Kaieteur News

Govt. business NEWS will continue in Parliament - Minister Bulkan Deviant GECOM starts elections house to house - says preparations

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AIETEUR

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July 20, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 28

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Opposition pickets GECOM headquarters; signals contempt proceedings

East Bank Dem. Construction ExxonMobil has more worker than 30 leads to explore Overpass elevators miss third deadline electrocuted on Stabroek Block …to be commissioned before year end - Minister Ferguson

SARA’s findings of business interests

force Phillips to resign

Eric Phillips

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

Exxon has more than 30 leads to explore on Stabroek Block

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xxonMobil and its other partners on the Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation and CNOC/NEXEN, have had a wonderful run of success

with discoveries such as Pacora, Longtail, Pluma, Ranger and Hammerhead.

According to Exxon, these are all significant, multi-hundred-million type discoveries in their own r i g h t . H o w e v e r, t h e exploration future for the block is still in its early stage as there remain more than 30 leads that have been identified for drilling.

In fact, the Stabroek block basin will have four rigs operating with the fourth coming in by the end of this year.

ExxonMobil recently stated that two of the rigs will be roughly working on exploration, with the other two working on development, recognizing that there are time clocks and other factors that need to be considered.

It was further noted by company officials that some of the things being done on the block from a digital standpoint are phenomenal.

They said for example that drilling for a section of one of the holes for the bloc was, completely automated, using digital technology.

First in the industry to do it, officials noted that this has the potential to save lots of time, but very importantly, to take people out of harm's way from the rig floor. They said that this is a hugely important step.

Further, it was noted that Exxon is advancing digitally in all aspects of drillship development. These boats are equipped with fiber optic connectivity. This means that they are all connected through a digital hub. Exxon representatives said, “There'll be digital twins, both in Georgetown and Houston. Our people will be able to work completely differently than they worked before. And we expect to see a significant prize from reliability improvement as a result of all of that.”

Exxon said that this high performance computing is what really enables it to rapidly create potential scenarios for development and be confident that it can rapidly assimilate new data and new scenarios and do scenario based approaches to development decisions, and quickly understand what could be done with no regrets.

Company Executives said, “The rest of this I think is pretty clear. It isn't just technology, technology in and of itself is not the game.

The game is how do you apply that technology and how do you integrate that technology with all the capabilities you've got. And I think this example is the best example that we have today of where we are doing that to an extraordinary degree.”

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Defiant GECOM starts house-to-house - says elections registration from today preparations underway T

he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that house-to-house registrations will start today.

The disclosure comes hours after breaking news by Kaieteur News earlier this week which hinged on an Official Gazette notice of June 11 that was recently published.

That notice said that the house-to-house registrations will commence on July 20 and conclude on October 20.

The news yesterday sparked protests from the Opposition which demanded that GECOM stand down.

The Opposition has been arguing that house-to-house is a delaying tactic of the Coalition Government which suffered a defeat on December 21 on a noconfidence vote.

The vote was deemed carried in a number of court actions that ended up at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In its orders recently, the

GECOM's Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield CCJ while not announcing a date for elections, pointed to the clauses of Article 106 of the Constitution which said that the Government stands resigned after that vote but remain in office and shall hold elections within three months unless the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority grants an extension.

Ye s ter d a y, G EC O M made it clear that preparations for elections are

happening. “While the Commission is undertaking the registration exercise, concurrent operational activities for the preparations of General and Regional Elections are underway.”

The Commission said it will commence house-tohouse registration on July 20, 2019.

“The countrywide exercise is in keeping with a

decision of the Commission on 19th February 2019 and in accordance with Order No. 25 of 2019 dated 11th June 2019.”

According to GECOM, registration is a legal requirement according to the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 and therefore all eligible persons are mandated to register.

“House-to-house registration is a new registration exercise and therefore all eligible persons must register even if they were previously registered.

Upon conclusion of this exercise, a new National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) which is reflective of the current Guyanese population will be created.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, t h e Official List of Electors (OLE) will be extracted for the purpose of conducting General and Regional Elections.”

According to GECOM, Guyanese citizens by birth, descent, naturalization or

Althea Padmore is new SOCU acting Head

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he Guyana Police Force has announced the appointment of Ms. Althea Padmore as the acting Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU).

She replaces former SOCU Head, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James, who was suspended earlier this month.

A Superintendent of Police, Ms Padmore has been with SOCU since 2015.

She was de facto number two to Sydney James ever since.

She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration and other qualifications necessary for the job at SOCU. Supt. Padmore led in several investigations conducted by the organization.

She was also one of the officers in the first round of training hosted by the

Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) for all financial analysts.

James was sent on leave shortly after a special police audit on the organisation's finances reportedly found some unaccounted expenditure which could not be verified.

The unit probes corruption and money laundering.

SOCU has been handed increased powers to investigate the findings of several forensic audit reports of state agencies.

A n u m b e r o f Government officials under the People's Progressive Party (PPP) were charged as a result of SOCU's investigations of those audits.

The British government has been assisting SOCU by placing an expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington, as an advisor.

However, Sittlington

Althea Padmore

had his services terminated by the British government after it was discovered he had opened a private investigating company.

Another senior official, Sheronie James, also departed SOCU after questions arose about her qualifications.

registration, 14 years and older by 31st October 2019 or a citizen of a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for a period of no less than one year preceding the qualifying date, are all eligible for registration.

“Residents are urged to have the relevant documents required for registration ready and be on the lookout for GECOM's Registration Officials in their area.

These documents include an original Birth Certificate, a Valid Passport, Naturalisation Certificate, C e r t i f i c a t e o f Registration, Adoption Certificate and Deed Poll or Marriage Certificate (if

applicable).” The commission said that for the purpose of this exercise, each eligible person will only be registered where he/she resides.

“Residences include dwelling places such as homes, residential institutions such as hospices and homes for youth and the elderly. Registration will not be done at GECOM Registration Offices.

For more information, persons can visit the GECOM's website at www.gecom.org.gy, email pro@gecom.org.gy, follow Guyana Elections Commission on facebook or call 225-0277-9 or 2239653.”

First Lady says “no quick fix” for education

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irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, on Thursday evening, reiterated the importance of education to youth development, noting that there is “no quick fix” that will supplement quality education.

She was at the time addressing the 'One Mega Weekend, Youth Summit, 2019', held at the Love and F a i t h Wo r l d O u t r e a c h Ministry, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. According to her, she believes that education must be “relevant.”

“I stress relevant because you are blessed to be living in what has been described as the 'fourth industrial revolution' and the age of technology. You are the generation of the World Wide Web, online shopping, social media, smart phones, think pads, drones and artificial intelligence” Mrs. Granger noted.

She added that her idea of education is not only “academics”, but also “social and cultural development that helps to define who we are as individuals and as a society.”

Speaking about financial empowerment, she said that it is important that young people pre-position themselves to benefit from

First Lady: Sandra Granger the wealth that Guyana will soon gain when oil production commences.

“As the young people who will inherit this beautiful and bountiful land, you have to think about the position you want to be in to access and benefit from these riches …think also of the strategic importance of these riches with which our homeland is blessed…

“I have to tell you how happy I was to meet young Guyanese working on the Liza Destiny when I went to Singapore last month for the naming ceremony of the ship,” the First Lady said.

Also present at the event was Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Youth Affairs, Mrs. Simona Charles-Broomes.

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

Repeat offenders

A

July 15 Kaieteur News article noted that there were 12 repeat offenders dragged back before the courts in one month.

This might appear to be statistically insignificant amidst the volume of cases tried and disposed of, with no such disturbing reminders of what menaces daily this vulnerable society.

Still, this small number is not so small for this small population that exists with numerous fears backing it into a dark, increasingly tighter corner.

It could be instances of those who are set in ways and deemed incorrigible; those obsessed with the easy money of fast, but deadly actions. Many have been the laments (and rightly so) from concerned places about unemployment -but is this really desired? Rewarding enough?

Satisfying enough? Or is that one more excuse and quick, convenient cover that pardons the hardcore recidivists?

That jury still deliberates.

The 12 are a very tender bunch; yet these young lives are already characterized by a wantonness and brutality beyond these green years. For these repeat offenders a lifetime of crime beckons, looks attractive, with plenty opportunities and places to ply criminal trade.

Look at those offenses: two on a current murder charge had sentences for prior robberies involving firearms. They are back. A third repeat offender (now for a wounding involving a cop) had separate priors for stealing and assaulting. He is back again.

A fourth member of this felonious dirty dozen was originally hauled before the courts for stealing a phone (no word of violence, and supposedly more tolerable just because of that fact). To compound matters, this same fourth errant citizen delivered two deceptions at that time: fictitious address and name. He was back for all of those. And no sooner sentence and served time, he is back for yet another (a fourth) charge; on this go around, it is another phone.

Four strikes chalked up by number four in a very short time, almost back to back in what is now taking on the appearance of a revolving criminal turnstile.

In the instance of this fourth offender, there is no reference to weapons or violence or injuries. In the local scheme of increasing brutality, there might be some mitigation for one who seems to be a sticky fingered, petty thief.

Though these things (and perpetrators) can deteriorate quickly, there is room for leniency in cases such as these. The judicial discretions usually exercised have a place.

But there is need for something more, something more stinging, more straightening. What is being meted out is not enough; water on a duck’s back, it could be argued.

As if to drive home the point of chronic spiraling violence to Guyanese, one of the five now charged for murders of a moneychanger and daughter is reported to have a criminal record that includes a murder charge in 2008.

Eleven years later and two more are murdered. Who and what is there to protect this society form the hardcore stone killers in the midst? An iffy, suspect judicial system? A police process that brings more fear than comfort? Frightening!

Why are those charged and placed before the courts for offenses involving firearms and violence back on the streets in such short spans of time?

After accounting for pretrial time and merit points earned post-sentencing, a four-year penalty could bring freedom after merely two Christmases. That looks like a cheap price for criminals to pay, given what was involved.

Or no price at all.

Something is not right about such decisions made and discretions extended. Police and courts operations reduce citizens to hanging by fingernails. Society pays through instability and blood.

The ship of Guyana is sinking DEAR EDITOR, By the time this article is read, a week would have elapsed from the 12 July 2019, when the Caribbean Court of Justice delivered certain orders consequential to its decision rendered on 18 June 2019, in the No Confidence Motion cases and the challenge filed by Zulfikar Mustapha to the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. Among the Orders made in the No Confidence Motion cases, is the following: “… (f) Upon the passage of this motion of No Confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106, IMMEDIATELY BECAME ENGAGED”.

Speaking on the provisions of Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana, the Court said: “their meaning is clear and it is the responsibility of constitutional actors in Guyana to honour them.

Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other

things, that notwithstanding such resignation the Government shall remain in office and that an election will be held “within 3 months’ or such longer period that the National Assembly by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all elected members of the National Assembly…”. The Guyana Elections Commission has that responsibility to conduct that elections and GECOM too MUST abide by the provisions of the Constitution.

Given the passage of the No Confidence motion on 21 December 2018, a General Election should have been held in Guyana by 21 March 2019, unless a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly had resolved to extend that period. The National Assembly is yet to extend the period. The filing of the court proceedings in January challenging the validity of the no confidence vote effectively placed matters on pause, but this Court rendered its decision on 18 June 2019. There is no appeal from that Judgment” The Court further exhorted that the relevant po-

litical actors be guided by constitutional imperatives and expressed the hope that these “bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21 December 2018.”

Again, at paragraph (8) of the judgment, the CCJ reiterates for emphasis, “the three month deadline … for the holding of fresh elections.”

Recall that the CCJ joined GECOM in the No Confidence Motion cases specifically because it wanted GECOM to be directly bound by all Orders it will make, recognizing of course, GECOM’s pivotal role in the electoral process.

In respect of the Zulfikar Mustapha case, the Court issued the following seminal admonitions: “It is now a matter of the greatest public importance that the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman. This

imperative is now of the utmost urgency in light of our decision in the no confidence motion cases that the motion was validly passed thereby triggering the need for fresh general elections.”

A week after, in deliberate and wanton violation and disregard of the judicial pronouncements from Guyana’s apex court, Cabinet has not resigned, the President has not issued a Proclamation dissolving Parliament or fixed a date for elections not later than 18 September 2019, and GECOM has sent no signal that it is prepared to hold any elections within the timeframe contemplated by the CCJ and mandated by Article 106(7) of the Constitution; and no Chairman has been appointed to GECOM by the President despite numerous engagements with the Leader of the Opposition, through which, not 6 but 15 names have already been submitted by the Leader of the Opposition to the President.

On the contrary, and to manifest their willful disrespect for and vulgar disobedience of the edicts issued by (Continued on page 21)

Do not underestimate us Guyanese, Mr. Henson DEAR EDITOR, I refer to Charles Sugrim’s letter, captioned “Does ExxonMobil’s Country Manager think that all Guyanese are fools?” having got our government to agree to that ridiculous DEAL!! Of course they did! What is worrying, however, is that the Exxon manager has not been paying attention to the furor this agreement has caused not only in Guyana, as Mr. Sugrim rightly pointed out, but from almost every international voice which has been added to the debate so far.

The fallout from Mr. Henson’s letter will only serve to infuriate the Guyanese public further. It reminds me of the other oil gentlemen who was the CEO of BP when they had that massive oil spill in the gulf of Mexico, and I can only say that Mr. Henson should familiarize himself as to what happened to that gentlemen who was a CEO of BP Anthony Hayward. The story goes like this Though BP was officially denying the rumours, Hayward’s departure as CEO had been sealed in cement almost from the day the spill began on April 20, 2010, Hayward was a gaffe machine.

Here are just a few of his greatest hits: -On April 29, according to the New York Times, early on in the spill Hayward told his fellow BP executives in frustration: “What the hell did we do to deserve this?” (Well,

according to the early results of investigations into the Deepwater Horizon accident, it turned out that they did quite a lot to cause it) On May 13, Hayward told the Guardian that the oil spill was “relatively tiny”. “The Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean.

The amount of volume of oil and dispersant we are putting into it is tiny in relation to the total water volume.” In fact by that time, with the broken well gushing up to 60,000 barrels of oil into the Gulf per day, as much as 1.4 million barrels of crude might have already been lost, making it already worse than the Exxon Valdez spill.

On May 18, Hayward told Sky News that the environmental impact of the spill “will be very, very modest.” It was a lie.

On May 30, as he was touring the Louisiana coast and apologizing for the spill, Hayward told reporters “I would like my life back,” referring to the way the spill had taken over his time.

Also on May 30, responding to reports that spill cleanup workers were falling ill, Hayward played doctor.

“Food poisoning is clearly a big issue,” he said. In fact there are serious concerns about the toxic effects of the oil spill.

On May 31, faced with a number of scientific studies showing evidence that large clouds of oil were forming

deep underwater—where they could damage Gulf sealife—Hayward simply went for denial. “The oil is on the surface,” he said. “There aren’t any plumes.” This was also not true. And of course, no one will forget Hayward’s bravura performance before Congressional investigators on June 17, when he revealed that he apparently knew very little about, well, anything at all, that had to do with the Deepwater Horizon accident.

So do not underestimate us Guyanese, Mr. Henson, you have certainly not heard the last of this agreement

which you are so glibly telling us is good, when in fact most of us supported by a massive amount of foreign experts, question it fundamentally.

We, Mr. Henson, the Guyanese people, have in our numbers rejected it, and funnily enough it is the first thing which we as a nation have agreed upon in several decades, and I personally thank you for that, but as for the agreement sir, our people are saying no, and if can be legally quashed, they will not allow it to stand.

Tony Vieira

Ear Earlly Election a must!

DEAR EDITOR, Over the years I have written numerous letters saying that consensus politics was the way forward for Guyana. I see that the Government and the Opposition have chosen to go the opposite way and do the same thing the same way over and over again and expect a different result. That is, they have chosen to put party politics before putting Guyanese first, by playing the “who pon top” and the “blame game”.

Consensus politics is whereby we work together building trust, mutual understanding and mutual respect.

Now that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled against the Government, it is expected that the Government will wise-up and do the right thing. That is, elect a Chairman from the List provided by the Opposition, the President and the Cabinet resign, and act as a caretaker Government and call elections within the time period stipulated by the Guyana Constitution, as required by the passage of the No Confidence Motion.

It is not too late to practice consensus politics rather than make Guyana the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the world.

Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

Saturday July 20, 2019

Canada is not indifferent to the goings-on in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I have observed that several of the media houses in Guyana underscored the fact that Canada was not one of the signatories when a joint statement was presented by Western diplomats following the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling on July 12.

The dictum had stated, “… It is important for the rule of law that all invoked actors abide by its ruling and the relevant provisions of the Constitution. We urge everyone to do so expeditiously”.

Many supporters of the government in the social media used Canada’s absence in this latest joint statement by

American Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, and European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtiè, to state that Canada is “neutral” and “indifferent”, and wants no part in the politics of the country.

However, nothing could be further from the truth.

I contacted the High Commission of Canada to inquire about Canada’s apparent lack of interest to join other Western nations to encourage the politicians to abide with the court rulings.

A top official from the High Commission assured me

that Canada has articulated the need for stakeholders to abide by the constitution, and there is certainly no indifference to the goings-on in the country.

Canada is still among the “ABC/EU” bloc that takes a strong interest in the happenings in Guyana.

I urge the Guyanese people to contact various local and international outfits to condemn the apparent wanton defiance of the constitution and let the government know that it will not be business as usual with such audacious bravado.

Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan

Thank you, Caribbean Airlines!

DEAR EDITOR, It will be recalled that on 5th July, 2019, I published a letter describing an unfortunate experience on Caribbean Airlines coming through Trinidad & Tobago. It is only fair, therefore, that I write pointing out that I immediately received a phone call and correspondence from Interim General Manager – Guyana, Carl Stuart, apologizing.

I have also received a written apology from CAL’s Customer Experience Officer, Ms, Aneesa Mohammed, informing me that the matter was

fully investigated and sending me “deepest apologies for the inconvenience experienced” and advising that the Trinidad & Tobago Airport Manager was informed of the matter and “measures have been taken to avoid future occurrence”.

As I said in my letter, “I have been a faithful and unwavering customer of Caribbean Airlines” and sincerely believe that CAL is the Caribbean airline first and foremost, even though it’s owned by the government of Trinidad & Tobago.

In fact, I have been spo-

ken and written to by a number of Guyanese thanking me for my letter who have not been happy with CAL’s services. I encourage them to continue to fly with CAL and to register, as I have, their complaints and their praise, when deserved.

Other airlines have come and gone while CAL has remained. Some will now come because of the new opportunities arising from the event of the riches of oil and gas.

Nevertheless, CAL is, or should be, “awe own”.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Enforce the “Child Restraint” Law DEAR EDITOR, Have you noticed that every single day and moreso on weekends (and now that school holidays are here), there is one thing you’re bound to see when on the roadways of Guyana? And it is a most concerning, disturbing sight: Toddlers and Young children STANDING in the front seat of vehicles or in between the driver’s and passenger seat or standing sticking their heads through the window as their parents/ guardians drive on the highways with his/her own seatbelt securely fastened, oblivious to any of the grave dangers of allowing a child to be unrestrained in a moving vehicle.

You can also see in other instances, the children sitting on the laps of parents or relatives who are also strapped in safely and the child in his/ her care sitting up sometimes with little hands on dashboards or against the back of seats.

Not to mention the infants and babies held and not in the recommended car seats. Car seats save lives, just as seat belts do.

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Kaieteur News

Section 45F(1) of our Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act clearly states that every driver of a motor vehicle which conveys a child shall cause such child to wear or be conveyed in an appropriate child restraint system.

It goes on to say that a driver who contravenes this sub-section commits an offence and is liable on summary jurisdiction to a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars.

The Act goes on to state that the device used for securing the child should be designed “either to be fixed directly to an anchorage point or be used in conjunction with an adult seat belt and held in place by the restraining action of the belt”.

Over 2 years ago, the then Traffic Chief, Mr. Dion Moore, was reported as saying that “the ‘child restraint’ law was not at the time being enforced by the Guyana Po-

lice Force (GPF) and that they were then in sensitisation mode. Once awareness would have been raised on this matter, Moore said enforcement will begin.

Only three days ago, our current Traffic Chief, Superintendent Mr. Linden Isles said “the attitude of drivers… contributes to a variety of accidents….

We continue to educate and enforce the laws, so there will come a time when persons will realise that their attitude will have to change”.

I sincerely hope that time is NOW. Let us start the immediate enforcement of this Law and advocate protecting our children on the roadways.

Sincerely, Mommy V

There should be some sort of reform in the public sector concerning pay scales and promotions DEAR EDITOR, I would like to bring to your attention a few issues I believe should be addressed before the passing of the budget this year.

Young people are taught that Education is the key to success.

It is integral in ensuring that we become productive citizens that can contribute to the development of our beloved country, Guyana. Many youths would attend the University of Guyana to further their studies, and then seek employment in the private and public sectors.

I have worked for a number of years in the private sector and am currently in the public sector for 3 years.

The private and public sectors offer numerous advantages and a few disadvantages, but within the public sector, I believe there should be some sort of reform concerning the pay scales and promotions.

The current APNU/AFC Government has made credible changes to the wages and salaries of public servants in their short tenure.

The minimum wage increased from approximately $39,000 to $65,000. This was a great initiative and I applaud the Government for this.

My concerns are: 1) The Public Service Commission (PSC) has rules regarding appointments and promotions of public servants. I believe revisions should be made in these 2 areas. With the influx of young professionals into the public sector, many of them are being stifled. This is mainly due to the fact that the PSC merits experience above qualifications.For example, if Mary Jane is 25 years old with a Bachelor of Science degree, she is offered a junior or entry level position.

Her supervisor would most likely be Mr. John Jones 50 years old with a Diploma and 20+ years’ experience in the field.

I sincerely respect the

“veterans” in the public service. If they are promoted to managerial positions without the necessary academic qualifications, it should be mandatory that he/she complete their studies so that they can be “fit and proper” for the position. Since, if Mary Jane recommends changes in the department, it will not be considered.

This is one of the reasons for the brain drain in Guyana, especially in the medical field.

Secondly, the medical profession in Guyana has not earned the respect and remuneration equivalent to the qualifications and experience needed.

Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and the most overlooked profession - Medical Technologists - are severely underpaid in the Public Health system compared to our Caribbean neighbours.

Medical Technologists aide in the treatment and diagnosis of patients - we are the unsung heroes in the medical system. Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacists all depend on Medical Technologists to do their laboratory investigations which will guide them on various treatment methods necessary.

In the recently published vacancy circular, it was noted that numerous positions such as Medical Technologists, Pharmacists, EHOs and Registered Nurses are paid on the GS 7 Scale: 95,387 (gross income) and 81,000 (net income).

All of the positions mentioned require a Bachelor’s Degree.

The average tuition fee for a diploma at the University of Guyana in a health-related field is approximately $240,000 in addition to a $50,000 Miscellaneous fee. A Bachelor’s degree programme

is approximately $360,000 in addition to $50,000 Miscellaneous fee per academic year, excluding Medicine and Law programmes.

To the Chairman of the Public Sector Commission, Honourable Ministers of the Presidency, Health and Finance: If a recent graduate from UG took student loans to finance their education, has utility bills, rent, hire purchase and car loans to pay, $81,000 is inadequate.

The money spent on obtaining a University education outweighs the remuneration, thus resulting in limited spending and saving powers.

Many youths especially in the Medical Technology field, are unable to privately further their studies to the Masters and PhD levels since scholarships are limited.

Lack of opportunities for promotion, poor wages and no risk/uniform allowances will continue to negatively affect the productivity we expect in the Public System.

Since within the last year, I have seen young, vibrant, qualified persons leave Guyana due to financial limitations.

I believe each pay scale under the PSC should be revised and increased. My suggestions are that persons with a Bachelor of Science Degree, despite lack of experience, should start on the GS: 11 scale.

Doctors should start on the GS: 12 scale. If you have a certificate or diploma - GS: 10 scale. Both Qualifications and experience should be taken into consideration.

It is my hope that my sentiments gain the attention of the respective authorities and some positive action is taken.

Yours truly, Frustrated Public Servant

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyana: A failed state DEAR EDITOR, There is an incessant outpouring of dissatisfaction and helplessness coming out of Guyana. Almost on a daily basis, acts of official corruption, systematic mediocrity and waste of taxpayers’ money are being highlighted in the media.

And almost always, invariably, the response is a Commission of Inquiry, a piecemeal approach of delay before any serious action, if any, is taken.

From Airport to Agriculture; from Police to Public Infrastructure; from Hospital to Housing … the list goes on ad nauseam.

There seems to be no end in sight or any solutions to the problems facing the country from this administration.

For decades, billions of dollars have been wasted on several projects many of which have become white elephants like the Glass Factory, the Skeldon Sugar Factory, the Amaila Falls hydroproject, Fiber Optic Cable from Brazil, the D’Urban Park Stadium, the Drug Storage Bond in Charlestown and other ill-fated programmes like National Service and ‘One laptop per family.’

In addition, billions of taxpayers’ money is being spent on frivolous and questionable ventures that make no sense to the general public.

Today this phenomenon is further compounded by the perpetual bickering between the two major parties, with both taking their respective hardline stances.

The country suffers:

people get confused, racial tensions escalate and business recedes.

It would be rather superfluous to add to the debate arising from the Production Sharing Agreement of the Exxon oil contract; however, my analysis serves to pinpoint two profound aspects of the contract.

Firstly, the agreement indicates that Guyana will be getting a percentage of the oil extracted (which it has to sell itself). Guyana will be getting actual dollars from the two percent royalty!

Secondly, the bulk of the awarding of the oil blocks were undertaken by the Geology and Mines Commission — an entity that has no thorough understanding or proper knowledge of oil, since it has never performed any related functions!

Thirdly, none of the attorneys (whose input was at best superficial) who ‘negotiated’ the contract had any technical and financial expertise in the oil industry. Aside from these problems, there are more.

Efforts to sell the four closed sugar estates have not materialized, which means that these estates are currently sitting idle and are condemned to certain death.

The country’s problems continue to mount as the City continues to flood after heavy downpours despite the spending of hundreds of millions of dollars on infrastructure to prevent such flooding which has become a perennial problem.

Also, efforts to alleviate the massive traffic problems on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara highways seem to be at a standstill.

At the same time the government is spending US$150 million to renovate the airport when that amount was ear-

marked by the previous administration for a new twostorey airport building with modern facilities. And to add insult to injury, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, and by extension the government, has refused to make its renovated plans available to the general public.

The sheer incompetence of the current and past leaders, surrounded by their respective cliques, continues to make Guyana a comical, corrupt and poorer nation. Some have even suggested that our politicians have made our beloved country the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the world. Feed, Clothe and House the nation was the late Forbes Burnham’s clarion call to make Guyana a truly independent country, but sadly it has failed.

It is rather sad to say that after 53 years of independence and with all the modern technology available, the land of many waters still cannot provide enough potable water for all its citizens or electricity without blackouts.

The installation of black tanks on the roofs of houses throughout the country to store water and power generators to stem the daily blackouts sanctified the old saying that in order to get milk one has to own his or her own cow.

Today, the nation’s future hangs in the balance with the passage of the no-confidence motion in Parliament on December 21, 2018 and upheld by the CCJ. The umpire’s finger is up, but the Coalition batsman refuses to leave the wicket….

Instead, the government has sunk its claws deeper into the limbs of power . This could only happen in a failed state like Guyana.

Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

Compromise over Gecom Chair and Elections DEAR EDITOR, Elections are due within eight weeks as per the order of the Caribbean Court of Justice. But to have an election, a chairman of Gecom is required. The position is vacant for a month now. The position must be filled. A compromise is needed from the President and Leader of the Opposition to resolve the two related issues so that credible elections are held within the shortest time.

A chairman should have been appointed days ago, but the two sides, PNC (the dominant party leading the coalition) and PPP (official opposition), can’t agree on six nominees for the President to choose one as Chair. Clearly, both sides want someone each side feels will help it in the elections – give it an edge or place it in an advantageous position to win the elections.

A compromise is needed on this issue as well as on the date for elections.

On the issue of Gecom Chair, a potential solution is for both sides to agree to

someone (a non-Guyanese perhaps) appointed by the UN or Commonwealth or Caricom after consultation with the leadership of both parties. Neither side will have an advantage by having a non-Guyanese run the affairs of Gecom.

On the date for an election, Gecom says it can’t hold an election without conducting house-to-house registration to update a voters’ list.

This process will take between at least six months, if not longer.

This will violate the constitution and defy the ruling of the court that validated the no confidence motion on June 18 triggering an election within three months.

The PNC wants a delayed election, believing it will give it an advantage, while the PPP wants election before September 18, confident it will win.

Neither side can be guaranteed a victory now or later.

The later the election is held, the greater the advantage of the minor parties to make inroads into the base of sup-

port of the two major parties.

Division within the PPP gives the coalition an advantage going into an election held now.

A compromise is needed on the date of elections and proposed house-to-house registration to remove the potential of an advantage for either side.

Some kind of a registration procedure is needed to guarantee that all eligible voters (18 and above) are on the voters’ list, and this must be done within days, so as not to violate constitutional date for elections as ordered by the court.

How about the President and the Leader of the Opposition agreeing for the court to manage the elections?

Other societies used the court to manage elections when there were doubts about the process and date. If the court manages the elections, neither side will enjoy an advantage and/or make credible claims of fraud.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

DEAR EDITOR, Thriving communities built on the backs of immigrants, and with their blood, sweat and tears, have become ghost towns, retreating in fear and panic as the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement service (ICE) launched macabre raids, presumably to rid the USA of “these terrible people,” although America itself is a “nation of immigrants.” Richmond Hill, or “Little Guyana,” the largest diaspora of Guyanese and one of the largest Caribbean

expatriate settlements, Flatbush, Brooklyn and other immigrant communities, considered the stifling heat wave surpassing 90 degrees as minor compared to ICE’s misconceived onslaught.

It is as draconian, as it is un-American, and will only divide America further. It is evil. Some people conveniently ignore America’s history that it became a great nation because of immigration, to score cheap political mileage.

Some, by their actions, disown their closest families, who are immigrants themselves. What hypocrisy!

In these communities, which receive little city, state and/or federal funding, immigrants are treated like orphans and step children.

They deserve better! Yes, immigrants have paid their dues in political, economic and historical ways, but continue to be exploited,

marginalized and ignored.

Most politicians see their communities as milking cows for campaign cash, and then slither away when issues confront these communities.

They cannot be found. So when you see these so-called leaders, ask them, “What have you done for me lately?

Where were you when ICE struck?”

Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. advised, “We have to demand our check!” This great civil rights leader meant that immigrant communities, like everyone else, have to demand what the USA has promised. Their check is good, and their track record is irrefutable.

In 2008, the Richmond Hill- Ozone Park community made the gut-wrenching sacrifice to help Democrats recapture the NY State Senate since 1965, a watershed moment in our political history, (Continued on page 21)

Who’s looking out for immigrants in the US?

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Opposition pickets GECOM headquarters; signals contempt proceedings

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday ramped up pressure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to start preparations for elections to be held within three months.

The Opposition also objected to plans to start house-to-house registrations today, signaling its intentions to approach the local courts to file contempt proceedings.

The morning protests saw police erecting barricades blocking protestors from the area leading to the entrance of GECOM. A pregnant woman who allegedly threw dirty water on protestors was arrested.

According to Bharrat Jagdeo, the Opposition Leader, who was present with Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, the protest action outside the head office of the GECOM headquarters was to call for compliance with the Constitution of Guyana and the ruling of the Caribbean

Court of Justice.

The Opposition pointed out that a recent “secret” June 11, 2019 order signed by the “illegally appointed” GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, who has since resigned, was overtaken by the order of the CCJ on July 12, 2019 and cannot be used as the basis on which house-to-house registration is pursued.

“The CCJ order stated that GECOM must comply with the Constitution – that is elections in three months – and GECOM itself had advised the Court that embarking on house-tohouse registration will delay Elections until after December 25, 2019.”

At the protests actions were several PPP leaders and included former President Donald Ramotar.

It was pointed out that GECOM’s lawyer, this week, reportedly advised Kieth Lowenfield, the Chief Elections Officer against pursuing house-to-house

registration, pointing out that this will conflict with the CCJ’s order.

“One, then, has to question his motive to act in contempt of both the CCJ’s order and against the advice of his own Legal Officer. Mr. Lowenfield has not even formally informed us, in the PPP, about the confirmed start of new house-to-house registration tomorrow (Saturday, July 20, 2019), despite the fact that the enumeration forms to be used in the process require the (Continued on page 21)

Scenes from the protests yesterday.

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

SARA’s findings of business interests forces Phillips to resign After noting the numerous business interests of its Special Assistant, Eric Phillips, head of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), Professor Clive Thomas, informed Phillips that his entrepreneurial ventures represent a serious conflict of interest and could even harm ongoing investigations.

In light of this, Phillips tendered a letter of resignation In a missive to the media, Phillips, whose business interests span the financial services and fisheries industries, said he believes parting ways with SARA is the best solution.

He said that it will protect SARA’s investigation into the award of two oil blocks offshore Guyana by former President, Donald Ramotar, just days before he lost the

2015 General and Regional elections.

Since his appointment to SARA in 2017, Phillips and Presidential Advisor on the Environment, Gary Best, have established several companies, one of which is specifically geared to serving the pharmaceuticals industry.

According to the Certificate of Incorporation, Superior Pharmaceutical Company (Guyana) Inc. was incorporated on March 8, 2019. The following persons were appointed as directors: Gary Best, Eric Phillips, Shabakie Fernandes, Philip Springer and Shaun Alicock.

According to the document seen by Kaieteur News, it notes that no director has ceased to hold office.

On March 8, 2019, as well, Best and Phillips formed another company called the Eq-

Former SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips uity Centre (Guyana) Inc. The other director for this firm is Shaun Allicock. The purpose of this business is to carry out financial services or any other business which may profitably and usefully be con-

nected to its purpose.

The third company formed by Phillips and his associates is Entec Capital (Guyana) Inc. It was incorporated on December 6, 2018.

The directors listed on the Certificate are Gary Best, Philip Springer, Edmond Grant and Phillips.

Phillips appears to also have an interest in the fisheries business. On January 23, 2017, the former SARA offi-

cial and five other persons formed Coastal Fishermen and Marine Services Inc. The directors listed are Relrick Wilkinson, Godfrey Scott, Allison Butters-Grant (deceased), Lelon Saul, Robert Forrester and Phillips.

At the State Asset Recovery Agency, Phillips was in charge of a number of crucial projects, including being placed as the lead investigator into the award of two oil blocks offshore Guyana by former President, Donald Ramotar.

However, Phillips came under heavy criticism after it came to light that he is party to a pending application for an oil block that is in ultra deep waters. The offshore concession is referred to as Block C. According to documents from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Phillips, who also has no track record in oil exploration, is listed as one of the beneficial owners of a company called ABR Oil and Gas Exploration that has applied for a license

to explore the block that is adjoining to the Kaieteur and Canje blocks.

Phillips claimed, however, that he left ABR last year. He was still a member of SARA at that time.

Furthermore, the application for the license lists two individuals as ABR’s technical experts: Patrick Assad Ceres, who is an environmental engineer, and Aisha JeanBaptiste, a geologist. JeanBaptiste is the daughter of Violet Smith.

The applicants noted that they have US$5M at present to expend on operations under the license being applied for. These would include gathering geo-scientific data, its subsequent assessment along with purchasing of additional data, identification of potential targets and drilling of prospects.

They further noted that the company is Guyaneseowned and they intend to utilize Guyanese petroleum engineers and Geologists in its work should the license be granted.

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

The education system is elitist

T

he education sys tem is elitist. It is based on identifying the best.

What an extremely high failure rate means is that the best students get the better education while the poor students are resigned to enjoy a sub-standard education.

Ideally, a situation should exist where all the secondary schools are performing at the same level.

This would mean that there would be no need to write an examination to decide to which school a student should be assigned.

Ideally, all the schools would be considered top schools and students would be able to enjoy a good education, regardless of where they live.

Unfortunately, the education system is not like this. It has never been like this.

And it seems that despite parents complaining about

how many students failed, they do not wish the system to change. They want an elitist system in which more than 15,000 students compete for a few hundred places in five of the top schools in Georgetown and one or two tops schools in Berbice and Essequibo.

They want their children to get a chance to go to the top schools even if it is at the price of the failure of masses of children. It is crab-barrel process,This is the system that was inherited from the British. It is a system geared for capitalism. It based on the notion that the best should rule; the best should have the best education; best should get the best jobs.

The education system at the primary level is thus geared to weeding out the weak, or as is now the case, to relegate them to a sub-standard education in some obscure school.

One regional official has called for the abolition of the NGSA. But what is it going to be replaced by?

We can end up in a situation in which instead of at least producing some good students, we end up with an education system that does not produce any good students at all.

In other words, the present system may be flawed but unless there is something better to replace it, then it should not be tinkered with.

And who is going to change the system?

The products of an elitist educational system are not going to overturn it.

This will contradict everything they stand for, including the philosophy of the survival of the fittest.

Burnham decided a long time ago, that weeding out the weak and strengthening the strong was the law of survival, both in politics and in

Dem boys seh ...

Eric run before Thomas ketch him Old people got a saying, ‘Dankey ears big he can’t hear he own story.’ Imagine SARA hear how people thief oil blocks and hustling Government property and converting dem to private property.

But de same SARA didn’t know what was going on inside its own walls.

SARA check and find out that people grab Pradoville fuh next to nutten.

Then SARA hear how people tek state lands and give friends and family. But SARA didn’t know that Eric Phillips was setting up private company.

Dem boys seh de investigation of de oil block situation was right up Eric street.

Wid dem company he set up he could grab de two oil blocks if SARA did win de case.

Is a good thing SARA find out. When de SARA boss man find out he call ERIC and ask him if is true. This was de same Eric who seh he did lef one of de companies. He didn’t know that people always keeping track of who deh in which company.

He was a bright boy in school but he get dull when he get big. That is why de SARA boss man tell him to pack he bags.

Eric was an athlete when he was young suh he was able to run from SARA at a fast rate. De man can still sprint. That is wha dem boys

seh.

Dem boys seh he coulda form a company to operate dem elevators at dem overpass. Since Patto set up dem overpass and put in de elevator not one handicap person try to use either de overpass or de elevator.

Things now reach de stage wheh people placing bets on when de elevators gun wuk. And dem putting big bets. One man bet everything he got, that dem elevators would never wuk.

That man might win because nobody don’t see de need fuh any elevator. This country never pay attention to disabled people.

Talk half and watch Eric run.

education. He was the one who developed a school of excellence, called President’s College which cost a poor nation a fortune just to turn out each year a few hundred super-performers.

For the other students who had to settle for lesser schools, there was little hope.

The law of the jungle was meant to devour them.

Changing the NGSA requires a new thinking about the way society is run. And, quite honestly, this is not the era for that sort of thinking.

People love the law of the jungle. They want an elitist education because their val-

ues, despite all the years of socialist indoctrination, are still bourgeois.

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The ubiquity of the Caucasian world is gone forever

W

hen President Trump declared last week that three American born legislators should go back to where they came from, it was his Freudian yearnings that were on display.

Trump will have an ally in Boris Johnson who looks set to become the next British Prime Minister.

Johnson is from the British Conservative Party, Trump from the American Republican Party, both of which are not happy about the growing influence in world affairs and in their own countries of the non-white races of the world.

Both parties have long been suspected of cultivating deep racist feelings against non-white folks.

The world is forever changing.

Hegel may have referred to this process as dialectics but long before Hegel and Marx, ancient Hindu texts referred to the inevitability of

permanent changes that lie at the heart of life.

Perhaps the saddest but most graphic evidence that forms life are born then they die and never return is the example of Alan Turing. He was a brilliant mathematician who broke many codes of the Germans to help the Allies win World War 2 (WW2).

He was gay and was legally castrated by an order of the court in 1952.

He committed suicide two years later. Today, in the country where Turing was castrated, gay relationships are legal and one’s career in any human endeavours – sport, entertainment, politics, public service, business, philantropy etc— could come to an abrupt end if one makes a caustic remark against homosexuality or lesbianism.

Turing’s face is now featured on the 50 pound note of the UK. After WW2, the Caucasian race (the list included Russia, Europe, US, Canada,

Australia - dominated global life).

White countries formed intimate bonds with each other with Russia being the exception because of ideology.

Russian communism is now dead and when football world cup was held in Russia recently, a Russian parliamentarian advised Russian women not to get pregnant for visiting non-white fans because the children will face a racist backlash for the rest of their lives in Russia.

Today, leaders in the US, UK, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Russia are openly preaching the superiority of the Caucasian race with the Chinese people globally feeling the brunt of a rising White anger.

But the relentless presence on the map on the nonwhite ethnicities has changed the world forever. The face of the world as it was known in the 19th and 20th centuries is virtually dead.

Between China and India, the population is 2.3 billion citizens.

The point 3 of the Chinese population is equivalent to the US population. For every doctor, the UK or the US or France produces, India put out 50. Europe, Canada and the US cannot produce the required amount of medical doctors and nurses.

Today in any New York hospital there is a visible presence of doctors from India.

The United States has a border with a non-white country, Mexico, stretching into thousands of miles.

Central America has borders with Mexico and it is easy to travel from Central America to Mexico so in reality the US has a border with Central America too.

How it is possible with that kind of permanent scenario for Trump and the Republican Party to reclaim the white predominance in American demography?

If one looks at Australia,

only one White country has close physical proximity to Australia. It is New Zealand with a small population.

Then there is the stark reality that the birth rate among non-white people far outstrips the Caucasian world.

What Trump and the Republican Party in the US and Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party in the UK are trying to do is virtually impossible.

They cannot bring back the global domination of the Caucasian race.

I believe there is a superior political system in Europe, the US and Canada than what obtains in China.

But even if one bemoans lack of democracy in China, its superpower status is visible.

The Chinese presence in the world reminds one when Pax Britannica was alive in the 19th century and when the US achieved international control after WW2.

It is almost certain that

Frederick Kissoon Trump and the Republican Party will not succeed in the all-white agenda because scientifically it is impossible.

The world has changed since Pax Americana.

Friends that come back from China tell me when you go to Shanghai, Manhattan looks like the Third World.

I certainly support American and European political systems and political cultures over what is inherent in the Chinese system but the world may be witnessing momentous transformations that will sweep away the wild dreams of Donald Trump and Boris Johnson.

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

East Bank Dem. overpass elevators miss third deadline ...to be commissioned before year end - Minister Ferguson “Those elevators will be commissioned before the end of this year” These were the words of Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson, at a press conference yesterday.

She was responding to a question, requesting an update on the status of several overpass elevators that were still not operational even though they were installed since June 2018.

From all accounts, it appears as if the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has failed for a third time to make operational overpasses and elevators at several locations along the East Bank Demerara Highway. After noticing that most of the elevators and overpasses were still inactive after the June 2018 installation Kaieteur News had attempted, in March 2019, to solicit a response from Minister of Infrastructure, David Patterson on the prolonged delay.

Through his Public Relations Officer, Krest Cummings, the minister had then informed that both elevators and still inactive overpasses would have been offi-

One of the overpass elevators that were expected to be commissioned and fully operational before the May 26 Independence Celebrations. cially commissioned and be made operational before the May 26 Independence Celebrations.

However after that deadline, Kaieteur News again contacted Cummings, who related that they were waiting to train personnel to man the

operations of the elevators, after which the elevators would have been made operational. These employees were supposed to be selected by management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, according to Cummings. She also said that a special surveillance system

will be created at the Demerara Harbour Bridge and hooked up to units at the overpass

locations to ensure effective monitoring on what goes on at the overpasses.

Noticing that the elevators were still not commissioned at the time thereafter stipulated, Kaieteur News again contacted Cummings who could not give an explanation for yet another delay.

Neither could she say what had contributed to the elevators still being inactive.

Another suggested commissioning date also elapsed.

When Krest Cummings was again contacted some time later, she refused to comment on the issue, indicating that any updates and information on the elevators will have to be made by way of email.

Sources at the Demerara Harbour Bridge could not provide any information on any of their employees being trained so far to operate the elevators, as was indicated by Cummings. Minister David Patterson has been mum so far on the issue as well.

On April 24, last, the Min-

istry of Public Infrastructure reported several cases of vandalism on the bypasses, Diamond, and Providence, East Bank Demerara, in which vandals had stolen electrical, and solar panel lights, no cycle and disable signs, corrugated electrical wire covers, removed earthing connection, and protective covers. Camera wires were also disconnected at the Diamond bypass as reported by the ministry. Many have expressed their opinion that since the installed structures have been left in the same manner for over a year now, they would have become perfect targets for vagrants who seized the opportunity to remove items and probably sold them at black market prices.

The overhead walkways at Providence and Diamond villages were each said to be built at a cost of $77M, while the cost for supply and installation of each elevator is tabled at US$61 000.

Global AIDS response declines by nearly US$1B – UNAIDS finds Even as countries continue to battle the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the gap between resource needs and resource availability is widening.

For the first time, the global resources available for the AIDS response declined by nearly US$1B, a UNAIDS report released this week outlined.

The report, UNAIDS’ Global AIDS Update, Communities at the centre, attributed this development to the fact that donors disbursed less and domestic investments did not grow fast enough to compensate for inflation.

It was pointed out that in 2018, US$19B [in constant 2016 dollars] was available for the AIDS response which was in fact US$7.2B short of the estimated US$26.2B needed by 2020.

Moreover, in order to continue the progress towards ending AIDS, UNAIDS urges all partners to step up action and invest in the response.

This, the report noted, will have to include fully funding the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria with at least US$14B at its replenishment in October and through increasing bilateral and domestic funding for HIV. Despite this desperate

need for funding, the UNAIDS report underscored that “Progress is continuing towards the 90–90–90 targets.”

This, the report said, was characterised by the 79 percent of people living with HIV who knew their HIV status in 2018; 78 percent who knew their HIV status were accessing treatment and 86 percent of people living with HIV who were accessing treatment were virally suppressed, keeping them alive and well, and preventing transmission of the virus.

Although the report noted that the progress varies greatly by region and by country, it was revealed that “AIDS-related deaths continue to decline as access to treatment continues to expand and more progress is made in improving the delivery of HIV/tuberculosis services.” According to the UNAIDS report, since 2010, global AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 33 percent evident by the 770,000 in 2018.

On the issue of pregnant women living with HIV, the report added that they now have access to antiretroviral medicines, an increase of more than 90 percent since 2010.

Meanwhile, it was found that although large disparities still exist between young

women and young men, with young women 60 percent more likely to become infected with HIV than young men of the same age, there has been success in reducing new HIV infections among young women.

“Globally, new HIV infections among young women [aged 15–24 years] were reduced by 25 percent between 2010 and 2018, compared to a 10 percent reduction among older women [aged 25 years and older],” the report said.

It, moreover, noted that “it remains unacceptable that every week 6,200 adolescent girls and young women become infected with HIV,” thus sexual and reproductive health and rights programmes for young women need to be expanded and scaled up in order to reach more high-incidence locations and maximize impact.

The report also showed that men remain hard to reach.

This has resulted in viral suppression among men living with HIV aged 25–34 years being very low. This has translated in some cases to less than 40 percent in some high-burden countries based on recent surveys.

This, the report said, is contributing to slow (Continued on page 24)

Saturday July 20, 2019

Business Ministry to phase-out 18-yr-old Ebo fare structure

Bus operators protesting the old fare structure last year at the Anna Regina bus park The 18-year-old fare structure, which is presently being used by the Essequibo Coast Minibus and Hire Car Association, may finally be phased out and updated with a new fare structure.

The Association met with the Minister of Business, Hemraj Rajkumar, and the Department of Consumer Affairs yesterday as preparations for the new fare structure commenced.

The meeting which was convened in the Board Room of the Anna Regina Town Council, centered on the establishment of a new fare

structure for public transportation in Pomeroon / Supenaam region.

Kaieteur News understands that a new fare structure is a burning issue, which need s t o b e addressed for a number of reasons. During the course of the meeting, it was revealed by the association, that traffic ranks of the Guyana Police force are demanding that the fare structure be presented.

A suggested fare structure was submitted by the Association and the Consumer through the

Ministry. Before the fare structure can be finalized, however, a meeting with the public will first be convened.

Minister Rajkumar, on the other hand, promised that a response will be given within seven days.

The minister pointed out that within this time, the Department of Consumer Affairs will complete all consultations with the public.

In the meantime, the police were advised to wait on further instructions from the Ministry before taking action against drivers without the fair structure.

Construction worker electrocuted at Stewartville

The fence where the man was electrocuted The workers and management of A. Forrester Lumberyard of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara, got what was probably the worse shock of their lives when one of the construction workers at the lumberyard was electrocuted.

According to reports, around 11:00hrs yesterday a team of construction workers was at the location erecting a concrete fence.

At the time, they were plastering the fence when the weather changed and it began to

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Kaieteur News

rain. Those construction workers subsequently covered the fence with a protective plastic material to prevent the rain from damaging their work.

After completing that task, the men sought shelter.

The now dead man, whose name was not known up to press time, noticed that the plastic was falling off of the erected fence.

He decided to go out to fix it while the rain was still pouring. It was then that the man came in contact with an exposed wire

from a lamp close by.

The Leonora Fire Service and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) were contacted and the teams disconnected the wires. They then removed the man from the wall.

Kaieteur News reached out to the contractor who hired the team but learnt tha t t h e m a n i s i n t h e hospital after collapsing twice upon seeing the body of his worker.

Investigations are currently ongoing into the matter.

Private Sector Commission says uncertainty prevails The Private Sector Commission (PSC) contends that Guyana has been forced to stand in waiting, its economy, investment and the business of the country made to suffer, while a general environment of uncertainty prevails across the country.

These comments were contained in a statement issued by the commission, recently.

“The further necessity that the President and the Leader of the Opposition, as urged by the international community, uphold the rule of law since the Judgment of the Court and respect the Constitution, to avoid the consequences of confusion or possible chaos in our country, informs the position of the Private Sector Commission in making this statement.”

The Court, in its Judgment, has emphasized that “the rule of law in Guyana rests in large measure with the conduct of the various branches of government, that is, the President and the Cabinet, the Parliament and the Judiciary, the PSC said.

The Court called upon the government to “be faithful to the spirit and letter of the Constitution and operate within the parameters given to each by the Constitution”, the PSC said.

The statement noted that it is the considered view of the Private Sector that “this responsibility abides first, and foremost, with President David Granger and that it is his bounden and inherent political duty to uphold this responsibility.”

The Court, has quite properly, restrained from

“the issuance of coercive orders or detailed directives” to the national leaders but asserted that it is for the President and, indeed, the Leader of the Opposition “guided by the constitutional imperatives” to ensure that the consequences of the No Confidence motion are imposed upon the government.

The Private Sector wishes to note some seven months have passed and they are yet to be acted upon. “The Private Sector Commission wishes to remind President Granger that the Court, in its declaration and orders, has stated that “upon the passage of the motion of No Confidence in the government” on the 21st December, 2018, “that clear provisions of Article 106 immediately become engaged”, that is, that “the Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the government is defeated”.

“It is totally unacceptable, therefore, to the Commission that the President has refused to honour the Constitution in announcing that the Cabinet shall continue to function.”

It is the Private Sectors view that the President, by his behaviour, has put at risk all private sector entities and other organisations made subject to contracts and any other action authorized by the Cabinet, by presuming them to be legal.

“The Private Sector Commission has, therefore, advised its members to seek legal advice in this regard.”

PAGE 14

Govt. proposes inter-country adoption Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has tabled Bill No. 10 of 2019, the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill 2019, which will see Guyana assenting to a United Nations legal framework, governing the adoption of children, across borders.

The Bill, which is slated to be introduced in the National Assembly was published as an Extraordinary Gazette, dated July 8, 2019.

The purpose of the amendment is to give the force of law to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry adoption, of May 29, 1993.

That convention gives effect to Article 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child by facilitating procedures and safeguards to the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption states that states signatory to it recognise that “the child… should grow up in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding; that each State should take, as a matter of priority, appropriate measures

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams to enable the child to remain in the care of his or her family of origin [and] that intercountry adoption may offer the advantage of a permanent family to a child for whom a suitable family cannot be found in his or her State of origin.”

States signatory to the convention are “convinced of the necessity to take measures to ensure that intercountry adoptions are made in the best interests of the child and with respect for his or her fundamental rights, and

to prevent the abduction, the sale of, or traffic in children.”

The explanatory memorandum of Governments amendment to the law states that the convention also establishes a system of cooperation between authorities in countries of origin and receiving countries which help to guarantee the best adoption practices and elimination of abuses.

Clause 2 of the Bill lays out the procedures to be followed for inter-country adoptions to occur, establishes that the convention has the force of law, and designates the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to be the Central Authority, detailing the extent of the Authoritys functions.

It should be noted that that Authority would have the power to accredit bodies to provide inter-country adoption services, subject to an application and vetting process.

The amendment sets out procedural requirements for the adoption of a child, and the effect and issuance of an adoption certificate.

It should be noted that inter-country adoptions will be allowed for States that are party to the Convention.

There are provisions for (Continued on page 24)

Guyana to help shoulder humanitarian response for Venezuelan people With the current crisis that is happening in neighbouring Venezuela, Guyana is willing to help shoulder the responsibility for the Humanitarian response.

This is according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings. Guyana is willing to provide Venezuelan migrants with housing facilities and other amenities, she said.

She also emphasized that in light of the economic transformation underway in Guyana, opportunities are being open for new and expanded partnerships with countries in the Latin American region This was said while she was in Australia addressing the Common Market Council and Summit of the heads of state of MERCOSUR (South-

ern Common Market) and Associated.

Minister Cummings was in Australia for the 54th Meeting of the states held in Santa F. The meeting was conducted over two days from July 16, last.

Furthermore, she underscored the importance of Guyana to preserved South America as a “Zone of peace.”

She also added that MERCUSOR, an Association that was established in 1991 and is known for improving relationships between countries, has accepted Guyana as an associated member in 2013.

“Guyana is currently engaged in reviewing relevant instruments with a view to possible accession to strengthen capacities and norms in respective areas.”

Dr. Cummings further emphasized that the State is

“committed to regional integration and to fostering cooperation between the continent and the Caribbean Community [CARICOM].”

The Foreign Minister led Guyana’s delegation to the summit, which included Ambassador to Brazil, concurrent to Argentina, His Excellency George Talbot, and Senior Foreign Service Officer Vernon Robinson..

The summit marked the conclusion of Argentina’s pro tempore presidency of MERCOSUR, a major highlight of which was the Framework Agreement concluded between the regional body and the European Union on 28 June, last, after some 20 years of negotiations.

Brazil has now assumed the position for the second semester of 2019.

GPHC sees 71 work study students graduate

The end of the school term after CXC is usually an anticipated moment as this is where students are put on work study to prepare them for the world of work. A total of 71 students from a number of schools in and surrounding Georgetown were placed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Human Resources Director, Rohmena Chung, at a closing ceremony, said, “We are an organisation that values our employees and promote staff development while providing opportunities to students like you to be exposed to the world of work…

“This year we saw a total of 71 students taking part in the work study.”

She added that the work attachment students should consider themselves privileged, having spent six weeks

at the said institution.

The GPHC provides a work study programme that is divided into two phases and is hosted from the months June to August.

The students present at the ceremony were considered as the first phase of the work study programme, where they were pulled from various learning institutions that were both public and private.

The work study time frame in this case was over a fiveweek period. Students were placed in various departments according to what they studied so that they could have hands on experience in that specific area.

Some of the departments included administration, nursing services, facilities management and the medical services department.

Chung further noted that

it was the first time that she received a good report on work study students. The report said that the students behaviour, punctuality and overall performance were impeccable.

She thought that the students deserved everything that was coming their way.

They were also warned to take the good work ethics that they have observed at the GPHC as “Your qualifications can help you get a job but it cant help you keep a job.”

Since apart from their qualifications there are other things that supposed to compliment the said qualifications, a very important one being their attitude.

However she was positive that conduct, punctuality and attitude would not be a problem for the students as (Continued on page 24)

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

Biologist turned beautician introduces unique service

Sarah Arjune at work on a model

By Natasha Smith

S

arah Arjune is a c e r t i f i e d Microblading/Shadi ng artist who has introduced a unique beauty service to Guyana - The Lash Browtique.

Microblading is a semipermanent tattoo of the eyebrows as it mimics hair strokes and it looks very realistic, lasting about two to three years, but it is not as permanent as a tattoo. It is usually used on eyebrows to create, enhance or reshape its appearance and colour, while [micro] shading is a similar but separate technique.

Arjune, who holds a degree in Biology, decided to venture into the beauty industry after completing her certification training in Florida, USA. “I was always fascinated with the beauty business from a young age. I was always trying to fix somebody's brows. I remember telling my aunt 'come let me do your face'. Brows and lashes held a fascination for me.”

After practising as a makeup artist for a while, she saw a

business opportunity with microblading since it was relatively new to Guyana at the time.

“I had a lot of doubt because I realised it was a huge investment. A lot of money was spent in the course and I was unsure how people would react to this new venture; [and] would they take it seriously,” Arjune noted.

Casting aside her doubts, she plunged into the business and has no regrets thus far. She utilises social media to advertise her business and benefits tremendously as satisfied customers recommend her services to others via the same platform.

“I received a huge response that surprised me, even though lots of Guyanese travel so they would be familiar with the technique.

When I began advertising, many were curious to know what it is all about. Some even asked if I implanted hairs because the brow looked so real.”

According to the beautician, the ink used is not as permanent as a tattoo as it is (continued on page 18)

GMSA joins call for political resolution

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and S e r v i c e s Association welcomes the ruling on the consequential orders and more so, the commitment by all of the political players to abide by the said ruling. The GMSA says there should have a speedy resolution to the unprecedented situation faced by Guyana.

“We are cognizant of the importance placed by the Court with respect to the need for a functioning Elections Commission in order for credible Elections to be held as soon as possible.

“In this context we exhort the leaders of the two political parties to be fully engaged on a continuous and meaningful basis until a consequential solution is arrived at.”

The GMSA exhorted the political leaders to abide by the Constitutional requirements and conditionalities as these relate to the criteria for the selection of nominees of a Chairman who should not h a v e k n o w n affiliation/allegiance to any party. We do so given the grave consequences that could result in other Local, Regional and International judicial matters.

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

PAGE 17

St. Cuthbert's residents benefit from conflict resolution workshop

Some of the participants at the conflict resolution and consensus-building workshop in St Cuthbert's Mission

R

esidents of St. Cuthbert's Mission are now better equipped to solve issues within the community.

During a one-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of the Presidency's Department of Social Cohesion, the participants were exposed to conflict resolution and consensusbuilding methods aimed at improving their communication skills and assisting in the establishment of a conflict resolution framework.

Minister of Social C o h e s i o n , D r. G e o rg e Norton, said that St. Cuthbert's Mission has developed but there are still some areas that require improvement. Therefore, the department has returned to offer direction and remind the residents of the importance of crafting their Village Improvement Project (VIP). “Sometimes we know what the problem is and we know what is causing the problem but you may need guidance‌We are prepared

to offer you that guidance and that is why we have returned because we want to assist in the continued development of the c o m m u n i t y, � M i n i s t e r Norton said.

He encouraged all participants to be openminded and respectful to the contributions made by others as it will assist in the community's development.

The minister also commended the involvement of the young people who have begun to take up the leadership mantle.

Toshao Beverly Clenkian told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that she welcomed the workshop as it helped the residents to face and most importantly resolve issues in the community. Clenkian expressed the hope that similar interventions are held in the village in the future.

The minister announced that a music teacher will be deployed to St Cuthbert's on August 1 to host a workshop.

Residents were urged to take advantage of the opportunity.

(DPI)

Minister of Social Cohesion, Hon. Dr. George Norton interacting with participants of the workshop.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Saturday July 20, 2019

Guyana Watch's silver jubilee outreach begins today

W

ith a track record that has seen it attending to more than 75,000 patients, the New York United States-based G u y a n a Wa t c h I n c . organization is this year celebrating its silver jubilee.

To c o m m e m o r a t e t h i s milestone the not-for profit organization is set to commence yet another medical and dental outreach here in Guyana.

According to its President, Mr Tony Yassin the team to conduct the silver jubilee outreach programmes will be arriving today and their stay will last until July 28, 2019.

Over the past 25 years, he said that “the team has crisscrossed Guyana with scores of clinics through which they have examined and treated well over 75,000 patients. They have also sponsored over 65 children for heart surgery in the United States of America and India, more than 60 eye

Tomorrow, the team will be at the Timehri Primary School and the following day [Monday, July 22, 2019] the outreach will continue at the Leonora Primary School.

On Tuesday [July 23, 2019] the outreach team will head to Sheet Anchor Primary School, while Thursday [July 25, 2019] the St Mary's Primary School will be the outreach venue.

On Friday [July 26, 2019] the outreach will be at the Belle West Primary School and on Saturday, July 27th at the Patentia Secondary School.

Guyana Watch, Inc. is

Flashback: Members of the Guyana Watch Inc. team attending to patients during last year's outreach surgeries, four adult kidney transplants in India and financially assisted numerous persons with various illnesses for overseas medical treatment.”

The organization, Yassin

said too has given over 10 full scholarships to university students.

The team this year will consist of 20 overseas personnel comprising of four medical doctors, four dentists, three local doctors, one pharmacist and a number of support staffers.

During this year's programme, the team expects to see well over 3,500 patients for medical

and dental problems, at seven clinics across Guyana including children from various orphanages. “We will distribute over US$500,000 in medication and conduct medical and health counselling at these clinic sites,” Yassin added.

The first medical clinic on this occasion will commence today for the orphans of some orphanages around Georgetown.

likely the largest medical and humanitarian organization in the Caribbean, reaching out to underserved communities and providing assistance in various areas. The annual market value of its outreach project to Guyana (in terms of volunteers, medication, travel, subsistence, supplies etc.) is estimated to average well over US$500,000.

Most of the funds are donated by Guyana Watch Inc. members and supporters, while some of the medications are donated by pharmaceutical companies.

Biologist turned...

From page 16 specially formulated for the brows and will not change colour, and it fades after three years; it can also be changed according to fashion trends.

“The mapping and shaping of the eyebrows are very important to the client. I map the design out first to ensure that is the design they want before I go forward to shape the brow.”

She also does Classic and R u s s i a n Vo l u m e L a s h extensions and various

facials for the unique needs o f d i f f e r e n t customers.Customer satisfaction is essential to Arjune who places tremendous efforts on ensuring the customer is comfortable and the service delivered is what has been requested.

“Customer service is very vital to me; I usually follow up with my clients to see how they are doing, and if there is any problem I ask them to come back in and we rectify it.”

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyana Baseball League takes GUYSUCO, NICIL to court over land for sports facilities The Guyana Baseball League (GBL) has instituted legal proceedings against the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), for the companies to honour a contractual obligation with respect to the sale of several plots of land for the development of its sporting facilities.

The matter comes up for hearing on Thursday, July 31, before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the High Court in Demerara.

In court documents seen

by Kaieteur News, GBL said that it entered into a binding contract between GUYSUCO for the sale and purchase of 20.9 acres of land described as ‘Plot A’ Plantation Ogle and Plot ‘B’ Plantation Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

According to GBL, it initially proposed for a plot of land measuring 200 meters by 200 meters. This request, it said, developed following more mature consideration, to an application for a multisport facility and multi-use complex of approximately 100 acres, and that a business plan to this effect was submitted in October 2013 to GUYSUCO and the Guyana Office for Investment.

“The negotiations were protracted and progressed over a period of years during which many proposals, counter-proposals, surveys, inspections and negotiations were had between the claimant (GBL) and the first named defendant (GUYSUCO),”GBL said in its

President of the Guyana Baseball League: Robin Singh legal filings.

The Guyana Baseball League said, too, that the Guyana Office for Investment supported its proposed multisport multi-use facility and communicated this approval to GUYSUCO by letter dated December 17, 2017.

According to GBL, in April 2015 GUYSUCO communicated via email that it was offering a plot of land on the East Coast of Demerara for sale at a cost of US$30,000 per acre. GBL said that it countered by letter dated April 10, 2015 seeking a “lease-to-purchase” agreement instead, with different payment terms than proposed.

GUYSUCO, it said, rejected this counter and insisted on its offer of sale only of the identified land at US$30,000 per acre.

In the court documents, GBL added that it continued negotiations with GUYSUCO

in relation to different areas but always sought a lease-tobuy style agreement. It said it was again offered the plots of land at Ogle and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara at a purchase price of $25,000,000 in 2017, and again countered by letter dated February 27, 2017, in which it explained in detail its preference for a lease-to-buy arrangement.

GBL states that GUYSUCO countered by affirming its earlier proposal of selling the said plots of land at $25M per acre, a figure which was arrived at following independent valuations and assessment after which a market value was determined.

According to GBL, it accepted the offer letter in or around May 2015 and sought time from GUYSUCO to obtain the necessary finances for the purchase, and was permitted same. Further, GBL submits that by letter dated May 10,

Customs seizes smuggled chicken, liquor A recent operation spearheaded by Customs Department of the Guyana Revenue Authority, in conjunction with ranks from B’ Division and C’ Division has led to the seizure of some 400 boxes of smuggled chicken and 60 boxes of assorted liquor and beers, according to reports.

According to a police source, Customs and GPF ranks swooped down at a location in Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, as several men began to off load the items onto waiting vehicles. While it is said that the men have escaped, two boats, three engines, two buses and two cars have been seized by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officials.

Reliable police sources have indicated that that the items were being smuggled for a known a smuggler (name provided) who resides at Annandale, East Coast Demerara.

The interception was executed at 10:00 hrs on Thursday night last, and investigations are progressing.

GRA has been clamping down on smuggling in Guyana. Commissioner General Godfrey Statia said that it is costing the

economy millions of dollars through revenue losses.

Not so long ago Commissioner General of GRA Statia said that millions of dollars in revenues have been recouped from seizures of illegal fuel over the past three years, as the GRA continues to dent the ‘Black Market’ with support from its sister agencies.

In October 2018, Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) intercepted one motor vessel, “Plumrose”, with a quantity of diesel fuel in excess of 80,000 litres.

The officers conducted a rummage of the vessel and it was discovered that even though the intended use of the vessel was listed as “fishing purposes”, the “Plumrose” was converted for fuel transport.

Over the past year, the GRA has recouped billions of dollars in taxes from seizures and auctions not only from illegal fuel but also from breaches in motor vehicle concessions and IDA’s, and commonly smuggled items which include alcohol, foreign imported chicken, mosquito coils, and much more.

2019, it informed GUYSUCO that it had secured the financing and was in a position to fulfil its obligations. GBL said that it is seeking the land to develop its sporting facilities, and that on June 5, 2019 it was issued with a cease and desist letter

by NICIL which requested that GUYSUCO cease and desist from entering into any attempt to sell lands, among other things, to GBL. According to GBL, it commenced negotiations in February 2013 with GUYSUCO for the sale and purchase of the lands for the aforesaid purpose. GBL added that it informed NICIL of the details of its arrangements and sought to have the land sale completed. In this regard, GBL contends that it had a binding agreement before GUYSUCO’s transfer of property order, hereby referred to as the “Vesting Order”, was enacted and came into force.

“The Vesting Order purports to extinguish rights acquired and held prior to it coming into being thereby affecting and extinguishing third party rights; making it unreasonable,

unlawful and an improper exercise of ministerial discretion.”

GBL contends that the Vesting Order was made failing to consider relevant considerations, and as such is contrary to the principles of natural justice. GBL said that it has learnt that NICIL is entering into all manner of agreements for the sale of the said property and has informed them that the said plots of land are at present “unavailable” being earmarked for sale to another entity.

In all the circumstances, the Guyana Baseball League, among other things, is asking the court to grant an injunction restraining GUYSUCO and NICIL, their servants and or their agents from entering into any contract for sale and purchase, selling, disposing, entering into any negotiations for the sale or otherwise alienating or engaging in any act for the disposal of or in preparation of disposing the aforesaid 20.9 acres of land to any party other that the GBL without written consent of the GBL or further order of the court.

Moreover, the GBL is asking the court to grant several declarations one being that there exist a binding contract between it and GUYSUCO for the sale and purchase of the said lands.

It also is seeking a declaration that GUYSUCO Transfer of Property Order 2017 is unlawful, illegal, ultra vires, made in breach of the rules of natural justice, null, void and of no effect. Having regard to the situation, the GLB contends that damages would not be an adequate remedy, since it is entitled to intellectual rights relating to baseball in Guyana and through it’s principal shareholder has in excess of $40M available to it for the development of the land in question.

The Guyana Baseball League is being represented by Attorneys-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, Anessa Chow and Donavon Rangiah, and has its office at Lot 78 Hadfield and Breda Streets, Georgetown.

Its President is Robin Singh.

Based on reports, the Guyana Baseball League was officially launched in September 2012 at an 11 acre ground at Area ‘A’ Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, which was leased for five years.

PAGE 20

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Building human resources capacity at NAREI

12 Researchers to benefit from US$85,000 training in Costa Rica The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in its 2020 Budget will be including several innovative sustainable crop production projects aimed at further diversifying and greening the local agriculture sector.

The projects will be developed by a team comprising 12 Research Scientists, Research Assistants, and Extension Officers, who will be attending a three-week training programme at the Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Education Centre (CATIE), Costa Rica.

The team will be departing Guyana on Sunday, July 21, 2019.

The training costs approximately US$85,000 and is being funded by the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank. Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI and Mr. Wilmott Garnett, Country Representative of Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), who jointly crafted the training modules briefed participants about the training programme.

The crops of primary focus are cassava, cocoa, citrus and coconuts.

According to Dr. Homenauth, the general theme for the training will be Sustainable Crop Production but based on specific inter-

12 Researchers to benefit from US$85,000 training in Costa Rica ests the participants internship will focus on cassava and citrus production, agroforestry systems, farm management, monitoring and evaluation of performance for

different production activities and biometrics, as well as on topics related to the use of participatory methods for research and learning as the Farmers Field School ap-

proach, among others.

“Of importance is the tissue culture and biotechnology in genetic improvement and massive multiplication in the field. Whilst we are enhancing our Biotechnology Laboratory at NAREI, I advise you to take the opportunity to utilise the laboratory at CATIE,” Dr. Homenauth urged.

Dr. Homenauth has encouraged the team to challenge their minds during the training programme. The team members were advised to observe and note innovative projects that could be implemented in Guyana to enhance the standard of NAREI and by extension the other crops sector.

“Each team member was carefully selected from Research and Extension Services. You are required to develop a project based on sustainable crop production for next year. So, by September 30, 2019 there will be 12 solid projects,” he added.

Mr. Garnett, who is also a member of NAREIs Board of Directors, believes that exposure to Costa Ricas agri-business and CATIEs planned theoretical and on-farm sessions will ignite the creative thinking NAREI requires for its agricultural projects.

“IICAs staff will also be offering lectures on institutional development, and examples of work being conducted with Agriculture De-

velopment Bank in Costa Rica and to organize visits to specialized crop production systems.

CATIE will organize visits to observe production for cassava and citrus as well as agroforestry system,” he added.

All participants who fulfill the evaluation requirements will receive an Official Certificate issued by CATIE/ IICA indicating satisfactory completion of the three-week training on Sustainable Crop Production.

Each participant must attend 90% of the programmed activities and submit an internship report to be qualified to receive the Internship Certificate.

Congo’s Ebola outbreak declared an int’l public health emergency The Ebola Virus Disease [EVD], which occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC], has now been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organisation [WHO].

This declaration was made on Wednesday according to information released by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA] yesterday.

The declaration followed a meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee for EVD in

the DRC. The Committee cited recent developments in the outbreak in making its recommendation, including the first confirmed case in Goma, a city of almost two million people on the border with Rwanda, and the gateway to the rest of DRC and the world.

Currently, the risk remains very high at national and regional levels but still low at global level, CARPHA has announced.

Moreover, CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Joy St. John, urged Member States to

enhance disease surveillance at ports of entry and at health facilities at this stage.

She stated, “It is important that the Region takes on a proactive approach. Use this as an opportunity to review and strengthen your systems.”

In keeping with the International Health Regulations and the statement on the meeting of the International Health Regulations [2005] Emergency Committee for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the (Continued on page 24)

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Public Service Union requests for BOI into “unauthorized spending” The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) at a press conference on Wednesday stated that it has sent a letter to President David Granger, requesting him to install a Board of Inquiry (BOI) into their credit union.

This follows what is being called “unauthorized” spending on the part of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), a committee which is a part of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union Limited (GPSCCUL).

At the press conference, which was held at the union’s headquarters, President of GPSU, Patrick Yarde, had complained of monies being spent on several “unnecessary contracts.”

According to Yarde, some of those contracts were in excess of US$25,000 ($5.2 million).

The president of the union added that the IMC is currently abusing its powers.

“We would like the general public to be aware of the unauthorized expenditure that has incurred by the Interim Management Committee following contracts which were awarded to a company or individual without going through the proper procurement procedure in excess of $10 million for construction work.”

Last year May, the Chief Co-Operatives Development Officer took complete control of the credit union from the Management Committee because it failed to comply with laws and regulations such as preparing the Annual General Meeting (AGM) reports of audit reports.

Subsequently, the IMC was put into place to manage the union, but some old members of the GPSU were against such actions.

Yarde expressed that the executive members are the ones who permit the use of $1M for projects by the elected Management Committee at the AGM, but the IMC

went overboard with its command and with their spending for their contracts.

He said that a number of those contracts were awarded to companies and individuals without going through the proper procurement procedures.

One of those contracts he mentioned was the $10 million that was spent for construction works. Another contract of $5.2 million was spent for six human resources- related activities, which he adds is “ridiculous when you get in depth of what was done.”

The union’s president identified other charges of $2 million spent for air conditioning, $2.5 million for telephone services and $1.6 for reviewing the security services.

In June 2018, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) was installed to oversee the affairs of the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU), and had been reinstated.

Their reinstatement had followed a decision by Justice Gino Persaud to discharge an Interim Order, staying the decision of the Chief Cooperatives Development Officer, to assume and or exercise control of the affairs of the union.

Yarde claimed at the press conference that when the management committee was removed in May of last year, the employment cost increased from $3.8 million to $6.9 million to April of this year.

He said that the Union is also investigating another allegation where it is said that $6 million was paid in bonuses during this period. Nonetheless, he assured the members of the credit union that he and his team are committed to ensuring that their monies are intact and recovered.

Yarde stated that members are frustrated by the process of getting loans; hence, over 400 members have left the union, withdrawing over $38 million in savings. He also

Opposition pickets ...

From page 7 signatures of scrutineers from political parties.”

Jagdeo disclosed that the PPP is now contemplating approaching the Court to prevent this activity by Lowenfield, which is in contempt of the order of the CCJ and in defiance of the Constitution of Guyana.

“If this wasn’t bad, what is worse is that the planned start of the exercise is done in a manner to exclude scrutiny.

Without notice, parties were not given sufficient time to ready a list of over 2,000 scrutineers to ensure that the activity is done in a manner that is above board.”

The party also called on GECOM to immediately start preparations for updating the

last valid List of Electors, through a period of Claims and Objections.“GECOM should discontinue any attempt to do house-to-house registration and pay a lump sum, let’s say $100,000, to all the enumerators who have been trained for their efforts thus far.

GECOM should recall the over 8,000 persons who were trained for the November 2018 Local Government Elections, as well as others, and start the process of training and, where necessary, re-training, for General and Regional Elections.”

The PPP said that there can be no acceptance of any action that represents blatant disregard and disrespect of our Constitution.

stated that he was informed that in the coming weeks, 10 persons were expected to travel to The Bahamas to attend a conference, which would cost the union some $10 million.

For these plethora of reasons, and because the union is now under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Protection, Yarde has called for the President to mount a Board of Inquiry into the affairs of the union.

Reporters were told by the union’s president that Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection demanded the union to pay approximately $50 million to the Ministry of Finance “audit and supervision” services.

Yarde said, “There was an agreement with the previous minister that the credit union

-Interim Chairman shares different views keep that money because it is funds for audit, supervision and development, and that the credit union conducts the audit and to pay for it.

“That was approved by the minister and there was no dispute about that, and that we report on the development process.”

He related that Minister Scott wanted to cancel the agreement.

The costs were then cut by 50%. Scott demanded him to pay the reduced monies, but the union refused. It was however brought to his attention afterwards that the IMC had paid over $25 million to the Social Protection Ministry for that purpose.

Chairman of the IMC, Trevor

Benn, had different opinions on the matter. Benn related that the GPSU is frustrated and bitter because it lost their court case against the IMC. Hence, they are using the media for attention.

He says that the CCDO manages the affairs of the credit union, so it does not need permission to use the union’s monies or to award monies to contracts.

Benn went on to say that fewer than 300 members have left the union, not because of the loan process, but because some of them have migrated and some have passed.

Benn added that membership has increased by some 1300. On the monies that were spent on construction, the

chairman of the IMC noted that when they took over the union from the GPSU, “the building was in a derelict state.”

To this, he explained that monies had to be spent to renovate the building. He did confirm that air conditioning units and a new intercom telephone system were put into the place, but those were improvements that were required to provide a conducive environment with comfort to the members of the union.

Benn states that for the construction of the building, roughly $9 million was spent.

He firmly believes that Yarde is on this royal run around because they lost their case at court against the IMC.

Our democratic credentials and image as a law-governed society are now on trial DEAR EDITOR, It is becoming increasingly evident that the APNU-AFC ‘Caretaker’ Government is unprepared to go along with the CCJ’s ruling on the question of holding elections within the constitutionally due period and on the appointment of a GECOM Chairman ‘within the shortest possible time.’

President Granger and other government officials continue to say the right things, but there is a huge gap between what they say and the actual action taken on these two fundamentally-related matters, namely a date for elections and the appointment of a GECOM Chairman.

So far, the ‘hammering out process has failed to deliver any meaningful result - the logical course is to now revert to the constitutional mechanism which provides for the Opposition Leader to name six individuals from which one is selected by the President. This had been the mechanism employed in all previous General and Regional elections

since 1992, and it boggles the mind that after so many attempts, a suitable person cannot be found who is ‘not unacceptable’ to the President.Having regard to the above, I think that the need for some intervention by a mutually agreed international agency is becoming something of a national imperative. I had in an earlier letter suggested that the Commonwealth Secretariat be approached to propose names of experienced and qualified individuals to head GECOM. Regrettably, the CCJ’s recommendation for a preferred ‘consensual’ approach is taken out of context. It was clearly not meant to supplant the existing constitutional mechanism, but rather, to emphasise an element of mutuality and trust in the selection processes. The democratic world is paying close attention to how developments are unfolding in Guyana. Our democratic credentials and our image as a law-governed society are now on trial.

Hydar Ally

The ship of Guyana is sinking

From page 4 the CCJ, the Government has issued a statement that Cabinet will continue to function, the President insists on submitting names to himself, for appointment to the GECOM chair, and Keith Lowenfield, the Chief Elections Officer, is preparing to do House to House registration, which will clearly make the holding of elections within the timeframe contemplated by the CCJ and Article 106(7) of the Constitution (18 September 2019), virtually impossible.

Readers will clearly recall when Stanley Marcus SC,

appearing for GECOM, informed the CCJ on 28 June 2018, that House to House registration will conclude on the 25 December 2019 (earliest), and that elections are likely to be held in February 2020, President, Justice Saunders, held up the Constitution in his hand and asked “What you want me to do with this document? Rewrite it? Ignore it?”

So the Executive Government of Guyana and GECOM, are clearly demonstrating to the CCJ and the world, that they are not prepared to be bound by the Constitution or

the lawful Orders of the summit Court of the hierarchical structure of Guyana’s Judiciary.

When that happens in a nation state, that nation is cascading with alacrity into an abyss where the rule of law, the Constitution and democratic institutions of the State, collapse into anarchy.

Guyana is now there.

Authoritarians are now desperately clinging to what is left of the authority of the State for their parasitic survival. Our country is being transformed right before our eyes into one of the rogue

nations of the world.

The struggle, therefore, must climb to a different ante.

The ship of Guyana is sinking. She needs the support of all her patriotic sons and daughters on board, to navigate it out from the tumultuous anarchical waters in which she is trapped, back to the tranquil sea of the rule of law and constitutional governance. I will continue to play my small part. Those who choose to sit on the fence, do so at their own peril.

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law

From page 6 when I assisted State senator Joe Addabbo defeat Serf Maltese after 20 years in office.

“The road to the Senate majority passed through Baldeo’s people in Richmond Hill, Democratic leaders gleefully gloated then. ” Where are they now?Immigrants have developed flourishing communities from decaying neighbor-

hoods to the thriving economic engines that now contribute massively to the national and local economies. So where are these people when we need their help and their voice?

Sadly, they are missing in action.

The holy scriptures caution that ingratitude is a major sin.

We therefore demand that all of our elected officials, from Governor Cuomo and Mayor

DeBlasio to our Senate and Congressional Representatives, State Senators, Assembly members, City Council members and others, Community Boards, NGOs, political, religious, cultural, social and economic organizations, Ambassadors - indeed everyone, come out and denounce this barbaric initiative to make immigrants the whipping boys of American politics.

You know who you are.

The Mayor and others need to say loudly to ICE in unison that NYC is a sanctuary city, and that they condemn and call for an immediate halt to the despotic and mean measures that have disrupted the local economies, businesses, fellow Americans and visitor - indeed, everyone, living and working in this nation that belongs to so many.

Community Leader Albert Baldeo

Who’s looking out for immigrants in the US?

PAGE 22

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.

HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW OF IF YOU NEED ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267

FOR SALE Combines 7300 John Deere (2000hrs), Fiatagri L413 (2500hrs), Laverda 132 & Tractors: Massey 399, Fiat 110/90, Ford 6610, 290 Massey # 695-2220

EDUCATION Edu Care Academy, Now enrolling. Former IBE, Lusignan Public Road.

Enrollment 5-9 August. #6420302/649-5987/676-9909 STEWART’S ACADEMIC INSTITUTE- SUMMER PROGRAMME: 22nd JULY16th AUGUST 2019) For more information, Contact Mr. Stewart Cell# 697-3801 CAREFORELDERLY, CARE FOR CHILDREN, FIRSTAID AND CPR TRAINING. #2274881 HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: DIABETES, INFERTILITY, MENSTRUAL DISORDERS, ENLARGED PROSTATE, KIDNEY, GALL STONES & SKIN DISORDERS ETC. CALL SPARMAN #676-5924

WANTED

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

Experienced Salesman to work @ Innovation America, Knowledge in sales & vast experience in hardware atmosphere.

Apply: innovationsamericamng @gmail.com

1 three bedroom apartment for rent in Diamond. Tel#6022563/609-4365 (1) One bedroom apartment to rent for a single person preferably. Contact #697-8867

IMPORTED Pure breed rottweilers for sale. Contact S.S Royal K9 @ 638-1111

(2) Business space, Bar/ Grocery shop Call: 645-6191 David & Lamaha St, Georgetown.

Cassava & fine plantain available. Contact#223-5273/ 223-5274

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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 LAND FOR SALE Farm road front E.B.D. Behind Park Vue hotel. High income land. Tel#669-5781, 696-7777 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

Parfaite Harmonie transferable $1.9M, $1.5M Business spot $2.5M Parfaite Harmonie with foundation $3.5M. Call: 6662326

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

Waitress to work in Bar #6614863

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

Seamstress. Contact: 6911918. Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm

New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered $2.3M , Toyota Vitz 2010 Black unregistered $1.8M . Tel#2235615/600-4212

Experienced live-in waitress to work in bar. Age 18-22 yrs, must have ID. Contact# 2212785/659-1930

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 One 2010 Nissan X-trail. Fully powered, PVV series, excellent condition, $3.3 neg Call: 6975758, whatsapp for pics 1 RZ minibus, Good condition.

Tel# 662-4040 WANTED

Farm main road (East Bank) $6.8M Schnoord $3.6M (100ftx50ft) Dairy $2M Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M Tel#648-1635

Live in or Live out Domestic worker. Call from MondaySaturday between 8:154:15pm #223-7500

1 experienced cook, 2 counter staff wanted. Call: 623-8654/ 610-0603

(1) Transport land located at Parfaite Harmony, West Bank Tel# 664-7481

LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561

FOR RENT

30x48 Sash windows, black & white (Regular size) casement and awning windows. $12,000 each. Tel#679-3325

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 Stove Repairs. Tel#627-7835

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Wanted Industrial electrian to work in Georgetown. #2271717 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750 1 Cashier. Contact #623-5255 between 8am-5pm, Mon-Sat

1-male able-bodied clerk. Call: 231-2029/616-5954 Wanted land to buy Parfaite Harmonie, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Tuschen, Eccles, Uitvlugt, Best price pay cash. Call: 666-2326

Security wanted to work in Georgetown. #227-1717 Graphic Artist. #233-2439/2332725 Bus Driver wanted. #6041469/671-2737 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 Property on the Soesdyke Linden Highway (serious enquiries only) #644-3515/ 698-9711 (1) 3 bedroom house located at Stewartville. Tel#625-3299/ 268-3129

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-190 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-531 BETWEEN (DAVIDSON) JAMES GLADSTONE Petitioner – and- (DAVIDSON) ORNA ZORINA nee ENGLISH Respondent To the Respondent ORNA ZORNA DAVIDSON nee ENGLISH Lot 229 East La Penitence, Freeman Street, Georgetown, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of February 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by JAMES GLADSTONE DAVIDSON, the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 13th day of March ,2019 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online) AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FUTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) Answer and/or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28(twentyeight) days after the date of the second and final publication of this Notice TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 25th July,2019 at 9:00am before the Honourable Mr Justice Gino Peter Persaud in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 13th day of March, 2019

VACANCY 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 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 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 General Domestic to cook and clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358 Female cleaner office & home.

Call: 642-9823 continued on the next page

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

“I was hungry so I took his money”, Cosmetologist tells court.

Two years in prison for gold band snatcher

“I was hungry so I took his money and bought chicken for the both of us.

And he knows that.” The court heard that story after the defendant pleaded guilty to one of the charges that were read to her.

Forty-two-year-old Leah Cadogan, a cosmetologist from Lodge, Georgetown, appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

The first charge stated

that on July 12, 2019, at Lot 38 John Street, Lodge, Georgetown, she stole a Samsung phone valued at $25,000, property of Angelo Luke. And the second charge read that on July 16, 2019, she stole $10,000 cash from the same Angelo Luke.

The defendant denied the first charge but pleaded guilty to the second charge, and offered to give the court an explanation.

“Hes my boyfriend; and yes I took his money but I

Jamaican who escaped police custody gets nine months in prison Anthony Lynch, also known as Russian, was yesterday sentenced to prison after he opted to change his plea in relation to a charge of escaping from police custody.

He was on remand for over a month now.

The 33-year-old Jamaican was before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

On the first occasion that the matter was called, the defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 7, last, at Eve Leary, Georgetown while he was in lawful custody for the offence of exposing an obscene video; he escaped from that vey custody.

Yesterday when the matter was recalled Lynch opted to change his plea to guilty and as a result the charge was read over to him and he was sentenced to nine months in prison for the offence.

Lynch was facing two other charges along with escaping lawful custody. He was charged for exposing an obscene video of his girlfriend by sharing same with his friends via Whatsapp on January 1, 2019 at Lot 20 East

used it to buy Chicken for us because I was hungry…I never stole his phone your worship.

“He had three phones and he forgot one of his phone at home and while taking it to him I got robbed and not only his phone got stolen, my Iphone too.”

After the defendants explanation Senior Magistrate Daly then asked the virtual complainant if he was going ahead with the matters against the defendant, the virtual complainant then told the court that he doesnt want to proceed with the matters against the defendant, but he would like if she gets help to stop smoking.

The defendant received a warning on the second charge and she was assigned for counselling by Senior Magistrate Daly and the matters were then dismissed against her.

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

Anthony Lynch Ruimveldt, and for overstaying his time in Guyana.

He was sentenced to one year in prison after his guilty plea on the first occasion for sharing the nude video and now he remains on remand for the charge of overstaying histime.

That charge had alleged that on May 29, 2019, Lynch failed to comply with the conditions permitting him to stay in Guyana from November 16,2016toApril 30, 2017 and he overstayed his time thereafter.

Bounty Hall resident found with coke Police in G Division on Thursday, about 18:50hrs, acting on information received, went to a location at Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast and arrested a 33-year-old labourer for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He was allegedly found in possession of 26 grams of cocaine.

The Westbury, Essequibo Coast resident, Orlando “Blue Boy”, of 12 Westbury, Essequibo Coast,, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrates Court yesterday morning and pleaded not guilty.

He was placed on $30,000 bail. The case has been postponed to August 29 for trial at the Charity Magistrates Court.

Vacancy exist for a Full time/ Part time teacher, must be able to teach (2 & 7) years old. Call: 600-6887 for more information Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/600-8457 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village Driver, Factory worker, must have a sound secondary education, for more information. Please call: 2230090 Waitress & Cook, preferably carnegie trained & Cashier/ Waitress #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St Vacancy exist: (1) Caregiver, Age 40 years & older, must be clean, caring & patient, light house work etc. Call: 678-5206 Receptionist. Contact#2235273/223-5274 Surveyor. Contact#223-5273/ 223-5274 Accounts Clerk. Contact#2235273/223-5274

After three weeks of being in limbo about his fate, a father of two who admitted to pulling off a womans gold band to obtain money to take care of his children was yesterday finally sentenced.

Jason Thomas, 26, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Magistrate Dylon Bess.

On the first occasion, the court heard that on June 22, 2019 at Regent and Wellington Streets, Georgetown, he stole a gold band valued at $120,000 from Clareann Rambarran.

Following Thomass plea the matter was put on hold so that the prosecutor could present details on previous charges the defendant had, and for the probation officer to provide a report on his attitude after the accused made a plea of mitigation.

Magistrate Bess in his ruling said that he took into con-

sideration the report of the probation officer and the fact that the defendant did not waste the courts time hence.

Thomas was sentenced to two years in prison.

On the day in question at about 13:10hrs, Rambarran was walking along Regent Street. While at the intersection with Wellington Street, Thomas walked up alongside her and held onto her right arm. He then pulled off her gold band and attempted to run away. Rambarrans sister, who was with her, raised an alarm. Police ranks on patrol in the area at the time responded and were able to apprehend Thomas who pleaded guilty to the charge and offered to explain his actions. According to him, on the day in question, as soon as he woke up his children mother started complaining about their finances for the kids.

Jason Thomas “She de just speeding me head, your worship, and she tell me she will have the police arrest me to pay child support. This is my first offence and I dont do them things. Everybody does make mistakes in life, but at least the woman get back she band.”

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Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Britain says Iran seizes two oil tankers in Gulf, Iran says captured one LONDON/DUBAI (Reuters) - Britain said Iran seized two oil tankers in the Gulf yesterday and told Tehran to return the vessels or face consequences in the latest confrontation to ratchet up tension along a vital international oil shipping route.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had captured the British-flagged Stena Impero, announcing the move two weeks after the British navy seized an Iranian tanker in Gibraltar.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the second vessel, the British-operated Mesdar, had not been seized.

It said the ship had been allowed to continue its course after being given a warning over safety and environmental issues.

The Stena Impero and Mesdar changed direction sharply within 40 minutes of each other shortly after entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, taking up a course toward Iran, Refinitiv tracking

data showed.

The data later showed Mesdar changing direction again, heading westward back into the Gulf.

“These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region,” British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said.

Hunt later said, in comments reported by Sky News, that there would be consequences if Iran did not return control of the ships, but said Britain was not considering military options.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would talk to Britain about the issue, speaking after a war of words earlier yesterday about whether the United States had shot down an Iranian drone in the Strait of Hormuz.

Already strained relations between Iran and the West have become increasingly fraught since the British navy seized Iran’s Grace 1 tanker in

Gibraltar on July 4 on suspicion of smuggling oil to Syria in breach of European Union sanctions.

Oil prices gained yesterday after the latest spike in tensions along the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass.

MARITIME RULES Iran’s Guards, an elite force under the command of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said they seized the Stena Impero at the request of Iranian authorities for “not following international maritime regulations,” state television reported.

Northern Marine Management, which is owned by Stena AB, confirmed the Stena Impero was heading toward Iran.

Norbulk, the manager of the tanker Mesdar, said the vessel had been boarded by armed personnel but was later allowed to continue its voyage. It said the crew was safe and well.

Fisherman beaten to death, brother left critical-cops hunt three Police are hunting for three men who inflicted a beating on two brothers on Thursday night that left one dead and the other critical.

The slain man was identified as Alvin, also called ‘Chockoloo, 20, a fisherman of 820 ‘G’ Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo. His brother is identified as Devendra Seenarine, called ‘Shameer.’

The incident occurred at Zeelugt.

According to a release, Alvin and Seenarine had left a relative’s home on a

bicycle at around 22.45 hrs after imbibing.

Shortly after, a loud commotion was heard nearby and the suspects, “reportedly armed with instruments”, were seen beating ‘Shameer ’. Alvin was later discovered motionless with multiple wounds about his body a short distance away They were taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where Alvin was pronounced dead on arrival and Shameer treated and transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

His condition is regarded as serious.

Undated handout photograph shows the Stena Impero, a British-flagged vessel owned by Stena Bulk, at an undisclosed location, obtained by Reuters on July 19, 2019. Stena Bulk/via REUTERS

Iran had said it would retaliate against the seizure in Gibraltar. Just days later, three Iranian vessels tried to block a British-owned tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz but they backed off when confronted by a British navy ship.

Refinitiv data showed the Stena Impero vessel is owned

by Stena Bulk and indicated its destination had been the Saudi port of Jubail on the Gulf. The tracking map showed it veering off course about 1517 GMT and heading toward Iran.

The Mesdar made its shift toward Iran at about 1600 GMT.“We received reports that the British Stena Impero oil tanker was causing incidents and, therefore, we asked the military to direct it to Bandar Abbas port for the necessary probes,” Allahmorad Afifipour, head of Hormozgan’s maritime authority, told Tasnim news agency.

‘IGNORED WARNINGS’ Tasnim, which cited mili-

tary sources as saying the Mesdar had not been seized, said the Stena Impero had been causing pollution by dumping oil residue.

An Iranian military source said the Stena Impero “had turned off its tracker and ignored several warnings by the Guards before being captured,” the official IRNA news agency reported.

State television said the Stena Impero was taken to a coastal area and turned over to the authorities to take the necessary legal steps, the television added.

Supreme Leader Khamenei said on Tuesday Iran would respond to Britain’s “piracy” over the seizure of the Iran’s Grace 1 tanker in Gibraltar.

Tehran has repeatedly called for the ship’s release, denies the allegation that the tanker was taking oil to Syria in violation of sanctions and says Gibraltar and Britain seized the vessel on the orders of Washington.

Tensions between the

United States and Iran have been steadily rising since Washington withdrew last year from a global pact aimed at reining in Tehran’s nuclear program and imposed sanctions that seek to shutdown Iranian oil exports.

Iran has said it would not halt its oil exports, the government’s main source of revenue.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, an analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said Tehran’s action suggested U.S. sanctions “are working and that negotiations with America or world powers will need to happen”.

Guy Platten, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, called on all those involved in Friday’s shipping incident to seek a swift resolution to the incident that threatened the safety of seafarers.

“Freedom of navigation is vital for global trade and we encourage all nations to uphold this fundamental principle of maritime law,” he said.

Govt. proposes inter-country adoption Congo’s Ebola outbreak declared an int’l...

From page 14 the recognition of an adoption certificate from a convention country. In this regard, the Attorney Generals office will have the option to write to the Court requesting permission to refuse recognition of an adoption.

In such cases, the Court may declare that it is satisfied that the adoption is not inkeeping with public policy, as it relates to a childs best in-

terests. The Attorney Generals office would also have to write to the Court, requesting a termination of the pre-existing legal parent-child relationship.

The AGs Office would, if the amendment succeeds, maintain a Confidential Convention database.

The Central Authority and an accredited body will have the option to make partnership agreements with for-

eign countries and accredited adoption agencies.

It should be noted that, if this amendment is taken to Parliament, it will be debated in a contentious period, as Government and Opposition differ on whether any legislation should be passed by a “caretaker” government, as labeled by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in its consequential orders on July 12, 2019.

GPHC sees 71 work study students ...

From page 14 they were excellent candidates during their stay at the medical facility.A few students spoke about their experience at the facility and they surely had interesting things to say. Jedia Jeffrey of Queens College said, “I was placed in the Radiology Department on work study for five weeks and I had never expected to learn

as much as I know now.

“Neither had I expected to have such an appreciation for this institution because I never expected everybody to be working along so well.”

Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI) student, Kareem Mc Lean, said, “I stand here before you today looking back at the six weeks I spent at Georgetown Hospital.

“I still remember it like it was our first day, all excited and eager to learn more. As we began our journey we learnt a lot of new stuff that we didnt learn in school.”

Overall all the students spoke highly of the GPHC. They insisted that their time spent there was eventful, information packed and unforgettable.

From page 20 Congo on July 17, 2019, no country should close its borders or place any restrictions on travel and trade.

According to CARPHA, such measures are usually implemented out of fear and have no basis in science.

“They push the movement of people and goods to informal border crossings that are not monitored, thus increasing the chances of the spread of

disease,” CARPHA has noted, adding that “Most critically, these restrictions can also compromise local economies and negatively affect response operations from a security and logistics perspective.” Moreover, it is being urged, “National authorities should work with airlines, passenger ships and other transport and tourism industries to ensure that they do not exceed WHO’s advice on

international traffic.”

However, the Committee does not consider entry screening at airports or other ports of entry outside the Region to be necessary.

CARPHA will continue to monitor these developments and provide Member States with guidance to support national response efforts, while strengthening Regional Health Security in collaboration with regional partners.

Global AIDS response declines by nearly ...

From page 12 progress in stopping new HIV infections among their partners.

Also detailed in the report is that while gains have been made against HIV-related stigma and discrimination in many countries, discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV remain extremely high.

The report stated, “There

is an urgency to tackle the underlying structural drivers of inequalities and barriers to HIV prevention and treatment, especially with regard to harmful social norms and laws, stigma and discrimination and gender-based violence.” “Discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV remain extremely high in far too many countries.

Across 26 countries, more

than half of respondents expressed discriminatory attitudes towards people living with HIV.” Proposed in the report, therefore, is the need for criminal laws, aggressive law enforcement as harassment and violence continue to push key populations to the margins of society and deny them access to basic health and social services.

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

St. Cuthbert’s residents benefit from conflict resolution workshop

Residents of St. Cuthbert’s Mission are now better equipped to handle and solve issues within the community.

During a one-day workshop hosted by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, the participants were exposed to conflict resolution and consensus-building methods aimed at improving their communication skills and assisting in the establishment of a conflict resolution framework.Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton noted that St. Cuthbert’s Mission has developed but there are still some areas that require improvement.

Therefore, the department has returned to offer direction and remind the residents of the importance of crafting

their Village Improvement Project (VIP).

“Sometimes we know what the problem is and we know what is causing the problem but you may need guidance…. we are prepared to offer you that guidance and that is why we have returned because we want to assist in the continued development of the community,” Minister Norton said.

He encouraged all participants to be openminded and respectful to the contributions made by others as it will assist in the community’s development.

The minister also commended the involvement of the young people who have begun to take up the leadership mantle.

Toshao Beverly Clenkian told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that she

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, has said that there is no restriction on the meeting of the National Assembly, since the body has not been dissolved.

And while Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that no Bills should be passed at this time, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, has responded “Well, thankfully, he doesn’t run things.”

At present, Government is pushing forward with a move to have two Bills tabled and passed in the National Assembly. They are, according to the Extraordinary Gazettes of July 8, 2019, Bill No. 10 of 2019, the Adoption of Children (Amendment) Bill 2019; and Bill No. 11 of 2019, the Restorative Justice Bill 2019.

A date has not yet been published for the tabling of the Bills.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has declared that the Government is in a ‘caretaker’ capacity. But while there are to be restrictions on

its operations, the absence of firm precedents to draw from, leave many to speculate on what constitutes acting in a ‘caretaker’ capacity.

Minister Bulkan said, yesterday, that since Government is in that capacity, it would only be conducting routine activities. Asked whether the laying of Bills is considered routine, Bulkan said, “What I can say is that Parliament has not been dissolved. I see no restriction on Parliament meeting with regards to laying of Bills.”

On the opposing side, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that no Bills should be passed at this time. The Opposition Leader said in a recent press conference, “If Basil Williams doesn’t understand what Caretaker government means, it means no legislation can be originated now… So there will be no further legislative process.”He has also called for Parliament to be dissolved.

He said, “It follows… Be-

PAGE 25

Participants at the conflict resolution and consensus-building workshop in St Cuthbert’s Mission. welcomed the workshop as it helped the residents to face and most importantly resolve issues in the community.

Clenkian expressed the hope that similar interventions are held in the village in the future.

In addition to this, the minister announced that a music teacher will be deployed to St Cuthbert’s on August 1 to host a workshop and residents were urged to take advantage of the opportunity.

Govt. business will continue in Parliament – Bulkan

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan cause 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.”Government 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.

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

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 Thursday.

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 match in the entire tournament.

In today’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

Trinidad and Tobago goal-shooter, Samantha Wallace. 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

Saturday July 20, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The world is wide open to you today, so take advantage of all the great things it has to offer. Even though you may not realize it, you have a loyal fan club developing in the wings.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today is your day to shine, Taurus, so give it your all. Be sure that you get the credit you deserve for all you do.

Try not to fall into self-pity.

Be yourself and people will naturally follow your lead.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today is a day of contrasts, Gemini. Eat chocolate in the morning and go jogging in the afternoon. Sleep in late and go to bed early. It's also a day of grounding.

CANCER(June21–July22) The day doesn't begin until you clear your head and take stock of some pending personal issues, Cancer. You might be making mountains out of molehills.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you might feel especially creative and intellectually inspired, Leo. You could discuss your ideas with others. The process of communication could open up new doors in your mind VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, Virgo, and might want to draw upon your business sense in order to make sense of the situation and find ways to put it right.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Heightened intuition could lead to some interesting conversations. Others could be blown away by your insights into their thoughts, feelings, and desires.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) - Your intuition and inspiration could enhance your artistic talents. A powerful drive to express the stories, pictures, or music in your mind could result in your spending as much of the day as you can jotting down your thoughts and ideas.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your mind is sharp as a tack today, Sagittarius. There's a great deal of power behind your thoughts, so use it wisely. Take this energy to work and see how much you can accomplish.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Inspiration is the key for today, Capricorn. You may feel highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible. Impossibility has never stopped you before, and you aren't likely to let it stop you now.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) An increased understanding of different cultures as well as curiosity about the people who live there might spur you to learn more about those places.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) There's a powerful force urging you to act today. Someone may be working counter to your aims and trying to rub you the wrong way.

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, goal-shooter 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.

Asher-Smith targets British...

From page 27 happen. I have an idea of how I want to run but you’re going to have to wait until tomorrow.

“I’m a lot stronger since 2017 (when the last world championships were held), both speed and endurancewise. It’s taken a bit of time race-wise to catch up with tactics.”

Alaphilippe beats Thomas...

From page 26 eyes will be on Thomas, who will be expected to start gaining time on Alaphilippe.

“It’s not going to be like anything we’ve seen so far during this Tour,” the Frenchman said.

“I will give my best and I hope I won’t crack. I will certainly not give up.”

Thomas remained calm.

“There’s a long way to go and a lot of hard stages to

come now,” the Briton said..

“I didn’t really expect that, He’s obviously going incredibly well, so he’s certainly the favourite and the one to watch at the minute.” The time trial was a sobering moment for Briton Adam Yates, who slid down to 10th in the GC after losing 2:08 on Alaphilippe.

No Frenchman has won the Tour since Bernard Hinault in 1985.

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‘Do we just burn our kits and apply for jobs?’ - Sikandar Raza ESPNcricinfo Disappointment, despair and heartbreak. These are the words Sikandar Raza used to describe the mood among his Zimbabwe team-mates, as they frantically called each other and exchanged messages in the minutes following the ICC’s decision to suspend Zimbabwe with immediate effect over ‘government interference’. · Raza said his teammates’ emotions were similar to the way they felt after the World Cup Qualifier last year, when their defeat to UAE cost them a place in the 2019 World Cup. But the situation was a lot worse, he said, as players remain in the dark over their immediate and foreseeable future.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play a T20 tri-series in September in Bangladesh, against the hosts and Afghanistan, in the lead-up to the Men’s World T20 Qualifier in October in the UAE. While Zimbabwe remain suspended, representative teams will not be allowed to participate in any ICC events, making their presence in the

Zimbabwe’s suspension has thrown players’ careers into uncertainty, says Sikandar Raza. (IDI via Getty Images) Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in August and Men’s World T20 Qualifier highly unlikely. · Effectively, Zimbabwe Cricket has to get its house in order by the next ICC meeting in October. Raza said that the ICC could have applied the same conditions but at least allowed them to play cricket. · “We are all pretty

heart-broken at the moment,” Raza told ESPNcricinfo. “We are still in shock to be honest, seeing how our international career can come to an end like that. Not just for one player, but for the whole country. I am not coming to terms with it so easily, and I am sure my team-mates feel the same way.

Where do we go from here?

Is there a way out? · “I don’t know what

Alaphilippe beats Thomas in time trial to extend Tour lead PAU, France (Reuters) France’s Julian Alaphilippe continued to amaze as he claimed an impressive victory in the 13th stage of the Tour de France, a 27.2-km individual time trial, to extend his overall lead yesterday.

The Deceuninck-Quick Step rider clocked 35 minutes over the lumpy course to beat defending champion Geraint Thomas by 14 seconds and Belgian Thomas De Gendt by 36 seconds.

Following his second stage win this year, Alaphilippe leads Thomas, who is emerging as Team Ineos’ sole leader, by 1:26 and Dutchman Steven Kruijswijk by 2:12.

Today’s 14th stage is a 117.5-km mountain trek from Tarbes ending at top of the Col du Tourmalet, where the pre-race favourites will show their hands.

“I knew on that kind of course I could perform but I didn’t think I could win. The route suited me so I told myself ‘give everything, you have nothing to lose’,” said world number one Alaphilippe, winner of the Milan San Remo classic this season.

“I pushed my limits, it was crazy with the crowds, I don’t realise yet.”

Alaphilippe is the first Frenchman to win an

is the way out. We have been told that we have been suspended but not told for how long. [A] two-year [suspension] could basically bring an end to a lot of careers.

I don’t know the conditions but to totally suspend us from playing cricket, while you allow whoever is responsible to get our house in order, you basically stop cricket in Zimbabwe. I don’t know how

one can do that but it has happened to us now.” · Raza feared it may be time for Zimbabwe players to think of alternative careers.

Raza, himself, is a software engineer, and had also attended the Air Force College in Pakistan. Although he picked up cricket as a profession later than most players, he has quickly built himself into a solid batting allrounder in international cricket, and has picked up gigs in many of the T20 leagues around the world . · “If we miss the World T20 qualifiers, we will miss the T20 tri-series in Bangladesh [in September].

What if the house [ZC] is not in order? Is the ICC going to recognise the interim committee or the old committee?

What is happening? · “I don’t know where we go as international cricketers. Is it club cricket or no cricket for us? Do we just burn our kits and apply for jobs? I don’t know what we have to do right now.” · Raza said that if the ICC had directly overseen the

Zimbabwe Cricket elections in June, they may have quickly recognised why the government’s Sports and Recreation Commission dismissed the board in the first place. “I genuinely thought that it would have been ideal if one member of the ICC had come and overseen the election process, for the reasons SRC dismissed the board, while we continued to play cricket.

I thought that would have been a very good quick fix.” · Last year, while accepting the Player of the Tournament award at the World Cup Qualifier in Harare, Raza had voiced his disappointment at the ICC’s decision to limit the number of teams in the 2019 World Cup. He maintained a similar stance regarding cricket’s decision-makers “As much as I want to say, there’s nothing to say. Our cricket and livelihoods have been taken away from us,” he said.

“Whatever I say now will mean nothing. It will fall on deaf ears. I just thought the motto was to grow the game, and it keeps on shrinking.”

‘Discrimination’ victim Tatishvili wins Roland Garros prize money appeal AFP - Anna Tatishvili, who was stripped of her entire 46,000-euro ($52,000) prize money at Roland Garros for “not playing at a professional standard”, has had her punishment overturned, the player announced on Twitter yesterday.

“The Grand Slam Board has reversed the sanction imposed on me at the 2019 French Open, acknowledging I played ‘professionally from the first to the very last point’ and returning to me all of the prize money that I earned,” tweeted 29-year-old Georgia-born Tatishvili.

“I’m grateful to all who stood with me, including my legal team at @Kirkland_Ellis.

So happy the question of my performance is settled and I can move on with my tennis

career. Excited to be back in competition!”

Tatishvili returned to competition at the French Open last month following a 31-month absence caused by a serious ankle injury and multiple surgeries.

Appearing in Paris with a protected ranking, she lost her first-round match to Greece’s 33rd-ranked Maria Sakkari, 6-0, 6-1 in just 55 minutes.

Officials then stripped her of her prize money, claiming Tatishvili failed to play at a “professional standard”.

Tatishvili appealed against “the unfair and discriminatory sanction”, pointing out that a male player who competed in qualifying at the French Open, also under a protected ranking, lost in 43 minutes but was not sanctioned.

Deceuninck-Quick Step rider Julian Alaphilippe of France, wearing the overall leader’s yellow jersey, finishes The 27.5-km Stage 13 Individual Time Trial from Pau to Pau. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) individual time trial prologues, which are shorter, excluded - since JeanFrancois Bernard in 1987.

Thomas’s team mate Egan Bernal lost ground as the Colombian finished 22nd, 1:36 off the pace and slipped from third to fifth in the general classification.

Frenchman Thibaut Pinot, who lost considerable ground when caught at the wrong end of a bunch split last Monday, moved up to

seventh thanks to a solid performance that kept him within two minutes of Thomas and took him to 30 seconds behind Bernal.

Alaphilippe’s team mate Enric Mac also had good day as the Spaniard moved up to fourth overall and snatched the white jersey for the best Under-25 rider from Bernal.

Saturday’s Pyrenean stage is expected to be a major test for the GC riders, and all (Continued on page 25)

Anna Tatishvili won her appeal to have her French Open prize money returned. (Getty Images North America/AFP/File/Streeter Lecka)

Saturday July 20, 2019

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Lowry surges into Open lead as Woods set to miss cut AFP - Ireland’s Shane Lowry stormed into the lead on the second day of the British Open as Tiger Woods was set to miss the cut yesterday.

Resuming on four under, Lowry birdied four of the opening five holes and picked up another two shots on eight and 10 to move to 10 under.

Overnight leader J.B. Holmes consolidated his challenge with a 68 to move to eight under.

“You can have that great round and that day where everything goes right,” said Holmes. “But it’s nice to get two rounds in a row. It shows a little consistency.”

English duo Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood are just one shot further back on seven under, while world number one Brooks Koepka also kept himself in the hunt for a fifth major on five under.

However, Woods was made to pay for his disastrous 78 on Thursday as a one under par round left the 15time major champion still on six over and five shots off the projected cut.

“It’s more frustrating than anything else because this is a major championship and I love playing in these events,” said Woods, who has struggled at three majors since his stunning triumph at

England’s Tommy Fleetwood moved to seven under par with his second round at the British Open. (AFP / Andy Buchanan) the Masters in April.

“I love the atmosphere. I love just the stress of playing in a major. Unfortunately, I’ve only had a chance to win one of them and was able to do it.

But the other three I didn’t do very well.”

Fleetwood played a starring role in Europe’s victory at the Ryder Cup last year and the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67.

“I’m happy that I had a chance to scrap today and

actually did really well. Was up to the test and, again, did a lot of good stuff,” said Fleetwood. “Overall, two really good rounds of golf to start.”

Westwood rolled back the years with four birdies on the back nine to shoot into contention with a 67.

Justin Rose is another Englishman in the mix as an eagle on the 12th moved the world number four to six under.

Koepka has not finished outside the top two in all three majors so far this season and

Ireland’s Shane Lowry moved into the lead at the British Open yesterday. (AFP / Paul Ellis) the American is dangerously poised after moving to five under with another solid round of 69.

But the PGA champion was left frustrated he has not hit the front yet due to his putting. “I haven’t made a putt all week, so I just need to figure that out,” he said.

“If I can just make some putts I could have very easily been 10-under and maybe more.”

Algeria win Africa Cup of Nations with freak early goal CAIRO (Reuters) - Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time yesterday when a freak second-minute goal by Baghdad Bounedjah gave them a 1-0 win over gallant Senegal in the final.

Bounedjah stunned the Lions of Teranga with a shot which took a wicked deflection off Salif Sane and looped over the bewildered goalkeeper Alfred Gomis and into the net.

Algeria, who committed 32 fouls according to official match statistics, sat back after that and had to scrap for their win in a match that was certainly not a classic but was tense and gripping throughout.

Senegal, beaten by Cameroon on their only previous appearance in the final in 2002, were awarded a penalty for handball in the second half but the decision was revoked following a VAR review.

The final whistle provoked wild celebrations among the large contingent of travelling Algeria fans. It was a fitting end to a tournament that, with 24 teams for the first time, produced plentiful drama

Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez lifts the trophy as they celebrate winning the Africa Cup of Nations. (REUTERS/Suhaib Salem) even if quality was sometimes lacking.

Senegal were missing Kalidou Koulibaly, arguably Africa’s finest defender, through suspension and his absence was quickly felt.

The game got off to an extraordinary start when Bounedjah collected the ball, burst forward and unleashed a shot that took a wicked deflection off Sane.

Gomis stayed rooted to the spot, seemingly thinking

that the ball was going out, but it dipped under the bar.

But Algeria sat back and allowed Senegal to claw their way back into the game.

They had a major let off in the second half when Ismaila Sarr burst down the right and fired a low cross into the middle.

It struck Adlene Guedioura’s arm and, although it seemed impossible for the Algerian to get out of the way, the referee

pointed to the spot but then changed his mind after a VAR review.

Algeria had another let off shortly afterwards. Cheikhou Kouyate sent Mbaye Niang clear and he took the ball around Rais Mbolhi but shot into the side-netting.

Youssouf Sabaly then produced a vicious dipping shot which Mbolhi did well to tip over the bar before Sarr volleyed over with the goal at his mercy.

Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth is also five under after storming up the leaderboard by picking up five shots in four holes between five and eight.

Woods raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions.

The American was two under for the day after six

holes, but a bogey at the seventh stalled his fightback.

Back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11 gave Woods hope again but a bogey-bogey finish was a fitting end to a frustrating two days for the 43-year-old.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy also has a huge task to stay around for the weekend as he tees off after shooting eight over in his first round.

Asher-Smith targets British record at Anniversary Games AFP - European sprint champion Dina Asher-Smith says she may have to break her own British record to win 100-metres gold at the Anniversary Games in a field that includes double Olympic champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce Asher-Smith ran 10.85 seconds when she won gold at the European championships in Berlin last year.

And she believes it may take an even quicker time to take victory at the London Stadium, venue for the 2012 Olympics, tomorrow as the countdown to the world championships in Doha continues.

“Every field I have come into this year has been like a world and Olympic final,” said the 23-year-old, who won three gold medals in Berlin last year.

“We’re in a great position with women’s sprints right now because whenever you step on the line you have to bring your

best.

“We have all known the date of the world championships, we know we have to peak at the end of September and beginning of October.

“We have worked backwards from that to make sure I’m in the best shape I can be.”

Fellow Briton Laura Muir, 26, said she was in the shape of her career ahead of London as she prepared for today’s 1500 metres.

“I feel like I’m in PB shape, almost the best shape I’ve ever been in,” she said ahead of the Diamond League event.

“I ran an 800m personal best last week so I feel I’m in my PB shape of three minutes 55 seconds. It’s just whether all the boxes on the day will be ticked.

“It’s going to be really competitive and I’m hoping we can run some fast times.

In the 1500m you are not entirely sure what’s going to (Continued on page 25)

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Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship – Group A

‘Lady Jags’ topple Saint Lucia in clinical fashion for 3rd win - Suriname blank Antigua & Barbuda

By Franklin Wilson Guyana’s ‘Lady Jags’ have for the third successive occasion in this group romped to a 2-0 win, this time they have added to their list the previously unbeaten Saint Lucia to notch full points and take over the pole position in the group last night at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Urged on by another supportive crowd, Guyana not

only ensured that Saint Lucia - which had scored total of nine (9) goals in their three wins – not score at all in what was the match of the group, but also ensured that goalkeeper Anessa O’Brien also maintained a clean sheet to date; Guyana scoring 6 and conceding 0.

It was a dominating display by the home team which controlled the flow of the match from the first whistle until the final, apart

from nullifying Saint Lucia’s trump cards, Captain Krysan St. Louis (5 goals in the two matches) and Tanika Bernard who had scored 3 goals prior to the Guyana clash. The two had combined for 8 of the 9 goals their team scored in their three wins.

Against the technically and tactically solid ‘Lady Jags’ it was a different ball game as Head Coach Ivan Joseph and his Technical Staff, as he had promised to,

Latest Points Table Group A Country Guyana Saint Lucia Bermuda Suriname Antigua

MP 3 4 3 3 3

W 3 3 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 2 2 3

GF 6 9 7 9 1

GA 0 7 5 10 10

GD +6 +2 +2 -1 -9

Points 9 9 3 3 0

did their home work on their opponents and executed same, to precision.

Lanky forward Tiandi Smith it was who sent Guyana ahead in the 19th minute when she finished at the near post, beating Saint Lucia’s custodian Renala Francis with a well placed shot. It was a well deserved goal for Guyana as they put their stamp on proceedings.

In their matches leading up to last evening’s clash, Guyana had also achieved opening goals in the first half and went on to close off their opponents in the second half; this match was going to be no different; the first half ending with Guyana up, 1-0.

Coming against the breeze in the second half did not slow up the ‘Lady Jags’, they continued to dominate

proceedings controlling the flow of the ball, holding possession and whenever the visitors seemed to be harbouring ambitions of getting in the attacking third, the Guyana defenders led by Brianne Desa, kept them at bay.

Therefore, it was no surprise when the hungry Nailah Rowe worked her way past the Saint Lucia back line before firing past Francis in the 73rd minute t o d o u b l e G u y a n a ’s advantage and pull the lid on any thoughts of a comeback by the visitors.

The win propelled Guyana to 9 points the same as the losers but the G u y a n e s e have a superior goal difference to the Saint Lucians which ended their campaign with the loss but already punched their ticket

to the knockout stages of the competition.

In the earlier match yesterday, Suriname earned their first points of the competition thanks to a solid 5-0 win over Antigua & Barbuda, languishing at the bottom of the points table without a point.

Orthea Riley was on fire for the Surinamese, scoring the first helmet-trick of the group in the 20th, 32nd, 59th and 68th minutes. The other goal was an own goal which was scored by Antigua & Barbuda’s Tyanna Simon in the 44th minute.

Guyana will be going all out to win the group outright when they close off against Suriname tomorrow from 16:00hrs with the final group match between Bermuda and Antigua & Barbuda from 18:30hrs.

Guyana Boys win, but Girls Under Armor, MVP Sports and Urban Life for Jefford Track and Field Classic lose at Regional Squash Guyana’s boys and girls had to deal with contrasting fortunes at the XXXVII Junior Caribbean Team Squash Championships 2019 at the QPCC Indoor Racquet Center in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday.

Guyana’s boys had to fight to overcome the Cayman Islands 3-2 in the late game, while the girls went down to Barbados 1-4 in the earlier game.

Mohyran Baksh started things out by beating David Hughes in straight sets 3-0.

Shomari Wiltshire followed on court for the Guyanese and halted the efforts of Pierce Terry 3-0.

The Cayman Islands fought back with David Pitcairn beating Daniel Islam 3-1 to give his team some hope.

Nathan Maclean needed to stay alive against Samuel Ince-Carvalhal but the Guyanese was in a no nonsense mood and claimed victory 3-0 and Guyana led 31.

Michael Alphonso took on Jace Jervis looking to give his team a 4-1 win. Fighting tooth and nail in a dogfight Alphonso would eventually succumb 3-1.

Abosaide Cadogan would win the lone match for the girls against Barbados 3-

0. With the others going down with Madison Fernandes taking Jada Smith-Padmore to four sets, while Kirsten Gomes lost a close five setter to Sumiraa Suleman.

In the Results: Cayman Islands - Guyana 2-3 (Boys) David Hughes Cayman Islands – Guyana Mohyran Baksh 0-11 1-11 011 Pierce Terry C a y m a n Islands - Guyana Shomari Wiltshire 2-11 4-11 2-11 David PitcairnC a y m a n Islands - Guyana Daniel Islam 11-7 8-11 11-9 11-8 Nathan Maclean Cayman Islands – Guyana Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 1-11 4-11 4-11 Jace Jervis C a y m a n Islands - Guyana Michael Alphonso 10-12 11-9 12-10 115 Barbados - Guyana 4-1 (Girls) Eboni Atherley Barbados - Guyana B e a u Fernandes 11-9 11-5 11-3 Jahcinta Adams Barbados - Guyana Abosaide Cadogan 1-11 3-11 0-11 Meagan Best Barbados - Guyana Makeda Harding 11-0 11-1 11-1 Jada Smith-Padmore Barbados - Guyana Madison Fernandes 11-6 11-

0 9-11 12-10 Sumiraa Suleman Barbados - Guyana Kirsten Gomes 11-4 11-6 9-11 5-11 11-8 Results from the Team games show: Boys Team – 5 - 8 Playoff - British Virgin Islands Trinidad & Tobago 0-5 Girls Team – 1 -4 Playoff Barbados - Guyana 4-1 Girls Team – 1 -4 Playoff Bermuda - Jamaica 0-5 Girls Team – 5 - 8 Playoff - Trinidad & Tobago Cayman Islands 4-1 Boys Team – 1 - 4 Playoff Barbados - Bermuda 4-1 Boys Team – 5 - 8 Playoff Jamaica - St. Vincent and The Grenadines 4-1 Boys Team – 1 - 4 Playoff Cayman Islands - Guyana 23 Today, the final day of the team action will see at 9:00am Girls Team action in a 1-4 Playoff, Guyana opposing Bermuda, while at 12:00pm in Boys Team 1- 4 Playoff game Barbados challenge Guyana, who are in an excellent position to take the boys crown after winning all their rubbers so far. The Girls are 2 for 2 against their opponents.

Renowned global sports brand, Under Armor will be part of the branding for the Jefford Track and Field Classic through the partnership inked with MVP Sports and Urban Life yesterday during a simple presentation ceremony at the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen.

The event is scheduled for Sunday August 11 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden.

Founder of the Classic, Edison Jefford said, “As you know MVP has been the sole distributor of Under Armor Gear in Guyana, one of the most renowned brand in sports. We are happy to have such a brand on board for this event, this definitely shows that we are heading in the right direction in terms of support for sport and development of sport in Guyana. Under armor, MVP Sports, Urban Life, these brands will be associated with the male and female 400m events. They will also

sponsor the champion male and female events which includes $25,000 worth in under armor gear and $25,000 each for the male and female champion athlete along with trophies. So we are happy to have this sponsor onboard for these items and we wish them much success in the future.”

Also speaking at the simple ceremony was representative of MVP Sports Ian Ramdeo who related that the Giftland Group has been a long standing supporter of the event since its conception.

He also noted that the MVP store is interested in a long term relationship with the event. Ramdeo echoed that cooperate Guyana needs to step up their game in terms of their support toward sports in Guyana.

He also indicated that the Under Armor brand is happy to render their support towards the Classic and wishes it many successes in the near future.

This event has hosted several of the region’s most popular athletes in Guyana since 2010, including Aliann Pompey competing for the first time in Guyana at the Second Edition in 2011 and Marian Burnett a year later.

Every notable Guyanese athlete has competed at the Classic with most holding meet records, including Brenessa Thompson and Winston George.

This meet is coordinated in accordance with International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Rules and is sanctioned by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

The major sponsors this year are: ExxonMobil, Ansa McAl Trading Ltd. under the Rush Energy Drink, I Cool Water, Lucozade, Heineken, Magnum Tonic Wine brands; National Sports Commission, DeSinco Trading Ltd under their Swiss Brands and Let’s Bet Sports.

Representative of MVP Sports Ian Ramdeo (left) and Founder of the Classic, Edison Jefford (Classic) at the presentation.

Saturday July 20, 2019

National Race of Champions round 2

Bowen among rookies confirmed for tomorrow’s action The second leg of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Drag Championship 2019 shifts off tomorrow at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. This year’s championship is expected to see larger participation with a number of new drivers throwing their hat into the ring.

One of those new competitors is Kester Bowen, a novice, who will be revving in the Bikes’ category tomorrow.

Bowen, who is a Lance Corporal in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), will be eager not only to come out on top of his competitors but to register the fastest lap time since Mohamed’s Enterprise has put forward $100,000 cash for the fastest biker around the South Dakota.

“I expect to go out and give the fans a race worth their money. Hopefully good performances will take me up the pecking order since I’m just a novice and hopefully consistency can earn me a sponsor,” the 24-year-old noted.

Bowen further posited that, “I have been riding noncompetitively for three years now and what I really want to do is make my father proud since he has been supporting and fueling my growth in the motor sport environment from the get go.”

Bowen will be in the Superstock category with his

GDF Lance Corporal Kester Bowen and his Yamaha R6 motor cycle.

Yamaha R6 which he stressed, had undergone a lot of work from his mechanic; Steven Rambarran.

Also confirming his participation in tomorrow’s meet is Matthew Vieira, who will be sure to provide stiff competition to Bowen and the lot.

The championship winners of the Choke Starlet Cup, Miracle Optical Street Tuner and Prem’s Electrical Sports Tuner are set to

pocket $500,000 each.

The event has seen tremendous support from the business community including E-Networks, Tropical shipping, BM Soat Auto Sales, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machine Shop, Blue Spring Water, Motor Trend, Ramchand Auto Spares, Power Line Automotive, Motul oil and KGM security.

Matthew Vieira has been confirmed for the Sunday’s National Race of Champion.

Faye Joseph dominoes tourney set for today President of the Guyana Dominoes Federation Faye Joseph will be staging her birth anniversary dominoes competition today at Dynasty Sports bar.

Mix Up is the defending

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champion and a keenly contested tournament is anticipated.

Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and $150,000, runner up a trophy and $75,000 and third place

$35,000.

The Most Valuable Player will receive $5,000 and double-six time is 14:00hrs.

Teams can contact Wiltshire on 659-8672 for registration and other information.

LGC set for Department of Tourism’s 2-day International Lusignan Open Golf Tourney The Grounds have been prepared and the weather has been very supportive, hence, all golfing interests will be focused on the happenings at Lusignan this weekend as the now renewed annual Lusignan Open gets underway today and tomorrow, July 20 and 21, teeing off about 5:45 a.m. today.

In a very brief presentation, at the Department of Tourism’s Boardroom in Sophia, Georgetown, yesterday, Mr. Donald Sinclair, Director General, Department of Tourism, of the Ministry of Communities, looked forward to a good and successful event for the Lusignan Golf Club as he handed over the sponsorship cheque to the Lusignan Golf Club for the 2day 2019 International Lusignan Open Golf Tournament. PRO Guy Griffith, on behalf of the Lusignan Golf Club, expressed appreciation for Mr. Sinclair and the Department’s involvement.

With lots of trophies provided by the sponsor of the event and with wellprepared grounds for the tournament, spectators are urged to come see, free of charge, the best golfers in Guyana showcase their

Mr. Donald Sinclair (right), hands over sponsorship cheque to Mr. Guy Griffith. individual talent and learn just how intense the competition is in this amazing sport.

The tournament will be played under the Medal Play format, and there will be four Flights – 3 Men’s Flights and 1 Ladies’ Flight. The Men’s Flight are classified as A Flight – Handicaps 0-9; B Flight – handicaps 10-18; and C Flight – handicaps 19-28. The Ladies’ Flight is for females with handicaps 0-36. 1st to 3rd

places are awarded prizes in Best Net and Best Gross performances in each Flight over the two days. The Tournament’s champions, male and female, are judged on the Best Gross score over the 2 days of play.

For more information on the game of golf, or on LGC’s tournament, activities etc. please contact the Club at 220-5660 or visit their Facebook pagelusignan golf club.

Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship

Corporate community rally with the ‘Lady Jags’ As the National U20 Women’s team continues their steady performance in Group A of the Concacaf Women’s U20 Championship Qualifiers being held at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, four corporate partners have also been steady in their support of the team.

The long-standing partners of the GFF – Impressions Branding, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Power Producers Inc. and MVP Sports – have made both monetary and product contributions to promote the tournament and offset related costs.

Impressions Branding, which has contributed to the tournament’s awareness via the production of a tournament billboard and banner, said women empowerment and t h e promotion of sports are among their key areas of interest.

“Impressions is pleased to be in full support of the Guyana Football

Federation’s (GFF) U20 Lady Jags team as a brand sponsor,” said Impression’s Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Sukhlal. “The team hopes to promote the importance of women empowerment all across Guyana. Impressions, with its 25-years of branding experience, has always been in support of the sports industry, and sees this as a new and equal opportunity for growth in the football arena.”

The other three GFF partners have also signaled their interest in the promotion of the sport of football and more so female involvement in same. The Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Qualifiers is being held from the 13th 21st July.

Guyana is competing in Group A along w i t h Bermuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname and Saint Lucia. The final two matches for Group A are scheduled for tomorrow where admission will be free of charge: Guyana vs

Suriname @ 16:00hrs and Antigua and Barbuda vs Bermuda @ 18:30hrs.

According to Concacaf, following this qualifying leg of the tournament, the top two finishers of Group A and B will advance to the knockout stage of the final competition. They will then be joined by the top three finishers of the following groups to advance to the knockout stage of the competition: Group C: United States, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Cuba.

Group D: Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico.

Group E: Canada, Jamaica, Guatemala, El Salvador.

Group F: Haiti, Trinidad a n d To b a g o , P a n a m a , Cayman Islands.

PAGE 34

Saturday July 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools cricket tournament

Big tons from Stoute and Agard against QC - Business School suffer another washed-out game Entertaining centuries from Combermere School’s Kastun Stoute and Seth Agard on their school ground against Guyana’s Queen’s College was the highlight of Thursday’s action in the rain affected 33rd annual Sir Garfield Sobers International Schools cricket tournament as Combermere School beat QC by 249 runs.

Combermere is known for its cricket structure on the 166sq miles Island and has produced several West Players including Kraigg and Carlos Braithwaite, Sir Wes Hall, Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott, Jamal Warrican and of course their most famous student; Superstar recording artist Rihanna.

On another cloudy morning on the outskirts of Bridgetown, Combermere piled up 364-3 in 39 overs as Stoute smashed a pugnacious 167 from just 75 balls decorated with eight fours and15 sixes, while the slightly more sedate Agard took 103 balls for his unbeaten 107 as he reached the boundary seven times.

The pair, which shared in a century partnership, got support from Jaden Leacock 44 and Amari Goodridge 35 as Amos Sarwan had 2-68 for QC who were kept in shackles

and labored to 115-3 in 39 overs.

Navindra Persaud, who scored a century in a record double century opening stand with Brandon Jaikaran in an earlier game, again looked good but failed to build on his 34, while Jaikaran made 15 as their team made a solid but painfully slow start.

Bhedesh Persaud with 22 not out and Sarwan unbeaten on 12 shared in a useful unbroken fourth wicket stand but they struggled to get the ball off the square.

At Bridgefield: the contest between Sir Everton Weekes CoE U17 and the Business School of Guyana was abandoned due to wet conditions with the home team on 131-9 in 31.5 overs.

Shaqkere Parris 27, Renacko Belgrave 26, Jabari Hunte 16, Giovonte Depeiza 14 were the main scorers for the Bajans.

And on Wednesday at the Wayne Daniel ground, Antigua Combined Schools beat The Business School by seven wickets.

The Business School fell for 92 in 26.4 overs despite Ushardeva B a l g o b i n ’s 19 and Andsuegga Rodriguez’s 13.

Tehrique Mason captured 6-26 for Antigua who waltzed to 93-3 in 17 overs with Jahiem

Andsuegga Rodrigues made a useful contribution with bat and ball for the Business School on Thursday.

Africa ending on 38 not out, Michael Marcellin making 20 and Asher Cornelius soring 11.

Rodriguez had 2-14, Joel Gilkes 3-22 and Ushardeva Balgobin 2-4 in an effort for the Guyanese educational institution.

Yesterday the semi-finals were scheduled to be played with Combermere School (Bar) v Sir Everton Weekes COE U17 (Bar) at the Empire ground and St Catherine Juniors v Alleyne School Wanderers in another all Bajan affair.

Also scheduled for yesterday was the play-off for 9th& 10th spot between 360

Navindra Persaud was looking good in B’dos on Thursday before he fell for 34.

Cricket School/Academy of Australia and Queen’s College at the Weymouth

ground in Bridgetown, while the play-off for 15th 7 16th place between the Business

School and Queen’s Park of Trinidad was set for the Lears ground. (Sean Devers)

ExxonMobil U-14 football tournament

Knockout round commences today

Football, Cricket, Circle Tennis among activities for 6th Blueberry Hill Village Day The Blueberry Hill Committee organised Sixth Village Day takes place tomorrow starting from 11.00hrs with a number of sports activities added to the cultural events for what is expected to be a fun filled day of activities at the Blueberry Hill ball field starting on the access road which leads to the

C h r i s t i a n b u rg Wi s m a r Secondary School in that area of Linden.

H o w e v e r, t h e r e i s expected to be fierce rivalries with the 5-A-Side football, circle tennis and softball cricket competitions among the sports events carded for the day, while steel pan music, a kids corner and

other events for the entire family will be added attractions according to a member of the Blueberry Hill Village Day Committee.

Funds generated from this promotion will assist in purchasing gear for the Blueberry Hill Football Club and b r i n g c o h e s i v e n e s s among members of that community.

Several sponsors have c o m e o n board for this annual promotion and they are the Ministry of Natural Resources, Linden Mayor and Town Council, Regional Democratic Council of Region Ten (Upper Demerara/ Berbice), 104.3 Power FM Radio, Kellman’s Taxi Service, Ansa McCal Trading through its Magnum Brand, Kellon Josiah, R and I Sawmill, Commander of E Division, Bolo’s Variety Store, Linden Utility Services Coop Society Limited (LUSCSL) and Haynes Hardware Store,

Play between Dolphin (defence) versus Tucville in the boys’ division at the MOE ground.

The knockout round of the second annual ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ footba l l tournament gets underway today at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue. The girls’ division will see quarterfinal play, while the boys’ division will kick off in Girls 7/20/2019 12:00 hrs 12:00 hrs Boys 7/20/2019 13:00 hrs 13:00 hrs 14:00 hrs 14:00 hrs

the quarterfinal stage.

Defending female champions, Charlestown Secondary will match skills with New Campbellville at 12:00hrs while Tucville will play East Ruimveldt is the other semifinal.

They will commence play from 13:00hrs with Marian Academy clashing with

Semi Finals New Campbellville Tucville

Queenstown Secondary in the first quarterfinal fixture.

The tournament is also being supported by the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and will see the top performers receiving a grant to complete a school project of their choice.

Please see below today’s full fixtures.

Ministry of Education Ground vs Charlestown Secondary vs East Ruimveldt

Match # 19 20

Quarter Finals Ministry of Education Ground Match # Marian Academy v/s Queenstown Secondary 45 Carmel Secondary School v/s New Campbellville 46 Lodge Secondary v/s Cummings lodge 47 Plaisance Orphanage v/s Dolphin Secondary 48

Kaieteur News

Saturday July 20, 2019

PAGE 35

Guyana Police Force – RFA 5-A-Side Futsal Tournament kicks off today

GPF-RFA Futsal Launch Representatives of each body and players ready to kick off Futsal Tournament.

L

ethem:- In observance of the Guyana Police F o r c e ’s ( G P F ) 1 8 0 t h anniversary, the Lethem branch of the GPF has teamed up with the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) to host a 5-A-Side futsal tournament today at the Tabatinga Sports Ground, Lethem. The one-day activity will feature 16 teams – five female and 11 male teams – beginning at 13:00hrs. The male

teams will include Moco Moco FC, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Rising Stars FC, Snatchers FC, Gladiators FC (A & B teams), Guyana Rush Saints FC, Terminators FC, Far East Sports Club, Potarinau Sky Kings FC and Guyana Defence Force. The female teams are the Guyana Rush Saints, Gladiators FC, Far East United FC, Snatchers FC and Potarinau FC. The knockout

GPF-RFA Futsal Launch - Representatives of each body ready to kick off Futsal Tournament.

tournament is part of a Dayof-Sports and will see the male teams placed in two groups, playing against each other to the final while the female teams will be playing straight matches.

The opening matches for each will see Moco Moco vs Guyana Police Force for the males while the females will see Guyana Rush Saints FC vs Gladiators FC. The tournament was launched at the Indigenous People Conference Hall

yesterday. Present at the launch were representatives of both RFA and GPF who gave brief remarks and representatives of several football clubs from Lethem including the Guyana Defence Force who will be taking part in this competition. In attendance on behalf of the RFA was President Rayan Farrias who emphasized how inspirational and brilliant the initiative is to Lethem and the Guyana Police Force.

Subordinate Officer In Charge Lethem Sgt 20113 Connell gave brief overview of the activities to mark the 180th anniversary and made emphasis of the rules of the various sports to be observed as discipline is the hallmark of the GPF. In giving the featured address, Superintendent King charged all participants and members to give of their best and reminded them that this initiative is not only because of the Force’s anniversary

but serves as the GPF’s continued will and desire to have a much closer relationship with all communities, villages and stakeholders as a means of effectively fulfilling the Force’s mandate of service and Protection.

Fixtures: Saints vs Gladiators Fc Finals Snatchers vs Potarinau Fc Winner M2. Vs Winner Winner M1vs Far East

Defending Champs Sophia Massy Distribution Guyana Inc Girls through to final supports Junior Boxing tourney

Aaliyah Barrington

D

Kaizianna Thompson

efending Champs Sophia Girls are to play in this year finals after defeating Enterprise as play continues in the Sports Officer, A. Munroe organised 22nd Annual AL Sport & Tour Promotions End of School Year Edward Cobenna Memorial Primary Schools Windball Cricket champions Trophy tournament.

Other schools to have done so are Mae’s

Gemacy Gittens

and Saint Pius.

Enterprise after been send in to bat scored 59-3, with (GG) Gemacy Gittens hitting 22, (6s-3) and Allegro Williams 14. Bowling for Sophia, Kaizianna Thompson took 2 -14 and L. Stanford 1 wkt.

Sophia in their turn in the middle reached their target 62-1 winning off the last ball.

Aaliyah Barrington scored 22 (4s-4), K Thompson 16 and Latifah Stanford 14.

Sophia Primary

Mondelez Business Unit Manager Teisha Milner (left) hands over the items to GBA Assistant Secretary Treasurer Stacy Corriea.

Massy Distribution Guyana Inc on Thursday last handed over food stuff to assist the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) in the encampment of boxers preparing for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Tournament. Massy decided to support the encampment after the Association wrote

seeking assistance. The Schoolboys and Junior tournament is scheduled for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from August 16 to 18.

Mondelez Business Unit Manager, Teisha Milner presented the items to GBA Assistant Secretary Treasurer Stacy Corriea for the young boxers.

Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship – Group A

t r o Sp

‘Lady Jags’ topple Saint Lucia in clinical fashion for 3rd win

A section of the crowd cheering on the ‘Lady Jags’ on Friday night at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.

- Suriname blank Antigua & Barbuda

Tiandi Smith celebrates her and Guyana’s opening goals against Saint Lucia last night at Leonora. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Nailah Rowe, scorer of Guyana’s second goal, works her way into the Saint Lucia attacking third last night. (Franklin Wilson photo)

National U20 Team at the MVP Sports Outlet, located at The Giftland Mall.

Concacaf U-20 Women’s Championship

Corporate community rally with the ‘Lady Jags’ Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.