As a youngster, the news of Ghandi’s assassination was conveyed to us by our then British School Teachers against the backdrop that the Great Prime Minister of United Kingdom, Sir Winston Churchill once described Ghandi as a half-naked chaffier.

Lesson: the need for compromise is always necessary.

Even as Great Britain granted Independence to India in order to placate the Muslim community, Independence was also granted to the predominantly Islamic part of then India, now Pakistan.

Ghandi’s preaching was to treat Hindus, Christians, Sheiks and Moslems alike. He prayed to overcome the divisive prejudices that one group nurtured against the other.

As always, everywhere you find the radical, the iconoclast and the extremist.

These people cannot appreciate that irrespective of the colour of skin, texture of hair, race, religion and beliefs, we are all of God’s children.

Lesson: beware of the extremist who everyday can daily tell us what is wrong and are unwilling to sit and talk

things through.

Next lesson, throughout human history, mankind has had a constant search for a superior being and to explore the mysteries of the universe.

This search has led us down many roads and rivers.

The result is the great diversity of religious experiences and expressions found in every corner of the globe.

Next lesson, learn of other religions so that we can be better citizens of Guyana and the world.

So, while Ghandi was walking through the garden on his way to prayer, the extremist, NathuranVinayakGodse, a 36-year-old Hindu of the Mahratta tribes in Poona shot him at point-blank range.

When news of his assassination spread, riots erupted in Bombay, and other Indian cities.

Unruly groups attacked offices of the Hindu Mahasabha, the extreme antiMoslem organisations to which the assassin belonged.

When Prime Minister Nehru appealed to end the violence, it fell on deaf ears.

Lesson, avoid conditions where there are short fuses.

Next lesson, here and elsewhere, let us urge our young people to learn from the lessons of the past.

On Sunday, I was privileged to be present at the 73 anniversary of India becoming a Republic, but even while speeches were being made, there were disturbances in India because of the new recently introduced Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, which was passed by the Parliament of India on December 11, 2019.

Under the 2019 Amendment, migrants who had entered India by 31st December 2014, and had suffered “religious persecution or fear of religious persecution” in their country were made eligible for citizenship.

In pockets of this vast sub-continent of India, University Students and Muslims contend that the application of these provisions discriminates against them and hence protest.

India’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. O.P. Singh has refuted allegations that unnecessary force is being used

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Kaieteur News

against the demonstrators, who are critical of this bid.

Lesson: a recurring feature in human history irrespective of the time and the place is the pursuit by leaders of policies, inconsistent with their own best interest.

History is full of examples.

George III, handling of the American colonies, the Trojan Horse, Vietnam and Korean wars.

In spite of previous experiences, why did King Charles XII, Napoleon and Hitler invade Russia in deep winter?

These were all disastrous despite the failures by each, knowing that only the Russians could function from birth in the harshness of their winter conditions.

In Guyana, we seem to put in place, a constant bashing and trumping by home-grown and external self-claimed experts about Oil and Gas. They know not, that they know not, that they know not…causing confusion among the masses.

Ghandi thought the world another lesson that once we identify and are aware of the righteousness of cause we must pursue it fearlessly in spite of the sooth-sayers and ultra-pessimist.

On the eve of his ‘Salt March,’ almost ninety years ago, Ghandi declared that “I have faith in the righteousness of our cause.”

Finally, I began that this letter is to be dedicated to our young people and so we remember his assassination. I end with these words of Ghandi “If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war, we shall have to begin with the children.” End of quote.

This wisdom is relevant today with the problems we face in some schools and communities.

Hamilton Green

How sound is Dr. Leslie Ramsammy’s criticism of Ministers Henry and Sharma?

DEAR EDITOR, When Dr. Leslie Ramsammy criticized Minister Jaipaul Sharma’s comment advocating bringing back hanging because fighting in schools was out-of-control as ludicrous, I also thought that Sharma must have smoked some bad weed. But, should Dr. Ramsammy judge others?

How sound is his criticism of Ministers Henry and Sharma?

I hold no brief for Sharma; too often some of our Ministers respond to interviews without thinking about the implications of their words and statements. What is more shocking is Dr. Ramsammy’s failure to offer any solutions to the escalating school violence. Maybe, he could not.

The schoolgirls involved in the Linden stabbing are 13 to 15 years of age. They were born in the time period when Dr. Ramsammy was Minister of Health (2001-2011) and President Jagdeo and the PPP governed (1999-2011) followed by President Donald Ramotar (2011-2015). Are these leaders in any way responsible for attitudes cultivated, good or bad, under their government?

Lest we forget, those were dark lean days for communities such as Linden which the PPP regarded as one of the opposition’s stronghold. Linden did not only suffer from the neglect of economic opportunities and job creation, but a system of interim management by the central government was imposed on the town. Under the PPP watch, the youths of Linden grew up at a time when standards in Education, Health, Safety and Security fell apart. When Lindeners protested, they paid with their lives. Also, the killing and disappearance of

Mr. Bryn Pollard was amongst the finest legal minds DEAR EDITOR, I read with great sadness of the death of Mr. Bryn Pollard.

He was, I believe, from my own experience, amongst the finest legal minds and men our country has ever had.

I had the enormous privilege of working with Mr. Pollard when I was intimately involved in helping to draft emergency Broadcast Legislation at a time when it was urgently needed.

Not since then has the country benefitted from a Broadcasting Act nor an Authority nor Regulations which come near to meeting the demands of a free, open and democratic society.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

young men in many opposition communities was a chronic problem.

As a medical doctor, Dr. Ramsammy is most qualified to speak about the trauma of fear and anxiety experienced by pregnant mothers and infants and the impact as children grow. So, while I would tend to agree with his point that the phenomenon of school violence is a global one, he can tell the Guyanese people about the education policies and practices the PPP had introduced to stem the tide of Bullying, Gang Vio-

lence, Fighting, and GenderBased Violence that escalated while the PPP was in government.

Further, Dr. Ramsammy castigates Ministers Henry and Sharma as being clueless, unprepared, and unready to take control of the situation.

This reminds me of the old folk saying, “Pot tell skillet ‘e bottom black.” Guyanese who live through the time of the Phantom Squad, following the 2002 prison break, the spy equipment scandal, the Ministry of Health fire, and US (Continued on page 6)

Education Ministry calls on Gender Commission to sanction matter of national concern DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Education notes the disturbing video clip being circulated on social media which was presumably generated out of a particular political party and Member of Parliament, indicating that his speech was some form of education and that it was ‘back to school time’.

Quite disappointingly and very much against any sphere of education in its true sense, common sense, respect, dignity or patriotism, the ‘lesson’ spewed by the Member of Parliament is very disparaging, disrespectful to the women of our country and the world and reckless to say the least.

All would agree that this is not the type of insolent campaigning that our nation should accept or be exposed to especially our nation’s children. In the circumstances, the Ministry of Education hereby implores the Gender Commission to sanction appropriately this matter which is no doubt one of national concern. In the meantime, the right and educated thing for that Member of Parliament to do is to offer a public apology to the people of Guyana.

Public Relations Dept.

Ministry of Education

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Addressing a few of Freddie’s inaccuracies DEAR EDITOR, I have stopped reading “Freddie” for some time now (even though we grew up in the same neighbourhood) because of the most times, illogical columns he writes.

However, a lawyer friend, yesterday morning called and referred me to Freddie’s column which dealt exclusively with my letter appearing in Wednesday, January 28 newspapers.

Firstly, I have been warned that any response would incur Freddie’s wrath, which would then result in another attempt to respond to me, and while I have absolutely no intention to continue to “take on Freddie”, I wish to refer to a few inaccuracies in his surprising attempt to speak on behalf of “a guy from the Arctic Ocean”.

Freddie, I was NOT Ambassador to Brazil when my party lost power in 2015.

Check your facts!

The comment to your 1:

“the entire public sector undergoing an ethnic transformation ........ even under Forbes Burnham” can only come from a twisted mind, warped by hate and malnourished by political allegiances.

Give your readers the statistics.

While not claiming, as Freddie so often does to be an intellectual, I suggest that he researches the word (or term as he called it) “fascistization”.

It seems as if your political “groundings” and “intellectual” background were wasted with the passage of time.

His comment 2: “please be advised that the Ombudsman is NOT the legal authority to determine the termination of a contract as illegal” (as far as I have been advised).

I understand the courts are the proper fora to do so, and that is where I took my case.

Seems as if you were not certain of your legal rights,

with all the “mouth” you have, and friends in the legal fraternity.

You need competent legal advice, as I had.

His comment 3: since YOU are the person who knows it ALL, why don’t YOU tell your readers the numbers and names of those demonized?

I, for one would wish to be so enlightened.

His comment 4: nah, Freddie boy, me nah bin ah drink “something strange”.

But if yo want, me can gi yo some ah wha me bin drinking, fo free…

Freddie, you always quoting what somebody says to you, as now in the case of Mitra Ally.

Again, I implore/urge/encourage you to let us have the benefit of the “countless others” apart from you and your wife.

It may help your obvious cause, my boy…

Stan good, mi boy..

Best regards, Harry N Nawbatt

The global int’l system and economic systems have become outdated DEAR EDITOR, It a time when both globally and locally there are many socioeconomic challenges but there are also many opportunities for progress.

The present global order was constructed after the second world war.

It was made by the victors of world war 2 with the Brentwood agreement for the global monetary system which made the United States dominant in global finance because the US dollar became the world reserve currency back by gold.

The United Nations was established on 24 October, 1945 to promote cooperation between countries and to prevent wars.

The five countries with veto power at the Security Council are the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom.

The United Nations was established almost 75 years ago and the geopolitical reality was far different from today’s reality.

The United States was by far the most powerful country in the world.

It was the powerful country that experienced the least damage from the second world war.

All the international infrastructure, such as the now World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, give the US tremendous power in these international org a nization. For example, the US has veto power in the IMF, i.e., a nation cannot get a loan from the IMF without

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

the US’ approval.

Examine the US refusal to appoint 2 judges to the World Trade Organization; it made the Organization dysfunctional.

The existence of G 20 proves that to manage world affairs requires more countries to be empowered if a more relevant international infrastructure is not established that reflects today’s geopolitical realities, these international institutions will become irrelevant.

The US, China phase one trade agreement does not use the WTO for enforcement thus making the organization irrelevant to about 40 % of world trade.

In 1950 about 1% of the world population lived in urban settlement. By 2050 2.3% of the world population will live in urban settlement.

When people urbanized they have less children.

All the world economic systems are built on an increase in both local and inter-

national population. Pensions and Social Security are built on a large working population to pay for the pensions of the retirees.

The increase population in Guyana will eventually decrease in Guyana and the world. In the future, Guyana will have an aged population that will become a burden economically.

I am calling for a new economic system. Capitalism, socialism and communism will not be able to deliver a good quality of life to the world populace in the future.

Last week in Davos, Switzerland, Prince Charles said “Only a revolution in the way the global economy and financial markets work can save the planet from the climate crisis and secure future prosperity.”

I am arguing the present global international system and economic systems have become outdated.

Yours truly, Brian E Plummer

How sound is Dr. Leslie...

From page 5 Charge d’ Affaires Karen Williams cable to Washington linking Roger Khan with Leslie Ramsammy would conclude that the situation had indeed “morphed into an out-of-control monster.” Ironically, he urges action to avoid such a monster.

Finally, Dr. Ramsammy can rest assured that the coalition leadership has demonstrated its belief in a quality education for every Guyanese through its 5 B’S initiative.

It is equally committed to the safety of our students and schools through a series of intervention strategies by way of curriculum, teacher and staff support, and improved school culture, to name a few. Our youths are our most precious resource whom we will prepare to benefit from Guyana’s wealth.

Sincerely, Max Wallerson

Request for police investigation into contracts for public works DEAR EDITOR, It has come to my attention by way of news reports that new contracts for public works have been signed by Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries, in flagrant violation of the Laws of Guyana. Another newspaper reported a total of 57 contracts were noted by a Cabinet sub-committee as of the 30th day of December 2019.

In the above-mentioned article, Mr. Joseph Harmon is quoted as saying “that the monies that will be used to execute the contracts had been included in the 2019 budget”. The Auditor General of Guyana made it very clear to the media a few weeks ago that “it is not allowed under the law for new contracts budgeted for in 2019, to be signed in 2020”, yet we found that several contracts were signed in 2020, including the largest of those being for the sum of Eight hundred and twenty-seven million Guyana dollars, (GYD 827M), which was signed with BK International for the construction of

a secondary school at Yarrowkabra.

Further, it has come to my attention that despite the absence of a signed contract for the construction of a School at Abraham Zuil, a cheque was cut on the 31st December 2019 for $65 Million by the accounting officer. These funds were drawn from the 2019 budget allocations, a clear case of two illegalities; Issuance of public monies without a signed contract in place; and use of 2019 budgetary allocation to commence a 2020 project.

Article 217(1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana states: ”No Moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except: a. to meet the expenditure that is charged upon the Fund by this Constitution or by any Act of Parliament, or b. where the issue of those monies has been authorized by an Appropriation Act, or c. where the issue of those monies has been authorized under Article 21.”

Further, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act Cap 73:02; at Section 43, states thus: ”Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, at the end of each fiscal year, any unexpended balance of public monies issued out of the Consolidated Fund shall be returned and surrendered to the Consolidated Fund.”

Assuming that the legal requirement for the return of all unexpended monies to the Consolidated Fund at the end of the fiscal year 2019 was complied with and, therefore, a legal mechanism would have had to be utilized to make withdrawals in 2020. As far as I am aware, no such legal mechanism exists that allows for payment of monies for contracts awarded in 2020.

It is against this backdrop that I would like to hereby request that the Guyana Police Force (GPF), immediately; launch an investigation into this matter.

Yours faithfully, Bishop Juan A.Edghill

A GREAT LEGAL MIND number of constitutions, famous No Confidence Mo-

DEAR EDITOR, A great legal luminary has passed; one whose voluminous service to the law cannot only be quantified by only his mere years of being part of just a noble profession, but whose remarkable contribution to law in so many fields, have to be measured by its undisputed quality of a very high standard, etched indelibly in so many regions across the globe.

Simply put, Brynmore T. Pollard SC, OR, CCH, can be summed up as one who read the law, and interpreted its legal tenets as they should be, in a pure and unadulterated fashion.

And one could clearly observe this pristine execution, in his seminal legal contributions, to whatever area they were done, whether in CARICOM, within the wider Commonwealth, or in Africa, where his constitutional expertise in the crafting of a

stands as a monument to his unerring application of the law.

Many years ago, I met him in the legal section of the University of Guyana Library.

I approached him, enquiring what makes a lawyer. Very approachable, and with a smile that reflected humility, he responded in his somewhat baritone voice: “One who reads the law, understanding what are its requirements, and not attempting to distort its principles, for destructive ends or any other ends, not required”.

It was an explanation that has always been etched in my memory and understanding as to how the law should be, ever since, and one which I had constantly remembered, and referred to, especially during the rise of the many overnight “constitutional experts”, as did occur in the aftermath of the in-

tion of December 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling, and at the level of the Supreme Courts in Guyana.

The late legal eminence must have been greatly taken aback and aghast; recoiling at the daily desecration of the country’s constitution, that were bandied in the politically aligned and vested interest sections of the media, both print and electronic.

The Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has paid tribute to the legal master, describing him as “…a true gentleman in and to the law….” and that “...the indelible imprint of his service to the law is seen in the Acts, Regulations and other laws of Guyana.”

Of course, the GBA is pinpointedly accurate in its descriptive tribute to this truly great legal mind.

Regards, Earl Hamilton

GECOM must correct these discrepancies DEAR EDITOR, According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, whose members include both India and Ghana (elections observers for 2020), the last 2 elections in Guyana has seen the number of registered voters surpass the population of eligible voters (voting age population).

What is more astonishing is that the number of registered voters in the last election had grown substantially

beyond the total eligible voting population by the magnitude of over 90,000 people.

What is even more concerning is that the total for this upcoming election will suffer from a similar unrealistic increase.

It is clear from the data that the number of registered voters surpasses the number of eligible voters based on the age of the voting population.

It is also clear from the data that the registration data is questionable at best. Anyone

who takes the time to crosscheck this data will easily conclude that Guyana is on the verge of an unfair election.

Therefore, in the pursuit of a fair election GECOM should take the prudent step of rechecking and cross-checking their database and other relevant databases to correct these discrepancies.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG)

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

Give the people free electricity!

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hat is the matter with Jan Mangal, the former Petroleum Adviser to President David Granger? Jan Mangal has asked the government to publish the economic model for the Stabroek Block projects. What economic model is he referring to?

There is no economic model.

The matter has never been seriously considered. It is not a priority of the government, which can hardly develop a model for its economy much less to draft a highly technical economic model for Stabroek Block projects.

Asking the government to develop an economic model for the Stabroek Block projects is like asking its members to study rocket science. It is beyond the capabilities of the government. They do not have the skill-sets to undertake such a task.

For the government to develop such a model, it would have to hire an overseas consultant, and that person would have to be paid big bucks. There is no guarantee that any model that person would develop would not be favourable to ExxonMobil and her partners.

Guyana could not even write its own Green State Development Strategy. The government is paying persons super salaries, and yet had to ask the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to write

the strategy.

The document is available online. It belongs in the rubbish bin. The government has not yet laid it in the National Assembly for debate. It is doubtful whether it will ever see the light of day. UNEP has butchered the green vision of President Granger.

Guyana is not interested in any economic model for the development of the Stabroek Block. As far as the authorities are concerned, the agreement with Exxon is a done deal, and there is nothing more which can done, but to await the oil revenues.

The government is not interested in any model which will determine the rate at which the estimated eight billion barrels will be extracted and the terms under which it will be done.

The government is waiting to spend the oil revenues.

And it does not need an economic model to do this either. It will simply spend as it has done.

The issue of the tax holidays is a moot point, most of the large investors in Guyana enjoy tax holidays.

There is no need to complicate the investment by seeking to vary what has become standard.

The taxes forgone by tax holidays cannot be counted as tax losses, because without the investment there would be no taxes. Of greater concern is why the government has to pay the taxes owed by Exxon. This is

an awkward clause in the agreement.

But Guyana did not know better. It never negotiated an agreement of that magnitude, and it did not consult with the Opposition on the agreement, even though the agreement is a matter of long term national importance, and one which should go beyond partisan politics.

Guyanese do not need the IMF or the IDB to remind them that the high GDP growth the country will enjoy from this year will be not reflected in corresponding increases in internal wealth. Most of the growth will go outside; it will not filter back into the economy.

What will filter back are the oil revenues and this is the prime concern of the government. They are more interested in how to spend this money rather than develop any long-term model about drafting fiscal terms for the development of the Stabroek Block.

The people have to press now for conditional benefits, because if they do not, the money is going to be spent on infrastructural projects which will benefit a handful of rich contractors. I have suggested before, some things which can be done to benefit the people, including waiving the debt of university graduates and tripling the pay of teachers, police and nurses.

I have an even better suggestion. The government

Dem boys seh...

Coronavirus ain't got nutten to do wid Corona Beer

D

e whole world focusing on this thing people call coronavirus. This is a virus that killing people in China.

De thing even reach odda countries like Sweden and de United States.

Dem boys see video wid people in China falling down and dying. This thing start in a part of China wheh dem boys hear people does eat snake and bat.

Some of dem who eat de things dead and people who visiting de place get de virus.

Things reach de stage wheh nuff countries moving out dem people. Canada sending a plane fuh pick up Canadians.

Uncle Sam done got a warehouse wheh it plan to

keep all dem people who come from China. Dem rich countries mekking elaborate plans to contain de disease.

Two days ago Guyana start to discuss de coronavirus. When some people hear de name right away dem think was something that deh in Corona beer. People even stop drinking de beer. But is de Minister of Health who announce that Guyana have nutten to fear.

Uncle Sam frighten; Canada frighten, England frighten, everybody frighten but Guyana got a ministah who announce that Guyana shouldn't frighten. She seh Guyana can handle de Coronavirus.

One woman seh de

minister know wha she saying because de virus made in China and nutten from China don't last long.

Dem boys know that she can't even drink two corona beer. How she can handle de corona virus? But things reach de stage wheh people mekking joke wid this thing.

One man buy four case Corona beer and drink up. De next day when he still had de hangover he tell he boss he got de coronavirus.

But while he laughing de news is not good fuh business. People stop buying food from certain restaurant.

And although de people offering de food real cheap, people not buying.

Talk half and start worrying.

should grant free electricity up to 250kw per household.

This measure would ensure that all persons benefit, but more so those who use small amounts of electricity. Placing a cap on 250kw will promote conservation, because any usage above this will attract fees.

The G$60B which the government will receive this year in oil revenues is sufficient to pay GPL to grant free electricity to all consumers up to a limit of 250kw per month.

Guyana was never ready for oil. The oil discovered is in deep waters.

But the government is also in deep waters trying to understand what it needs to do to prepare for first oil. The government is treading water. It has accepted the agreement which was signed with Exxon as being a done deal and one which it has to live with.

I t h i r e d a n environmentalist to head the Energy Department and an energy specialist to head the environmental department.

This arrangement is working to the satisfaction of the government, so why does anyone now want to burden the government with something which is harder than calculus.

(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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Thursday January 30, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Gov’t should fund the removal of scratches from my new car

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nherent in media work, is a prodigious curiosity about people and places.

The media practitioner is zealously driven to always looking intensely and to never lose focus while looking, and to look far and wide.

I travel around Georgetown most definitely more than once each day.

There are things I see that no longer make me sad, because after 50 years of social activism and 31 years in both print media and television, I have become hardened to the tragedies that canopy this hapless and helpless nation.

People come up to me almost daily with complaints and my advice is the same and will always be the same “do not let this wasteland

depress you, life is to be lived, forget what you see and enjoy your life.”

Honestly, I say this to those countless souls that speak to me about violations in Guyana and about the backwardness that has drowned this country.

What you are about to read you should not readily accept. See for yourself.

Remember in response to one of my pieces condemning the government's incompetence in not fixing traffic signals at nightmarish junctions, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure referred to my commentary as gross exaggeration.

If you want we can go together. Call my cell at 6145927, and I will show you what I am about to describe. I will easily come with you, because the nightmare you will see is right across the road where I live. Here we go. I live across the road from the MovieTowne complex in which sits Massy

Supermarket.

I go to Massy almost daily, because it makes one of the best cheese scones, according to my wife. A serving of 8 huge pholouries is $100. Massy also has a breakfast special each day costing an incredibly low $400. The egg-ball is one of the best I have had and it is the cheapest too, comparatively - $140 each.

I grew all my life buying and eating salara, and have never stopped, but Massy has the best. It is a huge monster for just $100. My wife says it is the best she has had.

When MovieTowne was built, a pathway that led from the Railway Embankment to the Rupert Craig Highway was made into a road by MovieTowne management. It is now a fully asphalted street.

On both sides of this street, the bushes jut out onto the roadway. Your car will inevitably get badly scratched once there is traffic on both sides of the street.

You cannot prevent the branches from scratching your vehicle once another vehicle is coming at you.

The eastern side of the road is the worst. Your car has to touch the branches, because the bushes are

actually on the roadway. So I repeat, do not take my word for it. Call me as soon as you read this and I will show you the branches that are unavoidable.

But there is another danger using that road.

Drivers in trying to avoid being scratched when they are going south, come over to your lane and squeeze you onto to the western side where the branches happily touch you. My neighbour, Khusi Narine looked at my car and said; “Where you got those scratches from?” I just smiled and didn't answer. This is Guyana, where civilization left a long time ago.

Now here is another thing you should not readily accept from me. Go to Massy supermarket on any day and see who the shoppers are.

Quite a number of customers are foreigners, including diplomats and oil and gas officials. The groceries and vegetable sections have got foreign items that you will not find in many other retail outlets in developed countries. When I see these people, I always wonder what they say about those bushes over the only road they have to travel when they leave the supermarket.

Frederick Kissoon I bought my modestly priced car in October. You see the visible branch marks on both sides of the four doors. What can you do?

This is Guyana and you are a fool, deceiving yourself if you think our politicians care. Those who were in before 2015 could not have been bothered to weed those bushes. Those in power now echo the same disdain for the nation they rule.

But rulers will disrespect a n y c i t i z e n r y, a n y population, any nation, if they see that they are ruling over sheep. GWI painted road signs at the rush over at 9 am, bringing rush hour traffic to a nightmarish halt.

No one said anything.

President Granger's entourage cordons off several blocks when he is on the road. No one says anything.

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

Thursday January 30, 2020

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

Ex-employees charged for stealing over $7M from Royal Castle

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wo women were yesterday taken before the court after they were charged for stealing cash totalling more than seven million, from Royal Castle Inc. Thirty-four-year-old Latisha Warding of East Coast Demerara, and Dacia M c F o y, 3 8 , o f S o u t h Ruimveldt, both appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts to answer to the individual charges.

Warding pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between September 23, 2018, and September 27, 2018, at Hinck Street, Georgetown, she stole $142,220, property of Royal Castle Inc. She also denied a second charge which alleges that between January 2, 2019 and March 4, 2019, at the same location she stole $1,666,148, property of Royal Castle Inc.

The woman is being represented by Attorney-atlaw Darren Wade.

The lawyer told the court that his client had cooperated with the police.

He then made an application for her to be released on a reasonable amount of bail.

Police prosecutor Delon Sullivan made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that conditions be attached.

Magistrate McGusty granted Warding bail in the sum of $200,000, with the condition that she report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, every Friday until the completion of the matter.

McFoy was slapped with three charges and after they were read to her, she denied the allegation.

The first charge stated that between June 2, 2018 and December 31, 2018, at South Ruimveldt,

Georgetown, she stole $3,343,020 property of Royal Castle Inc. The second charge stated that between January 4, 2019 and January 27, 2019, at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, she stole $281,401, property of Royal Castle Inc. The third charge alleges that between January 31, 2019 and March 3, 2019, at Sheriff Street Georgetown, she stole $1,692,009 property of Royal Castle Inc. McFoy is also being represented by Attorney Wade.

Prosecutor Sullivan again made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that she also be made to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters every Friday until the completion of the matter.

The defendant was then placed on $250,000, bail, and both matters were adjourned to February 26.

Two suspects in fake assault rifle find remanded for Vriesland robbery

T

wo of the suspects that were held for a spate of robberies on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara were remanded yesterday in connection with one of the attacks.

Gavin Douglas, 24, of Lot 23 La Grange, West Bank Demerara and Jermaine Williams, 32, of Farm, East Bank Essequibo, were charged with robbery under arms committed on Zureen Rasack, and Roopnarine

Singh at Vriesland, West Bank Demerara.

They appeared in the Wales Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Ali Seepaul, who ordered them to return to court on February 19.

Douglas, Williams and a third man were arrested earlier this week.

Police had said that they are a l s o s uspects in two other recent robberies at Papi Restaurant and Bar, located at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, and at a Parika, Essequibo location.

In the Vreed-en-Hoop robbery, f o u r m asked and armed men carted off over $1.8M in cash, gold jewellery and electronics.

Police said that footage gleane d f r o m security came ras at the places that were robbed showed the bandits brandishing what appeared to be an assault rifle.

The 'assault rifle' turned out t o b e a replica, whi ch a sniffer dog reportedly located in a La Grange backyard on Tuesday.

US concerned about 'misapplication' of Constitution, certain court rulings From page 3 http://webtv.un.org/watch/g uyana-review-35th-sessionof-universal-periodicreview/6127682840001/#pl ayer. Guyana was one of the 14 states to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group between 20th to 31st January.

Guyana's first and second UPR reviews took place in May 2010 and January 2015, respectively.

The reviews examine information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities.

The UN group would have also examined information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations and civil society groups.

The UPR is described as a unique process, which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. “Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member states have been reviewed twice within the first and second UPR cycles.

During the third UPR cycle, states are again

expected to spell out steps they have taken to i m p l e m e n t recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow-up on, as well as to highlight recent human rights developments in the country,� the UN forum had disclosed.

The delegation of Guyana was headed by Ambassador John R. Deep Ford, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN Office at Geneva.

The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Guyana tomorrow at 17:00h.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

Captured 'house jumpers' land in hospital with head injuries

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wo burglars came face-to-face with karma Tuesday night after robbing an elderly woman of her belongings. Mere moments after, the thieves were captured by the woman's grandchildren, who beat them, and retrieved the stolen articles.

Police have identified the suspects as 19-year-old Keron Smith of Lot 136 James Street, Albouystown and Samuel Shaw of Lot 15 Victoria Street, Albouystown. Due to the beating they would have received, both suspects are now under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Kaieteur News

understands that last Tuesday around 23:30hrs, the suspects ventured into the home of 72-year-old Inez Thomas at Lot 23 West Front Road, Georgetown, unaware that the woman's grandsons were at home at the said time.

The thieves reportedly gained accessed into the home through a window that was left ajar.

In an interview, Ms Thomas stated that “I was asleep in my room but was awakened suddenly when I heard something fall down on the floor. When I open my eyes I saw the two of them in my room going through my stuff, but I was not scared.

When I saw them I started to scream, and they were pretty

young, so after I started screaming, like they did not know what to do.”

According to Ms. Thomas, after raising an alarm, her grandsons who were in the other room came to see what was wrong, and it was then that they came face-to-face with the thieves who were too shocked to move.

After the suspects were roughed up, the police were called to the scene and the suspects were transferred to the city hospital to seek medical attention.

Due to the beating, both men sustained wounds to their bodies and are being treated at the city hospital.

The matter is being investigated.

Liza Phase One cost now stands at US$3.5B

T

he development cost for the Liza Phase One Project in the Stabroek block was initially projected to be US$4.4B but that has been revised downwards to US$3.5B says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hess Corporation, John Hess.

During his company's fourth quarter earnings call

for 2019, Hess specifically stated, “...Liza Phase One was budgeted at $4.4 billion gross, including the purchase of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel (Liza Destiny).

We now expect the gross cost for the development to be approximately $3.5 billion or 21% below the sanctioned estimate.”

The official was keen to remind that on December 20, 2019, Guyana would have commenced oil production from the Liza Phase One project.

He said that this development is less than five years after the discovery of hydrocarbons and wellhead of the industry average for deepwater developments.

Thursday January 30, 2020

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 30, 2020

E-Networks lands fibre optic cable T

here is a major development now for Guyana with news yesterday that cable television operator, E-Networks, has landed its own submarine fibre optic cable.

The cable will be used by the company to expand its array of services.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Minister Winston Jordan was yesterday given a tour of ENetworks subsea cable landing station at Kingston, Georgetown.

The landing station houses ENetworks' Xlink cable, a newly constructed submarine fibre optic cable that links Guyana to Barbados.

Commenting on the project, Minister Jordan said that he was particularly impressed that it was organised and successfully executed by a consortium of local investors. He added that he was

encouraged by the evident confidence of the investors in assuming such a massive and capital-intensive undertaking that will provide considerable benefits for the development and modernising of the sector.

This, he noted, aligned with the Coalition Government's encouragement of the private sector in advancing Guyana's economic expansion beyond agriculture and mining.

The Finance Minister further said that the Xlink project exemplified the ideal investment model for Guyana, one in which local benefits, local content and indigenous ownership are guaranteed through the collaboration of Guyanese companies, Guyanese investors and local financial institutions, especially now that the economy is poised for transformation.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, speaking with Managing Director or E-Networks, Vishok Persaud at the landing station, Kingston, yesterday.

Opposition calls for probe into several 2020...

From page 2 officer. “These funds were drawn from the 2019 budget allocations, a clear case of two illegalities; issuance of public monies without a signed contract in place; and use of 2019 budgetary allocation to commence a 2020 project.”

The Opposition official, a former Junior Minister of Finance,

pointed out that Article 217(1) of the Constitution of Guyana is clear how money from the state is to be withdrawn.

“Further, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act Cap 73:02; at Section 43, states thus: "Except as otherwise provided in this Act or in any other law, at the end of each fiscal year,

any unexpended balance of public monies issued out of the Consolidated Fund shall be returned and surrendered to the Consolidated Fund.”

He called on the police force to immediately launch an investigation into this matter.

The letter to the police was copied to the Auditor General.

Minister Jordan congratulated the Managing Director of ENetworks, Vishok Persaud for the boldness of the investment, and expressed full support for the Xlink venture. He said that he was excited about the possibilities it had for universal connectivity and the realization of the digital economy promised during the Decade of Development, 2020 -2029.

Guyana has been looking for

faster internet speeds with moves underway now to break the monopoly held by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). Negotiations with GTT have been delayed for a couple of years now. with little word from the Coalition Government.

Digicel, one of the phone companies here, has been raising its objections to the sloth in liberalizing the sector.

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Fire destroys section of GPHC Psychiatric Ward - Allegedly started by mentally-ill patient

By Shikema Dey

A

major disaster was yesterday averted at the Psychiatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital after fire fighters managed to contain a blaze that was said to have been started by a mentally-ill patient.

According to reports, the fire started at around 09:15h in the female holding area of the Psychiatric ward.

Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mr. George Lewis explained to the media that the damage would have been detrimental, if it were not for the swift actions of the nurses to quell the flames.

“Initial response would have seen members of staff utilizing the fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment that we have on site to tackle the fire…the fire service was summoned and they arrived promptly and assisted in outing the fire, preventing further damage from being done to the building.”

Smoke emanating from the building moments after the fire started

Damage to the ceiling of the ward According to the CEO, approximately 48 patients were in the holding area, along with other doctors and nurses at the time, and they were immediately evacuated and sustained no injuries.

Mr. Lewis explained to the media that no structural damage was sustained, but the entire area was destroyed.

“It's minor damage in terms of beds and equipment and stuff that we would have had, but no structural

damage was done to the ward.” The CEO noted that the displaced patients will be relocated temporarily to the male medical ward located in the upper flat, until the damaged female ward is fixed.

Meanwhile, Divisional Fire Officer, Mr. Gregory Wickham explained that five fire tenders responded to the distress call. According to him, due to the safety measures put in place by the hospital, they were able to

control the fire within minutes.

“I have to thank the staff at the hospital that used the training that the fire service would have given to them over the years to help contain the damage by the fire…they were able to minimize the damage even before we got here, and that why it is important to ensure that you have firefighting equipment at your hand reach to prevent losses.”

Investigations are still ongoing.

CEO of the GPHC, George Lewis

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Guyana ready for Category 1 status, but independent airline must apply - ICAO audit places Guyana 4th in region for safety

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nternational regulators have given Guyana thumbs up during a recent safety audit.

The way is now paved for Guyana to apply to the US authorities for an airline to become flag carrier and be based in Guyana, and fly directly to that North A m e r i c a c o u n t r y.

That Category 1 rating would be a coveted one, with officials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) insisting Tuesday that major hurdles have been cleared in upgrading systems in

Guyana to comply with international requirements.

Director-General of the authority, Lt. Colonel Egbert Field, leading a team of his experts, briefed media on what he said is a major development and one that Guyana should be proud of.

“Guyana made significant progress in its compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) S t a n d a r d s a n d Recommended Practices (SARPs), moving from 65.22% in 2016 to 76.96% in 2020, an increase of

rd

Lt Colonel (Ret'd) Egbert Field (3 r) with his team at Tuesday's press conference at the GCAA's headquarters, High Street, Kingston.

11.77%.”

Equally important, he disclosed, in the area of aviation safety, is that Guyana does not have any significant safety concern.

“With this result, Guyana now cements its position as No. 4 in the CARICOM region for effective implementation of ICAO SARPs, and well above the global standard of 65%.”

The aviation chief said that the findings were revealed after a recent ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) audit was conducted by a team of auditors from organisation, during the period January 14 – 21, 2020.

Usually, the ICAO would schedule an audit or ICVM for its 193 member states under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) system.

However, in this instance, the GCAA requested the ICVM from ICAO. This is clear testimony to the “assiduous and voluminous work” done by the staff of the authority, Field said.

“Under the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), the audit assessed seven critical elements (CEs), including primary Aviation Legislation a n d C i v i l Av i a t i o n Regulations (LEG); Civil Av i a t i o n O rg a n i z a t i o n (ORG); Personnel Licensing and Training (PEL); Aircraft Operations (OPS); Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation (AIG); Air Navigation Services (ANS); and Aerodromes and Ground Aids (AGA).”

He explained that the

Effective Implementation is a common metric used when referring to a state's safety oversight systems.

During a post-audit brief, the ICAO Audit Team revealed that the GCAA is on the right path and only needs to continue; that the Civil Aviation Act 2018 is one of the best act seen in the North and Central American Region and can be used as a model by other states, and that the staff of the GCAA are passionate about their work and this can only help in the growth of the Authority.

The audit team would have visited the airports and other areas.

The audit team also found that Guyana has one of the best Air Navigation Services (ANS) Inspectorates in the world and the best in the Caribbean Region, Field said proudly.

“The accomplishments and progress came as a result of the dedicated work by staff working beyond normal working hours and on weekends with the National State Safety Programme Coordinator, Col (Ret'd) Cargile Kyte, who is also the G C A A ' s S a f e t y Management System Coordinator.”

He disclosed that the new results make Guyana's case and readiness for United States Federal Aviation Administration (US FAA) Category One Status more attainable.

For improvement in its compliance level in 2016, Guyana was awarded the Council President Certificate by ICAO in 2017.”

The Category One status would be important as direct flights cannot originate from (continued on page 22)

Thursday January 30, 2020

Man accused of raping girl, 12, granted bail

F

orty-nine year-old Orlando Fraser, who is alleged to have raped a 12-year-old girl in June last year, was yesterday granted bail, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where the matter was heard in camera.

Information reaching this publication indicated that the charge alleged that on June 10, 2019 at Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, Fraser had sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 16.

The accused was represented by attorney-atlaw Bernard Da Silva who made a successful application for bail.

Chief Magistrate McLennan granted bail in the

sum of $270,000. She adjourned the hearing to February 3, when the prosecution is expected to file statements and make a disclosure of evidence.

Further information received indicated that the accused is known to the alleged victim and her family members. On the day in question, Fraser reportedly picked the child up from school to take her home.

However, he allegedly took the girl to his home instead where the act was allegedly committed.

The girl later related what transpired to her school teacher, who in turn reported to incident to the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Following investigations by the police, Fraser was arrested and charged.

Berbice man missing since Saturday found dead

A

29-year-old man of Ogelton Dam, Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam was found dead in the Republic Canal on Monday, two days after he had gone missing.

Dead is Cleon Outar, a Labourer, who went out with his wife and friends Saturday on a drinking spree and later disappeared.

Kaieteur News was informed by the police that Outar's body was fished out of the canal a short distance away from the Region Six Democratic Council.

His wife Shamdai Savichar told police that herself and Outar left home Saturday night to have a few drinks at a popular drinking spot in New Amsterdam. He, along with his friends and

wife, bar-hopped for part of the night, and subsequently Savichar was left at another drinking spot in Charles Place, New Amsterdam.

Outar and his friends then ventured to another bar.

His wife noted that she did not see her husband since then.

She told police that she subsequently left for home but while calls to his phone over the weekend went unanswered, it was on Monday afternoon that she was informed that a body had been found in the canal.

A visit to the police station had her directed to the Arokium Funeral Home where she positively identified his body.

Investigators are probing the matter.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Woman recounts harrowing tale of seeing loved ones on fire E

Sophia triple murder…

motional and fighting back tears, Candacy Buelow took to the witness stand in the trial of Gavin Graham, who is accused of the January 03, 2015 murders of her sister Tabola Abrams, 39, her sister's boyfriend Shawn Whyte, and her step-father 69 year-old Clifford Sampson, who all died following injuries they sustained from a fire that was deliberately set to their home.

State Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken, Tuanna Hardy and Nafeeza Baig have presented three murder indictments against Graham, 51, who has since pleaded not guilty.

The murder accused is being represented by lawyer Ravindra Mohabir. He is on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12person jury.

State Prosecutors are contending that Graham set fire to the two-storey house Lot 636 'C' Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, which was at the time occupied by Abrams, her paramour and stepfather, and about 10 other individuals including children, after the woman ended their relationship six-year relationship.

Buelow described the address as a “family yard” where several relatives occupied a two-storey property. In recounting the events leading up to the fire, she said that on the day in question she arrived at home around 18:15hrs and went to her sister's home to borrow a DVD player. She said that her sister told her something and she warned her about Graham. On another

Murder accused: Gavin Graham

occasion, Buelow said her sister received a phone call from Graham, and again, she issued her a warning about the man.

According to the witness, her boyfriend arrived at home around 22:00hrs and they got into a heated

argument. After things calmed down, Buelow said she heard the dogs barking in the yard and ventured outside to see what was wrong. The woman said she looked around the yard and saw no one. As a result, Buelow said she went back inside of her home and secured the doors. She said awhile after, she heard a loud explosion and went outside, only to see her sister's home on fire.

Buelow told the jury that she began calling out for her mother and sister for them to wake up, because everyone was sleeping.

Struggling to hold back tears, Buelow said that as the house was on fire she heard her sister screaming, as efforts were being made to open the door to her home.

When the door finally opened, the witness said that her sister, her sister's boyfriend, her niece and other relatives ran out of the house.

When her sister came out of the home, Buelow said her nightgown was on fire, and relatives had to scramble clothing from a nearby clothes line for her. “We had to lash the fire off of her,” the crying woman recounted, as she rested her head on the witness box. She added that her mother, who occupied the upper flat of the building, had no other choice but to throw her son and nephew through a window to prevent them from being burnt.

She said that although everyone called out for her stepfather to jump through a window to escape the blaze, he was hesitant, as he had previously suffered a stroke in one of his feet and walked with a

One of the victims: Tabola Graham

“limp”. The witness told the court that the fire was rapidly burning, and when her stepfather finally decided to jump through the window, his skin was already peeling off. She said that she and her mother called out to neighbours for assistance.

According to her, 'Bus Man' came and took the injured persons, including her, to the Georgetown Public Hospital. While driving through a nearby street, she recalled hearing another explosion; their home came crashing down.

Although, she admitted to not

seeing Graham in the yard when the incident occurred, she said that the man was not legally permitted to enter the yard as her mother was granted a restraining order against him as he was in the habit of assaulting her.

Counsel for Graham suggested to the witness that it was Whyte who set the house on fire. His suggestion was rejected by her and she began to question why her sister's spouse would want to do something like that. This trial is continuing at the High Court in Georgetown.

Union leaders praise NICIL for firm action in garnering payment from Bosai

T

wo prominent union Leaders have praised NICIL for its role in being able to extract a three million US dollars dividend payment from Bosai Guyana. This comes some weeks after Bosai's General Manager Eric Yu handed over the payment to NICIL's Chief Executive Officer, Colvin HeathLondon.

General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) and a very vocal campaigner for the strict monitoring of foreign companies, Lincoln Lewis, admitted that he like many others was very pleased with the payment.

He said that it certainly augurs well for the fostering of continued and improved relationships. He however said that Government must remain steadfast in their vigilance to ensure that that it is not just a one-time payment and nothing happens after, but rather, that there would be closer and

adequate monitoring of Bosai and other foreign companies..

Lewis stressed that the efforts of Heath-London, should not be forgotten, as it must be recorded that it was a direct result of his ability in effectively and efficiently negotiating, that led to Bosai remitting the dividend payment.

“I firmly believe that the efforts of Mr. Colvin Heath-London is worthy of commendation and that all concerned should not lose sight of what he has done and has been doing as the Government representative on the Board at Bosai.

It is through his excellent negotiating skills and techniques backed by the great support of the Finance Minister, it resulted in government being able to garner this very important payment,” he said.

The GBGWU General Secretary disclosed that for a long time he has been campaigning for a government representative to also

President of the GBGWU, Leslie Gonsalves

GBGWU General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

sit on the RUSAL board. He stressed that several of the challenges faced with the Russian company can be effectively addressed in a timely manner with a representative at the board meetings. He disclosed that his calls fell on deaf ears and he hopes that Government would see the

wisdom in his suggestion with the results that they secured with Bosai.

“RUSAL another major company who can also make their payments, have not been doing so and what is heart troubling is that while Bosai has a government representative on their board,

RUSAL doesn't have, and it is time that Government recognises that this has to be immediately addressed,” Lewis declared.

Meanwhile, President of the very Union, Leslie Gonsalves echoed similar sentiments stressing that Colvin Heath-London through his negotiations has demonstrated that he understands clearly what government is looking for.

He said that his Union continues to be impressed with how NICIL and its officials have been addressing several pertinent issues, declaring that Guyana is at a better place because of the significant high level of professionalism, expertise, commitment and dedication it has been able to garner from some of its personnel.

“We at GBGWU are impressed and as President, I commend Heath-London, as his track record says it all. I commend the government also for ensuring that it was able to secure someone like (continued on page 22)

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

Bangladesh Nationals jailed for illegal entry

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday sentenced three Bangladesh nationals to spend the next three months in jail after they admitted to entering Guyana illegally.

The defendants, Jackel Chowdhurg, 19, Siddik Ahmed, 27 and Shakhawat Khan, 20 all appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. The men pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on January 25, 2020, at Springlands, East Berbice, Corentyne, they entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an Immigration Officer.

The court was able to communicate with the defendants through the use of an interpreter.

According to the facts of the charge, the defendants arrived at Springlands, from

Suriname, and were destined for Brazil. Police acting on information, apprehended the defendants at Bamia, Linden.

The defendants were asked by the police to produce their travel documents and it was discovered that they had entered Guyana illegally and did not present themselves to an immigration officer upon entering the country.The three men were arrested, taken into custody, and later charged for illegal entry. After listening to the facts of the charge that were presented to the court by Police Prosecutor Matthews, Chief Magistrate McLennan sentenced the defendants to three months imprisonment and ordered that upon serving the time, they are to be deported to the nearest port of exit.

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

Guyana ready....

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 We repair Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washer, Dryer-Call#231-0655/ 683-8734 Omar.

REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 TO LET Available from 1st Feb,2020Decent working couples, One bedroom apartment in Georgetown, Parking, $50,000. Tel# 623-8759 Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $35,000 monthly, Light & water, Lodge. Call: 623-0076, 2 months security

CAR RENTAL DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL & TOW TRUCK SERVICE:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE#698-7807.

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

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 99 Mining permits- Cuyuni Mazaruni. Contact #683-9756

FOR RENT

WANTED

VACANCY

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

Barman, Waitress and cook.

Tel# 619-2877

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 Snackette for rent, Mobile snackettes, price $20,000 monthly. Tel# 697-6311 Ransom (Concrete mixers), Scaffolding, Power washer, compactors, hire truck service etc, free delivery. Telephone: 610-5360.

Email: dmdscaffolding@yahoo.com PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 89 Robb street Lacytown, Georgetown.

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

Computer with webcam. CD/ DVD, Print adaptable. 9" x 12" screen size, Owner migrating $40,000 neg. Tel #592-6390436

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

8 week old pups, de-wormed & vaccinated. Father- Pure bred bull mastiff, MotherItalian mastiff + Rottweiler.

Contact Conway # 666-7956

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

8 week old pure pit bull pups.

Female only, Excellent guard dogs. Tel#612-2258 LEARN TO DRIVE N.Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square.Affordable Package.Call#644-5166/6912561/681-2808.

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

Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 LAND FOR SALE 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.

Parfaite Harmonie front $4M,$3M,$2.5M, Providence $5M, Herstelling $5M. Call: 666-2326

VEHICLE FOR SALE EDUCATION 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage Care for elderly, care for (50,000Km).$3.6M Neg.Call children, First Aid & CPR. #649-0956.

Call: 227-4881 Massey Ferguson Tractor 283 WANTED $2.5M(Foreign Used) MF 165 $1.5M, MF 135 $1M,MF 165 Loader Tractor $2.1M.682- Maid. Requirements: person must be living on the East 5230/615-4414.

Bank. Contact# 600-6887 Pick-up from Truck Canada Extra-Cab, 2005 Tacoma Porters to work in Grocery $1.750M, Ford-F 150 Sport Stall, Attractive Salary at $1.1 M, Ford Ranger Sport Stabroek Market. Tel#2269800/683-9500. Experience an $1M.682-5230/615-4414. asset PEN PAL One experienced welder to Indian Overseas male seeks female 30/35, must have good personality. Call: 602-9975

work in the interior, must have experience. Contact Imran # 226-9416/502-8587

Needed Labourers & Chainsaw operator to work on concession. Tel# 690-3535/ 651-1115 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 Wanted One cook for a family, must be 25-35 years old.

Call: 231-8737 Wanted one maid between the age of 25-35. Call: 231-8737 Excavator operator to work with mining firm, must have experience. Contact Imran #226-9416/ 502-8587 Diesel Mechanic to work in interior, experience with perkins, duetz, doosan engines necessary. Contact Imran #226-9416/502-8587 Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Princess Georgetown Hotel. Contact # 265-7075 / 616-5419 1 Lorry Driver, must be able to work flexible hours.

Contact Annie #233-3512 / 264-3720 Bus, Car & Lorry Drivers #2253234/225-9223 Senior Kitchen assistant, Primary education & Experience driver & cashier, Apply at Hack’s Halaal with H/written application Wanted land to buy- Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Herstelling,Tuchen, Uitvlugt & elsewhere. Call: 666-2326 Bar/Beer Garden to rent. Tel# 695-9140 One Accounts clerk must be writing CAT, Previous work experience necessary, send application to P.O Box 16005 Sales girl. Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street VACANCY 1 Female Office Assistant.

Must have knowledge of NIS, Payroll & computer literate, Age 30 +. Contact PSGCS #621-6969, serious enquiries only Driver/Expeditor. Contact # 231-0363/ Accounts Clerk.

Contact # 231-0363 Front end loader operator.

Contact#223-5273/223-5274

1 bodywork technician. Tel# 668-7033 Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132 Soup Cook & Kitchen Assistant, Mon-Sat, Job location in town, Good pay. Call: 660-9983 between 8am-3pm for interviews Security Officers $85,000, Apply within @ 47 Croal St. Tel# 226-9905 or on FB page, Atlas Security Services Inc One General Domestic, must be able to prepare vegetarian meal. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda Nail Technician. Contact# 223-5273/223-5274 Driver/Expediter. Contact# 223-5273/223-5274 Female cleaner office & home.

Call: 642-9823 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) Female Cook/Baker for interior location. For further details.

Call: 618-2020 Pump Attendant & Cashier, shifts rotated weekly Shell Service station Providence.Email: Shellramsburg@gmail.com.

Domestic. Contact# 2235273/223-5274

From page 18 Guyana. Rather, airlines like Fly Jamaica and Caribbean Airlines have to make stops before coming here.

This has been adding to costs.Operators like American Airlines, which started months ago, and Eastern Airlines and Jet Blue which are coming soon, can fly directly to and from Guyana as they originate from the US. According to Field, GCAA has been investing heavily in updated regulations and training and licensing for its staffers.GCAA is charged with ensuring the skies in Guyana are safe and that it inspects and certifies operators.Guyana lost the Category One status since the early 2000s.

Union leaders...

From page 20 Heath-London, as he has certainly demonstrated that their choice and selection of him was well deserving,” Gonsalves said.

He however expressed the view that Government should utilize the skills and expertise more of the NICIL acting CEO. He said that the CEO can do more for labour relations and other technical matters. “The expertise and skills of this excellent negotiator should not be wasted. As a Union man for a number of years his ability and skills in negotiating is immediately noticed in how he does his negotiation and it is the view of GBGWU that he can help in other areas, especially with the current challenges being experienced at RUSAL,” Gonsalves stressed.

Bosai's General Manager had said shortly after remitting the payment that his company has always been committed and dedicated in having all dividend-related matters and issues settled.

“I must commend the management of NICIL as they played a pivotal role in having this dividend payment addressed. While we have some concerns and they have not all been addressed, we are satisfied that the negotiation led by NICIL was one that saw everyone involved coming to a consensus,” Yu had said.

Thursday January 30, 2020

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

20 Broad St. families relocated

Some of the new houses that were constructed

Another proud home owner stands at the entrance to her premises

T

wenty families who were squatting on a property at Broad and Lombard Streets have been relocated by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) to the New Housing Scheme at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EDB).

As part of its relocation and resettlement programme, CH&PA in a small but unique ceremony officially handed over the keys for 20 new houses to these families, on Tuesday last.

Junior minister of the Ministries of Communities, Annette Ferguson said that the relocation programme is an initiative to combat “illegal squatting”.

She added that as soon as the residents would have moved to their new homes, City Hall will move to demolish their former “shacks” located at lot 17 and 18 Broad Streets.

According to Chief Executive Officer of CH&PA Lelon Saul, the construction of these 20 houses is a joint effort between CH&PA and Food for the Poor Inc, and cost some $36million.

However, this is only phase one of the project, and another 31 houses will be built sometime soon at Cummingslodge, East Coast

Demerara.

The Residents of Broad Streets has been living on the two lots for approximately 30 years.

But in 2017 the owner of the property filed a lawsuit and won, necessitating that the residen t s v a c a t e t h e property immediately.

Noting that the families had limited resources to obtain a home of their own, CH&PA intervened and promised the residents that they would be assisted and relocated.

Minister responsible for rural affairs within the Minis-

One of the residents opens the door of her new home

Minister Annette Ferguson hands over the key to one of the new residents

try of Agriculture Valerie Yearwood told the audience at the ceremony that they had encountered difficulties in locating a suitable place.

This was a major setback to the project, but on the 24th of June 2019, Prospect was identified and the sod was

first turned on July 4th of the same year.

Construction was underway by September to complete the first phase of relocating the first 20 families.

Out of the families that benefited, six had lost their “shacks” to a fire back in

March of last year, and the remainder were chosen because they had children of school age.

As a part of the relocation process, the Ministry of Education has already approved the transfer of these children to schools that are

close by to their new community.

The new home owners will also receive free school uniforms from the ministry of Social Protection along with solar panels, two beds, a plastic table and chairs donated

by Food for the Poor Inc.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

Thursday January 30, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Ogle CC register seven-wicket win over Enmore A to take Neville Ramotar T20 title

Azeemul Haniff accepts his man-of-the-match prize from Harry Persaud.

A disciplined bowling performance from Sohan Ragnandan and a fine half

century from former Guyana first-class batsman Azeemul Haniff, led Ogle CC to a

The victorious Ogle CC team (photo Avenash Ramzan) seven-wicket victory over Enmore A when the teams collided in the final of the East

Thursday January 30, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Are you falling for someone you know on the job, Aries? If so, you might find out that your feelings are reciprocated. Your friend could telephone or email and invite you out, away from work.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Love and romance are first and foremost on your agenda for today, Taurus. You and your romantic partner may leave a gathering of friends to be alone together and talk.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A festive event takes place in your home today, Gemini.

Is it a family member's birthday? A lot of lighthearted banter takes place alongside intense discussions of deep subjects and stories of strange events occurring around the world.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your neighborhood is a busy place today, Cancer.

Perhaps a public gathering of some kind is happening, maybe social, political, or humanitarian in nature.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might decide to spend much of your day alone at home, Libra, perhaps working on a creative project of some kind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Expect to be surrounded by genuine love and affection today, Scorpio. Friends, family members, and a very special romantic partner could pay you far more attention than usual.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Idealistic love could come your way today, Sagittarius.

This might involve a colleague or possibly someone in a group with which you're affiliated.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Travel by air, perhaps in the company of some friends, could well be in the works for you, Capricorn. A group with which you're affiliated might want to take a trip together, perhaps to a place associated with artistic or spiritual traditions.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Financially, things seem to be going great for you right now, Leo, and therefore you could plan to make an investment in your home.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A lucky break could put you into a higher financial bracket than you were two days ago, Aquarius. Career matters, perhaps those concerning the arts, could be involved in some way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) At this time, Virgo, most of your focus is on either a group you're affiliated with or an intellectual subject in which you have an intense interest, or perhaps both!

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A social event could bring a fascinating new someone, perhaps from a different culture, into your life, Pisces.

This person could end up talking to you for hours.

Coast Cricket Committee/ Neville Ramotar T20 final on Sunday last.

Enmore A slipped from 371 to be bowled out for 115 in 19.2 overs, batting first at the

Enmore Community Centre ground. Opener Imran Hassan struck two fours and one six a top score of 49, while Rudolph Singh made 32 with one four and two sixes. Left arm spinner Ragnandan finished with 5-19 from 3.2 overs while Anthony Ifill had 2-17 off four overs.

Enmore A struck in the first over to leave Ogle CC on 1-1, in reply, but the experienced Haniff and teenager Andrew Samaroo added 69 for the second wicket to steady the chase nicely. The duo rotated the strike well as they frustrated their opponents with level-headed batting. Haniff stroked four fours and two sixes before he was dismissed with victory very much in sight, for 64, while Samaroo made 23 with one six as Ogle CC ended on 117-3 in 18 overs. Haniff was named Man-of-the-Match. Ogle CC collected a trophy and $75,000, while Enmore A pocketed a trophy and $50,000.

Lusignan East took home $20,000 for winning the third place playoff.

Raza takes career...

From page 28 before Suranga Lakmal chipped tamely to short midon.Angelo Mathews, who made his first Test double century in the series opener, top-scored for Sri Lanka with a gritty 64 from 158 balls before he was caught behind down the legside off Mumba.

A brilliant diving catch by substitute fielder Brian Mudzinganyama gave Raza his seventh wicket and Victor Nyauchi had Vishwa Fernando last man out for a battling 38.Sri Lanka lead the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the first match by 10 wickets.Scores: Zimbabwe 62 for 1 (Masvaure 26*, Fernando 1-9) and 406 (Williams 107, Raza 72, Embuldeniya 4-182) lead Sri Lanka 293 (Mathews 64, Raza 7-113) by 175 runs.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

Kristian Clarke, Joey Field the heroes as New Zealand beat West Indies to reach semi-final - ICC Under -19 World Cup ESPNcricinfo - New Zealand’s No. 9 Joey Field and No. 10 Kristian Clarke put on an unbeaten 86-run ninthwicket stand to take New Zealand through to the semifinals of the Under-19 World Cup. They knocked out West Indies - who entered the game unbeaten through the competition - in a dramatic twowicket win in Benoni to set up a semi-final clash against either South Africa or Bangladesh.

It seemed New Zealand’s tournament was going to be over when they were reduced to 153 for 8 in their chase of 239. Field and Clarke, however, put on a heroic stand and took the game to the last over to eventually win with two

balls to spare. Clarke’s contribution wasn’t only with the bat; his 4 for 25 had helped bowl West Indies out for 238.

It wasn’t even the first time Clarke’s heroics with the bat had saved New Zealand. In their must-win game against Sri Lanka in the group stage, he had had struck a final-over six to secure New Zealand’s spot in the knockouts.

The game had begun with West Indies opting to bat, but they lost their openers inside ten overs to be 32 for 2.

Kevlon Anderson (33) and Kirk McKenzie then added 78 runs to take West Indies past 100, and a 73-run fourth-wicket stand between McKenzie and Antonio Morris (31) set West Indies up for a solid total.

However, a collapse triggered by Clarke and left-arm spinner and captain Jesse Tashkoff saw West Indies crumble from 183 for 3 to 205 for 8 in the space of 7.3 overs before they were bowled out for 238 in the 48th over.

McKenzie, who had retired hurt earlier, returned to be dismissed for 99 as the last West Indies batsman. Once he was dismissed, New Zealand’s players carried McKenzie off the field since he was suffering from cramps.

In reply, New Zealand lost opener Ollie White for a duck early and Rhys Mariu, their top-scorer in the tournament, soon followed for 26. Fergus Lellman and Tashkoff fell within the space of four de-

Georgetown U-15 Trial match Persaud (4-34), Allen (31*) spur Deonarains XI to 3-wkt win Sankar to captain GT in Inter-Association 50-over U-15 Cricket

liveries as New Zealand’s score read 67 for 4 after 15.1 overs. A brief recovery from Quinn Sunde (32) and Simon Keene took them to 118, but once the former was trapped lbw, New Zealand crumbled again. Ashmead Nedd, the left-arm spinner, was the architect of the middle-order collapse, taking three wickets in a space of 15 deliveries between overs 31 and 35.

At 153 for 8, West Indies were roaring and had one foot in the semi-final, but Field and Clarke then put on a show to take the game away from them.

New Zealand needed 45 from the last four overs but two expensive overs - by Matthew Forde and Nyeem Young - brought the equation down to 17 off 12. The 49th over, delivered by Forde, lasted eight deliveries and went for 10 runs with the leftarm quick delivering two wides. It meant New Zealand needed seven off the final over, and they got there after Field struck a four on the sec-

Kristian Clarke and Joey Field - the heroes of New Zealand’s chase. (Getty Images) ond ball of the last over.

Clarke’s 46 was the highest score by a No. 10 in the Under-19 World Cup history while their partnership was the highest for the ninth wicket in a chase.Scores: WEST INDIES 238 off 47.5 overs (Kirk McKenzie 99, Kevlon Anderson 33, Anto-

nio Morris 31; Kristian Clarke 4-25).

NEW ZEALAND 239 for eight off 49.4 overs (Kristian Clarke 46 not out, Joey Field 38 not out, Simon Keene 33, Quinn Sunde 32, Fergus Lellman 29; Ashmead Nedd 3-33, Joshua James 245).

Raza takes career-best seven wickets as Zimbabwe pad lead Sikandar Raza (L) took the second-best bowling figures for Zimbabwe in Test cricket.

(AFP / Simon Maina)

Wavell Allen made an unbeaten

31 at Bourda Yesterday.

John Persaud took 4-34 yesterday at Bourda.

Off-spinner Stephon Sankar will lead the Georgetown U-15 side with Romeo Deonarain as his deputy in the Demerara Inter-Association 50-over U-15 Cricket tournament, which starts on Monday, with the City side facing West Demerara at Everest and East Bank playing East Coast at Lusignan.

The team was selected after yesterdays second and final 50-over U-15 cricket Trial match in which Romeo Deonarains XI beat Riyad Latifs XI by three wickets at Bourda.

After a slight shower which caused an early lunch to be taken and the overs reduced to 47 per side, Latifs XI fell for 100 with the Skipper unbeaten on 30 with three boundaries.

Kashan Singh made 11 but the next best score was four from the left-handed Gabriel Rookum who made 78 in the first Trial game on Monday.Medium pacer John Persaud had 434 for Deonarains XI who responded with 101-

7 with Wavell Allen making and unbeaten 32, Deonarain made 16 and Premkumar Permaul scoring 10. Rookum had 2-7 in a losing cause.

In the second round, on Wednesday February 5, East Coast Demerara oppose Georgetown at Lusignan and West Demerara battle East Bank Demerara at Everest.

The third and final round is scheduled for Friday February 7 when East Bank Demerara clash with Georgetown at Everest and East Coast Demerara face-off with West Demerara at Lusignan Georgetown team: Stephon Sankar (Captain), Romeo Deonarain (Vice Captain), John Persaud, Riyad Latif, Silo Adams, Gabriel Rookhum, Malik Hopkinson, Riyad Latif, Jayden Dowlin, Temal Ramsamooj, Joshua Walcott, Wavell Allen, Dave Mohadir, Premkumar Permaul. All matches begin at 0900 hours. (Sean Devers)

AFP - Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza picked up a career-best seven wickets as the hosts built a 175run lead over Sri Lanka on the third day of the second Test in Harare yesterday.Off-spinner Raza claimed three wickets apiece in the morning and afternoon sessions to finish with figures of seven for 113 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 293.Raza’s haul was the second best for Zimbabwe in Test cricket, after former legbreak bowler Paul Strang’s eight for 109 against New Zealand at Bulawayo in 2000.

Rain again brought an early end to the day as Zimbabwe reached 62 for 1 at stumps in their second in-

nings with Prince Masvaure unbeaten on 26.Craig Ervine was the only Zimbabwe wicket to fall after tea when he edged behind off Vishwa Fernando for 13. For the second Test in succession Zimbabwe were forced to make a concussion substitution after opening batsman Kevin Kasuza was again struck on the helmet while fielding at short leg.Kasuza was diagnosed with mild concussion and will take no further part in the match. All-rounder Timycen Maruma has been drafted in to take his place.

Kusal Mendis (22) was the first man to go after Sri Lanka resumed on their overnight score of 122 for two, caught

off the bowling of Raza after a firm pull shot hit Kasuza and looped to Carl Mumba at square leg.Kasuza collapsed to the ground and had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He was then sent to hospital for scans, having been substituted out of the first Test after suffering a delayed concussion following a similar incident.Raza snaffled a return catch to remove Dinesh Chandimal for six and then bowled a well-set Dhananjaya de Silva on the stroke of lunch for 42.The Pakistan-born Raza trapped Niroshan Dickwella early in the afternoon session to complete his five-wicket haul (Continued on page 25)

Thursday January 30, 2020

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Kaieteur News

16th Annual BCB/RHTYSC Busta Champion of Champions Tournament

RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour edge Albion by three runs to win Championship thriller- Third title in two weeks The winning RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team.

Man of the Finals- Royston Crandon.

The venue was filled to capacity, the atmosphere was electric and the determination for a victory was visible between both teams but it was Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour team which held its nerves to emerge as winner of the 16th annual BCB/RHTYSC Busta Champion of Champions 40 overs cricket tournament.

Playing at the Port Mourant Ground, RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flours Keon Sinclair bowled well to restrict Albion to just eleven runs in the last over when they required fifteen to win their first ever Busta title.

The first ball of the 40th over saw national player Jonathan Foo refusing a single, while he scrabbled two from the second. The third ball from the fiery Keon Sinclair was smashed back over long off for six but Foo

was then run out next ball, attempting a second run to former national player Eon Hooper.

Mahendra Chaitnarine then flicked Sinclair to the fine leg boundary for four before being run out off the last ball of the match, much to the disappointment of the large Albion supporters.

Earlier in the day, Rose Hall Town won the toss and elected to bat. Delbert Hicks was caught off Jonathan Foo for nine after adding 33 for the first wicket with national Under 19 player Junior Sinclair.

Jason Sinclair 01 and Junior Sinclair 25 both fell in quick successions as the defending champions slipped to 35 for 3 in the tenth over. Royston Crandon and vice-Captain Shawn Pereira added 27 for the 4th wicket before the latter was trapped LBW by Gourav Ramesh for 14 from 25

Busta Berbice Manager Albert Budhoo hands over trophy and cash prize to RHTNTF captain Eon Hooper.

balls. Useful contributions from Khemraj Mahadeo 14, Keon Sinclair 16, Troy Mathieson 14 and Keith Simpson 10 not out supported Crandon 71 well as RHT Namilco Thunderbolt flour ended on 181 all out in 39.2 overs. Crandon blasted four huge sixes, with three of them resulting in lost balls. Promising left arm spinner Gourav Ramesh ended with 3 for 22 from eight impressive overs, while Sarwan Chaitnarine took 2 for 8. Foo, Mahendra Chaitnarine, and Kandasammy Surujnarine took one wicket a piece for 23, 39 and 11 respectively.

Albion skipper

Kandasammy Surujnarine and Sharaz Ramcharran added 13 for the first wicket for Albion before Surujnarine was bowled by his opposing counterpart Eon Hooper for 04 in the 4th over. Albions Sukhwa then had his stumps uprooted by Keon Sinclair for 05 at 28 for 2. Ramcharran and Foo then added 28 for the third wicket before the former Guyana youth player was bowled by Sinclair for a wellplayed 31 (six boundaries).

Rajiv Ivan was yorked by Royston Crandon at 66 for 4.

The highly talented David Latchaya joined Foo and together they added 61 for the fifth wicket before Latchana

was caught by Junior Sinclair off Eon Hooper for 26. Left arm spinner Keith Simpson (81-15-0) and off spinner Junior Sinclair (6-1-20-0) both bowled tight spells to create pressure on the Albion batsmen. The dangerous Ramesh Kasinauth was run out for 12 to set up the final over dramatics. Hooper 2 for 28, Keon Sinclair 2 for 40 and Royston Crandon 2 for 38 were the best bowlers for the Champions as Albion ended on 178 for 8 off their allotted 40 overs.

BCB President and RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament as a resounding success

Go for Glory cycle ride pedals off today The Professional Key Shop, Go for Glory Guyana/ Suriname cycle group ride, pedaled off at 06:00hrs this morning from the National Park Enroute to Corriverton, Berbice for its first leg.

According to organizer, Quincy Kwame Ridley of the Professional Key Shop which is situated at 125 Carmichael Street, the event which is being undertaken by nine local cyclists, is not a competition and has three stages.

He informed that the first leg covers a distance of 115 miles and the second leg will commence on Friday from Corriverton and proceed to Nickerie in Suriname, a distance of 80 miles. Ridley said that third and final led will

commence on Saturday at Nickerie and proceed to Paramaribo for a distance of 80 miles; a total of 275 miles or 348km.

Those taking part are Paul Choo-Wee-Nam, Khemwell Moses, Adeli Hodge, Paul De Nobrega, Walter Grant-Stuart, Marcus Keiler, Deeraj Gabarran, Alanzo Ambrose and Kwame Ridley.

This event, the first of its kind, is the brainchild of Ridley who indicated that due to his love for the sport he decided to proceed in organising this event. “I participated in several races and I wanted to do something challenging for the cyclists, so I put forwarded this initiative and I am happy that it ma-

terialized.”

He is hoping that this event will help to promote the athletes and stated that there are three other events slated for 2020 under the Go for Glory brand. He expressed gratitude to the cyclists, sponsors and clubs, adding that he is looking forward to their continued support. The clubs that will be represented are; Team Evolution, United, Alanis, Cocos and Continental. The event is being sponsored by KGM Security, Gomes Mining, Atlantic Marine Mining Supplies, Geo Tech, Smart Click, Asif Auto Import, Taj Mahal Hotel, Smart Click, Ansa McAl, Totness Palace Hotel and Savore Hotel, both of Suriname.

despite the fact that several national contracted players were stopped from playing in a BCB organised tournament.

Berbice Cricket, he stated is on the rise and the vindictive attitude of a few would not stop the wheel of progress.

Guyana Beverage Company Berbice Manager Albert Budhoo congratulated both teams on providing fans with a thrilling final and expressed delight at the large turnout of fans. Busta, he stated would continue to sponsor the tournament in the future. The Champions took home $100,000 and the Busta Trophy. Royston Crandon was named Man of the finals.

NACAC officials visit Guyana...

From page 31 hosted in Guyana will be successfully hosted,” Hutson, head of the AAG, shared with Kaieteur Sport.

Although the AAG have already been awarded the hosting rights, Hutson and his team will make a final presentation of what they have in store for the 2021 games during congress which will be held in Bermuda shortly after the 49th games that will be held in that country this Easter weekend.The NACAC duo along with the AAG are schedule to host a press conference today at the Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport; Dr. George Nortons office today.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

NBA roundup: Middleton scores 51 as Giannis-less Bucks explode Khris Middleton scored a career-high 51 points, Milwaukee recorded a franchiserecord 88 first-half points, and the Bucks held off a secondhalf surge to beat the visiting Washington Wizards 151-131 on Tuesday.

Despite playing without reigning Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the contest to rest a sore right shoulder, Milwaukee burst to a seasonbest 42 first-quarter points.

The victory was the Bucks ninth straight, and Milwaukee improved the best record in the NBA to 41-6.

Washington fell for the sixth time in eight games despite Bradley Beal scoring a season-high 47.The 88 points smashed Milwaukees previous season high of 76 firsthalf points set just 12 days ago prior in a 128-123 defeat of the Boston Celtics, and it marked a league high dating back to Houstons 90 at Phoenix on Nov. 16, 2017.

Philadelphia 76ers 115 Golden State Warriors 104 Joel Embiid returned from a nine-game absence to score 24 points and grab 10 rebounds as host Philadelphia beat Golden State.

Embiid had been out with a dislocated ring finger on his left hand. He came out wearing No. 24 in memory of Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Embiid received permission from Bobby Jones, who previously wore No. 24 and had his jersey retired by the Sixers.

Raul Neto scored 19 points, Ben Simmons added 17, Tobias Harris contributed 14 and Al Horford had 12

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dunks against Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans (42) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. (Jeff HanischUSA TODAY Sports)

points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Sixers, who improved to 22-2 at home.

DAngelo Russell had 28 points and seven assists for the Warriors.

Toronto Raptors 130 - Atlanta Hawks 114 Serge Ibaka had 24 points and 10 rebounds, Pascal Siakam added 24 points and nine rebounds, and Toronto defeated visiting Atlanta for its season-best eighth consecutive win.Kyle Lowry had 12 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists to become Torontos all-time leader in assists with 3,772, passing Jose Calderon (3,770).John Collins had 28 points and 12 rebounds and Trae Young

added 18 points and 13 assists for Atlanta, which has lost 10 consecutive games against Toronto. Former Raptor Vince Carter, who received a video tribute and a standing ovation, scored 10.

Memphis Grizzlies 104 Denver Nuggets 96 Jonas Valanciunas had 23 points and 12 rebounds, Dillon Brooks scored 24 points, and host Memphis beat Denver.Ja Morant scored 14 points, Brandon Clarke had 12 and Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 10 points and a career-high-tying seven blocked shots for the Grizzlies, who never trailed. Memphis has won 10 of 13 in January.

Nikola Jokic had 25 points

and 13 rebounds, Jerami Grant scored 21 along with a career-best six 3-pointers, and Gary Harris added 10 points for Denver.

Boston Celtics 109 - Miami Heat 101 Gordon Hayward tallied a game-high 29 points to lead Boston to a win at Miami.

Jaylen Brown notched 25 points, Kemba Walker had 16, Marcus Smart scored 11 and Daniel Theis recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics. Jayson Tatum (groin), averaging 21.5 points per game, missed his third consecutive contest, but Boston won for the fourth time in five games.

Goran Dragic led Miami with 23 points. Jimmy Butler had 20 points, and Bam Adebayo contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, who are 5-5 in their past 10 games and played their third game in five days. Miami fell to 21-3 at home.

New Orleans Pelicans 125 - Cleveland Cavaliers 111 Jrue Holiday scored 28 points and Brandon Ingram added 24 as visiting New Orleans defeated Cleveland.

The Pelicans won for the seventh time in their past nine road games.JJ Redick scored 15 while rookie Zion Williamson had 14 points and

fell one rebound short of his second straight doubledouble while playing a season-high 30 minutes.Collin Sexton scored 24 points, Kevin Porter Jr. added 21, and Larry Nance Jr. had 17 points and 11 rebounds as the Cavaliers lost their eighth consecutive home game.

Phoenix Suns 133 - Dallas Mavericks 104 Devin Booker scored 32 points and Deandre Ayton added 31 as Phoenix got off to a hot start and then used a big third quarter to finish off a blowout road victory over Dallas.Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 19 points and Mikal Bridges added 13 as the Suns won their fourth road game in their past five tries primarily due to a 48-point third quarter.

Luka Doncic scored 21 points for the Mavericks, who lost for the third time in their past five games and dropped their second consecutive home game.

Charlotte Hornets 97 New York Knicks 92 Terry Rozier scored 30 points, and host Charlotte broke an eight-game losing streak by defeating New York.The Hornets used a 100 run that concluded early in the fourth quarter to jump ahead and grasp control of the game.Miles Bridges added 15 points, Malik Monk supplied 13 points, Willy Hernangomez had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and Cody Zeller provided 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets.

The Knicks got 24 points from Julius Randle and 23 from Marcus Morris Sr. (Field Level Media)

England’s Archer misses South Africa T20s AFP - England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the three-match Twenty20 series against South Africa starting next month with an elbow injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced yesterday.

Sussex quick Archer headed back to Britain on Tuesday in a bid to regain full fitness after a sore right elbow saw him miss the final three Tests of England’s 3-1 series win over the Proteas.

The injury has raised doubts over the 24-year-old World Cup winner’s availability for England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka in March.

Archer played just one Test in South Africa, with his five-wicket haul at Centurion unable to prevent a Proteas win by 107 runs in the series opener before England

Elbowed out - England’s Jofra Archer will miss the Twenty20 series in South Africa. (AFP/File / Peter Parks) bounced back.

He will be replaced for the T20s by Lancashire paceman Saqib Mahmood, who was already a member of a separate squad for the upcoming one-day international series.

England had long planned to rest Archer, together with fellow World Cup winners Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Mark

Wood, from the three-match ODI series in South Africa starting at Cape Town on February 4.

The Newlands match is set to be England’s first ODI since they beat New Zealand in a thrilling Super Over final at Lord’s last year to clinch a maiden men’s World Cup title.

Thursday January 30, 2020

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Kaieteur News

NACAC officials visit Guyana ahead of 2021s 50th CARIFTA Games

By Calvin Chapman Recently elected President ofthe North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), Mike Sands, arrived in Guyana for the first time on Tuesday and yesterday he made an official visit to the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara, which will be the venue of the 50th Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games over the Easter weekend in 2021.

Sands along with his General Secretary (G.S.) Keith Josephs main purpose of visiting the land of many waters was to gauge Guyana’s progress and capability of hosting a Track & Field meet of this magnitude that will see projected amounts of almost 800 athletes & technical delegates along with almost 2000 travelling fans.

A total of 26 countries are scheduled to participate in the games which was first contested in Barbados and the NACAC executives ex-

pressed optimism with Guyana being able to successfully host the event although there is some work to do.

According to the manager of the NTFC, Trevor Williams, the facility currently has a capacity of approximated 3000 but with the proposed installation of two more stands, the capability will increase to 5000.

Furthermore, the relaying of the track and the construction of a warmup area along with some infrastructural fine

Letter to the Sports Editor

On this rare occasion, the GFF deserves a round of applause Dear Sir, During the course of last month (December), the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), had publicly outlined: “its intention as the nations governing body for the sport of football; under its jurisdiction, to sanction officials (administrators, coaches and referees) along with players.

While not foregoing physical trainers and physiotherapists, for participating in non-approved competitions and tournaments”. However, the GFF, must in all of its “vested powers, due process and Fair Play: ensure within its ambit of its own domestic competitions/ tournaments; international -engagements; honour all payments within a specific time frame, i.e. 7-14 days.

Since with the publication of a press release to that effect, would remove any notion: “duplicity, a lack of accountability and transparency”.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the approval of competitions and tournaments, privately organized; Its my “humble opinion that this current administration of the GFF, erred significantly to completely avoid the continuous issue, from day one of its tenure: As a matter of fact, “inherent policies” from previous administration(s), which were working well “shouldnt have been cast aside”, but over time can be modified. i) Firstly, each Association within a specific time frame, must submit to the GFF, its Annual Calendar of Activities. Thereafter the GFF, compiles its own Calendar. ii) Secondly, during the period of May-June, traditionally the rainy season, indoor or asphalted outdoor football competition(s)/ tournament(s) can be facilitated. iii) T h i r d l y , Association(s) year-end tournaments must be given first

priority, over those that are privately coordinated/organized. The GFF, as the parent body, can coordinate a national K.O. utilizing clubs from all Associations. But they must be first rated (champions & runners up), towards making their product marketable, sponsorship and spectatorship friendly. iv) Fourthly, a national stakeholders forum for privately coordinated competition(s) / tournament(s) must be a “front burner issue”, whereby all and sundry for once and for all, must attend.

The relevant paperwork must be prepared for individuals to fully comprehend that: “Sports, is no longer sports, but rather serious business”. As a consequence, the “procrastination and prostitution of footballers, must cease forthwith”. Editor, I m absolutely sure that for the past 4 years, of the GFF, under Mr. Fordes stewardship, the Federations “Audited Financial Statement” for the corresponding period, under “Income” isnt reflective of: “Levy Fees: GYD $1,000,000.

By “relative comparison, under Mr. Klass stewardship it would have been GYD $10,000,000 approximately.

Wow! All from deviation of inherent policies, constitutionally”!

Further, within the conditionalities of the Federations contract with coordinators, promoters and organisers.

Clubs/Teams, whose players are under the auspices of the GFF, must receive “35% of net gate receipts, at the end of each playing day, where an entrance is charged 7 ½ % each, with the 2 losers pocketing 10% apiece”.

This formula would end at the conclusion of the quarterfinals, since at the semi finials stage, prizes mon-

ies are an automatic guarantee. Liquified beverages and transportation must be also included. In the event of a situation occurring where there is no “gate receipt” 30% of the prize monies must be lodged upfront. “Levy Fees” can also be calculated at a percentage of the prize monies or gate receipts; or a “fixed sum” whichever is greater.

Editor, remonstratively and reiteratively, within the period of two years ago, I had penned a letter publicly, “calling on the GFF, to regularize”, 5-a-side football. Whereas, personalized self-aggrandizement by promoters takes precedence over the players welfare, which shouldnt be.

It can never be fair to the GFF, to develop players by virtue of exposing coaches to: Courses, Seminars and Workshop, then for “small goal promoters” that contributes nothing to development, to “ride off into the sunset, with pockets full on monies”, while not even supplying a band aid, ice pack and medical personnel. It would be remiss of me not to mention the “role and function” of the National Sports Commission: as it relates to the legitimate time of closure for the Sports Hall and the Gymnasium, is it compatible to the “Public Security Act” that football tournaments, is played after 02:00hrs? Would members of the Guyana Police Force, invade those state-owned facilities, to bring the proceedings to an abrupt end? Of course not, with “duplicity” taking center stage.

With “small goal football” offering nothing tangible to development of the sport, the GFF must immediately take the “bull by the horns” and act hastily.

Just dont “talk the talk, but also walk the walk”!

Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey.

tuning should bring the venue up to standard with over 14 months remaining to complete such.

Joseph and Sands agreed that although there is some work to be done at the venue, it has a lot of space and the potential of the facility is immense, not only for the 2021 CARIFTA Games but for future meets.

The NACAC officials highlighted during the visit that technical help will be provided if the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) desires such and as much as 20 local officials are scheduled to benefit from general and specialised training in the coming months.

“We will use the South American under-23 championships that will be hosted here (Guyana) in September, to measure the weakness and strengths of our local organizing committee and recalibrate if we need to ensure that the momentous 50th and first CARIFTA games (Continued on page 29)

Front row (L-R) NACACs head Mike Sands, Aubrey Hutson and Trevor Williams.

Back row (L-R) Paul Arthur, Keith Joseph, Mayfield Taylor-Trim, Lavern Fraser-Thomas.

Zverev breaks Grand Slam semis barrier with win over Wawrinka MELBOURNE (Reuters) German seventh seed Alexander Zverev recovered from a slow start to beat former champion Stan Wawrinka 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the Australian Open yesterday to reach his first career Grand Slam semifinal.

Zverev was once considered one of the leading Next Gen contenders to break the Grand Slam hegemony of Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer who have shared the last 12 majors between them.

But the German, who beat Federer and Djokovic on his way to the 2018 ATP Finals title, fell off the radar as he failed to get past the quarterfinals at the majors.

“It feels awesome, I dont know what to say,” Zverev said. “I have done well in other tournaments, I have won Masters, I have won the World Tour finals but I never could break that barrier in the Grand Slams.

“You cannot imagine what this means to me and I hope this will be the first of many.”

Zverev came to the years first Grand Slam lacking confidence after losing all three of his singles matches at the inaugural ATP Cup. He totaled 31 doublefaults during the three defeats but his serve has been immaculate in the years first Grand Slam.

Zverev hit 13 aces on Wednesday and while his opponent struggled with his

Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his match against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) serves, the German got 80% of his first serves in.

“Thanks for reminding me. I thought I had forgotten about it,” Zverev said, when asked about what he did to improve his serve from the ATP Cup. “I worked very hard, I worked a lot on it. This is a Grand Slam. This is where you are supposed to play your best tennis and I am doing that.”

Swiss Wawrinka, who won the first of his three Grand Slams at Melbourne Park in 2014, broke Zverev twice early to breeze through the opening set but the 22year-old German came roaring back into the contest.

The opening set against Wawrinka was the first Zverev lost in this years Australian Open but he won the

next three sets by breaking his 34-year-old opponents serve five times.

“I was getting ready to talk to the press about why I lost in straight sets to be honest,” Zverev joked, adding he needed time to adjust to conditions as he played at night before. “Then kind of turned it around and my energy picked up a little bit.”

Zverev converted his first matchpoint when Wawrinka sent a forehand long and he will meet either top-seeded Spaniard Rafa Nadal or Austrian Dominic Thiem for a place in Sundays final.

The German has pledged A$10,000 for every match he wins and his entire A$4.12 million ($2.82 million) first prize money to bushfire relief if he goes on to lift the trophy on Sunday.

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Thursday January 30, 2020

Kaieteur News

Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Championship continues tonight With several teams aiming to seal their place in the knockout round following two nights of group stage play, the exciting action in the Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Cup Futsal Championship continues this evening with six slated matches at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Future Stars will match skills with Spot-7 from 19:00hrs in the opening match, while Alexander Village tackle Mocha from 19:30hrs and Leopold oppose Spartacus from 20:00hrs.

In the fourth encounter, North East La Penitence battle Avocado Ballers from 20:30hrs, while Sparta Boss tackle Ansa McAl All-Stars from 21:00hrs and Bent Street take aim at Showstoppers from 21:30hrs.

Meanwhile, Back Circle, Future Stars, Rio All-Stars, Sophia and Gold is Money were amongst the winners when the tournament resumed on Tuesday at the same venue.

Back Circle whipped Bada-Yard 12-2. Stephon McLean smashed four goals in the second, eighth, 14th and 17th minutes. Adding hat-tricks were Meshach Barratt in the ninth, 12th and 16th and Selwyn Williams in the fifth, 10th and 19th.

Assisting with goals in the 11th and 13th minutes respectively were Jaleel Hamilton and Dellon Kelly.

For the loser, Jermaine Tinch and Wendell Austin Scored in

the seventh and 20th minutes each.

Similarly Sophia dismissed Island All-Stars 41. Dwayne Lowe recorded a helmet-trick in the seventh, eighth, 15th and 16th minutes.

For the losers Devon Hayman netted in the ninth minute.

On the other hand, Future Stars edged Mocha 3-2.

Kennard Simon bagged a double in the fourth and eighth minutes, while Shane Morris netted in the 14th minute. For the loser, Amos Ramsay and Kevin Gordon scored in the fifth and 12th minutes.

Likewise Gold is Money battled past Stabroek Ballers 4-3. Randolph Wagner recorded a hat-trick in the fifth, 14th and 16th minutes, while Andrew Murray scored in the 13th minute. For the losers, Kemo Lawrence recorded a hat-trick in the ninth, 10th and 20th minutes.

Also, Rio All-Stars edged Melanie 1-0. Jermin Junior scored in the third minute to seal the win.

According to tournament coordinator and Co-Director of San Sports Esan Griffith during an official press release, said, “Once again the fans were treated to another drama filled night of action.

Several high profile teams were pushed to their respective limits while an upset result once again occurred. This bodes well for the event, as there is an element of unpredictability and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the matches.

Australian opener scratched out of U-19 World Cup after monkey mishap (Reuters) - Australia opener Jake Fraser-McGurk will return home from the ongoing ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa after being scratched on the face by a monkey at a nature reserve, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday.

Fraser-McGurk, who was attacked while on a team outing after last weeks victory over England in Kimberley, will undergo precautionary treatment in Australia, CA said.

“We want to make sure that Jake doesnt have any ongoing medical concerns as a result of the incident so we have taken the best course of action,” CA Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

“This involves the player returning to Australia for the treatment required within the recommended seven days of the incident taking place.”

Australia lost to India in Tuesdays quarter-finals FraserMcGurk was run out for a duck in the match at Potchefstroom but will play two more matches that would determine their ranking at the next under-19 World Cup. The 17-year-old said he was disappointed to be prematurely leaving the team and that he had learnt his lesson from the episode.

“I guess it serves me right for getting too close to the animal enclosure,” said the 17-year-old Victorian.

“Thats a lesson learned. I look forward to completing the treatment and getting back on the field as soon as possible.

Action in the Magnun Cup Mash Indoor football tourney promises to be exciting tonight.

Once again I would like to thank the fans and players for their continued support in making the tournament an overall success. It is only

through this level of unwavering support can the competition continue to improve which each edition.”

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.

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Thursday January 30, 2020

GCB makes invaluable contribution to Linden The cricket development department of the Guyana Cricket Board, in pursuit of immediately answering the dire call for development of Cricket in Upper Demerara, has donated a large quantity of playing equipment to the Upper Demerara Cricket Association, to the president, Mr. Jermaine Figueira, yesterday at the GCBs office.

The presentation featured Mr. Figueira, Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, and his assistant Kavita Yadram, who is also the administrator of the Demerara Cricket Board.

Mr. Figueira, in his brief remarks, thanked the Guyana Cricket Board for their contribution at such short notice to ensure that the youths of Upper Demerara benefits significantly from this gesture. He further stated that he would be liaising with the GCB for further collaborations on cricket development matters in Linden. Discussions are

already on the way for constructions of two clay wickets at Mackenzie Sports Club and Linden Technical Institute grounds.Mr. Stuart, in his remarks, noted the Guyana Cricket Boards delight in making this contribution to the Upper Demerara region since they believe there is a wealth of talent in this community that can be nurtured under a wellmanaged arrangement. They are confident that, Mr. Figueira, and his supporting colleagues, will be able to positively address the development and empowering needs of the said region.

Despite this contribution carrying significant monetary value, it is a notchunder the invaluableness of the Board in recognizing the need for Cricket development in Linden, which is a remarkable intervention and manifestation of the boards commitment to its mandate, Stuart noted in the release sent by the GCB.

Mr. Jermaine Figueira (centre) President of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association receives the equipment from Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, and his assistant Kavita Yadram yesterday.

Foster named ACC Women’s Archer named NJCAA Track Performer female athlete of the week of the week

Joanna Archer continues to make waves in NJCAA circuit.

At the John Thomas Terrier Invitational last Friday, U.S. based Guyanese studentathlete, Joanna Archer, a freshman at Monroe College in New York, took the national lead in the 800m with an indoor best of 2:11.85, then doubled back about an hour later with a lifetime best of 55.94 in the 400m to grab nation-leading honours in that event as well.

The 800 mark makes her No. 9 on the all-time JUCO list.Two weeks ago, Archer clocked 1:14.21 in the 500 meters which converts to a 1:33.51 for 600m also the fastest in the nation.She is the third female athlete from Monroe-New Rochelle to be named National Athlete of the Week during the indoor season and the first since 2017.

Andrea Foster

T

he Athletics Coast Conference ( A C C ) announced last week that

U.S. based Guyanese Andrea Foster who is a senior middle-distance runner for the Clemson University

Tigers, has been tabbed as the conferences Womens Track Performer of the Week.

The honour comes after Foster ran a world-leading, nation-leading and personal best time of 2:05.30 in the womens 800 meters on January 18 at the Clemson Invitational.

Fosters result now makes her the sixth-fastest Ti g e r i n p r o g r a m m e history for the event and she is the first Tiger to earn weekly honours this season.

Fosters first-place finish at the Clemson Invitational was a superb performance, with the Guyanese taking the lead early in the race, crossing halfway in just over 61 seconds and then closing with strength and power over the final 200 meters.

The final result was Clemsons fastest indoor womens 800 meters time in nearly two years.

Kristian Clarke, Joey Field the heroes as New Zealand beat West Indies to reach semi-final - ICC Under -19 World Cup P.30

t r o Sp

Kristian Clarke and Joey Field - the heroes of New Zealand’s chase, celebrate as a Windies player rues the lost chance. (Windies cricket)

Left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd celebrates one of his three wickets against New Zealand yesterday.

NACAC officials visit Guyana ahead of 2021s 50th CARIFTA Games

with defending champion Naomi Osaka The NACAC and AAG officials during the walk around of the NTFC yesterday.

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