Monday March 25, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Upgrading archaic maritime laws, financial regime for oil sector to take centre stage at local conference The need to upgrade Guyana’s archaic maritime laws and policies for the booming oil sector is expected to take centre stage at a conference, which will be held on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel. The conference is being organized by the Maritime Administration of Guyana (MARAD) with the assistance of Hughes, Fields and Stoby. This event is intended to engage stakeholders from the maritime sector, particularly those in Oil and Gas on the need to establish a modern maritime regime for Guyana and the expanded mandate of MARAD. The event will feature International Maritime experts who will address two key areas of interest: The requirements for the establishment of a new maritime regime for the Oil and Gas sector consistent with current international best
practices; and the financial regime for the management and enforcement of the new laws and regulations for the oil and gas industry. The Speakers slated to make presentations for the event include: Vivian Rambarath-Parasram, Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago and director of MTCC Caribbean; Professor Eric Smith from the AB Freeman School of Business at Tulane University; Rear Admiral James Olsen, Retired Admiral of the US Coast Guard with responsibility for Alsaka; Colin Young, Regional Advisor of the Caribbean International Maritime Organization; and Thomas Steigwald, Petroleum Consultant. There will also be panel discussions after each presentation, which will provide a platform for interaction. The topics for the panel
discussions are: Legal and institutional considerations to enhance governance of Guyana’s maritime industry; Industry best practices among oil majors for self regulation; Lessons learnt; and New rules and regulations for enforcement. Speaking to the importance and timeliness of such a conference, organizers said, “An entirely new industry is coming to Guyana, which will be the primary engine of growth for the next two decades. This will engender an entirely new set of demands on our Maritime Resources. The current legal and regulatory framework will be required to rise to challenge of new classifications of maritime vessels like FPSO, new methodologies of assessing fees and dues for the operation of these vessels and the creation of an entirely new regime for the management and
While PPP moves to CCJ…
safety of our maritime regime.” The organizers noted as well that the current regulations, which were applicable to marine vessels as defined in the Shipping Act of 1998 are now not adequate or appropriate for the new era, which is upon Guyana. Fur-
ther to this, it was noted that the additional increase in maritime activity will severely challenge the current port and related facilities. They said that the issue of safety and efficiency will become major factors in the establishment of a new legal and regulatory regime.
MARAD and Hughes, Fields and Stoby said that while they are tasked with making Guyana a world class destination for investment in Oil and Gas, this requires an urgent, seamless transition to a modern effective and efficient legal and regulatory environment.
GECOM will push ahead with house-to-house registration for Relatives hope PM provides answers elections - Commissioner By Kiana Wilburg As the People Progressive Party (PPP) moves swiftly to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for a review of the Appellate Court’s ruling that its No-Confidence Motion was invalidly passed, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will continue preparations for elections. This was noted by GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander during a brief interview with Kaieteur News. The official said that house-to-house registration, which is part of its 2019 work programme will also continue. Alexander said, “As it is right now, we are doing what we planned to do which is preparing for house-to-house registration and it fits into two schemes. It is a part of what we planned to do in any circumstance and it is part of what we propose to do for elections as well...Preparations for elections will continue.” The GECOM Commissioner concluded that if things change, meaning, if the CCJ upholds the Appellate Court’s ruling, then GECOM may not continue all the preparations for elections this year. “But certainly, we will continue house-to-house,” expressed Alexander. Speaking to Kaieteur News on Saturday about the status of the government was
GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall. He said if the Caribbean Court of Justice rules against the Appeal Court, the APNU+AFC Government returns to its unconstitutional status. Nandlall, who is also the Opposition’s lead counsel, said it also means that the CCJ would have restored the validity of the No-Confidence Motion, the passage upon which requires the holding of General and Regional Elections. Because that threemonth period would have expired however, Nandlall contended that it would result in the government’s illegal status resuming. He added, “The effect of such a decision would mean that the motion was validly
passed on December 21 and the government was supposed to have held the elections within three months from that date.” Nandlall also reminded that the period to hold the elections expired on March 21, last. “...The framers of the Constitution say that three months is sufficient notice for GECOM to always be ready for an elections,” concluded Nandlall on this matter. While the PPP heads to the CCJ for a review of the Appellate Court’s decision, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has also said that the APNU+AFC Government can “hang around for while.” He stated that the outcome of the next General and Regional Elections will be inevitable. Jagdeo also vowed that calls will continue for early elections and that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should not pause or halt its preparations for elections in this regard. The Opposition Leader had said, “We will continue to call for early elections and there is a great possibility that this adverse ruling could be overturned at the CCJ and if it is overturned there and they (GECOM) are not prepared then that would mean further delays in conducting elections. We will continue to press for early elections preparations. If they (Government) prevail then we simply don’t have to go to elections.”
for pregnant woman’s sudden death
Relatives of 25 year old Theresa Henry of Good Fortuin, West Bank Demerara(WBD) are hoping that health officials provide a plausible explanation as it relates to the circumstances of her death. Henry died at the West Demerara Regional Hospital, (WDRH) on Tuesday last. She was being treated at the facility for pregnancy- related symptoms. Kaieteur News understands that the young woman was admitted to the hospital to be monitored for excessive vomiting and abdominal pain. Her mother, Sharon Davidson explained that her daughter “couldn’t eat solid food but only drank liquids. “So I decided to take her to the hospital last week to get saline because she was weak from the vomiting.” The woman said that her daughter had visited the WDRH during the previous week but she was treated and sent home. “Sometime in the week before, she went to the same hospital and the doctors gave her antibiotics to treat her for a throat infection that they said she had. When she went back this time, the doctor told her that she didn’t need the antibiotics because she didn’t have a throat infection. “This time, the doctor
gave her saline and two injections for the pain and vomiting. They ran some tests on her and recommended that she does an ultrasound because we knew she was pregnant but we didn’t know how far along she was,” Davidson said. She continued that the ultrasound revealed that her daughter was nine weeks pregnant. The woman said that the doctor subsequently told her that her daughter would need to stay in the hospital to be monitored. “After the doctor told me that she would be admitted, I spoke to her and told her that I was going home to get her things. She said that she understands and I left her,” added Davidson. The woman noted that besides the pregnancy symptoms, her daughter was healthy. “She never had any conditions or health issues before. Therefore, you can imagine my surprise when I hear that Theresa died. When I leave the hospital, she was talking good and everything. I wasn’t even gone for a proper hour just to come back and hear sorry your daughter didn’t make it. I was and I still am in shock,” the aggrieved mother added. She noted that the explanation given to her by the nurses leaves much to be desired.
Dead: Theresa Henry “All they said is that the doctor brought her up in the ward. She had a seizure and fell off the bed and died. The woman noted her daughter had never suffered from seizures before. “We can’t understand what happen because she does not suffer from seizures.” “They have not been telling us anything so we don’t know what to believe.” The dead woman’s spouse, Compton Mitchell also said that his wife had never suffered any seizures. “My wife was strong. I don’t understand what the nurse was telling me. The hospital isn’t telling us nothing…” In the meantime, the family is hoping that post mortem examination scheduled for today will provide them with some much needed closure.
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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
Cancer and treatments It is good to hear of the successful treatment of President Granger. All Guyanese should breathe a sigh of relief and give a word of thanks. No politics with serious sickness is a sign of maturity and humanity. There should be no sickness that comes along and passes by with the usual grinding, clashing divisions, which brings out a side that is best left buried. And, there ought to be no sickness for which treatments are out of reach. The President has the advantages of office; they were timely and handy at the most urgent of moments. Good! Quite a few ways less well-positioned citizens are not so advantaged. Cancer is a prime example in Guyana. It is a scourge of mean proportions: seemingly, no part of the anatomy is out of reach of hostile, toxic tentacles: from brain to breast to bowel, it is same frightening story. Numbingly, Guyanese learn the peculiar new language of carcinogens, metastasis, chemo cocktails, radiation, and hopefully remission. Wretched patients learn of stages, and the higher the number, the greater the probability of that one final fateful fall. And both frightened patients and bewildered families learn of one more stage, a series of them actually. That would be the financial stages of the treatment regimes associated with a chance of curing the arrival of this plague on so many Guyanese houses. The finances are not there; nor is there a far-flung network of facilities to address and combat what is still a largely statistically unrecognized health problem. Maybe even a grave health situation, all told. Nor is there that body of oncology specialists for patient leaning, confidence building, and disease fighting. For learning and sharing and expanding a pool of knowledge, too. There are a handful of dedicated professionals, who labour quietly and thanklessly. The odds are not favourable. Part of the problem is that those not equipped to deal with this particular disease do get adventurous at the expense of sick, weak, fearful victims. Treatment options are limited; treatment related finances powerfully prohibitive to those lacking anywhere near the means. This is the grimmest of developments in a thoroughly grim set of circumstances. Potential remedies may be there, but they just as well might not be, they are so far out of reach. Tests alone can run into the tens of thousands; a cycle of half a dozen chemotherapy treatments several hundred thousand and counting on an escalating scale; and an effective radiation program usually involves dozens of visits, which add up in the six-figure column. It can be overwhelming for most, even with helping local hands and generous overseas-based relations. For its part, the government, through the Ministry of Public Health, has made some funds available to ease the financial burden. This is helpful, but not nearly enough. As mentioned earlier, this is one expensive illness. There are more than a few domestic and foreign agencies that devote heart and soul to alleviate the plight of the suffering. Still more is needed, and urgently, too. While progress has been made, there has to be a higher priority and sharper focus on what can no longer be characterized as a run of the mill sickness. Too many are dying. Too many are consigned to the harrowing circumstance of a prolonged decline with only four bare walls for company. The well-heeled can pursue an array of options beyond the borders. The less blessed are reduced to ordeal by fire. In silence. In agony. In secret. That is, except for the neighbours who can hear and the families that must swallow hard and bear more. A structure, more state financing, and a concerted comprehensive approach would be most helpful; more and insistent publicity is demanded. And not only on the nature of the disease, but its frequency; and its creeping scything arc far and wide across an unknowing society. Call and action must come. Now.
The defeat of a govt. by a no-confidence vote should not be left to judicial interpretation DEAR EDITOR, There is a popular saying that ‘the law is an ass’. The recent ruling by the Appeal Court overturning the decision of the Chief Justice regarding the validity of the No-confidence vote has reinforced such perceptions among a significant body of opinion both within and outside of the legal fraternity. Part of the difficulty has to do with the interpretation of language in the Constitution, which can be subjected to all kinds of nuances to validate or invalidate a particular viewpoint. Interestingly, the debate over a ‘simple’ majority as opposed to an ‘absolute’ majority has in a way introduced a new dimension in the interpretation of the Constitution unless the Caribbean Court of Justice rules otherwise. This decision, when taken in conjunction with the ruling
on dual citizenship could redefine the governance structure of our society. This is why it is so important that something as fundamental as the defeat of a government on a noconfidence vote should be written in the Constitution in a way that ought not to be left to judicial interpretation. The language should be unambiguous and unmistakably clear for all to comprehend. I have no claim to being an expert on constitutional law, but my understanding of the Constitution is that upon the passage of a majority of all members of the National Assembly, the motion is carried and the government shall immediately resign and within three months hold new elections. This to my mind appears clear enough and ought not from a rational and logical interpretation be a matter for dispute. There is no mention of ‘simple’ or
‘absolute’ majority with respect to this particular piece of legislation. The Appeal Court, however, has an entirely different understanding. It is my respectful view than an error of judgment was made in overturning the decision of the Chief Justice regarding the validity of the no-confidence vote. Judges, it has to be said, are not immune from errors in judgment and it is precisely for this reason that there is recourse to a higher court, in our case the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is interesting to see how this issue will be dealt with at the Caribbean Court of Justice. The Opposition Leader has already signalled his intention to contest the decision and in all likelihood the matter will be dealt with expeditiously having regard to the nature of the case. The Government of Guyana may see this decision as a victory
but will be counterproductive from a governance perspective to behave as if it is business as usual. Since the matter still remains inconclusive insofar as the judicial process is concerned, preparations for the holding of elections within the shortest possible time as indicated by President Granger should not be put on hold and GECOM should be so advised. The constitutional constraints imposed earlier with respect to its legality have for all practical purposes now temporarily lifted pending a ruling by the CCJ. This is no time for triumphalism on the part of anyone regardless on whichever side he or she may stand on the political divide. Regardless of how the CCJ rules, the elections fever has already gripped the masses, and the sooner we get it over, the better it will be for the good of this country of ours. Hydar Ally
All Eyes on the Caribbean Court of Justice DEAR EDITOR, All eyes are now on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) which will within the next weeks/months hear the most important case(s) in the history of Guyana. Their decision will decide whether or not the coalition APNU/ AFC government can continue in office until May next year or they should have demitted office since March 23 last. This case no doubt will be a test for the regional court to prove to the world that it is capable to deal with complex and controversial cases, which determine the fate of governments. Most governments in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have doubts of the court hence why only four jurisdictions, Guyana, Barbados, Belize and Dominica, have abolished appeals to the Privy Council. I am a strong advocate of the Court. I have been voicing my opinion long before the institution was inaugurated in April 2006. I was lending support since 1990 when the attorneys general of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago along with the then Legal Consultant to Caricom, Bryn Pollard were jetting around the region whipping up support for the CCJ. Unfortunately, neither Jamaica or Trinidad has joined the Appellate Division of the CCJ. The issue before the Court is whether the no confidence motion was
properly passed since it was done by a majority of 33-32 and not absolute majority which requires 34 votes. There are other issues, which include whether the mover of the motion, Charrandass Persaud could have properly voted in favour of the Motion since he was a citizen of Canada. There are several other Parliamentarians from both sides of the House who have dual nationalities. Both the APNU/AFC government and the opposition PPP are confident that the CCJ will rule in their favour, but one of them will
be disappointed at the outcome since whatever the decision is, it would be final. There is already quiet grumbling by a few that they cannot trust the Court since judges are from the region and might be persuaded by other considerations, other than legal. They prefer the “white man” from England. It is unfortunate that a few entertain such immature and racial thought. The CCJ has an impeccable record and decisions by the Court have been praised by legal luminaries in the region and
the Commonwealth. There is no Guyanese judge in the current seven member panel comprising Vincentian Adrian Saunders (President), a highly respectable jurist who was with the Court from the inception, Jacob Wit (Holland), David Hayton (UK), Winston Anderson (Jamaica), Maureen Rag authLee (Trinidad and Tobago), Denys Barrrow (Belize) and Andrew Burgess (Barbados). There were two Guyanese when the Court was inaugurated, Desiree Bernard Continued on page 6
What if, come next elections, Guyanese just don’t vote race? DEAR EDITOR, It seems as if everyone has suddenly turn shy, no one wants to say it. Simply put, two judges voted allowing for a PNC hooray and the single one voted in a manner the PPP most appreciated. Yes, at that very moment, it seemed as if the courts voted the way the country votes during the elections; along the ethnic divide. If my facts serve me right, there are no judges of East Indian decent in the CCJ, though one will be there in July, two of European heritage and a whole lot of judges of African decent. As far as voting goes along ethnic lines, President Granger will be there until forever...which everyday seems like for some. But this is in no way reality. Editor, it is imperative to share with the general public both of African and East Indian descents, that rule of law and ethnicity had a falling out, though they were close lovers prior to emancipation and even sometime after. The PPP has an even chance at the CCJ and we all know how they scored it big time in the High Courts with the Chief Justice. Yes, to
say it clear, a female judge of African decent agreed with the arguments of the PPP and had the PNC scratching their heads. I repeat, Dear Editor, one of the three branches of power in Guyana does not vote race, ethnicity or for their own mattie. This is something to behold. What if, come next elections, Guyanese just don’t vote race or for we mattie but cast our ballots for those who best articulate a way for Guyana to move forward. But then Dear Editor, this too might be a waste of time if the Amerindian party primarily wants to help the indigenous peoples and the PNC only gives contracts to supporters and PPP will help their supporters relive the good old years gone by recently. Hmmm, should we therefore ask for a third party with no one of East Indian, African or indigenous descent and have never been a part of the PNC or PPP! No Editor, I believe a party with a strong and influential youth core will suffice. Somehow, we young people are less racial. Keith David
Monday March 25, 2019
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Guyana’s potential for The Beauty of Patience and greatness lies in national unity Ugliness of Impatience DEAR EDITOR, Interpretation is now the focus of dissent concerning the Court of Appeals’ ruling. The coalition will hold fast to the decision that it is the law while the opposition, not getting what they expected, will say they do not understand the mathematics of the ruling. Former President Jagdeo (KN 3/23/19) states: ...he had expected that if the High Court’s ruling that the noconfidence motion was valid had to be overturned, perhaps some other technicality would have been used. He thought that the argument of the dual citizenship status of former AFC Member, Charrandass Persaud who voted in support of the motion would have been used”. But instead of following this pointless equivocation, one should focus on how we got to this juncture. Members of parliament, after election in 2015, took the oath to honour and serve our country. And if there were
reasons for the opposition led by Mr. Jagdeo to fault the coalition, did they document their dissent and work with the coalition to address and rectify what they may have perceived as misgovernance? One may ask why, after two years, no rational, ideological and/or systematic dissent was presented to the coalition and the people? What, for example, was the opposition’s proposal for the resuscitation of the sugar industry that died during their tenure? Instead of making their arguments on how to forge legislations that would benefit all Guyanese and Guyana, they opted for new election. If the coalition is as bad as the opposition claims, the opposition should bide its time and let the people of Guyana decide during the mandated election in 2020 instead of forcing the country into a moment of crisis. Instead of obsessively debating and interpreting the
How can this difference in approach be reconciled? DEAR EDITOR, With respect to the No-Confidence Voting, The APPEAL Court of Guyana has ruled in the APNU+AFC favour. This decision seems to suggest that there is one set of RULES for Parliamentarians and another set of RULES for the rest of Guyanese in particular with respect to GECOM’s five votes where three is a majority and the APPEAL COURT’s Voting with three votes where two is the majority. How does the Guyana Appeal Court reconcile the differences in approach used. Had it ruled that 33 is the majority out of 65 votes casted then there would not be a need to reconcile as three would be a majority out of five GECOM votes casted and two would be the majority out of three Appellate Court Votes casted. Yours faithfully Sean Ori
Court of Appeals’ decision, one should interpret the opposition’s actions during their term (2002 – 2015), why they were voted out of the majority and most importantly what a future with them at the helm portends. I am saying this because the rhetoric of great promises tends to cloud and skew the many accusations of mismanagement by the PPP during their time as the ruling party (“Heist of Guyana” and “Jagdeo Deliberately Misleading on Forest Giveaway “ KN2/14/2016). If the coalition is inept, then the opposition (PPP) will have had the evidence to win the next election. But like rabid animals tied to their hunger for power, they are unable to see how they are tearing apart the country. Do I dare ask, is it the lure of oil that is making them impatient? I have read much of Guyana’s “impending” windfall, but I have not read any of the negative effects that it will have on our society. What will be the effect on that segment of our society that is not prepared to handle the changes? I am happy that Guyana is on the threshold of receiving “large” monies, but I am terrified of the contenders who are vying for control. Until the opposition shows promise that their higher duties are to Guyana (people, land and resources) and not to themselves and their appetites, every Guyanese should be vigilant as they observe and remember the opposition’s behaviour now and during their time of misgovernance. Sincerely, Stanley Niamatali
DEAR EDITOR, They have tried every stroke on the political front to regain power, in his struggle with his health they came upon him like vultures ready to tear him apart, from the moment they became the opposition, the PPP agenda was to, by all means necessary, get rid of this APNU/AFC Coalition. The Public Sector Commission has also adopted the seat as a civic opposition m e m b e r, refusing to cooperate with the City Council to better the infrastructural, social, cultural and economic life of the capital city, they beat down every move to raise finances to embark on d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes, such as the parking meter contract, the container fees and a proposed lottery, let’s see what they will do with our new Mayor Ubraj Singh. This nation is being strangled by those who feel that by not investing i n t h e e c o n o m y, t h e Government would be forced out of office, but they must realize they will do themselves great harm focusing on political issues that doesn’t concern them and not paying sufficient attention to the development of their businesses. Their inaction will result In the Chinese domination of the business sector and they have no one to blame but themselves when this eventually happens. The vibrant enthusiasm of the Ministers of Government during this period after the No
confidence vote must be maintained, they must never cease connecting with the people through regular visits to their communities and grounding with the Brothers and Sisters. The focus now should be youth empowerment and community development, l e t ’s f i x t h e r e c r e a t i o n facilities, we need community centres to develop social and educational programmes, we must emphasize vigilance and never cease to mobilize, build roads and bridges where needed in the many villages across Guyana, especially the new housing schemes developing across the country. Reach out to the people, govern for all the people, and do not let the young people feel as though they are neglected, they long to meet with you all, to share their ideas, their dreams and aspirations. Young people need their letters acknowledged when applying for jobs or requiring any other business arrangement, failing to do this could be considered very unprofessional and
disrespectful. Young people find your God given talent and make it work for you, we are all blessed with a skill or gift from the Creator, don’t be overtaken with laziness, do not depend on the Government to always find jobs for you, be creative you can develop a programme to satisfy your social and economic needs. Our country is blessed with a vast array of natural resources waiting to be exploited, we must find a way to work these resources, and here is where the Private Sector comes in to provide technical and financial support. There are too many disagreements between governing officials in the public domain giving rise to the feeling among supporters and the opposition that there is disunity in the coalition camp, do not wash your dirty linen in public. Let’s live our motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, united we stand, divided we fall. RAS AARON BLACKMAN. Social Worker
THERE CAN BE NO HALF A JUDGE DEAR EDITOR, Two Court of Appeal Judges out of an uneven three, Ruled that a “majority” is half rounded up plus one apparently, There can be no half a Judge, So there can be no politically inspired judicial fudge, As mathematically half of three rounded up plus one is three. Mr. Lalu Hanuman, Attorney-at-Law
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A request for land titles on the East Bank of Essequibo DEAR EDITOR, I read with great interest and pleasure of the recent issuance of land titles to residents of Bare Root by this current regime after years of requesting same. Whilst I’m not sure of which ministry or minister I need to contact to make a similar request, I will be grateful if I can use your newspaper as a medium to reach out to the Government official/minister whose portfolio such requests may fall under. Residents occupying the “railway line” (that is north of the public road) between Tuschen to Good Hope on the East Bank of Essequibo have for many, many years been requesting to have their lands surveyed and regularised so that they can have a chance to get land titles for the lands they are occupying for residential and commercial purposes. A majority of these residents have been occupying or “squatting” on these lands for over 30 to 40 years and have reached out to their respective NDCs and to an extent, the former PPP/C Government for land titles. Sometime between 20062010 former PPP/C National Director of Community Development Council, Mrs Philomena Sahoye Shury, instructed surveyors to measure each resident’s land that they were occupying, marked their “lot” number of their fences and promised to get
Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
started on the issuing of the titles or lease. We never heard back from her nor has anything been done since. We all have “lot” numbers on our fences/ houses but no title for our lands. We all have water and GPL connections. We keep our lands clean and the drainage clear. Most of us have invested heavily on our residential and commercial properties. But we are still anxiously awaiting our land titles, as a land title is a way of reassuring us that the lands we occupy are truly ours and we are secured from any eviction in the future. We are fed up being called squatters. We want to be owners of our land. We want to contribute to paying rates and taxes so that our NDC can properly maintain our villages. For us, these are the only homes we have. We have struggled to clear the bushes, full up the land with dirt to prevent flooding so that we can build our homes. We have invested so much but yet if we want to approach any bank for a loan we do not have a land title to secure a loan. We invite the Ministers responsible to visit any of these villages between Tuschen to Good Hope: Tuschen, Vergenoegen, Philadelphia, Barnwell, Greenwich Park, Good Hope. Honourable Ministers, you will see the pride us “squatters” have in our living surroundings. You will see booming businesses and beautiful houses. Please, we welcome you to take a walkabout and listen to our concerns regarding this matter. Thanking you in advance. Regards, Anna Singh
Accountability is an important element in good governance DEAR EDITOR, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo’s interview with Stan Gouveia on 94.1 FM, as reported in Kaieteur News (24/3/2019), is deserving of national attention and concomitant actions. It is noted a promise has been given that a PPP/C government will work towards the betterment of the oil and gas sector, and Mr. Jagdeo will play a role in such government in “helping to bring people together and craft a future for Guyana that includes all, including the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R).” For years society, more particularly the ordinary man and woman, clamoured for a system of governance that excludes no one. Countless demonstrations, on the streets, in the National Assembly, boardrooms and media, have realised a ground-breaking change to our “political system” where the “principal objective” became one of “inclusionary democracy,” which is enshrined in Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. This Article was assented to in 2001 by then President Jagdeo. Outside of its placement in the Constitution nothing has been done in a structured way, through legislation, to give it meaning. Today Mr. Jagdeo holds the second premier constitutional political office. The Office of the Leader of the Opposition (Article 110) falls under the Executive (Chapter X). The Executive has day-to-day responsibility
for management of the nation’s business. Further, the Leader of the Opposition has parliamentary authority. Most likely, given the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice against a presidential third term, respect for same will not see Mr. Jagdeo returning as president or as prime minister who has to be eligible to be president. Thus, his role in a future PPP/C government will not have the consequential authority as that of President or Leader of the Opposition. The welcomed acceptance for a new dispensation in governance, which is more in line with Article 13 can be initiated and system realised for its execution by Mr. Jagdeo in the office he presently holds. The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has been a tireless crusader to give meaning to the extant article. We see this article as pivotal to creating a society where equality, justice and good governance form the cornerstone for the workers/ citizens’ development. GTUC in its call for implementation respects the ‘Protection of the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual’ (Title 1). This Title includes the right to freedom of association to a trade or political party of choice and protection from being discriminated against for such association (Article 147 and 149 respectively). It is our belief society’s ethnic tension and division are exacerbated or exploited as the result of groups and
individuals feeling or being excluded from the state’s protection and patrimony. The GTUC on 5th March 2019 approached the Opposition Leader and President, via letter, outlining a 19-point proposal to start the conversation in effort to give meaning to inclusionary democracy. Mr. Jagdeo was gracious to acknowledge our letter and has indicated a desire to have discussion on the issues. Thus, it is deemed necessary to join his public conversation on this matter. GTUC notes Mr. Jagdeo’s proposal to bring accountability to the oil and gas sector and ensure it benefits all Guyanese. In our 19-point proposal this issue was raised, with specific attention to having the Local Content Policy come under review by stakeholders and thereafter passed into law, with primacy given to protecting the well-being of local businesses and labour. Mr. Jagdeo’s claim to institutional knowledge in avoiding the resource curse/ dutch disease, having travelled as president to oil rich societies that are so plagued, is also noted. Guyana can benefit now from
such knowledge. In principle, the GTUC will not find it difficult to support the Opposition Leader’s position for a law “that says the Minister of Finance and the Secretary to the Treasury must publish, in the official gazette any receipt of oil money.” Accountability is an important element in good governance. While as President Mr. Jagdeo did not practice the principle of inclusionary governance, GTUC nonetheless welcomes his recognition of the importance for same. Consequently, it is being proposed that Mr. Jagdeo not await the election of a PPP/C president but use the party and his political status, as parliamentarians and Leader of the Opposition, to have engagement with social partners and government, and introduce to the National Assembly bills and/or motions to advance inclusionary democracy. The parliamentary acts would be consistent with Article 171 and signal a commitment to fulfilling the clamour of the ordinary man and woman, society’s working class. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary GTUC
All Eyes on the Caribbean... From page 4 and Duke Pollard. They both retired. Pollard in 2010 and Bernard in 2014. Two brilliant Presidents: Michael de la Bastide and Sir Denis Byron have also retired as well as Robston Nelson. We are all awaiting on the Court’s decision, which we hope would be out by the end of April. Oscar Ramjeet
GDA to combat diabetes with energetic events The Guyana Diabetic Association is seeking to ensure that persons with diabetes manage their condition better. Exercise will be a big feature. President of GDA, Glynis Beaton highlighted some major events that are planned as part of their aims for 2019. “In bringing more awareness so that there can be better management of diabetes, we are providing a whole host of events.” The first event is called, ‘Eating with music’. This allows persons to eat and exercise at the same time through dancing. Blood testing will be done before and after the event so as to analyze the effect. “We are looking to see what effect exercise has on diabetics. Therefore, low-carb foods will be provided and
Aquaaerobics
lots of music for dancing.” Beaton mentioned. Another exceptional event Ms. Beaton highlighted will be the aquaaerobics. “This is an event, which we have put into
consideration from one of our international sister organization. It involves exercising in the water.” GDA is hoping to have this initiative pulled off some time in August. If proven
successful, they will be hosting it once per month. A regional camp will also be held for persons living with type 1 diabetes during the July-August school Continued on page 22
Monday March 25, 2019
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
UG named best academic Fast track process for institution at CCJ law moot Guyana law school
The University of Guyana (UG) carted off the prize for best academic institution after emerging as the runner-up when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) eleventh annual international law moot concluded last week Friday at the court’s Trinidad and Tobago Headquarters. The University’s team comprised of Law faculty students Ms. Shameza David, Mr. Reon Miller and Ms. Cassandra Jaikaran. Their advisor was former Chancellor of the Judiciary Carl Singh, who also heads UG’s law department. Reacting to the outstanding achievement, Miller said, “For 10 long weeks, we worked to prove to the Caribbean Community that the University of Guyana is not a back alley institution. From the 14hour long practice sessions and the constant feeling like our argument wasn’t good enough, two second and a first year student beat the odds. “For the first time in the 11 years of the competition that the University of Guyana copped the Best Academic Institution Award. We did it Guys! Major shout out to the past teams that helped us. Without you guys, we couldn’t have done this.” Meanwhile, the Hugh Wooding Law School bested eight other schools to take home the CCJ Challenge Shield as winners of the competition. The moot was held through March 21 and 22 and was heard by a panel of three CCJ judges, David Hayton, Jacob Wit and Winston Anderson. Each year, the moot aims
By Feona Morrison
Team Guyana: Ms. Cassandra Jaikaran, Mr. Reon Miller and Ms. Shameza David to give students grounding in the Court’s Original Jurisdiction, where the CCJ is the guardian of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This year’s fictional question centered on a dispute where Suriname was alleging breaches of the Treaty caused by the treatment of a couple in a manner amounting to discrimination on the grounds of nationality. The event also helps students to develop practical courtroom and advocacy skills.
The moot also featured presentations from the Norman Manley Law School (Jamaica); Faculty of Law of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname; Faculty of Law of the University of the Bahamas; Faculty of Law of the University of Technology, (Jamaica); Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies - Cave Hill; Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies, Mona and Faculty of Law of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.
Visiting Trinidadian lawyer, Marlon Moore, who is also a tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS), believes that everything should be done to fast track the process for the establishment of the JOF Haynes Law School here. Moore was responding to a question posed by Kaieteur News in relation to some of the hardships students from the University of Guyana (UG) Law Faculty are faced with in moving to obtain their Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from HWLS. Each year, the top 25 students from the Law Faculty gain automatic acceptance to the HWLS to read for their LEC—a prerequisite to practise law in Guyana and the Caribbean Region. This is in comparison to the scores of Trinidad natives who graduate each year. According to Moore, “Having to go to another jurisdiction and leaving your family behind can be very hard. It is very difficult for you to have to leave the comfort of your own home. I say if anything can be done to speed up the process for (these students) to get their own school, it should be done.” Moore, 51, knows too well of the struggles as he left his family behind when he decided to pursue his LEC at the
- T&T Attorney Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas. He obtained his Bachelor of Law degree from a University in London. He has been practising since 2005. The tutor reasoned that with Guyana having its own law school, the pressure of students finding over $2M for tuition for the two-year programme at HWLS would be drastically reduced. In addition to that amount, students still incur expenses for boarding, food, transportation and other basic necessities. Moore, who specializes in Family, Civil and Administrative law, has been tutoring at the HWLS for the past three years. Questioned about his reasons for choosing these areas, he said, “I just like the idea of helping people. My personality and abilities help to make the divorce process easier.” During this time, he has become a mentor to many Guyanese students attending that law school. “Dedicated” and “hardworking” were the words he used to describe Guyanese students who he has encountered at HWLS. According to him, the students are disciplined and would work together. In this regard, he has committed to
Attorney-at-Law Marlon Moore helping these students, most of whom are now practising lawyers, if ever the need arises. He added, “If my (past) students need me and my time permits, I will be there. I told them if they ever need me, I would come and help.” Although miles away, he would still keep in touch with his past students from Guyana some of who turned up at the High Court in Georgetown on Friday to witness his admission to the Bar Association of Guyana. The simple, yet significant ceremony saw Moore and several of his past students reflecting on the good old days at the HWLS.
PAGE 8
Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
Tiger Bay youths benefit Diamond Optical launches from arts and robotics camp extended credit on vision care - initiative geared at meeting the ‘small man’s’ pockets’
Services available at Diamond Optical eye care entity
Participants from the art and robotic camp Scores of children living within the Rosemary Lane, South Cummingsburg (Tiger Bay) community, on Saturday participated on an interactive session on art and robotics, as well as a health fair undertaken by the Ministry of Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. They were provided with kits, and with the guidance of instructors, created their very own robots and learned other aspects of robotics while others showed their creative side through the strokes of their brushes. Held at Tiger Bay Tarmac, the collaboration between the Ministry and German’s Restaurant also saw the distribution of food hampers to 15 lucky families. Addressing those gathered Minister of Social Cohe-
sion Dr. George Norton said the government has committed to ensuring that the nation’s youth are equipped to take up the leadership mantle. As such, exercises such as these will be brought to communities across the country. “…I want to assure you good things are yet to come out of this community… as we took a walk in this community, we see the youths, even our volunteers are youths… this emphasises the fact that youths have a leading role to play.” This is the first such outreach to be conducted by the ministry in this community, thus far and Minister Norton pledged to continue more developmental programmes there. Also accompanying the Minister was Mayor of the
City of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine who expressed his happiness to be among the nation’s future leaders. “We have the interest of the people and this is why we are going to give you the support you need and assist you in various ways particularly the young children.” General Manager of German Restaurant, Clinton Urling said he views the initiative as part of giving back to the community and honouring his agency’s social responsibility. He said the business will continue to partner with the ministry and others to help in the development of the nation’s future leaders. Minister Norton and his team also discussed various social issues with residents and their hopes for the development of their community.
With the interest of the ‘small man’ at heart, Diamond Optical entity (located inside City Mall, Georgetown) recently launched their new ‘Six Months Credit Bonanza’ to ensure everyone obtains much needed vision care. This credit payment system for eye care offers six months to pay for glasses/ spectacles. Diamond Optical’s CEO, Rawle Aaron says that this venture was initiated from the many instances, which they are faced where persons are unable to obtain much needed vision care because of financial constraints. “Ever so often we are faced with situations where poor individuals are desperately in need of urgent eye care but are unable to pay for certain services and for spectacles. This pulled at our heartstrings since we know the importance of eye care, taking into consideration that persons can eventually suf-
fer great optical damage if prescribed glasses/spectacles/ contact lens are not obtained in time.” He said as a result, the entity’s management decided to embark on the credit system, which allows clients a sixmonth period to pay for the items. He noted that this new system has been well received by the general public, and clients are continuously applauding the entity’s humane gesture. He noted that as a result, hundreds of clients have already been able to acquire their spectacles under stress free payment plans. That aside, he added that persons accessing service at Diamond Optical are not required to wait in lines, They are simply required to get a specific time and the name of the doctor who will be providing their eye examination. Among the services provided by Diamond Optical are frame price matching, eye
CEO of Diamond Optical, Rawle Aaron tests, and frame repairs. They also specialize in frame adjustments and repairs for both in house and external frames. According to Aaron, manufacture faults present in frames within the first six months will be repaired or replaced free of charge, and personalized frame selection is a hot item on their agenda. He noted that sales staff have the software and years of experience to ensure that customers get the frame that best suits their style, size and face type. Diamond Optical started operations under Consulting Ophthalmologist Dr. Hyatt Khan in 2004 about 13 years ago under the name Contact Lens Optical. It was renamed Diamond optical in 2013 when it introduced glasses to its retail dispensing. Diamond Optical is Owned & Operated by Rawle Aaron.
Monday March 25, 2019
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SIMPLE AND AN ABSOLUTE MAJORITY This column is meant to clarify the difference between simple and absolute majorities. It is not a commentary on the majority decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal in the matter concerning the no confidence motion of December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly. This columnist has NOT read the legal reasoning behind the decision of the learned Justices of the Appeal who ruled in favour of the invalidity of the no confidence motion. A comment or analysis of that verdict therefore cannot be offered until the legal reasoning behind the calculations in that majority verdict are made public. Following the decision of the Court of Appeal, there have been a plethora of comments in the blogs in the
media, many of which do not seem to understand what is meant by a ‘simple majority’ and what is meant by an ‘absolute majority’. In the exchanges, persons are avoiding offering a clear definition of what constitutes a simple majority and what constitutes an absolute majority. The difference between a simple majority and an absolute majority is important in understanding decisionmaking in the National Assembly. Article 168(1) of the Constitution states that save as otherwise provided, all questions proposed for the decision of the National Assembly shall be by a majority of the members present and voting. This is what is meant by a simple majority – it is a majority of
those who are present and voting. Article 106(6), on the other hand, provides for the passage of a no confidence vote by a majority of the elected members of the National Assembly (65). While the said Article, does not use the word ‘absolute’, it can only mean an absolute majority since an absolute majority is a majority of all those who are eligible to vote. To use as an example to illustrate the difference between a simple and an absolute majority, let us assume there are seven members who are eligible to vote on a committee. If on a specific question, only five persons vote – three in favour and two against. The three in favour constitute a simple majority, that is, a majority of the five who voted. If all seven had
DEM BOYS SEH
Dem got simple idiots and absolute idiots De court rule dat toppling a government should not be as easy as passing a Bill or voting on a budget. Dat is why de Court of Appeal uphold de claim dat it got to tek an absolute majority to remove a government. Of course, de constitution didn’t seh anything bout absolute. But lawyers does interpret things. Friday when de Court of Appeal mek dat decision, people seh all kind of things. And dem who didn’t talk sit down and cry. In fact, dem boys see two set of reaction. Was like de football match Saturday. Guyana beat Belize and de whole crowd celebrate. But de people in Belize cry. Some of dem so sad dat dem stay home and didn’t go to church yesterday. People start to talk bout Maths wha dem learn in school. All of dem seh dem learn dat 33 bigger than 32. Some of dem seh dem got to get special teacher fuh dem children. One man seh he got to learn bout majority and absolute majority. Dem boys she, dat is
an easy lesson. Tek de case of idiots. Dem got a majority of idiots in politics. Dem is de people who does walk round and kiss babies and shake hands. Dem is simple idiots because some of de people hand dat dem shake, dem didn’t dem when dem done scratch or come out of de toilet. Then dem got absolute idiots. Dat is de set who does walk in de middle of de road when cars speeding because dem believe de cars got to stop. One man stand up waiting to cross de road. He see de cars speeding by suh he wait. Out of de blues, a donkey decide to walk cross. All dem cars stop fuh let de donkey pass. De man decide to try de same thing and nearly get knock down. Dat is an absolute idiot. He is an absolute idiot because he choose to follow a jackass and do wha de jackass do. Talk half and recognize de difference between simple and absolute.
voted with four votes for and three against, then the four for would constitute an absolute majority since it is a majority of all those who were eligible to vote. If on the other hand, three had voted ‘yes’ and two had voted ‘no’ and two had abstained, then there is no absolute majority in favour. This is because when dealing with an absolute majority the ‘nays’ and the abstentions and absences are counted together. Thus, four votes would have been needed against the combined three nays and abstentions combined for an absolute majority. By logic, if everyone who is eligible to vote does so, then a simple majority becomes an absolute majority. If everyone in the National Assembly voted, then the simple majority becomes the same as the absolute majority, since those who were present and voted is the same as those who were eligible to vote. In a paper entitled, “Absolute Majority Rules”, Adrian Vermeule, a Professor of Constitutional Law at
Harvard Law School, says “Absolute majority rules and simple majority rules perfectly converge where all duly qualified members of the institution are present and cast votes. A major difference between the simple majority scheme and the absolute majority scheme is the effect of abstention from voting or physical absence from the voting institution. Under any absolute voting scheme, the requisite majority needed to enact a proposal is a fixed quantity, whereas under a simple majority scheme the requisite majority is variable.” Two other academics, Keith Dougherty from the Department of Political Science of the University of Georgia, and Julian Edward from the Department of Mathematics at Florida International University, in a paper entitled: “The Properties of Simple vs. Absolute Majority Rule: cases where abstentions and absences are important”, put forward a formula for calculating an absolute
majority. They argue that in cases where the voting population (N) is an odd number, the smallest absolute majority (M) is equivalent to (N+1)/2. So, in case where the total number of persons eligible to vote is seven, then an absolute majority is 4. In cases where the voting population (N) is an even number, then the smallest majority (M) is (N+2)/2. Thus, if there were eight members eligible to vote, an absolute majority would be 5 i.e. [(8+2)/ 2]. Adrian Vermeule, the constitutional expert, agrees with this formula. So, if your child is asked in the Common Entrance examination to determine whether a motion, requiring an absolute majority, is carried in a committee of 17 persons where there are nine (9) persons voting yes and eight (8) persons voting no, the answer is that it is carried. Since there is an odd number of the voting population (17), an absolute majority would be (17+1)/2 = 9.
Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
121 Berbicians graduate from BIT’s Youth Empowerment Programme By Kiana Wilburg One hundred and twenty one Berbicians recently graduated from the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NYPYE), which is administered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The ceremony took place at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. In delivering remarks at the event, BIT Chairman, Clinton Williams expressed his pleasure at presenting the trainees with certificates that will enable them to enter the petroleum and agro-processing fields, among others. Williams said that the Board has been partnering with numerous Public and Private Sector Companies for over 108 years, in the conduct of its renowned Apprenticeship Vocational Programmes. Within the last five years, he said that BIT has partnered with eight Service Providers or Masters and is responsible for training in excess of 500 apprentices. Speaking to the history of the Programme, the BIT Chairman highlighted that it was launched in 2006 with the objective of providing competency based Technical and Vocational Education and Training and to fill the dire shortage of entry level tech-
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
BIT Officials (seated) and the Berbice graduates at the simple ceremony nically skilled personnel for both the Private and Public Sector. He said that the current Administration has not only embraced but expanded the programme. In a sense, Williams said that the programme has enjoyed, and continues to enjoy, bipartisan support. In addition to this, the BIT Chairman said that the NTYPE programmes are being delivered in all Regions of Guyana. He said that the programmes are designed to target vulnerable groups, such as, school drop outs and youths from depressed and/or Hinterland communities. Starting with an approximate total of 570 graduates in 2005; the programme has grown tremendously over the years. Williams said it is expected that by the end of 2019, over 25,000 persons from various regions; would have graduated in areas relating to
Engineering and Building trades, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Forestry, Home Economics, Health Services, etc. Williams said, “We have been continually expanding our relationship with both Public and Private Sector facilitators with a view of optimizing the utilization of all available resources and facilities, such as five Government Technical Institutes and two Industrial Training Centres.” The Chairman also revealed that BI T has been in contact with international institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank to discuss possible assistance to expand the development of TVET Programmes in Secondary Schools. Speaking to other achievements made by the Board, Williams said, “Since 2016, we have been collaborating with the Guyana Organization for
Persons with Disabilities to provide vocational training to its members. To date, over 300 persons have graduated under this collaboration in the following disciplines: Computer Repairs, JAWS Training, Cosmetology, Computer Skills Training, Woodworking, Auto body Repairs, and Mechanical Repairs.” He continued, “We expanded our partnership with the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Youth Empowerment to provide skills training for over 22 youths in Apiculture, as well as continuing to provide training in Heavy Duty Equipment Operation for another 30 youths. We also partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources to implement its innovative Industrial Skills Training Enhancement Programme (IN-STEP). This project provided training for some 89 displaced workers, following the closure of a number of sugar estates.” The Chairman added, “Similarly, we continued to intensify our alliance with the Office of the First Lady for the generation of over 200 skill sets in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for youths in the Hinterland Region, such as, St. Ignatius and other depressed communities.” Additionally, during the last two years, Williams disclosed that over 75 persons from the Orealla/Siparuta, St. Monica and Kabakaburi villages were trained in Outboard and Small Engine Repairs, Boat Building, Block Making and Electrical Installation. Williams said that BIT considers these skills to be critical to the sustenance and empowerment of the youths within these remote communities. Further to this, Williams said that BIT will continue to intensify the delivery of its technical and vocational skill trainings, with a view of addressing the skill demands, not only for the current dynamics but to encamp the requirements of emerging indus-
BIT Chairman, Clinton Williams tries; such as, Oil and Gas, Clean Energy, Hydroponic Farming, Agro-processing, among others. In this regard, he highlighted that over 50 BIT graduates from both the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program have gained employment in the Oil and Gas Sector. In addition, the BIT Chairman said, “We plan to also expand our association to include those agencies responsible for the IDB funded Citizens Security Program and the Hinterland Youth Employment Service Programme to allow for better coordination among the formal and non-formal training institutions in order to reduce the high level of duplication in the delivery of many occupational skills training programme, while at the same time, increasing the focus on employment generation.” He continued, “In this context, I am pleased to report that we have signed an agreement with the Basic Needs Trust Fund to train over 500 Youths in 2019, skills such as Solar Photovoltaic Systems Installation and Maintenance; Boat Building and Outboard Engine Maintenance. We
shall strive also to come up with innovative mechanisms to influence more involvement and support from the local private sector in providing more ‘in-plant’ facilities and facilitators.” Williams added, “There are also plans to review course content and curricula for our respective training programmes, to ensure relevance and value. This intervention is necessary, if we are to generate skills sets that are both technologically relevant and adaptable to the constantly changing workforce to ensure their expectations are achieved. As regards quality and reliability, the BIT Chairman said that the entity will establish closer collaboration with the TVET Council towards the progressive implementation of competency based and entrepreneurial skills training with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all graduates are certified with the recognized National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), and ultimately, with the Regional Caricom Vocational Qualification (CVQ).
Monday March 25, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Ministry lacks capacity to ensure that all health care providers are licensed
- Chief Medical Officer The Ministry of Public Health lacks the capacity to ensure that all healthcare providers countrywide are licensed, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Shamdeo Persaud revealed last Friday. The CMO made this disclosure during a brief meeting at the National Blood Transfusion Centre, where he handed out 22 health facilities licences to various public and private healthcare institutions. While Persaud lauded the early handing out of licences as a commendable improvement over the previous year, the achievement pales when it is compared to the number of health facilities that are in operation nationwide. This amounts to 372 health facilities. Health facility licences,
according to the Health Facilities Licensing Act, are only valid for one year. Hence, each facility must apply to have its licence renewed annually. Dr. Persaud urged more health facilities to apply for licensing since, so far; only 94 healthcare providers have done so for the year. Last year, he said, the Ministry issued licensing to 54 health facilities. Some of the licences that were handed out are provisional, meaning that the facilities must still meet certain other recommendations to achieve complete certification for the year. Persaud said that the Ministry will continue to work with those facilities to rectify their non-compliance. There are different types of licences that the act provides for, which have specific requirements,
Some of the representatives of licensed health facilities, on Friday last, at the National Blood Transfusion Centre. depending on the type of service it provides. Some of the basic requirements include adequate washing facilities, proper recording systems, spaces for confidential consultations,
proper cleaning and waste disposal mechanisms, enough water and proper toilet facilities. These are necessary, said Persaud, “so when someone comes to a licensed facility, they [can]
expect to receive a full package of service�. Even with the licences, some providers have, the Ministry has had to relax some requirements to license them. This was revealed
when a representative of Balwant Singh Hospital spoke about the importance of ensuring facilities are licensed. She said that there were times when she wasn’t Continued on page 22
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Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
GDA to combat diabetes...
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From page 6 holiday. Adults and children will meet with persons living with the condition and have an opportunity to experience their life, living as a diabetic on the camp. Ms. Beaton mentioned that, “On this camp, everyone will have the experience in living with type 1 diabetes. Persons will be opened up to knowledge based on how to properly manage the condition.” The event will also see an individual with the condition from sister organizations internationally visiting Guyana and vice-versa. The president reiterated the importance for everyone to be educated about diabetes, since it can happen to anyone and the pain it leaves is by far what anyone would like to experience. “I would like for everyone to understand the importance of this and take a stand because anyone of us can lose someone to this dreaded condition. I lost my mom to it so I know and understand the feeling.”
Ministry lacks capacity... From page 21 sure which facility to refer her patients to for dialysis services. She iterated that the law requires a provider of dialysis services to have a full-time nephrologist on staff, but Dr. Persaud said that, if a medical practitioner is not a specialist, the organisation is still allowed to practice, if the practitioner has some certification in the field. Persaud said that for abortion service providers, there are regulations that must also be adhered to, from the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1995. Pharmacies, he said, receive a different category of licensing, under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act. For the providers taken care of under the Health Facilities Licensing Act, the Ministry endeavours to meet facilities starting from level five, with a target of meeting all level two providers. He said that Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the other specialised institutions are at level five. Level four are regional PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657
hospitals, level three are district hospitals, and level two are health centres. Health posts, of which there are 126, are Level One. Dr. Persaud told the gathering that, apart from the 22 licences handed out, 25 health facilities licences are currently pending, while inspections are completed by the ministry’s team. The team is made up of a multi-stakeholder board of healthcare representatives from all administrative regions, which meets once per month. Also on the board are stakeholders from institutions like the Bureau of standards and the Environmental Protection Agency. The facilities are expected to provide a report to the board, and the team evaluates, then provides recommendations to the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. The Ministry has been the subject of criticism and picketing exercises by local activists, who have complained about the level of service being provided to the general public, by both public and private healthcare institutions. It has also been criticised due to a perception that it does not sufficiently regulate private healthcare providers. Activist, Sherlina Nageer, had said that the healthcare system is structured to have poor and working class Guyanese at a disadvantage because this is the demographic that predominantly utilises public healthcare.
Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Monday March 25, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Nigeria make history after South Africa secure last berth sealing U-19 WC spot at Cup of Nations finals
Peter Aho smashes one to midwicket. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd) ESPNcricinfo - They were 91 for 7 at one stage in their chase of 139 against Sierra Leone Under-19s, but Peter Aho did the trick for Nigeria Under-19s to give them a two-wicket win and a place at the Under-19 World Cup - or any global cricket tournament - for the first time. · The result gave Nigeria an all-win record in the Under-19 World Cup Qualifier Africa Division One competition, played in Windhoek, with hosts Namibia ending second, followed by Uganda, Sierra Leone, Kenya and Tanzania. · Namibia took on Kenya in one of the other matches on the day, and won by 198 runs - they scored 194 for 5 and bowled the opponents out for 96 - to boost their net run-rate in a big way, and a loss for Nigeria
would have put the home side in the World Cup.That looked like the case when, in response to Sierra Leone’s 138, Nigeria slipped to 33 for 3, and then lost their seventh wicket with just 91 on the board. But Aho, who had earlier returned 2 for 49, did it with the bat too, walking in at No. 8 and scoring an unbeaten 21 from 32 balls to take Nigeria past the target with 34 balls in hand. · Earlier in the game, after George Ngegba won the toss and opted to bat, Sierra Leone rode on Haroun Kamara’s 58 in 60 balls from No. 5 to stay in the fight. John Bangura chipped in with 21 and Osman Sankoh 24 as they put up what looked like a low total but turned out to be very competitive. Nigeria struggled in response, even
though many of their batsmen got good starts. Olayinka Olaleye scored 16 at the top, Isaac Danladi 25, and Miracle Ikaige 22, but with Sankoh leading the show with the ball for Sierra Leone with 3 for 13 from his ten overs, the wickets kept falling. It needed Aho’s nerveless innings, in which he hit three fours, towards the end to complete the job for Nigeria. Sylvester Okpe, the Nigeria captain, admitted to being “a bit scared” when the chase seemed to have gone off track, but told the ICC, “Today wasn’t supposed to be tough, but the openers [Sierra Leone bowlers Sankoh and Ngegba, who got 2 for 24] made it tough and we almost lost our heads but at the end, we came out strong.”
The Nigeria players celebrate after booking their berth at the 2020 U-19 World Cup. (ESPNcricinfo Ltd)
Cameroon’s Benjamin Moukandjo celebrates with the trophy and team mates after winning the African Cup of Nations. (Reuters / Mike Hutchings/File Photo) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa booked the last place at the African Cup of Nations finals with a 2-1 away win over Libya thanks to Percy Tau’s double yesterday to complete the lineup for the 24-team finals being hosted in Egypt in June. The diminutive 24-yearold striker, on loan at secondtier Union SG in Belgium from English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, scored with two powerful second half strikes to ensure the country finished second behind Nigeria in Group E. Earlier on Sunday, Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zimbabwe also ensured qualification. Benin beat neighbours Togo 2-1 in Group D to bring an end to the international career of former Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur striker Emmanuel Adebayor. Tanzania secured a convincing 3-0 home victory over neighbours Uganda, who had already qualified. Tanzania finished second in Group L ahead of the small kingdom of Lesotho, who needed victory away in the Cape Verde Islands to qualify for the first time but were held 0-0. Zimbabwe finished top of Group G with their 2-0 home win over Congo-Brazzaville, while DR Congo were second in the section after edging Liberia 1-0 in Kinshasa. Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona scored first-half goals for the Zimbabweans while Cedric Bakumbu was the Congolese hero.
South Africa, who had missed out on the last finals in Gabon two years ago, needed only a draw against Libya, who were forced to host the game on neutral territory in neighbouring Tunisia because of a FIFA ban on them hosting matches at home. Libya would have qualified at South Africa’s expense with a win and they dominated a goalless first half with Manchester-born Ahmed Benali at the centre of their attacks. But Tau broke the deadlock after 50 minutes with a snap shot before Libya equalised with a Benali penalty in the 65th but the
visitors restored their lead three minutes later when Tau fired in a shot from the left to ensure his country progressed. The draw for the 24-team finals will be in Cairo on April 12. Cameroon won the trophy in 2017 by beating Egypt in Gabon. The full list of qualifiers are: Egypt (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe
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Monday March 25, 2019
Kaieteur News
NBA roundup: Hornets storm back to stun Celtics Kemba Walker had 36 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, and the Charlotte Hornets rallied from an 18point fourth-quarter deficit for a stunning 124-117 victory over the visiting Boston Celtics on Saturday night. The Hornets closed out the game on a 30-5 run after falling behind 112-94 with 8:21 left in the fourth quarter. Walker keyed it all, and his 3pointer with 1:19 remaining gave his team the lead for good. Charlotte (33-39) has now won two straight, while the Celtics (43-30) have lost three in a row. The Hornets also got 20 points from Miles Bridges, 13 each from Marvin Williams and Malik Monk, and 11 from Dwayne Bacon. Williams hit four free throws in the final 41.2 seconds to help salt away the win. Hawks 129, 76ers 127 Rookie point guard Trae Young scored 32 points, including the game-winner with a tenth of a second remaining, to give Atlanta a win over visiting Philadelphia. The Hawks tied the game 127-127 on a layup by Taurean Prince with 27.5 seconds left, then got a final shot when the 76ers allowed the 24-second clock to expire. With 3.5 seconds left, Atlanta’s Kevin
Huerter inbounded the ball to Young, who made a floater over Jimmy Butler to put the Hawks ahead. After calling timeout, Philadelphia’s inbounds pass hit the rim to end the game. Mavs 126, Warriors 91 Luka Doncic recorded his sixth triple-double of the season, and Dallas exploded for 74 first-half points in a shocking demolition of Golden State in Oakland, Calif. Dirk Nowitzki bombed in five 3-pointers, while Doncic and Maxi Kleber buried four apiece as the Mavericks hit 21 shots from beyond the arc, one shy of their franchise record, and outscored Golden State 63-12 on 3s. The loss came on the front end of a home back-toback for the Warriors, who chose to rest Stephen Curry, Shaun Livingston and Andrew Bogut. The 35-point margin of defeat was the largest of the season at home for Golden State. Trail Blazers 117, Pistons 112 Damian Lillard scored 28 points, and Portland outscored visiting Detroit 143 over the final 4 1/2 minutes en route to the victory. Al-Farouq Aminu chipped in a season-high 22 points for the Trail Blazers, who won for the sixth time in
seven games. Blake Griffin tallied 27 points, Reggie Jackson added 24 points and Andre Drummond collected 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons, who lost for only the fourth time in their last 12 games. Jazz 114, Bulls 83 Rudy Gobert notched a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, and six other teammates scored in double figures to boost visiting Utah to a rout of Chicago. The Jazz raced to a 33-18 lead after one quarter, and their 70-36 halftime lead was their largest on the road at the half in the history of the franchise, which began play in the 1974-75 season in New Orleans. Donovan Mitchell added 16 points for the Jazz, while Joe Ingles (13), Derrick Favors (13), Ricky Rubio (12), Jae Crowder (11) and Raul Neto (10) followed to complement a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Bulls. Heat 113, Wizards 108 Dwyane Wade scored 11 of his team-high 20 points in the fourth quarter as visiting Miami defeated Washington. The Heat (36-37) are fighting to hold on to the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot, and this victory
Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics forward Daniel Theis (27) in the first half at Spectrum Center. (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports) gave them a one-game edge over idle Orlando (35-38). The two teams will meet Tuesday in Miami. Wade went 5-for-7 from the field in the fourth quarter as Miami took charge of a
Referees must not penalise all contact in box, says Maguire
England’s Harry Maguire in action with Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) (Reuters) - Referees should not penalise players for making contact with their opponents inside the penalty area unless it is a legitimate foul, Leicester City defender Harry Maguire has said.
Maguire, 26, believes defenders should be allowed to mark their man closely without the risk of conceding a “soft” penalty. “It’s up to the laws as to what is deemed soft, but I
don’t think you can outlaw all contact in the box because that’s how you defend,” Maguire was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “You get tight to your man and try to use your strength.
“I do believe there still has to be some contact in the game because if you are not bumping into your man at a corner you are not getting tight enough. “A little push or a nudge should not be enough for a penalty, but being silly by grabbing someone round the neck is obviously different.” Maguire, who is currently with the England squad for their European Championship qualifiers, will miss Leicester’s next game after he was sent off for fouling Johann Berg Gudmundsson in the fourth minute of their 2-1 win at Burnley last weekend. Maguire did not complain about the decision as he was the last defender when he fouled the Iceland winger who was through on goal. “As soon as I heard the whistle I knew it was a red card,” Maguire added. “I’ve heard people saying it was harsh because I didn’t mean to touch him but the rules are clear. “He was going clear on goal and I clipped his heels. The referee got it right.”
game that swung back and forth throughout the first three periods. The veteran guard helped the Heat take a 109-99 lead late. Timberwolves 112, Grizzlies 99 Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 33 points and 23 rebounds as Minnesota halted a nine-game road losing streak by dominating the third quarter in a victory over Memphis. The Timberwolves recorded their first road win since beating New York on Feb. 22. They also halted a five-game losing streak, a night after being eliminated from playoff contention. Towns recorded his seventh straight doubledouble and 49th overall. He also recorded his 19th 30-
point game and fifth career game with at least 30 points and 20 boards. Kings 112, Suns 103 Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes scored 25 points apiece to lead host Sacramento to a victory over Phoenix. Marvin Bagley III added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings. Nemanja Bjelica recorded 13 points and a career-best 17 rebounds and De’Aaron Fox had 13 points and nine assists. Hield made seven 3pointers to set a franchise single-season record with 245. He broke the mark of Peja Stojakovic (240 in 2003-04), who is now the club’s assistant general manager. (Field Level Media)
Monday March 25, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GMR&SC Drag Championship
Team Mohamed’s still unbeaten, Mad Max returns to winning ways Team Mohamed’s Racing.
Calvin Chapman story and photos Droves of fans flocked to South Dakota Circuit’s Drag race strip yesterday to witness the first round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Drag championship, which was the first drag meet that featured a full quarter mile strip and a launch pad at the Timehri venue. The fans that occupied the stands, barricades and fences were also keen to see Team Mohamed’s new Ekanoo/Magnus GTR car but some transmission problems didn’t allow the car to compete. However, at the end of the day, Team Mohamed’s remained the undisputed King of the Strip, after another outstanding performance from the record holding Nissan GTR ‘Goliath’ (the second of three GTRs owned by the Mohamed’s) made light work of Peter Daby’s Toyota Supra in the unlimited class. And, the fans were highly satisfied under the cool, overcast conditions. Daby of S&D Performance had proven formidable in the 10 seconds class, while Damian Persaud out of the same team, picked up a win in the 11 seconds bracket. The Dutchmen were well represented
yesterday after Eric Watchman (14 seconds) and Raymond John (13 seconds) notched wins for the Surinamese to fuel the fire of drag racing rivalry between the neighbouring countries. In his return to the drag strip after missing the entire 2018 drag season, Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes notched wins in both the 600cc and 1000cc classes to underline his dominance on the motorbike. The verdict after the action packed and incident free day is that the next round of the 2019 GMR&SC Drag Championship, which is tentatively set for Easter Monday, is anticipated to be a grander affair. Please see the day’s results below 16 seconds - Vicky Persaud 15 seconds - Ramesh Persaud 14 seconds - Eric Watchman (Suriname) 13 seconds - Raymond John (Suriname) 12 seconds - Avi Samaroo 11 seconds - Damian Persaud 10 seconds - Peter Daby Unlimited – Terrence Cox (Team Mohamed’s) 600 cc bikes - Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes 1000cc bikes - Mark ‘Mad Max’ Menezes
S&D Performance Shawn Persaud (left) way ahead of his competitor en route to winning the 11 seconds class.
Just a section of the huge turnout of fans that came out to witness the drag racing action yesterday.
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Kaieteur News
Russell stars with bat and ball in KKR win
Andre Russell smashes one to the off side, Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, Indian Premier League 2019, Kolkata, March 24, 2019 © BCCI KOLKATA, India, CMC – Andre Russell smashed an unbeaten, boundary-studded 49 to lead the Kolkata Knight Riders to an exciting sixwicket victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League here yesterday. Russell clobbered four sixes and four boundaries in his 19-ball knock as the Knight Riders overtook their opponent’s total with two balls remaining. Earlier, the electrifying allrounder snared two wickets as the Sunrisers posted a challenging 181 for three off their 20 overs. In his comeback after serving a ban for ball tampering, David Warner scored 85 from 53 balls, Vijay Shankar finished unbeaten on 40 and Jonny Bairstow made 39 to help propel the visitors to their eventual total. With the Knight Riders virtually down and out, needing 53 runs off the final three overs, Russell snatched
victory from the jaws of defeat with an awesome display of power hitting. Russell took 19 runs off the 18th over bowled by Siddarth Kaul and then smashed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for two sixes and two fours off the next over which yielded 22 runs, to bring the requirement down to 12 runs from the last over. Shubman Gill, however, delivered the finishing touch by blasting Shakib Al Hasan for two sixes to cap a stunning comeback victory. In another contest, Kieron Pollard failed to fire for the Mumbai Indians as they went down by 37 runs to the Delhi Capitals. Chasing the Capitals’ mammoth 213 for six from their 20 overs, Pollard made just 21 from 13 balls as Mumbai could only muster 176 runs in 19.2 overs. Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 183 for 4 (Rana 68, Russell 49*, Uthappa 35, Rashid 1-26) beat Sunrisers
Hyderabad 181 for 3 (Warner 85, Vijay 40*, Bairstow 39, Russell 2-32) by six wickets. Meanwhile, in the other game played, Rishabh Pant blasted 78 not out off 27 balls, the joint third-fastest IPL half-century, to set the tournament alight for Delhi Capitals. Also crucial for Delhi was Colin Ingram’s 43 that gave the innings momentum in the first place after the top order sputtered. This meant, Shreyas Iyer celebrated an away win at his home ground as Delhi defended their mammoth 213 for 6 in style. Mumbai Indians were eventually restricted to 176 in reply as Yuvraj Singh slammed 53. Scores: Delhi Capitals 213 for 6 (Pant 78*, Ingram 47, Dhawan 43, McClenaghan 3-40) beat Mumbai Indians 176 (Yuvraj 53, Krunal 32, Rabada 2-23, Ishant 2-34) by 37 runs.
Monday March 25, 2019
Skerritt is new CWI President, surprised at wide margin of victory KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Former West Indies team manager Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow are the new president and vice-president of Cricket West Indies (CWI). Both were elected during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston yesterday, after defeating incumbent Jamaican Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron and his vice-president and running mate, Emmanuel Nanthan 8-4. The victory will see Skerritt, 62, a former Minister of Sports and Tourism in St Kitts and Nevis and Shallow, the current president of the St Vincent & The Grenadines Cricket Association, taking up office for the next two years. They denied Cameron and Nathan a four-consecutive term. Skerritt expressed surprise at the margin of victory, as the election was expected to be a close battle. Prior to the elections, Skerritt was assured of the backing of Trinidad and Tobago and the Leeward Islands and possibly Jamaica, while Guyana, Barbados and the Windward Islands had thrown their support behind Cameron. “I am not even sure where the eight votes came from, but I can tell you that everybody has the right to privacy with their votes. I am indeed grateful that we were able to get eight votes and that gave us more than a one-vote margin,” Skerritt said. “But in this business, we have learnt that if the message resonates with individuals, even those individuals who may have what you call a mandate, and if they feel strongly enough about an issue they will actually go against the mandate. “That was the basis on which we started our campaign, knowing that we could build our voting base by being consistent with good ideas, [and] reaching
out with a positive campaign to bear on the voters and I think that happened. I am humbled and deeply honoured to be elected as president and we pledge to work for improvement on and off the field for West Indies cricket,” he added. His running mate Dr Shallow was also grateful stating that: “My role in this is to support my president 100%, to keep him energised and focus and challenge him. I am grateful and humbled by the support of the members of the territorial board. This is a victory for West Indies cricket.” Cameron, who was first elected in 2013, was pleased about his six-year run in office. He, however, expressed disappointment with the outcome, having confidently stated that he was in no danger of losing the CWI top job. “I am very surprised, but I just like to say thanks to the region for the opportunity to serve West Indies cricket, it was a tremendous run. When we came into office we found West Indies cricket in a state and I think we now leave it in a better state and we are very proud of those achievements,” Cameron shared. He continued: “I trusted the process that we are men of integrity and I banked on that, that we are a group on integrity and we stand for something, so that’s where I am very disappointed that men gave me their word and then went a different way. “But that is election all around, I think we have a lot to be proud of winning back the Wisden trophy after 10 years and seeing us compete the way we did against England just now. I tell you I am very excited for West Indies cricket if we continue on this trajectory.” The proceedings were done under the watchful eyes of international audit firm, KPMG.
Cameron and Nathan gracious in defeat
Dave Cameron (right) and Emmanuel Nathan lost in their bid to return as president and vice-president respectively of Cricket West Indies.
Rishabh Pant smashed a 18-ball half-century in his first game of IPL 2019 BCCI
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Defeated Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron and his running mate Emmanuel Nathan are hoping that the new hierarchy will build on what has been left behind. Cameron, who served the regional body for 17 years – six of those as president – and Nathan who spent 15 years at the West Indies Cricket Board and CWI, made the call shortly after Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow defeated them 8-4 in yesterday’s elections. In a statement released by CWI, the two thanked those who supported them during their tenure. “We were glad to be able to serve and proud of our achievements. We are happy that we left 123 players under contract. West Indies
Cricket now has a home owned by the board at Coolidge Cricket Grounds. The World Championships and bringing back the Wisden Trophy are also other achievements that we are proud of. More than anything else we have a fit youthful team that is prepared to face the world,” the statement read. “Under this team, we made significant strides and you trusted us to safeguard the region’s most valuable asset. The tenure was rewarding and full of challenges and we feel proud we have managed to take the cricket to this level. “We anticipate the sport will move towards its true potential and we ask the new team to build upon the progress and to continue to fight for equity in world cricket,” the statement added.
Monday March 25, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Maxim is champion, as Kevin and Hilbert are Flight winners in LGC Holi Tourney
Winners in Saturday’s Holi tournament stand in with Dr. Joaan Deo (acting for Captain) and Visitors. From left to right: Hilbert Shields, Brian Hackett, Joaan Deo, Aleem Hussain, Rabindranath Persaud, Maxim Mangra, Paul James, Zulfiqar Ali, Patrick Prashad and Kevin Dinanauth. Rookie Maxim Mangra turned in a superb performance to emerge the champion in the LGC’s Holi Tournament of Saturday last as he won in his Flight and recorded the Tournament’s overall best Net score. Meanwhile, Kevin Dinanauth, reigning Guyana Open male runner-up, and immediate past President, veteran Hilbert Shields won in their Flights convincingly. With fine weather and a course in top class condition, the golfers took off at 12:40
p.m., many vying to be winner in their own Flight. Three Flights, of handicaps 0 – 10, 11 – 19, and 20 – 28 were played with prizes for the first two places in each Flight along with Nearest the Pin and Best Gross performances. Visiting the LGC during Saturday’s tournament was Her Excellency Ms Sarah Ann-Lynch, US Ambassador to Guyana. Also visiting were Mr Zulfiqar Ali, President of the local branch of the American Chamber of
Rising Star overcome Independence B Rising Star defeated Independence B 15 runs when the teams collided in a T20 fixture played on Thursday at Zeelugt. Batting first, Rising Star managed 125 all out in 15 overs. E. Fernandes struck two fours and three sixes in a top score of 33, while D. Scott made 30 with two fours and three sixes and E. Martin contributed 27 including six fours. Rickey Sargeant claimed 2-5, Reaz Esau 2-10 and Anand Bharat 2-14. Independence B were bowled out for 110 in 14.2 overs in reply. Safraz Esau made 26 with two fours and a similar number of sixes as Keon Roberts bagged 5-14, N. Persaud 2-17 and J. Thomas 2-20.
Keon Roberts
Commerce (AmCham) and Mr Paul James, a Director of AmCham, and owner of FixIt Hardware. With Guyana racing towards becoming an oil producer by 2020, AmCham intends to cater to a growing number of United States companies investing in oil and gas related and other services. AmCham via Messrs Ali and James committed to hosting a grand event at the LGC in a few months and in fact assisted in prize distribution on Saturday. Kevin Dinanauth carted off three prizes, winning the Nearest The Pin, the Best Gross (74) and 1st place in his 0 – 10 Flight.Winners in that 0 – 10 Flight were Kevin (68/ 6) – 1st; Patrick Prashad (69/9) – 2nd; Mike Mangal (78/9) – 3rd; Aleem Hussain (79/10) – 4th. In the 11 – 19 Flight, winners were Hilbert Shields (69/16) – 1st; Rabindranath Persaud (70/17) – 2nd; Mahindranauth Tewari (72/ 14) – 3rd; Joseph John (77/ 15) and Lekhnarine Shivraj (77/16) -5th. In the 20 – 28 Flight winners were Maxim Mangra (65/28) – 1st; and Brian Hackett (73/21) 2nd, jostling with Maurice Solomon (73/23) and Dr Philbert London (73/ 25). LGC President Hussain noted that “The massive expansion plans for the Club which had been identified a year ago, are now nearer
coming into fruition as interested supporters are pushing for the realization of a state of the art driving r a n g e – s p o n s o r e d by MaCorp -, a fine dining restaurant, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, along with a complete spa. In addition to internal development the LGC is driving for schools to get the opportunity to participate in golfing and right now offers free coaching (using Club equipment) to all those
interested in learning to play golf. It plans to extend its involvement too in charitable activities.” Noting that there are many golfers among the expatriates involved in various fields of Guyana’s development at this time, President Hussain appeals to local golfers to hone their skills and prepare for serious challenges in the Open President Cup of May 26, and the International Guyana Open Invitational set for late
October this year. The Guyana Open will involve 5 Flights – Seniors (above 60year old males), Females, and Handicaps 0-9, 10-18, and 1928. Early registration for competing in the Guyana Open is a must, as space is limited. Meanwhile, preparation is underway to make this Easter the biggest celebration ever at the LGC. Persons interested in reserving a spot on the Grounds should contact the Club ASAP on 220-5660.
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Kaieteur News
Monday March 25, 2019
Ashraf Ali “The River Conqueror” to swim D’Andrade triumph in the Berbice River back and forth today Meteorological Service 6k Ashraf Ali
After swimming all the major rivers in Guyana and conquering the Demerara River back and forth without stopping, and without any boat or any other company, the indomitable Ashraf “The River Conqueror” Ali, the 73 overseas based Guyanese and former resident of Canefield East Canje will be swimming, God willing, the Berbice River back and forth without any company or safety boat alongside. This feat will be done at 09:00hrs today from the old New Amsterdam Stelling. Ali has so far swam the Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo, the Corentyne Rivers and Lake Mainstay twice. Swimming across the Canje River was a regular routine since his teens. According to Ali, a good circus trapeze acrobat does some major acts without a net. Ali’s said his swim will be without a boat which is equivalent to a net. Ali, a practicing preacher, chief passion is serving the Almighty. He is a trained Teacher and graduated with a distinction and lectured at the Canje Secondary School and the New Amsterdam Technical Institute among other institutions. He also obtained a degree with honors in Electronics and Computer Science from DeVry University in the USA. He is a qualified TV producer with a TV Presentation in New York having the theme THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE. According to the old adage there is healthy mind in a healthy body so a little physical exercise is important. The Bible says that bodily exercise profits little but Godliness with contentment is great gain. (Samuel Whyte)
Surprising results mark Saturday’s action in CNLQ Miami, Florida – Saturday had its fair share of surprising results in a thrilling slate of seven matches in Week 4 of 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League Qualifying. The day’s action started with Dominica topping Bahamas 4-0 on the strength of goals from Julian Wade (24’, 35’), Travist Joseph (30’) and Briel Thomas (85’). That was followed by a breathtaking encounter between neighbors Sint Maarten and Saint Martin in which the Dutch side of the island emerged victorious 43. A Danilo Cocks own goal (10’) plus scores from Smally Lake (23’) and Remsley Boelijn (30’) via penalty countered an Akim Arrondell goal (11’) to give Sint Maarten a 3-1 halftime lead. Cocks made up for his earlier miscue in the 52’ to make it 3-2, only for Lake to score his second (59’). Wrubens Dupalus’ penalty conversion in the 80’ cut the deficit to 4-3 but Sint Maarten would hang on for the win. Guyana edged Belize 2-1 with goals from Neil Danns
(16’) and Emery Welshman (43’), offsetting a score from Elroy Kuyen (25’) to collect the three points and move to sixth place in the 34-team table. Antigua and Barbuda then stunned first-place Curacao with a resounding 21 home win. The Benna Boys started strong with a goal from Carl Osbourne (1’), only for Gervane Kastaneer to pull Curacao level via header (37’). But the night belonged to
Antigua and Barbuda, who got a winner early in the second half from Junior Benjamin (49’). Suriname put itself in the Gold Cup mix with a big 2-0 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis. Stefano Rijssel (38’) and Ivenzo Comvalius (71’) did the damage against the Sugar Boys. Wesley Jobello’s excellent left-footed finish in the 63’ was enough to give visiting Martinique a 1-0 triumph over historic
rivals Guadeloupe, allowing Martinique to complete CNLQ with a perfect 4W-0D-0L record. El Salvador then capped the night with a massive 2-0 home win over Jamaica that puts the Cuscatlecos in position for a possible Gold Cup berth. Nelson Bonilla took advantage of an error from Jamaica GK Andre Blake in the 49’ before a Damion Lowe own goal in the 87’ sealed the result.
Lionel D’Andrade (right) collects his winning prize. Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade continued his fine form in Trinidad and Tobago when he won the Meteorological Service 6k which was contested on Saturday. D’Andrade clocked 21 minutes 46 seconds to win the event ahead of Francis Joseph of the host nation who placed second in 21:49 and Kevon Mitchell also of the twin island republic who finished third in 22:06. 136 athletes finished the event which saw D’ Andrade successfully defending his title which he won for the past two years.
WDCA Beacon Cafe 50 over underway
El Salvador´s Nelson Bonilla celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Jamaica in the Concacaf League Nations qualifiers at the Cuscatlán Stadium on March 23, 2019.
In just over a month, the West Demerara Cricket Association completed three finals and started the Beacon Cafe 50 overs round robin tournament. Four matches kicked off yesterday at Zeeburg, Belle Vue, Wales and Joe Vieira Park. At Wales, All Youths B won the toss and batted first, openers Sewchan Narine and Krishna Ramjeawon put on 54 off 11 overs before Ramjeawon was the first to go, bowled by Roger Henry for 23. Following his dismissal, wickets fell at regular intervals as R. Henry and Desmond Ally both taking four wickets. All Youths made 125 all out in 30.5. New Windsor replied with 126/4 in 17.3 overs. Chris Rajjpot scored 37 and Vishal Kanhai 23. Zaheer Azeez claimed 3/20. At Belle Vue, Players SC made 78/10 in 27 overs. Ravinandan Ramnarine bagged 5-31 and Imran Khan 2/24. Sawpit replied with 79-4 in 12 overs. Jewan Hamid struck 30 as Shivdat Motee took 3-43. In other matches, Dynasty beat Malvern at Joe Vieira Park and Windsor Forest overcame Christ Ambassador at Zeeburg.