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Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
“Dark money” There was an article dated June 11th by Nick Corasaniti in the New York Times titled, “Ending Secret ‘Dark Money’ donations in New Jersey.” New Jersey’s initiative is Guyana’s stubborn problem, one that remains unaddressed. The writer posited that there is “a constellation of advocacy groups…that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money without disclosing their donors, a socalled dark money system that…has an unhealthy influence on elections…” He goes on to say that, “New Jersey is joining…New York City and California…and forcing them to publicly disclose the names of their donors.” In the big, sophisticated metropolises, there are these advocacy groups, these anonymous money shelters, usually secretive billionaires and corporate interests. In Guyana, which is a cash-intensive society, continuing reports are of multiple individuals doling out huge sums (think many millions) into political coffers, without traceability or accountability by either receiver or giver. A major part of Guyana’s problem is that there is virtually no meaningful legislation: not for campaign-related donations, not for regular political donations. It could be argued that there is first disinterest and then resistance to possible corrective legislation; or anything relative to transparency as to funding by individuals, group, and amounts. There is deliberate sloth and haze. Contrariwise, furious debate rages in New Jersey and across America about so-called “dark money.” In New Jersey State Democrat, Tom Singleton, indicated that “dark money groups…have been operating in the shadows spending large sums of money from undisclosed sources to influence the legislative, regulatory, and elections processes.” Matters are even more sinister here, with relevant questions being: Who are the people, businesses, and groups making large political donations? How much money is being given, and how frequently? Which political parties are the recipients of such amounts? Which supposedly clean governance entity is so untroubled as to accept cash from those in the shadows? Which political groups (if any) actually reject monies from questionable sources? And what are the sources of such monies? Since many of the local money men are reputed to be heavily contaminated with “dark money” these are not only rational concerns, but very compelling ones.Transparency and accountability are words bandied about effortlessly here; but where is the application to political donations? Clearly, it is a right to support the political process with cash or cash equivalents, even a civic duty. And just as fairly, it could be countered, but only with the proper oversight mechanisms firmly in place; especially, in this corrupt society, which has considerable money laundering concerns. Separately, why would such men with a particular kind of money - unearned and unclean - be interested in donating to political groups? It could hardly be asserted that such donations have legitimate purposes uppermost. On the contrary, a persuasive contention would be that such exercises are for interests that undermine the wellbeing of this society.In view of the suspect reputations of many local contributors, it is inconceivable that any political actor would wish to be associated with any such people and their gifts. In fact, the opposite should be true, with the greatest distance placed between self and such givers. Unsurprisingly, given the reality of a cash society and the absence of robust political money legislation, credible reports are of leading sides actively engaged in the sweetening money game. Stated differently, it is where both cash givers and political receivers cannot give and get enough of each other. It, therefore, should not come as any surprise to regular citizens and the keenly observant that those who give are well-positioned to move political men. Both political sides have made themselves available (and vulnerable) for such reach and manipulation. Conscientious and overreaching public servants can so attest; while many a small man have felt the brunt of the power of such men and their own insignificance when hard ball is played. Almost always, the little people lose out. With elections somewhere on the horizon, dark money entangles and disables.
Does ExxonMobil’s Country Manager think that Guyanese are fools? DEAR EDITOR, The maxim, “he who plays the piper, calls the tune”, truly applies to this missive emanating from Mr. Rod Henson, Country Manager of ExxonMobil. Does Mr. Henson think that Guyanese are fools? A simple question for this goodly gentleman would you have entered such an agreement if you were the owner of the resources? Mr. Henson is correct in his opening paragraph. He says that the major oil companies did not “strong arm” anyone, and that “the government’s model contract was a good one”. Sir, your company did not “strong arm” us, you have severed our arms. We have
no one who is competent in the administration to represent us. The government model contract you referred to was picked up from a dustbin and dressed up to look like a contract. I have gone through the contracts of almost every oilproducing country, and none is as ludicrous as the one you forced upon us. Your comments are outright dishonest and must be rejected by all Guyanese. This week, the CEO of Hess stated that the reserve of 5.5 billion barrel of oil is on the lower end. With such a reserve, can Mr. Henson honestly say that US$18 million signing bonus is reasonable? If we were to have a signing bonus of 1/2 of 1% of 5.5 bil-
lion barrels, and with a market price of US$50 per barrel of oil, we should have had in our coffers US$1.375 billion. If we had received a ¼ of 1%, we would have collected US$687 million. Compare that amount with the paltry US$18 million, Mr. Henson, and you see how pathetic and condescending your comments are to the Guyanese people. You have said that the contract “is working well”. Sure, it is working well, but for whom? Surely, it is not working for Guyana and the Guyanese people. You would have seen in Kaieteur News a daily advertisement showing the Royalty other countries receive for their oil reserve and the paltry 2% Guyana will re-
ceive. Have you disputed Kaieteur News’ advertisement? Your “slip” is showing Mr. Henson. I am giving you notice Mr. Henson, that with a new government, this lop-sided contract you so boastfully say is good, would be renegotiated. Stop spreading fear of chasing away investors. For too long, these “so-called” investors you have alluded to have “screwed” Guyana and the Guyanese people. Collectively, Guyanese have the resources, skills, and the ability to create a more productive and prosperous country, as soon as we can get rid of the incompetence of this and previous administrations. Sincerely, Charles Sugrim, CPA
Can we really afford to throw away $22B annually? DEAR EDITOR, To my understanding, Guyana is poised to reap 2% royalties on OUR oil production. I have read independent commentaries expressing dissatisfaction with the ‘deal’ made with ExxonMobil, and have to agree that we seem to have short changed ourselves. According to Tarron Khemraj in his Sunday Business column of 2/26/2018, that 2% rate can see Guyana lose ‘as much as US$108M per year’. Let me break that down: our country’s leadership signed a deal saying we are fine with giving up $22,680,000,000 (twenty-two BILLION, six hundred eighty million) Guyana dollars annually. Even the President’s Oil Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal, was reported commenting on this at an oil and gas sector interactive discussion back on 2/
26/2018 where to quote the article from another news outfit (2-8-2018, ‘President’s oil advisor says 2% royalty too low’) ‘...Guyana’s contract with oil Giant ExxonMobil can be renegotiated and the royalty Guyana is receiving is too low compared to global standards’. Both of the analyses above were given over a year ago, and there are other commentators (economists, lawyers, accountants) who have come after and publicly shared their qualified views that this oil deal was poorly negotiated. What I find particularly disturbing is the response from the government to Dr. Mangal’s statement: “Dr. Jan Mangal, Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, is not authorised to speak on behalf of His Excellency President David Granger or the Govern-
ment of Guyana”. What a way to shoot down the words of the guy who your own administration hired for advice. Whether this can be chalked up to rank inexperience with the Oil and Gas industry (Guyana is an emerging nation) or just rank disdain for facts, one thing is clear; we can forge a better deal than the one currently in place. Maybe we do have $22 billion dollars a year to throw away, though it would be nice if that kind of money gained from oil royalties could be thrown into modernising the GPL grid, raising old age pensions to $40,000 per month per pensioner and other beneficial initiatives for our country. Politicians never seem to have money for these things when in office, but certainly make similar promises while on the campaign trail. How can we
say we don’t have money if we are about to throw away up to $22 billion a year? The next elected government should make it a priority to revisit this arrangement with ExxonMobil and work out a better deal for Guyana. If the current one was applied to a banana farm, it would be like having 100 sucker plants on your farm filled with bunches of bananas, and a rich, global company offers to purchase your bananas but only if they can pay you bonuses on 2 of your banana trees. That kind of deal is certainly bananas. I hope to see this renegotiated before our nation slips on the banana peel of bad economic decisions and lands on its backside. Sincerely, Shazaam Ally The Citizenship Initiative
Now is not the time for House-to-House Registration, our Constitution must be obeyed NOW! DEAR EDITOR, There are numerous evidences to support that the APNU/AFC is not interested in abiding by the CCJ’s rulings and hence the Constitution of our land. This is despite President David Granger’s empty rhetoric about abiding by the Supreme law of the land and the CCJ’s rulings. His dilly dallying with the GECOM Chairman’s appointment bears testimony to this. Granger had said in a statement published on June 18th, 2019, that, ‘we will accept and abide by, the Court’s decision…I assure you that the Government will abide by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’. Is he serious about these utterings? The CCJ’s rulings
made it clear that General and Regional Elections must be held within 3 months of the passing of the no confidence motion and this ruling was passed down from June 18th, 2019. In other words, the Coalition gained nearly 6 months extra time since the motion was successfully passed on December 21st, 2019. Albeit so, the masses in Guyana are adamant that the Elections should now be called within the 3 months from June 18th 2019 in abiding with the CCJ’s ruling and the Constitution. President Granger cannot say that he will abide by these and then threw the ball in GECOM’s court whilst doing his trickery with the GECOM’s Chairman. GECOM is a creature of the Constitu-
tion and must abide by it. The Article says that General Elections must be called within 3 months and GECOM and President Granger must facilitate that. If President Granger is now saying that the List is bloated by 200,000 names and that persons who have reached the age of 18 will be disenfranchised then it is GECOM’s duty to act impartially and rebut these spurious claims. Furthermore, GECOM is aware that the Claims and Objections period will take care of certain defects and that those attaining 18 are automatically placed on the list. Moreover, the cycles of Continuous Registration which came to an end in July 2018, just 4 months before the
No Confidence Motion (NCM) had captured all persons who would be 14 years and over by October 2018, so it is nonsensical for Granger to say that those persons now reaching 18 years will be disenfranchised! These will be eligible to vote in 2021! It is important to note that the Continuous Cycle would have taken care of Commonwealth citizens up to July 2018 as well and those becoming eligible after that date can registered via a Claims and Objections period. It must be emphasized that Continuous Registration fulfils two (2) primary objectives: to ensure that ALL eligible persons are afforded UNLIMITED opportunities to become registered on the National Register of Registrants and (Continued on page 6 )
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Friday July 19, 2019
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DEAR EDITOR This is an open letter to the Commissioner of Police. As a law-abiding, tax-paying Guyanese living in Bourda, Georgetown, I have three questions for the Commissioner of Police. First, is the Operations Room that houses the Emergency 911 service functioning as planned? Second, is the Emergency 911 Service
properly supervised and are incoming calls from citizens properly logged and recorded and the appropriate action taken in response to emergency calls? Finally, is the 2:00 a.m. closing time restriction on nightclubs still in force? In addition, more to the point, are some owners of nightclubs, brothels and ‘whorehouses’ playing ‘cat and
mouse’ with the police? When the Emergency 911 service was finally upgraded and running many Guyanese breathed a sigh of relief and felt that now, thank God, they have a lifeline that they can rush to and rely on in the case of an emergency. However, is the Emergency 911 Service currently working as planned? Unfortunately, my recent
Cash transfers can have direct impact on poverty DEAR EDITOR, It’s pretty rich for the rich to sit around and disparage the notion that giving poor people monthly cash transfers from oil revenues would make them lazy. Investment Fund Manager, David Pollard, is reported to have said at a recent Guyana Securities Council hosted meeting that with such payments, “there is a danger that that encourages recklessness. You don’t have to work. Why work?” Of course, when you see the photos of the audience, only the elite were invited to the meeting, not the poor of which he talked so conde-
scendingly about; the same working class poor people who grow the food, clean the streets, pump the gas and help raise the children of the rich. Perhaps if they were to get out a bit more from their air conditioned offices, homes and SUVs, they would learn that it is the poor who work the hardest in this society, who have suffered the longest and thus deserve the oil money above all others. Moreover, they may begin to understand that the idea that the poor would squander their cheques is simply bourgeois stereotyping and comes from a conservative ideology that poor people are poor due to
I am not that Lincoln Lewis DEAR EDITOR, I am not the Lincoln Lewis of the Channel 65 ribbon advertisement. It has been brought to my attention Channel 65 has been running a frequent ribbon advertisement alleging that, “Lincoln Lewis joins calls for interim president to name date for elections.” There might be another Lincoln Lewis around whose public opinion has such advertisement value. However, this Lincoln Lewis, General Secretary, Guyana Trades Union Con-
gress and public commentator is not the person whose sentiment is being expressed in that advertisement. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary Guyana Trades Union Congress
their own moral failings. It is deeply anti-Guyanese. But wait what does it matter if the poor were to stop working? Would it be any different from all those Georgetown property owners collecting their monthly cheques or shareholders living off their quarterly dividends while living a life of indolence and excess? Who are they to ever judge the working class? I would also urge Minister Jordan and the Cabinet to look carefully at cash transfers in part because they are so effective at stimulating economic activity within poor communities, but mostly because if they truly believe in the “Good Life” for all, such monthly payments have a direct and immediate impact on poverty. Such payments can also be conditioned on school attendance and visits of children to health clinics, thereby helping to improve their lives for generations to come. Yours sincerely Albert Russell
experiences using the service suggest otherwise. I now provide you with the details and timeline so my complaint can be tracked and verified. On Thursday, July 11, at 3: 30 a.m., I called 911 to report that a Brazilian Night Club, next door to the 3-storey building that previously housed the GRA, at the corner of Albert and Charlotte Streets, was blasting music so loud that it could be heard blocks away, disturbing and depriving dozens of Guyanese like myself of their sleep. It should be noted that this new nightclub has replaced its notorious predecessor, Club Olympia, which was then housed a mere 3 door steps away, that purportedly offered the nouveau riche and the bureaucratic elite, the highly sought after premium service enticed by pulsating rhythms such as ‘Adorcica, mi amor, a minha vida (Sweeten my life, my love)’ and ‘Despacito (Take it slow)’ and lured by luscious, curvaceous, bootylicious Latinas too compelling to resist. It may be useful to note also that Club Olympia in its day, provided premium service to a former senior police officer… This new ‘Night Club’ is a reincarnation of Club Olympia and like its predecessor provides premium service to the nouveau riche and bureaucratic elite… and gets its ‘service providers’ from the very building that formerly housed Club Olympia. Again, it should be noted that Club Olympia went through a se-
ries of transformations: From Brothel to a Place of Worship and back to a Supplier of Sex Workers. If that is not Trafficking in Persons, then I don’t know the difference between an apple and an orange. Now back to my call. Amazingly, the operator on duty answering, who, incidentally, never identified herself, informed me that they will have to get a statement! A statement at 3:30 a.m.! What for? I’m making a complaint at 3:30 a.m. and she is telling me she has to get a statement? Aghast, I gave up in despair. What to expect from this service? The outcome, no action was taken! Predictably, the Brazilian Night Club continued its ways for the next 2 nights playing loud music until 4:00 a.m. in the morning. Upset by the loss of sleep and aggravated by the nightclub’s continued defiance of the law, I decided to call 911 again, hoping, just hoping that the outcome would be different. And it was! I called 911 on Saturday, July 13 at 2:30 a.m. A different operator responded. Again, no name, no nothing. I made my complaint about the intolerable noise level, gave her the name of the nightclub and its location and told her “If I don’t see any positive response, I will write the Commissioner of Police.” She hastily reassured me that she will notify Police Patrol. About 20 minutes later, a Police Patrol vehicle screeched to a halt in front of the nightclub. I sighed in relief. The music stopped soon
after and I heard the grating of the steel doors, as they were dragged shut. As I struggled to fall back to sleep, I thought, “Is a good thing I threatened to write the Commissioner of Police.” For the next 3 nights, the music emanating from the nightclub was at a tolerable level and promptly at 2:00 a.m., the nightclub closed its doors. Normalcy had returned. Foreigners are respecting the Rule of Law in Guyana. Thank God. It’s working! I can now sleep peacefully. I hope thousands of other Guyanese do the same. Then came Wednesday July 16. It is 2:30 a.m. in the morning. And I’m back where I started: tossing and turning and trying to fall asleep despite the ear-piercing music blasting from this rogue nightclub. I jumped out of my bed and hastily punched in 911 on my cell phone. “I’ll show them … I’ll get the bastards …” I heard the phone ringing in the Operations Room on the other side of the line. It rang, and rang and rang … It seemed like an eternity. But, I was determined not to give up until someone answered but no one did. Fifteen (15) minutes and no one, no one picked up the phone. It was as if the Operations Room had suddenly (Continued on page 6)
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Kudos to the police officers who solved the Latchman’s murder case DEAR EDITOR, I would like to my express deepest appreciation to the Police Officers who solved the murder case of Aaron Latchman and his teenage daughter, Arianna. The awards and recognition they received by the Guyana Police Force were well deserved. As a people and a nation, we must never grow accustomed to brutal crimes such
as these. I challenge the new Police Commissioner, to create and leave a legacy of a safer Guyana and to change the negative perception of the Guyana Police Force. To those Police Officers who work hard day and night, doing their best to keep us and our country safe and to maintain law and order, I say a big thank you! And to those who fall short, remember the words of
our National Pledge: ‘I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana, and to be loyal to my country, to be obedient to the laws of Guyana, to love my fellow citizens and to dedicate my energies towards to happiness and prosperity of Guyana’. Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas On behalf of Christians Affected By Crime Group (CABC)
An open letter to the Commissioner... From page 5 shut down. Damn it! The ‘cat-and-mouse’ game between the nightclub owner and the police had begun. When the cat is away, the mouse will play. And play they did, louder and louder until 4:00 a.m. in the morning. No sleep for me for the rest of the night. The next day, sleep-deprived and angry that foreigners can come into our country, defy the laws that govern our country and disturb the peace and quiet of law-abiding Guyanese and get away with it, I decided this time to
call Alberttown Police Station to make the report I had previously made to 911. I called 225-2672 at 2:00 p.m. -note the time, broad daylight - and the female officer responding asked if the nightclub was playing the music loud at the time of my call (Does that make sense?) and advised that I call back at night. Why couldn’t the officer lodge my report there and then, inform her supervisor and have Police Patrol monitor the situation at night is beyond me. I resigned myself to this
needless bureaucratic merrygo-round. Midnight came. I’m yet again awakened by loud music. It is too much. At 2:30 a.m. I called Alberttown Police Station. A male constable answered the call, identified himself (that caught me by surprise!) and I made the same complaint I made to 911. I asked him if a Police Patrol could check on the nightclub. “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” And he hung up. I waited and waited. Nothing happened. The nightclub continued its merry way blaring music and providing its service. I noticed two luscious, curvaceous, bootylicious Latinas, responding to a late night ‘booty call’ and I remembered when I was in Cuba the saying: “Para la cena, y para la cama, solo te llama, una vez!” (For dinner or for the bed, you’re only called once!) Dear Commissioner, I’d rather make a ‘booty call’ than call 911 again. Yours sincerely Concerned Citizen
Friday July 19, 2019
Will Guyana’s voters evolve in future elections? DEAR EDITOR, Election Fever is in the air once again, and when the election actually happen, it seems the results will predictably, show the same percentage of votes for the respective two major parties, in the main voting regions 2,3,4,5,6 & 10, as the same for all the previous elections. It doesn’t matter who win, the same area votes for the same parties nationally, the winner in a fair election will win, because the voters of the other party, feeling betrayed and misrepresented by their own, will not vote on Election Day. People will vote for a Government, then complain the very day, the Government they voted for is not doing anything for their wellbeing or betterment, but their duty to vote, is to prevent the other party from winning. This has been the brainless cycle of Guyana’s Politics, since the so-called Independence was obtained by Guyana. The number of voters casting ballots in elections is drastically going down, I can understand that many people feel they don’t have a viable choice, since many of the names that are in the political arena, seem to have been there forever. Also, instead of characteristics and attributes from the Leaders and vying for Leadership Officials like, progressive vision, innovation, accountability, transparency, unity, law and order, financial efficiency, community development, etc, they have, old age, health complications,
racial ranting, dual citizenship, neglect of duty to citizens, fraudulent dealings and accreditations, constitutional non-compliance, non-transparency, state assets giveaway, etc. So Guyana Voters, you have never exercised your real power as Citizens of Guyana so far, and have always voted “Aapanjaat”, hoping, whom you voted in, will provide the necessary wellbeing and betterment you deserve. As you have experienced, this type of voting has been a dismal failure. Not voting in the next Election, is not an option for you Voters, since this solves nothing. In the US and Canada ( the realm of Guyana’s Diaspora), The Conservatives and Democrat Liberals, have forty plus percentage base support, and come election time, the independent and switch voters will decide the Election. North America is between Guyana and Western Europe in Political Affairs. In Democratic Western Europe, the citizens tell Government Elected Officials, “We are your Employers, You work for Us, WE produce and pay taxes so you can have a nice job plus a nice life, with the pay and benefits that come with the job, but remember at the end of the day my family’s well-being and betterment is my first priority, not
because we look alike and not because I know you, and if you can’t deliver the expectations I have, don’t run for office and go find another job”. These countries have strict oversight of Government Officials, if Government Officials expenses exceed 200 Euros, they better have a good reason, or it is grounds for dismissal. If Government Officials exceed their budgets by 2000.00 Euros, it will entail a criminal investigation and if they do dealings with state assets in secret, they get charged with treason. This is why these countries lead the world in the best countries to live in with low stress citizens. So Guyana Future Voters, will you evolve and make your own destiny with the power you have? Not voting or voting same old will give you same old Government. The Foreign Interest is there to Exploit, they don’t have your interest at heart, The Government as it seems, will only look after themselves and close acquaintances, not you. If you Guyanese Voters do not evolve, the future will be ugly, don’t take my word for it, just look around you . The clock is ticking and every delay you make, a piece of Guyana gets taken from you. R. David
Now is not the time for House-to-House ... From page 4 ensuring that GECOM is in a PERPETUAL state of preparedness which would enable it to respond to calls for elections in a timely manner thus guaranteeing eligible persons their constitutional rights to be registered and to vote. I am sure President Granger must be aware of this. It is reasonably logical to assume that since the NCM was in December and Elections should have been held in March had it not been for the delaying tactics of the Coalition, then GECOM being aware that the LIST will expire in April should have done another cycle of Continuous Registration in view of the impending elections in ensuring that it is in a ‘state of preparedness’ unless GECOM had no doubt that the LIST can be amended to capture all eligible voters and afford all these eligible voters an opportunity to vote. It can now be concluded without any contradiction that GECOM has no doubt that the List is valid and can be used should an early elec-
tion be called. This Constitutional body cannot and should not be allowed to flout the rulings of the CCJ and Article 106. The Constitution of Guyana now makes the call for Elections and GECOM must respond in a timely manner since they had to be in a ‘perpetual state of preparedness’. Now is not the time for House to House Registration, our Constitution must be obeyed NOW! The GECOM Chairman’s appointment is another dilemma which the Coalition will capitalize on to delay elections but again it must be in accordance with our Constitutional stipulation of 3 months and again Granger must act in good faith. This to and fro action by the Caretaker Government and GECOM must come to an end NOW and it is time for the ABC Countries to intervene to ensure that our Constitution is not flouted by the APNU/AFC and the upcoming elections are free and fair. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
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Third trial to commence in three months for former GRDB accountant Following a request by Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry - who is working for the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) - for the charges made out against the former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran, to be done in three separate trials, one is slated to commence on October 22, 2019. Ramcharran was slapped with 39 charges of fraudulent conversion and misappropriation, which allegedly took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. The alleged fraud involved tens of millions of dollars. The total is said to be over $400M. He had pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. The matter is currently in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. There are 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts and the trial for these charges will be conducted by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in three months. The remaining charges - 16 for fraudulent appropriation and five for the falsification of accounts - will be dealt with one after the other by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, beginning on August 25. Ramcharran, 30, of 32 Area ‘G’ Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, is being represented by attorney-at-law Sase Gunraj. The defendant was brought before the court after not being present at the hearings for almost two years. He was in Canada at the time. While there, Ramcharran had first applied for
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Eric Phillips was still part of ABR when SARA oil blocks probe started
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Peter Ramcharran refugee status. After he was turned down in December, he sought a review of his extradition process but this, too, was turned down. In 2017, the Chief Magistrate had issued an arrest warrant for him. He is being jointly charged with six other officials.
n May, last, Bloomberg.com had reported that the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) was investigating the award of two oil blocks, namely the Kaieteur and Canje, offshore Guyana. But that probe did not start in May 2018. In fact, it started more than a year prior. This was told to the media by head of SARA, Dr. Clive Thomas. It therefore means that the investigation got underway around May 2017. However, Eric Phillips, the Special Assistant that SARA assigned to lead the oil blocks investigation, was still an active member of a company that has a pending application at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for an offshore block. In 2016, the African Business Roundtable Oil and Gas Exploration, of which Phillips is a co-founder, applied for a license to explore Block C. That concession is in ultra deep waters. Neither Phillips nor any of the persons listed as beneficial owners on the application have the wherewithal or the track record for exploration in ultra-deep waters. According to the application seen by this newspaper, the ABR beneficial owners are listed as Engineer, Charles Ceres (25%); former Guyana Goldfields Country Manager, Violet Smith (25%); Asafa George, a local businessman (25%) and Eric Phillips (15 %). Ceres has since informed this newspaper that he is no longer part of ABR Oil and Gas. He said that he left the company last year September on his 65th birthday. But dur-
SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips ing a recorded interview with Kaieteur News, Ceres clearly stated that up to the time he was there, Phillips was most certainly an active member of the firm. He said he could not speak for what occurred after he left, while noting that he was not even aware that the SARA official had parted ways with the firm. Ceres revealed this same information to Kaieteur News on July 7, last, after Phillips would have authorized him to contact this newspaper and speak on his behalf. BLOCK C FOR OPEN BID PROCESS A few months ago, Head of the Energy Department, Dr. Mark Bynoe, had said that Guyana may be ready for a next licensing round of its offshore blocks, come the first quarter of 2020. Dr. Bynoe had said that the licensing round which will involve Block C is likely to be
subjected to an open bid process. Dr. Bynoe had noted however that he would not want to go forward with the licensing round with Guyana’s old laws. He insisted that the Principal Act, being the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, needs to be reviewed, with the necessary amendments passed by the National Assembly. Furthermore, Dr. Bynoe revealed that his Department is slated to complete a gap analysis of existing legislation. He said that this gap analysis and the reviewed Principal Act will set a strong foundation of transparency and accountability for the licensing round that would follow. He said, too, that it will allow for the Department to draft any replacement or supplementary law that it might need for the sector.
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he present political crisis requires com promise. However, both of the main political parties are unwilling to effect the necessary concessions which can diffuse the crisis. The crisis has led to tensions which are bubbling below the surface. The country is divided along political and ethnic lines. And you can feel and sense it as you go around the country. This spells trouble. General elections have always been tense affairs and are often accompanied by violence and instability. No wonder Guyanese are bracing themselves for the worst. The cause of the tensions is the game of egos being played by both the PNCR and the PPPC. The PNCR does not wish to face the humiliation of having its term shortened. The Cabinet is refusing to resign. Under the Constitution, it is required to do so. The PNCR is resisting this resignation because it does not wish to lose face. It knows that Cabinet is dissolved upon the passage of a no confidence motion. It dissolved Cabinet after the Chief Justice ruled in January that the no confi-
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dence motion was validly passed. The coalition established something called a plenary of Ministers in the place of Cabinet. The PNCR is now contradicting itself. It is saying that Cabinet is not required to resign. It is game of egos and face-saving. The PNCR is also refusing to accept the label of “caretaker”. It is calling itself an “interim government” since it knows that there is a difference between what the former and what the latter can do. In so doing, the PNCR is flaunting its contempt for the CCJ. But this is in part because the PNCR does not wish the coalition to be constrained in what it can do over the next few months. It wants to go on a spending spree to woo voters. The PPPC is also into the ego game. It piloted a successful no confidence motion and it does not wish to have a pyrrhic victory. It has brought the government down. And it wants to ensure that the government does not pussyfoot and try to hold on until the end of its term. The present List of Electors does not grant any special advantages to the PPPC.
Man sentenced to over 400 years in telemarketing scam KINGSTON, Jamaica — Garcia Perez also known as Tituba Mogaba appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on May 16, 2019 where he was sentenced to 456 years for obtaining money by means of false pretence. His accomplices, Daina-Marie Dennis and Nashony Barrow, also appeared before the parish court but were freed after the court offered no evidence against the two. According to the Major Organised Crime and AntiCorruption Agency (MOCA), Perez who is presently serving time for similar offences was sentenced to four years for each count, totalling 456 years. He will serve this sentence on the completion of the present time behind bars, MOCA said.
What the PPPC wants is for its ego to be satisfied by forcing elections within the stipulated three-month period. Political divisions within GECOM stand in the way of this objective. GECOM holds the cards as to when elections can be held. The PNCR is pressing for house-to-house registration because it knows this will guarantee that it can stay in office until next August. The PPPC does not want house-to-house registration because it wants early elections. It is all about egos. On both sides.
There is a possible compromise - one that will satisfy both the concerns over the List and which can allow for the holding of elections within three months. Instead of house-tohouse registration, there can be house-to-house verification. What this means is that instead of going house-tohouse to register persons, the staff of GECOM can simply go house-to-house and tick off who is dead and who is living or holidaying outside of Guyana. The political parties do this all the time. Even local government party activists
were going house to house to verify the list. This exercise can be wrapped up in a week. From this exercise, two additional lists can be compiled. The first is the list of all those who are dead and the second is all those who have migrated, are on holiday, or not at their place of residence. The dead can be struck off the List of Electors. And for the second list, special safeguards can be put in place for those who may be out of the jurisdiction or working in another part of the country during the verification exercise.
The Carter Centre suggested something similar and which is allowable under the existing elections laws. Elections can be held within three months. A credible list acceptable to all can be generated. But it will not happen when egos are flying around and there is unwillingness to compromise.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Guyanese prove they are sicker than Trump supporters Donald Trump has a mindset that embraces him with frightening ideological zeal. Trump can commit any criminal offence or say the most immoral thing, and they back their guy. Trump attracts large numbers at his 2019 rallies. Around the world, there is the continuing confusion as to why large numbers of Americans would support a politician like Trump. Across the ocean, Britain is set to get its UK version of Trump – Boris Johnson. Long before the fanatical supporters of Trump came on the scene, there was a nationality that embodied the racist soul that numbs body and mind – Guyanese. It got worse when the Indian-oriented PPP got into power in 1992. After almost 30 years of PNC rule, Guyanese expected a higher, richer quality of governance from the PPP, led by one of the Third World’s enduring personalities – Cheddi Jagan. Had Jagan stayed beyond his four years, four
months in office, he would have obliterated his legacy, aspects of which are still intact. From 1992, the shape of the PPP’s exercise of power was distasteful, repugnant and unmodern. But it was under Jagdeo that the PPP’s leadership style deteriorated with terrible consequences. A ubiquitous chagrin permeated Guyana under Presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar. African Guyanese folks felt it was a government for Indians only. African Guyanese suspicion of Indians deepened, because in the fifteen years of Jagdeo and Ramotar, they felt that Indians tolerated sickening abuse of power because their people were in government. My personal feeling - and I have been doing research on this the past ten years - is that the massive disappointment of the PPP’s approach to the race dilemma, destroyed the WPA’s faith in multi-racial politics. So aggrieved at the lack of Indian denunciation of the PPP’s semi-fascist hege-
mony, the African leadership of the WPA, without exception, went back to its ASCRIA roots, and transformed itself into an African rights entity. Today, that once glorious multi-racial party doesn’t even care to project an Indian face, even for window dressing purpose. It doesn’t want to have Indian membership. There will always be hope among civilization’s members and hope came to Guyana in 2011 and 2015. Significant pockets of Indians, that Black Guyanese so reviled for the succour they gave successive PPP presidents, defected from the PPP’s electoral bandwagon and turned the PPP into a minority regime in 2011 and defeated the PPP in 2015. For those African Guyanese who are still in unforgivable mood, they had better wake up and grab some coffee of reality – it was a percentage of Indian voters that made 2011 and 2015 possible. After 2015, governance was not of a higher quality. It
was now the turn of Indians to become bitter with African Guyanese. Life is strange and ironic in Guyana, and it will continue to be so until Nietzsche’s Übermensch comes, if he ever will come. The very African Guyanese that spoke in countless numbers to this columnist about Indian support for the PPP’s totalitarianism, are now behaving in identical fashion in relation to what they see as their people in government. Africans cannot escape the accusation of ethnic succour when for the past four years, they have refused to condemn glaring misrule and ethnically-driven policies by the present government. Issues of misrule and ethnic bias are tumbling down like water from Kaieteur Falls, and Indians are asking the question that Africans asked when Jagdeo was ruling – “where are their voices?” Not one African
Guyanese in this country has come out against what happened to Vishnu Persaud at GECOM. The man was overlooked for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer, even though he served in that capacity for years, had superior qualifications than his sole competitor, and was judged unfit by a GECOM chairman who couldn’t explain why he characterized him as unfit. If former GECOM chair Surujbally had done that to an African Guyanese during the reign of the PPP, all hell would have broken loose. Charrandass Persaud was literally and virtually demonized, with the Chronicle newspaper carrying ministerial outbursts that he took a bribe to vote against APNU+AFC. When the PPP ministers misused the Chronicle the way it is being treated today, there were picket lines in front of the newspaper that this col-
Frederick Kissoon umnist joined outside the Chronicle with Mark Benschop, Lincoln Lewis, Gerhard Ramsaroop and others, and with African rights activists like Penda Guyan outside NCN. An image of our NCN picket can still be seen on YouTube. African Guyanese and their Indian counterparts have made Trump supporters look like jokers. When you want to see a nationality whose collective psyche is dominated by racial instincts, you have to come to this tragic land named Guyana.
DEM BOYS SEH
Dem oil company got de leaders in dem pocket
Guyana is like a new baby exposed to all sorts of evil and advantage. Of course de parent does try to protect de child but dem have some parents who does get swayed and dem does ignore de child. That is de case of de oil companies and poor Guyana. Dem oil companies come when not even Guyana know it had oil, because it was searching fuh years and couldn’t find a drop. When de oil companies come dem sit down wid de national leaders just like wha happen in de days when dem Europeans use to go to Africa fuh slaves, or when Christopher Columbus came to this part of de world. Columbus walk wid some shine button and some cloth. He give de people who was here dem things and he tek de gold. He even tek dem tobacco wha deh killing people today. If de people had to sell dem own gold this part of de world woulda be richer than America. Is de same thing when de slave traders go to Africa. Dem carry some sweet smelling
water, some sugar and things like that. When dem lef, dem had hundreds of thousands of people fuh do dem wuk. All dem do was collect de sweet from dem people labour. Now dem boys hear how de oil company seh dem cut a deal wid Jagdeo and Soulja Bai to stick wid de nonsense that going on. Even de foreign reporters see de kind of fortune wha dem mekking while dem giving de country nutten.Under normal condition dem boys know that when de leaders do things in secret is because dem get something to keep dem mouth shut. When a baby crying de easiest thing to do is to put something sweet in its mouth.Exxon and Hess put nuff thing in somebody mouth because Guyana crying and dem people who get thing not even sniffing. Now de Exxon man telling people how shifting account from one company to anodda is a good thing for Guyana. Is like somebody saying that dishonesty is de best thing fuh a country. Talk half and help cover up Guyana.
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Proposed legislation aims at CORRECTION/APOLOGY young offenders, healing wounds The Restorative Justice Bill is expected to give offenders a chance to repair the harm caused by crime. The proposed legislation is part of Government‘s commitment to providing alternative sentencing measure for young offenders with emphasis placed on healing the wounds of all parties affected by criminal behaviour. According to information publicized in the Official Gazette, the legislation is part of a new approach to the problem-solving equation. An explanatory memorandum accompanying the Bill, noted that this form of justice will involve the victim, offender and the community. According to the Bill, a restorative justice programme will be introduced. The memorandum outlined that the programme will seek to address the impact of criminal activities on the victim, offender and the community— since when crime happens it affects them most. The programme will seek
to bring the residents, victims and offenders together in a permissive, safe and carefully managed environment. According to the proposed legislation, the programme will also seek to reach the stakeholders in a fair and unbiased manner. Further, the document outlined that emphasis will be placed on having the offender take steps to repair the harm done. The Bill sets out too that the persons participating in the programme must consent or their parents must give approval before they engage in restorative justice. Those eligible, according to the document, would include juvenile offenders— particularly those between the ages 1014 years. To establish a system for restorative justice, the Bill sets out that the Minister of Legal Affairs will appoint a Director to manage and organise the programme. Further , the document went on to state that the
programme will be manned by a Council comprising the Minister, Programme Director, Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP), Commissioner of Police, Chief Probation Officer and a Representative of the Judiciary, the Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency and the Director of Juvenile Justice – who will act in an advisory capacity. The Bill sets out too that restorative justice will be administered based on referrals and evaluation of the offender, victim and the crime committed. The document also states that provision will be made for, inter alia, the Director of the programme to prepare an annual report about the success of the programme. The report will include the amount of persons who accessed restorative justice, the outcomes, recidivism rate, and any other information which will assist the Council in advising the Minister on the continuance of the programme.
Kaieteur News wishes to unreservedly apologise for the headline and content of an article published in its July 16, 2019 edition, which misrepresents the ruling of High Court Justice Franklyn Holder on the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate Irfaan Ali’s challenge to the legality of 19 fraud charges against him. The headline of that article, which reads “Judge upholds legality of fraud charges against Irfaan Ali” is incorrect. The content of the article states, “Apart from ruling that the High Court has jurisdiction to hear People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali’s challenge to the legality of 19 fraud charges against him, Justice Franklin Holder on Monday ruled that the charges are correct in law.” This is also incorrect.
Justice Holder’s ruling did not pronounce on the validity or legality or legality of the criminal charges. It only refused to grant the reliefs sought by the applicant, Irfaan Ali, on the condition that the Court does not intend to interfere with a Prosecutorial decision to institute criminal charges. Further, the High Court will only intervene in extreme and very exceptional circumstances. Justice Holder did not find those to apply to Ali’s challenge. The Justice determined that the forum for which objections and challenges to the criminal charges would be more appropriate is the tribunal before which Ali has been charged. Justice Holder also determined that, if an applicant is not satisfied with the Magistrate’s decision, there is an appellate procedure which a party may utilise, through the hierarchy of the Courts.
Construction worker hospitalised after metal rod hits power lines A 30-year-old father of three is currently hospitalised in an unconscious state at the Emergency Unit of the New Amsterdam Hospital after he came into contact with power lines on his job at Arch Road, Rose Hall Town. Critical is Fazeer Hassan of Lot 5 D Persaud Street, Rose Hall Town.According to eyewitnesses and co-workers at the scene, Hassan was holding a steel rod when it touched electrical wires located in close proximity to the construction site where he was working. Relatives told Kaieteur News that Hassan is a carpenter who
was working on a building owned by a Rose Hall Town businessman. While he was attempting to move a steel rod from one location to another, it reportedly touched the electrical wires above. He immediately felt the impact of the shock and collapsed to the ground. “His hands inside got some burns and the boots he had on burn out and burst up and one side of his foot burn as well. They took him to the Port Mourant Hospital but because of how bad he was, they transfer he to the New Amsterdam Hospital. He was
Hospitalised: Fazeer Hassan unconscious,” a nephew said. The incident took place sometime around 14:45 hrs, he stated.
Friday July 19, 2019
Significant increase in consumer complaints for first half of 2019 Consumer complaints have significantly increased for the first half of 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018, according to Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU), Feyona Austin-Paul. The significant increase, she said, can be attributed to increased awareness of the Commission and its functions, as well as a large number of complaints from persons affected by the Fly Jamaica incident that took place in November 2018. According to Mrs. Austin Paul, the Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) received 388 complaints for the first half of the
year valuing $128,897,477 137% more than the value of complaints received for the same period in 2018. On the other hand, as she indicated, the number of complaints increased by 179% when compared to complaints received by the unit in 2018 for the same period. January 2018 recorded a total of 30 complaints compared to 39 in 2019, depicting a 30% increase. In February 2018, it was 19 complaints compared to 38 in February 2019, declaring a 100% increase. In March 2018, it was 27 complaints, compared to 46 in the same month in 2019 -
a 70% increase. April 2018 recorded 21 complaints as against 54 in 2019, netting a 157% increase. In May last year it was 22 cases, compared to 124 in 2019, - a 464% increase rate. June 2018 showed 20 complaints as compared to 97 in 2019, a 335% rise. According to CAU, the Electronics and Auto Industries continue to be the lead areas for which complaints are made. The comparative increase in complaints indicates consumers growing awareness of their rights under the Consumer Affairs , according to CAU sources.
No new Bills should be passed at this time Opposition Leader No legislation should be originated or amended during the period of this caretaker government. That is the opinion of Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. He made these comments after a recent update of the Official Gazette showed two Bills being proposed for discussion in the National Assembly. They are, according to the Extraordinary Gazettes, Bill No. 10 of 2019, the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill 2019; and Bill No. 11 of 2019, the Restorative Justice Bill 2019. They are both dated July 8, 2019, and are signed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams. The Opposition Leader has questioned the truth of the timing of the recent publications of the gazette, since the dates on recent updates range from July 8-14 2019, but were updated on the website days later. He also said, while addressing the publication of gazettes signaling House to House registration, that as of yesterday, his office has not yet received the most recent publications, as is the norm. Of each amendment, it is stated “The following Bill which will be introduced in the National Assembly is published for general information.” Several bills were passed by the National Assembly in May last, two months past the original March 21, 2019 deadline stipulated by the Constitution after the passage of the December 21, 2018 No Confidence Motion. These include the Procurement (Amendment) Bill 2019, the Interception of Communications (Amendment) Bill 2019, and the Customs (Amendment of Schedules) Bill 2019. The amendments were recently assented to by
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Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams
PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo
President David Granger. The Opposition had said that any Bills passed after the three-month period would be considered illegal. Jagdeo had told reporters that, should the PPP win the next General and Regional Elections, it would have to seriously consider whether it would recognise those Bills as valid. Now, after the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Consequential Orders which declared Government is in caretaker mode, Government is attempting to take the two aforementioned to the National Assembly. It had also announced its intention to make an amendment to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Control Act, with the aim of removing custodial sentences for the possession of small quantities of marijuana. Of this, Jagdeo said “Theyre only doing all of these things for the show, like the Marijuana position that they took. When they had the opportunity to do this and we were urging them to do it when Parliament was fully
functional they refused to do it. President Granger said thats not my priority. Harmon said The law is the law. Basil Williams said Referendum. He said that we have to have a referendum before. And suddenly, after the No Confidence Motion and they started going on the ground, they suddenly want to do it in the period when they know we cant do it, because we cant pass the Bill.” The Opposition Leader added, “If Basil Williams doesnt understand what Caretaker government means, it means no legislation can be originated now… So there will be no further legislative process.” The Opposition Leader called for Parliament to be dissolved. He said, “It follows… Because if elections have to be held within three months, the next step that follows is the dissolution of Parliament…The position is that the President must now comply with the ruling of the CCJ, and must dissolve Parliament.”
Immigration judge expected to issue deportation order against Roger Khan Convicted drug trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan, was yesterday scheduled to see an immigration judge in Florida. Khan, who was handed over on July 8th to the US Department of Homeland Securitys Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by the prison authority, is currently being held at the Krome Detention Centre, Miami, Florida. According to his local lawyer, Glenn Hanoman, his appearance would likely see a deportation order being issued by the judge. “The deportation order having been issued, the next step is for him to get emergency travel documents from the Guyana embassy in the US,” Hanoman said. The lawyer, who is in contact with Khan, said he is unable to say how long the process of emergency documents will take. Local officials in Guyana had said it could take up to two weeks after he was handed over to ICE. Sometime back, US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch had disclosed that the US Government is working with the local authorities for Khans release. Likely, US officials will escort him on the flight home where he will be handed over to the Immigration services at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). “He is a free man when he comes with some processing by the police,” Kaieteur News was told. Things have changed dramatically since Khan, on the run from authorities h e r e , was arrested in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 and then flown to Trinidad where US agents took control of him. He was taken to New York and charged. There is a new government in place in Guyana.
Scheduled to see a judge: Shaheed Roger Khan The police force has a new look and enjoys closer collaboration with the US Emb a s s y. K h a n , w h o w a s jailed in October 2009 for up to 15 years, asked the US court earlier this year to release him early, based on new regulations. Khan was sentenced to a total of 40 years imprisonment on three separate charges by US Judge, Dora Irizarry, in 2009 after she accepted the plea bargain agreement he had reached with prosecutors. However, two of the sentences, 10 years for an illegal firearm possession charge, and 15 years for witness tampering, ran concurrently with the other 15year jail term. In addition to the jail
time, Roger Khan had to undergo supervised release for five years although according to the judge, he was likely to be deported. In June 2006, Khan was arrested in Paramaribo with three of his bodyguards in a sting operation. Khan was flown to Trinidad, handed over to immigration authorities who then turned him over to the custody of US officials. He was immediately flown to New York where h e w a s arraigned at the Brooklyn Federal Court on 30 June 2006 on a charge of “conspiring to import cocaine. He was sentenced in October 2009.
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Guyana, China collaborate on traditional medicine Guyana is exploring multiple areas of collaboration with China, particularly in traditional medicine. A Chinese delegation from the Jiangsu Province paid a courtesy call on Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence to discuss the strengthening of the partnership between the two countries. “Both countries, our peoples have emerged from the use of traditional medicine as the only medicine at one point in time that they had available to them, to now where we see Jiangsu Province has been able to master the game in traditional medicine and to offer it as an alternative to its people,” the Public Health Minister said, as she welcomed the opportunities for Guyana to learn from Chinese doctors that are skilled in the field. While noting that there are hurdles to overcome concerning the drafting of legislation and enacting policies to both facilitate and regulate traditional medicine use in Guyana, Minister Lawrence said it is a course of direction the Government will take. The Public Health Minister also
expressed that a partnership on traditional medicine will allow Guyanese a choice as they seek healthcare services. As Minister Lawrence welcomed the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Jiangsu Province and Guyana in the h e a l t h c a r e s e c t o r, t h e emphasis was placed on the remarkable accomplishment of successive Chinese Medical Brigades in Guyana. “We have had s o m e sterling moments with the [Chinese] doctors who come to Guyana and who have offered services to thousands of Guyanese, and our people are healthier because of the investment of your doctors in Guyana,” Minister Lawrence proudly stated. The Chinese team included doctors and government officials. Speaking on behalf of the Chinese government was Inspector of Foreign Affairs of Jiangsu Province, Xiqiang Huang. The foreign affairs official suggested members of the 15th Chinese Medical Brigade have volunteer consultations with patients
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence along with staff off the Ministry of Public Health and members of the Chinese delegation from Jiangsu Province. in Guyana to strengthen the level of service of the doctors to Guyana. To this end, Inspector Huang extended an invitation to
Minister Lawrence to visit Jiangsu Province to gather a first-hand account of the public health sector in that
region. Last Wednesday, Guyana bade farewell to the 14th Chinese Medical Brigade. At
that ceremony, Prime Minister Nagamootoo highlighted the outstanding teams outstanding contributions
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MOU signed to offer improved workplace wellness UWI to offer courses on campus and online
Director of the Inter American Centre for Social Security Studies, Reginald Thomas (right), and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences for UWIs Cave Hill Campus, Justin Robinson, after signing the MoU. Workplace wellness and the mental health of employees are the focus of studies to be offered by the University of the West Indies (UWI) to all existing students of all UWI campuses and online to persons across the Region as well. UWI and the InterAmerican Centre for Social Security Studies (CIESS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect on July 17, at the 30th meeting of the Heads of Social Security Organisations hosted by National Insurance Scheme at the Guyana Marriott International Hotel.
The initiative was formulated during a meeting of the Inter-American Conference on Social Security last year. Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at UWI and Chief Executive Officer of the Cave Hill School of Business and Management Incorporated, Dr. Justin Robinson noted the importance of the programme. “When employees are stressed, it feeds into their productivi t y a n d a d d s pressure to the social security scheme.” He highlighted that often employees leave the
workforce at a very young age due to illness which in turn puts a strain on social security systems. One of the goals of the course is to develop a plan that will address this challenge. He also noted that they will focus on the sensitisation of employers, so they can create a healthy working environment. “So, it is targeting both sides, because it is a symbiotic relationship, so it is not going to work if we target just one end. This is a relationship between (Continued on page 27)
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Cummings Lodge man gets 30 years for killing wife A 46-year-old man was yesterday sentenced to 30 years in prison for killing his reputed wife. Sean Singh, who resided at Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, prior to the incident, had admitted to fatally stabbing 39-year-old Indranie Sugrim, his common-law wife. The man was initially charged with murder, but threw himself at the mercy of the court, pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter, last month, when the matter came up for hearing at the Georgetown High Court. The man, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on November 25, 2012, he unlawfully killed Sugrim, also known as ‘Indra’. The lawyer had requested that a probation report on him be compiled and presented before the court proceeded to impose sentencing. According to information, Singh and the woman were involved in an abusive rela-
Jailed: Sean Singh tionship. On the day in question, they were involved in an argument during which Singh armed himself with a knife which he used to stab Sugrim about her body. The killing took place at the couple’s 503 Block ‘Y’ Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown residence. After committing the act, Singh escaped, but was later
arrested by police. Prosecutors Teriq Mohamed and Sarah Martin presented the State’s case. Singh was sentenced to prison yesterday by Justice James Bovell-Drakes after a probation report was laid in Court on his behalf. The report provided the Court with information into the life and upbringing of Singh as well
Dead: Indranie Sugrim as the relationship he shared with Sugrim. According to the report, the man and his wife had constant fights because he expressed a strong dislike for her lifestyle. The couple had been engaged in a visiting relationship when the incident occurred. The report outlined that Singh has since accepted responsibility for his action. When he was given a chance to speak, the man turned to the people seated in the public gallery and again apologised for his actions. In an almost inaudible
tone, he said that he hoped the children of the deceased woman could forgive him for what he did. In handing down the sentence, Justice BovellDrakes told Singh he committed a very gruesome act. In reference to the facts of the case, the judge noted that Singh had stabbed his partner repeatedly - at least 10 times. According to the Judge, the information which was presented against Singh gave him reason to question his sanity. However, Justice Bovell-Drakes said that a mental evaluation cleared
Singh. The judge noted that both that the evaluation and probation report revealed that Singh had no reason to commit such a disturbing act. He lamented at the cringeworthy manner which Singh discarded of his lover. “What you have done is disturbing…You have left the woman’s children without a mother.” Before imposing the sentence, Justice Bovell-Drakes also told the man that his actions caused the persons connected to the deceased much pain and suffering, and that he will have to pay for causing such distress. The Judge’s utterance caused tears to stream down the faces of some persons– presumably relatives of the dead woman - seated in the gallery. Alluding to the quantum of incised wounds which the woman sustained prior to her death, Justice Bovell-Drakes said that the thirty years sentence is in keeping with the injuries. “I do hope that you change your behavior and learn to occupy your time meaningfully, so that when you return to public life, your will take a different path — one which is for the better,” the judge added.
Bus conductor on rape charge for High Court trial Twenty- four-year-old Dorian Fredericks was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court on a rape charge. It is alleged that Fredericks, a bus conductor, and of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, raped an 18year-old girl in 2016. The accused was on trial before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, where the
matter was held in camera. The magistrate found that there is sufficient evidence made out against the accused and he will be tried before a Judge and Jury in the High Court. Fredericks was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge which read that between October1 and October 31, 2016, at North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he
engaged in sexual penetration with a woman without her c o n s e n t . According to reports, the accused and the victim are known to each other, and during the period in question, Fredericks allegedly forced himself on the victim multiple times without her consent. The matter was reported, and Fredericks was later arrested and charged.
12-year-old in Fyrish accident died from multiple injuries Following the death of 12year-old Omally Jonas of Courtland Village, Corentyne, who tragically lost his life along the Fyrish Public Road on July 5, a post mortem examination was conducted on his body. The autopsy conducted by Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh revealed that the lad died from multiple
injuries due to a motor vehicle accident. His body was handed over to relatives for burial. Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that the police are currently awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward in the matter. The driver of motor car HC 9414 which struck Jonas off
his bicycle, is currently out on bail awaiting his fate. Jonas, who wrote this year’s National Grade Six Assessment and secured a spot at a school on the Lower Corentyne, had reportedly left his home to purchase chicken for his mother at a nearby poultry shop, and it was while returning home that he was struck down by the hire car. Jonas was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital then moved to the New Amsterdam Hospital and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Hospital where he remained in the ICU. He succumbed to his injuries last Sunday.
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Cops seek Meadowbank man for 2015 gunning down of sex worker - friend serving 20-year sentence for same crime
P
olice have issued a wanted bulletin for 38-year-old Kanand Ojha in connection with the gunning down of sex worker Nephi Luther Noel called “Nephi,” almost four years ago. The incident took place at Quamina and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown. Ron 'Andel' Forde, an
associate of Ojha's, is already serving a 20-year sentence for the same crime. It is alleged that on July 27, 2015, Ojha left the Guyana National Stadium. He then drove to an area near the St George's Cathedral, where he paid a sex worker, reported to be Nephi Noel, $5000 to perform a sex act. After the act was
completed, Ojha reportedly l e f t i n h i s c a r, b u t subsequently realised that his phone and cash were missing. It is alleged that Ojha collected an associate, Ron Forde, returned to the location, and confronted Noel. An argument ensued and Forde shot Noel in the chest.
The two men then fled. The police later transported the injured sex worker to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A few days later, police issued a wanted bulletin for Forde and Ojha in connection with the killing. Forde was arrested, but Ojha was never captured.
Convicted: Ron 'Andel' Forde Forde, a fisherman, of Lot 31 Rahaman's Park, East Bank Demerara, was initially charged with murder, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter in June 2017. Justice Navindra Singh sentenced him to 20 years. P e r s o n s w i t h information that may lead to the arrest of Kanand Ojha, of 2 First Street, Meadow Bank, E.B.D, are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2266978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 226-7065, 227-1149, 2267065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be
Dead: Nephi Luther Noel called “Nephi”
WANTED: Kanand Ojha treated with the strictest confidence.
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First oil production storage and offloading vessel on its way The FPSO 'Liza Destiny' leaving Singapore en route to Guyana.
I
n a few weeks' time, a significant milestone will be reached in Guyana with the arrival of 'Liza Destiny', one of the floating vessels that ExxonMobil and its partners will use to produce oil in its offshore concessions about 100 miles from Guyana. The Liza Destiny departed Singapore yesterday for Guyanese waters. Liza Destiny is a Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), which is an offshore production facility that houses both processing equipment and storage for produced hydrocarbons. The basic design of most FPSOs encompasses a shipshaped vessel, with processing equipment, or topsides, aboard the vessel's deck and hydrocarbon storage below in the double hull. After processing, an FPSO stores oil or gas before offloading periodically to shuttle tankers or transmit processed petroleum via pipelines. Christened on June 22, 2019 by First Lady Sandra Granger, the FPSO vessel is expected to arrive in Guyana in September as the country readies for first oil in 2020. According to Exxon's local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, the Liza Destiny has a production capacity up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and an overall storage volume of 1.6 million barrels. During normal operations, there will be at least 80 persons living and working onboard the vessel.
Currently, 24 operations and maintenance technicians who are being trained in Canada will return in 2020 to support work on the Liza Destiny. This FPSO is a significant component of the Liza Phase 1 development which involves four undersea drill centres with 17 production wells. “We have more than 1000 Guyanese working for the project here, and the team is continuing to do an incredible job. Their work includes everything from completions of the initial wells for production to laying pipelines and infrastructure on the sea floor to eventually connect up to the Liza Destiny for production. We're proud of the work being done each and every day, and want to thank everyone involved for their focus on safety and keeping the protection of the environment top of mind in all that they do,� Country Manager Rod Henson said in the statement. Already, ExxonMobil (continued on page 28)
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
PAGE 23
The Duke and
Bistro
were among leading spots for
Guyana Restaurant Week 2019 By Mikaila Prince and Kemol King
D
uring the recently held Guyana Restaurant Week, Kaieteur’s Entertainment Critics had the honour of dining at two of Georgetown’s most refined restaurants. Director of Guyana’s Tourism Authority, Brian Mullis, promised food lovers a unique cuisine that anyone could love, with mixtures of Creole, Indian and Caribbean flavour. It is fair to say Georgetown’s culinary environment has a lot to live up to given the influx of influences from Latin America and Europe. But from what we’ve experienced, local restaurateurs are already doing a great job. Before we had set foot into any of these restaurants, we had to decide what to look for. The first thing someone notices when they step into a restaurant is the character of the environment. What type of music is on? What about the décor? How does it all make you feel? After that comes customer service. This is a big one. You could be having the worst time in the world, but your waiter could ease those worries and make you forget it all, as long as he’s cute enough, or as long as she’s warm enough. Now, anyone would argue that food presentation and flavor is everything for a true lover of great food! When you look at the meal, does it tempt you to give it a taste? When you do taste it, are you sent on a joy ride with a flavours and spices, and is there a balance of those ingredients? After assessing those components, you’ll decide if this restaurant actually lives up to its name. That said, here is how two restraints did based on our scorecards. RORAIMA DUKE LODGE Before we started eating, we had something else to entertain us; the ambience. The room was barely lit, but not so dark that you couldn’t see the striking art on the walls. And not just any art, all of the pieces are by young, talented Guyanese. “Where cuisine and culture clash…” is what we were told the theme was. Over every table, hung a lamp that gave each gathering an intimate feeling and we need to stress this. Every table was full, but the ambience made us feel like we were the only two people in the room. Hung up on a post in the center of the room was a tree, with branches of dimly lit fairy lights. It added a magical touch to the room. Ambience for the Roraima Duke Lodge therefore scored a solid 9. There was music on; back-to-back covers of some of the most romantic modern hits by Boyce Avenue; Christina Perri’s ‘A Thousand Years’ and Sam Smith’s ‘Too Good At Goodbyes’. The waitress was a bit abrupt in taking our orders. She literally brought our menus, walked to another table and then came back. A little disheartening, but we got over it. It took the kitchen 30 minutes to prepare our meals. Customer Service in this regard was an fair 6. Mikaila: I had the buffalo chicken mac and cheese, topped buffalo chicken. The presentation for this meal was pleasant. It was the type of presentation that tempted you to dive into the meal, but like they say, looks can be deceiving. The cheesy sauce they piled on wasn’t anything to rave about. Truly, the pasta dish didn’t speak to me. It was just, okay. The buffalo chicken, on the other hand, was well prepared. I could’ve tasted the perfect balance of spices and seasonings, which suggested that they took their time with preparations and marinating of that part of the meal. I ordered the sorrel juice, and it was flavorful, but it didn’t complement the meal and it was served in a small glass. If you squeezed a pouch of CapriSun into that glass it would’ve still had space for more.
For dessert, I ordered the caramelized banana split with maple syrup. This was encompassed of caramelized banana, topped with toasted nuts, a side of strawberry syrup, and it was served with ice cream and hot chocolate syrup on the side. The dessert was sweet, perhaps a bit too sweet. And even though this sweet pool of flavors was satisfactory, I couldn’t finish it. This entire meal for me, was 6.3 out of 10. Kemol: I had fried fish in St. Milly Sauce with cajun fries. The presentation of this meal was simple but brilliant. The trout was topped with a caper tartar sauce, with roasted lime to add flavour. Then there was a pickled cucumber salad for balance. I want to say something nice, but looking at the plate, I kept thinking that half of it was basically the pre-packaged potato fries that I could find back home, and cook on my own with ease. It took me 20 minutes into this meal to realize that I was eating fish and chips; something I could buy on the Plaisance linetop for much less. And what that means is that the presentation was good. So for that, I give The Duke tops! I had gooseberry juice, the more novel flavour. You can never go wrong with this fruit. It had a zingy, subtle sweetness to it. For dessert, I had a peanut butter and jelly frenchtoast bites. They smothered it with peanut butter and jelly, and served it with honey for dipping. It was presented excellently, with blueberries and strawberries. But you could never prepare me for what I was going to taste. Mikaila will tell you that I almost shouted because the combination of flavours made easily one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted. I’ll say my meal was a solid 8. THE BISTRO CAFE & BAR We knew better than to judge two restaurants the same way. The themes were quite different. The ambiance of Bistro was much different than that of The Duke. There wasn’t much of a restaurant theme. The lighting didn’t make us feel intimate, but not that it needed to. The place was crowded with customers who were already dining, and those waiting to be seated, but that’s to be expected for what’s effectively a restaurant and bar. There was some 90s hip-hop on, but it was competing with the noisy atmosphere, so we had to raise our voices to be able to converse through all of it. Let’s be frank, we were a little unsettled at first. But then we took our seats and the most amazing waitress came to our table. Her name was Amelia. Every time she
Grilled Snapper topped with creamy coconut Thai curry sauce
Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Marinara
Chocolate mint cheesecake
Fried fish in St. Milly sauce & Cajun fries passed our table, she’d smile and ask if everything was fine. The adage Good customer service goes a long way rang true on that day. She made us feel warm, and distracted us from our earlier frustrations. We still can’t get over her! Customer service was a safe 10.
Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Bites
Mikaila: I had the Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Marinara sauce (I really like pasta), topped with toasted garlic bread. The garlic bread was a little bit dry - over (continued on page 25)
Kaieteur News
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r y h p e Z a y o t a L s s o B s e Lash
Editoria L
ash extensions are undoubtedly, one of the most fantastic ways to add drama and definition to one’s eyes. But regardless of if you’re new to it or you’re a full-fledged aficionado, knowing the right ways to care for those beautiful extensions is of great importance. In fact, knowing the do’s and don’ts help you to protect your eye-sight while prolonging the luscious volume bestowed upon you. To assist us with this weekly feature, Kaieteur Entertainment contacted Latoya Zephyr, one of the best lash goddesses within these shores. Below are six of her top aftercare instructions. 1) Do not perm, tint or use an eyelash curler 2) Use only water-based makeup and makeup remover 3) Do not get your lashes wet for the first 24 hours 4) Be mindful of pulling your extensions or hastily rubbing your eyes
shares key tips on how to s n o i s n e t x e e s o care for th
5) Remove make-up from around your eye with a cotton swab 6) Always see a trained lash technician to have your extensions removed safely For more information, be sure to contact the
THE
Entertainment POLICE
F
E P
Latoya “Lashes Boss” Zephyr
Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant in Berbice
W
exterior. The series exposes how the community in which they live is influenced by a thick overcast of dirty rumours. Told through the eyes of three mothers -Madeline, Celeste and Jane – played by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley, the audience gets a front row seat in seeing the strengths and weaknesses of romance, parenting and friendship. The Entertainment Police will be following this unique show closely and will be providing reviews and character analysis in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
704 PRESENTS
WINE DOWN
Wednesdays T
Lashes Boss at 6708031. You can also follow her page on Instagram @LashesByToya. Stay tuned for more great tips in next week’s installment.
Aspiring Journalist wins
Big Little Lies is the ultimate comedic tale of murder and mischief or the lovers of “in-home” entertainment, Big Little Lies which features on Sundays at 9PM on ENetworks serves up the ultimate comedic tale of murder and mischief. It is a series that draws inspiration from a best-seller novel which bears the same title and was written by the revered Liane Moriarty. On the background of the tranquil Monterey, Calif, the series unravels the nuances of relationships that are shared among some of the most dedicated moms, their partners and children. But there is a horror that lies beneath that charming
Friday July 19, 2019
he 704 Sports Bar is proud to present its spanking new event called, “Wine Down Wednesdays.” According to management, there will be two options available to patrons. For Option one, you can have boneless wings, cheese, olives, crackers and one bottle of wine for $9000. On option two, there are steak bites, cheese, olives, crackers and one bottle of wine for only $9500. Be sure to take advantage of this promotion while it lasts.
ith much confidence and grace, Denica Henry who is an aspiring Journalist and Social Worker of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice was able to outperform her seven rivals and secure the coveted Miss Exquisitely Conscious 2019 title. The competition which was held on Saturday evening at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School auditorium saw the 22-years-old Henry winning the title. In addition to her new title, Henry is a Mental Health Advocate; a Second Year Social Work Student at the University of Guyana, Tain , Berbice Campus; President of the Youth Arm of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce; and the Youth Ambassador of the RHTY&SC, MS. Nerissa Semple, a Probation and Social Services Officer from West Berbice, was adjudged first runner up. She also won the awards for the best gown, best talent and Miss Social Media. Theresa Moses, a Costumer Sales Representative from, Goed Bananen Land, East Canje was outstanding as she took home the second runner up title. Moses also copped the Miss Congeniality, best Smile and Miss Entrepreneur prizes. The other delegates were Cleyonne Harry, Carrey Hamid, Neomie Nelson and Hannah Butchana. The pageant was held under the theme “Self-care: Green Environment plus Sustenance” which bridges care of oneself and the sustainability of the environment through glamour. The newly crowned queen and her court
Miss Exquisitely Conscious 2019, Denica Henry will undertake several projects over the next year and serve as awareness ambassadors in their various communities. The Miss Exquisitely Conscious Pageant was the brain child of Coordinator Ronda Jonas who is also the manager and director of the venture. Ms. Jonas is assisted by Ms Shanelly Kendall. Both women are senior educators in the town of New Amsterdam. The winners were presented with prizes such as trips to Lethem, Kaieteur Falls, Dinners and monetary awards.
Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
PAGE 25
KidsJam Week Sauvignon 2016 Wine of the The 14 Hands Cabernet
set for July 28 at Everest Cricket Ground
A
WHATZ
ce Marketing Event is proud to present Kids Jam on Sunday, July 28 at the Everest Cricket Ground. School is out and Kids Jam will provide much needed activities for families before the end of the Summer vacation. Kids Jam attractions include mascots such as Princess Tiana, Chase, Princess Elsa, Sponge Bob, Dora and Diego. Additionally, there will be face painting, bouncy house, dunk tanks and other attractions and games for the entire family. There is also a Spelling Bee competition coordinated by KOKO the Natural Hair Store featuring children between the age of 9-11 which begins at 2 PM. Tickets for Kids Jam cost $1000 and available at KOKO, Exclusive Styles, Hits and Jams, Nimbus Vreed -En-Hoop and Muslim Top Up Shop Linden. Kids Jam is sponsored by Ansa Mcal (through their brands Smalta, Tropical Rhythm, ICool, and Chiefeez Snack), Xtra Energy Drink, BM SOAT, Guybisco, Star Party Rental, Hits and Jams Entertainment, Pro Cleaners, Koko – the Natural Hair Store, Glosee PR and Marketing and Heavenly Delight Cuisine.
Capturing the unbridled spirit of wild horses in a rich, juicy red
T HOTTT
this weekend!!! 704 Sports Bar to host 704 Sports Bar presents the ultimate De-stresser Build Your Bucket every weekend for the ladies Wednesday and Friday The legendary Destiny's Child famously said, “Ladies it ain't easy being independent.” And at 704, the management and staff understand just how hard the ladies work to take care of themselves hence the reason this unique establishment is inviting all ladies to head on over to the 704 bar to indulge in their simply tantalizing Destresser cocktail. The first 30 will get this signature cocktail for free. See you there!!!
Aura Bar and Lounge at Pegasus Hotel pres. club night Saturdays Every Saturday, the Management at Aura will be providing an ambiance filled with quality service, delicious food and great music. Every Saturday should be a party to remember and the Aura is determined to give you that experience. The Lounge will be open from 8pm. Music will be provided by Guyana's most popular DJs. For reservations, you can make contact with management on: 225-2853 or 600-6912.
At the 704 Sports Bar, there will always be an opportunity to evolve your choices. And every Wednesday and Friday, party-goers will get a chance to build their bucket. This interesting concept allows you to pick any combination of six beers to Build Your Bucket (BYB) and get it at a special price. This offer is available from 5pm to 7pm! See you there.
Escape the after work traffic today at Palm Court As the Great Caribbean Singer, Father Fox says, "Who does go to work on a Thursday or even a Friday?" Well, unfortunately, most of us do! But that shouldn't stop you from "ducking" every once in a while when the pressure seems too much and you desire to have a little fun. Every Friday, one of Guyana's number one entertainment spots, Palm Court will be offering a light celebration called "Escape the after work traffic. The event gets started from 4:00pm to 7:00pm so see you there.
It's Heineken Fridays at 704 Sports Bar If you are a die-hard fan of the Heineken brand then 704 Sports Bar is where you need to be this and every Friday. According to management, fans can get six Heinekens for just $2800 between 7pm and 9pm. Be sure to take advantage of this offer guys!
he 14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 which is available at the Bistro Restaurant and Café, is a rich, juicy red that features aromas of dark cherry, black currant, coffee and subtle hints of spice. These flavors are complemented by a touch of spicy oak and emphasized by refined tannins. 14 Hands brand is inspired by the unbridled spirit of the wild horses that once freely roamed eastern Washington. Measuring just fourteen hands tall — a “hand” equivalent to the width of one’s palm — these tenacious little horses would travel down from the hills every day to drink from the mighty Columbia
River and graze along the riverbank, then retreat back to cool off at night. Washington’s wild horses have become living symbols of the pioneer spirit of the American West. The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, including the Horse Heaven Hills. The fruit is de-stemmed and crushed before undergoing 7-10 day fermentations. Merlot and other varieties are also blended in to build structure and complexity. The wine is then left to age for several months in a combination of American and French oak barrels to soften and round the blend.
The Duke and Bistro From page 23 toasted, I’d say. The pasta was boiled just perfect, the sauce was simple, even with the mozzarella cheese that was sprinkled on it, but with it had with it an intense flavor. One other thing that did pop out to me was the fact that the dish had a tad bit too much of black pepper, so I was blowing and gulping for water. Pasta always goes well with wine, but only with the right type of wine, so I had two glasses of moscato (the second glass for the spiciness of the pasta. And for dessert I ordered the chocolate mint cheesecake. This satisfied my ultimate sweet tooth! I took my first bite of this, and my taste buds were greeted with a delightful minty, but refreshing taste! It was topped with whipped cream and drizzled with strawberry syrup, and just when I thought that they could not have impressed me more was the moment I discovered an Oreo cookie at the bottom of the cake. It was so cute. Delicious and cute! I would rate my entire meal at Bistro a 7.2
out of 10. Kemol: I had the grilled snapper topped with creamy coconut Thai curry sauce, served with fragrant jasmine rice. I loved the rice. Many people tend to over- or under-season their rice, but this was just enough for me. The grilled snapper was excellent. It was very familiar. At the risk of seeming sentimental, I’d say it tasted a bit like home. I also had a salad, but they’re as salads go. Nothing to rave about, but necessary. With my meal I had one glass of red wine and I love red wine - which might I add made me tipsy. It was dry, but went down smoothly. For dessert, I ordered mini baileys filled donuts. It was covered in vanilla and chocolate syrup. I’m not a big fan of sweet dishes, but I thoroughly enjoyed this. Though it was sweet, it didn’t make me feel like I’d have to worry about acne later. Then I had a bit of Mikaila’s chocolate mint cheesecake, which I loved even more. I rate my meal a 9.
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Friday July 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Amerindian Land Titling project extended to 2021
Berbice Passport Office begins testing residents can now save on travel expense and time
The village leaders at the meeting
The life of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project has been extended to 2021. This was announced by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock during his presentation at the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) meeting at Bina Hill, Annai, Region 9. Minister Allicock said Yupukari (Central Rupununi) is one of two villages that are currently engaging the Cabinet and the other villages will be targeted soon. The ALT project began in 2013 when the then government signed a $2.2Billion (US$11M) document for the implementation of the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation project, which concluded in 2016. At the end of this process, many of the communities selected were not yet titled. According to the minister, the project was a very ‘ambitious’ one, where it was expected that within three years, over 60 villages would have been titled and demarcated. He added that the process of land titling is “tedious”, and it was impossible to finish the process in such a
Minister Allicock addressing the gathering short period. Minister Allicock explained that in 2017, the government sought to extend the project and a further $165Million was earmarked for the advancing of the remaining identified areas for land titling. Speaking on the challenges incurred during that process, the minister said: “For example in Region 7, there are seven villages who refused being demarcated because of a court case. That
was 2016; we are in the year 2019 and they are still not done. So, we have asked those seven villages to give up their space to seven other communities. However, to date, nothing has been done. So, these are some of the challenges we face.” He reminded that the process of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) must be followed when embarking on the demarcation of lands. This
allows the community to be fully involved in the process. “You live here, you know your area and if this was properly followed, we would have gone a far way with this project. However, we intend to go through the process to ensure it is done properly to ensure you, the residents, are satisfied.” Further, Minister Allicock emphasised the need for residents to craft their Village Improvement Plan (VIP) that must include land use management - areas for farming, water catchment, public service, commercial and residential area and, more importantly, the protection of the natural environment. The ALT project seeks to achieve three primary goals: completion of land titles issues and demarcation process for all Indigenous villages that submitted requests, increased use of existing and alternative mechanisms to resolve land titling disputes and thirdly, a communication strategy including a handbook describing the process of titling, demarcation and socioeconomic impact of secured land tenure.
As the government continues to decentralise public services, the new Passport and Immigration Office located at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, Berbice, has begun testing its services and equipment. This was highlighted by Head of Immigration Services, Ewart Wray, who explained to the Department of Public Information that as of July 15, operations at the former office located on the lower flat of Berbice Divisional Headquarters, have been shifting to the new building to provide efficient and effective service to the people of Berbice. Currently, all applications for machinereadable passports are accepted and issued at the location. “We are shifting, we are testing, and we have the technology to take the passport applications here,” Wray said. He said that so far the feedback has been welcoming and the entire process has been going well beyond their expectations. “We have several members of staff here
and we would have brought some experienced staff from Georgetown. Also, we are assessing daily how the system is working. We are expecting feedback from Georgetown and we are also speaking with our technicians and assessing the entire operations”. Since November 2018, Berbicians applying for renewal of their passports were able to submit applications to the Immigration and Passport Office in New Amsterdam and retrieve their passports the following week. Previously, first-time applicants had to process their forms at the passport headquarters on Camp Street, Georgetown. The new service has been welcomed by residents of Region Six who previously described the long hours spent travelling to Georgetown to access the service as a “difficult process”. The facility, which is expected to be commissioned soon, was constructed by Department of Citizenship at the cost of $57.5M.
Police launch Records Management Information System The Guyana Police Force yesterday launched its Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS). The new programme will ensure efficient record-keeping, and guarantee data - including information on criminals - is readily available to investigators. PRMIS is a regional project under CariSECURE, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). CariSECURE is a regional project which seeks to strengthen evidence-based decision making for citizens in the Region Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan lauded the programme and acknowledged that this will positively impact the GPF. “It is an evidence-based approach that will vastly help regional and national institutions in that regard, so literally… what we are talking about here today is vital in the fight against violent crimes,” he stated. Minister Ramjattan said the Government of Guyana had fully endorsed the programme since 2016. Back
then, the programme was titled “strengthening evidence-based decision making for citizen security in the Caribbean”. “Guyana is not the only country… there are nine other countries which are involved in this security data development.” He reminded that in 2017, the administration appointed a national CariSECURE Task Force for the implementation of this data-driven process. PRMIS will be implemented for a six-month trial period at the Alberttown and Fort Wellington Police Stations, before being implemented at other police stations across the country. Speaking with the Department of Public Information following the launch, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James said that while the Force already has a similar initiative in place, this project will further enhance the GPF’s crime-fighting capabilities. Deputy Chief of Mission of the US embassy, Mark Cullinane, who spoke on behalf of the US Ambassador, said as criminals become more (Continued on page 30)
Friday July 19, 2019
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
500 households benefit from MOU signed to offer lighting demonstration programme improved workplace wellness Across the ten administrative regions of Guyana, distribution of energy efficient lights has benefitted 500 vulnerable households. This was conducted under the second phase of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Efficiency Program (PALCEE), supported by the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), and the Guyana Energy Agency. Head of the Energy Statistics Division of the GEA, Shevon Wood, explained that, “…the project is in accordance with the objectives of the Green State Development Strategy and the National Energy Policy which generally aims to, among other things, increase enduse energy conservation and efficiency in the residential sector, curtail greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and minimize the for-
eign exchange cost of energy to the national economy.” The activity, which commenced in May 2019 and will conclude in December of this year, entails the distribution of a total of 2,000 energy efficient LED lights in the residential sector; specifically targeting the distribution and installation in low income areas and to beneficiaries from vulnerable social groups, to demonstrate its derived socio-economic and environmental benefits. The general objective of this project is to enhance local capacity to improve energy efficiency in Guyana, by strengthening the institutions responsible for guiding and directing the energy efficiency programmes nationwide, including laws and regulations. Wood further explained that the criteria that were established to identify the beneficiaries were pensioners and
disabled persons who were in dire need of public assistance from the Government. In addition, she mentioned that the Ministry of Social Protection was consulted, and a population list was provided, from which a sample was drawn from each of the 10 administrative regions. From the data obtained, and based on the number of lights provided under the PALCEE project, a quota of four lights per household was set for distribution which amounted to a total of 500 beneficiaries. To ensure 100% installation of the lights and that they are used for their intended purpose, the GEA has undertaken to install the lights through house- to-house visits. The implementation of the energy efficient light distribution demonstration project is the third and final activity of the programme.
From page 15 workers and employers.” According to Robinson, a centre for “workplace wellness and a sustainable workforce” is being built at the UWI, Cave Hill campus. The facility will focus largely on the sensitisation of the public. “Press releases, press
briefing, conferences, various ways of making this an issue for the public… So, there will be a determined strategy through this centre to build t h i s a w a r e n e s s , ” D r. Robinson underscored. Director of the Inter American Centre for Social Security Studies, Reginald
Thomas said the overall aim of the partnership is to foster a healthy workforce. “We will be addressing all these challenges so that we can have a healthy labour force, affecting productivity, enhancing social security and improving the wellness and well-being of all workers,” he noted. (DPI)
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Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
First oil production storage and offloading ... From page 21 has contracted SBM Offshore, the contractor, to deliver a second FPSO for the second phase of the Liza development offshore Guyana. Under the contract, SBM Offshore will construct, install and lease and operate for up to two years, the Liza Unity FPSO. That FPSO will be de-
signed to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, will have associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day. Exxon is the operator and holds a 45 percent interest in the Stabroek block. Hess holds a 30 percent interest, and CNOOC owns a 25 percent interest. In total for the
first and second phases, ExxonMobil says it is spending up to US$4B for development in the field. Guyana is set to receive a two percent royalty on every barrel and a 50/50 share in the profits. However, the agreement has raised alarm among stakeholders who are adamant that Guyana has been given the short end of the stick.
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
Local courts can and must enforce CCJ’s ruling – Jagdeo
L
ocal courts of law should exercise their authority to make orders, enforcing the rulings and the consequential orders made by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the No Confidence Motion. This was the assertion of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference yesterday at his Church Street office. The former President made this statement in light of recent developments at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In a recent publication in the Official Gazette, the commission announced that it will start house-to-house registration from tomorrow - Saturday, July 20, 2019. The exercise is set to conclude on October 20. The Opposition Leader is contending that Chief Elec-
tions Officer, Keith Lowenfield, is acting in contempt of the CCJ. But he has provided that the solution to that could be right at the local courts. He referred to the agreement Guyana signed, establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice as Guyana’s highest court of appeal. Guyana is one of the founding members of the Court and is one of the few countries in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) over which the court has appellate jurisdiction. In Article 26 of the agreement, titled ‘Enforcement of Orders of the Court’, it is stated that “The Contracting Parties agree to take all the necessary steps, including the enactment of legislation to ensure that: (a) all authorities of a Contracting Party act in aid of the Court and that any
judgment, decree, order or sentence of the Court given in exercise of its jurisdiction shall be enforced by all courts and authorities in any territory of the Contracting Par-
The Office of Police Responsibility (OPR) is close to concluding its investigation of allegations against Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner Lyndon Alves and a number of other ranks. This was confirmed by a senior official who declined to speculate on the findings. The OPR is said to have gathered several statements from police ranks and civilians during their investigation, which included questioning
ranks as far as Berbice. Commissioner of Police Leslie James has promised that the media will be briefed on the outcome of this matter and others once investigations are completed. Alves was sent on leave last month in the wake of accusations against a number of ranks and seniors in Berbice. Included in the allegations are claims that one of three bandits killed in Berbice during a police operation to
hunt criminals at the back of Black Bush Polder, had phone numbers of police ranks stored in his phone. Reportedly, there was one number linked to a very senior officer. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan had said that Alves would remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. He had also expressed confidence in the OPR conducting an impartial investigation.
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
Crime Chief pr obe probe “almost complete” – OPR
ties as if it were a judgment, decree, order or sentence of a superior court of that Contracting Party”. “So our local court and authorities must enforce the judgment of the CCJ which was very, very explicit.” The Opposition Leader said. He went on to read the rest of that section of the agreement, “(b) the Court has power to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any document, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of court that any superior court of a Contract-
ing Party has power to make as respects the area within its jurisdiction.” Jagdeo stressed that it is necessary to remind the public of the local courts’ authority, since the decision of GECOM was made to have House to House initiated on July 20, 2019. He said, “It was GECOM, through its lawyer, that said to the Caribbean Court of Justice – because they were party to the proceedings – that, if they pursue House to House registration, the earliest elections could be held is December 25, 2019. And the Court took that into consideration.” He added that the President of the Court, Justice Adrian Saunders, asked the government’s lawyer during the hearings whether it is suggesting a defiance of the Constitution. “I remember Justice Saunders holding up the Constitution of Guyana and saying ‘What do you suggest? That we ignore the Constitution of Guyana?’ to the lawyer. That is what the President of the CCJ said to the lawyer… There was no reply.” He said that the Court was clear in its Consequential Orders made on July 12 that elections are to be held within the three-month period outlined
in the Constitution. “And GECOM must comply with the Constitution. That’s clear as daylight in the order which was issued on July 12.” He said that the Commission is embarking on a process that it knows will go way past three months. “This would take six months, maybe, if we’re optimistic. And much longer, we believe, if you embark upon House to House Registration.” Jagdeo’s suggestion to cleanse the Official List of Electors (OLE) is much shorter than House to House. “They must prepare for a period of claims and objections,” he said, “which would allow those who are not on the list, for whatever reason, to get on the list through a process of cleansing of the list, and also for people to effect other transactions like transfers, correcting their names etc. That is what GECOM must be doing now in accordance with the Constitution.” The PPP has become so incensed with the Commission’s decision to start House to House on July 20 that, in a statement late yesterday, it called on the Guyanese public to protest the CEO’s “unlawful act”
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Friday July 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Police launch...
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 627-3206
FOR SALE Combines 7300 John Deere (2000hrs), Fiatagri L413 (2500hrs), Laverda 132 & Tractors: Massey 399, Fiat 110/90, Ford 6610, 290 Massey # 695-2220
Edu Care Academy, Now enrolling. Former IBE, Lusignan Public Road. Enrollment 5-9 August. #6420302/649-5987/676-9909
Cassava & fine plantain available. Contact#223-5273/ 223-5274 (1) Transport land located at Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Tel# 664-7481
1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 1-Toyota Tundra 4 wheel drive $1.9M, 1 BMW 3181 $1.4M, 1 Audi Convertible $2.8M, 1 -416 Cat Tractor loader $3.5M Contact#6500402/603-1402
Car King Auto Sales Nissan Sylphy 2017, low mileage, fog lamps, $3.75M Call: 6146948 Nissan Dualis 2011, Lady Driven, Low Mileage, fog lamps, backup camera. $4.5M neg. Call: 630-3584 Mazda Axela $2.3M, just registered, PXX series, excellent condition, 17'’ rims, spoiler etc. #610-9636 Lisa
CAREFORELDERLY, CARE FOR CHILDREN, FIRSTAID AND CPR TRAINING. #2274881
One 2010 Nissan X-trail. Fully powered, PVV series, excellent condition, $3.3 neg Call: 6975758, whatsapp for pics
HERBAL REMEDIES: DIABETES, INFERTILITY, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, ENLARGED PROSTATE, KIDNEY, GALL STONES & SKIN DISORDERS ETC. CALL SPARMAN #676-5924
Experienced Salesman to work @ Innovation America, Knowledge in sales & vast experience in hardware atmosphere. Apply: innovationsamericamng @gmail.com
Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com
1 three bedroom apartment for rent in Diamond. Tel#6022563/609-4365
(2) Business space, Bar/ Grocery shop Call: 645-6191 David & Lamaha St, Georgetown.
STEWART’S ACADEMIC INSTITUTE- SUMMER PROGRAMME: 22nd JULY16th AUGUST 2019) For more information, Contact Mr. Stewart Cell# 697-3801
HEALTH
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 (2) bedroom top flat apartment in Riumveldt Tel#227-8529
IMPORTED Pure breed rottweilers for sale. Contact S.S Royal K9 @ 638-1111
New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered $2.3M , Toyota Vitz 2010 Black unregistered $1.8M . Tel#2235615/600-4212 EDUCATION
VACANCY
(1) One bedroom apartment to rent for a single person preferably. Contact #697-8867
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Stove Repairs. Tel#627-7835
WANTED
30x48 Sash windows, black & white (Regular size) casement and awning windows. $12,000 each. Tel#679-3325
Lanscaping Services, Cutting & Spraying, East Bank #6670140 Professional Repair Service: Computers, Tv’s (LCD & LED), Cellphones & Other Electronics.Ph#629-6470/6962 8 4 3 . E m a i l : akinscott@outlook.com
FOR RENT
1 RZ minibus, Good condition. Tel# 662-4040 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909
Live in or Live out Domestic worker. Call from MondaySaturday between 8:154:15pm #223-7500 One male to look after layer birds in the interior. Tel#6693162 One heavy duty mechanic to work in interior, must have driver’s license. Contact# 6802702 Brush cutter operators, Landscaping workers. Tel# 656-1326 1 experienced cook, 2 counter staff wanted. Call: 623-8654/ 610-0603 Waitress to work in Bar #6614863 Seamstress. Contact: 6911918. Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm 1-male able-bodied clerk. Call: 231-2029/616-5954
Property on the Soesdyke Linden Highway (serious enquiries only) #644-3515/ 698-9711
Wanted land to buy Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Tuschen, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Best price pay cash. Call: 666-2326
(1) 3 bedroom house located at Stewartville. Tel#625-3299/ 268-3129
Experienced live-in waitress to work in bar. Age 18-22 yrs, must have ID. Contact# 2212785/659-1930
LAND FOR SALE Farm road front E.B.D. Behind Park Vue hotel. High income land. Tel#669-5781, 696-7777
Security wanted to work in Georgetown. #227-1717
Houselots 3 mil. New Development, payment plans available-no interest #2336997/667-0140 Foundation, Column & Curb wall already bulit 57ft x 30ft for 2 storey house Lot 1402 Westminister, WBD. Call: 6825813 Farm main road (East Bank) $6.8M Schnoord $3.6M (100ftx50ft) Dairy $2M Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M Tel#648-1635 Parfaite Harmonie transferable $1.9M, $1.5M Business spot $2.5M Parfaite Harmonie with foundation $3.5M. Call: 6662326 WANTED Wanted Industrial electrian to work in Georgetown. #2271717 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown. Tel#227-8748/622-4970 1 experienced driver, must have license for car/van/ minibus & motorbus, residing in G/town between ages 24-50 yrs old. #225-1429/ 641-5075 (1) Cashier to work @ Innovations America, must be between ages of 30-45. Send applications/CV’s to: innovationsamericamng @gmail.com Cashier, Ark Enterprise/The Container House. Bring application and police clearance to 17 Lombard Street. Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Vacancy for experienced mason. Apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda Vacancy for 1 massage therapist, 1 hairdresser & 2 nail technician at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa. #652-5800 DemBake @ Land of Canaan is seeking experienced Motor Lorry drivers & Sales agent. Email CV: admin@demerarabakery.com / call: 266-5848 Annabel’s Bistro located @ 36 Public road, La Grange WBD is seeking cooks with baking skills. Tel#675-7313/ 500-1500
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
From page 30 savvy with the growing use of information technology, so must law enforcement. “It is therefore imperative that law enforcement officials also make clever use of technology to optimize their work in stopping the illegal activities that cost this country, others in the region and its people so much.” The Deputy Chief of Mission said the US government was pleased to partner with the Government of Guyana on the CariSECURE Project.
One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email :husainsaphier@yahoo.com General Domestic to cook and clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358
VACANCY Vacancy for (1) maid must be able to cook Vegetarian meal, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Vacancy exist for a Spanish Teacher- must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information
Vacancy exist for a Full time/ Female cleaner office & home. Part time teacher, must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: Call: 642-9823 600-6887 for more information
Driver, Factory worker, must have a sound secondary education, for more information. Please call: 2230090
Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/600-8457
Waitress & Cook, preferably carnegie trained & Cashier/ Waitress #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St
General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook. Apply with 2 references. KeyFood McDoom village
Friday July 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
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CFU Under-14 teams advised to capitalize on upcoming Challenge Series Bridgetown, Barbados Young female footballers from Member Associations in the Caribbean Football Union will be in action in the CFU Girls Under-14 Challenge Series in August. As they go on the hunt to be tops across the five groups, high-ranking football administrator Sonia Fulford is urging them to maximize the benefits that the developmental tournament has to offer. “My best advice for the teams would be to not focus on the final score of the games but instead focus on the developmental aspects of the game — players’ technique, tactical ability and awareness, discipline, attitude, etc. It is those fundamental tools that players will need in preparing
them for the 2020 Concacaf Girls’ U15 and ultimately the FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifiers,” said Fulford, president of the Turks and Caicos Football Association. Fulford, an exofficio member on the CFU Executive Committee, also sits on the Concacaf and FIFA councils as the female member representing the Caribbean. The CFU Girls’ Under 14 Challenge Series will feature 22 teams divided into five groups. The host countries are, in order of group, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis and the Dominican Republic. The competition forms part of the CFU’s
developmental agenda to grow the women’s game. It will be, for many players, their first international competition. Fulford said she hopes the coaches will harness the opportunity the building block provides. In the wake of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup won by the USA and for which Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz historically qualified, Fulford noted the dividends to be reaped from investment in and support for women in football. It’s about a longterm vision, she said, crediting the Jamaican experience for being a catalyst for other countries. Fulford, however, would love to blur the gender divide
Friday July 19, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be fidgeting, Aries, given your general restlessness. You're anxious to get up and do some sort of song and dance, and yet you insist on waiting for the right time.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may not realize the effect of your erratic behavior on other people. They may try to understand your viewpoint, but at times it seems you're talking in riddles.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Although you may pride yourself on your patience, Taurus, this quality could be hard to come by today. It's possible that you've bent as far as you can and reached the breaking point.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) It may be best if you stay out of the line of fire. Don't get into others' battles. By choosing sides, you create enemies. Use your compassion to soothe the situation.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) People could be exploding with rage all around, and you may wonder what the big deal is. If anyone is likely to have a level head through today's chaos, it's you, and this gives you a tremendous advantage in any situation.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Although your general mood is good, this doesn't mean your day will go off without a hitch. When it comes to projects and getting things done, you may be the one to take the lead.
CANCER(June21–July22) The more you try to control others, the harder it will be to get what you want, Cancer. People with equally strong wills are making it known they won't be bullied by your manipulative behavior. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may join hands with a spokesperson who's willing to attest to your honesty and good nature, Leo. This person is happy to step up and toot your horn for you. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Yo u m a y g e t f r u s t r a t e d when people who've taken shortcuts gain on your position. You believe that hard work is necessary to get where you need to go.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Difficult situations may arise in which you feel like you're doomed no matter what you do. Finding a working solution seems impossible due to the egos of the people involved. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Be quick to point out when you see an injustice, Aquarius. If someone says something offensive or untrue, don't let it slide. If you do, you're just as much at fault as the person who committed the offense. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your emotions may be erratic. You may want everyone to know what you're feeling and act out in an immature manner to get noticed.
in the sport, insisting that the spotlight on “women’s football” helps to keep things factionalized. “We are women that play football, and the conversation should come naturally. I say to my young female footballers, ‘do not let the emphasis placed on this topic make you feel pressured, as if you need to do something different from your male counterparts. You are not just a female footballer; you are a footballer’.” The groups for the CFU Girls’ Under-14 Challenge Series are: Group 1 (Jamaica): Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Martinique; Group 2 (Cayman Islands) Barbados, Cayman Islands, Curacao, St. Lucia; Group 3 (Puerto Rico) Anguilla, Bonaire, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos Islands; Group 4 (St. Kitts and Nevis) Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Group 5 (Dominican Republic) Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
ICC suspend Zimbabwe... From page 33 player must be a like-for-like replacement approved by the match referee. The ruling will come into force from 1 August, meaning the first game for which they will be available will be the first men’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston. In another decision approved by the ICC yesterday, a captain will no longer be suspended for serious over-rate breaches, with all players taking equal responsibility and being fined the same amount as the captain. In the World Test Championship, which is due to start next month, a team that is behind the required over-rate at the end of a match will have two points deducted for each over it is behind.
Jai Signs and Auto Designs... From page 38 total of $2 million will be handed out directly to the athletes in Linden. Founder of the Classic, Edison Jefford indicated that he will be sticking to that prize structure since he has already secured the athletes prize monies. He said that the athletes will collect their prizes immediately after each event.
Sonia Fulford is flanked by other football officials.
Friday July 19, 2019
Tour de France 2019
Simon Yates claims maiden stage win
Yates (centre) has stage wins in the Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espana and now the Tour de France. BBC Sport - Britain’s Simon Yates claimed his maiden Tour de France stage win with a shrewd victory on stage 12. Yates out sprinted Pello Bilbao and Gregor Muhlberger in a technical finish in Bagneres-de-Bigorre after the trio had broken clear with 32km remaining. He has now won stages at all three Grand Tours, having previously won at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana. Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe retained the yellow jersey as he finished in the peloton, with Geraint Thomas second. Defending champion Thomas is 72 seconds behind Alaphilippe but will have the opportunity to reduce that deficit in today’s 27km time trial in Pau. “I am very proud,” said Yates. “Hopefully there is more to come.” Vuelta champion Yates is riding the Tour to help his twin brother Adam’s general classification ambitions.
However, after losing more than an hour in the overall standings during the first 10 stages the Mitchelton-Scott rider took his chance to claim individual glory. Education First’s Simon Clarke led solo on the final climb of the day, La Hourquette d’Ancizan, before he was reeled in by Yates’ team-mate Matteo Trentin within 5km of the summit. Yates bridged across with a select group from the remainder of a 40-man breakaway and dropped everyone except Muhlberger before Bilbao joined them near the top and the trio worked together to establish a decisive gap on the descent. As they arrived in Bagneres-de-Bigorre, Yates initially held back before surging to the front for a near 90-degree left-hand turn with 150 metres to go and kicked again to hold off Bilbao - who Adam Yates picked for victory
in his stage guide - with Muhlberger third. The peloton rolled in nine and minutes 35 seconds down on Yates, with none of the general classification contenders attempting any attacks before Friday’s time trial and two tough mountain stages at the weekend. World time trial champion Rohan Dennis, who had been one of the favourites for Friday’s stage, abandoned the Tour in mysterious circumstances with 80km to go on stage 12. The Australian BahrainMerida rider would not speak to journalists at his team bus when asked why he had withdrawn. “Our priority is the welfare of all our riders so we will launch an immediate investigation but we will not be commenting further until we have established what has happened to Rohan Dennis,” said Bahrain-Merida in a statement.
ICC suspend Zimbabwe Cricket for political interference BBC Sport - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended Zimbabwe for failing to ensure there is no government interference in its running of the sport. ICC funding has been withdrawn and the country will be barred from participating at ICC events. Zimbabwe are due to take part in a T20 World Cup qualifier in October. “We must keep our sport free from political interference,” said ICC chairman Shashank Manohar. “What has happened in Zimbabwe is a serious breach of the ICC constitution and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked.” The ICC issued the punishment after the entire Zimbabwe Cricket Board was suspended by the
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government sports and recreation commission last month and replaced with an interim committee. The ICC says it will review its decision at a board meeting in October. Zimbabwe’s Test status was suspended by the ICC in June 2004 after 15 players dropped out of the squad after the then captain Heath Streak was sacked. They played eight Test matches in 2005 after the suspension was lifted, but would then not play another Test match until 2011. They failed to qualify for this year’s Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. In March, former Zimbabwe Cricket director Enock Ikope was given a 10-year ban from the game after being found guilty of breaching three counts of the ICC’s anticorruption code. His suspension followed
a 20-year ban for Rajan Nayer, a former Zimbabwe cricket official, for attempted match-fixing in March 2018. Meanwhile, the Croatia Cricket Federation and the Zambia Cricket Union have also been suspended for failing to meet ICC criteria while the Moroccan Royal Cricket Federation has been expelled for continuing to remain non-compliant. The decisions were taken at the ICC annual conference in London. C o n c u s s i o n replacements approved - The ICC has also approved the use of concussion replacements in all forms of the game following a trial in domestic cricket. Decisions on replacements will be made by the team’s medical representative and the (Continued on page 32)
Holmes sets pace as McIlroy cards nightmare 79 at Open Portrush, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods endured miserable first rounds at the British Open yesterday with American J.B. Holmes ending in the lead after shooting a five underpar 66 at Royal Portrush. McIlory disappointed the home support with the home favourite carding an eightover-par 79 while a stifflooking Woods was nothing like the player who won the Masters in April as he laboured to seven-over. All eyes were on McIlroy as the Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years, but the buzz around his appearance on course quickly disappeared with a sickening quadruple bogey at the first hole. The four-times major champion ended his day knowing he will need a stellar second round merely to make the halfway cut. Ireland’s Shane Lowry was the clubhouse leader for a couple of hours after a four-underpar 67 on a day of wind and squally showers, mixed with dazzling sunshine. His score was later overtaken by Holmes, who handled the course with confidence despite a bogey on the first. A large group on two back included world
number one Brooks Koepka, who made an ominously good start with a tidy performance that was bogeyfree until a wayward drive at the 17th. Koepka, seeking to complete one of the greatest major championship years after going second, first and second at the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open, was guided around Portrush by caddie Ricky Elliott, who hails from the area. Spaniard Jon Rahm, viewed by many experts as a title contender, was in the group two shots back of Holmes after missing a five foot par putt on the 18th. Other leading names did not enjoy their opening rounds at the last major of the year. Defending champion Francesco Molinari of Italy struggled to a three-over 74, former winner Phil Mickelson shot 76. McIlroy once scored 61 around Portrush as a teenager but began his challenge for the Claret Jug he won in 2014 in calamitous fashion. McIlroy’s opening tee shot went out of bounds, breaking a spectator’s phone in the process. His follow-up found heavy rough and from there he struck his next shot into an unplayable lie in a bramble bush.
After taking a penalty drop, McIlroy chipped on to the green and two-putted. He picked his ball out of the hole, to sympathetic applause, with an ugly eight on his card. The 30-year-old bogeyed the parthree third and although he repaired some of the damage with birdies at seven and nine, the gremlins returned. He double-bogeyed the parthree 16th and triple-bogeyed the last before trudging off. Woods made just one birdie, at the par-four 15th and said he had been in pain, struggling with his movement. The 148th Open began with Portrush resident Darren Clarke striking the first tee shot on an historic morning on the Antrim coast. Clarke made three birdies in his first five holes before carding level-par 71. One of the biggest roars greeted Emiliano Grillo’s holein-one on the par-three 13th. The 26-year-old Argentine’s ace was the first at the Open since Louis Oosthuizen in 2016. Despite damp weather for a second successive day, fans arrived early and in number for the sold-out tournament, with the expected total attendance of 237,750 making it the best attended British Open outside of St Andrews in Scotland.
Netball World Cup
Jamaica win again, T&T steal draw Liverpool, England, CMC – Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls atoned for the disappointment of missing out on the semi-finals with a dismissive 61-48 victory over Uganda in the second round of the Netball World Cup here yesterday. The world number two side started strongly to carve out a 35-20 half-time lead at the M&S Bank Arena, and only eased up in the final quarter with the contest already won. Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, managed to avoid defeat after finding themselves trailing world number seven Scotland at half-time, producing a second half surge to seal a 43-43 tie. The Caribbean side are already out of contention for the semi-finals, having won just won one match in the entire tournament. In tomorrow’s semi-finals, hosts England will take on South
Africa while reigning champions Australia tackle South Africa. Jamaica, who entered the campaign with high hopes but endured patchy form, had little difficulty disposing of Uganda and winning their second outing in as many days following their brief twogame losing streak. Goal-shooter Jhaniele Fowler scored 38 goals from 39 attempts and was a perfect 13-from-13 in the first quarter as Jamaica led 13-9. She maintained her accuracy in the second quarter with another perfect 20-goal display, powering Jamaica to a 15-goal advantage at the half. The Caribbean powerhouses out-scored their opponents 16-14 in the third quarter with goal attack Shanice Beckford scoring a perfect seven-from-seven, and Uganda won their only
quarter when they took the final one 14-10. For the losers, star goalshooter Peace Proscovia proved flawless with 28 from as many attempts while goal attack Racheal Nanyonga supported with 12 from 19 attempts. T&T never gained control of their encounter and found themselves trailing 911 at the end of the first quarter and 20-21 at the halftime break. They out-scored Scotland 13-12 in the third quarter to level the contest at 34 ahead of the final quarter, before both teams traded goals down the stretch. As usual, goalshooter Samantha Wallace led with 29 from 30 attempts while goal attack Kalifa McCollin shot 14 from 17. For Scotland, goal attack Lynsey Gallagher scored 23 from 25 attempts, with goalshooter Emma Barrie chipping in with 17 from 21 attempts.
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Kaieteur News
Situation of referees and refereeing in Guyana Dear Editor, Let me firstly congratulate the Guyana Football Federation for its showing at the recently concluded Concacaf Gold Cup in the USA. While I do not support the composition of the team and it’s Technical Staff for many reasons including the fact it was more of a British Guyana Team not Guyana. These details I would address at another time. Based on my limited knowledge of Guyana’s
football and football in Concacaf as a whole, it is always evident whenever a team qualify for any tournament, referees always form a part of the officiating teams during that said tournament. It was quite clear in the Copa America, Women World Cup and the Gold Cup. However no official from Guyana was appointed to the Gold Cup. My record shows that there is also a first time for our referees.
Where was President Forde when Rome was burning? Is Concacaf sending a message to the GFF regarding the state of football in Guyana? The growth of our officials occurs in most instances with that of the game in our country. It is quite evident with no clubs in Guyana (except for teams) and no football of any standard being played that it is impacting negatively on our Officials. Since President Forde destroyed our only and
best clubs in Guyana to use teams instead, our player pool and Officials quickly nose dive underground. Mr. Matthias during his Presidency did all that he could to destroy the Referee’s Association since in his opinion they were too powerful; Mr. Forde have since took up the mantle to finish the job. This is simple because they do not understand the role and function of referees in football. They are simply
the custodian of the laws of the game or the game police and as such to be effective they should be strong and powerful. At times during the match they are the judges. If they are reduced to anything less than that they’re useless. The indiscipline in the game in Guyana will continue to rise. The evidence as it is today seems to suggest that the GFF headed by Mr. Forde is pursuing this line of action vigorously. Referees and Refereeing have all done our country proud even before football of itself had any real impact. Guyana’s flag flew high in the entire world and I am sure we as Guyanese were proud. If you as President do not have any knowledge of the laws of the game and its interpretation and application, you will never be effective as President and the game in Guyana will continue to be below sea level. Every sport needs a functioning referring body and competent referees. Disgruntled referees will always do a disservice to the game. You and the GFF have contributed to the disgruntled state of our referees by failing to hand over the monies collected from sponsors to the referees on completion of various competitions. It would seem to me that with a l l t h e m o n i e s F I FA i s giving to the GFF it is in a worse state than ever in the h i s t o r y o f G u y a n a ’s football. The referees are owed by the GFF, large sums of monies and as such prefers to do games for Banks DIH etc. than the GFF. To add insult to injury, FIFA give the GFF in excess of US$50,000 to aid in the further development of our referees in Guyana. To date only one of ten refereeing course or programme has been conducted by the GFF and or the Referees Association. There is no evidence that this money was handed to the Referees Association even in part, nor used for the purpose for which it was given. The question Mr. Forde, Where is the money? Evidence of further attempts to destroy the Referees Association is the fact that, of the Five (5) FIFA officials in Guyana, three was suspended by M r. F o r d e i n d e f i n i t e l y since December 2018 w i t h o u t due process. Appointments for these
officials are being returned by Forde and the GFF. To date these Referees remain suspended without any hearing. Your financial statement seems to suggest that the GFF is bankrupt with a large list of creditors etc. Are these accounts audited, don’t the Auditors ask questions regarding use of funds based on FIFA circular etc. Also what is the position with the Administrator for Referees since the unceremonious departure of Mr. Lancaster? After a cowboy enquiry by a group of incompetent persons. You took it on your own to dismiss the Administrator. Where is the evidence to justify their conclusion? Mr. Forde you are destroying our sport every day you remain at the head of the GFF and your Vice President seems clueless as you take them all down a road of destruction. Sir I can go on but would await your answer regarding the accountability of the FIFA monies for our referees and other funds. I was fortunate to be at the venue in Linden to witness the opening of the U-20 tournament, where the referees were simply asking for the Tournament Rules and Regulations before adjudicating the scheduled game between Amelia’s Ward FC and Topp XX. After some amount of deliberations, the UDFA Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Mr. James and Vice President Patrick Dey decided that they will adjudicate the game and Topp XX refused to play under that condition knowing that both UDFA Officials are executive members of Amelia’s Ward FC. Mr. Johnson immediately made a call to the GFF Office and returned with the instruction to go out on the field and award a walkover to Amelia’s Ward FC. This type of behavior by both the UDFA and GFF is an abuse of power, since there is no laws of the game or any football constitution that give such authority to any administrative officials other than a legitimate Referee to officiate in an official match, more so there was no use of a whistle to award the walkover, since neither of the two UDFA Officials had a whistle. These have to be considered a comedy of errors. Regards, Thomas Bowen Businessman and former footballer.
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Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship – Group A
A potential humdinger when Lady Jags battle Saint Lucia tonight at Leonora By Franklin Wilson A top of the table clash which will most likely determine which nation tops the group is set for this evening when Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ takes on Saint Lucia on day four of the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara. The penultimate day of action among the five competing nations is anticipated to be hot even though matches are set for the evening into night. Guyana has a clean bill to date having scored four (4) goals and conceding zero and will be going all out for their third win in as many matches. Saint Lucia on the other hand has scored the most goals, nine (9) but has conceded five (5) in the matches they have played to date, winning all three. Their ambitions to end the group on a high will not be an easy task as they have to get past a confident ‘Lady Jags’ outfit. The leading goal scorer
of the group, Krysan St. Louis (#7), Captain of Saint Lucia who has found the nets on five occasions in their last two matches will be the player for Guyana to keep quiet along her teammate, Tanika Bernard (#10) who has three goals, the two accounting for eight of their team’s nine goals. Guyana, one of the more technically astute teams in this group would no doubt have done their homework on the Saint Lucians so fans can look forward to a well executed plan to contain their opponents as they push for their third win. Jenea Knight, scorer of both Guyana’s goals in their 2-0 win over Bermuda, Captain Brianne Desa a solid rock in defense, Kiana Khedoo, Nailah Rowe, Serena McDonald, Aubrey Narine, Tiandi Smith and goalkeeper Anessa O’brien will all be combining efforts with their teammates with the hope of keeping their rock solid form intact. Fans are being urged to come out and give the team that extra drive as the 12th man in their quest to in the first instance, qualify for the round-of-16 and then move
Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ on the hunt against Bermuda in their first match. (Franklin Wilson photo) on to win the group when they play their final match on Sunday afternoon against Suriname at the same venue and time. This afternoon’s opening match from 18:00hrs is a bottom of the table clash between Suriname and Antigua & Barbuda, both hunting their first points. An entertaining evening of football is on the cards, admission is free.
Junior CASA 2019 Team Championship
Guyanese Girls suffer mixed fortunes, Boys down T&T The Guyanese Girls began day two action in the Team Events at the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships in Port-ofSpain Trinidad yesterday with 4-1 defeat to Jamaica as they hope to keep their dream alive of winning the title for the first time since 2016. With four gold, 4 silver and a bronze in the Individuals, the Guyanese began the Team event with both male and female sides beating St Vincent & the Grenadines by 5-0 margins before the Boys defeated Bermuda 4-1 on We d n e s d a y i n d a y o n e action. Ye s t e r d a y m o r n i n g , Guyana’s only win against the girls from Reggie Country was when Caribbean U-17 Champion Kirsten Gomes beat Savannah Thomson in straight sets 11-7, 11-3, 114 after Safirah Sumner, Madison Fernandes, Makeda Harding and Beau Fernandes had lost their games. Harding put up a spirited fight in an
entertaining contest against Mia Mahfood after losing the first set 6-11, the Guyanese lass played some enterprising squash and matched the Jamaican shot for shot to take the score to 12 all before winning the set 14-12 in a long and exhausting game. Mahfood won the next game, another close encounter; 12-10 before Harding ensured the match went into a fifth game by winning the fourth 11-4 before losing the final game and the match 4-11. Safirah Sumner lost to Mia Alexa Todd 2-11, 0-11, 1-11, Madison Fernandes lost to Mia Lake 11-7, 2-11, 11-8, 6-11, 6-11, Makeda Harding went down to Mia Mahfood 6-11, 14-12, 10-12, 11-9, 4-11, Beau Fernandes lost to Maher Trehan 11-5, 8-11, 4-11, 8-11 and Kirsten Gomes beat Savannah Thomson 11-7, 11-3, 11-5. In the early afternoon match, Guyana Boys thumped Trinidad and Tobago 4-1 with number one seed and Caribbean U17 Champion Shomari Wi l t s h i r e m a k i n g l i g h t
work of Joshua Poon 11-3, 11-4, 11-3. Gianni Carpenter beat Michael Chin Lee 11-2, 115, 11-1, Daniel Islam beat Kobie Khan 11-9, 11-7, 113. Mohyran Baksh lost to Seth Thong 5-11, 12-10, 711, 7-11 and Nicholas Verwey beat Scott-Michael Shaw 11-1, 11-0, 11-2. The Guyana Girls, playing in the evening m a t c h y e s t e r d a y, B e a u Fernandes and Madison Fernandes were awarded two Walk-overs to go 2-up in the five game match, before Safirah Sumner beat Skye Buckley 6-11, 10-12, 11-7, 11-8, 11-3. Makeda Harding lost to Jade Pitcairn 6-11, 5-11, 711 before Kirsten Gomes beat Alyssa Gordon11-0, 11-1, 11-2. In other results yesterday, defending team Champions Barbados, won their Girls match against T&T 4-1, Bermuda Boys beat St Vincent 4-1, Jamaica Boys beat BVI 4-1, Barbados boys beat Cayman Islands 4-1 and Bermuda Girls beat BVI 31.
Latest Points Table Group A Country Saint Lucia Guyana Bermuda Antigua Suriname
MP 3 2 3 2 2
W 3 2 1 0 0
D 0 0 0 0 0
L 0 0 2 2 2
GF 9 4 7 1 4
GA 5 0 5 5 10
GD +4 +4 +2 -4 -6
Points 9 6 3 0 0
Nand Persaud Sprint Classic
Stag Beer, Trophy Stall, Nand Persaud Subsidiaries to bank roll event The Nand Persaud Group of Companies which boasts a number of subsidiaries, has begun attracting sponsors for their Sprint Classic Horse Race Meet. The event which is slated for Sunday August 11th at the Company’s racing facility, No36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice, is being promoted by the Company Sky Plus Incorporated Promotion Group. So far major sponsors are Ansa Mc Al Group of Companies through its Stag Beer Brand and Trophy Stall along with a number of subsidiaries of the Nand Persaud Group including Nand Persaud and Company Limited, NPG Packaging and Plastics Inc., Sky Plus, NPIC
Communications, Nand Persaud Green Power Solutions, Flexotech Inc., Nand Persaud Foundation Inc., Amazonia Rice Incorporated and Plastic Incorporated. The seven-race card, dubbed the “Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic” has over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs. Boasting the only horseracing facility where the horses run in a straight line from start to finish, the races will be run over 880 and 660 yards. The feature event will be for horses classified E and lower over 880 yards or 4 furlongs for a winning purse of $300,000 and trophy. There is an event for 2 year old animals for a winning take of $150,000 and trophy over
660 yards. The event for animals classified J and lower is for a take home prize of $150,000 and trophy. There is an event for K and lower animals for a winning take of $140,000 and trophy. There are three L class races, one for male horses and another for female animals, while the other L class event will see the non-earners from the other two L class races competing. Champion jockey, trainer and stable will all be rewarded with trophies and other incentives, compliments of the Trophy Stall. Interested persons can make contact with Mohini on 600 4728 or Amanda on 618 5966 for more information. Coordinator is Mohendra “Mohin” Persaud. (Samuel Whyte)
Saint Lucia Women’s Rugby Team off 10s tournament is The 15 ladies chosen are to RAN 10s Women’s entering its fourth year and the Loianna Alexander, Marline number of teams competing as
The Saint Lucia Women’s Rugby National Team left for Barbados yesterday to compete in the upcoming RAN 10-A-Side Rugby Tournament which is being held this weekend featuring several male and female teams from around the region. The four-day long tournament which runs from July 18 - 21, 2019 is being held at the Bellevue Plantation Polo Club and is open to the public and all rugby enthusiasts. The
well as the quality of play continues to increase. The Women’s 10s tournament will take place on July 19-20. The Saint Lucian National Team recently returned home from the RAN 7-A-Side Olympic Qualifier in the Cayman Islands which took place on the July 6-7, 2019. There they gave a brilliant showing of their rugby skills and secured 3rd place over last year’s 4th place.
Cherry (Captain), Renetta Frederick, Winnie Della Rene, Electra Marcelle, Kameka President, Mary Roberts, Marissa Wilfred, Genesis Alfred, Daleanna Alcide, Mylene Grunberg, JoselGonzague, Kera Dornelly, Kisha Jeanik Edgar and Shawnette St Juste. Team Physiotherapist and Assistant Manager is Zhenya C. Allain, Coach - Wayne Pantor while President of SLRFU Roger Butcher is the Manager.
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Everest CC camp commences
Participants of the camp with members of the Everest CC executive, Roger Harper and Director of Sport Christopher Jones. In an effort to hone the skills of the younger players, the Everest Cricket Club has embarked on hosting a five-day camp which commenced on Wednesday afternoon last with 32 players between the ages of 12 to 19. Club President Manzoor Nadir explained they have invested over $600,000 into the camp which has grown from 22 students last year. Nadir said that discipline will be of utmost importance and even those who do not go on to play at the highest level, the dispersion of knowledge will be most valuable, and the future of the club will be in good hands. Club Captain Reyaz Hussain stated that the camp allows a
union of cultures, adding that one of the campers is from Pakistan. He said that the activities which range from fitness to technical work to etiquette will groom them to become well rounded individuals. Georgetown Cricket Association President Roger Harper and Director of Sport Christopher Jones explained how sport helps develop social skills and helps restrain issues in regards to Public Health. Harper said, “This is where the future of West Indies cricket is bred and players must strive for discipline if they want to be successful since skill alone does not make one a complete cricketer.”
The participants are being housed at the club throughout the camp which culminates on Sunday with a fun-day where parents, other club members and campers will compete in matches. The executive committee of the club has extended gratitude to the sponsors; Shell Service Station, Cluckers, New GPC Inc., Comfort Sleep, MS Imports, Bakewell, Toucan Distributors, Clear Waters, Burger King/Pizza Hut, Movie Towne, Carib Foods, Dembake, Metro Office and School Supplies, Bistro, Avi Designs and Construction, Beacon Café, Major Bhageshwar Murli, Robin Bhart, Ravin Balkarran, Dr. Narine Singh and Dr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League –EBFA Leg
Grove Hi Tech, Mocha Champs and Agricola Red Triangle are latest winners In the latest round of matches of the East Bank Football Association leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U17 League, Grove Hi Tech, Mocha Champs and Agricola Red Triangle were victorious. Playing at the GFF Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Grove, on account of a double each from Devon Padmore (4th, 33rd), Rasheed Evans (7th, 34th) and Samuel Garnett in the 11th and 16th minute romped to a comfortable 7-1 win over Diamond United Football Club. The other goal for Grove was scored by Solomon Ward in the 68th minute while Diamond United’s
consolation goal came off the boot of Carlos Wilkie in the 45th minute. Mocha Champs got past Friendship All Stars 4-1. Goals came from Genesis Lewis in the 33rd minute, Yohance Porter in the 39th minute, Tyreece Prowell (45th) and Anthony Mc Rae in the 58th minute secured Mocha’s win. Friendship pulled one back through Stephon Harry in the 56th minute. Agricola defeated Soesdyke Falcons 7-0 led by a brace each from Demanie Corte (18, 27), Floyd Boyce (33, 57) and Brion Lambert in the 40th and 62nd minute. Ryan Roberts converted the other goal in the 60th minute. No matches would be played this weekend.
Demanie Corte (not in photo) scores Agricola’s opening goal against Soesdyke Falcons at the GFF Training Facility on Sunday afternoon last.
LGC to host first Major two-day event for this year, this... From page 39 Cummings, Pandit Haresh Tiwari, Robin Tiwari, Paton George, Eon Blue, Kalyan Tiwari, Mike Guyadin, Lloyd Fungafat, Colin Ming, Carlos Adams, Rohan Albert, Hardeo ‘Curry’ Ganpat, Pastor Ragnauth, David Harry, Mark Lashley, and Gavin
Todd along with approximately 12 other local and international golfers expected to participate along with Past Presidents Hilbert Shields, Jerome Khan and Oncar Ramroop. Then in what promises to be the largest and most competitive women’s field in a
long time, 9-time Guyana Open Women’s Champion Christine Sukhram will make her first 2019 appearance in an effort to show that she is still the top women’s golfer in the country whilst former Guyana Open women’s Champions Shanella Webster and Dr. Joaan Deo along with Anasha
Ally, Errin Mitchell, Kari Emhling and Eureka Giddings will do their best to wrest top honors. Sukhram, who has dominated the women’s field for many years, will be tested this year but feels that her talent and ability will withstand the competition. With lots of tro-
phies provided by the sponsor of the event, beautiful weather and a well prepared ground, spectators are urged to come see the best golfers in Guyana showcase their individual talent and learn just how intense the competition is in this amazing sport. Competition starts early
tomorrow and Sunday and spectators can join the players on the course or for the presentation and celebration in the afternoons. For more information on the game, tournament, activities etc, contact can be made with the Club at 220 5660 or visit their Facebook pagelusignan golf club.
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Kaieteur News
CWI Level One Coaching Course underway at National Stadium By Zaheer Mohamed The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Level One coaching course commenced yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence with a number of past and present players participating. The sessions are being conducted by Trinidadian Kumar Rampat and local Territorial Development officer, former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler, Colin Stuart. Participants are being tutored on all aspects of the game which includes theory and practical. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Rampat said he is satisfied with the response from the Guyanese. “I think it’s very motivating as a coach, to see players like Ramnaresh Sarwan, Travis Dowlin, Steven Jacobs and Vishaul Singh, these players who have made a name in the
Tutor Kumar Rampat serves up to Anthony Adams during a batting drill while other participants, looks on. sport coming out here and try to qualify themselves to work with the youngsters in the country. This augurs well for Guyana’s cricket,” he added. Rampat explained that this course can also help to improve the performance of the current players. “It will be
their personal value of what has been done; we have had feedback in several instances where national players who would have done the course, saw the value of what was thought. As a matter of fact, I can quote former West Indies player Larry Gomes, who said
after completing the level one course, that if he knew this he would have made a lot more runs. A lot of cricketers have attested to the course enhancing their performances.” Rampat stated that this course will help to improve
Participants going through the paces.
the standard of the game here from the grassroots level. “When Baldat Mahabir and I took over the reins of coaching in Trinidad, the first thing we decided to do was to enhance the coaches and when you do that you enhance the quality of coaching and that is when children will benefit most.” He added that the participants here have an open mind and are willing to learn, and more such courses should be done throughout the Caribbean. Coaches are required to adapt to the recommended coaching methodology and Stuart indicated that the level one coaches are expected to target clubs so that the recommended information can be handed down to the players. “One of the aims is to create an atmosphere that would help players to consistently perform to the best of their ability in various circumstances,” he said. St. Maarten Development Officer, Kerr Saunders who
has journeyed to Guyana to undertake the course said he is happy to be part of it. “Getting certified is very important and I have already learned a lot. It is very important as coaches, that we transfer this knowledge to the youths so that their techniques can be further developed,” he posited. “Undertaking this course will put me in a better position to execute the different tasks as a development officer so this certificate is important,” pointed out Saunders, who was born in Guyana. It is also expected that the knowledge acquired can be conveyed to students in schools from time to time. Among others taking part in the programme are Anil Persaud, Jitlal Jowharilall, Anthony D’ Andrarde, Dhanpaul, Jermaine Neblett, Debra Daniels, Kavita Yadram, Leon Johnson, Veerasammy Permaul, Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Adams, Subrina Munroe, Clive Grimmond, Ryan Hercules and Kumar Bishundial.
Albion CCC Academy graduates urged to uphold clubs rich tradition and make education priority President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster last week urged the 43 graduates of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club’s Annual Academy to work hard every day to uphold the high tradition of the prestigious club. Noting that the club which was founded over 60 years ago has a very high reputation for producing top class players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies, the BCB head encouraged the players to follow in the footsteps of the club’s legends. Foster spoke at length on the importance of education and pleaded with the attentive players to say in school and obtain a solid foundation. He stated that in
today’s modern world, all sportsmen and women are expected to deal with the media, sponsors, agents and the general public. Natural talent would only take you so far while education would open doors for opportunities off the field as it has for players the likes of Darren Ganga, Ian Bishop, Brian Lara, Michael Holding and Jeffrey Dujon. Foster also urged the players to develop a culture of hard work, discipline and dedication, respect for the elderly and a love for making a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. He pledged the full support of his administration for the development of the game at the junior level and announced that in 2019, the
BCB would host tournaments at the Under-13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23 levels while numerous developmental programmes are being organised including the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme and Annual Cricket Academy. Foster, who has worked tirelessly to unite Berbice cricket over the past eighteen months hailed the outstanding leadership of the Albion Cricket Club and made special mention of Vemen Walter, Orvin Mangru and Mr. O. Outar. Sister clubs in Berbice were urged to follow the footsteps of the Albion Cricket Club and to develop programmes to attract young players to their membership. Foster, on behalf of the Board and the Rose Hall Town
Youth & Sports Club MS where he serves as Secretary/ CEO handed over trophies, medals, balls, educational materials and scorebooks to the Albion Club. Additionally, the BCB boss also handed out three special prizes to players of the Academy. Young Berbice Player Damian Cecil who was described as a future West Indies player received a pair of batting pads. Most Discipline Player, N. Shiwpersaud received two special prizes while the Most Promising Player, Tameshwar Mohamed carried home an educational package and a bicycle. The Club, Foster disclosed would shortly receive more assistance in the form of white shirts, water pitchers and youth information booklets. The Albion Cricket Club
BCB President, Hilbert Foster hands over special prize to one of the Graduates. has produced five Test cricketers in Sew Shivnarine, Narsingh Deonarine,
Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul.
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Guinness ‘Greatest of the Global brand MOTUL supports Seebarran and Vieira Streets’ Georgetown C/Ship commences tonight All roads will lead to the National Cultural Centre tarmac tonight when the group stage round in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championship commences. Rising Stars will do battle with North East La Penitence at 19:00hrs in the opening match, with Charlotte Street tackling Albouystown-B at 19:30hrs and LA Ballers opposing Broad Street from 20:00hrs. In the fourth fixture, Leopold Street will match skills with Albouystown-A from 20:30hrs, while Tiger Bay engages Future Stars at 21:00hrs and Gold is Money face-off with John Street from 21:30hrs. The final two matches of the night will put Back Circle against Sophia from 22:00hrs and Sparta Boss against Alexander Village at 22:30hrs. According to an official release from the tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, “This year’s group stage round promises to be the most exciting and competitive in recent memory, as several high profile teams are pitted against each other. Most of the matches can be considered dream matchups and as such, the fans will be treated to an outstanding level and quality of play heading into the knockout rounds.” The release further said, “The respective fans and communities have descended on the venue in their numbers and we are thankful for their unwavering support which has aided the event in being considered a phenomenon. Without their support alongside the backing of the players, the tournament would not be what it is today.” The group stage which will last for three nights, will end on July 26th. The top two finishers from each pool will
advance to the quarterfinal and subsequent semi-final round on July 27th. The grand finale is pegged for August 3rd. The eight teams that fail to advance from the group round will contest the Guinness Plate Championship. Winner of the event will collect $500,000 and the championship trophy, with the second, third and fourth place finisher copping $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy. They will also earn an automatic berth in the National Championship in August. To date Beacons [Bartica Champion], Melanie-B [East Coast Demerara winner], Brothers United [West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winner], Trafalgar [Berbice champion] and High Rollers [Linden champion] have secured automatic berths to the national championship. Below features the complete fixtures for the group matches. Complete Group Fixtures - Friday 19th National Cultural Centre (1) North East vs Rising Stars-19:00hrs (2) Charlotte St vs Albouystown-B-19:30hrs (3) LA Ballers vs Broad Street-20:00hrs (4) Leopold Street vs Albouystown-A-20:30hrs
(5) Tiger Bay vs Future Stars-21:00hrs (6) Gold is Money vs John Street-21:30hrs (7) Back Circle vs Sophia22:00hrs (8) Sparta Boss vs Alexander Village-22:30hrs Saturday 20th Berlin Tarmac (1) LA Ballers vs John Street-19:00hrs (2) Tiger Bay vs Albouystown-A-19:30hrs (3) Alexander Village vs Albouystown-B-20:00hrs (4) Back Circle vs Rising Stars-20:30hrs (5) Leopold Street vs Future Stars-21:00hrs (6) North East vs Sophia21:30hrs (7) Sparta Boss vs Charlotte St-22:00hrs (8) Gold is Money vs Broad Street-22:30hrs Friday 26th National Cultural Centre (1) Alexander Village vs Charlotte St-19:00hrs (2) Broad Street vs John Street-19:30hrs (3) Albouystown-A vs Future Stars-20:00hrs (4) Sophia vs Rising Stars20:30hrs (5) LA Ballers vs Gold is Money-21:00hrs (6) Leopold Street vs Tiger Bay-21:30hrs (7) North East vs Back Circle-22:00hrs (8) Sparta Boss vs Albouystown-B-22:30hrs
Raymond Seebarran (right) and Matthew Vieira with Marketing Consultant of GT Motorsports, Jennifer Cipriani GT Motorsports, through its line of MOTUL products, has supported motor-racers Raymond Seebarran and Matthew Vieira ahead of this weekend’s second round of the National Race of Champions, organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club. Marketing Consultant of GT Motorsports, Jennifer Cipriani, yesterday afternoon confirmed the alliance with the two young sportsmen, who are set to be among the front-runners in their respective categories on Sunday at South Dakota Circuit. Seebarran, the current point’s leader in the Street Tuner category, will also compete in the Sports Tuner division, while Vieira will be blazing the track in the Superbikes. Cipriani labeled MOTUL, a trusted manufacturer of motor oil, lubricants and fluids, “an excellent brand” as she welcomed the duo onboard. “It is our first major
sponsorship in Guyana under the MOTUL brand. We’re pretty excited about this. We have lots in store for MOTUL and the brand coming up later in the year, but this is just the beginning of what we expect to be a great partnership,” Cipriani stated. Seebarran expressed gratitude to MOTUL for the sponsorship, noting that he is preparing to defend his position at the top of the pile. “It (sponsorship) is always important because motor-racing all round the world is a very expensive sport, so when you get that support and that backing you get to focus a lot more on your racing, your strategies and your output,” Seebarran reckoned. While noting that there may a bit of pressure to perform, given his status as points leader, Seebarran is positive he will represent the brand well come Sunday. “They (the fans) always look forward to good driving from the white EP91 Starlet so
they can expect some good results,” Seebarran noted. Vieira, powering the #48 bike, is excited about the prospects of racing under a major global motorsports brand. “It’s an honour to represent them in Guyana, and I look forward to making them proud,” Vieira said. The former Caribbean champion noted that he is undaunted by the challenges put forward by his competitors, most of whom are looking to pip him to the line. “My message to everybody else is that I’m coming hard too, and I hope you guys are ready for a big brawl on Sunday,” he stressed. “I got to defend my title as Superbike champion; I’m no pushover.” Apart from the two racers, MOTUL will also exclusively sponsor the Time Attack, which forms part of Sunday’s race programme. Action will speed off at 09:00hrs and admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults; children under 12 will be admitted free.
Jai Signs and Auto Designs joins list of sponsors for Jefford Track and Field Classic X
EBFA/GFF Senior League 2019 to resume on Sunday at Timehri Red Ground Competition in the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Guyana Football Federation (GFF) sponsored Senior League is set to
resume on Sunday at the Timehri Red Ground with four matches. Diamond United and Agricola Red Triangle will square off from 10:00hrs
to be followed by a clash between Diamond Upsetters and Timehri Panthers from 12:00hrs. Two hours later, Herstelling Raiders and Soesdyke Falcons will take center stage with the final match of the day between Friendship All Stars and Grove Hi Tech.
CEO of Jai Signs and Auto Designs, Jai Rampersaud (2nd left) hands over sponsorship to Edison Jefford in the presence of other staff yesterday at the Company’s Independence Boulevard location. Jai Signs and Auto Designs joined a list of reputable sponsors to trump up support for the upcoming Jefford Track and Field Classic X scheduled for
Sunday August 11 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden. The support from Jai Signs will sponsor the Male Javelin Event. Each event
carries a total purse of $80,000 with the winner carrying home $40,000, second place $25,000 and third place $15,000 along with memorabilia medals. A (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Friday July 19, 2019
LGC to host first Major two-day event for the year, this weekend The Lusignan Golf Club will be the place to be this weekend as players and spectators prepare for the first major two-day event of the year, one in which all the top players in the country will compete for bragging rights. This year, the Ministry of Business -Department of Tourism headed by Director General Donald Sinclair came on as the main sponsor for the event. Sinclair was extremely happy to be a part of the tournament stating: “With the sport of golf rising to national importance in the country, interest has grown in the game and we now have excellent golfers who are able to perform credibly on the world stage.” This is the second year in a row that this important event will be run after many years of inactivity and companies such as Macorp, Ansa McAl and Banks DIH who have been staunch supporters of the event are on board. “This year promises to be a magnificent showdown as many international golfers will challenge the local players for the title of best golfers in Guyana”. President of the LGC Aleem Hussain stated. This tournament will showcase the tremendous talent we have and prepare our players for the Suriname Open in a few weeks.” The grounds staff under direct supervision of the LGC President is racing to ensure that the grounds will be in top condition for the
tournament and the weather seems to be cooperating, with brilliant sunshine rapidly drying out the damp areas of the course. As of yesterday, almost the entire course had been cut and prepped for the event and it is fully expected that it will be only left to the players to complete the grand stage. And there will be a battle because defending champion Avinash Persaud will have to fight off Munaf Arjune, Chandra Lakeraj, R i c h a r d H a n i ff , M i k e Mangal, Patrick Prasad, Kassim ‘Suga’ Khan, Kevin and Sando Dindanauth and Aleem Hussain to retain his title. In the other Men’s Flights, there will be fierce competition as the huge expected field jostles for the winners circle with top p l a y e r s s u c h a s Tr o y Cadogan, Guillermo Escarraga, Miguel Oviedo, Angel Amaris, Mario Acuna, Jordi Pinol, Jeremy Fernandes, George Bulkan, Ivan Gavira, Mauro Gamargo-Ramiro, Aasrodeen Shaw, Carlos Carbo, Clifford Reis, Ian Gouveia, Imtiaz Subhan, Lekhnarine Shivraj, Mahindra ‘Rommel” Bhagwandin, Ay u b e Subhan, Mahindranauth Tewari, Maxim Mangra, Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud, Pur Persaud, Pope Emanuel London, Rabindranauth Persaud, Robert Hanoman, Maurice Solomon, William Walker, Brian Hackett, Jax Harry, Brian Glasford, Roy (Continued on page 38)
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Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship – Group A
A potential humdinger when Lady Jags battle Saint Lucia tonight at Leonora
rt o p S
‘Lady Jags’ will be going after their third win in as many matches tonight at Leonora.
Junior CASA 2019 Team Championship
Guyanese Girls suffer mixed fortunes, Boys down T&T
The Guyana Boys Team have won all three of their matches so far at the Junior CASA in T&T.
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