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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Requiem to agony
S
o close. A matter of centimeters, one more ounce of spunk to a bat that flashed so gallantly. To have come so tantalizingly near… The agony of falling short by the slimmest of slim margins; the agony of emptiness. And yet there was this West Indies team in this World Cup, a pantheon of phantoms: spectacular, then mediocre, then miserable, and last magnificent. And with that, comes the exhalation of a people reduced to sickly pallor despite the power of an enriching sun; lovers of cricket and their cricketing heroes. Those heroes tried; a learning experience for many who should be back. Fanatic with a life and death fervor, this regional crowd is not. Guyana has its own agonies from different priorities. That particular spectator fever is the proud monopoly of the unabashed sub-continent folks. In this part of the world, the memories of what could have been will be spoken of for a long time; of the missteps where there should have been none, such were the moments not capitalized upon; of the margins for error, which were nonexistent, such was the superior caliber of the teams competing in this tournament of champions; and, in spite of all of that, of the final aiming for glory beyond the boundary. Such was the ‘Boult’ of lightning that struck at West Indian hearts wherever they palpitated on that memorable English Saturday in a summer that will still linger when the last ball has been bowled, and the last crescendo of awe and applause would have faded. The fellas will grow into a seasoned machine; they have to; if only to take their rightful place in a world from which they have been long locked out, to which they belong, and at the pinnacle. An aging and aged legend is on his storied way out. It was not to be the storybook ending, so much a part of the fabric and fables of West Indies cricket. He has given his youth and his blood, this master of the world that strode as an authentic Jamaican colossus. There has to be more like him; more to assume the mantle of more multi-dimensional teams. The raw materials appear to be there; somehow, the right combination of talents and savvy and sharp, sweet skills have proven to be elusive. This must be made right. What is the formula? Different teams for different formats? Develop bench strength from emphasis and keenness on junior teams and giving them the worldwide exposure through testing conditions for seasoning and pitch craft? The science and demands of the game have changed; the tempo, temperaments, and texture, too. A different kind of players is called for; and so, too, is the kind of stewards responsible for this proud heritage allowed to languish for too long while the dissensions and disparate personalities have taken center stage, to the detriment of the sport. Some hard questions must be faced: too much CPL? What about IPL? Of course, there has to be balancing regard for right to ply trade and to earn an honest living, versus restraint of trade. In addition, some hard realities have to be faced at the regional level: individual countries and the regional as a whole will find it insurmountably difficult to compete at the top level in football, to field an eleven that makes adversaries sit up and shiver. West Indies cricket does just so. The West Indies as a cricketing power, faded as it may be, of late not regarded as much as it once was, and clearly lacking in the mandatory completeness and confidence to overpower the higher powers, is still feared and inspires guardedness whenever it takes the field with deliberation and conviction. Bigger men shrink; larger teams get out of the way. It is the way it should be. Time to regroup to get to that place. No apologies necessary. Thanks for the effort. At bottom: overachievers!
What will APNU+AFC or the PPP do differently if elected again?
DEAR EDITOR, We have found ourselves in a predicament as a people. We have nurtured political leaders who are satisfied to live and lead from their lowerself. As I picked up the Guyana Chronicle newspapers on 25 June, 2019 and saw a photograph of President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on the front page, I could not help but ponder on how unfortunate the Guyanese people are; that our leaders can be civil when they want to, but yet lead this country in such divisive ways, even to its destruction. I believe that our leaders are involved in gamesmanship. This is a game for them. The game is to tell the people what they want to hear and when you get into office, you don’t even have to try to deliver on any of your promises or strive for good governance, because they have no respect for the people they are supposed to serve and lead.
Our leaders are very disrespectful to the people of this country and they obviously do not feel that the Guyanese people deserve more or the best of them. Or if what we get is their best, then we are in trouble. We deserve more, we deserve better. When the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was in Government, they blatantly disregarded systems, laws, rules, and corruption was rampant, but instead of addressing it, the PPP administration asked for evidence. This APNU+AFC government apparently wants to show the PPP how ‘badness’ is done. There is callous disregard again, for systems, laws, and corruption is VERY rampant. The difference this time though, is that it is done by some of those from the PPP administration era and those from the APNU+PPP government. How do we know all of this? Someone once said that ‘there is no honour among thieves’. I saw a former PPP Minister a few months ago and he
said to me ‘you were one who was calling for change, you get exchange now…’ I was so ashamed because indeed, I wanted change; I advocated for change, I fought for change. I resent corruption and what it does to a country and to the people of a country; what it does to those who are involved in the corruption what they become, and those who could have benefitted more if the country’s resources were being filtered down to them. This is the reason I find it hard to shut up. This is not the Guyana we fought for! This is not the change we fought for! My challenge with the APNU+AFC Coalition Government is that they are normalising corruption. A Minister or head of agency is involved in corruption and instead of the Government demoting them or putting them on the back burner, they get promoted or reshuffled. The corruption is moved higher or to another agency. Is this government really
going to go into an election campaign without addressing the issues with corruption and the high levels of dysfunctionality? If the parents are corrupt, there is a high likelihood that the children will be corrupt too. This is evident in many government agencies. Four years later, there is a likelihood that the very same PPP could become the government or the APNU+AFC Coalition could return to govern the country and what will be different? I would like to know. One of my main concerns is that Guyana is about to become one of the richest countries in this hemisphere, and if corruption is rampant and unrestrained when we were the second poorest country in the hemisphere, I shudder to think what will happen when the oil money starts to come in. If our governments are reckless and disrespectful to the people they lead, even though a significant amount (Continued on page 6)
Dr. Jan Mangal seems to have much to offer had been renegotiated ren- ines how a country that sufhis hometown ders him (Granger) unfit for the fered under the burden of DEAR EDITOR, In reading Dr. Jan Mangal’s reply to questions I posed to him in an earlier missive, I was pleasantly surprised about how many goals we have in common. We both view the award of the Canje and Kaieteur oil blocks as worthy of investigation based on the timing of the award and the announcement of the Liza discovery in the adjoining block. Where we differ is: I am in favour of pragmatic action that can yield useful results, while Mangal would engage in fruitless rhetoric. I fully support any credible investigation that has as its goal, truth and consequence; should there be actionable evidence of corruption that can lead to the legal repossession of those blocks, it may well be a boon for the nation. Prosecution of the guilty party/parties in such instance is a must; hence my distrust of SARA as the investigating agency, lawyers may well find them an easier opponent than a reputable international firm. Editor, I will reiterate that the award of contracts to TOTALTEC by ExxonMobil subsidiaries is worthy of inquiry, for much the same reasons as with the timing of oil block awards. The PPP General Secretary has openly made calls for an investigation into the oil block awards by a credible international firm
and I would suggest that a similar call from Dr. Jan Mangal into his the contracts won by his sibling’s company would also be welcome. I do apologise to Dr. Mangal for my faulty research that placed him as an adviser to the President in 2016. Mea culpa. The new information that many Ministers did not want Dr. Mangal to advise or be involved in their corrupt dealings is par for the course in the APNU/AFC cabal, the claim that President Granger “took numerous positive actions with respect to oil” are yet to be evidenced by the public. The single fact that President Granger was seemingly unaware that the PSA
office he holds and aspires to retain, for it is obvious he was misled by those he trusted and yet there was no suitable reaction to such personal disrespect and betrayal of the public trust. It is a rare occasion that I can say a letter to the editor has brought clarity to an issue and such commonality of purpose. Penchant for reliance on anecdotal innuendo aside, Dr. Jan Mangal seems to have much to offer his hometown and maybe he will be surprised by the willingness of a new administration to listen, accept and act on advice that benefits the nation and its people. I would suggest he exam-
153% GDP to Debt ratio in 1992 and a bankrupt treasury, moved to a 42% GDP/Debt and $958M USD reserves under the 23 years of PPP rule. That and the tens of thousands of homes and jobs created without the benefit of ‘oil’, tell a story no amount of oft-repeated propaganda can counter. A comparison to the last four years where the GDP/ Debt ratio has climbed to 58% and the reserves fallen to $512M USD will provide empirical evidence to counter the anecdotal served in the halls of the Ministry of the Presidency. Respectfully Robin Singh
DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has now found itself, as it were, between a rock and a hard place, on the issue of consequential orders pertaining to the no-confidence vote and the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman. Not wanting to impose itself on the political processes but at the same time keen on upholding the Constitution and the Rule of Law, the Court has ruled that the relevant parties make written submissions to the CCJ by July 1 on what they would like to see in
the Orders, after which the Court will finally issue Consequential Orders on July 12, as it sees fit. The hope is that in the intervening period the parties will engage each other with a view to making some accommodation on the issues on the date of elections and the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman. Part of the difficulty has to do with the attitude of the APNU-AFC coalition, which seems to be premised on a belief that it could bully its way with little or no regard for the Constitution. Such an at-
titude is unhelpful in the search for a solution to the political and constitutional impasse in which the country has now found itself. President David Granger has issued an invitation to the Leader of the Opposition for discussions on the way forward. This is an encouraging step, but unless these talks are done in good faith and with an open mind to make compromises with due regard to the provisions of the Constitution, it will end up once again as a wasted opportunity. The biggest hurdle is the (Continued on page 6)
The CCJ has now found itself between a rock and a hard place
Wednesday June 26, 2019
A Political Equivocation DEAR EDITOR, As reported by SN of Friday 21 June, 2019, the new political party ‘A New and United Guyana (ANUG)’ set out its vision for the future governance of the country at a press conference held the day before. Among its declarations ANUG’s main concern appears to be the following: “Without ANUG either one or the other (PPP/C, APNU/AFC) will win the elections and take a majority in Parliament.” As a consequence therefore the following are some of ANUG’s expressed prospectives: a) ‘a Presidential System and Government in which all the major political parties will serve.’ The question is invited as to whether ANUG can be considered a major political party as of now. b) ‘the complete separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative.’ Hopefully, there will be more specificity in the very near future as to how this separation will be effected, and which players will be involved. c) ‘a constituency system with a mechanism for proportionality.’ Detailed clarity about the foregoing can also be reasonably anticipated. d) ‘a complete makeover of the political system which Guyana deserves.’ Once more who will be the authors of this fundamental restructuring? Given the current climate of disconnection, can it reasonably be expected that the leading contending parties will concede to any local intervention regarding ‘a complete makeover’ without a well-coordinated demand from
across a wide spectrum of citizenship? e) ‘ethnic insecurity, discrimination and marginalisation will be eliminated.’ Given our history of related constipation, what time frame is being envisaged for this movement, which arguably, should precede the ‘complete makeover’? Who will be the ‘eliminators’? f) ‘ANUG’s offer is not to challenge or defy the ethnopolitical will of the people of Guyana, but to create a system where both parties (?) share the Government.’ To some this ‘offer’ might appear too concessionary. Certainly the intervention as concerned will need considerable determination by ANUG to act as power-broker in achieving the stated objective. However, ANUG later changed its preceding position as a middle-man somewhat; and has become more assertive by setting out the following: i) ‘ANUG has entered the political arena to win the elections…. If we obtain a majority or plurality of votes, we will invite the other parties (numbers unclear) in a national unity government and will immediately embark on constitutional reform.’ This is a good thing (however realistic). ANUG should therefore demand that the current major parties publicly commit to: - National unity - Constitutional reform So that hopefully the voters would be able to evalu-
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Kaieteur News
ate the respective responses. ii) ‘If we are unable to persuade the Guyanese people to give us an absolute majority or plurality, we hope to obtain enough seats in the National Assembly to ensure that neither party (PPP/C, APNU/AFC) obtain an absolute majority.’ On review of the foregoing, one cannot help but detect more than a hint of equivocation about ANUG’s major objective. In the first instance the reason one competes in any race is to win. ANUG must therefore set out to let citizens know that it plans to engage all ethnicities; that the party is the only one capable of forging national unity; as well as the only one who could lead the new governance team in forging the critical constitutional reform. ANUG must understand that it can only lead from in front. It will have to be much more aggressive, and plan to meet target groups not only to articulate its objectives, but to also have them scrutinised and evaluated for practicality in the first instance. The conversations would need to be most comprehensive, but for certain the fundamental weakness that is the ‘ethnopolitical’ quagmire in which our society is sunk must be addressed with a passion. We simply cannot endure anymore. Our young generations deserve better. Yours faithfully E.B. John
PPP/C’s scorched earth political actions, and more: cated that it would be ready; strategy lowing 1. challenged the validity 9.alleged plans by the cur-
DEAR EDITOR, The PPP/C’s recent record in, and attitude to, elections in Guyana is particularly instructive. During the last two general and regional elections (2011 & 2015), in which they were the incumbent party, they failed to achieve a majority of the total votes cast in the elections as well as seats allocated in the National Assembly. The power of the PPP/C had been at its height following the General and Regional Elections of 2006 in which it won 36 of the 65 seats in the National Assembly with 54.6% of the total votes cast. Since then the former ruling party has been in stunning decline registering minus four (-4) seat growth in the National Assembly over the period 2006-2015 while the PNC/R and its allies, since they began practicing partnership and coalition politics, catapulted to a plus five (+5) seat growth over the same period. Since their defeat in 2015 the PPP/C has adopted a scorched earth political strategy by undertaking the fol-
of the election results and protested the legality and legitimacy of the government; 2. demanded changes to the electoral process, including installation of electronic voting machines, and their implementation before the next elections; 3. hounded the previous Chairman of GECOM out of office; 4. nominated a series of persons for selection as GECOM Chairman; 5. engineered the defeat of the APNU+AFC government through dubious ethical and constitutional methods; 6. resistance to house-tohouse registration and insistence on the use of the Voter Registration List that has expired, and is, very likely, contaminated and flawed; 7. frustrated the work of GECOM by boycotting and walking out of Commission meetings and refusing to participate in parliamentary sessions to vote funding for the preparation and conduct of elections by GECOM; 8. demanded the holding of elections at an earlier date than when GECOM has indi-
rent administration to rig the elections; 10. demanded the resignation of the government and/ or limitations on its operations (not sanctioned by the constitution); and 11. invited international censure, coercion and sanction to enforce non-constitutional and partisan prescriptions aimed at destabilising the state. These actions indicate an unwavering dedication to a singular purpose - that of regaining political power in Guyana at the earliest opportunity by any means necessary. Elections will soon be upon us and the PPP/C has already begun its election campaign. I predict that, notwithstanding its determined and well-coordinated strategy, and considerable resources at its disposal, the PPP/C would be unable to stop its inexorable decline and will suffer a massive electoral defeat in a transparently free and fair election. Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Stand up comedy has gone to a different level in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, A letter appearing in KN on Sunday 23rd June, titled “Hats off to the CCJ; it is the real deal”, by Oscar Dolphin, is a perfect example of content betrayal of caption or vice versa. Oscar begins with article 9, “”Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives”. Then he ventures to say, “Charrandass Persaud, who was selected to represent the persons that delivered a majority to the APNU+AFC in the last election, chose to flout this basic, fundamental democratic principle and deliver his vote to the PPP/C in support of its no-confidence
motion against the government.” The total representatives of the people in parliament is 65 and the “persons that delivered a majority to the APNU+AFC in the last election” (Oscar words) only provided them with 33 representatives, other persons provide the opposition with 32 representatives, leaving the Government with a majority of one. Since the people exercise their sovereignty through their representatives (article 9) and not the Government, the representatives are beholden to the people and are given the rights to exercise the people’s sovereignty as they see it fit, contrary or in uni-
son with Government or opposition. For Oscar to say that Charrandass Persaud flouted this basic fundamental democratic principle in voting “yes” in the No Confidence Motion is flawed, illogical, and in contrast to article 9 of our constitution. Our constitutional framers never intended to allow governments to be lackadaisical, oppressive or inconsiderate to the wishes of the people, so they passed the buck to the representatives of the people to decide and they provided the tools by instituting a vote of confidence in the constitution for them to do so. What is so difficult to comprehend about this?
What will APNU+AFC or the... From page 4 of the country’s income comes from taxes, it is chilling to think how our governments will treat us when they do not have to depend on our taxes to run the country. My question to the Leader of the Opposition is: If the PPP should get back into government, what will they do differently? How can we
be assured that if it was not done four years ago and no significant changes were made for e.g. in policy, philosophy, behaviour, etc. over the past four years, that the party will overnight govern differently? APNU+AFC government is: If they get back into government, what will they do differently? If the government
has not addressed the corruption that is so pervasive now, how will it address it if elected again? If they do not listen now and take good advice, how do we know that they will then? No one wants leaders who will not listen to them.Our leaders need to first of all respect themselves, desire to govern as decent people. We will soon go back to the polls and what has changed? What will change? Righteousness exalts a nation. Martin Carter said ‘all are involved, all are consumed’. We must not stay quiet about the wrongs in our government and society anymore, while the corrupt people get richer and the poor get poorer, particularly when the wealth comes from the State.I continue to advocate for shared governance at least for the next three years. This is my line in the sand on corruption in our governments and poor leadership. Yours faithfully, Citizen Audreyanna Thomas
Oscar wrote, “APNU+AFC received a majority of votes and seats in parliament following the last elections but are deemed to be defeated by fraud and conspiracy not prohibited by the constitution)”. This is utter nonsense. The CCJ cited the president for introducing new eligibility rules and for not giving reasons for his rejection of the list of six nominees submitted by the opposition leader. To Oscar, “this judgement is not clearly understood”. So he conveniently ventures to give the readers article 161(2) “summarized” rather than quoting 161(2) in its entirety. His summary, “the Leader of the Opposition, after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly, shall submit a list of 6 persons to the President who shall appoint the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission; the list shall include persons who have held office as a judge, or who are qualified to be appointed as a judge.” Conveniently Oscar’s summary omits, “or any other fit and proper person”. This is how biased people operate! They shelve things around and delete what will not promote their intent. Bias
is like an external disease - try as they would, its victims cannot hide its symptoms! How about a caption like, “Hats off to the CCJ; it is the real deal” and a content that is derogatory, condemnatory, and seeks to question the decisions of the said CCJ? Oscar wrote, “it seems to be unreasonable and blatantly discriminatory and unfair to then require that the President provide reasons for non-acceptance of such naked lists and a clarification should be necessary”. Certainly not the kind of phrases one would expect in salutation - a “hats off” scenario! Oscar continued his summary, “These persons should not be unacceptable to the President and should be fit and proper persons.” Ironically! Oscar’s entire summary is exactly what the president had pontificated prior to his unilateral appointment of Patterson for Gecom chair. You have to admire the loyalty of the coalition supporters. They will proudly run with anything their leaders hand to them, as if they are carrying the Olympic torch! For example, “No house to house registration no election” is an old torch now relit after the CCJ decision. Oscar is not bothered by the fact that the unilateral ap-
pointment by the president had usurped a 23-year-old orthodox method of appointing a Gecom chair, a method that was instituted to avoid the said unilateral appointment that was cited in the past as the source for rigged elections. What bothers Oscar, in his own words, is that - “it seems to be accepted that since the PPP/C is the sole non-governmental political party in the National Assembly, the Opposition Leader is not required to consult with anyone outside the party that he leads and can, unilaterally, nominate 6 persons” without providing their CV’s to “assist the president in making a selection.” Oscar is correct; to his disbelief. Why does Oscar consider this so bothersome? There is no other Non Governmental party in the Assembly. The CV for Gecom chair is more character-based than education-based. Is the president so lacking in investigative skill that Oscar wants the opposition leader to help him? Does Oscar want to insinuate a new clause in article 161(2) of the constitution to address his contentions? This is grossly ludicrous! Stand up comedy has gone to a different level in Guyana. Rudolph Singh
The CCJ has now found itself ... From page 4 issue of a new Voters’ List based on house-to house registration which, based on past experience, would take an inordinately long time, and thereby extend the date for elections beyond reasonable parameters. GECOM, through its legal representative, has indicated that it would not be in a position to hold elections until
after December 25. This is puzzling, especially when seen against the background of its constitutional mandate to be ready for elections at short notice, and the Commission’s enhanced institutional and operational capacity following the introduction of continuous registration some years ago. I believe a way can be found to sanitise the existing
Voters’ List without recourse to house-to house registration. This could be done by way of an extended Claims and Objections period to address concerns of new additions to the list, removal of names of the dead and those who no longer met the eligibility criteria as stipulated by the Constitution. Hydar Ally
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Peak demand is a ploy by oil companies to get away with “rubbish” contract terms – says Dr. Mangal … Don’t fall for it “Oil companies always want to pump everything as fast as possible…Don’t buy into the hype…Countries [like Guyana] benefit from longer, sustained production.” That is the insistence of Dr. Jan Mangal, Oil and Gas Consultant and former Advisor to the Government. In an article published on the subject of constraining petroleum petro production, Dr. Mangal was responding to a question posed to him about whether Guyana’s oil should be extracted and produced as quickly as possible. He said that it’s beneficial for an oil company to advocate for early production, as it would grant them quick returns on investment. But it is “highly unlikely to work for the country,” Dr. Mangal said, “especially with a nation like Guyana, which is inexperienced and unable to cope with this industry of industries so early on. “The justifications are unlikely to be valid.” To the contention that oil, its demand and the value thereof, are likely to deplete in a few decades, Dr. Mangal
said that it isn’t that easy to predict those things. Yet, oil companies continue to push the rhetoric that now is the time to extract as much as possible. “Peak production, which is different from peak demand, has always been incorrectly predicted. For example, we were meant to run out of oil in the 70’s. And there were numerous other predictions, and all wrong. So we are likely also to incorrectly predict peak demand.” The Consultant said that while demand for hydrocarbons is likely to reduce, that’s likely to happen faster for coal, a “nastier” one. Even in this regard, “Coal use is actually increasing right now in many parts of the world, so this has to be reversed before the sweet light oil in Guyana gets affected,” Mangal stated. He explained that Guyana must be prepared for the depletion of the oil industry, but it’s going to take some time; and Guyana should use that time to manage its oil sector well. Guyana first discovered high quality commercial oil
Private school teacher freed of two rape charges The Private school teacher who was on trial in the Berbice High Court on two charges of rape has been freed. The man, Zafiel Yusuf, 27, a private school teacher of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice was on trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. He was on two charges of rape of a child under sixteen years old. He is accused of violating two children, a brother and sister on April 19, 2017. Yusuf was represented by attorney at Law Charlene Artiga. State Prosecutor Attorney at Law Mandel Moore represented the state. According to reports Yusuf allegedly demanded that two minors perform oral sex on him on the date mentioned. He allegedly made the request under the pretext of taking the minors to collect hampers. It was reported that the man went to the children’s home and asked to take them out to get hampers for them. It was reported that the accused en route to his house took them to a shop and offered to purchase beer. However, they opted for a juice. He then reportedly
Freed: Zafiel Yusuf drove to a bus shed and stopped, where he demanded that they perform the act. The man allegedly warned the minors not to tell anyone what took place. However they related the story to their mother and a report was made.The prosecution called a number of witnesses including the two minors. After both prosecution and defence closed their cases, Justice Barlow summed up the evidence before the jury retired to consider the verdict. They then returned with a verdict of not guilty on both counts.The case was held in camera.
reserves in 2015, and is set to start production in 2020. It’s likely the fastest a country has gone from first discovery to production. And many concerns have been raised about the terms under which production will be executed. According to Dr. Mangal, unfavourable contract terms for the country are part of the reason why oil companies rush to produce as much as they can, as quickly as they can. He said, “With respect to Guyana, all this talk of peak demand is a ploy by the oil companies and their supporters. Scare Guyanese into thinking that they have to pump everything now, and they will accept whatever
rubbish contract terms ExxonMobil is offering.” The Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) was signed by the Janet Jagan led administration in 1999 with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), and revised in 2016. “It is said to be very unfavourable. On top of that, it is said to be riddled with illegalities. Those concerns were raised by Attorney-atLaw Christopher Ram and the Transparency Institute Guyana Initiative (TIGI). Dr. Mangal said that a country like Guyana would “start off dumb but get savvy over time” and would, in time, require better contract terms.
Oil & Gas Consultant, Dr. Mangal That’s not something a company like Exxon would favour. Even then, he added, small nations take decades to learn how to cope. “Most never learn; most become permanent basket cases.” It is his view that if a coun-
try constrains production, implements depletion strategies and allows production to be longer sustained (over generations), it will have a fighting chance to develop its competence to manage the sector more wisely.
Safety training for mining workers - 44 participants from both public and private agencies The Guyana Mining School and Training Centre yesterday launched its third safety course - ‘Safe and Efficient Blasting for Open Cut Mines’, for mining workers. A total of 44 participants from agencies such as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF), Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), National Mining Syndicates, Jaguar Mining Syndicates, STRACON and Troy Resources were registered on Tuesday morning. The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is also expected to participate. The course was declared open by Mining Coordinator, Kiefer Bacchus, who spoke on behalf of Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Bacchus said safety and efficiency are important in the mining sector to ensure maximum output and productivity.“Therefore, it is paramount that the Ministry of Natural Resources supports initiatives of such nature. … The safety of active personnel in the mining sector is of utmost importance and therefore this course seeks to considerably impact the efficiency of opencut mining operations,” he stated. The safety course is a collaborative effort between the Guyana Mining School, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the private company, Orica Mines Services. Bacchus lauded the mining school for providing the foundation required by miners and members of the mining fraternity, to be adequately equipped through structured, organised training.
Section of the audience, including participants of the third safety course of the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre. In the meantime, Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Mining School, urged the participants to carefully heed every exercise presented to them in the next day and a half. “The most important persons for this programme are the participants, I welcome you and emphasise that education is a priority,” he said. Rutherford also noted that the board aims to restructure the school to ensure maximum efficiency. “Training such as the one beginning today will continue, this will not be the last,” he declared. Among the topics to be covered in the two-day training course are; Explosive Parameters, Practical Blast Design in Quarries and Mines, Vibrations, ExplosiveTypes of Explosives, Laws and Regulations of Guyana, Estimating and Cost Control
Mining Coordinator of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Kiefer Bacchus. for Blasting, Storage and Transportation Safety,
Fragmentation and Environment and Blasting.
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Demitted office: GECOM’s chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson being sworn in back in October 2017.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
GECOM’s chairman demits office Less than two years ago after being sworn in, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson has demitted office. His decision to step down came after a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) last week which found that the process leading to his selection was flawed. Yesterday, the Ministry of the Presidency made it clear that the decision was in keeping with the court order. It was disclosed that Justice Patterson resigned on Monday. Yesterday, President David Granger met the former Chairman. In the statement after, the
ministry said that President Granger thanked Justice Patterson for his service over the past 20 months. Patterson’s resignation would have rendered that post vacant, the ministry said. “The decision by the former GECOM Chair to demit office is in keeping with the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that his appointment was “flawed” and thereby unconstitutional.” Government said it is reiterating its acceptance of the CCJ ruling in the case of Zulfikar Mustafa and the Attorney General of Guyana and the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. Justice Patterson was appointed as GECOM Chair in October 2017. He was picked after several rounds of mandatory consultations between the President and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo leading up to October 2017. Under the laws the President has to consult with the Opposition Leader. The first list was submitted on December 21, 2016. It contained the names of Ramesh Dookhoo, Lawrence Latchmansingh, Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean, Chris Ram, Dr. James Rose and Ryhaan Shah. It was rejected as the names did not find favour. On May 2, 2017, the second list was submitted by the Opposition Leader. It included the names of Captain Gerry Gouveia, Kashir Khan, Justice (ret’d) William Ramlall, Justice (ret’d) BS Roy, Nadia Sagar, and Oneidge Waldron-Allicock. The last list which was also rejected included Annette Arjoon-Martins, Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, Teni Housty, Onesi LaFleur, Krishnadat Persaud and Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh. The president later said that he wanted someone who was “fit and proper” in keeping with the laws.In October 2017, Patterson was sworn in. His tenure at GECOM was marred by walkouts of the commissioners who were aligned to the Opposition as well as a number of letters to the editors which brought a few chuckles for his writing style.However, the Opposition, through Zulfikar Mustafa, its representative,
went to court last year challenging the legality of his appointment. Last week, the final court, the CCJ, determined that the unilateral appointment of Patterson was flawed. Delivering a summary of the landmark rulings was the CCJ’s President Justice Adrian Saunders who, along with Justices Winston Anderson, Jacob Witt, David Hayton, and Maureen Ragnauth–Lee, heard marathon arguments in the consolidated appeals on May 09 and 10 at the court’s Trinidadbased headquarters. The judgments of the panel were in most cases concurring, unanimous and in majority. Delivering the Court’s summary findings via Audio/ Video link, CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders said that in making a determination, the Regional Appellate Court had to consider ‘the proper meaning’ of Article 161(2) of Guyana’s Constitution.” The CCJ President reasoned that while the Court found the decision of President David Granger to unilaterally appoint Justice Patterson was justified on several basis, the reasons proffered by the Attorney General Basil Williams and his legal team, lacked merit. The Judge noted that in an attempt to defend his decision, the President had alluded to the discretional powers in Article 161 (2) granted to him. Saunders pointed out that specific reference had been made to the Presidential immunity under found in Article 182 (1) which empowered the President to act in his own deliberate judgment, when exercising such discretion. The CCJ Judge said that after rejecting three lists of potential candidates for the position, the President decided that it would not serve the public interest to further delay the appointment of a Chairman. The CCJ stressed that “an onus is placed on the President not to find a nominee unacceptable merely because the nominee is not a choice the President would have himself made”.By a majority, the CCJ found that the President should only find a nominee unacceptable for some good reason on objective grounds.“If a President were (Continued on page 30)
The private sector is becoming jumpy over nothing. The “war-break’ remark by the Minister of Finance has sent shivers down the spines of elements within the local business community. These elements are afraid that the comment could incite or be wrongly interpreted as a sanction for violent action. And since political violence has historically targeted the business community, they are afraid that they can become the victims of political and criminal violence. A former Member of Parliament has said that the ‘war break’ comments could drive fear into local business persons. He also stated that the ‘war break’ comments could also drive fear among workers in those environs, create fear among public transportation operators, cause fear amongst school children and their parents and fear among the general population. He went on to add that the comments could be used as a pretext by those hell bent on rioting and engaging in de-
structive conduct. It could also, he says, be interpreted as a political directive to create mayhem. The concerns are understandable given Guyana’s torrid political past when protestors needed no provocation to burn, loot, mug, rape and rob. However, there is no need for any serious concerns over the comments by the Minister of Finance. The Minister of Finance is a harmless fellow. He is as gentle as a lamb, incapable of hurting even an ant. He is not a political rabble rouser. He therefore meant no harm. What then did the Minister mean by the “war break?” The Minister belongs to the older generation. His childhood would have proceeded the era of video games. In his childhood, children played various outdoor games – “Cowboys and outlaws” was one of them; “police and thief” was another. The girls also had their imaginary games such as “Dolly House”. In the “Cowboys and
Outlaws” game, one set of boys would play the cowboys and the other set would be the outlaws. Or the game could simply be between one set of cowboys and another. The objective was to try to win the game by downing the eliminating members of the opposing team or opponent. How this happened was that if you were able to fire an imaginary shot at your opponent within a clear sight and with no obstruction between you and him, then that person was said to be “killed” and had to retire from the game. There were no real guns or weapons. Boys used toy guns or any makeshift object such as a short piece of wood which could imitate a gun. When you saw your opponent in the open you would begin to make the sound of gunfire; “Bow! Bow! Bow!” The person would playact that they were hit and killed. There were certain rules of course. You could not hit a moving target. Once your opponent is moving, then he
DEM BOYS SEH
Guyana needs a pre-nuptial wid Exxon
Is funny how people does see something nice and new. Dem does start to use it but when dem done wid it, is like if this was not something dem use to enjoy. A man got a woman. He in love wid she at first and she in love wid him. When people see dem even breeze can’t pass through dem. But after two morning people can’t believe is de same two people dem seeing. Dem quarrelling; dem can’t stand de sight of each other; and in de end dem does walk away, leaving whatever mess dem mek of dem lives behind.Dem boys was discussing de oil companies wid de Waterfalls boss man when he tell dem that oil companies like de thing that does cause a sore pun you foot. When dem drilling fuh oil dem does dig some deep hole in de ground. Dem does pump out de oil. In fact, once de oil flowing is sheer nice time. De contract that Exxon sign wid Guyana ain’t got nutten to protect de country. In dem farrin country when a man and woman decide to hook up dem does sign wha people call a pre-nuptial.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
It mean that dem agree on certain things before dem get married so that when dem divorce de agreement is wha dem does hold up in court. Most time is de man who got de big money suh de woman does sign to decide wha she gun tek if dem divorce. Guyana and Exxon married but right now dem don’t have an agreement. Dem never sign a pre-nuptial. When Exxon done wid de oil it got dem holes to fill but. But because it don’t have no contract it gun simply pull out and gone. Guyana got to clean and fix up. In short Guyana got to spend its own money to clean up Exxon mess.Is like a man lef wid de sore pun he foot. De normal things is that de oil company does contribute a certain sum of money to de country to keep fuh just when de oil done. It mean that when de oil done de company lef money to fixed sore. But de way things stand now, de poor man ain’t even got money to go to de doctor to fix he sore. Guyana is like that.Talk half and push dem leaders to get a proper pre-oil contract.
could not be killed. Another was that if your enemy was behind an obstacle, your imaginary shots could not ‘hit’ that person unless more than half of his body was exposed. The persons declaring the commencement of the “hostilities” would shout “War break!” This was the signal that the game had commenced. This was a popular game for the children of the poor because their parents could not afford to buy expensive toys. The young people of today do not know about “Cowboys and Outlaws” or “Police and Thief” or “Dolly House”. They know about video games and on-line games and reality games. They know about Gameboy, PlayStation and X Box. Nobody plays “war break any more. And perhaps the danger
in that battle cry of “war break” is the younger generation persons may misinterpret it. But one must also understand that the Minister may have merely been suggesting that with the decision of the CCJ, the political games were about to begin, putting the APNU+AFC against the PPPC and ANUG and the Liberty Party. The Minister was a product of that age when boy played imaginary games of “Cowboys and Outlaws.” He could hardly be seen a rabble rouser. He does not have that sort of expertise.People should not get worried about what he said. In any event, people are long past that era when they could be intimated by PNCR street protests. If, however, the private sector is worried about the Minister’s comments, they should launch their own
peaceful protest. They should ask their colleagues to have a Day of Rest where they close their businesses for one workday as a protest against what they see as an irresponsible statement which threatens their existence. The private sector however will never agree to that. Not as long as there is money to be made. And not as long as they can be a cry-a-babies!
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
My advice to the new GECOM Chairman I would like to think that before this edition of this newspaper hits the vendors’ stands, the Opposition Leader would have adhered to the Carter formula and submitted a collection of names that the president must choose from. I would like to think that when those names are presented the president will comply with the Guyana constitution and the ruling of the CCJ why he finds the complete list unacceptable. I would like to think the president knows the Carter formula restricts him from having a unilateral selectee. Those days of Harold Bollers and James Patterson are gone forever. Even a brand new constitution will never allow an article in the document that will empower
the president of the republic to select a GECOM chairman without consultation with others from different spheres of society. This is my advice to the new GECOM chairman. Contact the different embassies in Guyana, not only the ABC missions but India, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, the UNDP, and the OAS. Ask them to fund a team of foreign lawyers to study the laws and the current voters’ list and make a decision one way or the other. Could the present list be valid for an early election with those who were registered before the age of 18 being incorporated in the list? If the lawyers agree that a credible and proper national poll could be completed with the present list then let us have general
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
elections long, long before December 2019. If the list has to be transformed by house to house registration then, so be it. It means that election cannot be within three months from June. I am suggesting this pathway to avoid national instability. A team of lawyers from outside cannot be accused of PPP bias or PNC friendship. We have heard no such accusation against the CCJ. There are fools deep in the PNC and AFC but I think the insanity has not reached the level where any of those mandarins will publicly state that the CCJ panel was biased against the PNC or favored the Opposition Leader. If the new GECOM chairman goes the way of my advice, he needs to talk to the Opposition Leader and President, and require them to adhere to the decision of the foreign team. There is danger lurking if
the new GECOM chairman decides there is no house to house registration. Here is my inflexible opinion on what Jordan and Nagamootoo exclaimed at the Bartica rally (which we in the media and academia are yet to pronounce if the two men were speaking as governmental leaders or party leaders); I think it was a subtle call to citizens. Jordan can have his explanation of what he meant by “war.” It is my opinion that the word “war” was used in a subtle context. I would suggest that the law against incitement be studied meticulously to decide the meaning of that particular situation in which the word was used. I have no opinion whatsoever that Jordan’s choice of word would incite people. But I have the right to my opinion to say I don’t accept his interpretation. It is the end of civilized society if citizens have to
accept the explanations and interpretations of what politicians say they mean. I guess that is the end of free speech. Nagamootoo, I believe, operated on the same wavelength as Jordan. He said if there is no house to house registration, and youths are denied their vote they will demonstrate anger. Because of what Nagamootoo and Jordan uttered about house to house registration, the new GECOM chairman would be best advised to seek international legal opinion. Those who are chanting for house to house registration are fools. I was having lunch with David Hinds on Monday at Spicy Dish on Albert Street, when GECOM Commissioner, Desmond Trotman, came up. With a smile broader than the Essequibo River he said to me, “I will read about this lunch.” Well, Desmond is right; I’m writing about the lunch
Frederick Kissoon dialogue. I am not going to quote what David discussed with me. I can quote parts of my input. One section of my conversation was that house to house registration does not favour the PNC. If they go with house to house registration they will lose the election. My position is that substantial numbers that are likely to vote for the PNC will not be on the new list. The PNC is in self-destructive mode. They want house to house registration to delay the poll until 2020. When that poll comes with the new voter’s list, the PNC will lose. Right now it is the devil or the deep blue sea for the PNC.
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Father of 12 gets 19 years for raping teen Former soldier George Robin, now 66, will be spending the next 19 years in jail. On July 11, a 12-member jury unanimously found him guilty of having sex with a 16year-old girl without her consent. Robin, a father of 12, who was accompanied by his counsel Maxwell McKay, appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds for sentencing at the High Court
in Demerara yesterday. According to the indictment, the offence was committed on February 6, 2017. Before Justice Reynolds imposed the sentence a probation report was read to the court. The report had some disturbing findings. For one, the probation officer who compiled the report said she interviewed residents in
Robin’s community. According to the probation officer, residents reported that Robin was in the habit of engaging in vulgar sexual-related conversations with young girls. While residents expressed some degree of shock at the charge against Robin, they indicated to the probation officer that it was not surprising since Robin
Notice served to ex-insurance manager involved in $40M fraud Police Prosecutor Shellon Daniels has indicated to the court that a notice to attend court was issued at the last known address of Zameel Shaheed, who is accused of defrauding Demerara Mutual Life Assurance of over $40M. The former employee of the company who at the time was an insurance manager was slapped with 45 fraud related charges. His matter is before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Previously when the matter was brought before the courts the defendant failed to make an appearance. The investigating rank had told the magistrate that Shaheed is currently in the United States. This was the same outcome when the matter was recently called. Documents were brought and tendered to
the court which indicated that a relative at Shaheed’s last known address received the notice. The matter was then adjourned until August 5, next. According to information, Shaheed, 40, was the manager of the Claims Department at Demerara Mutual Life Assurance. During the period 2013-2017, he allegedly authorized transactions amounting in excess of $40M to 16 persons who are not entitled to claims. He then collected the monies for his own use and benefit. It was only recently that an audit was conducted and it was revealed that Shaheed took in excess of $40M for his own use and benefits. The matter was then reported and an investigation was carried out and charges were instituted. It was reported that Shaheed sent in his resignation while overseas.
was known to exhibit perverted tendencies to young women. Despite these revelations, the probation officer told the court that none of the instances were reported to the police. Nevertheless, residents said that Robin was a dedicated Christian. His wife shared similar sentiments with the officer, adding that Robin was a family oriented and jovial person. The man’s wife relayed that the matter at hand has caused grave embarrassment to her family. Though the probation officer was unable to contact the victim, she did speak to her grandmother. The grandmother told the probation officer that she is happy her granddaughter has finally received justice for an incident that has left her traumatized. Robin, on the other hand, is maintaining that he is innocent, the probation officer related. Considering all the findings of the report, the probation officer asked that the court impose a sentence that would send a strong message to like-minded offenders, in that no forms of abuse against children will be tolerated.
RAPIST: George Robin
Soon after the jury had announced its guilty verdict, Robin told the court that the actions of man can only be judged by God. Court Support Officer Celeste Mullin presented the victim’s impact statement. The victim indicated that she gets angry every time she sees Robin, and wants him to be sent to jail for a long time. The young woman expressed that she is bothered by mixed emotions coupled with depression. The victim indicated that while she is trying to forget
about the incident, it seems impossible to do so. She stated that she is unsure if she will ever be able to. During a plea in mitigation, Robin’s lawyer, McKay, pleaded with the judge to be lenient with his client. The lawyer asked the court to consider the fact that his client has no previous brushes with the law. McKay added that Robin is a generous elder who has effortlessly contributed to the development of his community. Added to that, Continued on page 27
Wednesday June 26, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Finance Minister will be jailed for 21 days if US$2M judgment is not paid to Dipcon - High Court Judge Finance Minister Winston Jordan will be jailed for not one, but 21 days if a US$2.2M judgement is not paid to Dipcon Engineering Services Limited by Saturday, July 8. On Monday, High Court Judge Priya SewnarineBeharry ruled that Minister Jordan will be imprisoned if he fails to comply with the court’s order to pay out the outstanding monies by the specified date. Justice SewnarineBeharry, in her ruling, pointed out that Minister Jordan had failed to comply with a judgment handed down some time back by Justice Rishi Persaud who ordered that the monies are to be paid to the company. Added to that, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry
High Court Judge Priya SewnarineBeharry
Finance Minister Winston Jordan
pointed out that the Minister had also failed to comply with
a writ of Mandamus issued by the Chief Justice for the
monies to be paid. Furthermore, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry also awarded cost to the engineering company in the sum of $3M, which she ordered be paid by the Minister. According to the High Court Judge, there was no stay of proceedings granted on the two court orders, and the Minister, through his lawyers, has told the court that the National Assembly had approved monies to honour the judgment. Back in 2015, Justice Persaud, who was then sitting at the High Court, granted judgment in favour of Dipcon. The matter had stemmed
from a multi-million-dollar contract dispute between the Trinidad-based company and the State. Justice Persaud had ruled that Dipcon recover from government US$665,032.17 as money due to the engineering company for infrastructural works done under the previous PPP government, along with the sum of US$1,563,368.50 for increased costs incurred by DIPCON at the request of the government in the course of undertaking the aforementioned work. Obviously dissatisfied with the judgment, the Attorney General Basil Williams filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal. Based on reports, that appeal was
out of time by about six months. The Court of Appeal refused to allow the appeal and dismissed it. Williams subsequently sought redress at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). In substantiating his case at the CCJ, Williams contended that there were good reasons for the belated appeal. For one, the Attorney General told the CCJ that the matter was handled by a private attorney and the State was not informed of the judgment until months after it was delivered. Noting the fact that the appeal was not filed within the prescribed time limit, the CCJ dismissed the appeal, among other things, noting that it was unacceptable.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 26, 2019
NFMU seizes nine radio frequencies - As GNBA readies to take more non-compliant broadcasters to court The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, (GNBA) is preparing to take non-compliant broadcasters to court. Head of the GNBA, Leslie Sobers, confirmed that the broadcasting authority has already retained the services of a top attorney to handle the cases. “At present, we have on record about three defaulting broadcasters,” he said. He said that radio broadcasters have generally been
in compliance with the regulations —It’s the cable and television operators that have been in default. “We instructed our lawyers two weeks ago to start preparing the writs to place these defaulting broadcasters before the Court.” During an interview with Kaieteur News, the GNBA Head revealed, too, that as a result of recommendations made by the GNBA to the National Frequency Management Unit, (NFMU) nine fre-
quencies have been seized. The nine frequencies belonged to three companies; I Radio Guyana, Freedom Radio and Radio Guyana. According to Sobers, the frequencies were all in the secondary zones and were being underutilized. “So the defaulting radio stations willingly gave them up.”The GNBA Head explained, too, that protocol must be followed in revoking the licences of broadcasters. “This process involves
the court; we can’t just go in, take away the licence and seize the equipment.”’ He said that before taking action the GNBA is required to meet with defaulters. Sobers had previously explained that if it is decided that a fundamental breach was committed against the Broadcasting Act, that broadcaster is summoned for a preliminary interview, where an opportunity is given for the broadcaster to refute or acknowledge the charge brought against his/ her station. Further, following that preliminary interview with the Special Investigative Committee, recommendations are
made as to whether the broadcaster should be brought before the Hearing Committee or the Board. “If we invite them to meet with the board, we generally try to meet some compromise to give them a chance to get their house in order. However, if they fail to comply with the alternative arrangement, then litigation will ensue. Once the licences are revoked, then the GNBA informs the frequency management unit or its successor of the development and that authority acts accordingly —
Head of the GNBA, Leslie Sobers
seizing control over the frequencies.”The GNBA functions within the ambit of the broadcasting legislation and holds licenced broadcasters accountable for breaches of the Broadcasting Act especially with regard to the policy as set out by the Act. The GNBA functions its governing board to issue radio, television and cable licences on the basis of potential broadcasters, having met the requirements for a broadcast licence; and availability (Cotninued on page 29)
Attempted murder of supermarket customer Victim testifies, five others to take the stand The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) against the manager of Freshco Supermarket, Xino Xi Qu, who is charged with attempting to murder of Gregory Sanmoogan, yesterday commenced with the testimony of the victim. The PI is being conducted in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and led by Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers. The accused is being represented by Attorney-at-law George Thomas. Following the testimony of Sanmoogan yesterday, prosecutor Jeffers is expected to call five other witnesses to testify into the matter. Three witnesses will testify today and two others will follow. On his first appearance before the court Xino Xi Qu was not allowed to plea to the charge as it was made indictable. The charge stated that on April 22, 2019 at Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, the defendant with intent to commit murder wounded Gregory Sanmoogan. Qu is out on $400,000 bail while his trial is being conducted. The condition of the bail is that he is to report to the Golden Grove Police Station every Friday pending the outcome of the matter. The fact of the charge is that on the day in question around 08:30hrs, the victim
Xino Xi Qu went to the supermarket where the defendant worked. Sanmoogan then purchased some items and left. It is alleged that while the victim was out on the public road, Qu came from behind and hit him on his head. The defendant then reportedly dealt him several cuffs and kicks about the body. Sanmoogan headed to the Golden Grove police station where he made a report. He then went to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was admitted as a patient for several days. According to reports, the defendant committed this act because he claimed the victim stole $200,000 cash which was left in a plastic bag on one of the cashing counters at the supermarket.
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
E’bo hit and run victim still unstable, suspect being sought by police A 44-year-old man from Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital, after he was hit down on the Essequibo Carriage way. Based on reports reaching this publication, Errol Richardson, 44, was hit down some time between 19:30 hrs and 20:00 hrs on Sunday night last. Kaieteur News understands that the man was on his bicycle at the time of the accident, when he was struck by speeding motor car, PMM 7554. According to witnesses who were on the scene at the time of the accident, the motor car sped away after colliding with Richardson. The man, who is believed to be a father of four, was picked up and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital in an unconscious state, with head injuries. The victim’s mother told this publication, “Sunday night I got a message saying that a car hit him down while he crossing from the right to the left. I hear a car come and pick him up. When I went Suddie he was unconscious. Continued on page 27
The injured man Errol Richardson
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Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
Berbice River man charged with murder of chainsaw operator
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1 Male able-bodied clerk. Contact# 231-2029, 616-5954 Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. Contact 6165419, 265-7075 Experienced Waitress 18-25 years from ECD. #610-3974 Live-in Domestic, must be good in cooking 25-45 yrs. #610-3974 Crane operator/crane porter/ office clerk. please call: 6166988 1 live-in caretaker to take care of property in Land of Canaan, housing provided. #227-0373/ 223-9888 1 Nanny to take care of baby girl in Bel Air, must have experienced. #227-0373/2239888 1 person to care for elderly person from 6pm-8am New Haven Bel Air. #227-0373/2239888 One person to make and bake roti/puri. Call:226-2320 193 Charlotte Street, L/town 1-house & land (4300 sq ft) with 4 master bedroom, gated community located @ Schoonord WBD. Contact #650-0402/603-1402 1 Experienced cook to work in a bar. Contact Tel#679-2612 Welder/Fabricator for interior location. Applicants must experienced. For further information. Call: 618-2020 PROPERTY FOR SALE
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Diesel Mechanic. Contact #223-5273/74 Driver, Bond Clerk, Factory worker, must have CSEC. for more information, please call: 223-0090 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown. Tel#227-8748/622-4970 Vacancies exist:- Cooks, Counter staff/Servers, Supervisors, Bakers/Pastry Maker, Hot & Spicy Creole Corner #225-6255/226-9000 10 years experience cook @ Stall (A) Bourda Market. Tel#227-3407 Female cleaner office & home. Call: 642-9823 General Domestic to cook & clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358 Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 502-4002/600-8457 Industrial Sales Representative, 5 Subject CXC Age 25+ Experience in Sales, must own vehicle, email r e s u m e : vacancy@josarltd.com PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 storey building, Broad St (Business area) Georgetown. Contact Ray’s Realty #6279685
Roxanne Burnham $20M, North $18M, Norton $17M, Durban $16M, Parfaite $7M, Russle $22M, Thomas $240M GME #231-2199/618-7483
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Modern 3 bedroom house, business area below & bond behind, Ketley Street, Georgetown. Ray’s Realty #627-9685
CHARGED: Roy Glaston Roy Glaston, 28, of Sand Hills, Berbice River who is accused of killing Elvis Benedict, 40, a chainsaw operator of Sand Hills , Berbice River has been charged with murder. The incident reportedly occurred between Tuesday June 18, and Wednesday June 19, 2019, at Sand Hills, Berbice River. Roy Glaston appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court before Magistrate Peter Hugh, yesterday. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison until Thursday June 27. Benedict was reportedly last seen around 17:00 hrs on Tuesday June 18 fixing a tractor. About 07:00hrs, the following morning he was found alive by a truck driver with multiple injuries about his body, lying at the side of the road, some two miles from where the alleged incident took place. Benedict had subsequently told his brother, that he was injured by the accused. The badly injured man was picked up and taken by boat to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body had visible marks of violence including lacerations to the left lower back, the center of the back, the left hand and the left upper jaw. There were also multiple scratches and bruises and abrasions about the body. The accused had reportedly told police that two men had attacked him and it was the other man in trying to chop him had missed and chopped Benedict. A Post Mortem examination was performed on the body of Benedict, by Government Pathologist Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan at the New Amsterdam Hospital. It showed that he died from shock and haemorrhage and multiple injuries.
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
Food and Drug Department warns against repackaging flour The Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) is advising the general public, wholesalers, Importers and retailers of an exercise that was conducted to take action against the practice of repackaging flour from 45 Kg bags of flour at the point of sale. In a release the entity stated that on June 19 and June 20, last, inspectors of the Department visited several retail outlets, markets and supermarkets in Georgetown and on the lower East Coast where the practice of repackaging flour under unsanitary conditions and placing it in unlabelled plastic bags is prevalent. Officers seized and removed from premises, 89 bags of wheat flour that was being repackaged under insanitary conditions
and placed in unlabelled plastic bags, in contravention to the laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act. Importers and distributors are being advised to desist from this which can result in the department having to rescind their Licenses, Permits to Repackage, and / or import wheat flour in 45 Kg bags. Similar exercises will be conducted in out‘lying areas and regions and a National Food Safety and Control Committee Meeting which will be hosted on July 9, 2019, to ensure the department enforcement action in their respective regions. Members of the general public are also advised to purchase this commodity in properly labelled bags in the very best interest of their health and safety.
Officers seized and removed from premises, eighty-nine (89) bags of wheaten flour that was being repackaged under insanitary conditions.
Father of 12 gets... E’bo hit and run From page 12 the lawyer also asked the judge to consider that his client suffers from diabetes and hypertension. In arriving at an appropriate sentence for Robin, Justice Reynolds informed him that under the laws the court has the power to impose a life sentence. Instead, Justice Reynolds commenced the sentence at a base of 20 years, from which one year was deducted after giving consideration to all the circumstances of the case. Justice Reynolds, however, noted that the convict will be going to a structured environment where he will have access to medical attention and religious teachings. As Robin was being taken away from the courtroom, his relatives flocked him in dismay. They kept asking him, “What to do next?” “Appeal the case,” Robin told them. There was one young lady who wept uncontrollable and had to be consoled by others.
victim still...
From page 25 Right across the head I see a gaping wound.” The elderly woman said that her son was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital last Monday, and his condition is still regarded as unstable. In the meantime, police effort has resulted in the discovery of the motorcar, which was involved in the accident. A police source revealed to this publication that the car was located in Lima Sands, some three miles inland from the main coastland. It is believed that the driver, who was not identified by police, has fled the coast. Police indicated, however, that efforts are being made to have him arrested.
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Jagdeo prepared to meet Granger “at any time”
F
ollowing the conse quential hearings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the No Confidence Cases, on Monday last, the Opposition has notified the Ministry of the Presidency that Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, is willing to meet with President David Granger at any time to discuss the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This comes after it was announced that retired Justice James Patterson resigned from the post of Chairman of GECOM on Monday. The chain of events leading to this started out when the CCJ ruled last Monday that the appointment of Patterson was unconstitutional and flawed. Jagdeo had, last week, ex-
pressed concern that the President could use the appointment of the new Chairman as a tactic to delay General and Regional Elections, but he has made himself available now to meet with President Granger, “on a daily basis, if needs be”. That is according to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, in a letter addressed to Director General at the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. The letter referred to several sections of the Judgment Summary by the CCJ on Patterson’s appointment. In those sections, it is noted that the evolution of Article 161(2) – which speaks to the GECOM Chair’s appointment – of the Constitution took a significant and deliberate shift from exclusivity and
[from Left] Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger
unilateralism to inclusion and consensualism between President and Opposition Leader. The Court urged the two to meet and communicate in
good faith to discuss eligible candidates for GECOM Chair, and that the aim of the discussions should be to names of six persons who are eligible and not unacceptable to the
President. During a press conference later on Thursday, the Opposition Leader said that he is prepared to supply a list of nominees for the post of
GECOM Chair within hours of a request by the President. It was stressed in the ruling that employment of the double negative ‘not unacceptable’ in article 161(2) means that the President should not simply find a nominee unacceptable because it is not a choice of his, but that there must be some good reason or objective grounds. In that regard, the Court stated that the President should provide good reason for rejecting eligible nominees, and not frustrate the proper working of the Constitution. It stated that a unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair by the President is hardly an option if the Opposition Leader demonstrates a willingness to engage in good faith.
US urges private sector to take bigger role in spending oil money The US government is urging the private sector to have a bigger say on how the proceeds from the oil and gas industry will be spent. Yesterday, during a business luncheon of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at the Pegasus Hotel, US Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, told representatives of the private sector that the emerging industry has provided unique opportunities to advocate for government’s action with the goal of ensuring that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), is implemented properly from the start, before the profits from first oil begin, to ensure those profits benefit the Guyanese people well into the future. “You are not alone. This chamber, and others like it throughout the country, represent a diverse array of Guyana’s citizens, voters, and taxpayers. Together, I encourage you to collaborate with other stakeholders to devise a calculated strategic plan of action that targets job creation, investment, and long-term revenue management,” she said. At the forum were representatives from GMSA including President Clinton Williams, and several businessmen, including banking staffers. Lynch, who assumed du-
ties as ambassador earlier this year, said promoting responsible economic growth is one of her top priorities. Her remarks would come at a time when there is a huge debate ongoing over the country’s oil deal with ExxonMobil, a US company. The production sharing agreement (PSA) gives Guyana a two percent royalty and a 50/50 share in profits. However, ExxonMobil has to take out expenses before Guyana gets a share of those profits. The establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, known in Guyana as the NRF, has been watched closely as its management would mean control to billions of dollars and how it would be spent. “Boom times don’t always result in the most responsible choices. “I urge the GMSA to continue being proactive in ensuring that its members are at the forefront in participating in and benefitting from the economic growth, while defending their rights and interests and those of their communities.” The ambassador was heartened by GMSA’s joint initiative with the Ministry of Finance to improve the agroprocessing sector. “The NRF is a government-owned investment fund set up to invest revenues from oil and gas - and other
Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch at the business luncheon yesterday. natural resources - to protect and boost the national economy. If implemented immediately and efficiently, it should provide Guyana with the opportunity to invest in its longterm future as well as today’s infrastructure, health, education, security, and even agriculture needs. “I must congratulate the people of Guyana for taking this important step before first oil production and before oil profits begin rolling in next year.” However, she warned while the fund exists it now must be implemented.
Get it right “Now is the critical time to get this right. You, the private sector, have an important role to play in ensuring that the fund achieves its purpose to transform transient natural resources into stable and sustainable future income.” Lynch disclosed that studies have shown that the most effective sovereign wealth funds depend on four things- independent, transparent, inviolable, and being non-partisan. Transparency With regards to transparency,
it is critical in the fight against corruption. “But fiscal transparency refers to something more. It means publication of high quality information on how a government (or an independent Natural Resource Fund) receives, spends, and manages a public resource. The GMSA should push to ensure transparency at all phases of implementation.” She said that for instance, one of the provisions of the legislation provides that the Minister may, through a competitive and open procurement process, hire an investment advisory services company to provide advice on fund investments. “In all likelihood, this would be a private sector company. The GMSA and other private sector agencies can exercise due diligence to ensure that this advisory company is competent and reputable, and advise the Government as it develops its shortlist of potential firms.” She said that GMSA can offer insights and guidance
to the budget authorities on various NRF -related matters as the Government prepares the national budget. According to the Ambassador, the Natural Resource Fund is not just any law. “It will play a very important role in the economy. Now that a framework is in place, it should remain in place for the foreseeable future. Of course, as times goes on, amendments and adjustments may be needed, but time is now short and it is critical that the framework remain. Advocacy by the GMSA and your sister private sector agencies must be directed at ensuring that the fund remains sacrosanct.” She said that political fortunes ebb and flow, but a sovereign wealth fund and its defense must be constant across all governments for decades to come, so that all those current and future governments remain accountable for staying true to the spirit of the fund and keeping it alive.
T&T at risk if USA pulls support to the Caribbean basin programme Trinidad Express - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s ‘wajang’ behaviour places Trinidad and Tobago at risk if United States President Donald Trump pulls support to the Caribbean basin programme says Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar.“Prime Minister of little Trinidad and Tobago he get so big he want to bouf up Trump. Well we’ll find out who is the bigger Trump soon to come,” she said at the United National Congress (UNC) public meeting on Monday at the Aranguez North Secondary school. She noted Rowley’s criticism of the United States Department of State in its 2019 Trafficking in Persons (TiPs) report which gave this country an F-grade in terms of its handling of human trafficking. Rowley criticised the report as he slammed the US own foreign policy. ‘We got an F, they say. Well, if I (were) marking their paper, what would I give them? They have the same problem that we have - thousands of migrants rushing your border wanting to come into your country because they see a greener grass on your side than on their side,’ he said. Rowley added: ‘That is the number one political issue in America! Hundreds of thousands of people, and their own people are telling you that those people, some of them, are treated like dogs and cattle.‘Children are dying on the border, some of them in cages, hundreds of people in a room that was made for ten.‘The temperature is 41 degrees, and of course, they have a bigger military. They’ve got a bigger security system. They’ve got an army, a navy, an air force, and they’ve got a bigger Treasury than T& T.Persad-Bissessar said Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign policy and diplomacy has failed as she knocked Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses as the man whom
- Opposition Leader
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar no one can understand when he speaks.She said this was not the first time Rowley has ‘boufed’ the US as she noted that earlier this year Rowley also criticised the US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Joseph N. Mondello.In January this year, Mondello described as “deeply concerning” statements coming from the T&T Government recognising the “undemocratic and illegitimate government” of Nicholas Maduro in Venezuela.Hours lat-er, in the Parliament Row-ley fired back at Ambassador Mondello’s statement saying he took umbrage.Persad-Bissessar said back then she warned that the US is this country’s largest trading partner. “And Madame WPC, Woman Police Constable Camille in the Parliament when we were there objecting to the manner in which MR Rowley was behaving, Camille say ‘so what? What Trump go do we?’ Well let me tell you what Trump can do you and do Trinidad and Tobago,” said Persad-Bissessar.She said the Caribbean basin initiative programme allows this
NFMU seizes nine radio...
From page 16 of spectrum space. Given its overarching mandate of the GNBA to regulate radio, television and cable operators, the authority had previously announced that it will soon be institutionalizing the concept of citizen monitoring. GNBA noted that citizens can and do make complaints of infractions by broadcasters. According to GNBA, efforts are being geared towards developing a research department which will survey listenership, quality of programmes, do content
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analysis, and assess levels of infractions among other things.” GNBA said that though, it is important to note that the authority will specifically target broadcasters, who never had a broadcasting licence and are still on the air; those whose licences have expired and have not renewed their licences but are still broadcasting and those who owe the authority millions of dollars and are refusing or failing to pay. The GNBA noted that these are the broadcasters that will be brought before the court.
country preferential privileges with respect to trade with the US.“That has to come up for renewal in the Congress of the United States of America next year. You want to know what Trump can do you? Trump has the power to determine whether that programme will continue for the benefit of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, that is what Trump can do you,” she said. She added the US report was about human trafficking. “The late Mr Manning may his soul rest in peace he was right when he described Mr Rowley as wajang, rotweiler, every time the man speaks he shouting at someone,” she said. She also noted that the Rowley’s ‘whole cabinet’ was present to open a road in Chaguanas - an initiative which she said stemmed from her Government.PersadBissessar also responded to Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) head David Abdullah who called her a ‘wolf’. She said she is one as she leads a pack for change. The former Prime Minister noted the words of novelist Rudyard Kipling “For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.” “So my strength comes from you and that strength you give me I give back to you for us to fight this wicked PNM Government,” she said. She also spoke about the story of two wolves that resides in the being- one of destruction and the other of compassion.“Today I say I am that wolf of compassion that is in side of me and we must never ever let the detractors filled with hate and envy and pain, they must never ever take away the love we have for each other and the hope and the vision we share for a better Trinidad and Tobago,” she said.
Sexual assault victims must not be made to suffer twice - Women’s rights activist Just hours after filing a report to the Guyana Police Force about the sexual assault she experienced at the hands of a senior officer at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), the complainant in the matter was made to suffer a second time. This time around, the woman had her security pass seized and she was escorted from her place of work in the full view of the public. She later learnt from security officers that the instructions came from the airport’s hierarchy. The act of withdrawing the woman’s security pass means that she no longer has access to her work station at the airport. “I was made to suffer a second time. My job is affected because I can no longer manage the store. I am being paid less as a result of that,” the victim revealed. The airport noted that the decision to send both parties involved in the matter away, was taken to ensure that investigations were carried out unencumbered. Women’s rights activist, Red Thread’s Wintresss White, has noted that the course of action is like adding salt to the complainant’s wound. “She should not be made
to suffer twice,” White said. The women’s right activist said that instead of victimizing the complainant, there should be policies in place to protect her. “These scenarios just highlight how poorly society still treats womenfolk. “Here is the example of a woman who did the right thing by coming forward yet she is being punished…It’s this type of victimization that facilitates the continuation of sexual harassment in the workplace. “There are a lot of people, who suffer at the hands of their superiors. Those persons will continue to suffer in silence, unless things change.” White noted the need for policies which deal with sexual harassment in the workplace. “At present, the Labour Department’s Prevention of Discrimination Act does not cover acts of sexual harassment in the workplace. So the labour laws need overhauling in this regard.” Lawyers noted that in this instance complainant should be compensated for the loss of job benefits. “The workplace policy should be balanced – it should not be to the detriment
of the alleged victim. In the case of her to losing benefits or pay then the airport authority should, in this case compensate her.” Meanwhile, CJIA’s dealings in the matter have come under criticism of the Police Force and Guyana Public Service Union, GPSU. In a statement issued earlier this week, GPSU noted that reports of sexual harassment needed to be investigated by the higher authorit i e s . ”If the harassment is from higher authority then who are you going to complain to and what guarantee would the worker have in the same environment that it would not escalate, or that he/she may have to leave the job because nobody wants to lay their finger on the boss or senior officers. Cover ups do happen. Since this is a very serious matter a police report has to be made for them to investigate and if necessary prosecute,” the GPSU stated. The GPSU said that complaints can also be filed with the Ministry of Social Protection, department of labour since she is a worker and since such conduct is tantamount to unlawful discrimination the Ministry has to investigate the matter.
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Unauthorised removal of zinc sheets stymies agriculture project at Linden schools - RDC meeting hears
E
ven as Region Ten continues to push agriculture as a main economic source, there seems to be deliberate attempts to stymie progress in some regards. This is particularly evident when it comes to efforts being made to promote an agricultural drive at schools within the Region. Speaking of this development, recently, was Chairman of the Agricultural Committee attached to the Region’s Regional Democratic Council [RDC], Mr. Tracy Johnson. At a recent RDC meeting, Johnson disclosed that as part of the region’s efforts to push agriculture, moves have been made to encourage agriculture in schools. This, the Councillor revealed, has included attempts to construct shade houses for targeted schools. But according to Johnson, there has been a major challenge in relation to the construction of the shade houses.
He announced to the meeting that this is owing to the fact that a number of zinc sheets intended for this purpose have gone missing. “It is proving to be a major challenge to the successful execution of the project,” Johnson complained even as he appealed to his fellow councillors and the Regional Chairman [Renis Morian] to implement systems immediately that will address the unauthorised removal of the zinc sheets. “This is in light of the fact Johnson said that there has been difficulties in retrieving a number of the zinc sheets. “I would like to point out that while the region has been undertaking a number of major projects within the region, we are supposed to have the zinc sheets...for the schools to build the shade houses. “We are not being able to get this done as in many cases the zinc sheets cannot be found and this is severely affecting the project. I would
like to appeal to this Council for action to be taken by the Clerk of the Meeting, which is the Regional Executive Officer in having this matter addressed immediately,” Johnson urged. Describing the issue as the “unexplained disappearance” of the zinc sheets, Regional Chairman Morian, vowed to have the matter addressed properly. Once the situation is addressed, Johnson said that construction of the shade houses can commence during the latter half of the year. This development comes even as the recognition is being given to the Region as an evolving agricultural hub. Region Ten was formerly regarded a thriving mining town. This notion was substantiated by Johnson even as he acknowledged that, aside from attempts to stall the shade house drive, agriculture is progressing very well in the Region. According to him, too, the region is poised to continue
Councillor Tracy Johnson in this vein. Johnson is confident that with such a sustained approach, the Region will undoubtedly see a significant economic boost and by extension further advancement in its agricultural development. With sustainability in focus, Johnson said that so far for the year there have been eight training programmes covering both livestock and
crop. He pointed out that among the programmes were some that deal with poultry diseases, sheep rearing, livestock path, citrus agrimony, agriculture business development, sweet pepper agronomy and food presentation. He revealed that is part of the deliberate efforts to promote agriculture that the Region has been zeroing in on schools which has seen the
distribution of a number of poultry birds with matching feed supplies being handed out to a number of schools. Two targeted schools are yet to receive this support, Johnson said. “MacKenzie High School will be receiving their contribution at the next batch [distribution] due to repairs to their pen; Harmony Secondary has been [somewhat] reluctant in participating in the programme for a number of reasons,” Johnson revealed. The Regional Agricultural Committee Chairman also disclosed that all secondary and primary schools, along with a number of farmers across Region Ten, have also received a number of permanent crops which are expected to aid the grafting process. Also set to benefit from this aspect of the Region’s agriculture drive are the MacKenzie High and Harmony Secondary schools.
GECOM’s chairman demits office From page 8 permitted capriciously or whimsically without proffering a good reason to reject eligible nominees, this would frustrate the proper working of the Constitution. It defeats the amendment of Article 161 (2) and paves the way for unilateral appointments.” The Court found too that once the Leader of the Opposition demonstrates a will to engage in good faith the prescribed process, the proviso rule in which Granger resorted is hardly an option. “In view of the unfortunate process that was followed; in view of the imposition of criteria that were not sanctioned by the constitu-
tion and in view of the absence of cogent reasons for deeming unacceptable the candidates and lists provided, the Court is of the view that the process which was followed in appointing Justice Patterson is flawed.” The Court emphasized, however, that nothing in its judgment was intended “in the slightest degree” to cast aspersions on Justice Patterson’s competence and suitability for the position of Chairman of GECOM. Nor was there any suggestion that President Granger had not acted in good faith. The resignation of Patterson came as Guyana prepares for early elections as a result of a historic Decem-
ber 21 no-confidence vote which saw the government fall 33-32. The legality of the vote and a number of other issues were taken right up to the CCJ. GECOM has indicated to the CCJ that it is proceeding on house-to-house registration to sanitise a voters’ list which has thousands of incorrect entries. With other orders from CCJ not expected until July 12, Patterson’s resignation now will mean that the President and the Opposition Leader have to meet to discuss new names now. Those discussions will not likely include a date for elections as the CCJ still has to render a number of orders.
Wednesday June 26, 2019
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This Week at Tender Board
Lone Surinamese Bid Triples Engineer’s Estimates A number of bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, amongst them being one for the Construction of the Ministry of Natural Resources Building. The project, surprisingly, attracted a single bid which was from a Surinamese company. Even more shocking was the fact that the contractor’s bids tripled that of the local engineer for Lot 1 and almost tripled the bid for Lot 2. Other notable projects were the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Construction of Ministry of Public Telecommunications Command Centre Liliendaal and the Guyana Defence Force, Construction of Built In Cupboards Infantry Phase 1 amongst others. Ministry of Natural Resources Construction of Ministry of Natural Resources Buildings
Procurement of Electrical Materials Lots1-4 Guyana Prison Service
Procurement of Stationary and Office Supplies Lots 1-4 Guyana Prison Service
Ministry of Public Telecommunications Construction of Ministry of Public Telecommunications Command Centre Liliendaal
Mom begs for justice as senior cop’s daughter remain free Guyana Defence Force - Construction of Built In Cupboards Infantry Phase 1
Ministry of Public Infrastructure Consultancy Services for Conducting Feasibility Study and Preparing Detailed Designs for the Upgrading of the Lethem Aerodrome
Ministry of Public Security - Procurement of Field Material Guyana Prison Service
Ministry of the Presidency - Extension to Stephen Campbell House
It has been two years and three months since the life of little Ramkarran Mohan was snatched from him in the presence of his eldest brother who was sevenyears-old at the time. An inquest was ordered into the accident, however as time elapsed, the driver, Grace Alves, roamed freely and lived her life as normal while a family still grieved. Mohan was only sixyears-old when he was in the company of his brother and an uncle. They were making their way to a shop located obliquely opposite their Lot 1088, Tuschen residence, to purchase a ball to play cricket when he was struck down. Kaieteur News was informed by a senior officer out of B’ Division that all the documents pertaining to the case of Mohan was sent to the Magistrate’s Court months ago to commence the inquest, however to this date none was done. It is unclear what has been the hold up into the highly publicised matter, but relatives had expressed worry from the initial stages that justice might not be served. Mohan’s mother, Anna Persaud, told this publication that it has been very difficult for her, her now 9-year-old son and other relatives since her son’s death. She added that what makes it even more difficult is the fact that the female driver, the daughter of recently suspended Crime Chief Lyndon Alves, who
DEAD: Ramkarran Mohan struck down her son, has been boasting about her being free. “I have been living with this all by myself, no justice and his daughter always boasting about it.” She stated that since the accident the woman has been making disturbing statements towards her and relatives since they live in close proximity to each other. “She’s been saying that her father working with the President and nobody can’t touch her. Neither she nor any of her family members ever came and showed remorse, offered sympathy or anything whatsoever.” Persaud stated that she has been religiously inquiring about the case but was continuously told that an inquest has to be done. “Every time I go and find out they keep telling me that
the inquest has to be done and they waiting on a Coroner. Up to last Wednesday, I visited the Commissioner during a meet the public day and I asked him about my baby’s case. “He told me that he hasn’t looked upon that file as yet but maybe later on in the year,” Persaud explained. Initial reports had stated that the female Alves was intoxicated at the time of the accident and was without her license. Her insurance was also expired but she was placed before the court and paid a fine. However for the accident and the death of the child nothing was done. Alves, on the day of the accident, was only kept in custody for a few hours before she was released on only $20,000 bail. Relatives believe that her father, Suspended Crime Chief Lyndon Alves who was the Deputy Head of the Presidential Guard at that time, intervened in the matter, causing her to roam scot-free and leaving the case in limbo for two years. The woman is now a member of the Guyana Police Force. Little Mohan would have celebrated his eighth birthday in December. His brother, since the accident, has been crying a lot and speaking less. His brother was his partner. They both attended school together and were very close with each other, Persaud said tearfully.
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UCCA/RHTYSC/BCB Awards
Rishi Persaud named as Cricketer of the Year as UCCA hosts Award Ceremony Opening batsman Rishi Persaud, who had a very prolific 2018 Cricket Season in the Upper Corentyne area, was named Cricketer of the Year when the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association hosted its 2nd Annual Award Ceremony at the Port Mourant Ground. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Award Ceremony for the second successive year was totally sponsored by the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. Persaud also carried home the Upper Corentyne Second Division and First Division Player of the Year Awards. He carried home trophies, medals and a $20,000 bicycle. Other Awardees at the function were: Under-15 Player of the Year - Tomesh Hemraj Under-17 Player of the Year - Aktar Nahar Under-19 Player of the Year - Stephan Norah Secondary School of the Year - Skeldon Line Path Primary School of the Year - Massiah Primary Most Improved Club - No. 72 Cut and Load Junior Team of the Year No. 73 Young Warriors Club of the Year - No. 72 All Stars Sponsors Ramesh Sunich, Devendra Ramgoolan and Dennis
- Sydney Jackman hails BCB’s support
Awardees of the UCCA posed with officials of BCB, UCCA and Region 6 Chairman.
D’Andrade were also specially honoured along with No. 72 Cut and Load Club for their cooperation during the year. Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Vice President Sydney Jackman provided a comprehensive Report for 2018 to the capacity audience that included Regional Chairman David Armogan, Vice Chairman Dennis Deroop, former BCB President Malcolm Peters and the Mayors of Rose Hall Town and New Amsterdam.
Jackman a former Guyana Wi c k e t k e e p e r / B a t s m a n stated that players in the SubAssociation benefitted from cricket organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association at the Under-19, Inter Primary School, Inter Secondary School and Second Division levels, while its parent body, the Berbice Cricket Board organised numerous tournaments at different levels. The Berbice Board also organised coaching clinics, donated cricket balls to all
clubs in the Sub-Association and rain coats to six groundsmen. Clubs also benefitted from scorebooks, while the Sub-Association also hosted its first ever Award Scheme, Tribute to Heroes Programme and launched its Hall of Fame to honour outstanding past cricketers. Jackman hailed the outstanding contributions of the Berbice Cricket Board and its President Hilbert Foster for their support to Upper Corentyne. He described
Foster as a passionate leader who has worked beyond the call of duty to change the fortune of Upper Corentyne Cricket. Foster, who has visited the Upper Corentyne area forty two times since his elections, seventeen months ago, praised the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association as a pro-active body. Cricket in the Upper Corentyne area is now on the move with the Berbice Cricket Board organising Tournaments like the Ramnaresh Sarwan 40-Overs, RHTYSC/GNNL 20/20, Magic Moments 20/20 primarily for Clubs in the Area. On Saturday last, the Berbice Cricket Board hosted a Coaching Clinic for 36 youths at the Scottsburg
Ground, while Clubs continue to benefit from donations from the Berbice Cricket Board and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. Foster also announced that Upper Corentyne Cricket Association would soon benefit from donations of water pitchers, White T/Shirts and cricket balls among others as the Berbice Cricket Board strives to assist clubs to fulfill their mandates to youths. The dynamic President urged the Awardees and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association to uphold their high standard while striving for excellence. Foster pledged his and the Berbice Cricket Board further assistance to Upper Corentyne Cricket.
Hetmyer and Giddings... From page 39 Player - Isaih Thorne 15) Most Promising Female Player - Ashley Ramnauth 16) Most Improved Male Player - Trevlon Stanislaus 17) Most Improved Female Player - Oma Matadin 18) Coach of the Year (Inter county) - Andre Percival 19) Local Coach Winston Smith 20) Local Umpire of the Year - Moses Ramphal 21) Regional Umpire Imran Moakan 22) Second Division Player (West Berbice) Devendra Lalsa 23) Second Division Player (N/A/Canje) - Balram Samaroo
24) Second Division Player (Lower Corentyne) Junior Sinclair 25) Second Division Player (Upper Corentyne) Rishi Persaud 26) Club of the Year (West Berbice) - Blairmont Community Centre 27) Club of the Year (N/A/ Canje) - Young Warriors 28) Club of the Year (Lower Corentyne) RHTYSC, MS 29) Club of the Year (Upper Corentyne) - No. 72 All Stars 30) Most Improved Club - Fyrish 31) Most Improved Club (First Division) - Rose Hall Canje Welfare 32) Cricketer of the Year Shimron Hetmyer
Wednesday June 26, 2019
Gentle & Lewis captures Lion’s share of...
Singles Champions Lewis & Gentle is flanked by GBIT’s Pamela Binda and GTA’s President Sam Barakat while the other winners show off their trophies. (Sean Devers photo) From page 43 Speaking at the c e r e m o n y w e r e G B T I ’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager Pamela Binda, GTA’s President Samuel Barakat and GTA’s f i r s t a n d s e c o n d Vi c e Presidents Cristy Campbell and Nigel Niles respectively. Gentle and Lewis also give acceptance speeches. Niles give the opening remarks after the disappointing turn out recited the National pledge, while Campbell provided a short revive of the tenth annual GBTI tournament which was held at the sponsors’ Court in Bel Air. Barakat thanked GBTI for their continued support and said he was sure they were pleased that every day of the tournament was covered in the newspapers. “It also pleasing to see the
so many people attended the matches but I am very disappointed the see the amount of Walk-Overs and this will not be tolerated in our next tournament,” disclosed Barakat. The Essequibian confirmed that a U-12 & U-14 team will travel to Trinidad next month for a youth tournament and disclosed that Gentle has been provided funding for a tournament in Jamaica. Binda committed the GBTI to another 10 years of sponsorship and revealed that she would discuss with her Directors the possibility of increased sponsorship next year. “This was a very successful tournament with a few firsts….this was the first time in seven years we have a new Men’s Singles Champion and the first that
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someone from overseas participated and I am very happy with the Media Support we got,” Binda stated. Results: Men’s Open Singles: Champion: Gavin LewisRunner-up: Gregorie Vincent Women’s Open Singles Champion: Afruica Gentle Runners-up; Kalyca Fraser Men’s Doubles: Champion: Lewis/ Daniel Lopes Runner’s up: Gregoire Vincent/ Andre Lopes Women’s Doubles: Champions: Cristy
Campbell/ Gentle Runners-up: Shelly Daley/ Fiona Bushell Men’s O-35 Singles: Champion: Leyland Leacock Runners-up: Andre Lopes Men’s O-45 Singles: Champion: Runner’s-up: Andre Lopes Mixed Doubles: Rafael Nunez Boys Open Singles: Champion: Joshua Kalekyezi Runners-up: Viraj Sharma Mixed Doubles Champions: Lewis/Gentle Runners-up: Kalyca Fraser and Heimraj Resaul
AP Invitational to honour past Olympians
Aliann Pompey will be partnering with the World Olympians Association (WOA), the Guyana Olympic Association and the National Sport Commission to honour past and present Guyanese Olympians at the Aliann Pompey Invitational on July sixth during a special ceremony. A number of Guyana’s greats will start to arrive on July fourth for the special award ceremony that will allow all those that represented Guyana to use the ‘OLY’ title as part of their names. At a later date a schedule of activities relating to the Olympians will also be provided to the media. Director of Sport Christopher Jones also spoke on the occasion, “We are honoured to give recognition to our past Olympians especially to those that might not have gotten the recognition that they so rightfully deserve, especially to the likes of James WrenGilkes that we all would agree would have medaled at the 1976 Olympics had it not been for Guyana’s stance at the
time. “But we count it a privilege and honour to give recognition to our athletes that started the process of putting Guyana on the map globally,” Jones mentioned. Further, host of the meet, Aliann Pompey shared that something of this nature is important to cultivating a rich sporting culture in Guyana. Olympians confirmed so far are: Present: 1. Jeremy Bascom 2. Winston George 3. Troy Doris (To be confirmed) 4. Brenessa Thompson 5. Aliyah Abrams Others: 1. Geoffrey Sankies 2. Aliann Pompey 3. Richard Jones 4. Adam Harris 5. Niall Roberts 6. Andrew Harry 7. James Wren-Gilkes 8. June Griffith 9. Jennifer Innis 10. Michael Parris Geoffrey Sankies is also the President of the National Olympians Association in Guyana.
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Wednesday June 26, 2019
Berbician riders gave good account at first segment of National Cycling Championship
Ajay Gopilall edging out Ralph Sewnarine in a close tussle in the Junior category.
Cyclists from Berbice made sure that their sojourn to the Capitol City, Georgetown was worth the while. The riders gave a good account of themselves when
the first segment of National Cycling Championship was held last Sunday in Georgetown. This is according to Cycle Coach Randolph Roberts.
Berbicians riders were first and second in the junior category with Ajay Gopilall taking first place in a close tussle from Ralph Sewnarine of the Flying
Ace Cycle Club (FACC) in the 80-miles event. It was a dominant performance from the riders from the Ancient County in the Juvenile category with the FACC pair of Mario Washington and Jeremiah Joseph riding in first and second with other Berbicians Jonathan Ramsuchit, David Hicks and Steve Bhimsen rounding out the top five. The Masters 80 miles, event was a close affair with Andy Spencer winning from Paul Choo-Wee-Nam and Alex Mendes. Denise Jeffery hadn’t much to worry about as she easily won the female race from Elizabeth Small and Berbician Shamika Teixeira. The event concludes next Sunday with the senior riders set to take to the road in the 120-mile road race. The event will commence at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown and proceed to Moblissa Hill, up the Linden Highway before turning back to return to its point of origin.
Mario Washington left, Jeremiah Joseph right, were first and second respectively.
Wednesday June 26, 2019
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BCB 2nd Annual Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony
Hetmyer and Giddings copped top Awards as BCB hosts impressive Ceremony The West Indies duo of the middle order batsman Shimron Hetmyer and left arm medium pacer Erva Giddings carried home the prestigious Male and Female Cricketers of the Year Awards on Sunday last as the Hilbert Foster led Berbice Cricket Board held its 2nd Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony. The colourfully decorated Port Mourant Cricket Club Hall was packed to capacity as the Berbice Cricket Board honoured its outstanding performers on and off the cricket field. The gala ceremony was sponsored by overseas based Guyanese Brian Ramphal with support from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS and other sponsors as the Berbice Cricket Board invested over $600,000 into the well organised event. BCB President Hilbert Foster provided a comprehensive report on the work of his administration over the last seventeen months and the rebirth of Berbice Cricket after a long period of dormancy. The Berbice Cricket Board has organised over 40 tournaments at all levels, raised over $17M in cash and kind, organised dozens of developmental programmes and assisted clubs with scorebooks, cricket gears, stumps, cricket balls, weather coats, trophies, medals among others. Youth cricketers also benefitted from donations of
Erva Giddings receives her trophy from Mr. O. Outar.
Suresh Dhanai received the Male Cricketer of the Year Award on behalf of Shimron Hetmyer from Regional Chairman David Armogan and Trophy Stall Representative. personal gears, while among the developmental programme were the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme, Dr. Puran Singh National Players Financial Scheme, Coaching Clinics, Educational Posters, Inter county Cap System among dozens others. Foster hailed the cooperation of numerous sponsors, media personnel and cricket officials. Foster, who recently received a National Award, disclosed that Berbice Cricket over the next six months would undergo even more changes including the
hosting of at least fifteen tournaments, assistance to clubs, BCB 80th Anniversary Celebration and more Coaching Programmes across Berbice. Regional Vice Chairman Dennis Deroop, Regional Chairman David Armogan, Mayor of New Amsterdam Ms. Winifred Haywood also spoke at the Programme and hailed the outstanding work of the current Executives of the Berbice Cricket Board. Armogan noted that Berbice Cricket has a rich legacy to uphold and urged the current players to always
represent the Ancient County with pride and passion. Both Deroop and Armogan pledged their support to the Berbice Cricket Board in its effort to develop the game at the grassroot. Armogan was high in his praise of Foster saying that he was like king Midas as every project he touches, turns to gold. The Berbice Cricket Board handed over Cricket bats to West Indies Under15 Selectees Rampersaud Ramnauth and Isaiah Thorne, weather coats to the Albion Ground Staff, cricket balls to
thirteen clubs, while members of the winning Berbice Under19 and Female Senior Teams were honoured. MVP of both teams Erva Giddings and Junior Sinclair each received a $20,000 bicycle. Each member of the teams carried home a trophy and medal, while the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association also honoured its outstanding performers for 2018. A total of 64 cricket officials, media personnel, media houses and sponsors were honoured including Vemen Walters, Orvin Mangru, Dr. Cecil Beharry, Dennis D’Andrade, Sydney Jackman, Vickram Suebarran, Angela Haniff, Andre Percival, Winston Smith, Lakeram Latchman and Slyvia Autar. Among the numerous sponsors honoured were Brian Ramphal, Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Magic Moments, New Building Society and New York Business Group.
Awardees of the 2019 Brian Ramphal Awards Ceremony posed with Officials.
The complete list of Awardees for the 2nd Annual Brian Ramphal Awards are: 1) Under-13 Player Rampersaud Ramnauth 2) Under-15 Player Jonathan Rampersaud 3) Under-17 Player - Seon Glasgow 4) Under-19 Player (One Day) - Keith Simpson 5) Under-19 Player (Three Days) - Kevin Sinclair. 6) Under-19 Female Shabika Gajnabi 7) Under-21 Player of the Year - Javed Karim 8) Female Cricketer of the Year - Erva Giddings 9) Female International Player - Shemaine Campbelle 10) National Senior Player - Anthony Bramble 11) Male International Player - Shimron Hetmyer 12) Discipline Male Player - Gourav Ramesh 13) Discipline Female Player - Marian Samaroo 14) Most Promising Male Continued on page 36
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Wednesday June 26, 2019
Kaieteur News
GUYANA HAS ALL TO PLAY FOR IN CARIBBEAN DERBY AGAINST NEIGHBOURS T&T TODAY
Kansas, USA: Guyana will wrap up its debut appearance at the Concacaf Gold Cup this afternoon when they take on Trinidad and Tobago in a Caribbean derby at the Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City from 17:30hrs (18:30hrs Guyana time). A sold-out crowd of 19,500 will be in the house to see the end of Group D action, the Golden Jaguars are ahead of the Soca Warriors in the standings by goal difference, both nations having lost their two matches to the USA and Panama, respectively. While Guyana lost 0-4 to the USA and 2-4 to Panama, Trinidad were defeated 0-4 and 0-6 to Panama and the USA. Today’s match-up is not being taken easily by Head Coach Michael Johnson who acknowledged that his charges can only get better as they look forward to the challenge against a close
friend but also a close rival. “It will be an intriguing game that we’ll be ready for,” Johnson noted at yesterday afternoon’s press conference held at the match venue, Children’s Mercy Park. Accompanying Coach Johnson at the press conference was defender Matthew Briggs who plays with English club side Maldon & Tiptree. Briggs who has been having a good tournament thus far said that the players are looking forward to the clash with T&T: “The players are really up for it, it’s like a local derby for us really and we just want to end the tournament on a high and it’s a game that we are more than capable of winning.” Today’s match would be Guyana’s 3rd in Concacaf Gold Cup (CGC) history with two losses, scoring 2 goals whilst conceding 8; Neil Danns, the oldest player at
From (left) the Concacaf Rep, Head Coach Michael Johnson and Defender Matthew Briggs attend the Pre-Match Press Conference. age 36 years scoring both the nation’s goals. For the Twin Island Republic, it would be their 30th match in CGC (15L 7W 38GF 54GC), Jovevin Jones has eight appearances
at CGC for them. It will also be T&T’s 26th Group stage match at the CGC. They have now garnered six (6) games without a win and a goal, their last win was against UAE 2-0
World Cup fans stand to attention for Cottrell’s salute AFP - West Indies paceman Sheldon Cottrell has handed plenty of batsmen their marching orders at the Cricket World Cup and seen his unique celebration win an army of followers online. A serving member of the Jamaica Defence Force, Cottrell’s march and salute has been his trademark since bursting onto the international scene in 2013 and the distinct send-off has caught the imagination of fans at the World Cup. The left-arm quick returned figures of 4-56 in his team’s five-run loss to New Zealand on Saturday to take his tally for the tournament to nine. “It’s a military-style salute. I’m a soldier by profession. Me saluting is just to show my respect to the Jamaica Defence Force,” Cottrell told the BBC. “I do it every time I get a wicket. I practised it for six months when I was training in the army,” he said. Among the many videos of the Cottrell imitation on Twitter, a clip of a young boy and girl copying the
bowler’s salute in a British street has gone viral. The person who shot the video of the young fans asked the paceman where he could buy a West Indies jersey with his name at the back. Cottrell responded by inviting the youngsters to the West Indies’ next match against India on Thursday, but is concerned about them missing school for the clash at Old Trafford. “I’m looking into it for you,” Cottrell replied on Twitter. “Thanks for your support. Would like to invite you to the game in Manchester if your not already attending? #salute (it’s a week day tho).” However, not everyone is a fan of Cottrell’s flamboyance, with England coach Trevor Bayliss telling ESPN Cricinfo it annoys older cricketwatchers. West Indies players have always been synonymous with innovative celebratory styles. The Darren Sammy-led side celebrated their World Twenty20 title
in a friendly in 2018. Johnson shared that Guyana will take away great enjoyment and pride from the tournament: “I think the players would definitely be better for this experience. We have quite a young group and the group has spent the best part of four, five weeks living together so they started to understand more about themselves, more about their teammates and a lot of them have come into camp for the
very first time so we’ll be stronger for this.” Bermuda, like Guyana, has made its debut at the CGC and secured their first points with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua in their final Group B match on Monday. Johnson said he has been following the Bermudians against whom Guyana played a warm up match earlier this month, he noted that it would be great for Guyana to also end this inaugural campaign by recording its first points.
Clinical Australia outclass...
FAN FAVOURITE: Sheldon Cottrell’s distinctive celebration has caught the eye at the Cricket World Cup. (AFP) win with a trademark “Champion Dance” in 2016 just as the ‘Gangnam-Style’ dance was used during their first T20 triumph in 2012.
From page 41 outplayed,” Morgan said. Australia openers Finch and David Warner survived a testing opening burst by the England pace attack before sharing a fluent partnership of 123, their fifth fifty stand in a row. Warner, on 53, spooned a catch to Root at backward point off Moeen and after Stokes had bowled Khawaja for 23, Finch reached three figures for the second time in the tournament. He skied Archer’s next delivery straight into the hands of Woakes at fine leg, however, and Australia lost momentum as Maxwell was out for 12 and Stoinis was run out for eight following a comical mix-up with Steve Smith. The former Australia captain made 38 before chipping Woakes to Archer at mid-on, and he left the field to a smattering of boos in reference to his role in last year’s balltampering scandal. Scores: Australia 285-7 (50 overs): Finch 100, Warner 53, Woakes 2-46 England 221 all out (44.4 overs): Stokes 89, Bairstow 27, Behrendorff 5-44 Result: Australia won by 64 runs
Wednesday June 26, 2019
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Clive Lloyd calls for West Indies tons Team Mohamed’s record holding GT-R branded as ‘Godzilla’ to match talent after World Cup woe AFP - Clive Lloyd has called on the current crop of West Indies cricketers to add application to their talent after a disappointing World Cup campaign so far. The West Indies have won just one of their opening six games in England and look almost certain to miss out on the semi-finals. “West Indies could be one of the best teams around — they have the talent,” Lloyd said in a column for the International Cricket Council. “Had the West Indies batsmen turned some of those 50s, 60s and 70s, 80s into hundreds they would have been in a better position in the points standing. “As for the bowlers, with a better understanding of the English conditions and better homework done on the opposing players, they could have performed much better.” Carlos Brathwaite smashed 101 from 82 balls, but was caught in the deep when attempting to hit a six to win the game in an agonising defeat to New Zealand on Saturday. And Lloyd, who captained the West Indies to World Cup glory in 1975 and
After shattering the strip record at South Dakota, the White Nissan GTR will forevermore be known as Godzilla. A release from the team Mohamed’s Enterprise camp on Monday confirmed that the former world record holding car, known under Ekanoo brand will now be the Team Mohamed’s ‘Godzilla’ GTR. This is in keeping with the team’s tradition of naming their machines, with the former strip holder and first
GTR, being called ‘Goliath.’ “ We f i r s t l y w a n t t o thank all our fans for the support we have seen over the last few days, especially Sunday and we have some great news. The White Nissan GTR that has j u s t e n t e r e d t h e Te a m Mohamed’s family will now b e k n o w n a s t h e Te a m Mohamed’s Godzilla. That car joins our other two GTRs, the Black Goliath and the Nismo as part of our drag racing family as well as the race bikes and Jet Skis we
have in our team.” During S u n d a y ’s second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Drag racing championship, t h e Te a m M o h a m e d ’s Godzilla reset the quartermile strip record with an 8.09 seconds time. The black GTR Goliath was also involved in a heated battle with the much anticipated transpacific Toyota Alteeza which thrilled the crowd; the former crossing the line first.
Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships
GBTI GCC Spice off to great start Carlos Brathwaite’s century was in vain as the West Indies lost by five runs to New Zealand. (AFP/File / Dibyangshu Sarkar) 1979, believes the side need to show more patience at key points in matches. “They weren’t outplayed in at least three of their games that they lost (New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh), it’s just that they’re not putting the clinical finishing touches necessary to win games,” he said. “Ultimately, the
difference has been that the West Indies just aren’t settling in and making big scores. “Everyone in this tournament is making hundreds, but it says a lot that Carlos is the only West Indies player so far to do so. “We have the talent — it’s just a case of pushing on and batting long.”
Clinical Australia outclass England to reach semis
LONDON (Reuters) - Australia ruthlessly demolished England by 64 runs at Lord’s yesterday to march into the Cricket World Cup semi-finals and put the hosts in serious danger of failing to make the last four. Captain Aaron Finch continued his fine form with a knock of 100 to lead Australia to 285 for seven after being put in to bat on a murky morning at the home of cricket. England quickly collapsed to 26 for three and although Ben Stokes defied a calf injury to score a brave 89, England never seriously threatened to reach their target as Jason Behrendorff took five wickets and they were bowled out for 221 in the 45th over. Australia’s sixth win in seven games took the defending champions into the semi-finals while England, the pre-tournament favourites, have now lost three matches and may need to beat India and New Zealand to make the knockout stages. “You don’t win the tournament if you don’t reach the semis. That’s the first bit ticked off,” said man-of-the-match Finch. “England are a standout side, they are a team that can take you apart at stages. We found ways to keep getting wickets. Behrendorff bowled beautifully.” England made a shocking start to their chase when James Vince was comprehensively bowled second ball for nought by Behrendorff. Mitchell Starc trapped Joe Root lbw for eight and captain Eoin Morgan, on four, hooked Starc to Pat Cummins at fine leg. Stokes and Jonny Bairstow tried to engineer a recovery but Bairstow, on 27, played a wild heave off Behrendorff and gave Cummins another comfortable catch on the boundary. PATIENT FIFTY Stokes reached a patient fifty off 75 balls
Australia’s Steve Smith shakes hands with England’s Adil Rashid after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs) and he and Jos Buttler added 71 before Buttler (25) tried to pull Marcus Stoinis for six and picked out Usman Khawaja running round the square leg boundary. Stokes, struggling to run and requiring onfield treatment, launched Glenn Maxwell for two sixes and England had the faintest sniff of an unlikely win until Starc returned to the attack and bowled Stokes with a fierce yorker. Moeen Ali was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Behrendorff for six, Chris Woakes fell for 26 and Jofra Archer (one) became Behrendorff’s fifth victim before Adil Rashid was last man out for 25. “I thought for a lot of today we were Continued on page 40
The first evening of the 2019 Noble House Goals Galore Indoor Hockey Championships saw mixed results with several clubs tasting victory between the men’s and women’s divisions. The big winners of the night however were the GBTI GCC Spice who started on zero and rained in sixteen unanswered goals to dominate their opponents YMCA OFHC Bellatrix. The Bingo Spartans were the other female team to secure a win while GCC Vintage, SHC Splinters and YMCA OFHC Pacesetters were all victorious in the men’s division. In the opening match of the evening, the Bingo Spartans, beginning with a 5goal handicap to the GBTI GCC Tigers 3, needed to defend tough as their name suggested and work the clock to hold off their senior opponents. It took the Tigers thirteen minutes to finally break the Spartans defence through a penalty stroke converted by national midfielder and former sportswoman of the year Marzana Fiedtkou. After a halftime which saw the scores at 5-4 for the Spartans, striker Sandy Roopnarine capitalized on a first minute defence error by the Spartans to squeeze in a second goal for the Tigers. With scores even at 5-5, young Spartans striker Abosaide Cadogan would become the hero of her team as she sent a penalty corner flick high into the roof of the Tigers net in the 27th minute. Cadogan would use her speed to outpace the Tigers defence and finish her second just two minutes later. With the Tigers down two, the pressure was set once again on the shoulders of the Spartans and Captain Makeda Harding who had
been solid in defence. Fiedtkou pulled her team within one through a penalty corner late in the second half but the Tigers would run out of time and conceded the 7-6 victory to the Spartans. With the relatively new YMCA OFHC Bellatrix enjoying a 9-goal handicap, the GBTI GCC Spice launched a full attack from the opening whistle. In the end, the sixteen unanswered goals scored by Spice signalled that they would be the team to beat in the female division. Ashley DeGroot led the scorer’s table with 5 goals, while Macaela Harding scored 4, Gabriella Xavier finished with 3 and the Woodroffe sisters, Trisha and Dacia added two more each. In the men’s division, defending champions GCC Vintage cruised to a comfortable 15 – 13 win over youthful YMCA OFHC Champs. With the Champs starting the match with 12 goals to the Vintage 5, Vintage striker Dwayne Scott took on the challenge and secured a hat-trick in the opening ten minutes. Patrick Edghill would add a fourth Vintage goal just before the half to leave the scores at 12 – 9 to YMCA. In the second half it was more Vintage as Scott would equal his first half tally with three more goals in the second half, while John Phang, Alan Fernandes and Jason Gomes each added singles. The goal that brought the most noise from the crowd however was the final of the match and first for YMCA, when Daniel Woolford
finished off a counterattack to score two minutes from full time. This goal would not be enough as GCC Vintage carted off the victory by 15 – 13. The SHC Splinters held off an onslaught by Bounty GCC who almost made up the six-goal handicap deficit. With GCC beginning with 3 goals to the Splinters 9, they would score four by halftime through brothers Mark and Meshach Sargeant and a double from Kevin Spencer. Kwesi Lewis of the Splinters, however, scored a vital goal just before the half that would become the goal to separate the scores in the end. The Bounty boys mustered a pair of Kareem McKenzie goals in the second half after twice hitting the uprights but fell short by one, giving the SHC Splinters a 10 – 9 victory. The final match of the night saw the YMCA Old Fort Pacesetters hold off a strong challenge from the SHC Slick Sticks by 12 – 11. After beginning the match with a 3-goal handicap deficit, the Slick Sticks pulled themselves within one goal of drawing even with ten minutes remaining. It was not until the penultimate minute, however, that the Pacesetters scored their lone goal of the evening through Steffon Simmons to go back up by two. Shakeem Fausette would score in the final minute for the Slick Sticks and give their supporters some hope but the final buzzer would go off too soon leaving the Pacesetters to celebrate the 12 – 11 victory.
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Kaieteur News
Hardyal optimistic of defending champs Regal Masters’ chances Captain of Regal Masters’ Mahendra Hardyal is confident that his team can successfully defend their title in the upcoming New York Softball Cricket League Independence Cup and Legends Cup. Regal Masters will contest the Over-45 category in the tournament which is set to commence on June 28 and conclude two days later. Regal Masters of Georgetown and Fisherman Masters, which is based on the East Coast of Demerara, are the two Guyanese teams that will be taking part in this year’s edition of the tournament, which also includes teams from New York, Florida and Canada. Matches will be played at Canarsie in Brooklyn and Roy Wilkins Park in Queen’s, New York. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Hardyal expressed confidence that his team can retain their title, adding that they will not take any team for granted. All-rounder Hardyal, added that their preparation was somewhat affected by the rain; however they managed to get in a few games prior to their departure. He
Defending champions Regal Masters.
stated that the team is well balanced and comprises of a number of experienced players who have played in numerous tournaments overseas and stressed on the importance of team work. Regal Masters are widely tipped as the favourites, but Hardyal said that they will
take each game step by step, stating that it is important for all the players to contribute positively. The team’s media liaison officer, John Ramsingh said the players are all ready and eager to go. The team includes the likes of Eon Abel, Eric Thomas, Ramesh Deonarine, Lloyd Ruplall and
Mahendranauth Parsnauth. Apart from 2018, Regal Masters have also won the title in 2016 and took the runner up spot in 2015 and 2017. The team is set to depart today. Among the sponsors on board are ISG, Star Party Rentals, Ink Plus, The Computer Store, Elegant
Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sport and Crown Mining. The squad reads; Mahendra Hardyal (Capt.), Mohendra Arjune, Eric Thomas, Troy Kippins, Eon Abel, Fazleem Mohamed, David Harper, Parsram
Persaud, Ramesh Deonarine, Unnis Yusuf, Lloyd Ruplall, Mahendranauth Parsnauth, Rudolph Baker, Laurie Singh and Lynden Lyght. Clive Grimmond (Coach), Divesh Ramjattan (Manager) and John Ramsingh (Media Liaison Officer). (Zaheer Mohamed)