Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR NEWS

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

11 parties to contest

Sunday Edition March 01, 2020 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Price $140

Online readership yesterday 145,079

elections tomorrow Trotman ignored experts’ advice of 10-15% royalty - Wall Street Journal report

Foreign observers in Region Nine for elections

EU obervers, GECOM Lethem

Man mistakes cousin for intruder; shoots him Authorities close Berbice ‘backtrack’ route over Coronavirus fears Tow truck to control lawlessness outside GPHC - hospital official Gary Best for court on Tuesday

Forestry Commission defends 164,000 acres approval

p.11

Guyana more than capable of Parliamentary debates on oil deals before signing - University of Houston Instructor

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Sunday March 01, 2020

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

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

EDITORIAL

Tomorrow’s elections

W

e at this publication do not favour anyone or make any judgment. Hence, we make no endorsement of any political group as the nation prepares for tomorrow.

Our position is, unfortunately, compelled by the record and still unalterable mindsets of Guyanese leaders and groups, as they gird for tomorrow’s electoral contest.

They do not bring appealing or any deep-seated stirring, and none more so than the two big ones; particularly, the two senior ones.

For us at this outspoken journalistic institution of the people, this would rise to the equivalent of abandoning and betraying what we have stood for and struggled for, what we had hoped would be the sensitising and maturing of brother and sister citizens after the punishing, devastating lessons of the last three score years, of our entire lifetime, it seems.

It is where we stand. We wish that we could step forward enthusiastically and say otherwise, but we can’t. It is the length of the road that our conscience allows us to travel.

On the other hand, what we do ask today of eligible citizens is that they turnout tomorrow and vote, which is among the first principles and provisions of the democratic process. It is still not perfected at this point, but we press: go out and cast the ballot for the party of choice, with the clear visions that come from a clear head.

The second encouragement--a demand, really--is that any such individual exercising of the franchise must be freely done and allowed to be accounted for fairly. This is regardless of speculation, of location, of passion, or of inclination as to who is going to be for whom.

This is what is due to the process that makes it credible, which empowers--at individual level, at group level, and at leadership level--to be acceptable. Let us all contribute to a process that stands and falls on the merits and which makes us proud.

So, our hand and voice are raised in that simplest of universal gestures: let peace prevail. Let understanding and goodwill prevail. We need it, we could use it, and we must have it, and never more urgently than at this hour.

History and memory have left us with the scars to show for the errors of our enduring electoral ways, the lasting anguish and animosities generated. These blind us and deafen us to any other element, any different essence, and leave us worse for wear and the most piteous of creatures and countries.

Let us not continue in the same mechanical, mindless, indifferent ways.

It is why we advocate energetically and strongly: let us recognise that we cannot go on in this way, except in shreds of what should be a society, with the poisons that do nothing but destroy us further. Surely, we have more good sense than this.

Surely, we should be wise enough to comprehend that we cannot go on like this; we cannot go anywhere upwards, even the small blessing of functioning sideways looks out of reach. We say that this cannot be what we want at this time in the life of our country.

We say that before we touch one dollar, one cent, of that oil, we have to commit to getting our house in order, which starts with ourselves.

The international community, the overseas originated plenipotentiaries, can only go so far, say so much, do so little within the confines and dictates of diplomatic restraints.

They will help, but the bulk of lifting and carrying and hard upward journeying has to be and must be done by us.

Tomorrow can be watershed or woodshed. The former could take us to places never been before, while the latter is merely another step to those points of no return. For too long we have been forced to look up to find the bottom.

After such a long while at visiting and revisiting the woodshed, as a nation, we may have forgotten our way up from the bottom of it, out of it and back to some semblance of a dignified starting point. In the simplest, yet frankest, if not harshest of terms: we have lost our way, and along the way

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

An appeal to the Coalition and PPP for the first 100 days in office Dear Editor, One of the above two major parties will form the government because the people are voting for race and not voting for happiness and issues. My appeal within the first 100 days as a minimum is as follows:

1.Form a legal committee, comprising 1 person from each party in government, 1 person from each trade union, one UG, one PSC, 1 Chamber of Commerce, 1 Private Sector, 1 Public Service i.e. representation from each group, to represent all Guyanese for the

we have willingly lost our minds, if not our souls, too.

This is where we are now, regardless of who says otherwise, who trumpet that they represent the perfection of the extraordinary and the unprecedented, indeed, the alpha and omega of singular national promise.

The interwoven questions are these: to whom and in which places and for what purposes and for how long?

Elections Day 2020 is our first challenge; all the other pungent and piercing ones that hastened us and hurled us to this fateful point fade into the ether of the immaterial and inconsequential.

This is it; this is where we must gird our ambitions and the

items below. All existing commissions to have similar composition.

2.Constitution Reform – no cosmetics 3.Remove tender board from government control. Government must (Continued on page 5)

visions that come from them to rise up and stand up for what is the best in the democratic traditions, for the hopeful citizens of this enfeebled country, now standing on the brink of something, whether it is the way up or the precipice that takes us further down.

Let us, therefore, go forth as the most responsible of peoples to do our duty, to do so rightly and honourably, and to do our best to contribute to what carries this country above its emotions and clashes, its confrontations and its continually clouded future.

May a special light shine on us tomorrow and then beyond.

Elections peace and progress to all!

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Take a stand for the extended family that is Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The time for talking and writing is over. So, too, I would submit is any lingering residual moment of pondering before deciding. Monday comes striding in as E-Day Guyana, the D-Day of our existence, the possible freedoms held by the paradox of

our promising but painful future. All of the probing and reacting, the contradicting and challenging, the comparing and projecting, are now over. It is now time to vote to determine where we proceed from here, and how.

I have no interest today in writing about which leader

or group is more meritorious, more deserving, more capable; the minefields of those dangerous territories have been covered and recovered.

We are long past that stage as a society and as single eligible agents.

Truth be told, that bombarded stage was solidified in

I do hope wisdom prevails over the bitter being present there. It’s Given emotion AFC a pity the extent of the disdain disappointment created by DEAR EDITOR, The success of the so called third force (small parties) in our political landscape has been marginal since the UF/PNC Coalition brought about the demise of the PPP in 1963. Not until the rise of the AFC has any third party made an impact of some magnitude in our political scenario and for the second time a third force (AFC) will be archived in the annals of our history for failure to stand up to what seems like an ever marauding PNC. It is no secret that the AFC’s recent five years sojourn with the PNC had brought bitter disappointment to the people who voted for the Coalition in 2015, on account of the

from the people who supported the AFC in 2015 will not be revealed on account of the now “dead meat” (AFC) contesting under the Coalition’s umbrella.In the run up to these elections, the PPP has been accusing the small parties on the periphery (ANUG, CG, etc) of not pulling their weight in the face of what seems like transgressions by the Coalition and GECOM on the Democratic principles enshrined in our constitution.

I agree with the PPP. How could people build or repose trust for the small parties when they seemingly shy away from the major electoral challenges which strike at the heart of our democracy?

An appeal to the ...

From page 4 have a “no objection”.

4. Royalty on oil to be negotiated to be 10%.

No objection to all costs/expenditures – this is not renegotiation, but implied in the oil contract, since the government is an integral partner in the PSA. List all activities of works, 4 M‘s - man, money, material, machine, with the associated estimated cost. Government will verify cost from other oil companies/ countries, looking at best practices, and if acceptable, will then give a “No Objection.”

5. Employment – consider balanced ethnicity/ qualifications priority.

6. Have power sharing as a trial with other parties for one or two years, if workable continue.

7. Reform GECOM and all other commissions.

Sincerely, Joe Persaud (Canada)

the AFC, the small parties should know that political rhetoric and platitudes alone would not be enough to convince the electorate of their sincerity.

They needed to put hand or mouth to the task. This Country needs a lot to be done in the area of constitutional reform, none of which could be gotten from the hands of this coalition if it remains in power. The public should understand that a vote for these small parties makes it more difficult to effect the change that could bring the needed constitutional changes in the future. I do hope wisdom prevails over emotion.

Rudolph Singh

the iron textures of hearts and minds made up, even before late December 2018.

That parliamentary moment, now etched in cement, was merely the catalyst that exposed us for who and how we are at the immovable centres of our tormented, limited existence. In the year and three months since then, the vast raw canvas has been of the wreckage of what we have grown into more disastrously, what is left of us, and what we insist on being, despite the agonies of these sorry truths. No! I have no interest in traveling that road again.

Today, I prefer to articulate and set before my fellow Guyanese what could possibly be if (if) we would care to be matured and responsible; as well as civilised and constructive.

Though there is much ongoing dismay, many times disgust from the fierce internal struggles, I have to be optimistic; because if I were to lack that defining human quality, then I may as well cease to exist, or the ox grazing in the field. Thus, I say to the troubled peoples -broth-

ers all-in this battered land: this is what we must seek to do; this is what we have to strive with single-minded determination to be: that is, to do our part to contribute positively to this society’s existence as a viable polity, an assembly of citizens of some sort, that is focused on a common encircling, enhancing destiny.

What does this mean? It means that, at the individual and group levels, we must temper ourselves, possess the self-control, and manifest the required regard for those with whom we disagree, we dispute, we dismiss, and we cast into that ever-present convenient divide. It would be the height of irresponsibility and an inexcusable evasion, if I were not to assert that we are so constructed, and our minds not so powerfully concentrated on what should be the common, universal destiny.

This is to my pain, my sorrow, my regret.

Today, therefore, I plead for tomorrow. I must. After tomorrow, I urge all to be engaged enough to dive deeply inward to discover and kindle

the graces that could lead to sanity not savagery; to the positive possibilities and not the degrading devastations; and to progressing past our substantial disfigurements, instead of reinforcing them.

This would only come from pausing during the hurricanes of elections season to be open to that tiniest of spaces within, to incline ear for that different whisper, and then actually to hear it and do something about its message.

The message from me to my fellow Guyanese is this: take a stand against the hysterias and passions that imperil; take a stand for the extended family that is of country.

I charge all Guyanese to respect the rights of assumed adversaries by being responsible; be restrained, be sober, be about the obligations of democratic and spiritual citizenship of a different kind from what we have known. I suspect, even fear, that hard heads and harder hearts will reign supreme and dismiss out of hand. Still, I must persist.

And thus, I reach for those with higher learning (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Who will win Monday’s Elections? Nothing is more important than DEAR EDITOR, Both major parties are confident of victory. But which one will win? Each small party is confident of at least a seat.

But will they get any? The nation looks to pollsters (like me) to open the crystal ball and say which party will win.

An accurate prediction is based on scientific polling. A pollster can only offer a projection if the election will be free and fair.

Some of the most outstanding personalities in the country, from both sides of the political divide, give me their confidential views on the outcome. Ordinary voters also give their comments. Opinions varied! People are calling it a victory for either side (with the size unknown). Some even say it would be a hung parliament.

Those well informed and who conduct ongoing opinion polling and interact with officials know what will happen on elections day.

Which side has a better chance? The government has run an effective campaign talking about the future with oil revenues and seems to have collared its base; it has all related institutions on its side. The opposition has tried to make this election about the government’s record pointing to its superior record and promising a better vision for the future. Ordinarily, a government that was ousted by a no confidence motion and presided over the decline of an economy and loss of jobs would be against the wall facing the specter of defeat.

It is indisputable in speaking with supporters from both sides — the government has seen its popularity drop steadily from 2016 to now. Yet

it is doing quite well among its base and even has retained some cross over supporters that it got in 2015. On the flip side, Jagdeo has been able to rally back many traditional PPP supporters who abandoned the party in 2015.

Both campaigns have been impressive with their messages. There is a tit for tat, but no knockout punches delivered although there were several uppercuts that were followed by counter punches.

While one side enjoyed an advantage, the other side fought back. One side did get an upper hand – incumbent always has an advantage because they control the state (and its vast resources) and have the power of the purse and has used it effectively.

As polling reveals, there is hardly any last minute vote to be obtained. People have made up their minds and a significant number won’t vote (fed up of the system) although there is a last minute scramble for votes. The last stump speeches would be delivered on Saturday but that won’t make much a difference. People are party hardened. Any floating voter not committed is likely to go for the three small parties that have a chance of a seat in their attempt to become a balancing force in parliament.

But will these serve as a third or balancing force in parliament? That depends largely on the margin of victory; one major party is predicting a landslide win, meaning the third force will be wiped out.

A turnout of mid 70s, higher than last time, is expected. The government claims its poll puts it in the lead. The opposition says it did not commission a poll but

Priority pass at the Demerara Harbour Bridge DEAR EDITOR, ‘On the morning of Friday 28th February 2020, there was an extraordinarily long line of traffic over on the West Bank of the Demerara river and during the time spent in the line, I noticed a black SUV drove up to a Police Inspector who was present there. The occupant(s) of the vehicle spoke with the Inspector, after which a road (shortcut) which is usually blocked off to normal road users such as myself, was opened for the SUV to pass through, thereby avoiding the long line of traffic that existed to get over the bridge. Please note that this is not the first instance in which persons were allowed to bypass the long lines of traffic since the stoppage of the priority lane. My questions to the Traffic Department therefore are: Has priority passing at the DHB really ceased to exist? Why is it available to some persons but not others?’

Motorist

A welcomed announcement DEAR EDITOR, NIS responded to the request for an explanation on no increase for persons in receipt of an NIS pension above the minimum, by announcing a four percent increase (NIS hikes old age pension’ SN Feb 28).

This announcement is most welcome.

It is noted though the increase is effective March 1 and not retroactive to January 1.

Shamshun Mohamed

that its house-to-house ground campaign puts it in the lead. Objective polls conducted by this writer find a close fight but a victory for one party. Which side registered more voters and bring them out will have the upper hand.Regardless of which side wins, people will look back and say how did this party win?

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram (Pollster)

life itself!

DEAR EDITOR, I see and feel how beautiful our Guyanese people are feeling. There is much hope towards a better life. One filled with joy, aspirations fulfilled and the removal of the burdens faced today. For this reason, I ask all those involved in our elections that win or lose, they do not destroy the hope that has been kindled in the hearts of our

people, especially in the hearts of our young Guyanese. Our motherland has seen bad times that have led to too many suicides due to despair and the lack of faith in a better day ahead. We all as a people must remember during this delicate transition to better times that our patrimony and promise of a better life belongs to all Guyanese.

No one Party or any one person has the authority to take that away from any of our fel-

Take a stand for the extended...

From page 5 from this life, those with broader insights, those with more human and more altruistic instincts to give free rein to the nobler rather than the baser impulses that lurk inside and always threaten to overpower the best of intentions.

I call upon peers to burnish and deploy intellect and experience and energies towards what is better for this country, and for brethren without exception.

Even as I place this before contemporaries, I recognise that in the combustible cauldron of contest-the life and death competition for ascen-

dancy and power-that these thoughts of mine for the temperate most likely will bounce off the steel trapdoors of minds firmly bent a certain way or, worse yet, irreversibly shut and locked. Nevertheless, I must persevere before those interested enough, caring enough, and willing enough to be leaders in that which takes to another place.

There is not much else left to share.

All has been said and argued and condemned. This is where we are today. I trust that tomorrow and thereafter could signal a new and bright Guyana: one of high ground;

one of more settled fellowship; and one grateful for its many gifts and for its many sons and daughters.

I go forth to whatever comes. May it be to a better place, through a better passage that ushers to realising the best of our potential.

My parting word is this: as rights are exercised, there are obligations that come with them, which are inseparable and non-negotiable.

I look on high and whisper: watch over this process, watch over this country, watch over all of us.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

low Guyanese, especially the most vulnerable, especially our young Guyanese. They are the future of Guyana and we need them to be of strong mind, body and spirit. So no matter if your Party wins or loses in the elections, tomorrow is not lost to despair.

Where there is life, there is hope and worry will be replaced by actively creating a better today, which will lead to a better tomorrow. The love in our hearts cannot be taken from us unless we allow someone to do so. This time, we the people of Guyana say with pride that our love for ourselves is ours and no one is allowed to take it from us.

It doesn’t matter how much money, it doesn’t matter how much fame and it doesn’t matter how bad the situation may seem today or tomorrow. Nothing is more important than life itself! As I said before, where there is life, there is hope. For this reason, Guyana is strengthened by all Guyanese who choose life first and foremost.

Sincerely, Mr. Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

As we head to the polls, we have decisions to make DEAR EDITOR, You know how as you get older the brain seems to be deleting stuff to make space for new memories?

Well one thing this old brain hasn’t deleted yet is the memory of me at my grandmother’s on August 6th, 1985.

I was just 4 years old, but the atmosphere of quiet jubilation and glee that my relatives exhibited that day when it was disclosed that President Forbes Burnham had died has seared itself into the grey matter. I was too young to really understand why they were so happy but it gradually revealed itself later on.

My mother onto this day gets upset when she has to talk about the sacrifices she made as a young mother to try to adequately clothe and feed us on a teacher’s salary in the heyday of the “bans”.

She called me a “Burnham pickney” because I was fiercely nationalistic growing up, lending support to the notion that I was being ‘brainwashed’ in nursery school. I don’t remember that, but that is what a brainwashed person would think. Nevertheless, in spite of my relatives’ travails of life with no flour, I grew to see Burnham as a man who had the right idea. We should indeed be self-sufficient and not dependent on colonizers!

When I started President’s

College, grappling with my admiration for the man and the quiet discomfort that I was deliberately ignoring something sinister, I told everyone that Burnham was my grandfather.

I’m not sure how many people actually believed this implausible story about my maternal grandmother having an affair, but I think part of why I decided to tell this lie was to feel less complicated and have more connection to the school I was now living in and that was built by Burnham solely for the intellectual elite.

As I got older I realised that Burnham was a lot more complex and nobody was talking or writing about it in any meaningful way. Cheddi Jagan has a popular book examining his life, and many written articles, but the same can’t be said for what was undoubtedly one of the most influential Caribbean personalities of the 1960s and 70s. We haven’t as a nation, dealt with any of the scars left by this man.

What scars you might ask? Of course Burnham’s sharp turn to the left (after getting into power in the first place because he assured the Northern powers that he wasn’t a stinking communist like Jagan) affected the whole nation. His National Security Act which meant that the police could search and seize whatever and whenever, his

stranglehold on communication and his ineffective socialization and privatization (with the attendant parts played by external interests who were never going to let a former colony, with a Black leader succeed anyways) affected all Guyanese people.

But from the time of the Wismar massacre, to the eroding of agricultural jobs, banning of staple ingredients in Indo-Guyanese’s diets (dhal and flour especially), National Service stipulations, Indo-Guyanese voter suppression and ‘kick-downthe-door-gangs’, IndoGuyanese persons felt particularly targeted.

Emigration of Indian heritage persons from Guyana reached an all-time high in the 1980s as people fled from a man who seemed intent on eradicating them from the country.

This was a traumatic period of time and by not talking about it, old wounds fester. And affect our future.

These same emigrants now live in Richmond Hill and see Burnham in every Black Guyanese person, perpetuating racism and hatred in all they do.

The Indo-Guyanese who remained, sit in their bottom houses and think how they will never let another Burnham happen again, even if it means voting against their own interest. The funny thing is, that we relived history

recently and nobody is talking about that either!

Bharrat Jagdeo, like Forbes Burnham, started off as an impassioned young man with plans and ideals. He gradually became something else.

Corruption, greed and ego led, and the country was turning into a narco-state with terror and violence that largely affected Afro-Guyanese persons, and especially young Afro-Guyanese men and boys.

There’s a whole generation of Guyanese now growing up who were exposed to the lifestyle and morals that come with a narco-state and we will have to struggle with the consequences of that soon.

As we head to the polls in a few days, we are a people who have been traumatized.

Resilient, but traumatized . We love to talk, but the deeper issues, the Burnham era, the Jagdeo era, the wounds and the uncertainties, we don’t talk and write about enough. As we confront the fact that one of these men is still pulling the strings in a major political party, we have decisions to make. Jim Jones had the clichéd sign at the entrance to Jonestown: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it”; and we can’t heal from our trauma by ignoring it.

Yours, Dr. N. Rambarran

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Authorities close Berbice ‘backtrack’ route over Coronavirus fears

The area leading to the beach at Number 78 Village, Berbice.

Nothing happening: The Number 78 Village beach area where the crossing was closed yesterday.

Authorities have temporarily closed the socalled ‘backtrack’ route to Suriname over the Coronavirus fears but the Opposition has expressed concerns over the timings ahead of tomorrow’s elections.

Yesterday, speedboat operators said they were informed by police and other officials that no crossings will be allowed until further notice.

Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, on February 18 wrote the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, requesting that the ‘backtrack’ from Suriname be closed.

“Given the increase in the number of cases in Germany and France, I am requesting that the backtrack entry to travelers from Suriname be closed during the period February 29 through March 7, 2020.

The Ministry of Public Health believes that since our security will be dispatched for the General and Regional Elections, travel activity at this soft entry point can increase significantly, thus posing a threat to the citizens of Guyana,” Minister Lawrence said in her letter to Ramjattan.

The request was approved by the Minister of Public Security and forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, for actions.

Yesterday, at the Number 78 Village, Corentyne, at Springlands, several officials

notified boat operators there that no speedboats will be allowed to be work between Guyana and Suriname from that point.

However, a few miles away, the ferry at Moleson Creek was operating.

According to Saiz Mursaline, a principal of the Golden Gloves Speedboat Services, the beach area at Number 78 is a recognised and authorised port of entry.

“The order came this morning without any notice…They come read a piece of paper and said that due to Coronavirus, they close my port of entry.

However, we can’t question

it because they said it comes from the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Public Security…the Ministry of Citizenship.”

According to the operator, it is a fact that there is little or no mechanism to tackle Coronavirus at the Moleson Creek terminal where the ferry that traverse the Corentyne River to Suriname works. ”…They don’t have the tests, no doctors. You can’t watch a person and say they have Coronavirus. You can’t watch a person and say they have HIV/AIDS. You can’t watch a person and say they are diabetic.”

The purported letter from the Health Ministry to the Public Security Ministry requesting the ‘backtrack’ route at Springlands be closed.

The ferry was working yesterday, a puzzling fact for M u r s a l i n e . ”My area is not a backtrack…this is a port of entry. We have CANU, Immigration, Port Health, Special Branch, police ranks.

I am not doing anything underhand. I have a speedboat service and here is registered as a legal port of entry.”

Mursaline said that the orders caught him by surprise with a number of observers

visiting him.

According to the boat operator, many Guyanese living and working in Suriname would cross to vote come election time.

“During PPP times, my port of entry only close one time and that is Elections Day.

Suriname’s election close it same day and open the next day. It is questionable to close it 48 hours before elections.

They are telling us that it will not be open until further notice. I have workers, families and boats. This has never happened before.”

PAGE 8

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Guyana more than capable of Parliamentary debates on oil deals before signing -University of Houston Instructor

By Kiana Wilburg When the ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block was revised in 2016, industry experts were adamant that certain fiscal terms, such as the meager two percent royalty and the payment of the Operator’s taxes out of the nation’s share of profit oil, were not in Guyana’s best interest.

In addition, industry stakeholders contended that the lack of transparency about who was negotiating on the nation’s behalf contributed to the nation being saddled with a deal that sees ExxonMobil walking away with the lion’s share of Guyana’s resources.

To ensure that these mistakes are not repeated, University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro, said he would rec-

ommend public debates are conducted before signing agreements.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur Radio on its show, Guyana’s Oil and You, Mitro firmly asserted, “Have a discussion within Parliament (on these deals).

There are several countries where this happens and I am sure Guyana is more than capable of doing this.

“I look at these agree-

ments as being no different from a tax law or customs law, and I don’t believe that any country would enact laws without making them public and having them publically debated.”

The University of Houston Instructor said that, indeed, there could be challenges in bringing these agreements before the table for a national discussion.

He said that it is a critical

exercise while noting his belief that Exxon, and other companies would want to have confidence that the public understands the issues and supports what is being agreed to.

Further to the point of parliamentary debates, Mitro noted the importance of Guyana having the right experts to provide guidance on oil deals.

In this regard, the industry expert said, “Oil companies spend a lot of money on getting the international expertise and any that is in the country tends to go to the company too. It is just a natural thing that happens.

The government therefore really needs to ensure it has the expertise for these discussions so that they too can be informed about what should and should not enter the deal.”

Mitro said that Guyana should not only arm itself with petroleum engineers, but also economists who understand how to evaluate the markets, financial ex-

University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro perts who can identify areas for revenue leakage in the agreements, lawyers for contentious provisions, and geoscientists who know the reserves.

Another important part of ensuring that Guyana gets the best deals, Mitro said, is by having a clear definition of roles within the government and making sure it is clear which agencies and ministries are involved.

Mitro said, “I think that is helpful. Many external observers around the world for various countries have said that having one Minister or just one individual in charge of petroleum policy isn’t always the best.”

On this note, the industry expert concluded that it is always better to have a variety of voices at the table for making final decisions.

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

NICIL raised US$1.1B for local Newly constructed Aurora police station commissioned coffers Members of the Board of Directors of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, (NICIL), say that the entity has been able to mobilise US$1.1B in investment for Guyana in 12 months. As a result, NICIL boasted, it is the most active sector/agency within the country. The way has now been paved for NICIL to unleash its full investment potential capacity.

The disclosures came after years of NICIL being under fire for questionable transactions, including Marriott Hotel, among other things.It has new management with Colvin Heath-London named as the new Chief Executive Officer.

There had been calls for NICIL, which had sold state property and raised billions of dollars, to be reformed.

According to NICIL, yesterday, investments secured through a multitude of investment projects, payment of fees and other investment-related costs will help spur “significant economic growth and development” nationwide.

This will continue to aid significant national development. “We have seen massive inflows of investment value coming. This was primarily possible through the prudent and excellent negotiations that were executed under our young and vibrant management team,” Board Director, Dr. Grantley Walrond, said.

The board lauded HeathLondon’s sustained push to lure lucrative investments into the country. “So far, he has been successful. They said that he has been able to attract some of the top investments that this country has seen in its history within this sector.”

NICIL’s CEO, Colvin Heath-London In recent days, it was an- systems are put in place to nounced that three major ho- receive their investments.”

“The reality is that no tels will be built at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, including an other sector has brought in this amount of money AC Marriott and a Hilton.

“The Board continues to through investment, singlemarvel at the level of invest- handedly, and even to our ments coming in, while we are new oil sector, which is eximpressed with the number of pected to bring in US$300M persons who seek to do busi- in its first year, we have seen ness here,” members of the that thus far NICIL through Board noted.The Board said its investments has been that the US$1.1B committed bringing in significant will boost other sectors that revenues.”This augers very are not necessarily oil and well as it’s evident that as an gas.The investments will cre- agency, we have been executing our mandate,” Heath-Lonate some 3,000 plus jobs.

Dr. Walrond said that don said.He pointed out that much more is planned and among the revenues that NICIL will champion the NICIL has secured over the cause of investments and past year are the US$3M from Bosai; US$3.3M from the social responsibility.

According to Heath-Lon- Guyana Telephone and Teledon: “There is no question graph Company (GTT) and a or doubt that NICIL has been significant amount from sevkeeping the economic wheel eral other investors from deals of this country turning as it to build hotels, condominicontinues to ensure that ums, restaurants and the speGuyana garners significant cialty hospital project among others. “There are more ineconomic investment.

“Some years ago, this vestments that we will conwould have been unheard of tinue to generate through but thankfully owing to a NICIL for this country and I number of factors investors can assure you that it will are clamouring to come to continue to increase tremenGuyana. Through NICIL we dously,” Heath-London proare ensuring that the right jected.

Dem boys seh...

De big horses galloping to de finish Tomorrow is de big day.

Is de day when people gon run to cast dem vote fuh who dem like. Last night, de two big parties flex dem muscles fuh de last time before de elections.

Of course when de campaign start, there was de big rallies.

If you see people. Last night was de same thing.

Dem rally was big.

Dem boys want to know how much money dem parties spend. Everybody get special outfit wid flag.

People come from near and far to show dem support.

It should be dat everybody gather fuh de rally and after de rally, dem should go straight to de polling place.

Dat is because some people

does feel lazy fuh come out dem house once dem go back.

When de elections done, dem boys want to know wha people gon do wid all dem jersey and flag.

Some people might be too shame to wear dem own but then again, people always know dat clothes is clothes.

De day before de elections, which is tomorrow, people gon shop like mad because Elections Day is a holiday and Guyanese don’t want nutten better than a chance to sport.

De market gon be busy; people gon buy dem meat and dem chicken because some gon have a bar-b-q and some gon be doing pepperpot.

And is a good thing de

law seh rum shops must close on Elections Day because nuff people woulda drink and get drunk and don’t have no time fuh voting. Dem got smart political parties dat would go out and drunk all de opposition supporters.

In fact, dat use to happen. Some employers use to send dem workers far away from de polling place so by de time dem get back home, de polls close. Now dis is illegal. De law she, de employer could go to jail and dem boys don’t know anybody who gon love a political party to de point of going to jail for it. At least not in these times.

Talk half and prepare fuh de elections.

The spanking new Aurora police station Often times when we step into a police station and there’s no place confidential to lodge a criminal report, or a domestic violence report, we may experience some measure of reluctance to pursue the matter.

For the people on the Essequibo Coast, more particularly the Aurora area, reluctance in making police reports due to poor confidentially, may be a thing of the past with the commissioning of a spanking new police station.

The newly constructed Aurora police station, which was constructed at the tune of $40.3 million, is now equipped with a room to handle Domestic Violence reports, and a criminal case management room.

It is believed that these new features of the police station will tremendously boost the capabilities of the Guyana Police Force, to effectively combat crime.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that the comfortable environment for policemen and police women is essential and fundamental for of our security sector.

The Minister said, “With this new building, the police

will be in a better position to protect and serve residents.

Better circumstances for any human being will create better capabilities for the services they provide. This facility has been built to ensure effective policing for this community.”

He went on to say, “Additionally, it is constructed to provide a befitting working environment and also for the victims that will have to come and make their report, to ensure that they enjoy adequate and comfortable conditions in which they can do this work of policing.”

The Minister of Public Security said that the project was undertaken under the Anti-American Development Bank, Citizen Security Strengthening Programmed [CSSP].

Ramjattan said that the Government has set out to rehabilitate and rebuild 18 other police stations across the country. To date, 12 have been completed at a cost of some $380 million.

In Region Two, he said, two police stations have benefited.

“In Region Two, the Aurora and the Suddie police stations would have benefitted from this programme. Aurora

was reconstructed at $40.3 million and Suddie was rehabilitated at the cost of $14.7 million. An additional $6 million was used to furnish the two stations.”

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James, said that the Guyana Police Force is grateful to the Government of Guyana for undertaking the project.

“This is part of the deliverance by the political administration. We are witnessing the commissioning of a spanking new police station.

I would say a heartfelt thank you to the Government of Guyana and specially the Minister.

“These police stations are complete with all the amenities, even with ramps for the differently able… Special rooms for witnesses and children… this facility will do justice for the residence of this community,” said the commissioner.

The building also includes sleeping quarters for ranks, a kitchen, and special lock ups for juveniles, male and female separately. Ranks were encouraged by both the Commissioner and Regional Commander Crystal Robinson, to care and maintain the newly commissioned building.

PAGE 10

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Carter Center deploys more Foreign than 40 observers across Guyana observers in

Region Nine for elections Region Nine is well ahead with preparations for elections tomorrow.In these ‘Guyana, South America’ Facebook photos, observers from the European Union have arrived in the region. The Guyana Elections Commission staffers are also making last minute checks.

EU obervers, GECOM Lethem

Pomeroon farmers fear imminent flooding if canal works incomplete A number of The Carter Center observer team ahead of being deployed.

Standing in front are Aminata Touré, former prime minister of Senegal, and Jason J. Carter, chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees.

The Carter Center international election observers yesterday started deploying observers across the nation ahead of tomorrow’s general elections.

Guyana will see the biggest number of observers for general elections in what is expected to a tough contest.

According to the Center, yesterday, more than 40 observers representing 15 countries will cover all 10 of Guyana’s regions.

The delegation is co-led

by Aminata Touré, former prime minister of Senegal, and Jason J. Carter, chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees.

The delegation will draw upon findings from the Carter Center’s history and ongoing presence in Guyana,

including the work of its core team of electoral experts and long-term observers, who arrived in January.

“In the days around Election Day, the delegation’s leadership is meeting with key stakeholders to hear their perspectives on the electoral process, including candidates, political party leaders, GECOM, civil society leaders, and the security sector among others,” the statement said yesterday.

The Carter Center issued a pre-election statement on February 20, 2020, in which it encouraged GECOM to publicise and distribute existing procedures for tabulation as widely as possible.

“The Carter Center notes that publicising and widely distributing procedures for

both tabulation and recounts – with key safeguards in place for transparency, allowing party scrutineers and observers at all stages – will be integral to ensuring that the will of the voters is accurately and comprehensively reflected in the final results,” Carter said.

Touré added, “It is a great honour for us to be Guyana at this historic moment. We are hopeful that the electoral process will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible, and that Guyanese come together after these elections so they can share their bright future as one nation.”

In addition, field teams are CARICOM, The Commonwealth, the European Union, the Organisation of American States and the local private sector.

More than twenty-five farmers in the Pomeroon fear that there will be an imminent flood, if a project started by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] is not soon completed.

Reports are that the project was undertaken by the NDIA late last year in the Adventure area, Lower Pomeroon River.

The scope of works was the excavating of some 800 rods around an existing canal.

Farmers told Kaieteur News that their farms lay between the Pomeroon River and the Akawini Savannah.

During the rainy season, they explained, water from the flooded Awakwini Savannah tops over to their farms, resulting in devastating flood.

During this period, some two hundred acres of coconut, citrus, ground provisions and cash crops, will all be under water.

Based on information reaching Kaieteur News, the canal that was being exca-

vated would have effectively drained floodwaters from affected farm lands to the Pomeroon River. Residents explained, however, that of the 800 rods that was to be excavated, just 600 rods have been completed.

Farmers explained that with the remaining 200 rods still to be silted, some farms are highly likely to be affected by floodwaters. One farmer who spoke to this publication said, “Right now, me farm still opened to the savannah because before the excavating could reach by me, they done... just last December the rain fall and we see that the water reach up high. So we gotta take actions to make sure it ain’t overtop next time.”

Farmers indicated that they raised the issue last December, when a team from the Regional Administration visited the area.

“We had a meeting at Martindale when the Regional Executive Officer promised it

will be done and to date nothing has been done.

He did send the engineer and some other officials three days after; they told us cut a line. They go back and measure it and up to now we ain’t see anyone. And we are fearful about the next rain fall, due to that I take that machine to fortify myself, neighbour and son. Build dams around the farm. The water rose in the savannah.”

One farmer, who spoke with this publication late last week, told Kaieteur News that despite promises made by the Regional Administration, nothing has been done to address the issue.

“Four times we raise this issue before. Last December after we raise the issue with the REO, the engineer and a team come and do some inspections but no real work (has been done) as yet,” said one farmer.

The farmer went on to say, “We had to hire an excavator to do a portion of digging opposite we farm and it cost a lot. It is not fair that poor farmers have to dig out money to do a service, which Government supposed to provide.”

Residents told Kaieteur News that if measures are not taken to have the remaining portion of the canal excavated, they will suffer tremendous losses during the next rainy seasons.

“We need the administration to act. It’s been enough talk. We livelihood at stake here and we want them complete this project right away.”

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

Norway's sovereign wealth fund gains £140bn in one year - £26,400 for every citizen - total value now equivalent to £160,000 for each of Norway's 5.3M people N o r w a y (https://www.independent.c o.uk/) Norway's sovereign wealth fund earned a record £140bn, meaning an extra £26,400 for every citizen of the oil-rich nation.

A bumper year saw 19.9 percent rise in the value of investments held by the fund, taking its total value to more than 10 trillion Norwegian Crowns.

Norway's fund, set up in 1990 to preserve the nation's oil and gas wealth for future generations, is the biggest sovereign fund in the world, owning around 1.5 percent of all shares in listed companies.

The fund helps to pay for generous welfare provision and its total value is now equivalent to £160,000 for

each of Norway's 5.3 million people.

It hit the 10 trillion-krone landmark in 2019, exactly 50 years since fossil fuels were first discovered beneath Norwegian waters, dramatically altering the nation's trajectory.

The fund pledged this year to sell its stake in oil and gas exploration firms; although some campaigners say that the move does not go far enough. It maintains stakes in Shell, BP and other oil majors.

Chief Executive Yngve Slyngstad said on Thursday that the fund welcomed a shift in oil and gas companies towards positive commitments on climate change.

Repsol, Total, Shell and

BP are among firms to have pledged in recent months to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

Slyngstad said the fund was not planning to adjust its portfolio in response to the coronavirus, which has wiped trillions of dollars off global markets this week.

“We're a fund with a 30year horizon that takes it easy when things are turbulent,” “Of course, we're still closely monitoring the market fluctuations we're seeing, and they are considerable these days.

But this is a type of risk that's difficult for us to analyse, and therefore not typically a situation where we go in and act with regards to buying or selling stocks.”

Norway's fund, set up in 1990 to preserve the nation's oil and gas wealth for future generations, is the biggest sovereign fund in the world (Getty Images)

GWI commissions Karasabai, Meriwau water supply systems

O

ver 700 residents of Karasabai in the South Pakaraimas district are now receiving improved and first time access to potable water f o l l o w i n g t h e commissioning of a $10M water supply system.

The project which was funded by Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the

Regional Democratic Council (RDC) entailed the drilling of a well to the depth of 100 metres, installation of four kilometers of distribution pipelines, 78 new service connections and the rehabilitation of the previously existing water supply system.

This new system is also benefiting the Karasabai

Scenes from the commissioning Nursery and Primary schools, Secondary department, the health centre, Doctors', Nurses' and Teachers' quarters.

It was officially commissioned on Thursday,

by Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

Minister Allicock said, “Government recognises that water is a basic need and one of the most valuable natural resources.”

He added that with adequate water, the residents will not only be able to have their daily consumption but also be able to use it for other

purposes such as watering plants, maintaining livestock and for domestic use.”

The Minister urged the servicemen within the community who are employed by GWI to further their studies in the area of water so that they can better protect and preserve their water supply.

Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, told the gathering that GWI has been able to drill 48 wells across Guyana over the last four years.

Dr. Van West-Charles alluded to several current developments in the water sector, including the arrival

of a new filtration system for Bartica in Region Seven and a well drilling rig for the coastland.

A rig for the hinterland is also on i t s w a y t o Lethem.

Turning his attention to Karasabai, he related that there are two servicemen in the community and within the next few weeks, all of the service men in the region are going to be equipped with tools and trained to conduct water quality testing monthly.

The head teachers and health workers will also be involved in the water quality testing.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Sunday March 01, 2020

Who shot ‘Spoil Child?’

Teon Allen called ‘Spoil Child’

Baffled investigators check hands of ex-cop and slain partner for gunpowder residue

P

o l i c e a r e examining all possibilities as they continue to investigate last Thursday’s shooting death of 28-year-old Collesa Hunte and ex-cop Teon Allen. Investigators say that they are baffled as to what exactly happened in the couple’s Amelia’s Ward, Linden house.

Kaieteur News understands that Allen, also called ‘Spoil Child’, has told police that he “was attacked”, but did not say who his attackers were.

Police confirmed that there was no indication that anyone had forced their way into the house. There were also no bullet holes on the outside of the building.

“We are very puzzled (as to what transpired); we are looking at every possibility,” a police official said.

Collesa Hunte, 28, a mother of two, was found lying in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to the side.

She succumbed shortly after being taken to the Linden Hospital Complex.

Allen, who was also shot, is hospitalised at the same institution under police guard. The couple’s home is situated in a remote and

Dead: Collesa Hunte

bushy area, aback of Central Amelia’s Ward.

Residents in the area gave no indication of having seen or heard anything amiss. Police have no eyewitness accounts of the incident. They said that a lone security camera in the

area was not working.

However, spent shells in the building where the couple lived suggested that the gunmen used at least two firearm of different caliber.

Police also recovered a pistol in the building. Bullet holes in the walls indicated

that several shots were fired.

According to a police official, ranks rushed to the house after receiving reports of gunshots in the area.

On entering the premises, they found Collesa Hunte slumped on the k i t c h e n f l o o r. S h e succumbed shortly after.

There have been a series of gang-related incidents in Linden, in which a group known as the ‘Cayenne Gang’, had reportedly been targeting Allen.

Allen’s apartment in Fair’s Rust was burnt down a few months ago.

His cousin, Eon Williams, and his girlfriend were later shot executionstyle. Williams reportedly bore close resemblance to Allen, and there was suspicion that he was a victim of mistaken identity.

The ‘Cayenne gang’ was suspected to have carried out the execution, as a vehicle allegedly belonging to a gang member was left near the scene. In November 2019, Allen was shot at Rahaman turn, Houston, East Bank Demerara.

While he was before the courts for having an illegal AK-47 in his possession, he was arrested and charged for

harbouring wanted men, Uree Varswyck and Mark Royden Williams.

The two had broken out of the Camp Street Prison on July 9, 2017 during a fire and riot. Prior to this, he was charged with discharging a firearm with intent to commit murder and released on $50,000 bail.

He was also wanted by police in Linden for the attempted murder of Denise Grant and Tiffany McDeth, in Amelia’s Ward, on September 2, 2019 In December 2019, he was charged for shooting at a policeman and being in possession of illegal arms and ammunition.

Family suspicious about death of Essequibo labourer

O

n Wednesday, the body of 35year-old Arvin Mahiylall of Johanna Cecila was found lying under a bench in a yard, a few houses away from his home.

According to family members, the man’s neck appeared broken, his tongue was out of his mouth and blood was seen around the area.

What they were told is that he fell from the bench to his death. But family members believe that something else might have happened to the labourer.

M a h i y l a l l ’s n i e c e , Amrita, explained that she last saw her uncle earlier on Wednesday when he left for work.

“He left to go work and then later in the day, we heard that he was with some friends in that same yard he was found in. In the night now, around like 6:30, we get a call saying that he dead.”

According to her, when family members reached to

Dead: 35-year-old Arvin Mahiylall the scene, her uncle was lying dead in a contrary position.

“He lie down and he neck was like shift to the side and he tongue deh outside. What they said is like he fall from the bench and break he neck.”

She stated that the owner of the yard explained that she

was sleeping and when she awoke, she saw the man lying in the yard.

Upon checking, she realised that he was dead and raised an alarm. The man was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital and pronounced dead on arrival.

An autopsy conducted by State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul

Mahiylall’s body lying under the bench

Singh, revealed that the man’s neck was broken in two places.

He also sustained a fractured spine.

When asked if alcohol

was found in his system, the woman replied positively stating that her uncle was drinking with the said friends, hours before his demise.

Meanwhile, police sources close to the investigations relayed that two persons have been arrested for questioning regarding the incident.

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---

Tomorrow I do not vote for a party, but for a chance for the poor to beat poverty Here we are on the eve of what is by all accounts, the most consequential election in the modern history of Guyana.

The consequences are enormous for this small postcolonial society that is on the brink of wealth which was never envisaged even up to five years ago when the present governing coalition of parties narrowly but dramatically took office.

Here is a country facing a future that is pregnant with possibilities for its peoples, but concomitantly burdened by a political architecture that has been stubbornly counterproductive. We go to the polls tomorrow with all the agony, fears and bitterness that has been our collective lot these past seven decades.

Every single Guyanese who has asked me about the outcome of this election has done so with a high degree of anxiety—this heightened state of anxiety that has followed us from year to year.

And so tomorrow, we take those fears and anxieties to

the polls. What else can we do?

We tried one-party rule and revolutionary resistance to such rule, but in the end, we come to the 2020 election with the same state of mind as we went to the 1957 election when we were still formally a colony. Shamefully, we must admit that contrary to our self-congratulatory moments, we have not made many strides in the direction of the sane society we need in order to overcome our ghosts.

But tomorrow we march to the polls with the thought that this mother of all elections would solve our problems. One only has to listen to the diehard PPP supporters to get the sense that the Coalition government has destroyed Guyana beyond repair. These supporters, mostly of one ethnic group, have made the deliberate choice to either erase their party’s two decades of woes or reconstruct them as an age of prosperity.

It is what it is; we like it

so. We choose to live as willing and not so willing creatures of what is worst in us.

The other side is the dark, dreadful side that must be decimated at all costs.

And the supporters of the Coalition, mostly of the other mega race, go to the polls with a sense of righteous justification for holding up to God’s heaven their own flawless government. None can tell them that their inner consciousness of the truth, which they must mask in order to be a patriot of the tribe, is not the full truth. They, the unrighteous must not ascend to the “oily throne” as their sticky political fingers do not mix well with oil wealth.

Somebody has to win after tomorrow’s vote. And somebody has to lose. That’s our grand design for the Guyana we love. Win and win all. Lose and lose everything.

To be truthful, we have run out of creative solutions.

Some, like my friend Freddie Kissoon, are hoping that the newer parties can muster enough votes to bring about

The Baccoo Speaks Some people think that these are desperate times and with the tension brought on by the elections, there are those who will be targeting shoppers.Another bicycle group will attack a woman. They will not escape; however, publicspirited citizens will intervene. ** Another fire will break

out in a home, which accommodates a business place. The cause of the fire will be undetermined until investigators rule that it was deliberately set.

No motive will be ascertained until later. ** The elections have people on tenterhooks.

Social media will create some confusion with fake news, especially after the elections. The results will be expected, but the ensuing noise will not be.Peace will prevail, if only because of the police presence.

a minority government. They want a very neat 32-31-2 scenario—fixed by the hand of the divine. Their hope is that the parties with the “2” would use the “2” to beat the big parties into their senses. I wish them luck.

For me, I have chosen a side. That choice goes against the grain of the other side.

My electoral choice, the Coalition, is not perfect in my eyes.

At least I have said so these past five years. Yet I am Guyanese, and I want something out of all this for the poor Guyanese of all ethnicities.

I think we can get more for the poor from the Coalition side. I am putting my bet on

the Coalition as the mechanism for opening the doors wider for the poor and the powerless. So, I go to the polls tomorrow and vote not for a party or for parties, but for a chance for the poor to do better. Yes, my vote tomorrow is for a chance for the poor to beat back poverty.

The road will still be rough after the election, so the vote tomorrow is just the beginning. We have to be prepared to defend our votes by tearing off the masks after Monday’s results and face reality. There is no other plausible way. For what it is worth, I ask my readers to join me in this humble crusade for the poor in our midst.

(The views expressed in

Dr David Hinds this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his w e b s i t e www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news.

Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com

PAGE 26

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

The spiritualist’s missing guest

By Michael Jordan If there is one mother who had a right to be worried about the fate of a missing daughter, that woman is Joylyn Brotherson.

And you would be worried, too, if your daughter had vanished without a trace, and if she had once lived at the home of a female friend, who turned out to be a murderess.

Mrs. Brotherson’s daughter, June Ann Davis, disappeared in 1999, when she was just 18.

Mrs. Brotherson fears that an infamous, empty lot in Second Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, may hold the answers to the fate of her missing child.

You see, the body of another woman was dug up in that same lot.

It was in July 1999, that Joylyn Brotherson went for a five-month stay in St. Maarten, leaving her then 18year-old daughter, June Ann, and other siblings at the family’s Lot 306 West Ruimveldt home. Mrs. Brotherson returned from St. Maarten in December, and

was upset to learn that June Ann had moved out.

She was told that her daughter was living at the Lot 14 Second Street, Alberttown home of a female acquaintance. Mrs. Brotherson decided to check on her daughter.

The woman with whom June Ann was said to be staying was a self-proclaimed spiritualist named Patricia Alves.

‘Mother’Alves’ home was always spotlessly clean. The boards leading from the gate to her front steps—and the steps themselves—were scrubbed white.

This work was done by ‘Mother’Alves, and by female guests who sometimes sought lodging at the home of the ‘spiritualist’. One of these women was Monica Reece, who would eventually be brutally murdered in Main Street on Good Friday of 1992.

But when Joylyn Brotherson arrived at the property, ‘Mother’ Alves informed her that June Ann had taken ‘Sabbath’ there and left.

Mrs. Brotherson returned

Self-proclaimed spiritualist Patricia Alves a few more times to ‘Mother’ Alves’ home. According to her, ‘Mother’ Alves always had a different story about her daughter’s whereabouts.

Once, she was told that June Ann had just left. Another time, ‘Mother’ Alves reportedly told her that June Ann was in Suriname. Joylyn Brotherson didn’t believe that her daughter was in Suriname, since she had all of June Ann’s travel documents.

At the time, though, she wasn’t unduly worried, either.

After all, she thought, “she’s big enough, and maybe she wants to see how the world stay.”

But some time later, she learned that a male acquaintance of her daughter’s had been charged with murdering a woman.

Like June Ann, that male acquaintance had once stayed at ‘Mother’ Alves’ home.

The man was eventually freed of the murder charge, but Mrs. Brotherson suspected that the man might have also killed June Ann. She expressed her suspicions to the police, who rearrested the suspect and questioned him about June Ann. However, they were forced to release him after finding no evidence to link him to the teen’s disappearance.

But that was not the end of the matter.

On February 14, 2002, residents of Second Street, Alberttown, were shocked to learn that police had dug up a woman’s decomposing body from ‘Mother’ Alves’ backyard.

The body was that of 32year-old Camille Sibnauth, of Anna Regina, Essequibo. She had been badly beaten and

had suffered a fractured skull.

The police had been tipped off after one of ‘Mother’ Alves’ neighbours peeped through a fence and saw the ‘spiritualist’ burying Sibnauth’s body in a shallow grave.

The investigators learned that Sibnauth had stayed at ‘Mother’ Alves’ home for several months. Witnesses would later inform detectives that Sibnauth was often beaten.

The discovery of Sibnauth’s body aroused fresh fears in Joylyn Brotherson about her daughter’s fate. She became even more concerned when some Alberttown residents claimed that her daughter was sometimes subjected to similar beatings as Sibnauth.

Again, Mrs. Brotherson visited the police. This time, she pleaded with them to dig up ‘Mother’ Alves’ backyard, just in case her daughter was also buried there.

But to her dismay, those pleas went unheeded.

Patricia Alves served a

ten-year sentence for the murder of Camille Sibnauth. She was freed, only to be faced with a charge of attempted murder, allegedly following a failed ‘exorcism.’

Prior to that, a mystery fire razed her home.

The last time I spoke with her, Joylyn Brotherson continues to hope that her daughter has escaped a similar fate as Camille Sibnauth, and that ‘Mother’Alves’ backyard holds no more secrets.

“I would be really glad to see my child, even if she is living another life,” she told m e . ”I just want to touch her and hear her say: ‘Mommy, I am alright…’ “ If you have any information on the whereabouts of June Ann Davis, please contact us at our Lot 24 Saffon Street address, or on telephone numbers 225-8473, or 225-8458. You can also contact Michael Jordan on kamarangnight@gmail.com.

You need not disclose your identity.

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==

One of history’s most farcical, bizarre election campaigns There isn’t anything about Guyana’s 2020 election campaign that appeared normal, logical and comprehensible. Throughout the 20th century and the two decades of the 21st, you have to look hard to find a country’s election campaign that was so incomprehensible, amorphous, Illogical and oxymoronically speaking, comically macabre as what took place in Guyana recently.

We start with the proliferation of third parties.

Against a background of dominated territory by two powerhouses for the past 70 years, it was commonsensical for these newcomers to join forces to stop the two Goliaths’ parliamentary domination. Tomorrow the electorate votes and none of these new parties (about eight of them) have joined forces.

Not even two of them have merged. Three of them agreed to share their votes; only that.

This mysterious and ugly stance of these new formations must have been the most generous political gifts the PNC and PPP have received since the 1950s. Once the deadline for merger passed, the leadership of the PPP and PNC, probably went to their respective places of worship, looked up at the ceiling and

said, “thank you God” Next is the PPP. Understanding the PPP since its birth has been a task no genius in the world could accomplish. Why would a party that since 1957 has won every general election and local government poll in Wakenaam, and ruled Guyana for 23 consecutive years, want to go to Wakenaam with a promise that if it wins it will develop the island.

The island was underdeveloped in the 23 years your party had been in power (1992-2015) so why put in a campaign appearance? The Pavlovian souls will vote for you anyway, so don’t insult them by promising development funds that you never gave for the 23 years when you were in power. At least you could have spared them your barefaced sadism.

And talking about sadism, the opposite is masochism.

You have to be masochistic to vote for a party that was in power for 23 years yet turn out in your numbers to hear false promises.

Next is APNU+AFC. Guyana has no political counterpart in the world. What APNU+AFC did in the 2020 campaign is impossible to find in another territory. Throughout the length and breadth of

this country, there are posters and banners urging citizens to vote for APNU+AFC. And only the visage of the leader of one of the parties adorns the posters and banners.

So you look at the stuff and you say, “umm, strange maan, where is the face of the leader of the other half of the Coalition, is this really a coalition?” But things are far more bizarre than this. I am willing to bet that if you show me a similar situation about what I will describe below, then accompany me to the owner of Kaieteur News, Mr. Glenn Lall, and ask him to give you half my salary. I know you cannot win me, but be brave and bet me. Call me if you think you have won. My cell is 614-5927. My email is fredkissoon@yahoo.com.

Here we go. Two independent parties have joined forces to contest the national election. They signed a covenant named the Cummingsburg Accord to share power if they win. But what is inside the document cannot be made public to the leadership body of both parties and the electorate whose votes these parties are asking for.

Name me one other country that could be so barefaced, stupid and pompous. Above

I refer to masochism in reference to the voters who opt for the PPP. Isn’t this another example of masochism on show? Why you would vote for a political party you admire and support, and that you want to head your country’s government, but that party cannot tell you and the nation and their national executives what is inside an election arrangement, which they made with another party?

Pay careful attention to the two words I used, “election arrangement”.

The Cummingsburg Accord is an election document.

Election means people voting

for an organisation to administer their country. Why then would you vote for an entity to govern the affairs of your country when it met with another entity, drafted a binding working relation, and made the document secret?

Obviously, you have to ask yourself, “What could be on that paper that could be so special, so sensitive that it will never be known?”

How do you know that this surreptitious piece of paper does not include the agreement between the two organisations that if they win power, they will rename Guyana, Atlantis? You still

Frederick Kissoon have one more day left to find out.

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

PAGE 28

VOTE FOR PROGRESS TO CONTINUE Guyana today is like a brand new house under construction, being built on a solid, iron-hard foundation, and no amount of lies the opposition tells can make it untrue. Guyana has turned around from what our nation was in 2015.

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Because we all know better, and because we see the beginnings of a better life, we can recognise the PPP’s campaign shouting for what it is – desperation! With nothing to criticise, they just wildly repeat the very same accusations that were leveled at them

when they were the government. They haven’t a shred of information to support their wild claims so they resort to their own archives and exchange PPP with APNU+AFC. In their time, just under 5 years ago, those accusations against the PPP

-Your future is the KEY in your PALM

were very real and every citizen had the evidence of their ministers’ wild, selfish, greedy, corrupt activities between 1997 and 2015.

Even young, first-time voters know about the PPP’s free-for-all with the nation’s money – what we earned and what was loaned to us.

FANTASTIC FIRST-TERM ACHIEVEMENTS No one can reasonably dispute that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has been able to strengthen the economy in just 4 years. The Coalition has done better than previous administrations in achieving fantastic firstterm results, especially the 77 percent increase in the national minimum wage.

The Coalition, in concert with the M&CC, has gone a long way in salvaging the capital city, Georgetown bringing it back from the cesspool it was in 2015. Government also commissioned four (4) new municipalities Lethem, Mabaruma, Bartica and Mahdia, a hinterland mining town. Guyana now has ten (10) municipalities each with its own town council.

Together with the NDCs, the Toshao Village Councils, Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs), all local government bodies, these councils work with central government, make their own decisions and

develop their own communities according to their needs.

There are still battles to fight to prevent the RDCs in the Regions controlled by the PPP from holding back the people’s development. Those Regional Councils receive the same monetary allocations as the other regions but residents still have issues with steady garbage collection, drainage and irrigation and rickety infrastructure. They are being left out, but they can change that tomorrow!

WOMAN POWER Guyanese women are more empowered under the Coalition with many more women in leadership positions.

The President’s Cabinet has 11 woman ministers, which is twice the global average of women in government. At the regional and municipal levels, woman mayors, REOs, REDOs, and other leaders are improving their communities, leading Guyana’s Technological Revolution, creating applications to address developmental challenges, and women are leading the training of young and old to master computer technologies and STEM. First Lady Sandra Granger said, “This government has slow and steady hands. This government has an easy touch and I promise you, it

will not come and go in an easy rush.” She reminds us that the President made a promise to lift women out of poverty and he has kept it because he believes in equality, and in education. ·Students now have access to world-class 21st century education ·Frequency of school dropouts is reducing ·Young female dropouts can go back to school confident in the new support systems ·More duty-free concessions for teachers from 2020 ·Maternal deaths are down by 75% Office of the Prime Minister’s Legal Advisor Tamara Khan said, “Sisters, this is only the beginning.

This beloved country of ours will become an educated nation. President Granger will lead us into the decade of development with compassion, with vision and not with the self-interest we saw over the last 23 years. We cannot forget where we have come from. We will stay with David Granger!”

—-Vote tomorrow to keep this train of progress rolling—(The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

My column

Another election and another tribal division Guyana’s landscape always changes when elections come around. For some reason friends become suspicious. Their conversation is tilted if they believe the other party holds a different political view.

This is always the case at this time. Indeed, people hold strongly to their views. What is sad is that even intelligent people fail to hold conversations. They do not want to listen to the other person and more often than not, tempers flare.

I saw a report which predicted doom and gloom for the elections. Not since the 1997 elections has there been post-elections violence. The violence began in 1992 when hundreds of people never got a chance to exercise their franchise.

I remember the confusion.

People turned up at polling stations and saw their names on the list, but when they entered the polling place, the poll clerks could not find their names. This happened because skullduggery was afoot.

People eventually went to the elections commission headquarters where, as a palliative, they were allowed to vote. I remember the late Dr. Ptolemy Reid telling them to go home, that their votes would not count.

There was a lot wrong.

People in the international community wanted the incumbent to lose. There has never been such a debacle

again. But there were other grounds for dissatisfaction.

At least one was created. It had to do with the nationality of the presidential candidate for the 1997 elections.

Those elections were challenged. The court hearing revealed some interesting happenings in the polling place.

Each polling clerk is supposed to sign the statement of poll. It turned out that many of the statements presented at the final count were not signed. The originals were substituted.

I have repeatedly heard talk about rigging. All the talk was directed at the Forbes Burnham administration. But long after Burnham died, there was electoral rigging. In one case, the results from Kitty were the last to arrive at the Guyana Elections Commission.

When asked about the reason, the then chairman, the late Doodnauth Singh, smugly replied that the runners must have gone to the Olympics instead of heading to the commission.

As recent as the 2015 elections, attempts were made to smuggle fake statements of poll into the commission. The Chief Elections Officer knows who, but never revealed his finding.

This time around, there is a vastly bloated electoral list.

With a population of some 750,000 there are some 660,000 potential voters. The courts prevented any sanitising of the list beyond removing

some of the names of those who died.

This time around, a lot of effort has been made to ensure that there will be credible elections. At the last minute, there were changes to some polling places. Certain private residences were scrubbed, much to the annoyance of the People’s Progressive Party.

Statistics revealed that the voter turnout as recorded by those polling places appeared to be higher than at any other polling place.

The period leading up to the elections was interesting.

The major political parties attracted large crowds; the city was festooned with flags and other symbols of the political parties; and people were firm in their support.

I saw large numbers of young people campaigning, something that was lacking among young people in the past. It was as though they were apathetic. Not so this time around.

There were reports of some confrontations. One young man on the Essequibo Coast claimed that he was attacked and beaten because of his political choice. A campaign party ran into some hostility in Laing Avenue.

People removed the symbols of the other party, but overall the campaign was peaceful. I saw a report by the Ethnic Relations Commission, which said that some of the comments from political platforms tended to inflame.

What was invidious were the comments on social media. There were scathing comments on the politicians and their parties, fake reports and even blatant untruths about people.

In one case, there was what purported to be an interview with Brian Hunt, the then Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Georgetown. I was the interviewer for Prime News.

Whoever was the bright guy simply re-edited the report to the extent that Brian Hunt’s mouth was saying one thing and the audio was something else.

Of course, there were the chats on social media. I saw some interesting comments, some people presenting what they claim to be facts but what was hopelessly wrong infor-

mation, all this to score political points.

There was one writer who suggested that people would begin to stock up on victuals in preparation for whatever happens after tomorrow. I am surprised that one would want to suggest violence in this day and age.

The sun will come up tomorrow; Guyana will continue to be the country it is with people going about their business.

What I would like to see is a quick report. The system is such that the Guyana Elections Commission must verify the various statements of poll before making the final announcement.

But I do know that before midnight, the political parties will know the results. Their agents are going to send in

Adam Harris photographs of the statements of poll. Each party will make preliminary announcements, but they must be careful not to stir anger.

And when it is all over, there will be the normal rhetoric about electoral rigging.

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

PAGE 30

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

The President and the National Assembly The Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana confers on the President the right to address the National Assembly on matters of national importance. It is a prerogative which was exercised, sparingly, until David Granger’s election as the country’s 9th Executive President.

President Granger has been exceptional in exercising this right to address the National Assembly on no fewer than eight occasions during his first tenure – a record unmatched by any other Executive President. This number would have been greater were it not for the dramatic events of 21st December 2018 in the Assembly when the country was thrown into constitutional controversy.

The President’s collection of six books recounts his addresses to the National Assembly.

These, without doubt, are among the finest presentations ever made by a Head of State in the country’s parliamentary history. That fact makes these six books a prized collection. They are rich in policy-making but of

A review of six books by David Granger % A good life for all: empowerment, enterprise and economic progress; Democracy and development: Guyana’s path to prosperity; Independence and resilience: Our people’s path to economic progress; The quality of life: Public trust and good governance in Guyana; The common good: Working together to achieve the good life for all; and, Secure borders: Guyana’s borders with Venezuela and Suriname. much greater value is the precedent which the President set in his regular engagements with the National Assembly *** Democracy and development: Guyana’s path to prosperity, is the title of the President’s inaugural ‘Throne Speech’. It would be normal, in other jurisdictions, for a President, upon assuming office, to address the National Assembly about his country’s plan for the next five years and to detail his Government’s prospective legislative agenda. The President outlines a lively programme in it aimed at defeating what he has referred to, elsewhere, as the ‘four horsemen of the Guyanese apocalypse’ – crime, disease, ignorance and poverty.

The President lays out an ambitious but attainable agenda. The book is declaratory, rather than expository, for the most part. The book reads, stylistically, like a po-

litical manifesto employing, pointedly, expressions such as “Your government will” and “Your government seeks”, etc.

The book disappoints in one glaring respect: it commits the error of avoiding addressing, substantively, race relations and shared governance – two issues which have been viewed as the central to the goals of national unity and national development. The President feels more comfortable, instead, in promising to work “towards achieving national unity and making Guyana ‘One Nation’”.

The President, following his maiden ‘Throne Speech’ made it his duty to address the National Assembly, unfailingly, at the commencement of every Session. If the ‘Throne Speech’ had a fiveyear focus, the annual addresses at the commencement of each sitting, allowed him to enunciate his Government’s plans for the

coming fiscal year. *** Independence and resilience: Our people’s path to economic progress, was the title of his address to mark Guyana’s celebration of its 50th anniversary of Independence in 2016. President Granger, in preparation for the country’s Jubilee year, addressed the National Assembly on 14th January 2016. It is an invaluable research resource which recounts, essentially, the nation’s economic progress since Independence.

The book also details the broad steps which his administration proposed to undertake to build a more resilient economy so as insulate it from the threats – international and local, environmental and economic – which put a brake on national development.

President Granger is forward-looking. He did not harp on past mistakes or missteps – including past governments pursuit of an alien ideology.

The need to realise the nation’s unfulfilled aspirations were implied, clearly, in his suggestion that it was time for a fresh start and for the redoubling of efforts to reduce poverty. *** The quality of life: Public trust and good governance in Guyana, is the text of the President’s address at the commencement of the 43rd Sitting of the 11th Parliament on 13th October 2016.

The book’s title expresses its primary focus – improving the quality of life of citizens by increasing public trust between the governed and the Government.

The President launches a broadside against his political rivals, accusing them of turning dreams of a good life at the turn of the millennium into a horrible nightmare which he labelled ‘The Troubles’. The President, known to be decorous, decent and dignified in his political engagements, revealed a combative side as he attacked the PPPC’s record in office and that party’s legacy of maladministration.

He went on to outline a

remarkable plan which he called the ‘green agenda’, aimed at promoting ‘green’ economic sectors, ‘green’ growth and ‘green’ employment.

The book introduces President Granger’s ‘green’ development agenda and the international obligations to be satisfied under that agenda.

It addresses, also, developments in the fields of public infrastructure, public services, public security and integrity in public life all of which were deemed integral to ensuring public trust and, consequently, for improving citizens’ quality of life. *** The common good: Working together to achieve the good life for all is a virtual mid-term report card of the Government. President Granger details the his Government’s achievements in his address to the 71st Sitting of the 11th Parliament on the 2nd November 2017. The book is striking for detailing how much the Coalition administration was able to achieve during its first two and one half years in office.

The book is noteworthy for the enumeration of an impressive list of accomplishments aimed at improving citizens’ living standards.

The President was able to present evidence of development in every sphere of governance – including foreign relations; natural resource and economic management; agricultural, business, community rural and hinterland development; public infrastructure; public telecommunications; transparency and accountability; housing; public education; public health and public security.

It was unfortunate that the rich presentation of the President’s address were overshadowed by the distasteful and rowdy protests by the Opposition within the Assembly.

The protests caught the Government side of the House by surprise but failed to faze the President. *** A good life for all: Empowerment, enterprise and

economic progress, is the text of President Granger’s last address to the National Assembly on 18th October 2018 before the dissolution of Parliament on 30th December 2019.

It was a confident and assured presentation. The President could hardly have an inkling then that his Coalition would have faced, and lost, a no-confidence motion two months later.

The address covered the main themes – public education, public health, sanitation, housing, water, social protection, agriculture, youth employment, public security, citizenship and public security.

The emerging oil and gas sector, by this time, was seen as having transformative potential and the President was keen to emphasize his administration’s preparation for first oil. Here was a President at the peak of his game and not expecting the betrayal of two months later. *** Secure borders: Guyana’s borders with Venezuela and Suriname is the text of one of two special addresses which the President made to the National Assembly. The book goes beyond recounting the various acts of aggression against Guyana. It dissects the spurious claims – such as the ‘Chavez doctrine’ – and other factors, which ignited these acts of provocation. *** These presidential addresses set an important precedent in engagements between the President and his country’s National Assembly.

For all the criticisms, which have been leveled against the President and his Government over their arithmetical gymnastics and alleged specious challenges to the no-confidence motion, this six-book collection represents indisputable evidence of a leader who has been highly respectful of parliamentary democracy and who set an exemplary and unsurpassed record of engaging regularly with the National Assembly on matters of national importance.

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

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Coronavirus: What you need to know about this deadly virus

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine I’m certain that you have heard about the outbreak of the Coronavirus that’s rapidly spreading and becoming a global pandemic.

It has not reached Guyana (and hopefully it doesn’t) but there is a real risk of it coming here. Today, I will discuss the facts about this deadly virus, so that you can be educated and help combat unnecessary myths about it.

WHAT IS THE CORONAVIRUS? Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans.

They get their name, “corona,” from the many crownlike spikes on the surface of the virus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans.

Last December, an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, called COVID19, was reported in Wuhan, China. Travelers from that area of the world have since carried the virus to over 50 other countries.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE INFECTED WITH THE NEW COVID-19 VIRUS? The number of people infected changes daily.

Organisations that collect this information, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are gathering information and continuously learning more about this outbreak.

There is a very strong concern that this will become a global pandemic.

You can visit the websites of these organisations for accurate information about the current numbers of infection.

HOW EASY IS IT TO CATCH COVID-19 VIRUS FROMAN INFECTED PERSON? Researchers are still gathering information on all the possible ways that this virus can be contracted.

Persons at greatest risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus would be: Anyone who has a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness (cough, difficulty breathing).

AND · Has traveled - within 2 weeks of developing symptoms - to Wuhan, China or another country where the outbreak has spread OR has been in close contact with a person who has a laboratoryconfirmed or suspected case of the COVID-19 virus.

People who meet these criteria, should be evaluated by their healthcare provider and quarantined.

HOW DOES COVID-19

VIRUS SPREAD FROM PERSON TO PERSON? Scientists are not totally sure how the new COVID-19 coronavirus is spread. However, it’s likely that the new virus is spread the same way as other human coronaviruses, like the cold, are spread: ·By breathing in the airborne virus from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. ·From close contact (touching, shaking hands) with an infected person. ·By touching surfaces containing the virus, then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands.

WHERE DO CORONAVIRUSES COME FROM? Coronaviruses are often found in bats, cats and camels. The viruses live in, but do not infect the animals.

Sometimes these viruses then spread to different animal species.

The viruses may change (mutate) as they transfer to other species. Eventually, the virus can jump from animal species and begins to infect humans.

In the case of the new COVID-19 virus, the first people infected in Wuhan, China, are thought to have contracted the virus at a food market that sold meat, fish and live animals.

Although researchers don’t know exactly how people were infected, they already have evidence that the virus can be spread directly from person to person through close contact.

This means being within six feet of someone for an extended period of time who has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.

WHATARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE COVID-19 INFECTION? Patients with confirmed infection from the COVID-19 virus reported these respiratory symptoms 2 to 14 days after exposure: ·Fever (not always present). ·Difficulty breathing/ Shortness of breath. ·Cough.

They can be present with mild to severe symptoms.

While some patients survived it like the regular flu at home, others were hospitalised and needed ventilatory (breathing) support. Some did not

survive the illness. The death rate is around 2% in developed systems, but researchers are fearful that this will be much higher in underdeveloped systems that do not have sufficient resources to combat this condition.

HOW IS THE NEW COVID-19 VIRUS TREATED? No drugs are specifically approved to treat the new COVID-19 virus.

An infection caused by this coronavirus would be treated with the same support care and preventive measures used to treat other coronaviruses such as a cold HOW CAN YOU PREVENT GETTING

THE COVID-19 VIRUS? While there aren’t any cases in Guyana currently, it certainly doesn’t hurt to review some of the steps, which you can take to prevent getting other viruses, such as the common cold or the flu.

These steps will be very helpful if there is an outbreak here (hopefully there isn’t). ·Wash your hands—especially before eating and preparing food, after using the bathroom, after wiping your nose, and after coming in contact with someone who has a cold. ·Avoid touching your eyes and nose to prevent the spread of viruses from your hands.

·Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing or sneeze and cough into your sleeve.

Wash your hands afterward. ·Avoid contact with those who have a cold. Stay home if you are sick. ·Clean frequently used surfaces (such as doorknobs) with a virus-killing disinfectant. ·Use hand sanitisers when water is not available. ·Get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of liquids and exercise if you are able.

These steps will strengthen your immune sys-

Dr. Zulfikar Bux tem and enable you to fight off infections easier.

The threat from the coronavirus is very real; spread the correct information about this condition and help debunk unnecessary myths about it that will not benefit anyone.

PAGE 32

SUNDAY TRINI EXPERT GAVE GUYANAMECHANISMS TO AVOID BEING SHACKLED BY CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS – BUT UK CONSULTANT REMOVED THEM FROM LOCAL CONTENT POLICY When Trinidadian Energy Expert, Anthony Paul, was hired to produce a Local Content Policy for Guyana, he never included in his two drafts, confidentiality provisions.

In doing so, it would have prevented citizens from knowing the details of efforts made by oil companies and their sub-contractors to use and develop local goods, services and skills.

But those provisions which were not part of the policy to begin with, are now part and parcel of Guyana’s final policy.

In the document that received its finishing touches from an ExxonMobil contact, Dr. Michael Warner, it says that confidentiality stipulations are necessary since “legal constraints” inhibit full disclosure.

What strikes as strange, however, is that Paul, who was commissioned in 2016 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to do a state of readiness report on Guyana, noted that he had reviewed

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

the Constitution, all relevant laws, contracts and treaties for the said task.

It therefore means that Paul would have been in the best position to know if confidentiality provisions were needed in Guyana’s policy. Yet, he did not include it. So was there something that he missed?

To answer this crucial question, Kaieteur News made contact with Paul S a t u r d a y, F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2020.

From all indications, it was clear that the Energy Strategist was diligent in identifying, anticipating and mitigating the risks involved in derailing the intent, goals and objectives of the policy, one of which was full transparency.

In fact, Paul said he was aware of the desire for such provisions to be part of the policy but was keen to remind of a most important point which is documented in the second draft of the policy.

Page 16 of that document says, “In administering the sector, the Government of Guyana must ensure that activities are consistent with provisions of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, as well as our obligations to our people, investors and the international community, always keeping in mind that the best interests of the people of Guyana are paramount.”

PUC 2015 ORDER EXPOSES… GTT SPENT US$30M FOR CABLE IN SURINAME AND TRANSFERRED OWNERSHIP TO OFFSHORE COMPANY IT CREATED, THEN BECAME SUBSIDIARY’S PRIME CUSTOMER FOR BANDWIDTH The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), despite its positioning as a local company, is 80% owned by US-based Atlantic TeleNetworks Inc. (NASDAQ:ATNI) with Michael T. Prior as its current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Under a 1990 agreement with the Government of Guyana, GTT is licensed to provide international voice and data to the Guyanese market – but in recent years, the company has expanded its portfolio to offer unregulated services outside of its license, to the benefit of its shareholders.

One such service is internet, for which GTT, as part of a consortium, invested US$30M in 2010 to construct a submarine fiber optic cable system, the Suriname-Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS). This system has landing points in Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname.

The SG-SCS became a point of note in the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)’s Order No.1 2015 (which is available on the PUC website for public scrutiny), when GTT requested a review of its rates for services provided under the 1990Agreement – and

for which, the PUC is the regulator.

The 2015 Order stated: “A few years ago, GTT spent US$30 million to establish an underwater cable from Suriname (SG-SCS). We had requested particulars of this transaction and were told that it had no business plan for that enterprise!!!

“GTT also told us that the cable will not form part of the asset base in any tariff filing, that it does not plan to operate the cable system as any type of common carriage, and as such the cable system is not subject to the Commission’s approval or authority pursuant to Section 28 of the PUC Act.” Based on GTT’s ability to land the SG-SCS without need for approval or presentation of business plan to its regulator (the PUC), observers want to know under which provisions and/ or permissions was this investment done.

Further to its Order, the PUC said it subsequently learnt GTT created an offshore company in the British Virgin Islands (a wellknown tax haven), to sell bandwidth to service providers, and then transferred its ownership of the SG-SCS to this newly formed company.

FIREWORKS MISHAP LEAVES 3 CRITICAL, 5 OTHERS INJURED An explosion at the

Guyana Defence Forces Coastguard Wharf at Ruimveldt has left eight persons nursing burns and trauma injuries about their bodies. At least one person is considered to be in a critical condition. Kaieteur News understands that the massive explosion occurred at around 14:30pm Saturday, February 22, 2020 as the ranks of the Artillery Unit were offloading imported fireworks to be used in the 50th Republic Anniversary Fireworks display.

According to reports, the truck laden with fireworks on the pontoon spontaneously combusted resulting in a massive explosion that sent the ranks scattering for cover, many plunging into the Demerara River to avoid injuries.

When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, firefighters had already put out the blaze. The injured soldiers were being rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Those injured were identified as Lt. Cpl. Trevor Joseph, 35; Cpl Terrence Neil, 26; Cpl. Andrew Gordon Cornette, 34; Staff Sgt. Otto Row, 35; Cpl. Victor Lowe, 25; Cpl Delroy Baird, 28; along with Isaiah Gordon and Cpl. Sean Rose.

Residents around the area told Kaieteur News that the explosion propelled debris several meters into the air. Located next to the wharf is a fishery and fishermen

there explained that some of their equipment was damaged.

“They went loading the stuff on the truck and then all you hear is a big explosion and fire start. Then about five more explosions. People start jumping off the pontoon into the river to out the fire on their skin. One guy, when he walk out, he got skin hang off he. Another one, all you seeing is white; nothing else.”

The Forces’ Medical Officer, Dr. Nigel Langhorne, speaking to reporters at the Georgetown Public Hospital said that Cpl. Sean Rose reportedly sustained burns to 90% of his body and is said to be in a very critical condition.

MONDAY LOCAL CONTENT… GHANA, TANZANIA, LIBERIA PLACE NO RESTRICTIONS ON RELEASING DATA FOR EXXONMOBIL, OTHER OIL MAJORS – BUT GUYANAAIMS TO BE THE EXCEPTION The real reason behind the use of confidentiality provisions in Guyana’s Local Content Policy remains a mystery when one considers the explanation provided last week by Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe.

In response to queries from Kaieteur News, Dr. (Continued on page 33)

Sunday March 01, 2020

From page 32 Bynoe had said that the provisions were used in Guyana’s policy so that it can be in line with Articles 18 and 19 of the nation’s legally binding Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). Those two articles speak to the requirements to be honoured by companies when it comes to the use of local goods, skills and services for their operations. Dr. Bynoe was keen to note however that when those Articles are considered, there is no requirement for the disclosure of oil companies’ local content data or plans, hence the use of the confidentiality provisions in the policy.

By the same token, Articles 18 and 19 say nothing about embedding provisions for secrecy in the nation’s Local Content Policy. Aside from this, Kaieteur News checked several agreements and policies around the world and none of them could support what Dr. Bynoe explained.

In fact, Kaieteur’s research shows that ExxonMobil and other oil companies such as Tullow and Eco Atlantic operating offshore Guyana are working comfortably in other countries which call for citizens to have full access to their efforts on local content.

Take Liberia for example, where ExxonMobil is part of a Production Sharing Agreement with Canadian Overseas Petroleum (Bermuda) Limited, and the National Oil Company of Liberia for Block 13. (See link for PSA: https:// resourcecontracts.org/ contract/ocds-591adf6713867467/view#/search/ local%20content) Similar to Guyana’s PSAs, the 2013 Liberian agreement has no clause, which says that the Contractor or the Government has to disclose any of the local content data or plans provided.

As for Liberia’s local content policy, there are no confidentiality provisions regarding the disclosure of the local content plans. In fact, the policy states, “In accordance with the laws of Liberia, particularly the Freedom of Information Act of 2010 and international best practices, information pertaining to the petroleum sector, including legal policy, planning, commercial, seismic and scientific shall be made available to the public in a manner that facilitates maximum access.”

APNU+AFC, PPP OFFER NO SPECIFIC PLANS FOR OIL SECTOR With days left until General and Regional Elections are held, the major political parties have yet to

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

offer for public scrutiny, specific plans on the development of the oil sector as well as the spending of revenues to come.

Instead, the APNU+AFC and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), have proffered some broad ideas about what they want to see in the sector, including some form of cash transfers.

On December 20, 2019, when Guyana started producing oil via the Liza Destiny, President David Granger had said that a Decade of Development Plan would be forthcoming. But even in his public remarks about the plan, Granger has said nothing specific about the government’s plans for the oil resources.

During a recent interview with Kaieteur Radio, Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel agreed that during this election season, citizens have a right to know the specifics and not just broad plans the contesting parties have for the sector.

Dr. Marcel also noted some important questions citizens should ask during this season.

“The first question I would have for politicians during this elections period is how will you ensure strong stewardship of the resource?

How will you ensure that the interests of Guyana are well protected, that there is strong oversight of oil operations and that we keep Guyana clean, green and safe, that these are safe operations?”

The Chatham House Associate Fellow added, “I would ask them specifically, what policies you would put in place for associated gas? Will you bring it to shore, and to do what?

Will you subsidize the gas? Will you bring oil to shore by pipeline and build a refinery and subsidize gasoline? Let’s get specifics on what the policies are for the sector.”

Dr. Marcel also said she would ask what exactly would be done to support the development of the non-oil sectors. Looking at the manifestos of both parties, the Petroleum Governance Expert said there are some ideas there but that is something worth debating nationally.

She said that one has to examine which industries, whether it is eco-tourism, bauxite or sugar, would have real potential for growth when the oil revenues start to flow. Dr. Marcel noted that it is going to be hard for these sectors to compete in the oil production era.

GUYANA CELEBRATES 50 GOLDEN YEARS! Despite early morning showers, Guyanese, tourists and bands gyrated through

Georgetown to celebrate the nation’s 50th golden anniversary as a republic.

This year’s event is being celebrated under the theme ”Reflect, Celebrate, Transform”.

Energetic persons flocked the streets, dancing with the exuberant revelers and colourful, eye-catching floats along the parade route.

The various bands crowded the streets in exotic colours and ‘tramped; down the parade route. They started at the western end of Carifesta Avenue, then to the Kitty Roundabout, along Vlissengen Road and to the D’Urban Park.

The floats included those from the 10 Administrative Regions, the various ministries and private sector entities.

Many painted the colours of the Golden Arrowhead on their faces or did a hairstyle, which included the colours of the national flag.

Vendors were on hand to provide more than an adequate supply of food and drinks. There were also families who lined the roadways with their baskets of home cooked meals.

Some of the revelers who accompanied the floats were decked out in elaborate costumes. They brought their hype and energy, which was even transferred to others who joined in.

With 30 bands participating in the band competition, Kaieteur News spoke to some of the designers and revelers about their expectations for the procession.

Designer for the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Jermaine Broomes, noted that 50 years as a republican nation speaks volumes.

TUESDAY LOCAL CONTENT POLICY… UK CONSULTANT IGNORES RECOMMENDATIONS TO GIVE GUYANESE ADVANTAGE IN OIL SECTOR Guyana’s Local Content Policy is under heavy criticism for its restrictions on disclosing in full, the plans and reports oil companies submit to the government on the extent to which they use local, goods, services and skills for their operations. But that is not all that is troubling the document.

Following a perusal of the policy, it was observed that UK Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner, who has ties to ExxonMobil, ignored key recommendations that would have given Guyanese a clear advantage in the oil industry.

These recommendations were made by this newspaper to the Energy Department, drawing on the Ghanaian Local Content Policy. In the chart attached to this news item, readers would be able to see the Ghanaian policy provisions that were recommended for Guyana’s policy to adopt so that Guyanese can benefit to the maximum extent.

Provisions that were recommended to be taken onboard from the Ghanaian Local Content Policy Similar provisions in Guyana’s Local Content Policy 1) In the case of nonGhanaian ownership and operations, the entity must provide for the participation of a citizen of Ghana in an interest of at least five percent in the exploration and

production activities under petroleum licenses. The interest of the citizen of Ghana shall not be transferable to a non-citizen of Ghana.

ABSENT 2) In order to ensure increased financial benefits to Ghanaians, and the Ghanaian state, all operators in the oil and gas industry, shall as far as practicable use goods and services produced by or provided in Ghana for their operations in preference to foreign goods and services.

The Operators shall give priority to the purchase from citizens of Ghana local products and services that are competitive in terms of price, quality and timely availability.

A preference for Ghanaian entities, even if they are up to 10% more expensive is mandated. ABSENT OVERSIGHT OF OIL COMPANIES IS WHERE GUYANA’S FOCUS SHOULD BE – CHATHAM HOUSE ASSOCIATE FELLOW As Guyana continues its preparations for the oil sector, Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel, is of the firm view that focus should be on the oversight of oil companies. Dr. Marcel made these and other remarks during her first appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s programme called Guyana’s Oil and You. There, Dr. Marcel said that Guyana needs to outline the rules by which the operators are to work. She said these have to be laid out along with having pellucid policies to guide the sector’s development.

The Chatham House Associate Fellow said, “So for example, what is Guyana

going to do with the associated gas? What will it do about flaring and what are the rules for it? In some stances, there are rules, but the rules have to be better developed I think and then also, I would say building the institutions.”

Dr. Marcel said that in light of the size of the discoveries, there is certainly a justification for establishing a regulatory agency for the petroleum sector. This was supposed to be in the form of a Petroleum Commission but the legislation to bring it into being remains stuck in a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Dr. Marcel said it is important that Guyana beings to build the regulatory capacity needed for the oversight of costs as well as capacity within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“But it all takes time. It has only been five years and it is a lot to develop in such a short time, so kudos to Guyana for doing as much as it has. It is a big challenge, because Exxon is on a quick pace of development by industry standards and it is difficult for government to keep up and get all the agencies and policies up to date,” the Chatham House Associate Fellow stated.

While there is still much for Guyana to get done, Dr. Marcel was keen to note that the nation has done some things right. In this regard, she said that it has demonstrated that there is a vision for the use of the oil resources. Dr. Marcel commented that a vision is an important component in managing the sector, since the purpose for the resource is (Continued on page 34)

PAGE 34

From page 33 not in question. “So that is very good,” the Petroleum Governance Expert added.

CARTER CENTRE DID ADDRESS USE OF PRIVATE POLLING STATIONS IN REPORT … ADVOCATED FOR VOTING IN ‘NEUTRAL ENVIRONMENT…FREE FROM INTIMIDATION’ The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has faced criticism from the political opposition on its decision to reduce the number of private polling stations it will use in the 2020 election. The private polling stations being used dropped from 166 in the 2015 elections to 92 for the 2020 elections.

GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh had said that the move was based on a recommendation from the Carter Centre.

The Private Sector Commission released a statement M o n d a y, speaking out against the reduction.

“The Private Sector Commission (PSC) takes extremely seriously the very real possibility that a significant number of voters may be disenfranchised by the changes made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to a substantial number of polling places in a wide number of rural locations.”

It went on to allege that the statement by the Chair – that the Carter Centre addressed the use of private polling stations in its 2015 report – was false.

“The Private Sector Commission is dismayed at the claim reported in the media to have been made by the Chairman of GECOM that the decision to change the location of these

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

polling places is in response to a recommendation made by the Carter Center that private residences, should not be used as polling places.

The PSC has checked and is informed that the Carter Center in its final report, following the 2015, e l e c tions made no such recommendation and we call upon the Carter Center to immediately, publicly make the Center’s position clear on this matter.”

It is on this and other premises that the PSC urged GECOM to reverse the “last minute changes” to the list of polling stations, and use the list previously agreed to by the Commissioners of GECOM. WEDNESDAY GREENIDGE THREATENS TO SUE EX-PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR, JAN MANGAL, FOR US$1M …DENIES OPPOSING RENEGOTIATION OF EXXONMOBIL CONTRACT Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, is threatening a US$1M lawsuit against Jan Mangal, an advisor who worked with the Ministry of the Presidency on the oil and gas sector. Among other things, Greenidge, through his lawyer Devindra Kissoon of London House Chambers, denied that he resisted the public release of the ExxonMobil contract and renegotiation of the agreement.

The Coalition Government is facing flak over the agreement which gave Guyana a two percent royalty and a 50/50 split in profits but has deeply worrying weaknesses which exposes the country.

The oil find, with more discoveries being made, is

said to be one of the largest in the world with the quality being one of the best.

However, critics and other experts have blasted the agreement, which pointed to an unprepared Guyana holding the short end of the stick as compared to other countries.

The Government and the Opposition appeared not too keen to renegotiate the agreement, which was signed in 2016.

The “cease and desist” letter Tuesday to Mangal, whose contract was not renewed by the Government, came days before the country heads to its toughest elections yet, scheduled for March 2, 2020. According to the correspondence, which was copied to both Kaieteur News and Stabroek News, Mangal in recent statements has libeled Greenidge in the daily newspapers, including Kaieteur News.

MINISTER FAILS TO SECURE GAG ORDER AGAINST JAGDEO Junior Minister of Communities with the responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, has failed in her bid to secure an interim gag order against opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the Guyana Times in the case filed against the two entities for libel.

Ferguson had taken Jagdeo to Court over statements regarding her alleged acquisition of lands.

In the civil action, she has asked for in excess of $10 M in damages from Jagdeo and the publication entity for the statements which she said are slanderous and untrue and have caused irreparable damage to her character and reputation.

In her application, Ferguson had asked the court to bar Jagdeo and Guyana Times from further publishing

the same or similar content about her until the hearing and determination of the libel case.

The Minister further asked the court to consider granting her an injunction to restrain the defendants, from further publishing, disseminating and circulating to the public and electronically publishing on the World Wide Web words similar to those listed in an article written under the caption of the Guyana Times dated Wednesday, December 11, 2019, titled ‘Opposition Calls Out Minister For Lying About House Lots Allocation’.

The preliminary ruling on issue of the interim injunction was delivered Tuesday.

During the hearing attended by Jagdeo‘s Attorney, Manoj Narayan , Guyana Times lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, and Minister Ferguson’s legal representative Latoya Roberts, Justice Persaud stressed the importance of free speech.

The Judge noted that interim injunctions are only granted in the rarest of cases before a trial.

GECOM ADDS 12 MORE POLLING PLACES, FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH OPPOSITION Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, managed to convince the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Tuesday to add 12 new polling places in areas the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) thought there was a congestion of voters. The decision of the Commission was relayed to reporters after a statutory meeting of the Commission last night.

Jagdeo led a delegation at noon to the Commission’s Kingston office, to make a case to the Commissioners

and the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, that the reduction of private polling stations was applied discriminatorily.

By this, he meant that reductions in the use of private residences as polling places in PPP strongholds was not reflected by similar reductions in strongholds of the governing coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC).

Jagdeo said he had cause to ask Lowenfield why the reduction in the use of private polling places was not reflected similarly in the Coalition strongholds, after Lowenfield explained that it was the Commissioners who instructed him to reduce the use of private polling stations as much as he could.

The CEO had told reporters just days ago that, where private polling stations remained, it was because GECOM could not find sufficient public polling places to substitute them.

Subsequently, the former President made suggestions for an increase of at least 12 polling places in key areas purported to be PPP strongholds, namely Mon Repos and Foulis, East Coast Demerara and Chesney, Corentyne.

“We said we’re not telling [GECOM] where to choose,” Jagdeo said.

THURSDAY FINDING RIGHT PACE OF DEVELOPMENT FOR OIL RESOURCES MUST BE PART OF NATIONAL DISCUSSION – INDUSTRY EXPERT Finding the right pace of development for the more than eight billion barrels of oil and gas resources in the Stabroek Block is an important issue that must be properly addressed by the relevant

authorities, but it cannot be done in isolation, says Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel.

According to the Petroleum Governance Expert, the question of how fast or slow Guyana wants to develop these resources needs to be the subject of a national discussion.

Dr. Marcel made this assertion during an interview she had with Kaieteur Radio on one of its programmes called, Guyana’s Oil and You. There, she was asked to speak on the importance of Guyana having a depletion policy. She was keen to note that the topic is a very contentious one while showing that different countries have varying approaches to it.

In Uganda, for example, the Petroleum Industry Expert shared that the authorities there have taken things very slowly in terms of how they handled discoveries and move towards development because they wanted to make sure they had everything in place on their side to be able to oversee it most effectively.

Dr. Marcel said, “But there have been criticisms also of Uganda’s slow pace because investors have not been happy to wait so long to monetize their discoveries and also the government has had to wait much longer for production revenues.”

As for Ghana, the Chatham House Associate Fellow noted that development of resources found in the Jubilee Field moved very quickly and it was lauded as a well-run process. With hindsight however, Dr. Marcel pointed out that the officials in Ghana have said that mistakes were made and they could have probably done it better if they had slowed it down.

“But there is the urgency (Continued on page 35)

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 35

Kaieteur News

From page 34 of development needs sometimes that pushes government to go quicker.

And you know, you have a very small government budget and the prospect of new production revenue, that’s a legitimate reason to go quicker as well. I don’t have the answer but it is an important issue to discuss though,” the industry expert said.

FIREWORKS TRAGEDY… INJURED SOLDIERS TO RECEIVE PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE The members of the Guyana Defence Force’s Artillery Unit who were injured in the fiery explosion at the Coast Guard wharf, will soon be receiving psychological care. The GDF in a release Wednesday explained that the Force will be partnering with the University of Guyana to facilitate the care.

According to the release, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West and a team from the Defence Headquarters as well as members from the Force’s Welfare department met with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civil Engagement (PACE) Dr. Paloma Mohamed, following an offer from the university to be a part of the rehabilitation intervention.

Brigadier West welcomed the offer, expressing that the support was timely. He explained that the Force is committed to ensure that the injured ranks receive the appropriate intervention, noting that while most are out of physical danger, such a traumatic event can have long-lasting psychological effects.

Dr. Mohamed stated that the injured soldiers will interface with a psychologist during an initial group meeting, and then following evaluations, they will undergo further attention. In the long term, the university will also be working along with the force to build the internal capacity of their welfare department to deal with trauma.

This will also include special programmes to further enhance the capabilities of the officers to deal with other welfare-related incidents.

The team lost Corporal Seon Rose in last Saturday’s explosion. Rose took the brunt of the blast and suffered severe burns to 90% of his body, along with trauma injuries. He also suffered a heart attack while receiving treatment.

DRONES GROUNDED FOR ELECTION DAY – AVIATIONAUTHORITY Authorities

have

announced a three-day ban on drones for next week’s elections. According to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in a notice published in Kaieteur News Wednesday, the restrictions will last for three days.

The restrictions will begin from midnight on the 1st day of March 2020 (Sunday) through midnight on the 3rd day of March 2020 (Tuesday).

The directive was to the owners and operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

In Guyana, a number of media houses have been employing the use of drones for their work.

According to the GCAA, the purpose of the directive is to enhance national security.

“For the purpose of this directive, the following definition shall apply: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): An aircraft, capable of being flown without a pilot being on board that aircraft, either autonomously, or controlled remotely by a pilot located outside the aircraft.”

S p e c i f i c a l l y, the authority said, no person shall operate an unmanned aerial vehicle in Guyana airspace during the period specified other than a member of the Disciplined Services, acting in an official capacity and being a member assigned to be on duty during the period of operation.

The authority also said that a person who contravenes the directive commits an offence against the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and upon summary conviction shall be subject to the penalties specified in Section 88 of the Act. Under the regulations, owners and operators of UAVs (drones) have to be granted permission by GCAA before sending them up in the

air.

FRIDAY CONTRACT FOR CRUDE MARKETER… THOROUGH BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON ALL OIL BIDDERS – ENERGYDEPT. In its pursuit of a Marketer for Guyana’s share of the Stabroek Block oil, the Energy Department will be doing a thorough background check on all bidders.

This was noted in the Expression of Interest that was published by the Energy Department this week via its Facebook page.

In the document, the department said that all bidders should send their application to the Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Berkley Wickham by 14:00hrs on March 12, 2020.

It was noted that the applicant must demonstrate that it has at least five years of experience in Crude Oil marketing and trading and provide copies of its Certificate of Incorporation. It must also provide details of its capabilities and the volume of crude oil trading and marketing it did by geography, over the last five years.

The Energy Department also wants to see details of previous experience in introducing a new grade into the market as well as the applicant’s Code of Conduct Statement.

Significantly, the bidder has to make provisions to allow the Department of Energy to verify all claims made in submission, and also, to verify that the bidder’s organisation is not in receivership, or the subject of any form of insolvency of bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of

winding up petition or proceedings.

A written statement confirming that the bidder does not have any Director who has been convicted in any country for a criminal offence relating to fraud or any financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter also has to be provided.

Accompanying that statement should be details of any pending litigation the bidder may or may not have.

Kaieteur News understands that the successful candidate will be required to provide support to the Energy Department in all operating and back office responsibilities of managing crude sales and for each individual lift from the Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel.

CONTAINER TRUCKS SHOULD BE CONFINED TO DESIGNATED ROADS – CITY MAYOR Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, is in support of calls to have heavy-duty vehicles particularly container trucks confined to using designated roads in the city. In response to concerns about the damage caused to the roads by the heavy-duty vehicles, the Mayor told Kaieteur News that the Council has commenced talks with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Private Sector Commission, (PSC) and the Shipping Association of Guyana on ways to curb the situation.

According to the Mayor, it was discussed several times before, how much damage heavy-duty vehicles cause on the city roads.

Narine noted that fees remitted to the Council by the trucking community to help maintain the roads, pales in comparison to the damage

caused.

He noted, nonetheless, that there are a number of matters to take into consideration. “For instance, the traffic hassle caused by heavy-duty trucks, the damage to roads and the expense imposed on the taxpaying citizenry to repeatedly fix.”

Narine told Kaieteur News, “While the Council would like to address the problem head on, it cannot do so alone.

“This issue calls for entire roundtable discussion by the various entities involved because the Council is not by itself maintaining the roads.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure also has a considerable part to play,” Narine said.

He said, “At this point, the Council is open to recommendations on the way forward.

“But we will have to wait until after the elections to move forward with any decision,” he added.

The maintenance of city roads was addressed at the meeting of the Council held on Tuesday. At the meeting, councillors were updated on the various roadwork projects.

Mayor Narine told members of the Council, that he is seeking advice from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure towards reconstruction of the roads.

The Mayor noted that several road projects are in progress but there has been contention over the use of heavy-duty vehicles in the areas under reconstruction.

WOMAN SHOT DEAD, EX-COP ‘SPOIL CHILD’ WOUNDED IN ATTACK AT LINDEN HOUSE Ex-policeman Teon Allen, called ‘Spoil Child’, was once again at the receiving end of a brutal attack by gunmen, who shot his reputed wife

dead and left Allen reportedly critical. The shooting occurred at the couple’s Central Amelia’s Ward home around 13:30 hrs Thursday.

Collesa Hunte, 28, a mother of two, was found lying in the kitchen with a gunshot wound to the side.

She succumbed shortly after being taken to the Linden Hospital Complex.

Allen, who was shot in the back, is hospitalised at the same institution under police guard.

There was heavy police presence at the couple’s home, which is situated in a remote and bushy area, aback of Central Amelia’s Ward.

Residents in the area gave no indication of having seen or heard anything amiss.

Police also said that they have no eyewitness accounts of the incident. They said that a lone security camera in the area was not working.

However, spent shells in the building where the couple lived suggested that the gunmen used at least two firearm of different caliber.

Police also recovered a pistol in the building. Bullet holes in the walls indicated that several shots were fired.

According to a police official, ranks rushed to the house after receiving reports of gunshots in the area.

On entering the premises, they found Collesa Hunte slumped on the kitchen floor.

She succumbed shortly after.

Ranks were later informed that Allen was transported to the same hospital with a gunshot wound to the back.

Collesa Hunte’s mother, Yolanda Johnson, was still in a state of shock when Kaieteur News visited her home.

Mrs. Johnson said she (Continued on page 36)

PAGE 36

From page 35 had repeatedly expressed concern over her daughter’s relationship with Allen.

“I used to warn her, beg her; I even used to cuss, but this girl never listened.”

Johnson said that her daughter moved out of her home late last year to live with Allen.

The woman’s husband, Carl Hunte, said he was devastated; “but I got to be strong for the family.”

There have been a series of gang-related incidents in Linden. A group known as the ‘Cayenne gang’ had reportedly been targeting Allen.

Allen’s apartment in Fair’s Rust was burnt down a few months ago.

SATURDAY “WE ARE READY FOR ELECTIONS!” – GECOM The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is prepared and ready to produce free, fair and credible general and regional elections on Monday. That was expressed by the Chair, (ret’d) Justice Claudette Singh S.C. on Friday, as she fielded questions from media operatives at GECOM’s Kingston office, following the signing of the electoral code of conduct by political parties.

The Chair had been asked about what was left to be done

by GECOM to prepare for elections, to which she responded “Well, I would say GECOM is ready. Everything has been done.”

She then allowed Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield to apprise the media about GECOM’s current operations.

The Commission and its Secretariat have had to work in overdrive to ensure that it could be prepared for elections in a short period, and with considerable public pressure following public unease over the events of the December 2018 no confidence motion.

Lowenfield said that GECOM is advanced in its preparation for the commencement of polls.

One decision he said GECOM has recently made is to have another team of election agents from the political parties be requested to accompany the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) from their offices to uplift the statements of poll and boxes from presiding officers. This is to ensure there is utmost transparency in the electoral process.

He explained that the DROs will deliver the statements to the Returning

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Officers, who will in turn deliver those to the Chief Elections Officer.

Lowenfield was asked whether GECOM has contemplated a timeline for the declaration of election results.

All he offered is that GECOM hopes to get that done at the earliest possible time, as it is difficult to ascertain exactly how long the process will take, as well as the possibility of an election petition.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) had recently criticised GECOM for its sloth in responding to critical questions of national interest posed to the entity by media operatives. Of this, Lowenfield said that the media centre established at the Ashmin’s building in downtown Georgetown will be working diligently to inform the public of matters of interest throughout the period.

Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward informed the media Friday night that GECOM’s review of the Opposition’s proposition for a decongestion of polling stations in certain People’s Progressive Party (PPP) strongholds was completed.

The number of polling stations remains at 2,339.

Ward said that some polling stations in Mon Repos were re-located.

Previously, the 18 polling stations for that village were cramped into just two schools. Ward said that there would now be five polling places, instead of two. With respect to Foulis, the polling place at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) there has been moved to Jai’s workshop, Ward said. No adjustment was stated for the third location identified by the Opposition, Chesney, Corentyne.

Additionally, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) noted in a statement Friday that the police commissioner Leslie James gave assurance of the Force’s readiness to provide adequate security measures for the elections. He reportedly stated that ranks will be deployed to secure all polling places, as well as to ensure security arrangements for ballot boxes.

T&T HOPES TALKS WITH GUYANALEAD TO GETTING OIL, GAS FOR DOWNSTREAM INDUSTRIES While it has engaged Guyana on the technical assistance it is able to offer, Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Franklin Khan is hopeful that discussions on co-operation between the two

could include the supply of gas as feedstock to the domestic downstream industries and crude oil for its the Guaracara Refinery when it restarts.

Khan made this disclosure during his country’s annual Spotlight on Energy Conference which came to an end this month and was organized by the T&T Energy Chamber.

There, the Minister noted that new entrants to the oil industry, such as Guyana, Grenada and Barbados, do not have the domestic infrastructure in place to monetize their oil and gas resources. On this note, he said that T&T is prepared to collaborate with them in the monetization of cross-border fields and hydrocarbon resources.

Commenting further on this front, the Energy Minister noted that there have been complementary exchanges with the respective Governments on this matter.

In relation to Guyana, Khan said that there have been preliminary discussions on cooperation in the domestic energy sector.

“Such co-operation could include the supply of gas as feedstock to the domestic downstream industries and crude oil for the Guaracara Refinery when it restarts,” the Energy Minister said.

TRIPLE MURDER CONVICT ASSAULTS PROSECUTOR AFTER JAILED FOR LIFE Sentenced to life imprisonment for the Sophia triple murders, 51-year-old Gavin Graham on Friday launched an attack on State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken, dousing her with a noncorrosive liquid substance.

The assault occurred at around 15:30 hours in the courtroom of Justice Sandil Kissoon. Justice Kissoon, who is presiding over criminal trials at the Demerara Assizes at the Georgetown High Court, had just finished imposing sentences of life imprisonment on Graham, when he (Graham) decided to lash out at the State Attorney.

The man, who stood in the prisoner’s dock just a few metres away from the Prosecutor, hurled insults at her before picking of the bottle of liquid within his hand reach and tossing it across the courtroom in her direction.

Drenched in the substance, Prosecutor Lyken fled the courtroom, as police ranks standing nearby the dock sought to restrain the infuriated prisoner. He nevertheless continued to shout threats and insults in

the direction of the Prosecutor and the Judge as the officers sought to restrain him. The outburst caused members of the jury and others present at the hearing to flee the courtroom.

Even as he was shackled and taken to the holding area for prisoners at the lower level of the Supreme Court, Graham continued threatening and cursing State Counsel. The ruckus drew a crowd of Court staff and curious onlookers. The attack on Lyken, however, did not stop there, as Graham’s mother, who was also present at the proceedings, trailed the lawyer to her car where she continued to pour more of the substance on her.

The woman, who is said to be in her seventies, was detained for the assault and taken to Brickdam Police Station.

Graham, of Lot 16 River Valley, Wismar, Linden, was convicted on three counts of murder for the unlawful killing of his ex-lover, Tabola Abrams, her boyfriend Shawn Whyte and stepfather, Clifford Sampson. The three persons died of injuries they sustained after their home at Lot 636 ‘C’ Field Sophia was set ablaze by Graham.

During the trial, State Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken, Tuanna Hardy and Nafeeza Baig presented the case that Graham set fire to the twostorey house which was at the time occupied by Abrams, her paramour and stepfather, and about 10 other individuals including children, after the woman ended their six-year

relationship.

CONVICTED EX-GRDB ACCOUNTANT COLLAPSES IN PRISONERS’ CHUTE On Friday, just over two weeks after he was convicted for omitting $145M from a Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) ledger, the entity’s ex-accountant Peter Ramcharran, who is serving a three-year jail sentence, collapsed in the prisoners’ chute.

Ramcharran, who still faces several similar charges, was brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for report and fixture for another trial.

The convict, who was handcuffed and shackled, was escorted by police ranks to the prisoner’s chute. From there, he was expected to make his way into the courtroom.

However, after a few minutes elapsed, police ranks were seen rushing to the chute. Ramcharran never made it into the courtroom.

Instead, police ranks found him lying at the bottom of the stairs with blood pouring from his face. He appeared to be unconscious. Emergency Medical Technicians were called in. After some time, Ramcharran regained consciousness. His mother also came to his aid.

Ramcharran was then strapped in a wheelchair and placed in an ambulance.

Ramcharran was scheduled to receive

statements yesterday for the commencement of trials into the other charges against him.

The offences, according to SOCU, took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, at GRDB’s Lot 16-17 Cowan Street, Kingston, Georgetown headquarters.

Ramcharran was sentenced to three years imprisonment for one of the five falsifications of account charges.

Based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the remaining four charges will be tried in one.

The matter was adjourned to March 11, for report and fixture.

Ramcharran was found guilty for omitting $145M from the rice entity’s ledger.

Chief Magistrate McLennan in giving a synopsis of her ruling held that SOCU Prosecutor Patrice Henry was able to prove all the elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Magistrate underscored that she is of the view that Ramcharran intended to willfully deprive the entity of the monies with his unlawful action.

It was on March 6, 2019, that Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, made his first court appearance before Chief Magistrate McLennan following his extradition.

He was slapped with 39 fraud-related charges. The charges leveled against him alleged that he fraudulently converted and misappropriated funds.

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 45

Kaieteur News

CARICOM Heads: Outcomes, Questions

By Elizabeth Morgan

K

INGSTON, Jamaica (CMC Feature) - In my last article, I addressed some of the trade and economic issues on the agenda or which should have been discussed at the 31st Intersessional Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados, February 18-19.

With Jamaica's Prime Minister absent, the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Trade Negotiations did not submit a report. I do not think it met.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is still preparing its Advisory Opinion on the CSME requested by the CARICOM Secretariat, Following up on the Inter-sessional deliberations, I read the statements and communique and listened to the concluding press conference, which for me, raised concerns and questions from the trade and economic outcomes: THE OUTCOMES CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) From the communique, Heads, after reviewing CSME implementation, again expressed their determination to increase the pace of implementation considering the financial and human resource constraints.

R e g a r d i n g t h e l a t t e r, Barbados and Jamaica have offered technical support.

The Heads, in addition, agreed to the following for approval at the 41st Conference of Heads in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in July: (I) Reviewing the governance structure making it more supportive of implementation. Another Prime Ministerial SubCommittee was established chaired by St. Vincent and the Grenadines and recommendations are to be

submitted before July. (ii) The Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on CSME is to develop an implementation strategy and programme.

It was again emphasised that CSME implementation required the participation of all stakeholders, particularly private sector, labour, and civil society.

Engagement with Private Sector et al Heads were informed by the private sector representative that the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) was now established as a nonprofit organisation headquartered in Barbados.

The CPSO is to provide, from its report, a refined strategy for increasing regional production and addressing food security.

This will be done with assistance provided by Trinidad and Tobago. Recall that the CPSO is to be designated an associate institution of CARICOM. Report of the Commission on the Economy The Commission presented its report with proposals for building economic resilience and easing impediments to doing business in the region.

Again, the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on CSME will be reviewing these recommendations for adoption with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).

Strengthening relations with Africa Heads agreed that the CARICOM/African Union Summit will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in June 2020.

This meeting will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda, June 22-27.

SOME OBSERVATIONS/ QUESTIONS The CARICOM Heads already have a packed programme of work at the national, regional and international levels.

The financial and human resource constraints at the national and regional levels were acknowledged.

While there is the need and desire to make progress in implementing the CSME, are some of the actions proposed by the Heads realistic within the given time frames?

Will Heads actually be able to meet once per month through any medium especially with general elections pending in various countries?

Can this new Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Governance complete its work in four months?

The Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on CSME has a very heavy work programme leading up to July. Is this Sub-Committee being assigned more than it can effectively manage?

Is there to be another new CSME implementation strategy and programme or is this a revision/updating of t h e e x i s t i n g strategy/programme?

On the CPSO, more information is needed about this Organisation. Who is the chair? Who are the members? How is it organised? How was their report prepared?

On relations with Africa, how is the CARICOM office in Nairobi to be staffed and financed?

I suggest that these questions should have been posed by the regional media at the press conference.

I welcome the enthusiasm, which the Chair, PM Mottley, brought to this meeting.

As I have said before, she displays a genuine desire to obtain results for the benefit of the people of the Region after years of delay.

However, after

reviewing all the actions proposed from this meeting, I am led to ask whether progress will be made on accelerated overload and with overly ambitious

expectations?

(Elizabeth Morgan, who writes for CMC, is a specialist in international trade policy and

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 46

g ts in s... re ure e t t In rea C

Sunday March 01, 2020

The

Swallow-tailed kite

T

he swallow-tailed kite (Elanoides forficatus) is a pernine raptor which breeds from the south eastern United States to eastern Peru and northern Argentina.

It is the only species in the genus Elanoides. Most North and Central American breeders winter in South America where the species is resident year round. It was formerly named Falco forficatus.

The swallow-tailed kite was first described as the "swallow-tail hawk" and "accipiter cauda furcata" (forked-tail hawk) by the

(Elanoides forficatus) English naturalist Mark Catesby in 1731. It was given the binomial scientific name Falco forficatus by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae, published in 1758; he changed this to Falco furcatus in the 12th edition of 1766. The latter spelling was used widely during the 18th and 19th centuries, but the original spelling has precedence. The genus Elanoides was introduced by the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1818. The name is from

Ancient Greek elanos for "kite" and -oides for "resembling".

The species is 50 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 1.12–1.36 m (3.7–4.5 ft). Male and female individuals appear similar. The body weight is 310–600 g (11–21 oz). The body is a contrasting deep black and white. The flight feathers, tail, feet, bill are all black.

Another characteristic is the elongated, forked tail at 27.5–37 centimetres

(10.8–14.6 in) long, hence the name swallow-tailed.

The wings are also relatively

elongated, as the wing chord measures 39–45 cm (15–18 in). The tarsus is fairly short for the size of the bird at 3.3 cm (1.3 in). Young swallowtailed kites are duller in colour than the adults, and the tail is not as deeply forked.

The swallow-tailed kite is largely associated with large tracts of wetland forests which accommodate the birds nesting habits.

Loblolly pines are the most prevalent choice for building nests but bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is also used when the pines are unavailable. The major requirements of these nesting sites are food availability and tree height.

Nesting locations are often found in trees as high as 100 ft (30 m). Historic ranges in the United States covered the majority of the Southern states and much of the Midwest (as far north as Minnesota). Aside from the US, it resides in many areas throughout Central and South America. Habitat degradation and changes in wetland hydrology have caused the range to shrink in the US to just coastal regions of the southeastern and southwestern US, roughly an 80% decline in population.

Swallow-tailed kites are considered migratory raptors and during the spring months often move from areas in Central and South America to breed. Roughly 3% of the world's population breed in the United States.

Traveling thousands of miles these birds move towards the most suitable nesting habitat found within coastal wetlands between the Americas.

Satellite-telemetry has allowed researchers to track movements of individual birds over the years and has yielded data that demonstrates some migration journeys longer than 10,000 mi (16,000 km).

Land located within

migration routes is thought to be another concern for the kites, as deforestation and habitat degradation in Central and South Americas can have adverse effects as the birds move to breed.

The birds are considered one of the most graceful fliers seen in America and often spend the majority of their lives scouring high tree tops for lizards, small mammals, and insects. The morphology of the swallowtailed kite's wing and tail structure allows the bird to glide effortlessly for long distances. Sometimes a high-pitched chirp is emitted, though the birds mostly remain silent.

The swallow-tailed kite feeds on small reptiles, such as snakes and lizards. It may also feed on small amphibians such as frogs; large insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets; small birds and eggs; and small mammals including bats. It has been observed to regularly consume fruit in Central America. It drinks by skimming the surface and collecting water in its beak.

The bird usually does not break flight during feeding.

Mating occurs from March to May, with the female laying 2 to 4 eggs.

Incubation lasts 28 days, and 36 to 42 days to fledge. Often thought to form monogamous pairs, the birds are thought to spend some time apart and meet up during migrations to nesting locations. These nesting locations are often found in the highest trees in wetland areas. On occasion, pairs will return to the same nesting locations of the previous years and refurbish old nests. Generally, nests take about four days to complete.

Swallow-tailed kites are not listed as endangered or threatened by the federal government in the United States.

[Source: Wikipedia]

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

&

Immigration Questions Answers

By Attorney Gail S. Seeram

T

hrough this “Question & Answer� column, our goal is to answer your immigration questions. We appreciate your comments and questions. If you have a question that you would like answered in this column, p l e a s e e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com.

Question #1: I was in removal proceedings in the U.S. and took voluntary departure but never left the U.S. I am currently married to a U.S. citizen, can I apply for a green card?

Answer #1: T h e answer to your question depends on when your voluntary departure order was issued. However, in general, if you agree to voluntary departure and do not leave the U.S. within the specified time, then the voluntary departure order automatically turns into a removal order.

You will not be eligible for adjustment of status or to apply for a green card in the U.S. once the removal order is active. A possible option is filing a motion to reopen your prior case and rescinding the removal order.

Question #2: I lost my wallet with my green card, driver's license and social security card. How do I

apply for a new green card?

Answer #2: It is good practice to copy your green card (front and back) and keep it in a safe deposit box.

It is the law to carry your green card with you at all times, so don't think about leaving it at home or in a safe deposit box.

Once you have your alien number, you can apply for a replacement green card. The process can take 3-6 months and there is a filing fee.

Question #3: I a m a green card holder and every time I enter the U.S. the officer takes me into a room for secondary inspection where they ask me questions and look at the computer?

Answer #3: Secondary inspection is conducted when the U.S. Custom and Border Protection officer sees something in your alien file that indicates that you may be inadmissible into the U.S. or the officer has questions about a note in your file.

If you believe there is an error in your alien file and you would like it corrected then file a redress claim by visiting www.dhs.gov/trip.

Question #4: I a m married and living with a U.S. citizen and he has not filed a sponsorship petition for me? We have 2 children together who are U.S. citizens. I entered the U.S. with a visitor visa but overstayed and have no

Gail S. Seeram status.

My husband is verbally and physically abusive to me and the children. Do I have any options to self-petition on my own?

Answer #4: Yes, under the Violence Against Women Act, an abusive spouse can self-petition for a green card.

Note, you will be required to provide proof of the abuse and submit evidence to document it.

It is not required that you have a petition pending or that your spouse filed a sponsorship petition for you. Contact our office for a consultation.

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

Attorney Gail Seeram, LL.M., J.D., BBA call | text 407-292-7730 whatsApp 407-353-1363 e m a i l : Gail@GailLaw.com l i v e c h a t : www.GailLaw.com Download FREE App: Gail Law

PAGE 49

PAGE 50

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Entertainment Police...

NEW SHOW ALERT: Enetworks team all set for premiere of Katy Keene on March 6 In just a matter of days, Katy Keene, one of the most highly anticipated shows on HBO will premiere on March 6. And Enetworks says it is all set for the broadcast of the American comedy-drama that was produced by Berlanti Productions, in association with Archie Comics, CBS Television Studios, and Warner Bros. Television.

In the series, Katy designs clothes for anyone she can, including her friend and roommate Josie, whose singing talent catches the attention of Alexander Cabot, a CEO who hopes to reboot the record label division of his father’s corporate empire.

But Alexander’s dream of signing Josie to a recording contract meets resistance from Cabot Media’s powerful senior vice president Alexandra, who also happens to be his twin sister.

Josie and Katy’s roommate, Jorge, works at his family’s bodega and has his eye on Broadway, but after a series of rejections, he hopes to take his drag performance career as Ginger to the next level.

The mysterious Pepper Smith plans to open her own version of Andy Warhol’s Factory. She has the connections,

but no one seems to know where she got her money or if she really has any at all.

As these aspiring artists take on the runway, the recording studio, Broadway and the New York social scene, they find more than just a career in the big city — they find long-lasting friendship.

SEARCH BEGINS FOR MISS GUYANA CULTURE QUEEN 2020 For the first time ever; Guyana will be hosting a national pageant to select Guyana’s representative to the Annual Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant slated for August 2020 in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Under the directorship of Guyanese born international fashion designer and Pageant Guru Randy Madray; the Miss Guyana Culture Queens aims to promote, market and preserves the diverse culture and tourism of Guyana. This year Miss Guyana Culture Queen will be selected through a national pageant from a lineup of carefully selected quarter-finalists.

Applicants will complete a well-structured application online after which a panel of the pageant, fashion and other related professionals will select which applicants will move on to the interview round. From the interviews; the quarterfinalists will be selected to begin the 2020 na-

tional pageant.

The pageant in itself will feature a preliminary interview and the coronation event. On the coronation night, delegates will compete in national costume, performing talent, swimwear, evening gown and interview. At the end of the production, Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2020 will be crowned and begin preparation for the regional competition.

Last year, Arian Dahlia Richmond was selected by a team of professionals within the fashion and pageant industry as Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2019 and took on the task of representing Guyana at the Miss Culture Caribbean Queens 2019 Competition. With her grace, poise, and confidence, Arian competed with notable models in the Caribbean and secured the first-runner up position.

She also won several accolades such as Miss Photo-

genic, Miss Congeniality and Best Country Promotional Video produced by local videographer Anthony Indar.

The Miss Guyana Culture Team will comprise a brilliant team of creatives, professionals and local and international pageants, beauty and fashion experts.

Applications are currently opened and the pageant seeks young women between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-six (26) who are of great physical health and possess the passion, drive and determination to showcase Guyana’s rich culture and tourism.

Applicants can sign up via the “ Sign Up” button on the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ missGuyanaculturequeeen) or via the link provided on the @missguyanaculturequeen Instagram platform. The application deadline is 28th February 2020.

Home Entertainment ...

Three of the tastiest Bacardi cocktails More than a hundred years later, Bacardi which is distributed by Ansa McAL, occupies a leading position in the world among manufacturers and exporters of alcoholic beverages.

In fact, this rum continues to be used by the best mixologists around the world to create some of the tastiest cocktails you would ever savour.

Here are just three of them you can make to entertain your friends this Sunday. Enjoy.

1. PINA COLADA Drink invented pirate Roberto Cofresi. B 1820 he treated his team this cocktail, raising her fighting spirit. But after the death of Roberto recipe was lost.

Only 1954 Caribbean, the bartender Romona Marrero managed to find the right proportions. On experiments he spent more 30 days.

Pina ColadaStructure: Bacardi white - 50 ml; Black Bacardi - 15 ml; pineapple juice - 100 ml; coconut syrup - 50 ml; lime juice - 2 teaspoons; pineapple - 80 gram; ice - 160 gram.

Preparation: Mix in a blender Bacardi rum, syrup, pineapple and juice Lama.

Add ice, then whip. Pour into a cocktail glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple.

2. MOJITO According to one version «Mojito» translated from the African language as a “little

witchcraft”. The recipe appeared in 1942 year at Havana Bar, belonging to the family Martinez. Institution still works.

MojitoStructure: Bacardi white - 100 ml; soda (Sprite) - 200 ml; sugar syrup - 30 ml; mint - 15 leaves; lime - 1 thing; ice cubes - 500 gram.

Preparation: put mint in a glass, add the juice of one lime and sugar syrup. Then put several circles of lime and fill the glass with ice up to the top. Pour the rum and soda, mix gently. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

3. CUBA LIBRE In the literal translation “free Cuba”. Name appeared

in 1900 year, when an employee of the US Army Capt.

Russell drinking in a bar in Havana your favorite cocktail, consisting of rum, lime juice and cola.

By chance, he learned, drink that has no name.

Russell proposed to call it “Cuba Libre” in honor of the island’s independence from Spain. Now, this refreshing drink on a daily basis by millions of people.

Cuba LibreStructure: Bacardi Gold rum - 50 ml; Cola - 150 ml; ice cubes - 200 gram; lime - 40 gram.

Preparation: fill a tall glass with ice cubes, squeeze the juice into a quarter of lime.

Add rum and Coke and mix the cocktail spoon. Garnish with a few slices of lime.

Sunday March 01, 2020

10 Foods That Detox The Body When it comes to detoxing your body, there are many techniques you can follow and supplements you can take. One plan in particular is to eat detoxifying foods.

Here is a list of detox foods that are a great addition to everybody’s diet.

1. Fruits Fruits are high in liquidcontent which helps the body wash out toxins. They are also very easy to digest and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, fiber, and important vitamins.

2. Green Foods Fill your refrigerator with blue green algae, barley, wheatgrass, kale, spinach, spirulina, alfalfa, chard, arugula, or other organic leafy greens. These plants will help give a chlorophyll-boost to your digestive tract.

Chlorophyll rids the body of harmful environmental toxins from toxic metals, herbicides, cleaning products andpesticides. They also aid the liver in detoxification.

3. Lemons, Oranges, and Limes Citrus fruit aids the body by flushing out toxins and jump-starting the digestive tract with enzymatic processes. Lemon juice supports the liver in its cleansing processes. To increase detoxification, start each morning with a warm glass of lemon water.

Remember, vitamin C is one of the best detox vitamins around, as it transforms toxins into digestible material.

Eat vitamin c foods often to help get more of these ben-

PAGE 51

Kaieteur News

efits.

4. Garlic This pungent little bulb is one of the best detoxing foods out there. It helps stimulate the liver into producing detoxification enzymes that help filter toxic residues from the digestive system. I recommend adding sliced or cooked garlic to a suitable dish, as this will help any detox diet.

5. Broccoli Sprouts Extremely high in antioxidants, the ability for broccoli sprouts to stimulate the detoxification enzymes in the digestive tract is unparalleled.

The sprouts are actually more effective than the fully-grown vegetable.

6. Green Tea Packed full of antioxidants, green teawashes toxins from the system via its liquid content, but also contains a special type of antioxidant called catechins, which are known to increase liver function.

7. Mung Beans The mighty mung bean has been used by Ayurvedic doctors for thousands of years. It is incredibly easy to digest, and absorbs toxic residue from the intestinal walls.

8. Raw Vegetables Best juiced or eaten raw: Onions, carrots, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, garlic, beet, turmeric, and oregano. The combination of these foods will help your liver purge toxins during the cleansing process.

These are high in naturally occurring sulphur and glutathione. Sulphur helps the

liver detoxify harmful chemicals.

9. Seeds and Nuts Incorporate more of the easily digestible seeds andnuts into your diet. Flax seed, pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, Siberian cedar nuts, and sunflower seeds are all excellent options. While detoxing, avoid nut butters.

10. Omega-3 Oils Use hemp, avocado, olive, or flax seed oil while detoxing. This will help lubricate the intestinal walls, allowing the toxins to be absorbed by the oil, and eliminated by the body.

Performing a periodic body cleanse may also be beneficial. I also recommend following my Body Cleanse Diet. Do you have any suggestions for foods that detox the body? If so, please drop them in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. †Results may vary.

Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Global Healing Center does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Global Healing Center are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service.

If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician. h t t p : / / www.globalhealingcenter.com.

HOW TO GET RID OF BELLY FAT IN A WEEK You’re fed up with your belly fat, and you want it gone — now. Your abdomen didn’t expand in one week, so you can’t expect it to slim down in that short time either. Use a week to introduce measures to help you lose belly fat over time and reduce bloating. You might feel a little lighter after seven days, but true loss of fat will take several weeks or months.

Belly fat is a metabolically active type of fat that sits deep inside the abdominal cavity. It surrounds internal organs and releases compounds that make you vulnerable to metabolic disturbances, heart disease and inflammation.

Belly fat may be dangerous, but it’s also responsive to traditional weight-loss strategies of diet and exercise.

One pound of fat equals 3,500 calories; thus, to lose a pound, you must consume 3,500 calories fewer than you burn. In a week, you can’t afford much more than a 3,500or 7,000-calorie deficit without severely depriving yourself of nutrients and solid food. This deficit means you’ll lose 1 or 2 pounds per week.

Some people can lose more than two pounds in a week with a dedicated fitness program and serious dietary restrictions. The time and effort required to lose weight that quickly is grueling and usually unsustainable, though. Even if you can lose a notable amount of weight

in a week, a lot of it will be water weight — not true belly fat. Weight you lose quickly is likely to be regained quickly too.

Belly fat is usually the first weight lost when you start an exercise program, explains Rush University Medical Center. If you are new to exercise or coming back from a long hiatus, you can’t expect to hit the gym for hours at a time to burn off fat that first week. This only increases your risk of injury and burn out.

Instead, build up to at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity cardio, such as swimming, jogging or hiking. A duration of 250 minutes per week will lead to more significant weight loss, explains the American College of Sports Medicine. This means 250 minutes a week for several weeks or months, though; you’re unlikely to see dramatic results after one week.

Strength training is another critical component in belly fat loss. You can’t crunch your tummy away, but you can participate in a fullbody strength-training program that addresses all the major muscle groups. Do this at least twice a week to build muscle, which helps boost your metabolism. The results of strength-training are gradual, however. One week of strength training won’t induce the changes in your body necessary to improve

Chocolate: 10 health reasons you should eat more of it Chocolate is the ultimate comfort food, a sure-fire stand-by in times of stress, a reliable source of consolation when life has let us down, and a mood-enhancer and romance-inducer in more positive circumstances. But is it at all healthy?

If you scoff lots of it, obviously not. But there are a host of medically proven ways in which chocolate — good chocolate, which is to say dark chocolate, with a cocoa percentage of around seventy per cent or more — really is good for us.

Research is continuing all the time, and experts have already found that chocolate is good for the heart, circulation and brain, and it has been suggested that it may be beneficial in such major heath challenges as autism, obesity and diabetes.

And in fact, the very latest research suggests that eating chocolate could help keep your brain function whirring into old age.

Here are ten scientifically established health benefits of good chocolate.

1. It’s good for the heart and circulation A recent study found that dark chocolate helps restore flexibility to arteries while also preventing white blood cells from sticking to the walls of blood vessels - both common causes of artery clogging.

How to tell good chocolate from 2. It reduces risk of stroke Researchers in Finland have found that chocolate consumption lowers the risk of suffering a stroke - by a staggering 17 per cent average in the group of men they tested.

3. It’s mineral rich Dark chocolate is packed with beneficial minerals such as potassium, zinc and selenium, and a 100g bar of dark (70 per cent or more) choc provides 67 per cent of the RDA of iron.

4. It reduces cholesterol Consumption of cocoa has been shown to reduce levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raise levels of “good” cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

5. It’s good for your skin The flavonols in dark chocolate can protect the skin against sun damage (though you’d probably better still slap on some sun cream).

6. It can help you lose weight Chocolate can help you lose weight. Really. Neuroscientist Will Clower says a small square of good choc melted on the tongue 20 minutes before a meal triggers the hormones in the brain that say “I’m full”, cutting the amount of food you subsequently consume.

Finishing a meal with the same small trigger could reduce subsequent snacking.

7. It’s good for mothers and babies

A Finnish study found that c h o c o l a t e r e d u c e d stress in expectant mothers, and that the babies of such mothers smiled more often than the offspring of non-chocolate-eating parents.

8. It may prevent diabetes It sounds mad, but cocoa has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

So dark chocolate - in moderation - might delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.

9. Chocolate is good for the brain Flavanols are thought to reduce memory loss in older people, and the antiinflamatory qualities of dark chocolate have been found beneficial in treating brain injuries such as concussion.

10. Chocolate makes you feel better Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), which is the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your

brain to release feel-good endorphins.

As a chocolate lover I would also add that certain kinds of chocolate can be good for the soul: this is chocolate for which the raw materials have been grown with care by farmers who are properly rewarded for their work; then processed by people who take time and care in their work, and finished by chocolatiers who love what they do.

It will not be mass-produced, and it may not be cheap. But it will be good for you, heart and soul. http:// www.telegraph.co.uk.

your metabolism, but over the long haul you’ll see improvements.

Belly fat also responds to a lower-calorie diet that’s full of healthy, unprocessed foods. Go for lean protein, fresh produce and whole grains at meals.

When you have just a week to lose as much as possible, ban all sweetened drinks — including soda and juice — bakery treats and ice cream. Also avoid refined grains, such as pizza and white bread, as well as alcohol. Keep your portion sizes to just 2 to 4 ounces for meats and other proteins and about 1/2 cup for grains.

Over the long term, these dietary revisions help you drop belly fat.

Resist the urge to use a diet that promises quick results. Often they don’t work, or they’re so restrictive you can’t handle them for more than a couple of days — let alone a week. If you do stick to the plan, you may very well see a drop in pounds — but it’s not from a substantial amount of fat; it’s mostly from water. A quick-fix diet teaches you nothing about sensible eating that will help you manage your belly fat and health forever. You’ll likely gain all the weight back as soon as you resume your normal eating habits.

Although you can’t lose substantial fat in a week, you can jump start the weight-loss process. Also make a few dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce bloating so your tummy feels flatter.

Avoid over stuffing yourself at meals; eat small meals throughout the day.

Chewing gum and drinking with a straw can cause excess air to gather in the digestive tract. Carbonated beverages, spicy foods, large servings of beans or cruciferous vegetables, dried fruits and fruit juice often induce gas and bloating.

If you’re lactose intolerant, avoid dairy products to help reduce belly swelling; make sure you obtain important nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, from milk alternatives or other fortified foods. http:// www.livestrong.com.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 52

Sunday March 01, 2020

An Octopus in Trouble Junior page PVC Water gun O nce upon a time there was a shy and quiet octopus.

He nearly always went about on his own because, although he wanted to have lots of friends, he was too selfconscious.

One day, the octopus was trying to catch a very slippery oyster. Before he knew it, he had tied himself into one massive knot, and he couldn’t move. He tried with all his strength to wriggle free, but it was no good. In the end, despite the great embarrassment he felt at being seen in such a tangle, he had to ask for help from the passing fish. Many fish swam past, ignoring him, but one very kind little fish offered to help to untie all those tentacles from all those suckers.

The octopus felt heartily relieved when he was finally set free, but he was so shy that he didn’t dare talk to the fish and make friends with him.

He simply thanked the fish, and quickly swam off. Later, the octopus spent the whole night thinking that he had wasted a great opportunity to make friends with that very kind little fish.

A couple of days later the octopus was resting between some rocks, when he noticed

that everyone around was hurriedly swimming past. He looked into the distance and saw an enormous fish coming over to feed in that area. The octopus quickly hid; then, peeping an eye out from his hiding place, he saw that the huge fish was chasing the kind little fish who had untied him.

That little fish really needed urgent help, but the big fish was so dangerous-looking that no one dared to go near.

The octopus, remembering how the little fish had helped him, felt that he had to do whatever he could to come to his aid.

Without hesitating, the octopus shot out from the rocks, like a ray. He put himself right in the path of the giant fish, and before the fish could do anything about it, the octopus had shot out the

biggest jet of ink of his life. He grabbed the little fish, and swam off back to hide in the rocks. Everything happened so fast that the big fish had no time to react. However, he soon recovered from the surprise. Off he went to the rocks, looking for the octopus and the little fish. Now he really wanted to gobble them down!

Soon, though, he began feeling a terrible itch; first in his gills, and then in his fins, and then all over his body. It turned out that this giant fish had a very artistic nature, he adored colours; and the octopus’s dark ink had given him a terrible allergy!!

So the big fish swam away, irritated all over.

As soon as he was gone, all the fish who had been hiding came and congratulated the octopus for being so brave.

Then the little fish told them all how he had helped the octopus a few days earlier, but he had never known anyone be so grateful that they would end up doing something so dangerous.

Hearing this, the other fish discovered how nice the shy octopus was, and everyone around was keen to be the friend of such a brave and honourable octopus.

Materials 20" of each: 1" and 1 1/4" PVC pipe (usually available in 10-foot sections, hence the suggestion to make six water guns at once) ·End cap for each diameter of pipe ·One 3/4" plug (generally for use on 3/4" pipe) ·Two o-rings with inside diameter 28mm, outside diameter 34mm, width 3mm.

The style of the P V C piece—the 3/4" plug—varies depending on the store and supplier of PVC fittings, as well as being able to find the

correct o-ring size. Now, the real secret to this design is dental floss. Yes, the humble, single-use tooth thread; It’s actually quite handy stuff.

ALLOW AN ADULT TO HELP IN EVERY STEP! Step 1: Cut Pipe Begin by cutting 20" sections of pipe. Let an adult cut the pipes. The simplest way to do this is to use a power miter saw. But there are plenty of other ways if needed.

To speed up the process, slip the 1" pipe into the 1 1/4" pipe before cutting. \Step 2: Assemble Barrel Drill a 3/16" hole into the center of the 1 1/4" cap, and use PVC cement to glue this to an end of the 1 1/4" pipe. Follow

the directions on the cement bottle. Tip: I sanded off the raised logo on the cap to give me a flat surface to start the drill bit when drilling the hole, and used a drill press to make sure the hole was as straight as possible.

Step 3: Assemble Piston The 3/4" plug is not normally used with 1" pipe, so it won’t fit as is.

To make it fit, I used a sanding drum on my rotary tool to sand down an inch or so of the inside of the 1" pipe, until the plug could be inserted and withdrawn without too much trouble. Place two o-rings onto the plug and mark their height with a pencil. Glue the plug into one end of the 1" pipe with cement, just up to the line. You do not want the o-rings to be pinched tightly between the flared end of the plug and the pipe, so a little wiggle room is desirable (1/32" extra or so is fine). Glue the 1" cap onto the other end of the 1" pipe, which becomes the handle. Other fittings could be use if desired, such as a T or elbow.

Step 4: Adjustable Pressure O-rings And now for the main trick!

Wrap about 30 feet of dental floss tightly and evenly into the gap between the end of the plug

and the end of the pipe on the piston. Leave a loose “tail” of a few inches. Place the o-rings over the dental floss, and check

from beneath the o-rings, and test until you get the right fit in the barrel. You don’t even need to remove the o-rings unless you need to add more floss.

When the seal is working properly, trim off the loose floss and you’re done.

There is a little bit of trial and error required here, but after the 2nd or 3rd water gun for me I had a pretty good feel

for what amount of pressure the seal needed to have to function properly.I recommend doing this step outside next to a full bucket of water, in conjunction with the next step.

the fit of your nearly completed seal into the open end of the barrel. It should just barely fit with a little pressure. If it is too tight, simply pull a few inches

Step 5: A Little Bit of Lubricant Spread a little bit of petroleum jelly onto the orings, as well as to the inside edge of the barrel end.You only need a little; too much will actually be less effective.

Step 6: Have a Water Fight!

After a little testing and adjusting the o-ring seals, you should have a pile of awesome homemade water guns for you

of the dental floss at a time out

next big water fight!

FUN WITH POETRY

I love my teachers

by Uncle Roy Of all the people I know, Who try to help us in any way, I think that teachers are the best, As they make us learn every day.

My teachers are always so kind, Patient and encouraging, Teaching the lessons we need to know, And making sure we understand everything.

That is why I love my teachers, And I feel all pupils should, Showing them always you appreciate their help, By paying attention and being good.

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Organise yourself to best prepare for your end-of-term or final examinations The school holidays are now over, and all students have to settle down to the most important period in the school year, and make every effort to do their best at the upcoming examinations, whether at the end of the s c h o o l y e a r, o r, m o s t critically, their finals which will determine to a large extent the success of their future endeavours.

You will do well to adopt the following habits during this period to ensure success: 1.Get organised.

Making a plan for what you’re going to do and when you’re going to do it will make sure you’re always ahead of your work This

should include your study time as well as all other things you need to do at home outside of this.

2. Do not multitask. It is a fact that multitasking is physically impossible to produce any real results, as you need to place all our attention to one activity to get the most out of it. Too many students tend to look at the television, use their cellphone, and indulge in other useless pastimes while studying. It is a natural fact that concentrating on one thing at a time gives you the best chance of succeeding at it.

3. Divide your study time into segments so as to be more efficient at it.

Studying is not fun to begin with, and forcing yourself through a long period of intense study will only make it worse. Dividing your work into manageable chunks, and rewarding yourself when you finish each chunk will make studying something you can even enjoy from the satisfaction it gives when you have accomplished your lesson.

4. Get enough rest.

Always remember that you need enough rest so as to make your body and mind more alert and efficient in any activity. Ensure that you get the minimum of eight hours of sleep every night, and have some rest between

periods of study. Getting enough rest will refresh your body and mind, sharpen your focus on the task at hand, and improve your working memory., 5. Set a schedule. Do you work better right after school or after you’ve eaten dinner?

Are you more productive in half-hour spurts or ninetyminutes periods? Find a schedule that works for you, and stick to it – approximate time that you will start, when you will stop to take some rest, and when you will restart and finish.

We will continue with these tips next week. In the meantime, try these out and see how they can work for you.

Killer Sudoku Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3­by­3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9. The dotted lines indicate areas which also contain a non­repeating set of digits. These squares can be added together to produce the sums shown in the clues.

PAGE 53

Education To be recognised everywhere you go, You’ve got to have a certificate to show; To enjoy any kind of happiness, Knowledge is the key to success; To secure your proper employment, You will have to be intelligent; Nowadays it is so very essential To be equipped with good credentials.

If you’re block-headed like a mule, No one will employ a fool; You’ll be last in line to be hired, And first in line to be fired; Illiteracy is a man’s greatest enemy, It’s your duty to avoid it completely; Ignorance always impedes progress, While education is the secret of success; So, learn, learn, learn as much as you can, For our nation’s future is in your hands; (submitted by Shivanna Singh)

Our success in any venture is proportionate to the amount of preparation we do.

Ensure yours in your examinations by working diligently in this.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Solutions to last week’s

Snub Square Slitherlinks

LAST KIDS ON EARTH ZOMBIE PARADE

Goodluck!

PAGE 54

Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy Take care of your teeth Achieving healthy teeth takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems.

This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits.

1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

2. Brush properly The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease).

3. Don’t neglect your tongue Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odor, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

4. Use a fluoride toothpaste When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavors. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defense against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

5. Treat flossing as important as brushing Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. “Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck in between your teeth,” says Jonathan Schwartz, DDS. “It’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.”

6. Don’t let flossing difficulties stop you Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers from the drugstore can make a difference.

7. Consider mouthwash Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Schwartz says mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralizes the teeth.

“Mouthwashes are useful as an adjunct tool to help bring things into balance,” he explains. “I think in children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.”

8. Drink more water Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, Schwartz recommends drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

9. Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fiber, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. “I tell parents to get their kids on harder-to-eat and chew foods at a younger age,” says Schwartz. “So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, stop cutting things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!”

10. Limit sugary and acidic foods Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

11. See your dentist at least twice a year Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and checkups twice a year. Not only can a dentist remove calculus and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Sunday March 01, 2020

1. How did the blonde die ice fishing?

She was hit by the zamboni.

2. How Long is a Chinese man’s name.

No, it actually is.

3. How does NASA organize a party?

They planet.

4. Knock Knock.

Who’s There?

To. To Who? It’s To Whom.

5. What’s a pirates favorite letter?

You think it’s R but it be the C. 6. Have you heard about corduroy pillows?

They’re making headlines.

7. What did the green grape say to the purple grape?

OMG!!!!!!! BREATHE!! BREATHEEEEE!!!!!

8. Never criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.

That way, when you criticize them, you’ll be a mile away, and you’ll have their shoes.

9. What do Alexander the Great and Winnie the Pooh have in common?

Same middle name.

10. I couldn’t believe that the highway department called my dad a thief.

But when I got home, all the signs were there.

11. My grandfather died peacefully, in his sleep… …not screaming like the passengers in his car.

12. What did the left eye say to the right eye?

Between you and me, something smells.

13. What do Cannon Balls do when they’re in love?

Make bbs.

14. Why did the cowboy get a wiener dog?

He wanted to get a long little doggie.

15. If you want to find out who loves you more, stick your wife and dog in the trunk of your car for an hour.

When you open the trunk, who is happy to see you?

16. Sometimes I tuck my knees into my chest and lean forward.

That’s just how I roll.

17. Cole’s Law: Thinly Sliced Cabbage 18. I intend to live forever.

19What’s the best thing about Switzerland? I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.

20.“I’d like to start with the chimney jokes – I’ve got a stack of them. The first one is on the house.” - Tim Vine 21.As a scarecrow, people say I’m outstanding in my field. But hay - it’s in my jeans.

22.“The best time to add insult to injury is when you’re signing somebody’s cast.” – Demetri Martin 23.“Years ago I used to supply Filofaxes for the mafia. I was involved in very organised crime.” - Milton Jones 24.“I had a dream last night that I was cutting carrots with the Grim Reaper – dicing with death.” - Tim Vine 25.I told my girlfriend she drew her eyebrows too high.

She seemed surprised.

26.“I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day, but I couldn’t find any.” - Tommy Cooper 27.I waited and stayed up all night and tried to figure out where the sun was. Then it dawned on me.

28“I saw this bloke chatting-up a cheetah. I thought: ‘He’s trying to pull a fast one.’” - Tim Vine 29“I have kleptomania. But when it gets bad, I take something for it.” - Ken Dodd 30.Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana.

31.“This bloke said to me: ‘I’m going to attack you with the neck of a guitar.’ I said: ‘Is that a fret?’” - Tim Vine 32.“This policeman came up to me with a pencil and a piece of very thin paper. He said, ‘I want you to trace someone for me.’” - Tim Vine 33.“Somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note, it said ‘Parking Fine.’” - Tim Vine 34.I told my friend 10 jokes to get him to laugh. No pun in 10 did.

35.I bought some shoes from a drug dealer. I don’t know what he laced them with, but I’ve been tripping all day.

36.I’ve decided to sell my Hoover – it was just collecting dust.

37.“I usually meet my girlfriend at 12:59 because I like that one-to-one time.” - Tom Ward 38How does NASA organise a party? They planet.

39.Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards? He was just going through a stage.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 55

PAGE 56

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 66

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

STANDARDS IN FOCUS

MAINTAINING A VIABLE RICE INDUSTRY WITH STANDARDS

T

he harvesting of the first rice crop for 2020 is about to commence in the various rice-producing regions of Guyana. And while farmers are aiming to maximise profits from their yields, millers are aiming to buy paddy at reasonable prices.

Standards can help farmers and millers to produce rice in a costeffective manner and ensure that an accurate and reliable measurement system is utilised in the industry.

Rice producers must continue to produce highquality rice to maintain the grasp on Guyana’s share of the international market and to penetrate new markets.

This will help the commodity to continue to be a leading foreign exchange earner for our country.

In addition, because rice is a food commodity, good production practices also have to be maintained to safeguard the health and safety of consumers of the commodity.

The implementation and use of standards are very important and can be considered essential for addressing quality issues in the rice industry.

Implementing standards in the rice industry improve quality, facilitates local and foreign trade, increases p r o d u c t i o n e ff i c i e n c y, maintains consistency and protect consumers’ health and safety.

Rice producers conforming to requirements also improve the packaging and labeling of the commodity and protect the environment through best practices.

The use of verified instruments also ensures reliable and accurate measurements. The GNBS as the National Metrology Institute possesses National Measurement Standards to ensure that measuring devices used in the rice industry are accurate and reliable. Devices verified in the industry include weighbridge scales, platform scales, hopper scales, and smaller laboratory scales.

Verification provides equity and traceability of measurements for rice offered for sale locally and on the overseas market.

Meanwhile, the proper determination of the quality of rice also maximises value

and increases buyer satisfaction. The CARICOM Standard –”Specification for Rice” which prescribes the requirements for the grades of paddy, cargo rice, milled rice, cargo parboiled rice, and milled parboiled rice, is available for use by stakeholders in the rice industry.

The agency that regulates and monitors the production of rice is the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The GRBD routinely conducts checks at rice mills countrywide to ensure that they comply with available requirements.

The GRBD Central Laboratory is internationally accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard, which specifies competency to carry out testing. This accreditation is a huge advantage for the industry as the Central Laboratory can determine the quality of rice locally and the results it generates are accepted internationally.

Packaging and labeling of rice are also important, particularly to consumers and larger buyers.

For labels that conform to requirements, millers and packers can be guided by the national standard for the labeling of prepackaged foods GYS 9-9: 2003.

F u r t h e r , t h e implementation of internationally recognised Management System Standards such as the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Requirements and the ISO 1 4 0 0 1 : 2 0 0 4 E n v i ro n m e n t a l Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for use can be order winners for rice millers and exporters.

The technical support needed to implement the requirements of these standards can be provided by the GNBS at very affordable costs.

To support the prosperity of the rice industry, the GNBS will continue to work with farmers, millers, exporters and the GRDB to develop, promote and implement standards, which are beneficial to the industry.

F o r f u r t h e r information, call the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or visit the GNBS website: w w w. g n b s g y. o r g o r facebook.com/gnbsgy

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 67

Kaieteur News

Expanding locust swarms threaten food security across East Africa S www.worldpoliticsreview

warms of desert locusts that have already razed pastures and croplands across Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya continue to spread throughout East Africa, jeopardising the food security of up to 20 million people.

Just a small swarm of the insects can eat as much food as 35,000 people daily.

The swarms, which can contain as many as 80 million adult locusts and travel up to 80 miles each day, have now moved south and west into Tanzania, Uganda and wartorn South Sudan, while also pushing further into the Horn of Africa.

Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya remain at the epicenter of this crisis, though, despite weeks of aerial pesticide spraying.

The locust outbreak is the region’s largest in decades; officials are blaming unusually heavy rains that swept across East Africa late last year. The number of locusts could grow up to 500 times before drier weather arrives in June if the aerial spraying is not able to bring the swarms under control.

The extensive use of pesticides has raised its own concerns that it

will do long-term damage to local ecosystems and seep into drinking water. Officials are balancing that risk against the immediate food security threat in a region where 12 million people already face food shortages.

Meanwhile CCTVE PLUS reported that in Pakistan swarms of desert locusts are destroying about 300,000-square-kilometers of farmland across Pakistan and threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the country’s main agricultural and populous region of Punjab.

The locusts arrived last summer and have reached threatening levels since November 2019. The Food and Agriculture Organization issued a warning that the swarm has started to reproduce, hence posing a huge threat to crop growing areas in the country.

The insects are wreaking havoc in the Okara district in southern Punjab, where crops such as cotton, wheat, maize and tomatoes have been destroyed.

“These locusts have destroyed everything, all our crops. We are very poor. We don’t know where our next meal will come from, no one has come to help us,” said Rafia Bibi, a resident of Okara.

The locust crisis hitting the

A farmer walks through swarms of desert locusts feeding on her crops, in Kitui County, Kenya, (AP photo by Ben Curtis). agriculture sector in Pakistan comes as flour prices skyrocketed by 15 percent in January and sugar prices doubled compared to last year. The locust invasion has made things all the more alarming for the

government. Prime Minister Imran Khan declared a national emergency after Pakistan was hit by its worst locust plague in 27 years.

The current losses caused by

locusts are also expected to cripple the food sector in Pakistan for the coming months. http://www.cctvplus.com/news /20200222/8135925.shtml#!langu age=1

PAGE 68

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

CONSUMER CONCERNS

GUYANA SOCIETY NO LONGER VICTIM OF RACIO-POLITICAL SYNDROME FOR RENT 2 bedroom apartment for rent at Peter’s Hall. #698-5800/6481391

SERVICES

FOR SALE

Visa Forms Preparer.

Tel#626-7040, Publish your Death Annoucements & In Memoriams online. Email: dthmemo@gmail.com

All Terrain fat tire bicycles/ Electric Bikes/Scooters.

Contact# 655-4303 .

Facebook-United China Caribbean Trading

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

320 Caterpillar completely refurbished. Contact # 2235273/223-5274

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

All in one buy, entire boutique closing down, sale all ladies clothing JL bland, over 2000 pieces #225-0571/600-5076

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

Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)6788683 Thinking of buying & selling your property? Is your your rental property still vacant?

Let’s connect you to clients.

Call: 223-5555

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Two bedroom apartment 14 Better Hope Railway ECD Tel# 617-3001 between 8am5pm Two bedroom apartment in Georgetown for decent working couple. Call: 619-2800

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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

Prime residential house lot 100ftx50ft 20ft reserve, light, water, blaze internet. New Road $5M. Tel#627-0573

1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call #649-0956.

1 Allion PTT series new model for sale. Price $2,000,000. # 661-0075/682-5353 2010 Pitbull minibus, BWW Series, Good condition, Price Neg. $2.3M. Leonard #6103965 Toyota Avenis 2004 GYD$1,650,000 Call: 624-9100 neg

102 Good Hope, Mahaica.

Land for sale. Length 500ft width 42 ft, Raod Side. Tel# 691-8420/227-1042 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS & SUV'SCALL:643-5122./ 656-0087 WEB: WWW .PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTA L.COM DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM

1-5 Acre fruit bearing & coconut plantation for sale/ lease@WBD Oppos Timehri Wharf.Email:gzplayter@aol.com/ whatsapp#4074912026.

5 acre to lease, Coconout & other fruit trees on Demerara river. Whatsapp #4074912026.

Lot 1397 Section A, Block ‘X’ Great Diamond, Housing Scheme, Serious Buyers only.

(110x62) 231-6345

WANTED Experienced Pastry Maker/ Cake Decorator, Driver. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal Restaurant, 5 Commerce St. Drivers for route 42 minibus.

Tel# 640-0626 We buy house lots, Pay cash & legal fees, if you owe housing, we pay off. #6179930

Higher Level Auto Rental Business Establishment.

Contact # 698-4315 24 hrs Auto Rental

Farm New Scheme, East Bank ( 85ftx50ft) $3.6M #651-1969

LEARN TO DRIVE

Divine Prayers, Herbal & Essential Healing oils for: Pain, Arthritis, Cold, Skin infection, hair losses etc. #6587193

1 muslim wife, age 40-50, fair skin & slim body, not 140 lb.

Call: 684-9263

TO LET

VACANCY

N.Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square.Affordable Package.Call#644-5166/6912561/681-2808.

DATING / PEN PAL Single man seeking woman, ages 35-55 for marriage or a long term relationship. Call: 600-0520

HEALTH

Decent working couples, One bedroom apartment in Georgetown, Parking & Telephone $45,000. Tel# 623-8759/ 675-7842

1 Bodywork man. Call# 6687033

Skilled Mason wanted. #6872506/602-9469

By PAT DIAL The Guyana Consumers Association, by its Constitution, does not make pronouncements on politics and does not have persons who are political practitioners holding office in the Association though such persons may be members.

Since race and racial prejudice have become political issues and of public political discourse, we have avoided speaking on this topic since it is inevitable that we would be misunderstood.

Several members of our Committee have however pointed out that the concept of Race is sociological and

VACANCY Office Assistant- Maths & English, Excel & Quickbooks.

Apply to Mima Decor, 8 Sheriff St, G/town. Email: mimadecor12@gmail.com.

Tel# 227-0186/227-0176 Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#223-4172/6002271 R A Soda Factory, Rosignol Berbice #330-2399/656-7456/ 692-2981.

Manager, Supervisor, Checkers Male & Female workers, Drivers for truck Vacancy for (1) Professional & Experienced Hairdresser & Nail Technicians @ Natural Beauty Salon & Spa. Located: Grove, East Bank Dem. #6525800 Deskstaff, Receptionist, 25-50 years old. 3 shift system #2250198 Interested in working at a Taxi service as a customer service representative/Dispatcher?

Call #621-9356 Domestic maid good in cooking. Call: 627-1154 Vacancy for labourers and maintenance workers @PSGCS. Call Office: 6157784/621-6969 between 8-4 hrs Mon-Fri For Cook, must have food handling certificate and must be able to work unsupervised.

Tel# 663-5404/690-9696

Individuals to work with 1 Hauler Driver, needed reputable company in Berbice.

Requirement 21 years +, urgently. #611-7088 Maths & English CXC. One Domestic. Contact# 223- Unlimited benefits & earnings. Call: 679-2497 5273/223-5274

not political and that we should speak about it to enlighten the public and to let them know the Association’s position.

An article of this size cannot accommodate with adequacy the subject of Race; we will therefore content ourselves with stating some salient points.

Race and racism as we know them today in Guyana were unknown before the 1940’s. The ancestors of the bulk of the population were brought here in bondage to provide labour for the sugar plantations and they all therefore passed through the plantation, which put its indelible stamp on them.

They all became very much alike despite they themselves or their ancestors deriving from different parts of the world. Further, the socialisation process was the same - they all had to speak English, they went to the same schools and they all ate much the same food.

They all recognised themselves as Guianese, belonging to the then British Guiana, whatever may have been their ancestral origin.

After World War II, Britain, the colonial power had decided to withdraw from the West Indian colonies and grant them Independence.

The colonial power introduced electoral politics in the late 1940’s and granted advanced Constitutions every few years until it was in a position to withdraw and hand over power and control over the colony to the local politicians who had been groomed for this role.

These politicians formed themselves into political parties, which began to vie for electoral support to win seats in the “Parliaments” and they soon discovered that the easiest way of mobilising support was by appealing to racial affinities.

This syndrome of exploiting race to achieve political office reached its climax in the early 1960s just before Independence was granted in 1966. After Independence, there was rapid economic decline and there were shortages of food and consumer goods.

A great proportion of the population emigrated to North America and other parts of the world. People no longer trusted the promises of politicians; the appeal to race for political support declined.

But the political parties and their cheer-leaders anachronistically continued to speak of race until today, using the same cliches like “discrimination” and “marginalisation”, oblivious to the fact that the population

had ceased being excited by race-talk.

The country is now approaching another electoral cycle and the political parties are blaming each other for the woes of the society, oftentimes with racial undertones. Guyanese people are not influenced by the blamegame and there is no racism and racial animosity among them.

In the streets, in the shops and markets and in the public transport, one never hears any racial remarks. Indeed, in their relations with each other, people of all races treat each other with courtesy, kindness and consideration. There is very little or no talk of racial politics.

The political propagandists do not seem to have grasped the fact that Guyanese life and society had changed over the last half-acentury. A completely new generation of voters has appeared with the population being far more integrated and far less trusting of political promises than they once were.

Race and racism as we know them today emerged in the 19th century with the advent of European Imperialism and the Darwinian Theory of ‘Survival of the Fittest’ and from these, it was deduced that the darker skinned colonised peoples were inferior to their colonisers and were treated as such.

Ironically, the colonised peoples themselves adopted these European racist attitudes and the evolution of Guyanese racism from the 1940s was influenced by European racial attitudes.

After World War II, European Empires were dissolved and Imperialism came to an end. Darwinism became less popular and Western Societies, with memories of the Nazi racial policies and the Endlosung were transformed into anti-racists.

Racial discrimination was made a criminal offence and the laws and education content on race were liberalised and persons of colour began to be elevated to the highest offices in Western countries.

Guyana, as a Western Society, has been deeply influenced by these anti-racist Western trends, which have further strengthened the antiracist forces at work in Guyanese society.

Talk of race and racism has survived among some politicians and their supporters and the media, which support them, oblivious to the fact that Guyanese people now objectively adjudge political performance and are no longer taken in by political propagandists.

Sunday March 01, 2020

Man mistakes cousin for intruder, shoots him

A

resident of South Sophia is now recovering at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was reportedly shot by his cousin. He was mistaken for a home invader.

The incident occurred last Friday at the victim's home that he shares with his cousin who is a licensed firearm holder.

Both the victim and his cousin work as security guards attached to a prominent security service.

Kaieteur News understands that prior to the incident, the victim's home has frequently come under attacked by home intruders.

According to source, on the day of the incident, both the victim and his cousin left for work and were scheduled to return home around 23:30hrs that day.

However, while at work, the victim expanded his

work shift for an addition four hours and eventually returned home until 02:30hrs.

It was while he was trying to gain access into his home that he was shot reportedly by his cousin who thought it was someone else trying to break into the house.

When Kaieteur News visited the victim as his bedside at the city hospital, he told this publication, “I know my cousin did not shoot me willfully. Is long now people robbing the house when we leave for work and I guess that my cousin was scared when I tried to open the door because I did not inform him that I was working late.”

He was shot in his left shoulder; his condition is listed as stable.

The matter has been reported and an investigation has been launched.

Tow trucks to control lawlessness outside GPHC

A

fter much deliberation, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will be using tow trucks to remove delinquent taxi driver who park their cars in the vicinity of the city hospital.

They hinder ambulances, doctors and other officials from gaining access freely into the compound; this is according to a senior official working at the city hospital.

According to the official, the Emergency Department is known as the busiest section at the city hospital and the instances of persons parking vehicles and vending at the entrance of the department pose a threat for all emergency cases trying to access medical care at the city hospital.

“We are not saying that taxi drivers can’t pick up

PAGE 69

Kaieteur News

passengers at the hospital; all we are asking them is to park their vehicles in areas where it will not affect the ambulances from entering the compound.

There taxi drivers have to remember that when they stop in front of an ambulance to pick up a passenger, there is someone sick in that ambulance that is in need of emergency medical care and if you can save a life do that,” the official explained.

According to the official, using the tow trucks to control the parking situation was only implemented after dialogues with the taxi drivers fell on deaf ears.

As of next Tuesday, two tow trucks will be patrolling in the vicinity of the city hospital and removing all vehicles that are blocking the entrance of the hospital.

GPHC now offering vitreoretinal surgical services Handing over of the equipment to GPHC official

D

ue to the collaboration between the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Georgetown Public Hospital will now be o f f e r i n g Vi t r e o r e t i n a l surgical services.

The process of being able to locally perform this procedure was only made possible after the equipment needed was donated to the city hospital by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a charitable organisation.

The handing over of the equipment was done last Friday at the city hospital. At the ceremony, the entire suite (all of the surgical equipment such as the retinal instruments and consumables required) were donated.

Vitreoretinal surgery refers to any operation to treat eye problems involving the retina, macula, and vitreous fluid. These include retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane and complications related to diabetic retinopathy.

Speaking at the event were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, retired Brigadier George Lewis, Head of the Ophthalmology Department, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, President of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, Kyle Baird, and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Glendon Fogenay.

In his speech, Dr. Sugrim stated that equipment can be used to treat the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy that required surgical treatment, such as vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment macular holes among others.

“The Department of Ophthalmology at the GPHC

has been championing the cost of diabetes related eye diseases which is a permanent cause of visual impairment and blindness in the working age population.

In 2016, the GPHC initiated for the first time diabetic eye screening through the Guyana Diabetes Care Project. The Eye Department at the GPHC was the first main local player that helped develop the eye component. “This led to the hospital introducing for the first time in the public system laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy,” Dr. Sugrim explained.

According to Dr. Sugrim, prior to this project persons had to be flown overseas to access laser treatment.

However, as an expansion of the laser treatment that is already being offered in

Guyana, GPHC will now be o f f e r i n g Vi t r e o r e t i n a l surgical services free of cost.

Dr. Sugrim further stated that the Ophthalmology theatre staff were trained for a period of four days by USbased retinal surgeon, Dr. Richard Cory, in the use of the Vitreoretinal surgical equipment.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, retired Brigadier George Lewis, “Over the last few years, the Georgetown Public Hospital has been working on the improvement of services we offer to our patients.

In an effort to improve the delivery of eye care at GPHC, the Department of Ophthalmology has over the past four years has introduce cornea transplant surgery, diabetic eye screening and

laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy.”

According to Mr. Lewis before the equipment had been donated to the medical facility, patients had to be flown overseas for medical services not available in Guyana. As a result of this, it cost the Ministry of Public Health approximately $100 million annually to provide this type of surgery to affected persons. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Glendon Fogenay, hailed the provision of this service, as important.

“It means that our citizenry can have their surgeries done at home which will give them more time to recover at home,” Fogenay explained.

The equipment donated cost US$250,000.

PAGE 70

Essequibo woman wins CAGE jackpot

CAGE mega jackpot winner, Kerron Peters (Second from right.)”

A

single mother of two last Wednes day, became the first CAGE winner in Guyana to hit the Caribbean Cash Progressive Mega Jackpot.

After more than two years of gaming experience, Kerron Peters finally walked away with over two million dollars after hitting the mega jackpot.

The 30-year-old mother, who lives at Charity, explained that she literally broke down in tears as the six figures number lined the gaming monitor. “When I see the numbers on the screen, is like I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“I literally break down in tears because the money come at a time when I really need it.”

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Being a single mom with two kids, Peters said that her utmost desire is to one day have the keys to her very own home. CAGE’s jackpot, she said, may have been just the solution she needed so long.

“I could do a lot with two million dollars. Once I put it to good use and I intend to put it to good use because I needed a house badly. And I plan on building my house on my land.”

The woman added, “CAGE open up a way for me that I can actually build my first home.”

CAGE Guyana has been operating on the Essequibo Coast since 2018. Peters said that she has been playing the slot machines since their arrival, but despite losing on

countless occasions, she still mustered up the courage to keep on playing the next time.

“From the first day CAGE came in, I’ve been playing.

Sometimes I play a $10,000.

Sometimes I lose; sometimes I win a $20,000. Sometimes I go home and I think about it.

“I come back, play win again and lose, but it still kept me going on and playing.”

Despite hitting the mega jackpot, Peters said that she will continue to support the company. She encouraged other customers to do likewise.

Kaieteur News understands that there were also mega jackpot hits in three other Caribbean countries St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Gary Best for court on Tuesday Following Thursday’s advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions that former Chief-of-Staff and Ret’d Rear Admiral, Gary Best, be charged with causing the death of cyclist Jude Bentley, one would expect charges to be made immediately.

Best was expected to appear before a Magistrate yesterday however, the charges were further delayed to the upcoming week.

According to his lawyer, Attorney-at-law James Bond, Best is slated to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges.

When asked whether Mr. Best was aware that charges are to be laid, his lawyer answered in the negative; stating that his client is currently travelling around the country for his party as the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections approaches.

“I haven’t spoken to him as yet,” Bond said.

Meanwhile, Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas told Kaieteur News that they were unable to charge Best yesterday because the matter has not been filed in court as yet.

But Commander assured that charges will be laid soon.

Bentley was struck down and killed on the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy on February 8, 2020.

Best was driving the vehicle that struck

Gary Best the cyclist.

Police had said that Best was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the accident.

Reports stated that both parties were headed east when the accident occurred.

Best’s vehicle also struck a utility pole before coming to a halt.

‘Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Watch Group’ to make a difference in Indigenous communities

“Participants of the first established child sexual abuse prevention watch group.”

W

ith the estab lishment of a new child sexual abuse prevention watch group last Friday, it is anticipated that there will be a tremendous reduction in the number of child sexual abuses cases within hinterland communities.

The watch group is being spearheaded by Blossom Inc. which is a registered, nongovernmental organisation funded by UNICEF, and based in Guyana.

Blossom Inc. was founded on primarily two objectives, which are to support the child protection system in Guyana and to support children and families affected by trauma. The Guyana Police Force and the Child Care Protection Agency also came on board the watch group.

Yvonne Barrow, who is

the outreach and Communications Officer for Blossom Inc. told Kaieteur News that communities in Regions Seven and Two were targeted, as the first watch groups were launched. The communities that participated in the watch group included Karrau Creek, which is located in Mazaruni, Region Seven, along with Bethany, Mashabo Capoey and Wakapoa, located in Region Two. Interestingly, all of these communities are Indigenous communities. Ms. Barrow explaining why these communities were highlighted, said, “It was of the perception that people don’t know the correct reporting procedure when there’s a child sexual abuse case… They relied on the reporting of the Toshao; calling of police and Child Care Protection Agency was very

unlikely.”

She also pointed out that persons had little knowledge of the extent of child sexual abuse. “Persons in these communities assume that child sexual abuse is more of penetration. In reality, child sexual abuse includes allowing a child to listen to lewd music, sexual oriented conversation, touching the child inappropriately, exposing of one’s genitals to a child and so forth.”

In July 2019, Blossom Inc. made monthly outreaches to these communities, and the visits have reportedly yield great results.

The organisation’s Communications Officer told Kaieteur News, “By visiting those communities, residents are more vibrant and more vocal on child sexual abuse.

(Continued on page 71)

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

‘Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Watch Group’...

From page 70 Many residents volunteered to be part of the watch group and even asked us to return.”

Kaieteur News understands that the watch groups will play a key role in ensuring the organisation’s work is sustained.

Even more importantly, residents from within the communities will now be able to identify and report cases of child sexual abuse through the proper mediums.

Travis Doruga, who originates from Karrau Creek,

Mazaruni, said that he volunteered because seeing his community safe is his objective.

He told Kaieteur News, “As a church leader, my vision is to see my community safe… We had two cases of child sexual abuse and we’ve seen that the people are totally against it. As soon as somebody sees something happening, they report it right away.”

Judy Marslow, who is from Bethany, Essequibo Coast, said that child sexual abuse should no longer be taken for

granted in her community.

She said, “I have seen some things in the community that I think isn’t right and are at times being taken for granted. If I had a daughter, I wouldn’t want her to go through those things.

“Sometimes it upsets me to see things and no one is doing anything. Sometimes you try to educate people on it and they don’t take your word for anything.

Blossom [Inc.] going in there was a major advantage because people are now aware of the seriousness.”

PAGE 71

PAGE 72

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 73

PAGE 74

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 75

Kaieteur News

Forestry Commission defends 164,000 acres approval T he Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has defended its approval for a large tract of forest lands in Upper Berbice area.

There is absolutely nothing sinister about the transaction which would have followed the necessary checks and balances, says outgoing chair of the Board of Directors, Jocelyn Dow. In recent days, there were media reports that the Commission has allocated the lands to Lloyd Singh, principal of International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), who is also said to be a close supporter of the Coalition Government.

However, Dow yesterday said that nothing is formalised as yet, as a new board will have to inform the new concessionaire officially.

In fact, there were no approvals for a concession for any “Lloyd Singh”.

The transaction had raised the ire of the Opposition who noted the nearness of general elections, scheduled to be held tomorrow.

It was reported that forest associations in Region Ten were also upset at not having an opportunity.

Dow explained that the Forest Act 2009 stipulated that prior to the issuance and or award of a State Forest Exploration Permit (SFEP), the Commission is mandated to advertise these areas and so inform the general public and invite interested persons to apply.

The SFEP in question was one of several concessions revoked from BaiShanLin, a locally registered company owned by Chinese, for various infractions under the Forests Act 2009.

BaiShanLin had secured this concession and a number of others, and had been harvesting logs and shipping them out by the containers without building a processing plant in Linden as it had committed to.

It ended up owing the government millions of dollars for taxes despite billions granted in tax breaks and duty free concessions.

The Coalition Government had moved in amid growing concerns over BaiShanLin. According to Dow, since the revocation, this and other similar areas have been held in abeyance by the Commission until a comprehensive plan was prepared and recommended by the then Commissioner of Forests, James Singh.

It appeared that attempts were made to illegally mine and log in the concessions which lie between Region Ten

and Region One. “This fact among other reasons was proffered as to why the lands in question should be re-advertised for reallocation. The recommendations were considered and approved by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Board in 2019.

GFC, facing cash issues, decided to advertise the concession in according to the law.

“The GFC’s records would clearly show that only one applicant applied for the said area and that no application was received by a Lloyd Singh.

“It should be noted that notwithstanding the fact that the GFC has not formally or otherwise communicated any award of any of the advertised concessions to any of the applicants, the methodology employed can withstand any scrutiny as it complied with GFC laws, rules and policies for the allocation of SFEPs and State Forest Authorizations (SFAs).”

Under the law, because of their size, SFEPs, as in this case of the 164,000 acres (the same size as previously issued to BaiShanLin) require that no holder can undertake any harvesting or other similar operations within the said concession without first completing an Environmental Impact Assessment (ESIA), a business plan and an inventory.

“It should be noted that the cost of the SFEP application is a non- refundable fee of US$20,000 or $4M. In addition to the application fee a further financial investment, usually a minimum of $30M, is required to execute the ESIA and the other requirements.

Notwithstanding the sums aforementioned, an

Former GFC Chair, Jocelyn Dow SFEP is only granted for a In fact, the Commission maximum period of the years advertised three SFEPs and and a new board will have only received four applicaevery opportunity to scrutin- tions for the areas. ise the performance of all Ms. Dow said that none a p p l i c a n t s a n d s a t i s f y of the applicants belonged to themselves that they have any association and or complied with all the legal groups from Region Ten or and other requirements be- elsewhere. fore granting them permis“In addition to the three sion over the area on a long- SFEPS, two former term basis,” Dow stressed.

BaiShanLin areas were subShe said that one applica- divided into 11 small concestion was received for the sions as recommended. area under consideration These were also advertised. and the applicant satisfied “The GFC received a numall requirements stipulated ber of applications from asunder the law, including sociations and other small one which was never pre- loggers for these other areas. viously required by the For the record, no association GFC - offering the GFC a pre- and or any small loggers from mium bid for the ability to ac- Region Ten or else applied for cess the area to carry out the any of the SFEPs.” said ESIA, inventory and busiThe former Chair said that ness plan. the law further mandates the “Therefore, in addition to GFC to keep records of such the non-refundable applica- applications and anyone can tion fee, the costs associated write requesting information with the ESIA, inventory and on any matter, which does not business plan, the applicant fall within the realm of confiwas further required to offer dentiality. The GFC is manto the GFC a premium bid dated to provide the informabased on the GFC’s assess- tion. ment of the current commer“To demonstrate the cial value of the standing trees GFC’s confidence in the prowhich the GFC must receive cess and to ensure that the in full before the applicant is said process and intended allowed access to the area.” awards were fairly, transpar-

No application from Lloyd Singh: Businessman, Lloyd Singh ently and legally done, the GFC urges all interested persons to request the information relating to those vacant areas as advertised so that they can satisfy themselves of the integrity of the process.”

Dow made it clear that the GFC has not communicated any award of any vacant area to any applicant and “it should again be stated unequivocally that no application was received for any SFEP in the name of Lloyd Singh.

“While I personally believe in the freedom of the press and the obligation for

full transparency by boards, I am disappointed that a newspaper that describes itself as a responsible member of the press should without any attempt at verification, headline incorrect information that it could easily have checked if it had any passing interest in the truth.”

She also pointed out that the Board, which she chaired to date has repossessed and approved a number of concessions.

The awardees, in this instance, have not been informed to date and a new Board will have the opportunity to scrutinise the process, and the staff of the Commission led by the acting Commissioner will be there to defend the process.

“All members of this current Board would, I am sure, make themselves available for the ongoing work of the GFC. “Finally, our staff have done commendable work in the face of the well-known financial constraints that they have endured and should be praised for their commitment to the GFC and by extension to the patrimony of all Guyanese.”

Dow said she is endorsing the work of the technical committee that reviewed the some 100-odd applications even though they are subject to false and unjustified criticisms.

PAGE 76

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 77

Kaieteur News

DaSilva leads Red Force fightback after Cornwall ‘five-fer’ BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Joshua DaSilva was propping up Trinidad and Tobago Red Force following another batting collapse, as their sixth round encounter against Leeward Islands Hurricanes headed for an intriguing finish today’s final day.

At the close of the penultimate day at Warner Park, Red Force were struggling on 94 for six in their second innings – a lead of only 130 runs – after Test offspinner Rahkeem Cornwall threatened to destroy the innings with a lethal spell of five for 29.

DaSilva was unbeaten on 45, an innings that has so far

consumed 80 balls and nearly 1-¾ hours and included five fours and a six.

With Red Force in dire straits on 28 for five, DaSilva combined with Imran Khan (29) to put on an invaluable 53 for the sixth wicket.

Khan struck three fours in a 54-ball knock before succumbing in the fifth over before the close, which was taken early due to showers.

Hurricanes had earlier been dismissed for 251 to concede a first innings lead of 36, after resuming from their overnight 147 for five.

Left-hander Amir Jangoo, unbeaten on 72 overnight, fell for 90 while the tail wagged through Nino Henry’s 34 and

Jeremiah Louis’s 29.

Trinidadian Jangoo faced 238 balls in nearly five hours at the crease and struck eight fours and two sixes while Henry’s knock was a breezy one, containing five fours and a six and coming from 54 balls.

Crucially, Jangoo extended his sixth wicket stand with Jaison Peters (21) to 63 before he was the last of three wickets to fall for 31 runs, holing out to mid-on off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (2-52) at 193 for eight.

Henry and Louis then frustrated Red Force in a 53run, ninth wicket stand before leg-spinner Imran Khan claimed both to finish with four for 67.

Sunday March 01, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Juggling work and home may seem difficult today, Aries. Work responsibilities may weigh on your mind to the point where they interfere with the harmony of your home life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) - You may want to take a day off from your obligations, Libra, perhaps to take care of unfinished creative projects.

Chances are this may not be possible.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you might decide to sequester yourself at home, catch your breath, get your thoughts together, and recall the events of the past several days.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may reminisce today, Scorpio. Perhaps you're thinking about friends and family who live far away. You could feel a bit nostalgic, not to mention blue, thinking about times long past.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may be worried about your financial situation today, Gemini. You might feel a tug at your purse strings. If you've experienced a delay in receiving some funds you were expecting, this may add to your concern.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Money matters might be a bit tangled today. There may be an unexpected delay in receiving funds due you.

Your bank statement may have you confused.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unexpected event might cause you to be temporarily separated from your partner today. Confusion about the incident and your mate's role in it might plague you.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may need reassurance today. Trouble with friends or a romantic partner may have you feeling unloved, insecure, and emotionally blocked.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might have a sore throat and mild cold symptoms today.

It may affect your ability to work.

Chances are that you're an active person. Having to slow down to tend to your health may frustrate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may feel a little under the weather today, Aquarius.

You may even develop sniffles or a sore throat. If so, consider going to the doctor.

This can be an especially unwelcome development, as it keeps you from certain activities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Spend some quality time with your partner today. Perhaps he or she is a little jealous of your friends or feeling left out. Perhaps you've received invitations lately that are just for you. It might be a good idea to turn one down in favor of being with your partner.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might feel lonely and insecure due to lack of contact with a close friend or romantic partner, Pisces. You might wonder if the person has forgotten you or simply doesn't care anymore. Take the time to try to connect with this person.

Armed with a slender lead, Red Force were quickly undermined by Cornwall who removed Jeremy Solozano (5), captain Yannick Ottley (5) and Isaiah Rajah (7) all courtesy of lbw decisions, as the innings slumped to 19 for three.

Cornwall then grabbed two wickets in one over with Red Force on 28, having Khary Pierre caught at short leg by Jangoo for three and then removing Jason Mohammed first ball to a catch at slip by Terrance Warde.

Scores: T&T RED FORCE 287 (Terrance Hinds 89 not out, Isaiah Rajah 41, Joshua DaSilva 37, Khary Pierre 35, Jason Mohammed 30; Jeremiah Louis 3-62, Nino Henry 2-43) and 94 for six (Joshua DaSilva 45 not out,

GSSF successfully...

From page 78 assisted in one way or the other for 2019: The Honourable Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security, Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones, National Sports Commission, Chief of Staff, Brig. Patrick West, Guyana Defence Force, Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Infotrans Guyana Inc, Neutrino Inc., Mr. Julius Simon, Commissioner General Mr. Godfrey Statia, the Guyana Revenue Authority, Mr. Hakeem Mohamed, Mr. Mohamed Qualander and Ms. SaudiaQualander of Queensway. Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James, Dr. Bhiro Harry, GPF OC TSU Mr. Guy Nurse, Queensway Security Service Inc., Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan, El Dorado Trading, Mr. Bish Panday and Mr. Vikash Panday.

Directors of P&P Insurance and Consultants Ltd., Mr. Harryram Parmesar, Parmesar Accounting Firm, Mr. Kevin Daby, the Management and staff of Grand Coastal Inn Inc., Mr. Andrew Phang, International Technical Supplies (Guyana) Limited, Drs. Pravesh Harry and Kevin Jodah, Board of Directors of DIG Inc. Dental Imports Guyana Inc., Mr. Brian Backer, Board of Directors of Orinduik Development Inc., Aleemul Ali Fabrication Company, Mrs. Luana Fernandes and the Management and staff of Woodpecker Products, Mr. Bashair Mohamed, Mrs. Vimala Mohamed and Mr. Rameez Mohamed and the Management and Staff of B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Caterer, Taste of Home, Match Committees, The Media, The G.S.S.F. Members and the Board of the G.S.S.F.

Imran Khan 29; Rahkeem Cornwall 5-29).

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 251 (Amir Jangoo 90, Nino Henry 34, Jeremiah Louis 29; Imran Khan 4-67, Uthman Muhammad 2-51).

In the other match: BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Windward Islands Volcanoes, sent 399 for victory by Barbados Pride, were 73 for three at the close on the penultimate day of their sixth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Kensington Oval here yesterday.

Scores: BARBADOS PRIDE 417 (Kyle Mayers 140, Kevin Stoute 46, Kemar Roach 41, Justin Greaves 38, Shayne Moseley 36, Shamarh Brooks 33; Josh Thomas 3-83, Ryan John 3-107) and 239 for four decl. (Kyle Mayers 62 not out, Shayne Moseley 60, Justin Greaves 53 not out, Kraigg Brathwaite 49; Kavem Hodge 2-44).

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 258 (Kavem Hodge 53, Andre Fletcher 52, Preston McSween 47; Chemar Holder 5-73) and 73 for three (Roland Cato 22; Kemar Roach 2-21).

PAGE 78

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

5th Annual Fitroy Weever Junior Memorial Football C/Ship staged

St. Gabriel’s Football Team Youth Group, an avid Promoter of Guinness’ Football in the Streets and a mentor for the many Pee-Wee Football Clubs in Beterverwagting/Triumph.

The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation has been hosting an Annual Pee Wee Football Competition for the youths of Beterverwagting in honour of the life of Mr. Weever.

The 5th Annual Competition was coordinated by Veteran Football Coach, Mr. Bill Wilson and completed as an Under 14 Knock-Out Competition, with 8 teams participating in 16 games. There were 6 teams from Beterverwagting and 2 teams from New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The final game of the tournament was contested by the St. Michael’s Anglican Football Team of New Amsterdam and the defending champions of the competition; the Gulf Warriors of Beterverwagting.

In the second half of the final game St. Michael’s scored 2 goals against Beterverwagting’s Gulf Warriors, ending the competition

at 2-0, to become the champions of the 5th Annual Memorial Football Competition. The St. Gabriel’s Anglican Football Team also of New Amsterdam won a nail-biting semi-finals game against the Paris Team of Beterverwagting with a score of 1-0 at sudden death, earning them the third-place spot in the competition.

The most goals scored in the competition were contributed by Jacob Miller of the St. Michael’s Anglican Football Team. Miller scored 5 goals, while Omari Alfred also of the St. Michael’s Team was adjudged the Most Valuable Player with a total of 4 outstanding goals.

Mr. Vurlon Mills; national footballer, Technical Development Officer of the Guyana Football Federation and coordinator of the Vernon Mills Academy gave the opening remarks and donated a special prize during the opening

NO. 51 through to finals of UCCA Inter Primary school cricket competition

The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA), Price Is Right Supermarket T20 cricket Competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne and Black Bush Areas began last Sunday with a number of matches.

The competition is being played on a knock out basis.

Results of matches played saw No.73 Young Warriors defeating No. 52 Survival by 7 wickets. No 52 Survivors 86 with J. King 23 and B. Tulsie 20. Bowling for 73 Young Warriors Lakeram Latchman and B. Bisnauth took 3 wickets each. They replied with 86-7 with Latchman making 33. The wicket takers for the losers were R. Rampertab with 3 and S. Mohan 2.

In their game, No. 72 Cut and Load destroyed Crabwood Creek Bomb Squad by 10 wickets after riddling out the Bomb Squad for 85. The main destroyers for Cut and Load were Ritchie Persaud with 4, while T. Shivamber and N. Alli took 2

The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation held its 5th Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football Competition on Saturday, 22nd February last in the St. Mary’s the Virgin Church Compound, Beterverwagting, East Coast, Demerara.

The Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation was established in 2016 to memorialise the life and continue the contributions of Mr. Fitzroy Augustus Weever Junior of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Mr. Weever, Jr. was an Assistant Dean and Lecturer in the Technology Faculty of the University of Guyana, the Convener for the Building and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Programme at the Caribbean Examination Council, the recipient of the GT&T Beterverwagting/Triumph Community Award in 2004 for outstanding performance at the University of Guyana, one of the Best-Graduating Science Students at the 1999 Caribbean Examination Council, the President of the St. Mary’s the Virgin Church

NO. 51 Primary has made it through to the finals of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Inter Primary school cricket competition after their opponents No56 Primary and No48 Primary failed to show up for their encounter in the latest round in group three.

No51 Primary will now join Crabwood Creek Primary and No71 Primary in the final which will be played at the No69 ground.

The schools were divided into three groups or clusters. Group one comprised of Crabwood Creek, Skeldon and Corriverton Primaries; group two No71, No68, New Market (64) and No59 Primaries, while group three was made up of No56, No51 and No48 Primaries. The

Upper Corentyne area organises cricket from the Crabwood Creek to No43 areas including Black Bush Polder.

At the end of the competition the winning and runner up schools will be presented with trophies compliments of the UCCA. The schools will also be presented with gift vouchers. These vouchers will go to the players to purchase stationary and school supplies of their choice from a popular the Store on the Upper Corentyne. The players will also receive school materials.

The competition is being coordinated by chairman of the UCCA Competitions committee, former national wicketkeeper batsman Sydney Jackman.

The Gulf Warriors of Beterverwagting ceremony of the competition.

Mr. Mills encouraged the youth footballers to have the right attitude; a winning attitude, one of comradery and good sportsmanship.

Mr. Mills reminded the footballers that the rules of the game are sacred and respect for every player and official on the field is necessary to ensure the development of the sport and their talent.

The Founder of the Fitzroy Weever Foundation, Ms. Stacey Weever who is an Attorney and Oil, Gas & Mining Consultant by profession, hailed the competition a resounding success.

Ms. Weever emphasized that the patrons and participants from the East Coast of Demerara and Rosignol-

Berbice were treated to a wonderful day of football, refreshments and prizes.

Ms. Weever further reiterated that Fitzroy Weever Junior Foundation provided 57 ‘spanking’ new football uniforms and 60 medals inclusive of 7 gold medals, 7 silver medals, 7 bronze medals, 1 medal for the Most-Valuable Player Medal, 1 medal and a monetary prize for the footballer scoring the most goals, 1 medal for the Most Impressive Goal Scorer and 39 medals of participation.

Ms. Weever and Mr. Bill Wilson thanked the Reverend Father Carl Peters and the Guyana Anglican Diocese for providing a venue for the event over the years and lauded the generous support of the sponsors and contribu-

tors of the competition, during the closing ceremony of the championship.

The duo urged patrons and the private sector to become actively involved in youth development as past participants of the competition were now members of Guyana’s National Under20 football team and were actively preparing for another CONCACAF qualifying game in Nicaragua, Central America.

Guyana’s Under 20 team won their qualifying match on February 23rd, 2-0 with one of the goals being scored by Beterverwagting’s Omari Glasgow. Omari Glasgow led his team to 3 consecutive championships in the Annual Fitzroy Weever Junior Memorial Football Competition.

UCCA Price Is Right T20 Cricket competition begins with a number of matches each. Cut and Load in reply sped to 86-0 with R. Persaud 39(3x4, 4x6) and R. Semora 35 Not out.

No.72 All Star defeated Crabwood Creek All Family by 6 wickets in their match. All family made 82-7 with Z. Mohammed 23.

Bowling for All Stars P. Gobin and P. Chattergoon took 2 wickets each. In reply All Family reached 86-4 With T. Chatterpaul 24, while Y. Somdat, P. Chatterpaul and A. Harrichand made 22 each.

No.64 Fighting Marines defeated No. 77 Cricket Club by 132 runs after scoring 2124 in 20 overs. Davendra Budhoo top scored with 98 (7x4, 5x6), Ranga Subhan 67(8x4, 3x6) No77 in reply were dismissed for 80 as Subhan took 3 wickets and V. Sugrim 2.

In their game No 69 Vikings won from Yakusari Caribs by 8 wickets. Caribs were routed for 81-8 with R. Lalu and A. Ayana making 21 each.

Deen Ramdit picked up 3 wickets while, V. Gonia and R. Balram took 2 each bowling for 69 Vikings who in reply made 82-2 in 12 with Ramdass making 44.

Crabwood Creek Sports Club shut out Darkendz by 9 wickets in their encounter bowling them out for 80.

Bowling for CWC Sports Club Lakeram Tomasai 4 and Y. Harilall 3 led the way. CWC Sports Club raced to 81-1 with Naresh Deo 57 (2x4, 8x6).

There was a win for Dukestown Warriors against No.48 Challengers by 5 wickets. No 48 made 129 with Totoram 42, M. Lalu 40 and Balram Samaroo 21. Bowling for the Dukestown Warriors J. Reid took 3 wickets as they replied with 133-5 in 19 overs.

Balram Persaud took 2 wickets bowling for the Challengers.

No.70 Spartans defeated Yakusari Horizon by 100 runs.

Spartans made 149-4 in 10 with T. Ramjohn 37, Omesh Mathura 29, and T. Ramoutar and A. Persaud 26.

T. Ramsundar took 2 wickets bowling for Horizon who ended on 49-7 with V. Parsram 33. Mathura picked up 4 wickets for the Spartans.

No.68 Turn Team defeated No. 70 MYO by 71 runs after making 205-5 in 20 overs with T. Persaud 79 not out (6x4, 7x6) J. Hoauisiee 58 (4x4, 4x6) and T. Persaud 23.

Bowling for No 70 MYO Alim Khan took 2 wickets who replied with 134 with M. Khan making 26. Bowling for No 68 Turn Team Hoauisiee picked up 3 wickets.

The competition continues today with a number of matches.

Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams as well as outstanding individual performers.

The UCCA is being led by businessman Dennis D’Andrade. The competition is being coordinated by The UCCA competitions committee which is led by former National wicketkeeper batsman Sydney Jackman.

(Samuel Whyte)

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 79

Kaieteur News

Bel Air Rubis Service Station’s U-17 Inter-County 50-over cricket

Dindyal, Kissoon spearhead Demerara to title

By Sean Devers In sunny conditions at Bourda, Demerara beat Essequibo by 34 runs to dethrone Berbice in the final round of the Bel Air Rubis Service Station’s U-17 InterCounty 50-over cricket tournament yesterday, while Berbice finished second by defeating the National U-15s by eight wickets at Everest.

Man-of-the-Match West Indies U-16 batsman Mavindra Dindyal followed up scores of 12 and 50 not out with 40 from 45 balls with four fours and a six, but opener Ajay Gainda who was run for 20 was the only other batsman to reach 20 as Demerara were bowled out for 168 in 41.1 overs.

Jaden Campbell (18) and Anthony Khan, Nicholas Rajpat and Rudranauth Kissoon with 15 each and Zachary Jodah with 12 were the other batsmen to reach double figures, while extras contributed 25 to a disappointing total.

Skipper Aryan Persaud had 3-27 and Ryan Atkinson 3-33 were the leading wicket takers for Essequibo who were dismissed for 134 in 45.1

Chairman of selectors Nazimul Drupaul presents the MOM trophy to Mavindra Dindyal. overs despite a cameo 30-ball 34 with four sixes from the big hitting Renaldo Scouten.

Nicko Vincent (18), Quintin Sampson (16), Jarred Allicock (12) and Abdul Nadir (10) were the only others to reach double figures as Essequibo who were bundled out for 134 in 45.1 overs. Offspinner Kissoon picked up 425 and got support from Alvin Mohabir who followed-up his

five wicket haul in the last round with 2-19.

Earlier, Demerara won the toss, and on a slow track and fairly fast outfield, a small gathering saw Gainda and Khan put together 30 for the first wicket before Khan was bowled by Romel Hubbard.

Campbell, one of seven batsmen to score fifties in this tournament, joined Gainda and the pair saw the 50

Concacaf Nations League

‘Golden Jaguars‘ preparations on target; a total of 13 U-20 players added to training squad

By Franklin Wilson The senior ‘Golden Jaguars’ preparations for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup tworound qualifier against Barbados on March 26th and 31st in the Land of the Flying Fish and here, are going as scheduled as the time winds down.

Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Team (SMNT) Márcio Máximo shared yesterday that he is satisfied with the progress of the players, informing that an additional seven (7) U20 players have now joined the six U20s who were part of the programme before, taking the total to 13 which would be permanent.

The Guyanese, by virtue of ending second in Group C of the 2019-2020 Concacaf Nations League (League B) behind group winners Jamaica will play a two-round qualifier in a direct elimination format against the League C (Group A) winners, Barbados as they bid to make back to back appearances at the Concacaf Gold Cup; the 15th

edition set to take place in 2021.

With just eight (8) international players now being the quota for the team, a huge cut from the past where as many as eighteen (18) were selected, Máximo reiterated the fact that it is vital for the local programme to be solid and consistent which would form the foundation for Guyana to soar at the Caribbean and international levels in a few years time.

“I think this is a good change, everything should be gradual because players can’t develop in one month you need regular training.

Now you have the senior team programme that would give continuation to our youth programme as developed by Technical Director Ian greenwood three years ago.”

Commenting on yesterday’s session at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Máximo said that he is impressed with the level of commitment being shown

by the players who are early for the sessions and always present.

“It is really good to see everyone fully committed which is important. The passion is also good for us as well as the intensity which is vital because the game is also intense. If you do not have intensity in the training in the game you’ll be sailing.

The physical, tactical and mental preparedness are all important aspects for us as you have to be strong until the last minute.”

The team trains five (5) times each week including a session on the Beach which focus on strength and power development which is run by Coach Wilson Toledo.

“This is very important as well because Coach Wilson gives me good support and he works with all the national teams not only as physical coach but assists otherwise.

So he is like a link between all the teams and I think it’s a good idea from the GFF. I am very happy with the progress.”

posted before Hubert struck again when he had Campbell caught and bowled at 51-2.

The elegant Dindyal joined Gainda, who was looking set for a big score before he was run out at 92-3

but Dindyal continued to bat fluently. But with the score on 120 and Dindyal 10 short of consecutive fifties, the right hander looked to work Atkinson off his legs and was caught and bowled.

Nicholas Rajpat was removed by Aryan Persaud at 134-5 before Jodah fell to Atkinson at 142-6.

But three wickets tumbled for five runs before Jadesh Datterdeen was LBW to give Persaud his third victim to end the innings.

When Essequibo began their reply they quickly lost Hubbard (1) off Thaddeus Lovell at 10-1 and never recovered despite the big hitting of the left-handed Scouten who hit one of his sixes on the roof of the Rohan Kanhai stand.

Persaud showed good technique but took 46 balls for his seven before he was run out at 54-4 just when his stand with Scouten was looking threatening.

Scouten was bowled by Mohabir and although Vincent and Sampson offered fight Kissoon and Mohabir wrapped up the game.

At Everest, the U-15s were bowled out for 97 as Nicholas Sheopersaud top scored with 27.

Leon Cecil took 6-14, only the second five-wicket in the tournament, while Johnathon Rampersaud supported with 3-23 for Berbice who raced to 98-2 in 21.4 overs.

Mahendra Gopilall hit eight boundaries in his 53ball 54, while Hemindra Gordyal faced 54 balls in his unbeaten 30 and reached the ropes four times.

At the presentation, Bel Air Rubis Service Station’s representative Rohan Mangru said Bel Air Rubis was pleased to be associated with the GCB and mentioned that the sponsors would seriously look at the possibilities’ of sponsoring next year’s tournament.

Permaul powers Jaguars to three-day win FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, CMC – Veteran leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul wrecked Jamaica Scorpions with a career-best 15-wicket match haul, as Guyana Jaguars pulled off a seven-wicket victory inside three days here yesterday.

On a dramatic day at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium when 16 wickets clattered, the 30-year-old Permaul finished with 15 for 77 to propel Jaguars to their third win in six matches in the Regional Four-Day Championship.

No such finish was envisaged when rain wiped out nearly the entire morning session, allowing just two overs.

After lunch, fast bowler Marquino Mindley (3-68) snatched two of the last three Jaguars wickets to fall for 17 runs as the visitors were bowled out for 304 after resuming the morning on 387 for seven.

However, Permaul then scythed through the Scorpions second innings to claim a career-best innings haul of eight for 18, to spectacularly topple the hosts for a meagre 111 in quick time.

Again, there was no hint of the carnage to come when captain John Campbell blasted 66 off 77 deliveries in an opening stand of 75 with Alwyn Williams (18).

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul.

But once Permaul bowled Williams, the floodgates opened and Scorpions stunningly lost 10 wickets for 36 runs.

Set 24 for victory late in the day, off-spinner Jamie Merchant claimed three for eight to take some of the shine off Jaguars’ win before they eventually stumbled home.

Left-hander Campbell, on the hunt for form following a string of low scores, dominated the Jaguars bowling with six fours as Scorpions looked to erase their first innings deficit of 88 runs.

The turning point came, however, when Williams missed a swing at Permaul’s second delivery and lost his leg stump and with 10 runs added, Jermaine Blackwood (6) holed out to long on off Permaul.

Off the very next delivery, left-hander Paul Palmer

missed a defensive stroke and was bowled first ball by Permaul and when Campbell edged a drive at the same bowler and was caught by captain Leon Johnson moving low to his left at first slip, Scorpions were reeling on 94 for four at tea.

Permaul then continued his dismantling of the Scorpions innings after tea as the last six wickets went down for 17 runs.

Scores: JAMAICA SCORPIONS 216 (Jermaine Blackwood 59, Dennis Smith 23; Veerasammy Permaul 759) and 111 (John Campbell 66; Veerasammy Permaul 818).

GUYANA JAGUARS 304 (Vishaul Singh 93, Chandrapaul Hemraj 83, Leon Johnson 35, Kevin Sinclair 29; Marquino Mindley 3-68, Dennis Bulli 3-84) and 24 for three (Jamie Merchant 3-8).

PAGE 80

Sunday March 01, 2020

Kaieteur News

Milo Schools’ football tournament

St. Joseph and Annandale register latest wins Match day one of the second round of group matches in the eighth annual Milo schools’ football tournament kicked off yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue where Annandale Secondary were the most dominant on the day, while St. Joseph High picked up three points and Lodge Secondary had to settle for a draw.

The East Coast lads; Annandale, thumped East Ruimveldt Secondary 10-2, led by a hat-trick from Skipper Omari Glasgow; fresh from duties with the National under-20 football side in Nicaragua where the junior lads performed creditably.

The match was closed up to the 18th minute when Ezekiel Waldron equalised for East following Glasgow’s opener two minutes earlier.

Henceforth it was all Annandale, despite a 35th minute strike from Jaliem Cox for East that pegged the score at 3-2.

Jerome Harrigan and Tyrice Dennis each netted braces, while Rickey Deputron, Colin Henriques and Tiquan Taylor each added one goal.

St. Joseph’s High picked up a win and a valuable three points following a 2-1 win over South Ruimveldt in the opening match of the day.

Kahlil Gittens and Jaleim Cox each netted one goal for the

Play between Lodge Secondary (possession) and Caramel Secondary. winners in the 36th and 43rd minutes, respectively, while Godfrey Weekes banged in the equalizer in the 46th minute of the clash.

The feature match of the day saw 2019 losing finalists Lodge Secondary come back from a 2-0 deficit to draw 2-2 with Caramel Secondary that would’ve been disappointed that they couldn’t hold on for the win after Lonsdale Amsterdam fired them ahead in the 42nd minute before doubling his side’s lead in the 50th minute.

However, Lodge were urged on by their coach Leon Babb and they showed how their fighting spiriting to claw back for a draw.

Asafo Jackson found the back of the net in the 52nd minute, while Curt Edwards fired the equaliser in the 65th minute of the encounter.

The 2020 Milo schools’ under-18 football tournament is sponsored by Beepats and coordinated by Petra Organisation and continues today with three more matches.

The competing schools are Bishops’ High, South Ruimveldt, New Central, Cummings Lodge, Carmel, Golden Grove, St. Stanislaus

College, Christ Church, St. John’s College, Marian Academy, Charlestown, East Ruimveldt, St. Joseph, Canje, C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r, Annandale, President’s College, Golden Grove, Ann’s Grove, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Friendship.

The first prize of $400,000 will go towards a school project, while the second, third and fourth-placed sides will pocket $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively towards a school initiative.

(Calvin Chapman)

UG win FBF - NSC, AL Sport Windball Cricket tourney

Action between Annandale Secondary and East Ruimveldt (defence)

Tyrell, Singh, Jeffers lead Mahdia to consecutive victories

Members of the victorious Mahdia team collecting their hardware.

Host Mahdia recorded consecutive victories against Micobie when the teams collided recently in two T10 softball matches organised by the home team as part of their Republic Day celebrations.

Mahdia defeated Micobie by 70 runs in their first encounter. Batting first, Mahdia posted 153-2. Paul Tyrell and Rajkumar Singh added 150 for the opening stand with Tyrell striking two fours and seven sixes in a top

score of 68, while Rajkumar Singh made 62 with five fours and five sixes.

Micobie were bowled out for 83 in response. Vishnu and Randy (only names provided) made 35 and 29 respectively with the former hitting five sixes and the latter three sixes. The pair kept their team in the hunt with a third wicket stand of 44, but following their separation, the rest of the batting went downhill as Mark Jeffers picked up 3-18 and Tyrell 2-

28.

In the second encounter, Mahdia triumphed by 130 runs. Led by a century opening stand from Jeffers and Singh, the host posted 187-1, taking first strike. Singh hammered nine fours and six sixes in a top score of 87 not out while Jeffers, who reached his fifty off 12 balls, clobbered three fours and 10 sixes in a robust 74. Micobie were sent packing for 57 in response. Tyrell grabbed 3-1 and N. Bobb 2-17.

UG Captain receiving trophy from Vincent Alexander, Chairman of the FBF and AL Sport official R. Gordon.

The University of Guyana (UG) Girls won the National Sports Commission (NSC), Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF), AL Sport & Tour Promotions “Hit It For 50” Schools Wi n d b a l l Cricket tournament organised by Sports Officer A. Munroe.

The University of Guyana girls won the round-robin tournament winning all five matches.

In their final game, UG

batted first and scored 146-0, with Keisha Fraser hitting 87 (6s-10), with MVP Akaze Thompson 42.

Camille’s Academy their turn in the middle were restricted to 105-1, Shoalin Raghoo scoring 52 and Tamika Simon 30.

Cummings Lodge Secondary made 74-2, Erica Mentore 38; Camille’s Academy replied with 762, Tamika Simon 34.

In the Boys segment - The

New Central High rattled up 89-4, Deonarine Tiwari 32; Ezekiel Wilson took 3-14 as The Business School responded with 92-0, Jeffrey Blair 62 to win.

The New Central High made 91-1, Deonarine Tiwari 60; Cummings Lodge Secondary replied with 95-2, Josh Alves 58 to win.

Meanwhile, the tournament is set to resume on Wednesday, March 4, with the Knock-out stage.

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 81

Kidz Korner recreational Park reopens at Esplanade Park, New Amsterdam A Kidz Korner which has been dormant for a number of years was reopened at the Esplanade Recreational Park, New Amsterdam.

The multimillion dollars facility was officially opened in the presence of Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman. It is fitted with see saws, monkey ladders, slides, swingers, jungle gym and trampoline among other equipment.

Also present were acting M a y o r Wa i n w r i g h t McIntosh, Municipal

Councilors Olga Stephens, Sheantta Lambert and Quacy Isaacs.

Minister Trotman addressing the gathering which included scores of school aged children, said despite setbacks the refurbishing began in 2018 with landscaping and landfilling.

Contributors include Youths in Natural Resources who donated $1.7M. Over $700,000 was expended on the washroom facility and a cost of $104,000 for the fence and crusher run.

The facility was painted; a lighted sign board was affixed, while a security gate and a jungle gym were put in place.

Meanwhile, Deputy M a y o r Wa i n w r i g h t McIntosh, read a prepared speech by Her Worship, Mayor Winifred Haywood.

“After a long period of depression, rejection and despondency, we, at the council stand committed and resolute. We will ensure that these facilities are used and maintained in an effective and efficient manner, so that

Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the Kidz Korner at the Esplanade Park.

our kids can benefit in a great and rewarding way.”

“The enhancing of this area is timely for our youngsters, who would have forgotten how to play with each other, how to socialize, how to play hopscotch,” the Mayor noted in her speach.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission along with the Ministry of Natural Resources also supported the venture.

Recognition was also given to United States based Berbician, Ms Carol Bagot Trim and her family for their sterling contribution to the park. (Samuel Whyte)

Acting Mayor Wainwright McIntosh speaks at the commissioning ceremony.

PAGE 82

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

GSSF successfully hosts 2020 Annual General Meeting, Ryan McKinnon is President

The newly elected Board of Directors of the GSSF: From left: Mr. Imam Baksh, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Mr. David Dharry, Mr. Ryan McKinnon, Dr. Pravesh Harry, Mr. Dallas Thomas, Mr. Ray Beharry and Mr. Andrew Phang. (Missing from photo: Capt. Gary Sahai)

The 6thAnnual General Meeting of the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), was held at the Grand Costal Inn on Friday 2 8 t h F e b r u a r y, 2 0 2 0 .

Members were given the opportunity to discuss the activities and plans at the AGM. President of the GSSF, Ryan McKinnon delivered opening Remarks to the Meeting and renewed his commitment to safety in the sport and affirmed the f o u n d a t i o n ’s s h i f t t o community work as well as sports. He reflected on 2019 as being another good year and congratulated GSSF and thanked all members for the continued support in promoting sport shooting and expressed hope to continue to build the sport and focus on safety.

The Secretary of the Foundation, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon delivered a comprehensive Report on the 2019 activities of the GSSF including affiliation to local and international bodies. She also touched on key topics such as general firearm safety, increased membership growth, continuous monthly training courses, the various sport shooting disciplines currently encompassed, donations made, general outreach to supporting agencies, shooting range access, support programmes and the ongoing development of the sport of shooting in Guyana.

The Report of the External Auditors along with the Financial Statement of the GSSF was presented by the Foundation’s Treasurer, Mr. Ray Beharry to the membership and this was

duly adopted at the AGM. The External Audit of the Financial Statement was duly conducted and issued by Auditor Mr. Harryram Parmesar from the Parmesar Audit Firm. Another significant aspect of the AGM was the motions which totaled two which were unanimously carried.

The Returning Officer appointed, Capt. Roul Bhudu, duly declared the board and positions therein vacant and commenced elections for a new Board of Directors of the GSSF. Following the transparent electoral process, the members listed below were duly elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation for the term 2020 to 2022 as announced and ratified by the Returning Officer, Capt. Bhudu.

Members of the Board of Directors for the period 2020-2022 are: President Mr. Ryan McKinnon Vice-President Mr. David Dharry Secretary M r s .

Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon Treasurer Mr. Ray Beharry Assistant Secretary and Treasurer M r .

Andrew Phang Chairman (Steel Challenge) Mr. Dallas Thomas Chairman (Practical Shooting) Mr. Imam Baksh C h a i r m a n (Trapshooting) D r .

Pravesh Harry Internal Auditor Capt. Gary Sahai Thanks were expressed to the following persons who (Continued on page 73)

Kaieteur News

Sunday March 01, 2020

PAGE 83

Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship

Coach Joseph proud of his charges as they take on Cayman Islands tonight

By Franklin Wilson

H

ead Coach of the N a t i o n a l Wo m e n ’ s Under-20 Team currently competing at the Concacaf Wo m e n ’s U n d e r - 2 0 Championship in the Dominican Republic, Ivan Joseph has expressed satisfaction with the efforts of his charges as they continue to blaze the historical trail.

The ‘Lady Jags’, having advanced from the group stage of the championship as the second best team behind Mexico, will take on the Cayman Islands in their round-of-16 match tonight from 19:00hrs Guyana time and Coach Joseph, despite not having the services of two of his main players, believes that it gives the other players the opportunity to shine. Kiana Khedoo and Jessica Myers will not be playing.

“The women have put a lot of work into playing and

preparing for this match.

What everybody is looking as a weekend or couple of weeks of tournament, we’ve been nine or ten months in preparation for this. We’re not just content in making an appearance here; we really believed that we can legitimately get out of pool play and we can win the first round.

You don’t want to look to Haiti but we believe that the Cayman Islands team is a winnable game and if we play our best, good things will happen.”

The ladies have proven that they belong with wins against Nicaragua and Puerto Rico which saw them putting together six consecutive wins dating back to last year before they went down to Mexico.

Coach Joseph believes that the team is a competitive one, put together from far and wide and is has expressed kudos to all the players and coaching staff for their efforts and

sacrifices. He stated that it is now down to the players to execute the game plan as the coaching staff would have put in the work.

“I think anytime you get a chance to play for the world cup qualifiers it’s a good moment in the programmes history.

The progress we’ve made so far is a testament to the process and the administrative support and the infrastructure that both the federation has put in place as well as the grassroots programme. We can see the technical development of the Guyana based players.”

Joseph also shared that one of their goals once they arrived was getting out of the group and that they would have accomplished.

Quarter final play commenced yesterday with the Jamaica trouncing Bermuda 9-1, the USA and Canada romped to similar 60 wins over Saint Lucia and Cuba.

Head Coach Ivan Joseph (3rd left) with his Technical staff in the Dominican Republic.

rt Spo

Champions Demerara with GCB and Bel Air Rubis officials.

Bel Air Rubis Service Station’s U-17 Inter-County 50-over cricket

Dindyal, Kissoon spearhead Demerara to title

‘Golden Jaguars‘ preparations on target; a total of 13 U-20 players added to training squad

SMNT Head Coach Márcio Máximo and other Technical Staff observes his charges during the warm down session yesterday the the GFF National Training Facility.

Concacaf Women’s Under-20 C/Ship

Coach Joseph proud Permaul of his charges as they take powers Jaguars on Cayman Islands tonight to three-day win

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.