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Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday March 29, 2019
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Govt.’s boastful connections with CCJ may be ‘incestuously’ real
Descent into T the dung heap It went viral, shocking hundreds of thousands of viewers. It was the cellphone videos of a robust, younger man repeatedly kicking a cowering 78-year old woman on a New York subway train. Much ugliness goes on daily on those carriages that move millions. Much of the disturbing went unpublicized before, in what could be, on occasion, a nightmarish underground labyrinth. Not anymore. In a world of cellphone technology and instant communication that is the past, this is now. The now can capture the brutalizing and inexplicably inhuman. Like this subway kickdown. Like unjustified police shootings and lethal road rage incidents. But on this New York subway system, which so many Guyanese use daily, the incident captured on film is noteworthy for several elements that say so much about the new ways and new world in which we live; the new times, too. With each kick delivered, the perpetrator performed with ruthless efficiency, through the power and rage of a brutal smackdown. Two persons were too busy filming to intervene or sound any alarm. Some were even having a good time. Straphangers were too occupied with jostling each other to get a better camera angle and shot so that they could post for public consumption a horror show (a good thing), but also so they can attract some attention to themselves (not such a good thing while someone was being attacked). All of this was taking place, while an aged, homeless (now revealed to be mentally ill and allegedly armed) woman was being mercilessly pummeled and savaged. Taken together, this is the new monstrosity. But that is not the worst of the story. While this unbelievable episode was unfolding, “a crowd of straphangers could be heard cheering and “oohing and aww-ing” each time a kick was connected, as if at a boxing match” (NY Post, March 24th). There were six powerful kicks. When collared, the 36-year old kicker, a man with a police record, essayed defending the indefensible: She had it coming; she was occupying a row of seats, refusing to move, and threatening his family repeatedly with a knife. Some threat that must have been. The best to be said about this troubling and degrading affair is - though threatening, and there is a community history - most times discretion is wiser than aggression. But there are some other things that can be said, and rightfully so, of this world in which we live nowadays, and which is observed right here in the teeming spaces of Guyana. There is sharp, hard, impatience and psychological cruelties inflicted daily locally. This encompasses even the regularly law-abiding, the circumspect, and the mature and decent. Here are some frequent examples: First, there is this dangerous rush and squeeze at traffic lights and intersections; the blaring horns are quicker than Burt Lancaster did draw at the OK Corral. Second, sober, responsible citizens behave thuggishly and park anywhere; including in front of residential driveways. Next, accident scenes evidence bullying arguments by those who violated safety rules or traffic laws, and caused damage. Then, there are the now repeated exhibitions of the intrinsic cowardice interwoven in domestic abuse and domestic violence, brutalities and barbarities writ large. Fifth, there are the louts operating as touts in crowded public spaces to the anxiety and detriment of disgusted commuters. Others extending the continuum, are those males who slide ahead of pregnant women and the elderly in banks and offices; and road users who discard precautions near pedestrian crossings. It is of a world largely mad. The self-promotion of the egotistical; the obsession with the
DEAR EDITOR, he presence of Sir Francis Alexis as part of the govt.’s team at the Court of Appeals’ hearings on the noconfidence ruling is a cause for concern for all fair minded Guyanese. Given Alexis’ other important high offices within the CARICOM legal system, and the govt.’s boastful connection with the CCJ, such concern is not unfounded. This connection/bias-view, which has appeared like a recurring decimal in recent years, had also been in the forefront of the concerns raised in debates leading up to the establishment of the CCJ. In pre-CCJ discussions, deliberations and debates, many questions were raised about the role of regional politicians. It was posited that local politicians cannot
be trusted; the CCJ can be manipulated by politicians, and as such, the CCJ cannot dispense justice. In the same vein, the judges of the CCJ were seen as products of the local untrustworthy political culture, which naturally casts d o u b t u p o n t h e trustworthiness of the CCJ. Perhaps it was that mindset which has stymied other jurisdictions, most notably, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, from accepting the CCJ as their final arbiter. During the recent noconfidence Court of Appeals’ hearings, concerns were raised by lawyers, notably, respondent lawyer, Mr. Datadin, about the perceived bias of having Francis Alexis on the government team of lawyers. This is due mainly to the fact that Dr. Alexis is a member of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission that, among
other functions, hires and fires judges of the CCJ. Given his stature within the regional legal system, he should not appear in cases, which potentially can reach the CCJ. His presence and active participation, not only lend credence to the perception of bias, but may signal undue influence on the CCJ Panel of judges. Similarly, concerns were raised in 2018 about the government’s relationship with the CCJ. For example, Ray Alexander, in a letter, ‘Incestuous conflict of interest at CCJ on Guyana case’ in the Guyana Chronicle (Apr. 16, 2018), alluded to the possible bias of Sir Dennis Byron against Dr Jagdeo’s bid for a third term. It should also be noted that Richard Layne, the grandson of current GECOM chairman, Judge Patterson, prepares briefs and offers
advice to Byron on matters before the Court. It should not have surprised anyone when the AG, Mr. Williams boasted about the government close relationship with the CCJ, something that so far has not been denied by any member of the CCJ Panel. Peter Ramsaroop, in his letter to The Guyana Times (March 22, 2018), had raised similar issues and concerns. In essence, such boastful government connections with Sir Byron and the CCJ, and the inclusion of the highpowered Sir Alexis in the recent Court of Appeals’ noconfidence case give much food for thought. At minimum, these messages/appearances send a clear indication of potentially real bias in the pending CCJ ruling. Yours faithfully, Ronald Singh
The Granger Administration has propelled Guyana into progress DEAR EDITOR, It is my humble opinion that given the current state of Guyana and the depths from which it has risen over the past three and a half years, that there is very little room for dissatisfaction. We all have an ideal and at the risk of repeating a cliché a “utopian” aspiration for Guyana. While Guyanese can’t claim that we live in the best of societies, we are en route to a more perfect society, and as a result, we should not just look at the height of progress made but the depth from which Guyana came. Guyana in my experience came from a desperately dark past steeped in corruption, drug trafficking, human rights atrocities, domination of civil rights by the PPP and rampant crime. Growing up as an adolescent in Linden under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration, the policies of the then government instilled a fear and
uncertainty of the future as my community was neglected and economically starved due to perceived political allegiance not profitable to the PPP. No chance was given through the fair provisions of opportunities for the newly politically self-aware youngster in Linden to feel fairly treated or equally important under the PPP and basically made the decision to be anti-PPP for us. The intentions were clear, in that you were unwanted and rejected in the country of your birth because of your community of birth and even your ethnicity. For example, in 2012, Linden underwent what is popularly known as ‘The Struggle’ where the mining town was shut down and blocked off due to a rejection of the removal of subsidized electricity. It saw residents fighting for what they viewed as a matter of survival. Among all that
self-seen everywhere - even in the sanctuary and before God. Look at ME! I am The Magnificent. The pathos of all of this is how revealingly and completely pathetic are the pictures. Leaders live it; followers imitate in a paradise of fools and a growing army of barbarians; at least, mentally. The qualitative deteriorates into the feloniously destructive; and confirms the descent into the dung heap.
turmoil was the disruption of normal life, a young student from the Mackenzie High School persevered and excelled at her exams. While at an award ceremony organized by the Ministry of Education, the then Minister of Education, refused to recognize the young child’s amazing achievement by refusing to call her name and allowing her a just recognition of her strength, bravery and perseverance. Couple to that, a former president refused to meet his suffering citizens in Linden during ‘The Struggle’ but instead sent his armed forces. The actions of the former president and the actions of the former Education Minister echoed the perceived sentiments of the PPP to Lindeners; that the PPP does not care for you, that the PPP is not a government that sees Linden as important and that there is no refuge for your troubles in the PPP. Linden bears the name of a past president and opposition to the PPP and under their rule (PPP) changed the narrative of Linden from a blossoming town to the one synonymous for hardship and poverty, as if it were payback and punishment to the ghost of
former president Linden F.S. Burnham. I’m sure every Guyanese knows a ‘Linden so hard’ joke that stereotypes the perceived existence of Linden. The policies of the PPP government took more than an economic toll on Linden but it also had farreaching social effects. Due to the unavailability of jobs, homes were torn apart as parents left their families behind seeking employment outside of the region and further abroad. It is amazing nevertheless, the resilience of the people of Linden, that through all the hardships, Lindeners never turned to crime and drugs as you would expect such a depressed community to do. Beyond Linden, it seems that the stance of the now opposition party (PPP) is simple arithmetic, in that Indo-Guyanese out number Afro-Guyanese enough to have a plurality of the vote and there is no need to mature beyond racial politics. No effort is placed into genuinely appealing to the issues that affect Guyana as a whole and seek cooperation to tackle them as a united nation. There are allegations of disrespect of our first people (Continued on page 6)
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The National Assembly has not Unfamiliarity with the workings them ‘now-a-days’. In fact, the Union is Apart from successes scored lost confidence in the government of GAWU representation. committed to ensuring that the in our consistent representation
DEAR EDITOR, The no-confidence motion and all the subsequent statements and actions, including the appeal to the Caribbean Court of Justice, by the PPP/C and its cohorts are the latest scenes, not the beginning, in the longrunning plot to overturn the results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, which dismissed them from office after 23 years in power. The PPP/C protested the election results, chastised the international observers and other members of the international community for upholding the conduct of those elections, petitioned the courts, hounded the former Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission out of office and demanded modifications to the voting process, including the installation of voting machines, before the next elections. Since the supposed passage of the no-confidence motion, the daily clamour has been for the holding of elections almost immediately, without the usual preparations and scrutiny. These paragons of virtue, d e m o c r a c y, constitutionality and the national conscience would have us believe that the most shocking event in the saga of the no-confidence motion is the majority ruling on the Guyana Court of Appeal, which invalidated it, and not the
palpable deceit, treachery and betrayal of the APNU/ AFC voters and list by Charandass Persaud. For these people, Charandass Persaud is hailed as an honourable and conscientious man and a national hero, and the PPP/C leadership as advocates for democracy when, clearly, they are instigators and promoters of national instability and an attempted coup d’état. Rather, they accuse the government, whose election to office they have never accepted to this day and will never accept, of usurping power and occupying office illegally, and no ruling of the CCJ will stop this narrative. When it moved the noconfidence motion in the National Assembly in December 2018, the PPP/C c o n t r o l l e d a m i n o r i t y, simple and absolute, in the parliament and the vote would have failed but for the perfidy and collusion of Charandass Persaud. By gifting a government vote to the opposition party, he temporarily allowed the PPP/C to acquire a majority to secure the passage of the no-confidence motion which purported to dismiss the President and
Government of Guyana and demanded the holding of early elections. Now that the Guyana Court of Appeal has invalidated the noconfidence motion and the opposition and its allies continue to question the legitimacy of the government, the Prime Minister should move a motion of confidence in the National Assembly at the earliest opportunity where it should receive the support of a majority of its elected members. It is only fitting that a noconfidence vote in the National Assembly should be followed by a confidence vote. If a vote of noconfidence, however obtained, detracts from a government’s legitimacy shouldn’t a vote of confidence, in spite of the voluntary absence of the opposition, restore it and remove all questions, thereby demonstrating to the nation and the world that the National Assembly has not lost confidence in the government and that it has not lost the ability to pass laws and to govern democratically and constitutionally. Sincerely Oscar Dolphin
DEAREDITOR, The GAWU recognized from a letter, which appeared in the March 24, Guyana Chronicle from Dr. Joey Jagan, certain accusations were levelled apparently aimed to tarnish our Union’s reputation and character. Our Union could not help to notice that Dr. Joey’s letter appeared in close proximity to the 101st Birth Anniversary of his father, the indefatigable Dr. Cheddi Jagan who was very much associated with the work and victories of our Union during his lifetime. Also, the letter comes on the eve of Cde. Janet Jagan’s memorial activity at Babu Jaan – another outstanding GAWU supporter. Of course, this truism should not be unknown to Dr. Joey Jagan. The innuendos contained in his letter we contend are baseless, and serve only to demonstrate his clear unfamiliarity with the workings of the sugar industry, though this is surprising considering that both Cdes Cheddi and Janet Jagan were closely associated with many of the struggles of the industry’s workers. Contrary to Dr. Joey Jagan’s, seemingly, warped thinking, the GAWU has never shirked from its responsibility to advance the conditions of workers under its
well-being of all workers is improved. This has been reflected by the Union’s activism, not only at the bargaining table, which has brought many benefits and gains to our members. In the letter, he charged that “…sugar workers were treated with contempt…” But we wonder if Dr. Joey doesn’t find the treatment by the current Government of workers most contemptuous. He must know, as it is widely known, that some 7,000 sugar workers have lost their jobs during the tenure of the Coalition. He should know too that sugar workers remain the only group of workers in the State sector not to have gotten even a dollar as pay increase while those on the top echelons of the Administration approved obscenely humongous increases in their pay and perks. He would know that the GAWU, a Union Dr. Cheddi Jagan served as Honorary President for many years, has seen its members being denied paid-release to attend their Union’s Congress but such facility has not been denied to other unions and workers. Even Forbes Burnham didn’t treat sugar workers as the inheritors of his party are treating
with the industry’s overlords, we have also, on our own or together with our unions in FITUG raised our voices to advocate policies and programmes to help our working-people generally. Such a stance is inherited from Cde. Cheddi, among others, and continues to guide our efforts today.Dr. Joey continues to show his unfamiliarity with the workings of our Union with the assertion that our Union’s leadership was part of the Government. Contrary to those preposterous lamentations, the GAWU, as it said before, has members who are supportive of all the political groupings in Guyana. We respect and uphold our members right in this regard. We cannot say with any certainty what has motivated such remarks about GAWU in the letter by Dr Joey. Maybe, it’s an attempt to be relevant at this time.If so, he really has a long, long way to go. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
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We Need the Freddie Kissoons’ Judicial attacks should be condemned DEAR EDITOR, I must make mention of Freddie Kissoon’s Column of March 26, 2019, “Guyana secretly buries dead Foreign Prisoners”. But before I go into an analysis of his column and an expression of my views on it, I must say there are times when I am annoyed much with Freddie Kissoon. Times when I cannot but help respect and give the gentleman a bow as well. Guyana needs these heroes, who will stand for dignity, principle, honour, patriotism, etc. The likes of Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis and Christopher Ram come to mind. It is a fact also that I have observed over the decades that men who are political and vociferous in their passions and who are without fear or favour, will pronounce on the wrongs of society by even the mightiest of the day. I can never hope to equate myself to such men. I hope to be diplomatic in getting my points across or I might just be a coward. These men are fearless when it comes to matters of their country. I recall sometime past an incident with an African gentleman whom had used another person’s passport to get a job permit though married in Guyana with a Guyanese family; in Guyana, he was imprisoned in Guyana, in the remand facility in Diamond. I visited, took refreshments and clothing for him and other small comforts such as what the law would allow. Mr. Freddie Kissoon’s exposé on the reality that in modern civilization we as a people or a country will bury foreign dead nationals is what I deemed an abomination or a curse as a man of Religion and Humanity. I personally believe that such evils have a tendency of haunting a people and country when they function in an inhumane and unprincipled manner. Most of the persons that Freddie Kissoon highlighted in his column are persons who overstayed their visa or entered the country i l l e g a l l y. A r e w e , a s a supposedly civilized people, to allow opportunity seekers to languish for months and years to multiply hate in their hearts for and against Guyana or Guyanese? It is known that one of the
inmates held in incarceration went ‘mental’ and injured his head and was awaiting to die. Some of them are our Caricom Family and they never commit a crime. The others are from humane countries such as Switzerland, which stand in principle for refugees around the world. I am recommending to the Government of Guyana to do exactly what the Late President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, did. It was a brave and most humane thing. It indicated that the people of Venezuela will adopt all illegal immigrants and make them citizens of Venezuela. In Guyana, we are running short of people. We need human resource. If this is not the case, consider the fact that thousands of people from Haiti are brought into the country. It is also known that a number of Bangladeshis were brought into Guyana during the period of the past administration. By the same token, let us adopt the illegal immigrants and not be too hasty to deport them. Let us extend and demonstrate to them and the world a humane consideration for their plight and circumstances. We should ask for volunteers to provide jobs for them and integrate them into our society. Personally, I am prepared to adopt one or two of these unfortunate souls and help them to stay in the country or earn their keep to go back home. Refugees or immigrants coming into Guyana should undergo a process of investigation that include multiple interviews and extensive background checks by Guyanese intelligence agencies and T h e F o r e i g n Aff a i r s
Ministry and then be allowed to resettle and integrate into the Guyanese Society. According to the Online Huff Post of 01/29/ 2017 writing on the subject Refugees, Immigrants and Human Rights: “refugees and immigrants like the rest of us have human r i g h t s . These rights are sometimes challenged by the countries they leave, which is the very reason they leave. The reason the Office of the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees exist is precisely because ensuring that the rights of refugees protected is essential to the notion of Universal Human Rights. This is also the reason governments assist and protect refugees and immigrants, by granting them asylum and helping them resettle” (https:// www.huffpost.com/entry/ refugees-immigrants-andhuman-rights_b_588e2b5 8e4b0cd25e 4904a10). Even though these persons overstayed, do we destroy their lives or do we not give them a chance to get back home to their families and love ones or build a new life here? If the Government of Guyana wishes to establish such a board or committee, I am willing to serve on it. We must remember that it is solidarity towards those whose rights are threatened that ultimately ensures the rights of all, including our own. Let us therefore, show our solidarity to the champions of the cause of human rights for immigrants. Sincerely, Haji, Commissioner: Mr. Roshan Khan Snr. The Ethnic Relations Commission
Congratulations to Ricky Skerritt DEAR EDITOR, On the morning of Sunday 24th day of March, 2019, the skies were blue with brilliant sunshine and a well prepared (AGM) of cricket West Indies held at the Kingston Jamaica Pegasus, where a googly was bowled to dismissed Dave Cameron with Emmanuel Nanthan at the other end, which bring victory to Ricky Skerritt and his deputy behind the stumps Dr. Kishore
Shallow. Mr. Skerritt is no stranger to the Caribbean and what West Indians want to see is a quick revamp to Cricket West Indies, so that when we sit to chat, positive talks can return about West Indies male cricket. A good example was set, so come January 2020, our local board will have the same faith. Yours-in-Sport, Parmanand Ram
DEAREDITOR, There is need for a more forceful and unequivocal condemnation of the recent statements by the leader of the opposition and his supporters attacking sitting judges of the courts in Guyana and the Caribbean. On the 31st January 2019, Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George decreed the no-confidence motion passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 as valid. On Friday March 22, 2019, the Appeals court upheld an appeal by the Attorney General Basil Williams that the no confidence motion was invalid. The responses from both the Government and opposition parties to the rulings leave lots to be desired a d m i t t e d l y. However, it’s the response from the leader opposition hours after the court’s ruling that is troubling and should worry all Guyanese. The opposition leader in a Facebook video release to the public stated, “We knew that there was a huge hurdle to overcome at the Appeals court ...we have witness in the past maters of a particular political nature going against us...” to insinuate that the court is being bias because a decision goes against you, should be considered an attack of the judiciary. Personal attacks against judges and magistrates should never be condoned, since it could cause democracy to buckle. It should be noted that similar statements were made days before the first ruling by
Chief Justice Roxanne George and also when the courts would have upheld the president’s appointment of GECOM Chairman Justice James Patterson as constitutional. Mr. Jagdeo would have stated at a press conference, “This travesty in the ruling that we have seen by the Court will be overturned at the CCJ. If the CCJ doesn’t overturn that, it loses all of its credibility.” Let me posit, there seems to be a real crisis of decency and respect for the rule of law within the ranks of the PPP leadership. Which has led to the party and its members becoming psychologically intolerant of any person or institution that doesn’t comply with its philosophy of governance. It should be noted that there
is a record of attempts to subvert the judiciary, which is well known. Former Magistrate Juliet Holder-Allen was forced to resign, while Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Chandra Sohan, we’re fired from the bench. If Guyana is to remain a nation of peace and ethnic tolerance, the judiciary should be protected from political and racial intimidation from politicians and their supporters. Threats directed to judges and magistrates should never be condoned in a democratic society. We as Guyanese have a duty to defend our democracy from those who want to return us to a state of dictatorship and oppression through conspiracy and threats to judges. Quency Sabastian
A brilliant man like Anil Nanlall should have been contacted DEAR EDITOR, A national publication’s recent editorial was basically saying that the 34 majority ruling is the most ridiculous judicial decision the world has ever seen. Mr. Nandalall is a brilliant man and a top-notch legal mind; there is no ifs and buts about that. For me, Mr. Nandalall will (in a legal match) beat AG Williams every day of the workweek, also on weekends. I would like to respectfully
request that the editorial writer make a quick call to Mr. Nandlall and ask him if in 2014 (during the talk about noconfidence motion) he had sought independent legal advice on this same “majority 34” issue. If a legal giant like Mr. Nandlall can have a degree of uncertainty about a matter, it beats me how this publication can be so pompous. Its founder must be turning in his grave. Yours faithfully, Trevor Charles
The Granger Administration has... From page 4 by referring to them in a derogatory racially insensitive manner, the circulation of a paper in indigenous communities claiming that this current government intends to replace our true first people with the AfroGuyanese, the ‘take back our country’ campaign call that was racially charged and fear mongering threatening Indo-Guyanese with violence from the army if they vote for APNU+AFC collation. In my estimation of the leader of the opposition, I believe that he is a threat of injury to the public good and a danger to the health of our maturing democracy. Jagdeo had his terms in
office and they were wildly unsuccessful as it polarized the nation and continues to bring discord in the party of his origin. Mr. Jagdeo comes from a communist party, is Machiavellian in tactics but claims to be the defender of democracy. That is a claim Guyanese cannot afford to trust as the last time we did, it plunged the nation into a pariah state blacklisted by several watchdog groups and in constant fear and morning as the drug lords bloody battles stole the lives of hundreds of youths. Note, Jagdeo is not the presidential candidate but given the current handling of Irfaan Alli as a side-piece and second fiddle in the
campaign, I would expect no different should the PPP regain power but the continued domination of Jagdeo in the affairs of the state. I expect he would run as the prime ministerial candidate or Minister of Finance in a never before experienced oil wealthy country. When comparing t h e P P P ’s a n d Jagdeo’s track record to that of the three and a half year term of the current coalition, I submit that the Granger administration has propelled Guyana into progress further than the Jagdeo and Romatar administration did in its 15 years. Guyana elected the APNU+AFC government on a hope that we could as a nation put the troubles behind us and experience a good life. Today, we no longer have hope but an assurance and in some cases, a lived experience of the good life. Yours respectfully, Kenny Valladares
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Friday March 29, 2019
New Demerara River Bridge…
SOCU pussyfooting on feasibility probe - Jagdeo O
pposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is accusing the Special Organised Crime Unit, (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force, of pussyfooting on the probe into the feasibility study for the new Demerara River Bridge. Jagdeo noted that a report was made to SOCU based on evidence of Government corruption months ago. However he noted that the matter seemed to have slipped below the radar. “It all hush-hush because it’s not just Minister Patterson but all the members of cabinet that approved that contract will be liable.” Jagdeo noted that SOCU had questioned all the members of the PPP Cabinet in relation to deals made in the past, “ but I haven’t seen any member of this cabinet being called in to say what made them approve such a study”. According to Jagdeo, this sort of behavior is duplicitous “ We h a v e s e e n t h e s a m e t h i n g w i t h Vo l d a Lawrence and the [Cheddi Jagan] airport project where we’re paying more and getting less. Yet, they are not being called in or questioned.” Jagdeo had indicated that the report from the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) which details procurement breaches in the process that led to the award of a $148M contract to a Dutch company which conducted a feasibility study for the new bridge design across the Demerara River will be handed over to SOCU. “This is a documented case of corruption of unbelievable proportions, directly involving a Minister of the Government who bypassed
An artist’s impression of the new Demerara River Crossing
our laws and the designated authority, according to our laws, to a Cabinet, to approve an illegality,” Jagdeo stated. The PPC found that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, headed by Minister David Patterson, did not tender for the project. The report indicated that the Ministry received an unsolicited proposal from Lievense CSO Engineering Contracting BV, to provide consultancy services for the bridge project. “We believe that this report could result in either the Minister or the entire Cabinet being charged for corruption,” the Opposition Leader noted. He added, “Let me make it clear right at the beginning that we plan to send this report to SOCU.” Former senior officials of the People’s Progressive
Party (PPP) have been the focus of SOCU’s fraud probes, with charges being laid against former Finance Minister, Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, former head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The Opposition, according to Jagdeo, had questioned SOCU Advisor, Dr. Sam Sittlington, as to why the PPP officials were the only ones being targeted by SOCU, while numerous reports of corruption by the coalition Government were not being investigated. “He [Sittlington] said you can write to us and submit the report, so we will be writing SOCU and submitting this report,” Jagdeo noted. The PPC conducted the investigation of the contract award process based on a request from Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira.
According to the PPC, Patterson, by way of a Memorandum dated November 18, 2016, made a request to Cabinet seeking consideration and approval to use funds from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation
(DHBC). Specifically, Patterson requested funds from the company’s asphalt plant accounts to fund the feasibility study and commence a contractual arrangement with the Dutch company, as of Janu-
ary 1, 2017. The PPC in its investigation found that the Minister’s request to Cabinet was not forwarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).
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Friday March 29, 2019
Venezuelan migrants not being ruled out of filaria campaign -As Ministry gears to achieve WHO’s 2020 elimination target with triple drug therapy The Ministry of Public Health has not yet been able to assess whether the influx of Venezuelan migrants has had any bearing on its ongoing lymphatic filariasis [filaria] Mass Drug Administration [MDA] campaign. However, Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO], Dr. Karen GordonCampbell, disclosed yesterday once the need arises they too will be included in the process. Dr. Gordon-Campbell speaking at a press conference held at the Lot 1 Brickdam, Georgetown Ministry of Public Health head office told reporters that “I don’t think that we can say that they had an impact on the campaign, because we haven’t really measured the prevalence amongst them as yet [but] there is a possibility once they are residing in
Guyana they would be given the same privileges as any Guyanese.” Moreover, the DCMO disclosed that the Ministry will make all efforts to ensure that the migrants have a clear understanding of what the Ministry is doing, even as she related that “we will use the Spanish-speaking medical personnel we have to make sure that they understand what we are trying to do and the treatment will be made available to them too.” The Ministry has been conducting the campaign embracing the slogan “because we care, we share.” According to Dr. GordonCampbell, the MDA campaigns executed in the years 2017 and 2018 saw the Ministry realising 85 and 86 percent coverage respectively. “This was in part due to
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Gordon-Campbell [third from left], Resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu Krow [second from left] and other representatives of partner agencies at yesterday’s press conference. micro planning and macro planning, a lot of community involvement and multisectoral involvement,” said the DCMO, as she pointed out that in order for Guyana to reach the WHO recommended 2020 target for elimination of the disease would require three more years of MDA using two drug types 100 mg Diethylcarbamazine [DEC] and 400 mg Albendazole. But according to Dr. Gordon-Campbell, “we don’t have that three years. So if we are to reach eligibility for 2020, we have to slightly adjust our strategy. The strategy that we have available to us is to implement a triple drug therapy.” The triple drug therapy reference by Dr. GordonBoyle will include 200 kg Ivermectin which will allow the Ministry to reach its
target within the WHO stipulated time. We have this year and we have 2020 [next year], and if we manage to reach over 80 percent coverage we could be eligible for elimination,” said the DCMO, as she named Costa Rica, Suriname and Trinidad as countries in this part of the Region that were formerly endemic for filaria but have since achieved elimination. “We want to join them; we want to be part of those countries that can say we no longer have this as a problem, and that is going to require consorted efforts on our part. It’s going to require multisector involvement, private sector involvement,” said Dr. Gordon-Campbell. According to her, thus far the Ministry has seen its greatest successes in Regions Three, Four, Five and
10, which are predominantly urban, but the Ministry is now tasked with reaching out to hinterland locations which, she noted, have multiple challenges including: culture, language, cost and geography. “We can’t immediately say that because we were successful for the past two years that we will be successful with these [other locations], not, at least, with this same strategy, so we are going to have to go back to the drawing board. We are going to have to sit with the same communities that we are trying to target now and work out what will work best,” the DCMO disclosed. Even as she commended the support the Public Health Ministry has been receiving to sustain its gains against the disease, the DCMO said that the Ministry’s partner with
the likes of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/ WHO], the United States Agency for International Development [USAID] and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] which have been integral to the successes realised thus far. Moreover, Dr. GordonCampbell shared the spotlight at yesterday’s press conference with representatives from the partner agencies who helped to share plans for the continuance of the campaign. Resident PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, said that “for the first time we have used micro planning as tool to do our MDA and as a result we were able to achieve over 85 percent [coverage].” But (Continued on page 29)
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The system needs to be fixed
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he government’s hosting of a mas sive outreach at the Square of the Revolution was a bad idea on every count. The outreach has backfired on the government, with members of the public having to stand in long lines and sit for extended periods before receiving attention. The outreach was a publicity gimmick. The government, after almost four years, has suddenly changed gears and is busy going all around the country meeting residents and trying to convince them that the government has their best interests at heart. Wednesday’s outreach was part of the ruling coalition’s hustings. The outreach was bound to be a political disaster. The government ended up being swamped with complaints and requests for government services. There is no way that the government could have handled the number of persons who descended on the Square of the Revolution, where the outreach was hosted. The government was overwhelmed. And the majority of those present ended up being disappointed and frustrated. Instead of making the government look good, the outreach made the government look bad. It was a public relations disaster. The government should have anticipated this disaster. There is not a single person in Guyana who does not have problems with one or more agencies of the government; there is hardly a person in Guyana who does not need something from the government. So having an outreach with so many agencies was bound to result in the venue being swarmed by citizens, even more so in the run-up to election when people expect the government to bend
over backwards to please them. Some people are so fed up with some government agencies that they will not turn up. If there was an outreach by the police and the courts, the lines would have stretched from the Square of the Revolution to the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The government system is not geared to fixing problems. The government is the problem. The public bureaucracy is organized to frustrate citizens. What people need is less not more government. In a liberal economy, citizens should not have to run to the government for house lots or to have their electricity and water service reconnected. Bureaucracies, by nature, tend to create rather than relieve citizens of their problems. The system needs fixing. Public servants cannot be expected at an outreach to solve people’s problems. This is not how decisions are made within the public bureaucracy. Junior civil servants cannot make binding decisions. They can take complaints and pass them on, but not make on-the-spot decisions. The complaint then has to go to a superior who will enter it into a ledger then pass it to a junior supervisor who will add a few comments and then ask someone to investigate. A report then has to be prepared and passed back to the junior supervisor who will then call in the parties and ask for further statements. When that is finished, a file has to be prepared and passed to a senior supervisor, then to an Assistant Manager and then to the Manager. The Manager then has to have the matter discussed at a committee which meets once a month and only after then will a decision be made. By that time the person who made the
complaint would have, out of frustration, given up any hope of having the problem resolved. The system has to be fixed. The system is rotten. The best way to fix it is to have less government and to allow the market to undertake most of the services provided by government. There is no need for government, for example, to be providing house lots. There are no more lands available for housing. The government will have to find lands and put in costly infrastructure in order to bring new lands for housing in operation. But there is
no need for this. Guyana does not have a housing shortage. The housing stock is sufficient to cater for twice the population of Guyana. People living outside of Guyana own properties in Guyana, many of which are left empty. They are holding the property for its value to appreciate. Hundreds of houses are owned by absentee owners. The high value of homes and businesses encourage people to invest in real estate for speculative purposes. The rich are inflating property values in order to increases the value of their holdings.
The price of real estate is outside of the reach of the poor and government’s housing drive has not reduced these prices, even though it has allowed many persons to own a property which they may have never had a chance before to do. Real estate values are inflated, because the housing market is controlled by the middle and upper classes. Outreaches are not going to solve the pr oblems of the ordinary man. Those problems require the system, stacked in favour of inefficient and incompetent bureaucrats, and adminis-
tered in the interests of the rich, to be dismantled and fixed. The government does not have the required fortitude to do so. And therefore just as how the colonial masters of yore used to throw from their balconies sweets to the oppressed masses, the new rulers offer gimmicks such as the government outreaches of last Wednesday.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The reason African Guyanese intellectuals are afraid of the ESD topic
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his country has produced top class African economists who can be found around the world in substantial positions. I recently ran into one of them at his father’s wake; Kwame James, the son of the late law professor, Rudy James. In fact, I shared student days at UG with many of these people. Since the no-confidence vote, there has been a deluge of newspaper writings by East Indians on the ethnic security dilemma (ESD). But, there is a but. But the outpouring is coming from Guyanese Indian academics only, particularly three of them – Tarron Khemraj, Baytoram Ramharack and Ramesh Gampat. All live in the US. Strangely missing are the rebuttals from African Guyanese academics whether in or out of the land. It is one thing to polemically confront the ESD from your perspective, but when it is done so crudely and vulgarly then scholarship is replaced by propaganda. All three names listed above are
guilty of a systematic vulgarization of what the ESD debate is all about. With extreme brevity, let’s define the ESD from the perspective of the Indian Guyanese and the African Guyanese. The Indians argue that there has to be balance in real power in Guyana between Africans and Indians. But power is not defined holistically or power is not deconstructed. Space will not permit further discussion, but by power, the ESD trio mentioned above - plus we have to throw in the famous Ravi Dev - mean essential, pure state authority. Indian ESD debaters want balance in governmental authority, the security forces, the civil service and the total public sector realm. Indian polemicists do not factor in ownership of wealth in their definition of power. The African ESD debaters (who are invisible to date) have their perspective. This angle comes closer to a deconstructed version of power. It argues that you can only speak of ethnic balance in total in Guyana when there is balance in possession of
wealth. I am now accusing the Indian trio of Ramharack, Khemraj and Gampat of academic dishonesty. To prove their upgrading of their ethnic mentality over their scholarly mind, we have to quote them. Here is Ramharack; “There is a myth being peddled in Guyana that “95% of the country’s wealth is owned by Indians. Continuously repeating and legitimizing this myth as if it was an uncontested fact, only serves to galvanize greater antagonism towards Indians.” Now there is serious infighting among the three ESD polemicists. Ramharack calls Indian predominance in the ownership of Guyana’s wealth, a myth. But Gampat and Khemraj take a more deceptive angle. Gampat says that such ownership is speculation (not a myth). And Khemraj says statistics for such a determination are not available. But Gampat, like Ramharack, wants to shut people up when they research ethnic ownership of wealth in Guyana by using
the same mechanism. Let’s quote Gampat; “To assert that one ethnic group owns X percent of the country’s wealth is whipping up ethnic fury.” What the three ESD advocates have done is to frighten African Guyanese scholars into debating the ESD from an African perspective. African Guyanese academics are afraid to summarize the substantial Indian presence in the economy of Guyana because they are afraid Indian people label them racist. On the other hand, when you look at the propaganda of the Indian trio, they couldn’t be bothered with charges of ethnic-based academia. The Indian trio lives in the US where as economist they
know that a schoolboy can cite statistics to show the ethnic breakdown of wealth in the US. To research that is like researching how many times in a year you get snow. What the Indian ESD polemicists are afraid of is any mention of ethnic assets in Guyana, because it would weaken their case for balance in state power. They are afraid African Guyanese economists say; “yes we are for balance in state power, but we want balance in ownership of wealth”. Gampat seems to be the most propagandistic of the Indian ESD fanatics. After claiming he has an overpowered mind, he put this overpowered mind in overdrive and it ran off the road and ended up in an ethnic ditch. Gampat, in looking at the ownership of wealth in
Frederick Kissoon Guyana, uses the category of what the state owns. This is pathetic nonsense. You cannot include that as a concept in determining ethnic ownership of wealth, since the state is public not private and the state is owned by every single Guyanese, so the Portuguese Guyanese have as much claim on state assets as other race groups. The ESD Indians will continue their distortions because they are writing as politicians not as academics.
DEM BOYS SEH
Politicians full of jokes
Guyana enjoying nice time again. De whole country listening to dem politicians and wondering if any of dem really hearing wha de odda one saying. At de same time all dem people who talking bout respecting the decision of de court now telling Soulja Bai that he should ignore de decision of de Appeal Court. De same people telling him that he should accept de decision of de High Court. Then dem have politicians who talking about how dem gun treat people who got dual citizenship in de National Assembly. All dem party who got Members of Parliament got people wid dual citizenship. De Hay Heff See ain’t utter a word bout
who got dual citizenship. De Pee And See got couple and all of dem seh dem going back to Parliament whenever de sitting call. Of course, de crowd start to holler how de coalition disrespecting de constitution. None of dem really read de constitution suh dem don’t realize de constitution only talking bout people who swear in. If somebody born in anodda country and come to live in Guyana, that is anodda story. According to de constitution, that don’t count. But Jagdeo mek a bold statement. He was one who seh that all he people who got dual citizenship gun give up de farrin citizenship. He seh Gail gun be de first one. Dem boys had to laugh
yesterday when he seh none of his dual citizenship people would go to parliament but he wouldn’t ask dem to resign from parliament. That mean he allowing dem to keep wha dem got because Gail change she mind. She want de same option like Charranrass. Of course, even if dem don’t got to parliament dem would still get pay but dem boys ain’t sure what to expect. One time Jagdeo seh he people wouldn’t go to Parliament and de next minute he suggesting that some of dem would go. That is why people enjoying de nice time in Guyana. Is nuff laugh. Talk half and watch de politicians crack more jokes.
Friday March 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
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West Dem. School Welfare Unit hosts parenting workshop on drug and sexual abuse It’s no secret that the issues of substance and sexual abuse in our school are on the increase. As such, the School Welfare Unit (Ministry of Education, Region 3) just yesterday conducted its ‘Parents Involvement Workshop’ to heighten the involvement of parents, as it attempts to address the issues. Hosted in the boardroom of the Region 3 Ministry of Education Office, the event was attended by 60 parents selected at random from Parent Teacher Association (PTA) executive bodies from schools on the West Bank and West Coast Demerara. Facilitator Maylene Foo told this publication
yesterday that the workshop was initiated to address the issues of drug abuse and sexual immorality in schools. She said that coordinators felt that parents should be involved to not only sensitise them on the issue, but also to allow them to develop a hands-on approach to aid in tackling same. Another area looked at was the consumption of alcohol by students. “The use of drugs and sexual abuse has been an issue within our schools which should be addressed with gusto, since it concerns students (our children) and their welfare, which must always be of utmost priority. To date the cases of drug use (particularly use of the pill
ecstasy), and even marijuana in our schools have been greatly disrupting our school system. “Sex in our schools is another urgent matter that needs strategic attention, thus we felt that by involving parents in the process, we are then able to have a combined approach, since these parents are mothers and fathers of children who may be affected” As stated by Foo, another objective behind the venture was to enlighten parents and give them a real life picture of what’s transpiring in the schools today, at the same time educating them, to make them better equipped to deal with situations of where their
Parents interacting at the workshop session yesterday
child/children may become a victim. Topics dealt with at the workshop included symptoms of drug abuse amongst students, and preventative measures. Participants also looked at reasons that may contribute to sexual offences amongst students in school, preventative aids, and many other matters. In 2006, the Guyana Drug Information Network was established within the Ministry of Home Affairs with the assistance of the InterAmerican Observatory on Drugs (OID), Inter-American Drug Control Commission (CICAD)/ Organization of American States (OAS). The purpose of the Network is to facilitate the sharing of drugrelated information. As such, a framework was set up to assess the level of drug use among students in schools across the country in Grades 8,10,11 and 12, both in private and public schools. A stratified random sampling design was employed to conduct of the survey which comprised two phases, viz.: selection of the schools, and selection of the classes within the selected schools to participate in the survey. The team was successful at reaching 28 schools of the 30 selected which included 19 public schools and 9 private schools. Of this amount 28.1 per cent of the schools were from Georgetown, 14.5 per cent from Region 6, 13.4 per cent from Region 2, 11.8 per cent from Region 4 (leaving out schools located in Georgetown), and 10.7 per cent from Region 3. 43.7 per cent of the respondents were students in the 8th grade (Form 2), 35.7 per cent were in the 10th grade (Form 4) and 20.6 per cent were in the 11th grade (Form5). The analysis revealed that 59.6 per cent of the respondents were females and 40.3 per cent males. Disaggregation of sample by age group showed that 43.2
per cent of the students were from the 15-16 age range, 41.7 per cent were from the 13-14 age range, 8.5 per cent were 17 or older, 2.1 per cent were from the 11-12 age range, and 4.5 per cent did not indicate their ages. The one-year incidence rate for cigarette use was reduced from 4.8 per cent in 2007 to 4.1 per cent in 2013. Trend analysis with regard to cigarette use revealed that all prevalence rates for cigarette use declined in 2013 when compared to the 2007 survey. The lifetime prevalence rate declined from 17.8 per cent in 2007 to 16.8 per cent in 2013. In the current survey, the lifetime prevalence rate for private schools was 23.0 per cent; this is higher than the life-time prevalence rate for public schools which returned a rate 16.3 per cent. The average age of first time use of cigarettes increased marginally from 11.5 years in 2007 to 11.7 in 2013. For alcohol, the one-year incidence rate dropped from 37.7 per cent in 2007 to 27.2 per cent in 2013. Comparative analysis of the 2007 and 2013 survey results revealed that prevalence rates declined for use of alcoholic drinks. The lifetime prevalence rate dipped from 62.0 per cent in 2007 to 52.2 per cent in 2013. In the present survey the male lifetime prevalence rate for alcohol use was 57.2 per cent while the female rate was 49.1 per cent. Further survey results showed 4.9 per cent of the students said they were drunk for 6 to 10 days during the past month and 12.0 per cent said they were drunk for 11 or more days. The average age of first use of alcohol increased marginally from 12.2 years in 2007 to 12.5 years in 2013. With regards to marijuana, the one-year incidence declined from 4.5 per cent per cent in 2007 to 3.1 per cent in 2013. The data indicate that life-time prevalence for marijuana was 6.6 per cent in 2013 compared
to 11.2 per cent in the 2007. In the current survey, the male lifetime prevalence rate of marijuana was 9.9 per cent and the female rate was 4.5 per cent. The average age of first time use of marijuana declined from 13.3 years in 2007 to 12.8 years in 2013. Turning to cocaine use, the one-year incidence fell from 2.1 per cent per cent in 2007 to 0.9 per cent in 2013. The current survey statistics showed that 1.4 per cent of the students used cocaine at least once in their lifetime; while annual prevalence rate for cocaine was 1.0 per cent. Comparatively, in 2007 lifetime prevalence rate was 4.1 per cent and one-year prevalence rate was 2.7 per cent. The male lifetime prevalence rate in the 2013 survey was 2.6 per cent and the female life-time prevalence rate was 0.6 per cent. The average age of first time use of cocaine declined from 13.0 years in 2007 to 12.1 years in 2013. Analysing the data to assess the extent and patterns of crack use showed that the one-year incidence rate dropped from 2.2 per cent in 2007 to 1.2 per cent in 2013. Current survey data indicated that 1.9 per cent of the students used crack at least once in their lifetime; while annual prevalence rate for crack was 1.0 per cent. Comparatively, in 2007 lifetime prevalence rate was 4.0 per cent and one-year prevalence rate was 2.8 per cent. The male lifetime prevalence rate in the 2013 survey was 3.0 per cent, while the female rate was 1.3 per cent. The average for first time use of crack increased to 14.5 years in 2013from 13.2 in 2007. Perceptions on the level of access students have to illicit drugs appeared low. Marijuana appeared to be the most accessible illicit drug for secondary school students with 16.3 per cent of them indicating that it would be easy to access.
‘Person of interest’ held for bread vendor’s murder after visiting station with attorney The slain man’s home
A
man described as ‘a person of inter est’ is now in custody for the murder of bread vendor Claymont Telford, who was slain during a robbery on March 17 at his Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara home. Crime Chief Linden Alves said that the individual was arrested this week after turning up at a police station in the company of an attorney. Police are said to have been given the names of three prime suspects. One of them is said to be an East Coast Demerara youth known as ‘Demon.’ Telford, 63, of Lot 101 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, was at-
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Claymont Telford tacked at around 01.00 hrs on March 17 last, allegedly by three masked individuals. The intruders, including one with a firearm, accosted
the vendor as he was closing his shop, which is located in his bottom flat. One of the bandits allegedly took Telford’s reputed wife, Shondell Emmanuel, into the house and forced her to hand over some $600,000 in jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash. The bandits also snatched up several phone cards before they tied her up in the house, and escaped. After managing to untie herself, the woman reportedly found Telford tied up and motionless outside. He was later pronounced dead. Cause of death was due to manual strangulation compounded by blunt trauma to the head.
Preparing for oil...
Lawyer proposes Regulations Committee to ensure robust framework for Maritime Sector By Kiana Wilburg With oil production expected to commence in the first quarter of next year, Guyana’s maritime sector would be in need of a number of key pieces of legislation and regulations to ensure it can properly respond to the new challenges to come. But leaving this work to be done by the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers may not be the best route to take, given its capacity issues, says Maritime Lawyer, Amanza Walton-Desir. At the Guyana Maritime Conference 2019 which was held at the Marriott Hotel on Monday, Walton-Desir proposed the establishment of a Regulations Committee to handle this work. Clarifying and expounding a bit on her comments at the conference, the lawyer told Kaieteur News last night that the capacity of the AG’s
Maritime Lawyer, Amanza Walton-Desir Chambers is an issue, but not because of the competence of its people. She said that it has to do with the overwhelming volume of the legislative agenda before the Chambers and the fact that maritime regulations are quite technical in nature. Walton-Desir said, “What you find is that there is a lag;
it takes an extremely longer time for such technical regulations to be vetted. They don’t have the technical people, or lawyers who are specifically trained in maritime law (to ensure this is done). However, there is expertise outside of the AG’s chambers.” The lawyer added, “What I proposed (at the conference) is that we look at a Regulations Committee for the maritime sector comprising staff of the AG Chambers, Personnel of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the lawyers who are trained in Maritime Law.” Walton- Desir said that this is something which can be done in less than a month so that the key pieces of maritime legislation could be developed in time for the first quarter of 2020.
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Kaieteur News
IPED’s gross loan portfolio grew by 7% in 2018
The South Road office of IPED
During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED), Chairman Komal Samaroo disclosed that the entity’s gross loan portfolio as at December 31, 2018 grew to $3.008B or by 7% from $2.806B in 2017. During 2018, 4,091 loans were processed and disbursed for a value of $2.663B compared to 4,218 loans for a value of $2.684B in 2017. “This is a decline of 3% and 1% in number and value respectively. The total number of loans outstanding as at December 31, 2018 declined to 3,938 or 3% from 4,064 in 2017,” the AGM was told. The Chairman also informed the gathering that the founder Dr. Yesu Persaud, retired from the board of IPED at the end of January 2018. Dr. Persaud is 90. “His leadership and sterling contribution over 32 years to the development and growth of IPED, an institution focused on improving the livelihoods of micro and small business entrepreneurs will not be forgotten.” According to Samaroo, in his address to the AGM: “IPED continues to be a pillar in the growth and development of the ordinary man and woman in their quest of owning their own businesses.” The overall quality of the loans portfolio has recorded a marginal improvement with Portfolio at Risk (principal balance of loans in arrears for more than 30 days as percentage of gross loans) being 16.16% in 2018 compared to 18.35% in 2017.
Dr. Yesu Persaud
IPED Chairman, Komal Samaroo
Non- performing loans as a percentage of gross loans improved from 10.2% in 2017 to 9.8% in 2018. Data obtained from loan applications processed in 2018 indicates that micro and small businesses supported by IPED employed approximately 8,627 persons. Of the total applications processed in 2018, loans to female principal borrowers were 33% (2017: 35%), Rural borrowers were 93% (2017: 91%), Youth borrowers were 5% (2017: 6%) and 72% (2017: 76%) were for borrowers without real estate collateral. According to Samaroo, the financial position of IPED has strengthened over the year and continues to be stable. Total assets grew to $3.720B or by 8% from $3.498B at December 2017. This is financed by $3.267B (2017: $3.221B) of accumulated funds and surpluses. Total Liabilities increased to $454M or by 63% from $278M at December 2017. During 2018, a loan of
$200M was drawn down from Demerara Bank Limited and $41M from the IDB. These were used to fund the growth of the loans portfolio. The financial performance for the year has improved with a total surplus of $102.5M for the year compared to $85.7M for the year 2017. “This is an increase of $16.8M or 19.6%. The total interest income for the year was $539M compared to $512M in 2017, an increase of $27M or 5%. Total investment and other income was $57M compared to $55M in 2017 an increase of $2M or 4%.” The total expenses for 2018 were $490M compared to $479M in 2017, an increase of $11M or 2.3%. “The year 2018 came with its fair share of challenges but vigilance, strategic decision making and innovation has allowed us to emerge with satisfactory results.” IPED is a not for profit organization but manages its financial affairs to ensure that the institution is sustainable and self-sufficient.
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Kaieteur News
No-Confidence Motion…
Govt. failed to respect High Court’s rejection of stay; set precedent for disrespect of judiciary - Jagdeo The government failed to respect the decision in the High Court by Chief Justice Roxane George - that no stay would be granted on the 90day Constitutional deadline dictated by the Constitution of Guyana, when a motion of No Confidence is validly passed in the National Assembly. Further, the refusal by the government to respect that decision constitutes disrespect for the Judiciary, and has set an unfavourable precedent for governments who may face motions of no-confidence in the future. This was expressed by People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his weekly press conference yesterday, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Jagdeo expressed his disapproval of the way the government responded to the no-confidence motion, specifically after the
Chief Justice declared that the motion was validly passed by the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. She had said that a majority of the 65 elected members of the National Assembly is 33, and that 33 is a sufficient number of the “Yes” votes required to ensure that the motion passes. Along with the government’s appeal of the motion at the High Court, it had requested a stay on the 90-day deadline, a request that the Chief Justice denied. Despite the fact that the appeal court has now overturned that ruling, Jagdeo said that it is still an issue that the government did not make ample efforts to move toward General and Regional Elections before the Appeal Court’s ruling, because it was supposed to respect the ruling of the High Court when it was made on January 31, 2019. Between then and the date of the ruling by the Ap-
peal Court (March 22), the government had almost two months to make preparations for Elections. Yet, in that period, the President and government-aligned commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) went back and forth on who should make the first move. Jagdeo had said that this was one of the tactics used by the government to delay elections. Further, the government had used the time to argue that the time set out by the Constitution is not enough, and it had strongly advocated for House to House Registration, instead of the suggestions proffered by Jagdeo, which he said would have solved all of the contentions raised within the timeframe provided by the Constitution. Whether or not the country could have gone to elections within the timeframe is inconsequential, because the government did not make the effort to respect the deadline,
Beaten students file police report against colleague The parents of one of the first year students assaulted by a schoolmate at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute on Monday disclosed that their son filed a report at the Central Police Station against his attacker, it is understood that the two others also made an official report. A senior police source confirmed with this publication that the report was indeed made, "they visited the station yesterday morning and filed their report and as such an investigation was launched". It was on Tuesday when a video surfaced on social media showing a student of the New Amsterdam Technical Institute launching a vicious attack on three other boys of the institution. In the video, the young man could be heard asking the boys "wha y'all troubling me for?" while he continuously dealt blows to their heads and upper body. A few minutes
into the disturbing video showed the teen whipping off his belt and thrashing one of the teens seated between his friends. They were all trying the block the blows by the irate student. The Ministry of Education on Tuesday had issued a release stating that they have launched an investigation into the matter and the institute was advised to conduct a thorough probe and make available the findings. There has been a huge debate on social media about the contents of the video, while many opined that the attacker was "provoked and pushed" to carry out the act, others surmised that he had no right to lay his hands on the three boys as he did. The institute remains mum on the issue and the education department in region six indicated that they were not authorized to speak on the matter or divulge any related information.
Jagdeo said. “[There are] implications in the region where any government that is subject to a no-confidence motion can prolong their tenure in office” on the grounds that there is a possibility of the higher court
ruling in its favour. They have succeeded in staying in office beyond the three months”. The government had received the ruling by the Appeal Court a day after the deadline. “We will internationalise these issues. I would like ev-
ery government in the region to pay attention to this because it would have implications for governments and oppositions across the region, particularly in the Caribbean,” he said, because he believes that this sets a precedent, not just for the local government, but for governments across the region.
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Kaieteur News
Govt. ‘monitoring’ internal conflict at Guyana Goldfields Government says it is closely monitoring the current internal conflict at the Guyana Goldfields Inc. However, warned Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman yesterday, there is not likely at this time to be any intervention by Government in what is an internal situation. The Aurora mine, which the Canadian company manages in the Cuyuni, Region Seven, is the country’s largest gold producer, declaring over 150,000 ounces annually since its entrance into commercial operations three years ago. According to Trotman, the company remains one of the flagship companies in Guyana. The minister admitted that the entity seems to be in the throes of difficulty internally, with minority shareholders seeking reviews. “Government is monitoring, of course, and we just want what is best for Guyana. We will not intervene in an internal issue, We will want to ensure that our productive levels are not affected. Less production means less royalty for Guyana. We trust the issues will be resolved quickly,” the minister
The mill area at the Aurora mine site, Region Seven
Minister Raphael Trotman said. A special shareholders’ meeting is set to be held within weeks. Founder Patrick Sheridan is among a number of shareholders who say that they have hired an independent consultant to review the resource model at the Aurora mine. For several months now, Sheridan and a number of shareholders have been fighting the current Board of Directors over what they say is poor management and questions over the figures as announced. In addition, the shareholders were concerned over what
they say was a sharp drop in the value of their investments - in the vicinity of hundreds of millions of dollars. The Aurora mine was commissioned in early 2016 becoming the biggest single gold producer. It is in the process of entering underground mining shortly, the first in Guyana. The company has been handed millions of dollars in
tax concessions and has in excess of 500 employees at the mine site on the Cuyuni River, Region Seven. The company is upping its annual estimated average recovered gold production to 218,000 ounces over the next five years at average operation cash costs of US$753/oz, including royalties to the Government of Guyana. It has
total capital of US$124M to develop the underground mine and US$256M in sustaining capital. The majority of the money raised for the development of the Aurora mine has come from overseas investors. "Aurora has produced more than 500,000 ounces of gold in just over three years of commercial production and,
despite some tough challenges, we remain confident in our future success," said Scott Caldwell, President and CEO in a statement Wednesday. Concerned shareholders have said that they are suspicious over the company's seemingly misleading disclosures and general market skepticism.
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TT firm stands ready to provide expert training to prepare Guyana's maritime industry for oil sector N By Kiana Wilburg
ational Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago is more than ready to help local authorities with the expert training that is needed to prepare the maritime industry for the challenges that will come with the development of the oil and gas sector. Making this declaration on Monday was National Energy's Vice President, Wendy Seow. She was at the time making an input at a conference that was held at the Marriott Hotel by Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) with the assistance of reputable law firm, Hughes, Fields, and Stoby. The conference was themed: Guyana's New Maritime Landscape – Preparing for the Future. Expounding further on the offer during an interview with Kaieteur News, the Tr i n i d a d i a n s a i d t h a t National Energy stands ready to share its knowledge and expertise in the maritime industry for the benefit of the Caribbean neighbours. She said, too, that Guyanese companies are welcomed to
Port of Galeota situated on the south east coast of Trinidad which supports Exploration and Production activities of the major energy companies operating in Trinidad and Tobago – bpTT, EOG, BHP to name a few
visit National Energy's facilities, as they seek to advance the maritime industry in Guyana and leverage its resources for the benefit of their citizens. Speaking to the background of her company, Seow shared that National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago was incorporated in 1979 to formalize the CARICOM
member state's efforts to monetize the country's natural gas resources. In fulfilling this role for the last 40 years, the Vice President said that the Company has developed expertise in the areas of Energy and Infrastructure Project Development, constructing and managing industrial estates with industrial petrochemical
plants. She said, too that National Energy built marine terminals and ports and acquired a fleet of marine vessels to support the energy industry. Further to this, Seow said that National Energy's port and marine business have grown three-fold over the last 20 years by leveraging its human resource capability and
c a p a b i l i t y i n conceptualization and development of port infrastructure, maritime standards and regulations compliance monitoring, vessel management and operations, and port management. The Vice President said, “A member of the NGC Group of Companies, National Energy is
The Pt. Lisas Harbour and the petrochemical terminals
responsible for the conceptualization, promotion, development, and facilitation of new energy-based and downstream industries in Trinidad and Tobago. The Company also identifies opportunities for new industrial estates and facilitates the import of raw material and export of (continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Friday March 29, 2019
TT firm stands ready to provide expert training to prepare ... From page 18 finished products through the establishment of deepwater ports and the associated marine infrastructure. In the 40 years, National Energy has established several new petrochemicals, general cargo, and offshore port installations. All these projects were managed by National Energy from the cradle to full commercial operations.” The Trinidadian continued, “Beyond the development of the infrastructure, National Energy operates as Port and Harbour Manager for its marine installations. These include six petrochemical terminals for handling import and export o f d o w n s t r e a m petrochemical products, the country's newest industrial port, the Port of Galeota located in the south-east, as well as the Port of Brighton in the south-west coast of Trinidad. The Company's marine capability further extends to the ownership and operation a fleet of 10 vessels (eight tugs and workboats, one fast crew supply vessel and one launch).” She added, “The Company also manages the La Brea Industrial Development Company Limited (LABIDCO), which is responsible for the operation of La Brea Industrial Estate and the Port of Brighton located on the southwestern peninsula. Facilities at the Port of Brighton, consist of Berth #1
– 60 metres, Berth #2 – 354 metres and Berth #3 – 307 metres. Activities at LABIDCO include cargo handling, logistics, rig/vessel repairs, and fabrication and loading-out of offshore platforms.” Furthermore, the Vice President said that platform fabrication is done at the Fabrication Yard Facility which comprises a 17-acre common yard for short-term lease and two four-acre blocks for long-term lease. At the facility, she explained that platforms, topsides, and jackets ranging in tonnage from 700 to 5,200 have been successfully assembled, using local content, for international firms such as bpTT, BHP Billiton and EOG Resources. Seow said that the Port of Galeota, located at the southeastern peninsula of Trinidad, provides a unique opportunity for services to be extended to the region. At 272 nautical miles from Guyana Port, she said that a vessel travelling at 12 knots can travel from the Port of Galeota to Guyana Port in only 22.6 hours. The Vice President said, “Customers are assured that National Energy employs industry best practice in the planning and logistics of our operations and the management of our vessels. The vessel fleet is managed under a Safety Management System to ensure the highest standards of safety are maintained and that our activities comply with both international and local maritime regulations.”
Rig moving being done by National Energy's vessels
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Kaieteur News
Friday March 29, 2019
Jagdeo optimistic of CCJ ruling on no-confidence case in April
O
pposition Leader Bharat Jagdeo is optimistic that there will be an expeditious hearing of the no-confidence case filed before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Speaking at a press c o n f e r e n c e y e s t e r d a y, Jagdeo said that based on his projections, the case, which holds national importance, is likely to conclude at the CCJ by April month end. In a notice of appeal filed on behalf of Leader of the Opposition, this week, lead attorney Anil Nandlall, requested Special Leave to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to consider the application. In the document, Nandlall is seeking an order treating the hearing of this application as urgent and a further order for an expedited hearing of the application. Additionally, he is asking for an order directing that the hearing of the application for special leave to appeal be treated as the hearing of the appeal against the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal given on the 22nd March, 2019, in relation to the cases as well as an order setting aside and/or reversing the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal of Guyana given on the 22nd March, 2019 and a restoration of the decision of the acting Chief Justice made on the 31st January, 2019. Further, the lawyer is asking for a declaration that Resolution of the National Assembly No. 101 is valid and effectual; and
declaration that the no confidence motion moved by the Leader of the Opposition was validly passed on the 21st December, 2018 by a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly; a declaration that thirty-three (33) votes/members constitutes a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly within the meaning of Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana. According to the application, the lawyer is anticipating that there will be costs in the Caribbean Court of Justice and such further or other order/s as may be just and appropriate. Last Friday, the Court of Appeal by a decision of 2-1 disagreed with the argument that 33 Members of Parliament (MPs) can effectively pass a NoConfidence Motion against the Government. Appellate Judges, Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s Edwards and Dawn Gregory upheld the argument that “an absolute� majority is required for the passage of no-confidence motion against the Government. The two Judges agreed that an absolute majority in the context, calls for 34; not 33 votes of all elected members of the National Assembly. Justice Rishi Persaud, on the other hand, disagreed. He ruled the no-confidence motion was validly passed by 33 to 32 votes. That decision was previously handed down by Chief Justice Roxane George at the High Court.
Kaieteur News
Friday March 29, 2019
PAGE 21
Layne Lewis - fit as a fiddle at 103 -“Honour your mother and father, and your days shall be long upon the earth…” By Alex Wayne
R
elatives and friends of Berbician Layne Lewis, of 59 Litchfield Village, West Coast Berbice, gathered with him on Wednesday as he celebrated his 103rd birth anniversary. Wi t h n o i d e a t h a t Kaieteur News was paying him a visit, he was up and about as usual, even on this auspicious day travelling several miles to share in the grief of a friend who recently lost a loved one. I did not mind the wait as I indulged in fruit cake and some “good ole countryside mauby' while relatives fussed about his absence. Layne returned shortly after and I was shocked at his agility, merriment and distinct alertness. His eyes lit up when he was told that this publication had sent a reporter to his birthday celebrations. He demanded that he must have a bath and 'dress to impress', and nothing relatives said could stop him from choosing one of his best shirts, a pants and his favourite white cap that he used to wear when playing cricket some years ago. We settled down to talk and as I enquired about his astounding youthfulness and long life, he responded, “Honour your mother and father, and your days shall be long upon the earth”. Layne went into a stirring tale of working as hard as an ox at the tender age of twelve, which mostly contributed to fitness at such a ripe old age. “I worked hard in this life. From the age of twelve, I was working. I worked at the lime estate and as I got older, I worked at almost all the sugar estates in Berbice. My mother used to say, 'by the sweat of thy brow, thou shall
Layne Lewis gave us the thumbs up sign while celebrating his 103rd birth anniversary on Wednesday eat bread' and I always kept that at the back of my head…So it was always work and more work for me… I was always moving around in the village even after getting home from work, because there was always something to do in and around the house. And I loved to play cricket, so naturally this contributed to the healthy man I am today” At 103, Layne still walks around the village in the mornings, even though he is often chided by close relatives for doing so. He demands that it is very essential for him to get as much exercise as he could, since his target is to create a record of living to 150. “They like fret too much…. Always telling me to stay home and rest…I don't listen to them because I have to get my exercise. It is my intent to live to a good 150 years before saying goodbye to my relatives and friends”. The merry old soul had well-wishers rolling over with laughter when he was asked to pose for photos. He demanded a special chair,
demanded that I wait until he struck a certain pose, then had my eyes popping open as he then gave me the thumbs up sign with his right hand and stuck out three fingers with the left hand to indicate that he was celebrating an impressive 103… As the interview continued, a male relative attempted to interrupt the old man to give his version of how Layne lived his younger days. This apparently infuriated the centenarian who spun around and shouted, “Shut your mouth… This is my day…Let me talk to the man… I would know about how I grew up, so let me do the talking.” This of course evoked peals of laughter from those who attended the birthday celebration. Layne seemed proud to inform that as he grew older, he was careful about his diet and would always consume lots of fruits, meat, less salt and lots of milk and fish. He said he was particularly serious about his intake of calcium and protein. He works in his kitchen garden
The centenarian receives a food hamper and other supplies from Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Sherwyn Wellington as relatives look on. every day since he loves the taste of fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. Neighbours who attended the function related a harrowing story about how the man went to great lengths to retrieve his keys, which he had accidentally locked in the house a few days ago. One neighbour said upon realizing that he had locked the keys inside, the man demanded a ladder which he perched on the verandah, climbed it with no help from the onlookers, jumped into the verandah, opened the door and retrieved the keys with a beaming smile. When neighbours admonished him about it, he just shrugged them off, telling them to relax and declaring that he can take care of himself. Layne lost his wife
Maryann some twelve years ago, but is still surrounded by abundant love in the form of his foster children, Cynthia, 80, Daphne, 75, and Gladys who is 73. “When my wife died, I was very sad, but life goes on, so I learnt to live through the grief and rise again. As you can see, she is blowing good wind on me because I am still alive, healthy and fit as a fiddle”. The old man seems particularly concerned about the indiscipline of the younger generation in today's society and again had persons laughing as he shared his opinion on this issue. “The younger generation is just terrible, especially the young men…They have no regards for elders and it's just terrible to see how some of
them treat old people…But you can really blame them you know… Because if de mumma and de daddy dem nah get mannahs and training, den de chip nah gon fall far from the block.” The centenarian was also the recipient of a food hamper, several cases of water and juice from the Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Sherwyn Wellington, who happens to be a good friend. Layne did all he could to ensure his guests were well entertained. He recited poems, and demonstrated his prowess and still good eyesight, by demanding that he be allowed to write his name and address on a writing pad provided. And trust me, he certainly did an excellent job.
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Kaieteur News
REGGAE SUPER STAR
BUJU BANTON to perform in Guyana on
Friday March 29, 2019
Mother and Daughter Pageant organizers begin search for contestants
May 25
R
eggae Super star Buju Banton is confirmed to perform in Guyana on May 25, 2019 as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival Celebrations. Over the past couple days, much excitement has been generated after a few popular social media sites leaked information that Buju Banton is expected to perform in Guyana in May. Well, now it is coming directly from the horse's mouth, he is coming. After seeing how excited Guyanese were to see Buju, High Frequency Entertainment in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee decided that it is a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the 'Long Walk to Freedom' tour. Buju Banton, who's 'Long Road to Freedom' tour was announced late last year, listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as,
Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country of Jamaica; finally, Guyana is on that list. Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite countries to perform in the Caribbean, has not performedhere for over 12 years, however, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese fans a long overdue and highly anticipated concert. The reggae superstar is known for hits such as, 'untold stories', wanna be loved', 'champion', 'deportees', 'not an easy road' and much more. Tickets for this event will go on sale online and at ticket locations locally in the coming days. Stay tuned to social media sites @guyanacarnival and our website www.guyanacarnival592.com for more details.
T
he search has started for contestants for this year's Mother and Daughter Pageant. The event will be held on the eve of Mother's Day in May. Pageant Producer Dr. Sulan Fung told the Entertainment Police that this year's event will focus on the “Supa Power of Love.” She explained that once again, contestants are being sought for the three categories of the show, which are Junior, Middle and Senior. Over the years, the pageant has stood out as a way of bringing mothers and daughters closer together. Several past contestants
have credited the pageant with the closer bonds that they now enjoy with each other. As part of the pageant preparations, the contestants will be involved in training and various activities. Committee Member, Mrs. Ingrid Fung, who started the pageant, said the event is dear to her and her daughter and she knows and understands the role it has been playing to strengthen family ties in an enjoyable and relaxing way. If you are interested in being part of this year's pageant, contact Mrs. Fung on telephone numbers 226-2825 or 626-0460.
India–based therapeutic spa opens doors in Guyana A
new wellness spa and hair salon has opened its doors to Guyanese, offering a range of herbal therapeutic treatments which aid in the retention of a youthful and healthy look. The India- based “Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa and Hair Salon” healing centre located on Church Street, Georgetown specializes in haircuts, styling and treatment; facial treatments, essential waxing and other hair removal services; body polishing and massages among services aimed at improving the well beings of all Guyanese. According to Director of Vivaanta, Nitin Mehra said the concept what we have introduced here is basically Ayurveda concept because everybody is nowadays mostly on the medicines and all kinds of things, blood pressure, diabetes…many things stress. So, this spa has a fusion of the age-old therapies together with that we have also added the strain of massages and all kinds of things,” The director told the opening ceremony last Saturday, that the centre provides treatment for spinal problems and backaches if the results from regular medicine do not work. There is also scalp treatment for dandruff and hair dropping problems. “In this centre we have so many services
that you can stay long day and the services will not end.” The India–based firm, which also has locations in Trinidad, is promising clients a unique spa experience along with exceptional customer service at a new location here. Ayurveda is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Globalized and modernized practices derived from Ayurveda traditions are a type of alternative medicine Karan Mehra, also a Director of the Vivaanta operations had told Kaieteur News that firm has created a warm and tranquil environment for spa guests to escape, whether it to be an hour or an entire day. “Vivaanta combines health, beauty and hair in one for the ultimate experience at one place. This means whether you are treating yourself or preparing for that special occasion, we are your one-stop spa & salon for all your health, beauty and hair needs. Vivaanta has created a perfect fusion between age-old therapies and modern spa technology. Our concept is a fusion of Asian, Western and Indian Ayurvedic treatments which guarantees long-lasting results, and refreshing and relaxing
A new wellness and spa experience is open to Guyanese
experi ences from head to toe. We have state of the art technology.” Mehra noted the spa offers a wide range of products and treatments to renew the body and mind including hair treatment, threading, skin care and body treatment, massage therapy, facials, nail care and laser
treat ment. “We pride ourselves on only using the very best spa & salon herbal products in the market. Our techniques, products, and equipment are designed for a lifetime of skin and hair improvement and maintenance for everyone.”
Kosmos
Friday March 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
- The latest Entertainment hotspot that caters for all
K
osmos is the new exciting destination for patrons of all walks of life looking for the ultimate experience. Whether you're craving a chef inspired meal, an afternoon hang spot or a great night out, Kosmos has you covered! There are daily happy hour specials, live band, nightly shows and theme parties combined with ultra modern environment and international line of beverages makes us the only place you will ever want to be. You will always want more at Kosmos. See below, two of the staple Kosmos events that you are guaranteed to have a most memorable time at. Stay tuned for more info. 1. Every Tuesday from 6pm , Kosmos offers Karaoke Night with the KARAOKE Boss himself DJ Jeffrey 2. There is Ladies Night, this and Every Wednesday with a Live Band followed by talented DJs entertaining you through the night.
Bartica Easter Regatta Committee 2019 Calendar of Events
T
he Organizing Committee for the Annual Bartica Easter Regatta has released the calendar of events for the 2019 edition of what is anticipated to be the biggest and best celebrations in the history of the event. The new Organising Committee which is headed by Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, endeavours to ensure that this year's event supersedes all in every regard. Plans have already begun to enlist contestants for one of the marquee events, the Bartica Regatta Pageant. The sports programme which will commence in early April includes basketball, dominos, cricket, volleyball, football, Gymkhana and dirt bike racing. The lucky winner of the Miss Bartica Pageant will receive GYD$500 000 and a scholarship at the University of Guyana, whilst her runner-up will be awarded GYD$300 000 and a scholarship as well. One hundred and fifty thousand dollars and scholarship will be given to the third place winner, while Miss Intelligence will receive a University of Guyana Scholarship this year around. Contestants of the Miss Bartica Regatta 2019 Pageant. From left to right are Tonesha De Weaver, Shania Khan, Adeola Sutherland, Joyann Wong, Sabrina Persaud, Tonia Harris, Sonia Linelore, Amel Griffith, and Jerusha Farrel
Massive discounts now available for Guyana Carnival Backline Costumes The Management of the Guyana Carnival is now giving you a chance to get your Backline costume now if you pay 50% down with $100USD Off the original price. This promotion starts from March 19th and ends March 30th. Log on to www.guyanacarnival592.com to see all costumes and register now or head down to their office at 206 Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown for more information. Guyana Carnival's grand Independence Day Parade is set for May 26, 2019.
Following is the full schedule: Date Sunday April 7 Saturday April 13
Event Top model Segment Carnival & Sashing Ceremony
Sunday April 14 Sunday April 14 Wednesday April 17 Thursday April 18 Friday April 19
Gymkhana Exhibition Comedy Show Intelligence Segment & Platform Presentation Football Finals Gospel Fest
Saturday April 20 Saturday April 20 Saturday April 20 Sunday April 21 Sunday April 21 Monday April 22 Monday April 22
Regatta Dirt Bike Racing Pageant Night Ragatta Road Jam River Swim Regatta Racing & Beach Party Regatta Racing & Beach Party Regatta Washdown
National Drama Company to showcase “Ti-Jean and His Brothers” next month
T
he National Drama Company will be showcasing the performance of the play "Ti-Jean and His Brothers" at the National Cultural Centre. The play is based on a book on the CXC/CSEC syllabus. This is being done to help the students who are writing English B have a deeper understanding of the play by seeing it unfold on stage as reading it alone may not be enough. The Company did "Ti-Jean" in 2016, “Lion and The Jewel" in 2017, "The Tempest" in 2018 and is re-doing Ti-Jean this year. "Ti-Jean and His Brothers" will be available for viewing on April 3, 4, 6 and
8 at 1:00PM and on April 6 at 8:00PM. The daytime viewing would only cost $5000 while the admission for the night time show is $1000. The main theme of the play is the triumph of good over evil. Some of the performers for the play are Mark-Luke Edwards, Nicholas Singh, Nicola Moonsammy, Kemo Cort, Ackeem Joseph, Keon Heywood, Esther Hamer, Nirmala Narine, Sonia Yarde, Oneilka Bacchus, Tikoma Austin, Ayanna Waddell, Kimberly Fernandes, Akbar Singh. We also have musicians Kimberly Samuels, Lisa Adams and Ricardo Primo Stanton.
Venue 3rd Avenue Boardwalk Green Park, West Indian Housing Scheme Bartica Community Centre Gr. Bartica Community Centr e Gr. TTS Ch 5
Time 13:00 – 20:00hrs 16:00hrs
Bartica Community Centre Gr. Green Park West Indian Housing Scheme Mongrippa Hill Ground Bartica Community Centre Gr. Madison Square (First Ave nue) Golden Beach, Third Avenue Golden Beach Circ uit Golden Beach Circuit Bartica Community Centre Gr.
20:00hrs 18:00hrs
14:00 – 17:00hrs 20:00 – 23:30hrs 19:00hrs
10:00hrs 19:00 – 23:00hrs 22:00hrs 06:00hrs 09:00hrs 09:00hrs 19:00hrs
Kaieteur News
PAGE 24
Selecting the RIGHT massage
Editoria A
massage is the rubbing and kneading of the muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain. Massages also feel wonderful and can melt stress away.Additionally, regular massages have various health benefits. It can help you overcome stress-related health issues, such as insomnia and fatigue, by lessening the tension in your muscles. Research has shown that massages can also increase the levels of the feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. There are different kinds of massages, each that have their specific purpose. Here is a quick guide to some of the most popular types of massage therapy: 1) Swedish Massage Therapy Also known as Swedish massage or massage therapy, this is the most common type of massage therapy in Guyana. Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first. 2) Aromatherapy Massage Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc.One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stressrelated conditions or conditions with an emotional component. 3) Hot Stone Massage
Week ‌
Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. 4) Deep Tissue Massage Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage. 5) Shiatsu Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. In traditional Chinese medicine, meridians are the paths in the body through which life energy flows.
Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards. 6) Thai Massage Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches. You don't just lie there; the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion. 7) Pregnancy Massage Simply Divine
Rosa a l l e t S e Th sti A ' D o t a c Mos is
only be described as to D'Asti is a wine that sca Mo sa Ro lla Ste e Th wine features i-sweet, semi-sparkling pair superbly simply divine. This sem , apricot and honey. It can gorgeous layers of peach redo pasta, pizza and cheese cake. alf with salted nuts, chicken i-sweet taste, it has earned several sem l na tio cep ex its for And ld Medal from the include the 93 Points, Go coveted awards which Medal from the tion; the 91 Points, Gold Medal of the Monterey Wine Competi ld Competition and the Go Los Angeles Intl. Wine Wine Competition. International Women's HISTORY 17, when the to D'Asti all started in 19 tonio Winery. The Stella Rosa Mosca An n Los Angeles' historic Sa wine growing Riboli family founded for on ati s the prime loc wa les ge An s Lo n, the Back ustry reigned as some time, the wine ind r Fo a. rni lifo Ca of all in ly significant and rnia's most economical one of Southern Califo t time. its artisan popular industries of tha Riboli family continued the er, lat y tur cen a About s. ion rat ough four gene ry, winemaking tradition thr ms of San Antonio Wine roo g tin tas hing res From within the ref ht, lig er, eet sw a uested customers repeatedly req k this unique opportunity to create a too today, they wine. The Riboli family rkling wine style, which pa i-s sem et, we i-s sem new Stella Rosa was born. are a leader of. And so, ce in region of Asti, a provin STELLA, THE STAR s, the family chose the ne wi the sa me Ro co lla be Ste ve ha the To create grapes, which source for its aromatic Piedmont, Italy, as the s. ne Rosa style of wi the birthplace of its hallmark for the Stella nce to the family, as it is ica nif sig r ula rtic pa s ha The area of Asti alena Riboli. gship of this family matriarch, Madd , which has become a fla et, semisti D'A to sca Mo s wa ne i-swe The first Stella Rosa wi d – the brand's first sem Rosa Rosso was create erica from lla Am Ste to er, ht aft ug on bro So be e. lin ne of its kind to wi st fir d an , e of the nd eag ble lin ne began the sparkling red wi ses of these two wines ces suc al ctive en tin om dis en ph 16 s id w boast Asti. The rap of Stella Rosa, which no es lin arriott le M ria pe the Im at d d an ate le loc L'Origina Wine Vault the at nd fou be can ura ne cus Resta nt, Nice flavors. This divine wi also find it at the Hibis can u Yo . ive lus inc T Hotel for $8500 VA g hotels and bars. lm Court and other leadin Restaurant and Bar, Pa
Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers in Western societies. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs. 8) Reflexology Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet. 9) Sports Massage Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility. 10) Back Massage Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not expressly advertised, you can also book a 30- or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist to focus on your back. (Excerpts from about.com)
Entertainment POLICE
E P STAG brand takes on social issues through multimedia campaign THE
Wine of the
Friday March 29, 2019
C
oncerns relating to domestic violence, lack of respect for women and fatal motor accidents due to drinking and driving, are issues ANSA McAL Trading Limited plans to take on. Through its Stag Beer brand, the company over the next three weeks will be focusing on these social issues. The multimedia campaign called '#LiveRight' will be done via print, radio, television and social media. As part of the company's corporate social responsibility, it's the vision that this will significantly help reduce instances of problematic behaviour in the society. Much international research suggests credible evidence to support the notion that general education can play a leading part in promoting beneficial behavioural change.
During the campaign stories of citizens who already 'LiveRight' in their respective communities simply by making a daily difference will be highlighted. The six commercials developed by the company are going to be aired on all sponsored radio and television programs during prime airtime, targeting the general population with effective messages. In addition, seven impactful messages were also captured on posters that will be disseminated via the company's Facebook and Instagram pages. ANSA McAL Trading Limited, like its parent company in Trinidad and Tobago, maintains the position that investing in initiatives like these can merely create a ripple effect transformation in our everchanging society.
Kaieteur News
JURASSIC WORLD: Fallen Kingdom review - dino-flaws galore in series headed for extinction
PAGE 25
THE
Friday March 29, 2019
POP
CULT
THE REVIEWS ARE IN!!!
T
WHATZ
he new Jurassic World is a messy menagerie of dino-related quirks and twists, a boisterous but muddled franchise-iteration which reshuffles all the old constituent plot points. But, infuriatingly, we don't get much of that legendary Jurassic hero and style-guru of the moment – Jeff Goldblum. But we do get the dinos in cages, fed with goats, dinos having to be wrangled in the driving rain, great white hunters with guns, yikes-it's-behind-you comeuppances for the corporate bad guys and dusty old electrical circuit boxes that have to be fixed by torchlight. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom hedges its bets a bit by giving us a good dinosaur and a bad dinosaur amidst the panoply of prehistoric beasts. But weirdly, director JA Bayona, with his track record in the supernatural, only seems to make the material his own with a potentially interesting and disturbing genetic plot twist concerning not dinosaurs but homo sapiens. Yet this is left undeveloped – or maybe its creepy implications will emerge in the next movie. Basically this new film has to sidestep the eternal question of dinosaurs being penned up in an amusement park and then things going horribly wrong – over and over, film after film. Now the situation depends on
uncomfortably reversing the question of jeopardy. Previously the humans were in danger from the dinosaurs. Now it's the other way round. After running wild on their island, the dinosaurs have been left alone, but now an erupting volcano threatens to wipe them out altogether and soft-hearted pro-dinosaur
HOTTT
this weekend!!! 704 Sports Bar to host the ultimate De-stresser weekend for the ladies
The legendary Destiny's Child famously said, “Ladies it ain't easy being independent.” And at 704, the management and staff understand just how hard the ladies work to take care of themselves hence the reason
this unique establishment is inviting all ladies to head on over to the 704 bar to indulge in their simply tantalizing Destresser cocktail. The first 30 will get this signature cocktail for free. See you there!!!
704 Sports Bar presents Build Your Bucket every Wednesday and Friday
It's Heineken Fridays at 704 Sports Bar
At the 704 Sports Bar, there will always be an opportunity to evolve your choices. And every Wednesday and Friday, party-goers will get a chance to build their bucket. This interesting concept allows you to pick any combination of six beers to Build Your Bucket (BYB) and get it at a special price. This offer is available from 5pm to 7pm! See you there.
Aura Bar and Lounge at Pegasus Hotel pres. club night Saturdays Every Saturday, the Management at Aura will be providing an ambiance filled with quality service, delicious food and great music. Every Saturday should be a party to remember and the Aura is determined to give you that experience. The Lounge will be open from 8pm. Music will be provided by Guyana's most popular DJs. For reservations, you can make contact with management on: 225-2853 or 600-6912.
ecologists campaign for these animals to be saved. Specifically, the ageing Sir Benjamin Lockwood, former business partner of the park's founder Hammond (once played of course by Richard Attenborough) is now planning to exfiltrate the dinosaurs and keep them in a new Shangri-La island where the tourists won't bother them. The old boy is played by James Cromwell, much as he played Prince Philip in The Queen and his gigantic mansion looks like a scary-movie Balmoral. To facilitate all this, Sir Benjamin has hired a smoothie CEO, Eli Mills (Rafe Spall) – and it is Mills's job to get the old gang together. This means rounding up Claire Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard – in which role she is starting to look a little glassyeyed – and the Indiana-Jones-y dino handler himself, Owen Grady, played with beefy selfdeprecation by Chris Pratt. It's a game enough performance but without the zing of his Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy. Also, Sir Benjamin's smart, lonely granddaughter is to be important; this is
Maisie, well played by newcomer Isabella Sermon. Owen and Claire had supposedly broken up but now they have to meet-cute all over again and all the excitement rekindles the old romance, although there doesn't seem to be much chemistry between them here. They daringly make their way out there with Sir Benjamin's crew to rescue the dinosaurs, only to discover that they, and the Jurassic beasts they have come to respect, are just pawns in a nasty scheme cooked up by the moneygrubbing suits. There are some reasonably entertaining scenes and set pieces, but the whole concept feels tired and contrived, and crucially the dinosaurs themselves are starting to look samey, without inspiring much of the awe or terror they used to. It could be that a meteor of tedium is heading towards these CGI creatures, despatching them to extinction. (https://www.theguardian.com/film/201 8/jun/05/jurassic-world-fallen-kingdomreview-dino-flaws-galore-in-series-headedfor-extinction)
Lake Mainstay to host CAR & BIKE Show, After Party on Easter Saturday
If you are a die-hard fan of the Heineken brand then 704 Sports Bar is where you need to be this and every Friday. According to management, fans can get six Heinekens for just $2800 between 7pm and 9pm. Be sure to take advantage of this offer guys!
Escape the after work traffic today at Palm Court As the Great Caribbean Singer, Father Fox says, "Who does go to work on a Thursday or even a Friday?" Well, unfortunately, most of us do! But that shouldn't stop you from "ducking" every once in a while when the pressure seems too much and you desire to have a little fun. Every Friday, one of Guyana's number one entertainment spots, Palm Court will be offering a light celebration called "Escape the after work traffic. The event gets started from 4:00pm to 7:00pm so see you there.
Lake Mainstay Resort will be hosting its 10th Annual Car & Bike Show and After Party on Easter Saturday, 20th April, 2019 at the Resort's Beach in Mainstay/Whyaka Village on the Essequibo Coast. The gates will be opened from 15:00 hrs. (3 pm) and the show commences at 18:00 hrs. (6:00 pm). For those persons interested in partaking in the show you can download the application form from the resort's Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/lakemainstay. The registration deadline is April 18th, 2019. Over $1M in cash prizes and trophies will be up for grabs. Admission: Adults - $1,000.00 and Children - $500.00 (under 10 years old). See you there.
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Friday March 29, 2019
Studies show locals unfamiliar with cash incentives to reduce deforestation Guyana is steaming ahead with consultations and sensitizations to build capacity that will allow it to be eligible for millions of dollars in cash to fight climate change. The forest incentives will see Guyana tapping into the US$650M Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) fund. Some 47 countries are eligible to benefit too. However, much work needs to be done to bring stakeholders up to speed locally. Studies, according to Thomas Scheutzlich, a consultant for Globad CAD, said that only about 51 percent of organizations from Region Four knew about REDD+. In the outlying communities, in the hinterland, where villages depend on the forest for a living, it was higher. As much as 64 percent had no idea. However, in the next few months, it is the intention to ramp things up. That is because in December a three-year programme to build Guyana’s capacity will end. The US$3.8M project involves help from the World Bank and the Inter-American
Development Bank. Yesterday, at a presentation attended by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Clayton Hall, Advisor on Sustainable Development, the consultant explained that the project is to support efforts of the Government to establish an enabling framework and build their capacity for REDD+. The consultant has been sharing out thumb drives and posters to hinterland communities as part of the educational drive. There have been ongoing consultations in seven regions with more meetings scheduled. REDD incentivises a break from historic trends of increasing deforestation rates and greenhouse gases emissions. It is a framework through which developing countries are rewarded financially for any emissions reductions achieved, associated with a decrease in the conversion of forests to alternate land uses. According to the officials yesterday, the consultations over the last few months have focused on indigenous populations and forest dependent
communities. Representatives of key organizations were also brought to the city for workshops. Implementation to get Guyana REDD+ ready will start within months. According to Hall, there will be a need for a secretariat and resources to implement the measures to ready Guyana. Trotman, meanwhile, says there is strong evidence that stewardship of the forests have improved significantly. Audits have found Guyana’s forests to have the lowest deforestation rate despite a seemingly 85 percent high from mining activities. In fact, the low deforestation rate would come when Guyana has ramped up its gold production, breaking declaration records in recent years.The low deforestation rate and high gold production is evidence that the country’s forests are being managed properly, Trotman said. He noted that gold recovery has improved.A few years ago, Guyana signed a five-year agreement with Norway for US$250M to reduce deforestation.That arrangement has been extended to allow Guyana to implement a few of its commitments.
(From left): Advisor Clayton Hall, Minister Raphael Trotman and consultant Thomas Scheutzlich.
Miner claims new Mahdia Magistrate’s Court being constructed on his property A miner from Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara is claiming that the new Mahdia Magistrate’s Court is being constructed on a plot of land that was allotted to him for mining purposes. Royston Stuart, who claims he was issued a claim licence to operate on the property, has since initiated legal action. According to documents seen by this newspaper, Stuart is the holder of a Claim Licence, dated September 2, 2016, issued under the authority of the Mining Act 1989 and the Mining Regulations by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with respect to a certain tract of State land in Mining District Number 2. Despite that Claim Licence being valid and in force, Stuart alleged that without his permission, lease, let or li-
cense, a group of men, unknown to him, have entered upon a part of the land allotted to him in the Claim Licence and have begun the construction of a building that is intended to be used to house the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court, which is being constructed in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to the cost of $140.385 million. In letters disseminated to the media and copied to Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards; acting Chief Justice Roxanne George; and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman as well as Junior Natural Resources Minister, Simona Broomes, the miner has asked the authorities to cease construction on his property. Writing on his behalf, Attorney Anil Nandlall noted that: “Unless the construction works… cease forthwith, and
all structures constructed be demolished and removed from our client’s land within seven (7) days from the date hereof, we will have no alternative but to approach the High Court for a number of legal redress including injunctions and damages for trespass.” Further, the lawyer pointed out his client had previously lodged a complaint with the GGMC since 2017 and as a result, a Mines Officer of the Commission has informed those conducting the construction that it was being done on Stuart’s Licenced Claim and that the works must cease. However, according to Nandlall, these instructions have been ignored. “We sincerely hope that unnecessary litigation can be avoided and that good sense will prevail. I respectfully await your urgent response,” Nandlall stated in the letter.
Mabaruma focuses on ports of entry to boost tourism The township of Mabaruma is setting its eyes on its two main ports of entry to boost its tourism sector. Known to be the Administrative Centre of Region One, Barima/Waini, Mabaruma was one of the four new towns declared by President David Granger. Since attaining township status in 2016, Mabaruma has been making significant strides towards development, particularly through the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC). The Council’s Superintendent of Works Egbert Dubra told the Department of Public Information that the council understands the need for tourism and has been
working with residents through sensitization exercises, to realise this. The council has identified the airstrip in Mabaruma and the Kumaka “waterfront” as the two ports of entry. “Emphasis has been placed on those two areas. If you land on the terminal, you can drive on a concrete road for about 2,500 feet. The same thing will be happening at the Kumaka waterfront.” He said the Council will be holding more town hall meetings to “let people understand the responsibilities that come with attaining township status.” Speaking on the developments in the municipality,
Dubra said the Town Council has received an $18 million subvention, from which works will continue. Dubra said road works are being carried out to facilitate a farm-tomarket road along with a number of other programmes facilitated by the Ministry of Communities. According to Dubra, the residents of Mabaruma are satisfied with the work of the municipality. “Where there is the need for water, we will be there. Where there is the need for better roads, we will assist with that. Where there is the need for recreation, we will try to improve on that. We will help the people in all six constituencies.”
U.S., China resume trade talks in Beijing after ‘productive working dinner’ BEIJING (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said today he had a “productive working dinner” last night in Beijing, kicking off a day of talks aimed at resolving the bitter trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies. Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were in the Chinese capital for the first face-toface meetings between the two sides in weeks after missing an initial end-of-March goal for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to sign a pact. “We had a very productive working dinner last night, and we are looking forward to meeting today,” Mnuchin said as he left his hotel to meet with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, who is due to visit Washington next week to continue the talks. Mnuchin did not elaborate and it was not immediately clear with whom he had dined last night. Trump imposed tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports last year in a move to force China to change the way it does business with the rest of the world and to pry
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open more of China’s economy to U.S. companies. Yesterday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Beijing will sharply expand market access for foreign banks and securities and insurance companies, adding to speculation that China may soon announce new rules to allow foreign financial firms to increase their presence at home. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the United States may drop some tariffs if a trade deal is reached while keeping others in place to ensure Beijing’s compliance. “We’re not going to give up our leverage,” he told reporters in Washington yesterday. Mnuchin and Lighthizer greeted a waiting Liu at the Diaoyutai State Guest House just before 9 a.m. (0100) today for what China’s Commerce Ministry has said would be a full day of talks. Among Trump’s demands
are for Beijing to end practices that Washington alleges result in the systematic theft of U.S. intellectual property and the forced transfer of American technology to Chinese companies. U.S. companies say they are often pressured into handing over technological knowhow to Chinese joint venture partners, local officials or regulators as a condition for doing business in China. The U.S. government says that technology is often subsequently transferred to and used by Chinese competitors. The issue has proved a tough one for negotiators as U.S. officials say China has previously refused to acknowledge the problem exists to the extent alleged by the United States, making discussing a resolution difficult. China says it has no technology transfer requirements enshrined in its laws and any such transfers are a result of legitimate transactions.
GPL contract worker electrocuted at Clonbrook
A
21-year-old Guyana Power and Light (GPL) contract worker was electrocuted at around n o o n y e s terday while working at Section ‘D’ Clonbrook, East C o a s t Demerara. P o l i c e s o u r c e s said
that the victim was from New Amsterdam, Berbice, and was employed by Ramnauth Contracting Service. According to a police report, the worker was on a GPL utility pole doing ‘wire cleaning’ when one of his colleagues heard
him scream. The colleague then saw the worker, who had suffered burns, dangling by his utility belt from the pole. The colleague and others unstrapped the youth and took him to the Nabaclis Health Centre, where he was pronounced dead.
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Greenidge should not act as President; must resign ministerial post – PPP General Secretary
Dual citizenship…
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, is not eligible to act as President of Guyana. Further, Jagdeo believes that the Minister should resign his post as a minister of government, and that he should not sit in the National Assembly either. This all stems from the fact that Greenidge is a dual citizen of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). There has been much controversy over dual citizens sitting in the National Assembly, and the public has raised this issue time and time again, for years. But the matter piqued public interest after Charandass Persaud, who is a citizen of Guyana and Canada, voted in support of the motion of No Confidence against the A Partnership for
National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, on December 21, 2018. The government had challenged Persaud’s citizenship with the hope that it would invalidate the motion. The matter didn’t just call Persaud’s eligibility to serve in the National Assembly into question, but that of other parliamentarians too, aligned with both government and opposition. The Court of Appeal put that matter to rest when all three of its judges agreed that, though Persaud – given his dual citizenship – was not qualified to sit in the National Assembly, there is no evidence to support the contention that he knew he was disqualified. They agreed that Persaud’s dual citizenship would not invalidate his vote on the grounds set out in Article 165 (2) of the Constitution. According to that Article, “The Assembly may act not-
withstanding any vacancy in its membership … (even) after any dissolution of Parliament and the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly, shall not invalidate those proceedings.” So, even though the ruling didn’t invalidate his vote, it called into question whether current MPs who are dual citizenships should sit in the National Assembly. On the side of the Opposition, Jagdeo said that there are three parliamentarians who have dual citizenship. There are two, of the three members of Parliament, who will relinquish their dual citizenship: Gail Teixeira and Odinga Lumumba. However, the third, Adrian Anamayah, has not indicated yet whether he would relinquish his dual citizenship. Jagdeo said that, until Teixeira and Lumumba relinquish their dual citizenship, they will not attend Parliament. Further, on the government’s side, the PPP General Secretary has indicated that he expects certain actions to be taken by those dual citizens. “First of all, Greenidge himself, should not really be the acting President of Guyana, nor should he hold ministerial portfolio because, in calling to respect the decision of the courts, both the High Court and the Court of Appeal,” Jagdeo said. He noted that, “If you argue as a government that respects the court ruling, then you should not have dual citizens attend the Parliament, and they should immediately
Venezuelan migrants not... From page 8 according to the PAHO/ WHO Rep., combating filaria will be an ongoing battle if the Ministry is not able to ensure that there is a sustained high intake of the filaria drugs. “It is a war against filaria and the war is not won yet and I am hoping that everybody would come on board,” said an optimistic Dr. Adu-Krow. Recently the Ministry’s Head of Public Relations and Health Promotion, Mr. Terrence Esseboom, in an attempt to raise awareness about the disease, said that an individual usually takes years after becoming infected to manifest visible signs. These signs, he said, could include gross swelling of the scrotum in men [hydrocele], the labia [the inner and outer folds of the vulva, at either side of the vagina] in women or gross
swelling of the lower legs [elephantiasis]. Elephantiasis has no known cure and can likewise be both disfiguring and debilitating, as such the consequences of having this very obvious disfigurement can include loss of relationships, social isolation, loss of self-esteem and the inability to perform jobs requiring a high mobility. He said too that patients with hydrocele sometimes are required to wait for long periods for corrective surgery if they are not in a financial
position to pay for this privately. “This could mean prolonged embarrassment, loss of jobs, social isolation and depression for those unfortunate enough to be both sick and poor,” Esseboom noted. Moreover, the preventative actions being taken by the Public Health Ministry through its MDA campaign is expected to help save hundreds of men and women from the severe social and personal impact of chronic filaria.
resign as ministers of government,” since, he said, most of the government-aligned dual citizens hold ministerial posts. “So, you cannot be convenient in arguing for upholding the ruling of the court, and then deal with this matter in such a duplicitous [way],” Jagdeo stated.
Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection, had said that all government-aligned MPs will be heading back to Parliament, even those who are dual citizens. She had said, “I don’t know that there is a court action filed against anyone from attending … so all parliamentarians will be at-
tending Parliament.” Given that the Government had been arguing against dual citizens sitting in the National Assembly for the past three months, Jagdeo said that Ally’s statement was indicative of “indecency and duplicity” on the government’s behalf.
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Man accused of stabbing wife to undergo psychiatric evaluation
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC. CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561
1 250 KVA Onan generator powered by Cummins #2690603/644-1190
One 14" dragger. Scania 6 cylinder engine. 663-0742 One 4 wheel drive canter truck. Series GPP. Contact 663-0742 German shepherd pups. 10 weeks old. Fully vaccinated and dewormed. Contact number 619-9203 EDUCATION Private custom brokerage. Training course/ AW lecturer with 30 year experience. April 29. Call 694-8322,690-4225. Reg now & save TO LET Business space to rent. No restaurant. Serious enquiries only. 233 South Road 2250198/615-0317 Camp St ground floor for commercial purpose. Enmore mall. Commercial space available. Richard 608-7675, 674-1705, 233-2614
Parfaite Harmonie transferrable 2.5M, Parfaite Harmonie 1.6M, Farm 3.5M, Herstelling 5.5M, Diamond 11M. 666-2326 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Schoonard $3M Dairy with foundation & Fence $2M Farm $3M Tel# 656-0701/651-1969 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
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1 Bedroom for working couple/single person $35,000 & $32,000 monthly. Light & water included. Lodge. Call 623-0076 Prime business location. Lot 3 Anna Regina Public Road (size 2400 sq feet). Contact 662-0561 for details Spacious comfortable flat @ Houston McDoom. Open floor plan. Ideal for office, single/double occupancy. Call 664-8150/233-0547 1 Fully furnished 3bedroom. 2 fully furnished 2 bedroom Diamond & Providence. Tel: 216-2299, 672-1906, 682-6238 WANTED Experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Princess hotel. 2657075, 616-5419 Cashier/waitress, night supervisor, assistant cook. Apply within 172 Sheriff Street or call 225-7933 (1)Diesel Mechanic to work in the interior. Interested persons can call cell#6255136 Monday-Friday 8am4pm Waitress to work in Bar #6614863 1 welder to work in the interior, interested persons contact tel# 625-5136 Monday-Friday from 8am-4-pm Porters. Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville Skilled carpenters to work in Linden. 602-9469, 660-6385
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Dereck Solomon
A taxi driver who has been accused of attempting to murder his reputed wife by stabbing her about the body was on Wednesday instructed to undergo a psychiatric evaluation by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Dereck Solomon, 60, of Block ‘F’ North Sophia; Greater Georgetown was not required to plead to the offence as the charge was made indictable. He appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It was alleged that on March 2, 2019, at North Sophia, Georgetown; he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Carol London with intent to commit murder. The accused was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd who entered an application for bail to be granted to his client. The attorney mentioned that Solomon previously suffered from a memory lapse and was on medication. However, for a period of time, he stopped taking his medicine. He went on to say that, the incident in question was the first in which the defendant ever acted in a violent manner and as such he requested for his client to be released on bail to seek medical attention. Attorney Todd informed the court that if granted bail, Solomon would be in the custody of his family members, and he is ready to comply with any conditions laid down by the court. PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909
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Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers then informed to the court that there is a 6-yearold child who witnessed the incident and he asked that counselling be granted to the child. The Chief Magistrate granted the request and instructed that the alleged victim, who was able to make a court appearance, should also be counselled. The magistrate further advised London to have a protection order against the defendant be made out. In relation to Solomon, she instructed that he is to remain on remand and a psychiatric evaluation is to be done to reveal the reason for the violent behaviour. The matter was adjourned until April 15, 2019 for the next court hearing. It was reported that on the day in question, Solomon and London had an argument and he left their home. Sometime later that very day, he allegedly returned and picked up a knife and dealt the woman several stabs about her body. London was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was admitted as a patient. She received injuries to her hands and face. As a result, the matter was reported, an investigation was carried out and Solomon was arrested.
Friday March 29, 2019
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NTC gets $5M in office equipment through REDD+ programme At a brief handover ceremony yesterday, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) was the recipient of $5 million in office equipment and furnishings through the REDD+ programme. This was made possible through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Project funded by the International Development Bank (IDB), and administered by the Natural Resources Ministry. Officiating at the ceremony REDD+ Coordinator, Clayton Hall noted that the donation will assist the NTC in its institutional strengthening and capacity building process. He added that they also pay the rental for the NTC building, and the salaries of two staff members, a process which will be continued until the programme concludes in December of this year. The REDD+ programme funds part of the rentals while the other part is funded by the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
(FCPF) which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman said the donation and continued support will help in the institutional strengthening of the council and build capacity. He also pledged to help them with the building they are constructing on land allotted to them by President David Granger, and he is looking at some innovative ways of acquiring finance for them. Responding to matters concerning a dredge being illegally constructed at Parramatta, Deep South of Rupununi, Trotman said the GGMC had informed him that no permission was given for such a dredge, and as such his ministry will take action on the matter. He said that his ministry will be addressing the issue of contamination of water in the area by illegal operations. Chairman of the NTC, Nicholas Fredericks added that the occasion was indeed a special venture where they
Some of the Toshaos and other officials at the handover ceremony. continue to showcase their growth, and commitment through the FCPF, emphasizing that they are benefiting tremendously. Fredericks expressed gratitude on behalf of the council for the donation. In accordance with the Amerindian Act, 2006, the National Toshaos Council (NTC) was established as a body corporate comprising all Toshaos (leaders of Amerindian communities). It outlines that the NTC shall elect an executive committee comprising one Toshao from each administrative region of the country and not more than ten additional Toshaos. Some of the main func-
Taxi driver charged with 2009 murder... (From page 3) religious service for Alli’s brother, Akbar Alli, who was gunned down on July 24, 2008. Ramzan Alli, 45, was discovered dead around 08.00 hrs on Sunday, July 12, 2009, in the trunk of his rental car, which was on the Coldingen Railway Embankment Road. While his limbs were not bound, a plastic bag was duct-taped over his head. A post mortem revealed that he died from suffocation compounded by blunt trauma to the head. Relatives had launched a search after several calls to Alli’s cell phone went un-
answered. The father of two had reportedly left his home to buy meat for the aforementioned religious function. A relative eventually spotted the rental car on the Railway Embankment. The relative reportedly saw blood dripping from the trunk. He then forced the trunk open and found the body. Detectives had suspected that Alli was killed somewhere else and brought in his car to the embankment. Relatives had ruled out robbery since they said he never wore jewellery and did not have any money on his person.
tions of the NTC include promoting good governance in Villages including investigating matters as requested by a Village and making recommendations, provided that the NTC may not investigate any matter which has been referred to the Minister and must ensure that any person involved in the investigation
is given a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Others include the preparation of strategies and plans for reducing poverty and improving access to health and education in Villages. Added to that is the preparation strategies and plans for the protection, conservation and sustainable
management of Village lands and natural resources. The NTC is also responsible for providing advice to the Minister on the protection of Amerindian culture and heritage, including the identification and designation of Amerindian monuments, development of Villages, among others.
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Friday March 29, 2019
Kaieteur News
King, Cooper 50s overshadows Campbell’s *77; T&T beat Guyana... From page 36 gear to leave the score on 1334. The tempo picked up as Campbell hit Mohammed over mid-wicket for six and launched into Karishma Ramharack; clobbering her for a couple fours and two sixes in the last over and along with Erva Giddings (3 not out) added 24 for fifth wicket from just seven balls as 74 runs were scored in last six overs. Trinidad & Tobago began their chase like a run-away train, racing to 68 in 6.3 overs before Kirby hit Thompson to long-off. Reniece Boyce (6) then skied Smartt for Mangru to hold a good catch at 78-2 in the 8th over. Shania Abdool (2) was brilliantly run out by a direct
hit to the non-striker’s end by Gajnabi in the 11th over at 903 as the Guyanese lasses looked sharp in the field. Cooper arrived at the crease in a no-nonsense mood and along with King flayed the Guyanese bowlers to all parts of the field with Cooper showing her repertoire of reverse sweep, dilscoops and elegant drives which King favoured on side and executed some brutal pulls and sweeps. Cooper reached the ropes five times in Gajnabi’s only over which cost 20. While T&T used their spinners well to restrict Guyana in the first half of their innings, Campbell banked on pace and offspinner Mangru and left arm spinner Schultz were
belatedly introduced. Schulz had King LBW at 148-4 when she missed a sweep while Mangru bowled Skipper Merissa Aguilera (1) with a beautifully flighted ball that pitched just outside off and turned back to go through the gate. But at 151-5 it was too little too late as Cooper finished off the contest by smashing Schultz to the midwicket boundary. Meanwhile, Barbados, led by a blistering 65 with 10 fours and three sixes from 23 balls by 27-yearold Deandra Dottin beat Leewards by 99 runs in the opening game. Fresh off the 50-overs success, the Bajans made 2066 before limiting the Islanders to 107-5 when their 20 overs
Friday March 29, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Love and romance are in the air tonight, so feel free to let loose, Aries. Instead of being a passive, gentle, soft kind of love, the emotion you feel may be more forceful, passionate, and aggressive. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) If you haven't gotten the love you want lately, perhaps it's because you haven't asked for it. If you're involved with someone and feel unfulfilled, consider having a heart-toheart talk about your needs GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Feel free to upset the equilibrium in order to have your needs met, especially in the bedroom, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Nothing is too hot for you to handle, but why do you insist on burning your hand when you don't have to, Cancer? Are you trying to prove to someone that you can take the heat without being affected by it? LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your physical energy is strong. Your desire for passion and love is intense, Leo. Combine these two forces for a passionate night of love and romance. No one will be able to resist your power. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Matters of the heart may not be going smoothly, Virgo. Perhaps someone's approach has been too aggressive. Maybe you've been too pushy about what you want. Tension builds up and creates disharmony instead of love.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) When it comes to love and romance, you're probably on fire. You have an incredible passion for love now, making you one of the most desirable catches around. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If things aren't going smoothly in a romantic relationship, be careful about blaming yoursel. A partnership means that two people work together equally. If this isn't the case, let your partner know how you feel. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your sex drive is apt to be strong today. This could be the only thing on your mind. Every person you see may stir feelings in you, even though you may already be committed to someone. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Bring more fire and passion to your love life, Capricorn. Spark things up by being more adventurous. The bolder you are, the more response you will get. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Recent conflicts may stir up some anger in you, Aquarius. This is a powerful force, and you could be tempted to get into a big fight. Put the weapons away and bring out the olive branch. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may not be having the best of luck when it comes to matters of the heart, , and you may feel you need to take some sort of action. Be careful of acting just for the sake of creating movement.
expired. Player-of-the-Match Dottin clobbered Jenisan Richards for six boundaries in the eighth over, including two sixes in an over that cost 36 runs before wading into her in her next over and smashing her for five more fours as
Sans Souci Jaguars... From page 37 it’s nice to see the Farmers giving back to the island, adding that they are looking forward to their continued support. Speaking on behalf of the Farmers, Heera Sukram said they are happy to be associated with the sport there and lauded the Wakenaam Cricket Committee for a well organised tournament.
Dottin added 80 for the fourth wicket with Kyshona Knight who was the silent partner with eight. Skipper Hayley Matthews had earlier set the foundation for the 200 plus total with a stylish 45 decorated with eight fours and a six as Amanda Edwards had 2-24. Matthews retuned with her off-spin to take 2-21 as only Shebani Bhaskar with a 39ball unbeaten 40 with five fours and Shawnisha Hector (18), offered resistance. In the last game, under lights, the defending Champions Jamaica beat the Windwards by 62 runs after reaching 185-2 and restricting the Islanders to 123-8. Jamaica’s total was made on the back of a 123-run opening stand between Jodian Morgan, unbeaten on 72 from 57 ball with 10 fours and two sixes and Natasha Mclean
who made 56 from 46 balls with five fours and two sixes. Peal Etienne removed Mclean and Chenille Henry (10) before Skipper Stefanie Taylor, who made 19 from just nine balls with two fours and a six added 28 with Morgan from the last 14 balls. Etienne had 2-33 for the Windwards’ who lost Rachel Francis (4) when she was bowled by Henry at 4-1 but Juliana Nero and Afy Fletcher offered fight with a 67-run stand before Fletcher to Chedean Nation for 35 with six fours but although Nero made 61 from with nines fours, the task was always too big for the Windwards. Henry had 2-20. Today, Guyana play Leewards from 09:00hrs, Windwards face T&T from 14:00hrs before Barbados face off with Jamaica under lights from 19:00hrs.
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Kaieteur News
Region Six makes light work of Region Ten in Sports exchange
The Victorious RDC Region Six teams joined with their RDC Region Ten counterparts for a group picture after the presentation. The Regional Democratic Councils of Region Ten and Six recently met in what is being described as the inaugural Inter RDC Sports Games. The meet which was held in Linden saw RDC employees from both regions competing in a 10/10 softball cricket, football, Circle Tennis and dominoes and saw players representing the education, administration, sub treasury and engineer departments among others. The lively contests during the one-day event, was well received by a number of persons in Region Ten with its Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon urging his colleagues to buy into the initiative. He stressed that it’s a perfect platform for employees to better know their colleagues in the various regions. “This is an
excellent initiative right off and we at RDC Region Ten will seek to invest in this Inter RDC Games, as we firmly believe that it’s an opportunity for the various RDC employees to know each other. This initiative can only get stronger once the other regions come on board and recognise that such initiatives are critically important if we are going to collectively boost the regions’ capacity,” Gordon said. The Region Ten REO said he was expecting to see his Region Six counterpart, Ms. Kim Stephens but noted that despite her absence, he is very satisfied with her employees’ performance. Gordon stressed that the day’s activities went well with Region Six capturing three of the four titles on offer. “My
colleague REO from Region Six isn’t here but I can tell you that her staff c o m p e t e d fiercely and competitively and this is good for the spirit of strengthening relationships. I would like to see where REOs from the various regions setting aside monies within their budgets to visit other regions each year, so as to enhance and compete with their counterparts from other regions. The employees need this form of interaction and relaxation; they need to engage with their colleagues in various regions, they need to build relationships as public servants. I firmly believe that such initiatives arguers well for the holistic growth and development of our employees working at the various RDCs within the public service sector,” he declared.
REO Gordon singled out the Region Six’s Sports Officer, Godwyn Allicock who he said played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the Sports Day and Exchange programme. He said that he would like to commend the officer, who he said deserves all the commendation as not only was the event successful but one that other regions can model after in the future. “This was a superb initiative by Mr Allicock and I must say that he has done exceptionally well. Let me be the first to congratulate him as he literally did all of this on his own with some support and assistance from or AREO, Ms. Leola Narine,” REO Gordon said. The Regional Executive Officer said that he is also pleased that the visiting team from Region Six were able to have a tour of his region, while being able to
sensitize and informed themselves on a number of things occurring within the Region. “Not only did they come to engage us in sporting activities but they also took time to tour and better understand a lot of historical facts within the region and that is refreshing,” Gordon added. In the 10/10 Softball Cricket Match, Region Six took first strike and with the help of Brandon Roopchand scoring a quick-fire 59 posted a total of 116 runs. However, in reply Region Ten, while losing wickets quickly saw a masterful and well played unbeaten 51 from Education Officer Youlanda Mentis, who was ably supported by Elford Griffith. However when the overs ran out they were short by 9 runs. In the Circle Tennis match, it was a much easier
victory for the Region Six team which demonstrated why sports is considered very important to them. In the football match despite scoring the first goal, Region Six found the going very tough as Region Ten avenged their regions two losses in the cricket and circle tennis matches with a 3-1 win. The final sport contested saw Region Six with 69 games coming out on top in the dominoes with Region Ten RDC on 49 and Region Ten Education on 42 occupying the two other positions. Delon Roopchannd and Abas Nerupan of Region Six both marked the maximum 18 games. Trophies and medals were presented to several players for stellar performances. They have accepted a return exchange from Region Ten which is expected to be later this year in the Ancient ounty.
New leadership sees key roles for region’s legends Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Newly-elected Cricket West Indies chief, Ricky Skerritt, says he intends to make sure the region’s legends have a key role to play in Caribbean cricket development. He told CMC Sports that the iconic former players were invaluable resources who needed to be utilised properly in order to get the full benefit from their vast knowledge and experience. His comments came on the heels of recent controversial remarks by losing three-time incumbent Dave Cameron who said some West Indies legends had not excelled when asked to perform roles within the
administration. “I don’t even feel competent to value the legends – the legends are invaluable. Their role and their value has been immeasurable and of course it varies from one to the other,” Skerritt pointed out. “Some are more famous and more powerful and influential globally and some are more powerful and influential regionally or more powerful and influential locally. The bottom line is: what is their value to cricket at the local and regional level and the international level. “We’re going to explore every opportunity that we can find where, in a way
that is workable and affordable, they can be involved.” Skerritt said during the recent CWI election campaign, he had the opportunity to sit with and listen to legendary former players, whose ideas had informed his own planning. “One of the places I went to during my regional campaign was to Barbados and to the home of the legends,” he said. “I sat with the acting CEO of the Barbados Legends, Desmond Haynes, I sat with him for over two hours, listening to him, learning from him and then sharing with him some of my thoughts.
“I sat for over half an hour with Sir Wesley Hall … and he gave up valuable commercial time to talk to me.” The region ’s l e g e n d s largely felt ignored under the Cameron administration, and threw their support b e h i n d S k erritt and running mate, Dr Kishore Shallow for the top CWI spots. In endorsing Skerritt, former captain Sir Vivian Richards said last week the legends had invested much into the game and also had valuable input. Skerritt, a former West Indies team manager, said CWI would definitely be seeking out advice and expertise from
New Cricket West Indies president, Ricky Skerritt. such individuals. “I have no problem interacting with folks who have been there on the
frontline, who understand what takes place even though they may not have played T20 cricket, they know cricket,” said the former St Kitts and Nevis government minister. “Clive Lloyd was actually chairman of selectors when Jason Holder was chosen – a very young and green captain chosen by Clive Lloyd because he saw in Jason Holder the qualities that he knew were necessary for leadership going forward on the field. “I have no doubt that we can find a tremendous resourcefulness in the past cricketers.”
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Mumbai hold on after Bumrah magic, no-ball controversy ESPNcricinfo - Lasith Malinga was not even supposed to play this game. But he did, and he sealed Mumbai Indians’ first win of the season in controversial circumstances, defending 17 runs off the last over against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Off his last ball, when Shivam Dube needed to hit a six to take the game into a Super Over, Malinga overstepped, but the umpire missed the obvious no-ball, leaving the home side shaking in disbelief. The result was particularly harsh on AB de Villiers, who was stranded at the other end on 70*. Before this match, de Villiers’ team had never lost in the IPL when he remained unbeaten during a chase. Despite an outburst from RCB’s captain Virat Kohli, the result stayed, meaning Mumbai had ridden their luck for a five-run win - their first of the season. RCB held the edge at various points in the match, but Mumbai withstood a fourwicket burst from Yuzvendra Chahl, and later a 49-run partnership between Kohli
Jasprit Bumrah delights in dismissing Virat Kohli BCCI and de Villiers, to eventually come out on top. Mumbai start brightly Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock were both quick off the blocks after RCB chose to field. They reached
their fifty partnership during the Powerplay, with Rohit bringing out his silky drives and flicks, and the walking front-foot pull. De Kock, who was dropped by Colin de Grandhomme in the sixth over,
was also timing the pace bowlers well, but Chahal’s crafty googly snuck past his attempted reverse-sweep in the seventh over. Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav added 33 runs in the next 4.1 overs before Rohit, who had struck eight fours and a six in his 48, fell pulling Umesh Yadav. Suryakamar then began a rush of big hits, most notably smashing Moeen Ali for a four and six at the end of the 13th over, before Yuvraj Singh struck Chahal for three big sixes over square-leg and long-on. Yuvraj, however, fell the next ball trying a fourth consecutive six. Thankfully for Mumbai, Suryakumar kept finding the boundaries as the visitors eyed a total in the vicinity of 200. Chahal disrupts the innings - Suryakumar fell midway through the 16th over, caught by Moeen who ran back from cover. Chahal then dropped Krunal Pandya but made up for it by removing Kieron Pollard next ball, and eventually got Krunal in his next over. At 147 for 7 in the 18th over, Mumbai
were staring at a below-par finish, but Hardik Pandya provided a much-needed counterattack, slamming a 14ball 32 to power the visitors to 187. Bumrah v Kohli - When RCB began their chase, the battle within the battle was a very one-sided one as Kohli cracked Jasprit Bumrah for consecutive fours off the first three balls he faced. He hammered Hardik for two fours too, before Parthiv Patel went after Krunal in the sixth over. Even after Parthiv fell to legspinner Mayank Markande in the next over, Kohli and de Villiers added 49 runs for the third wicket. Soon afterwards, however, Bumrah, brought back for one over, nailed a superb bouncer at Kohli who miscued the pull and was caught at square-leg. AB to the rescue, until Just before Kohli got out, de Villiers, who was dropped on 0 by Yuvraj Singh, had found his gear with a six each off Markande and Malinga. He then smashed the veteran Sri Lankan for 20 runs in the 16th over with a four and two sixes,
over long-off and midwicket. De Villiers also went after Hardik, collecting 18 off the 18th over. The big hits included two sixes going over cover and square-leg. RCB would have fancied their chances at that point, but Bumrah bowled an exceptional penultimate over, conceding just five runs and dismissing de Grandhomme. It left the hosts needing 17 off the final over, to be bowled by Malinga. Malinga hangs on, just about - Dube blasted the first ball over long-off for a six, before Bumrah dropped him running back from short thirdman. Malinga, however, used his decade-old muscle memory of bowling full accurate balls, leaving both de Villiers and Dube flustered with deliveries going under their bat. Malinga had just about done his job, even if the umpires hadn’t quite done theirs. Mumbai Indians 187-8 (Rohit 48, Yadav 38; Chahal 4-38) beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (de Villiers 70*, Kohli 46, Bumrah 3-20) by 5 runs.
NBA roundup: Booker’s 50 not enough for Suns Thomas Bryant’s threepoint play with 2.8 seconds remaining lifted the visiting Washington Wizards to a 124121 win over Phoenix on Wednesday, spoiling a 50point night from the Suns’ Devin Booker. With time expiring in a tie game, Bradley Beal drove baseline and lofted an alleyoop pass to Bryant, who laid it in and added a free throw. After a timeout, Phoenix inbounded, and Troy Daniels’ corner 3-point attempt went off the rim at the buzzer as the Suns dropped their fifth consecutive game. Booker, who scored 59 points at Utah on Monday, became the first player in Suns history to score 50 or more points in consecutive games. The 22-year-old is the youngest in NBA history to accomplish the feat. Jabari Parker had 28 points and a career-high 15 rebounds for Washington, which had lost five straight, and Beal scored 28 points. Reserve Jordan McRae
contributed 21 points, and Bryant finished with 18 points and a career-high 19 rebounds. Thunder 107, Pacers 99 - Paul George scored 31 points and Russell Westbrook had yet another triple-double to lead Oklahoma City past visiting Indiana. Early in the second half, the Thunder looked headed for yet another lackluster defeat as the Pacers built an 11-point lead. But then came a massive thirdquarter push. The Thunder scored 24 consecutive points over a stretch of nearly seven minutes to seize control. Westbrook finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Steven Adams scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Thunder, his highest-scoring game since Dec. 14. Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 28 points. Warriors 118, Grizzlies 103 - Golden State needed a late surge and 28 points apiece from Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to hold off host Memphis.
Curry hit six 3-pointers and Durant missed just one shot for the Warriors, who moved a half-game ahead of Denver in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference. Jonas Valanciunas (27 points, 13 rebounds) and Bruno Caboclo (17 points, 13 rebounds) recorded doubledoubles for Memphis, which lost for just the second time in its past seven home games. Trail Blazers 118, Bulls 98 - Seth Curry scored a teamhigh 20 points as Portland topped Chicago for a fifth straight victory. Continuing a strong run while stepping in for injured guard CJ McCollum (knee), Curry shot 8-for-11 from the floor as part of the Blazers’ 51.8 percent (43-for-83) effort. Al-Farouq Aminu notched 12 points and 11 rebounds for Portland, and Rodney Hood scored 15 points. Chicago’s Shaquille Harrison scored a game-high 21 points and added 10 rebounds, and Wayne Selden had 11 points and 12
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) goes to the basket ahead of Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports rebounds. The Bulls were missing Lauri Markkanen, who was shut down for the season due to fatigue. Jazz 115, Lakers 100 Rudy Gobert recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds to help Utah beat Los Angeles
in Salt Lake City. Lakers star LeBron James was rested in the second of back-to-back games. Derrick Favors added 20 points, and Jae Crowder scored 16 for the Jazz, who have won three straight games and eight of their past
nine. Utah defeated Los Angeles for the 13th time in the past 15 meetings. Kyle Kuzma scored 21 points, and JaVale McGee added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who lost for the 21st time in the past 29 contests.
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Kaieteur News
Opportunity abounds for 16 teams Major Honour for Levern Spencer in Concacaf Nations League B
Stephan Duke-McKenna (#19) added energy to the Golden Jaguars’ game after replacing Emery Welshman in the 79th minute against Belize. Las Vegas, Nevada – With 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League Qualifying in the books, teams from around the region can turn their attention to their respective Group in League play. League B is the largest of all the groups, with 16 teams forming four groups of four in which the top team from each group will be promoted to League A. League B certainly does not lack for quality. Among the teams in League B are 2015 and 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup finalist Jamaica and Gold Cup stalwart El Salvador. There are four teams in total in League B that have
qualified for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua and El Salvador, who finished 7th10th in the CNLQ table. League B will also boast a number of teams from the Caribbean that are most certainly on the rise within Concacaf. Look no further than Montserrat, who came achingly close to qualifying for its first ever Gold Cup only to finish 11th in CNLQ. Nevertheless, the Emerald Boys will be able to build on its confidence-boosting CNLQ campaign, plus also potentially have a rematch against El Salvador, who
defeated Montserrat 2-1 in CNLQ Week 1 and then edged them out for a Gold Cup berth. Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominican Republic and Suriname were other teams that had Gold Cup chances going into Week 4 of CNLQ, only to be denied. No doubt that their motivation will be intact when League B begins. Along with the aforementioned teams, League B will also consist of the following: French Guiana, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Aruba and Dominica.
Queensway Security Service Inc. maintains support of GSSF Steel Challenge
Queensway Security Service Inc. Supervisor Ms. Dawn Grey hands over sponsorship cheque to President of GSSF, Mr. Ryan McKinnon in the presence of other employees of the Company. Queensway Security Service Inc. for the 4th successive year has maintained support the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) Steel Challenge Tier 1 Shooting competition. The leading security company has over the years continued to recognise shooting as a sport and gives the company’s commitment to fostering the continued growth of the sport in Guyana.
This was highlighted when the company handed over the sponsorship cheque at the Company’s Head Office, 153 Regent Road and Oronoque Streets, Bourda Georgetown. Ms. Dawn Grey, Supervisor at Queensway Security Service Inc. handed over the funds to GSSF President, Mr. Ryan McKinnon who thanked the security company for the usual support given to his entity.
One of Saint Lucia’s most decorated sports personalities will be recognised by the Government of Saint Lucia in a very special way today. Levern Spencer is marking twenty years of representing Saint Lucia in High Jump and has on fifteen (15) occasions been named “Sports Woman of the Year”. She has also won several international medals in her field of High Jump. It is for her remarkable achievement that this talented daughter of Fair Helen, will be celebrated and rewarded, having represented her country at the highest level in sports. The event, “A Celebratory Dinner in Honour of Levern Spencer on the occasion of her 20th year of representation to Saint Lucia” will continue the observance of the island’s milestone 40th Independence Anniversary. The event will take the form of a gala dinner where Spencer will be toasted by her peers and Government officials. The event will be held at Sandals Grande Saint Lucia Spa and Beach Resort. There, the Government will make the official announcement of a
Levern Spencer special gift which will be bestowed on Levern Spencer. Several sports personalities from Saint Lucia, the region and internationally, have been invited to the event. Among them; sports personality Lance Whittaker of Sportsmax who will be the feature speaker, Victor Lopez of NACCAC and veteran Sportscaster, Guyanese Joseph “Reds” Perreira. Levern Donaline Spencer was born on June 23, 1984 and grew up in Cacoa, Babonneau. A past student of the Entrepot Secondary School where her athleticism
was recognised, she went on to participate in several national sports meets, before being selected for regional and international games. Among her noteworthy achievements; 2001: Bronze medal, World Youth Championship, 2005: Gold Medal, Guatemala City, CAC Championships, 2006: Bronze Medal, Cartagena, Central American and Caribbean Games, 2007: Bronze Medal, Pan American Games in Rio, 2008: Gold Medal, CAC, Cali, 2009: Gold Medal, CAC, Havana, 2010: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Mayaguez, 2011: Gold Medal, CAC Mayaguez, 2013: Gold Medal, CAC, Morelia, 2014: Bronze Medal, Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, 2014: Gold Medal, Veracruz, Central American and Caribbean Games, 2015: Gold Medal, Panam Games, Toronto, 2018: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Barranquilla, 2018: Gold Medal, Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast. Levern Spencer is a graduate of the Entrepot Secondary School and the University of Georgia.
Windsor Forest, Mc Gill Super Stars triumph Windsor Forest and Mc Gill Super Stars registered victories when play in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50-over tournament continued on Sunday last. At Windsor Forest, the home team beat All Youths B by 16 runs. Windsor Forest opted to bat and were bowled out for 229 in 43 overs. Mohan Chatram top scored with 76 (3x4 3x6) while Muneshwar Balgobin made 65 (4x4 3x6). Krishan Ramjeawon claimed 4-28 off 9 overs and Zahir
Azeez took 2-33. All Youths ‘B’ were sent packing for 213 also in 43 overs in response. Ramjeawon made 40 (5x4) while Sewchan Narine got 35 (1x4 2x6). Rajiv Kadernauth captured 5-25 from 8 overs and Sachin Balgobin 2-35. At Wales, Mc Gill Super Stars defeated Cornelia Ida by 62 runs. Batting first, Mc Gill Super Stars managed 174 all out in 34.1 overs. Troy Persaud scored 42 (2x4 1x6) while Abdul Razack made 30 (2x4 2x6), Keshram Seyhodan
and Azar Deen 23 each. Harry Bissondial captured 4-27 from 8 overs while Naveed Ali had 2-17, Avinash Dhaniram 2-19 and Mohamed Wazidali 2-21. Cornelia Ida responded with 112 all out in 29.2 overs. Wazidali made 33 (2x4 2x6), Bissondial 17 and Ali 13. Seyhodan had 2-7, Razack 2-25 and Daniel Basdeo 2-29. At Joe Vieira Park, All Youths ‘A’ defeated Malvern, Dynasty overcame host Belle Vue and Zeeburg beat La Grange at Zeeburg.
Congratulations to new CWI President Dear Editor, On the morning of Sunday 24th day of March,2019,the skies were blue with brilliant sunshine and a well prepared (AGM) of cricket West Indies held at the Kingston Jamaica Pegasus, where a googly was bowled to dismiss Dave Cameron with Emmanuel Nanthan at the other end which brought victory to Ricky Skerritt and his deputy behind the stumps Dr. Kishore
Shallow. Mr. Skerritt is no stranger to the Caribbean and what West Indians want to see is a quick revamp to Cricket West Indies, so when we sit, positive talks can return
about West Indies male cricket. A good example was set, so come January, 2020, our local board will have the same faith. Yours-in-Sport, Parmanand Ram
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61st Caribbean Table Tennis Championship
Guyana settles for silver in women’s doubles and bronze in mixed and men’s doubles The home supporters that littered the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue last evening had much to cheer about as they saw the local contingent capture three medals after a very competitive day of doubles action at the 61st Caribbean Table Tennis Championship (CTTC), which served off on Monday last and will conclude this Sunday at the same venue. The ladies pair of JodyAnn Blake and Trenace Lowe breezed into the final after making light work of Jamaica and Barbados in straight sets but they had a taste of their own medicine after falling to the Dominican Republic (DR) duo of Esmerlyn Castro and Brito Eva in a similar emphatic 3-0 fashion. About five minutes after winning the mixed doubles final with Isaac Vila, Castro had little time to catch her breath but still put in a strong performance to outplay the Guyanese in the
Jody-Ann Blake (left) and Trenace Lowe finished with silver medal in the women’s doubles last night. women’s doubles final. The duo of Nigel Bryan and Joel Alleyne defeated Guadeloupe’s pair of Dinga Lionel and Lombardy Christophe 3-1 in the roundof-16 before edging the Cubans; Livan Martinez and Barbaro Oliva, 3-2 in the
quarterfinals. However, once again the Guyanese fell to DR that went on to capture the gold medal, this time in the semifinal of the men’s doubles 3-1. In the mixed doubles, the Golden Arrowhead was represented well by Christopher Franklin
Guyana’s Joel Alleyne (left) and Nigel Bryan (second left) finished with bronze after losing to Dominican Republic in their men’s double semifinal. and Trenace Lowe who had no trouble in cruising past Martinique (3-0) and Barbados (3-0) in straight sets before losing to eventual
winners, Esmerlyn Castro and Isaac Vila of the Dominican Republic. The tournament continues today with first
round matches in the male and female Under-21 division and the Veteran’s division from 09:00hrs. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)
Blaze Regional Women’s T20
King, Cooper 50s overshadows Campbell’s *77; T&T beat Guyana by 5 wickets at Providence Story and photos by Sean Devers A masterful unbeaten 77 from 26-year-old Guyana Captain Shemaine Campbell was overshadowed by fifties from Player-of-the-Match Stacy-Ann King and Britney Cooper as Trinidad & Tobago won by five wickets in game two of the Blaze Regional
Women’s T20 Cricket Championships at Providence yesterday. Campbell hit six fours and three sixes in her undefeated knock and shared in a 36-run stand with Smartt (22 from 25 balls) but only opener Sheneta Grimmond (21) and Thompson (11) of the other batsmen reached double figures on a track with a tinge
of grass and a lightning fast outfield as Guyana made 1574 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Anisa Mohammed had 235 for T&T which joined Barbados and defending T20 Champions Jamaica as first round winners. The 35-yearold King played an array of majestic shots in her 48-ball 59 and reached the boundary
Britney Cooper plays a dilscoop over the keeper’s head for four during her undefeated 52 yesterday.
Jodian Morgan finished on 72 not out to see Jamaica to a winning start.
five times while clearing it once. She shared in 68-run opening stand with Lee-Ann Kirby who made 31 and a 58run fifth wicket with Cooper who ended unbeaten on 52 from 28 balls with eight fours and a six as the Trinis galloped to 161-5 from 18. 4 overs. Akaze Thompson, Tremayne Smartt, Mandy Mangru and Kaysia Schultz had one wicket each for the Guyanese. Guyana began in sweltering heat and Grimmond cut Caneisha
Isaacs for four before driving her for another boundary down the ground. Along with Smartt who replaced the usually sedate Mangru at the top of the order, they took the score to 29 before Grimmond who hit four fours in her 17-ball 22, was caught and bowled by Mohammed who opened the bowling with her off-spin. Smartt batted cautiously while the inform Campbell, one of three batsmen with centuries in the 50 overs format, was also kept in check by the Trini spinners. Just
after the 50 was posted Smartt was caught behind off Kirby at 65-2 in the 11th overs. Shabika Gajnabi (7) did not last long and was run out at 79-2 in the 14th over as bowlers kept the pressure on the Guyana who were kept on a short leash. Thompson and Campbell added 54 for fourth wicket as Campbell began to find her range with a series of glorious shots before Mohammed bowled Thompson for 11 just when she stepped into second (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
Friday March 29, 2019
GFF Elite League Season 4
Defending champs Fruta Conquerors knock debutants Santos for four
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Lennox Braithwaite wins GuyanaNRA Spoon Shoot Lennox Braithwaite (right) receives The Spoon from Vice Captain, Dylan Fields.
Jahall Greaves Fruta Conquerors FC
Dennis Edwards Fruta Conquerors FC
Eon Alleyne Fruta Conquerors FC
By Franklin Wilson Fruta Conquerors opened their quest to successfully defend their Guyana Football Federation Elite League championship with a solid 4-0 whipping of debutants Santos on Wednesday evening last at the GFC Ground, Bourda. A brace of goals either side of play saw the defending champions, set to represent Guyana at the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) Caribbean Club Shield in Curacao from April 5-15 next, coasting to full points on a dry and dusty pitch. Santos stood up to the task at intervals but were no real threat to the champions who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Jahall Greaves tucked one past goalkeeper, Alex Murray.
Three minutes later the advantage was doubled when Dennis Edwards inked his name on the score sheet. Featuring a number of young players with a few seasoned campaigners in the mix, Santos tried their best to match the Fruta boys and succeeded somewhat by keeping their opponents at bay. After the second goal was scored, Conquerors had to wait until the next 44 minutes before they could have breached the Santos defense again. Their {Conquerors} patience held while Santos’ resilience finally waned allowing the champs to nail their third goal in the 71st minute when Simon Moore eased past the defense to fire past Murray. On 85 minutes, the game was sealed for Conquerors compliments of Eon Alleyne’s effort to cap a solid
performance for the Tucville boys. Action will continue this evening when the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary will take the spot light with a double carded from 18:30hrs. Santos will seek to redeem themselves when they match skills with Ann’s Grove against whom they will fancy their chances. The main event will pit home team, Guyana Police Force and Fruta Conquerors. Tomorrow night at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden, the lone match will see home team Milerock and the Guyana Defense Force matching skills from 20:00hrs and on Sunday, at the Den Amstel G r o u n d , We s t C o a s t Demerara, Western Tigers will be up against Victoria Kings from 14:00hrs followed by Den Amstel and Buxton United at 16:00hrs.
T
op Guyana and West Indies marksman Lennox Braithwaite won the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) first Spoon Shoot on Sunday last at the Timehri Rifle Ranges, Yarrowkabra, Linden Soesdyke, Highway. According to a GuyanaNRA release, conditions on the day saw tricky winds with smoke appearing on the ranges at intervals. The Spoon Shoot historically goes back to the early 20th century in England where the regiments competed for this prize. It is actually a Tea Spoon with rifle related engraving and has continued to be competed for and presented in most Rifle Associations around the world. The GuyanaNRA Spoon Shoot, sponsored by Crown Mining Supply was contested at the 300, 600 and 1000 yards ranges. Braithwaite finally rose to the occasion with a fantastic display of shooting over the ranges, by not dropping any points with a maximum score of 105. However he attained 9Vs instead of the maximum 21 attainable. He shot 35.2 at 300 yards, 35.4 at 600
yards and 35.3 at 1000 yards, the latter being the range where the big boys play. This was reminiscent of his scores achieved at the Commonwealth Games. Another veteran marksman, Ransford Goodluck who also represented Guyana at the last Commonwealth Games was second with 97.3 points; shooting 34.1 at 300 yards, 32.1 at the 600 yards and 31.1 at 1000 yards. There was a tie for third position between Peter Persaud and Sherwin Felicien but on count back Persaud was awarded the third place. Persaud who won the opening competiton, shot 34.4 at 300, 29.1 at 600 and 27.0 at 1000 yards. Felicien recorded scores of 30.2 at 300, a possible at 600 - 35.2 and 25.1 at 1000 yards. Vice Captain Dylan Fields shot a total of 88.3 while Leo Romalho managed 82.3. The Range has been a big challenge for the marksmen since they resumed competitive shooting for 2019. The shooters are scheduled to participate in Postal Team Shoot which has been reintroduced by the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council.
Sans Souci Jaguars capture WCC/Farmers Cup T20 title Sans Souci Jaguars produced an outstanding display to thrash Zeelandia by 10 wickets in the final of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee/Farmers Cup T20 tournament on Sunday last. Sans Souci Jaguars’ bowlers maintained their
stranglehold on the match from the onset as they restricted Zeelandia for 1115, batting first at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, watched by a sizeable crowd. Ajay Ghansham made 36 while Jaspaul Gangaram got
Man-of-the-match Zameer Zaman (left) accepts his prize from Raj Narine Singh.
27 as Zameer Zaman claimed 2-17. Zaman then hammered 86 and got support from Dellon Osborne 18 as Sans Souci Jaguars responded with 114 without loss in 10.1 overs. Zaman was named man-ofthe-match. Zaman also took the awards for scoring the most runs in the tournament (185) and the highest individual score (86) while Zeelandia’s Ryan Atkinson took the prizes for taking the most wickets (11) and best figures (4-17). Secretary of the Wa k e n a a m C r i c k e t Committee, Nazeer Mohamed expressed gratitude to the Farmers on the island for coming on board and congratulated the winning team. He said that (Continued on page 32)
Members of the Sans Souci Jaguars team with their accolades.
Kaieteur News
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Friday March 29, 2019
Volleyball to serve off Bartica Easter Regatta Sports - Gala launch held at Programme on Monday Pegasus Hotel yesterday
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he 2019 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta Sports Programme is set to serve off on Monday afternoon with Volleyball at the Bartica Community Centre, Volleyball Court. This was disclosed by Sports Coordinator of this year’s activity, Michael Dos Santos yesterday morning during the gala launch held at the Pegasus Hotel. Attending the event was His Worship the Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall, Deputy Mayor Arita Embleton and Director of Sport Christopher Jones who delivered the feature address. Jones re-emphasised the importance of Sports Tourism in building societies
while applauding the Mayor and Town Council of Bartica for taking the lead in this regard. “Packaging this product and making it marketable bring tremendous benefits to the community as we would have just experienced with the hosting of the town’s first major cycling event. On behalf of the government and people of Guyana I would like to commend the Mayor and his Council for their vision and his leadership and for piloting the sports tourism initiative.” Jones also challenged the other municipalities and towns to take note and emulate what Bartica has been doing. He also called on all to travel to Bartica for
Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall during his presentation yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel. Others in photo from right are Dwight Beaton, Ciana Persaud, Christopher Jones (DoS), Arita Embleton (Deputy Mayor) and Michael Dos Santos. what is anticipated to be the biggest Easter Regatta celebrations, ever. Dos Santos informed that dominoes and cricket would get cracking next Thursday; cricket would be played at the Bartica Secondary School ground from 09:00hrs while dominoes will be contested at the Community Centre from 18:00hrs.
Basketball would bounce off on Tuesday April 9th while there would also be 5a-side football kicking off on April 18th, Dirt Bike Racing on April 20th, the River Swim on April 21st. Being introduced for the first time would be a bird whistling competition on April 15 from 05:30hrs. The Guyana Police Force would be bring off a
Gymkannah on Sunday April 14 while the much anticipated Powerboat racing is set for Easter Sunday and Monday at Golden Beach. Mayor Marshall in his remarks stated that the Municipality is grateful to all the sponsors that have already come on board noting that they would be acknowledged via the press
in the coming days and weeks leading up to what he promises would be the best ever Bartica Easter Regatta. “All the stops would be pulled out by our youthful organising committee for this event. It’s a lot of hard work but we want assure all that we are putting on an event that the family can come and enjoy on the Easter weekend.”
NSBF 2019 Regional STAG Beer Easter Fustal tournament launched Conference bounces off in Berbice this weekend
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he first of six Conferences of the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) will bounce off tomorrow in New Amsterdam, Berbice at the Vryman’s Ervin Basketball Court while action on Sunday would be held at the Rosehall Community Center Ground, from 13:00hrs, daily. The full schedule of dates (ALL CONFERENCE) will be finalised shortly. Tomorrow’s action at the Vryman’s Ervin Court is as follows: Game 1 - Vryman’s Ervin Secondary vs New Amsterdam Multilateral School 13:0hrs Game 2 - Berbice High School vs New Amsterdam Technical Institute 14:00hrs Sunday Rosehall Community Center Ground Game 1 - Lower Corentyne vs Port Mourant Training School 13:00hrs Game 2 - J C Chandersingh vs Corentyne Comprehensive 14:00hrs
From left, Ansa’ Mcal’s Mark Murray alongside organisers Kashif Mohamed and Frank English with Ansa Mcal’s Nigel Worrell. Thirty-two teams will be action from this weekend following the launch of the STAG Easter Futsal Festival yesterday at the sponsor’s; Ansa McAl, head office at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. The tournament, which will feature 22 Georgetown teams along with two teams each from the West and East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Linden. During yesterday’s launch, tournament promoter Frank ‘English’ Parris contended that the tournament which featured a brief hiatus had been going for just over 19 years. He noted that the event was the brainchild of his and Santos Football Club and after a few years, Ansa McAl joined in under the Carib Beer brand. Meanwhile, Kashif Mohamed, Co-Director of the Kashif and Shanghai organisation and
Tournament Organiser said that after being contacted, they were more than happy to come on board. Apart from STAG beer, other sponsors of the event include Dynas Trading, Star Party Rental, Sonic Boom and 94.1. The winners of the tournament will pocket $700,000. Brand Events Coordinator of Ansa Mcal, Nigel Worrell, during his remarks stated that “Stag beer has become a brand synonymous with football in Guyana.” Fans in attendance on any of the 11 playing nights will have a chance to win special Stag Beer prizes he revealed. Games will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays to avoid a direct conflict with the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite League tournament. April 27 is set as the tentative date for the final.
Kaieteur News
Friday March 29, 2019
PAGE 39
Guyana grouped with Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda and Aruba - Inaugural Concacaf Nations League draw held in Las Vegas M i a m i – T h e Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) on Wednesday night conducted the official draw for the 2019 Concacaf Nations League, at the Chelsea Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. Guyana was represented by President Forde and Executive Member, Ryan Farias. The gala event, which sub-divided the three Leagues into groups, featured remarks from Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. Concacaf Chief Football Officer Manolo Zubiria conducted the draw alongside Concacaf Director of Development and former Grenada international footballer, Jason Roberts. The home-and-away group stage of the 2019 Concacaf Nations league will be played on the FIFA match dates of September, October and November 2019. The Final Championship will take place in 2020. At the conclusion of the group stage, the winners of
each League A group will qualify to the Final Championship, while the League B and C group winners will be promoted to League A and B for the next edition of the competition. Additionally, the teams at the bottom of each League A and B group will be relegated to League B and C. The full schedule, including kick off times and venues will be announced at a later date. President commented on the draw: “The Concacaf Nation’s League has opened up an array of opportunities for our Region; it is our intention to take full advantage of these opportunities. We are in a very competitive group which gives us an opportunity to be consistent and prove our quality as an emerging force within the Confederation. There will be greater emphasis on team preparation and planning for the 2019 season.” The groups for the 2019 Concacaf Nations League are as follows (listed in the order drawn): League A
GFF President Wayne Forde (right) and Executive Member Ryan Farias joined by FIFA and Concacaf President’s, Gianni Infantino (2nd left) and Victor Montagliani.
Group A: United States, Canada and Cuba Group B: Mexico, Panama and Bermuda Group C: Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique Group D: Costa Rica, Haiti and Curacao
League B Group A: French Guiana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Belize and Grenada Group B: El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia and Monserrat Group C: Jamaica, Guyana, Antigua and
Barbuda and Aruba Group D: Nicaragua, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica League C Group A: Barbados, Cayman Islands, Saint Martin and U.S. Virgin
Islands Group B: Bonaire, Bahamas and British Virgin Islands Group C: Guatemala, Puerto Rico and Anguilla Group D: Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos and Sint Maarten
5th Annual Kares Engineering Fitness Challenge
Trophy Stall on board; top 3 male and female athletes to earn equally Trophy Stall, on board from the inception, has maintained its support of the Kares Engineering Fitness Challenge which will bring off its fifth edition on Sunday at the National Park Tarmac, organised by Guyana Fitness Games. The best fitness athletes in the nation including defending male champion Dillon Mahadeo and female sensation Delice Adonis will be pushed to the hilt by their local peers and some of Suriname’s best in the business come Sunday. A welcome initiative by the organisers is the fact that male and female top three athletes would be remunerated in like fashion, $300,000, $200,000 and $150,000 going to the first, second and third placed competitors, respectively. Fans are in for a treat and are encouraged to come out in their numbers to urge on the local competitors in their quest to keep the visitors at bay. Meanwhile, long time supporter, The Trophy Stall
Ms. Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves and Torphy Stall’ Remesh Sunich displays some of the trophies and medals. which has been a partner from the inaugural year has maintained its support by providing trophies and medals at considerably
reduced rates. Ye s t e r d a y, G u y a n a F i t n e s s G a m e s Representative Ms. Jordana Ramsey-Gonsalves made
the trek to Trophy Stall’s Bourda Market venue to receive the trophies and medals from Mr. Sunich who posited that he was very excited to be able to continue his support of the games which is making its contribution to highlighting the fact of keeping fit and healthy. Ms. Ramsey-Gonsalves expressed thanks to Mr. Sunich on behalf of the organisers while complimenting Trophy Stall for its continued support. Athletes from Linden, Berbice, Georgetown and Suriname would be locked in intense battle from 13:00hrs on Sunday as they vie for the right to be named the fittest male and female athlete in Guyana. There will also be the 3rd Annual Charity Challenge sponsored by Kares Engineering with some of G u y a n a’s t o p t r a in e r s competing for a top prize of $100,000 that would go towards two charities chosen by the Title Sponsor.
The Kares Engineering Teen Challenge is also set to unfold for the first time where over a dozen youths would be battling for the top spot and bragging rights as the Fittest Teen. Tickets ($1000) are on sale at Genesis Fitness Gym (Durban St.) and Fitness Express on Sheriff and John Streets, Campbellville. Following is the list of athletes set to compete: Females - Delice Adonis (CrossFit 592), Tonnica Archer (Genesis Fitness), Semonica Duke (Genesis Fitness), Jamila Gasper (Genesis Fitness), Latoya Roberts (Genesis Fitness), Kimberly Pinas (Rock Crossfit Paramaribo), Ava Zalman (Rock Crossfit Paramaribo), Zurina Williams (Crossfit Paramaribo). Males - Dillon Mahadeo (Crossfit 592), Omisi Williams (Perry Fitness Gym-Linden), Anis AdeThomas (Rock Crossfit Paramaribo), Raveendath Bajnath (Rock Crossfit
Paramaribo), Jadan Mannes (Rock Crossfit Paramaribo), Ti m o t h y M c A n d r e w (Crossfit 592), Carlos M e n d o n c a ( To p End/Crossfit 592), Paul Meusa (Fitness Elites), Thurston Pearce (Fitness Elite), Kellon Reid (Sharpe Fitness Gym-Linden), Kelvin Paul (Fusion Fitness), Kishan Baul (Fusion Fitness), Silas Brummell, Stephen Fraser (Crossfit 592), Randolph Leitch (Crossfit 592), Cidel Patrick (Elite Fitness), Keith Persaud, Mark Tawjoeram (Crossfit Paramaribo), Rupert Rugner (Fusion Fitness), King Solomon (Crossfit592) Sponosors on board are: Kares Engineering, Ansa McAl through their Lucozade, Mackeson and Icool Water brands, Pollo Tropical, BPI Guyana Inc., Trophy Stall, Starr Party Rentals, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Cellular Plus, Massy Industries, Fitness Elite, Fitness Express and Genesis Fitness Gym.
t r o Sp Blaze Regional Women’s T20
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King, Cooper 50s overshadows Campbell’s *77; T&T beat Guyana by 5 wickets at Providence Stacy Ann King plays a majestic sweep in her 59 against Guyana yesterday.
Shemaine Campbell goes over cover during her enterprising unbeaten 77 yesterday at Providence.
61st Caribbean Table Tennis Championship
Guyana settles for silver in women’s doubles and bronze in mixed and men’s doubles P.
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Trenace Lowe (left) and Jody-Ann Blake (second left) lost in straight sets to Dominican Republic in the final of the women’s doubles.
Guyana grouped with Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda and Aruba - Inaugural Concacaf Nations League draw held in Las Vegas 39. P
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