K
AIETEUR GECOM erred Tuesday Edition NEWS in selection of Deputy CEO March 19, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 13
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Price $80
... ethnicity played no part in hiring practices - ERC concludes
Online readership yesterday 111,200
The clock has not been stayed ...British envoy urges swift resolution to political impasse Oil reserve potential for Orinduik Block increases to 4B barrels - Int'l Report
Body of caretaker
found in yard
Good Local Stuff: Newly sworn-in US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch and her husband, Kevin, recently visited a city market. She even tasted a piece of the mamee. (US Embassy photo)
Man, 65, charged with sharing nude photos of young partner
Rusal was also granted Haitian govt. collapses fuel import licence Despite years of promises...
Numerous natural resource contracts remain hidden from - Concessions still not made public scrutiny public in local newspapers
PAGE 02
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
CDC engages stakeholders on oil pollution response protocols
T
he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) yesterday morning opened a three-day workshop on Contingency P l a n n i n g a n d Implementation of the Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation (OPRC) Convention for key public and private players in the local oil and gas sector. The workshop aims at providing stakeholders with a detailed understanding of the National Oil Spill
CDC's Director General (Ag.) Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (bottom row, fourth from right) Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (bottom row, fifth from right) RAC/REMPEITC- Caribe, Consultant Lieutenant Commander, Matthew Richards (third from right) and International Maritime Organisation, RAC/REMPEITC- Caribe, Consultant, Dr. Elliott Taylor (second from right) among other stakeholders at the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) workshop on contingency planning and OPRC at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal. Response Contingency Plan and the requirements, policy and procedures for implementation of a national oil spill response. The event is being held at the Arthur Chung
Convention Centre, Liliendaal, through a collaborative approach between the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit
for the Caribbean Environment Program (UNEP-CAR/RCU) and the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre Wider C a r i b b e a n
(RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe). CDC's Director General (Ag.), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said that the CDC aims to create a sustainable disaster risk (continued on page 14)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 03
GECOM erred in selection of ... ethnicity played no part in Deputy CEO hiring practices - ERC concludes W
atchdog body, the Ethnic Relations Committee (ERC), has ruled in a complaint filed by the Opposition asking for an investigation into the hiring practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The commission had also been asked to pronounce on the appointment of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers. In released excerpts of the final report by ERC, it was disclosed that former D e p u t y C E O , Vi s h n u Persaud, who was one of the candidates applying for the position last year, had scored higher than Myers during the interviewing process “By all objective criteria, Mr. Persaud was, on the available evidence, the most qualified candidate for appointment to the position of DCEO. By long established practice, the candidate acquiring the highest score secured the appointment. Save and except for the case of Mr. Gocool Boodoo, all appointments were made upon the unanimous vote of all of the Commissioners,” the report said. It was pointed out that before Myers' vote by the commission, the vote of the Chairman to break a voting deadlock happened only once before in GECOM. “In all other cases, the appointments were made following a consensus between all of the Commissioners: that is to say the three Commissioners appointed by the President acting in his own deliberate judgment together with the three Commissioners appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition.” The ERC said that Persaud whose contract was not renewed a few years ago as DCEO, was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not
been appointed. “Because of the way that our population is distributed over the country, it is inevitable that in some areas where there is a preponderance of Guyanese of a given ethnicity there is likely to be a majority of employees in those areas of the majority ethnicity.” ERC found that there are no institutional rules or practices in GECOM which allows for ethnic discrimination in hiring. In fact at GECOM, there are people who are vigilant enough.“The six Commissioners are all vigilant to ensure that no such discrimination can be practiced without challenge. The unavailability of key personnel did not allow for extensive deliberations to arrive at a more informed conclusion.” With regards to hiring practices, ERC said there was not enough cooperation from key GECOM staffers to have been able to conclude that there was a problem. “As such, from the material placed before us, it cannot be said that there has been any evidence of deliberate hiring of Guyanese of one ethnicity rather than of another.” Opposition members of the GECOM in a letter to the ERC, dated July 17th, 2018, asked it to conduct an inquiry into the employment practices at GECOM in general and the recent vote by the Chairman of GECOM in favour of a second-ranked candidate in particular. ERC invited three persons to serve as members of a sub-committee of the Commission. They include Stanley Moore, LLM, Justice of Appeal (Ret'd) –Chairman; Jairam Petam-Human Resources Consultant and Lloyd Alvin Smith, DSM, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ret'd) –Investigator. Additionally, Major General (Ret'd) Norman Mc Lean and Norris Witter also served on the Sub-
Opposition commissioners, Sase Gunraj, Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick
Scored the highest but didn't make it: Former DCEO, Vishnu Persaud C o m m i t t e e a s representatives of ERC. Among other things, ERC was supposed to conduct interviews with the Chairman, Commissioners, and the Chief Elections Officer. It was suggested that interviews were supposed to be held with the Human Resources practitioners of GECOM, to ascertain the employment and performance appraisal procedures and practices. ERC also had wanted the copies of the advertisements for the position of DCEO to ascertain whether the
GECOM's DCEO, Roxanne Myers
position was advertised internally and subsequently externally to the local Guyanese population as well as overseas applicants. The Commission said it was advised through the media that a score sheet was prepared that showed a score of 76 for Persaud and 72 for Roxanne Myers. The Sub-Committee said its work was considerably handicapped by the nonappearance before them of Myers, Marcia Crawford, Human Resources Manager, GECOM, and Justice Patterson. “This failure cannot be
described as anything other than deliberate and willful. At first the excuse was that elections were pending and that they could not spare the time. After the elections were concluded, Justice Patterson (Ret'd) suggested that "perhaps you all have bring (sic) some terror into
the lady." Justice Patterson had earlier appeared before the Ethnic Relations Commission. Mr. Lowenfield the Chief Election Officer also appeared before us. No session lasted for more than an hour approximately. The failure of these persons to assist the Sub-Committee in this inquiry is nothing but a clear and inexcusable dereliction of their public duty.” The ERC said that Myers knew that her appointment was one of the principal subjects of the enquiry. “She was aware that her qualifications and experiences would be considered by the SubCommittee. Ms. Marcia Crawford knew that the GECOM Human Resources management protocols and procedures lay at the very heart of the enquiry. Their (continued on page 14)
PAGE 4
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
A vicious circle “I say again, I am not anti-Democrat, anti-Republican, anti-anything. I am just questioning their sincerity and some of their strategy that they have been using on our people by promising them promises that they don’t intend to keep.” That was Malcolm X in April 1964 in ruptured, hateful America. And fifty-five years later, in March 2019 in similarly divided and embittered Guyana, those words, with a few minor adaptations to meet local circumstances, still ring true. Indeed, they ring loud and clear. Citizens, wherever they identify irreversibly, should peer slowly and parse deeply and they will hear, see, and appreciate what has been done to them, what has always been their poignant lot from the minds and at the hands of shrewd, calculating political men and women. There is terrible injury. For when the peoples of this uneasy society should be sailing smoothly forward to embrace its oil blessings, it is backpedalling determinedly to raise voice and fist in the same old continuum of disemboweling and profaning racial others. It is palpable how one political person and one political power after another has made “promises that they don’t intend to keep.” Malcolm repeated. They speechify prettily about all Guyana, while knowing full well that there is no will to deliver; no priority to make this one nation, or one of anything, be it people or destiny. For that would be inimical to visions, self-defeating to ambitions, and diminishing to power. But time and again, promise they do through the stockpiles of insincerities, the lengthy litany of racial libels that make liars of them and losers of everyone else. A vicious circle follows: for having promised and incited, politicians now have to deliver. Whether 50 years ago or five days ago; in the logie or ghetto; bottom house or squatting area; middleclass or educated class, those promises breed hard expectations and selfish priorities. At the crux, tribal triumphalism brings national defeat. Half wins, the whole falters. Leaders have to deliver on promises; they can do so partway only. Since this is their raison d’être, an invariable searing modus operandi has followed; humanity, integrity, decency, and unity all deplete to the paltry. Cannot be any other way. And Guyanese political manipulators cannot extricate from the quicksand they manufactured and keep perpetuating; there is neither interest nor will to do so, in spite of all the cheerful talk. Thus, a vicious circle is fostered; it is an unforgiving one. Both political parties and supporters know that whichever side wins gets to collect most of the marbles. The biggest one is jobs, plum jobs. Prestige and powerful placements and scholarships and house lots form parts of other expectations of those who wait. They are also part of the allure and promise anticipated by supporters, who throw weight and numbers behind the group that would most likely remember colourful presence and work. Those who gain those lucrative appointments can exploit with objectives that are constructive or destructive. For political triumph adds another layer to an already disturbed environment: the politically connected are protected, feel protected, and act like sacred cows. Throughout all of this, leaders march to the charade of One nation, One people, One destiny, while they persist with these sabotaging exercises and deceiving games. It is about going around and around in the same vicious circle every election cycle. If the spectre of the endgame was not so ominous, this would amuse. A nation goes downward, like a landslide. This is enough to make incited voters do more than compete; they hate. The intensity of a rivalry made sharper because there is only so much to go around. There has to be those left out and left shorn, sullen, and simmering. This is the diseased state, the vicious circle created by local politics. The readily crafty and untroubled political players have zero qualms cultivating the venal, the bigot, the anarchist, and the radical to their fold. The antagonistic circle envelops.
Guyanese as Second Class Citizens DEAR EDITOR, For the last twenty years, Guyanese have been migrating to countries which treated us like we had the palsy. From neighbouring Suriname when they thought they were hot stuff, to Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua, Jamaica, Bahamas and virtually any other country, Guyanese were thought to be in a bracket that was just a notch higher than cockroaches. We still are in some countries. Countries were limiting our immigration for fear of being infested. I never thought I would be one to advocate limiting immigration to a country. However, today in my dear land of Guyana, there seems to be an influx of Chinese, Brazilians, and more recently
Venezuelans. Concerning the latter, I can understand Guyanese extending open arms to welcome them, given the horrors Venezuelans are currently experiencing. I’m particularly concerned with the Chinese. Both our past government and the current administrators seem fond of penning signatures to China’s documents that will bind our country in the kind of suicide deals, which are strangling other countries. The previous government was blatant in giving away parts of the country to the Chinese in exchange for Godknows-what. Kaieteur News has been running one article after the other about the pitfalls into which countries have been throwing themselves, only to have their
assets gobbled up by China. Are we heeding these lessons and avoiding these economic traps? My fear is that if we continue with this open house policy with the Chinese, allowing them to freely ooze into our country and set up shop in just about every facet of our lives, by 2030 if not sooner, we will become second-classcitizens in our own country. We have always had Chinese immigrants in Guyana but never to this level. In years to come, we all will be working for the Chinese and be at their mercy as some developed countries already are. While Afro and Indo Guyanese squabble over race and politics, it appears our politicians are selling out our
country to foreigners. With the oil boom around the corner and a certain greedy politician is again exploiting the race card to manoeuvre himself via a crony into a position to control the country’s wealth again, the foreigners are quietly bribing their way into controlling every aspect of our economy. Unless Afro and Indo Guyanese come to their senses and agitate for steps to be taken for Guyanese to control their destiny, we are doomed to become secondclass citizens in our own country. If we thought being disrespected in other countries was terrible, wait until we are despised in our own yard by our new foreign masters. M. Alves
Maternity and Neo-natal mortality (A comedy of obstetrical errors) DEAR EDITOR, If to the profession you cannot truly be a nurse, pray therefore you do not become a curse. Once again, another mother is denied mirth at birth as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation comes under the microscope. Each time a neonatal tragedy hits the media, I immediately begin to wonder what level of midwifery is currently being practised in Guyana. In fact, as a retired Obstetrical Charge Nurse I have become so mentally chagrined, that had there been alternative public delivery institutions, I would recommend a full closure of the GPHC Delivery and NeoNatal Unit, rigorous and intensified staff training of nursing and medical staff, and above all the implementation of an independent Commission of Inquiry into the neonatal and maternal deaths. Even the reporting of this sad demise, smacks not only of poor substandard journalism, but additionally serves to reveal a gross lack of professionalism on the part of both the nursing and medical staff. Based on the media report, it is obvious that all the signals for disaster were disregarded. In the obstetrical arena, any pregnancy with twins or more is considered “high risk”. From the moment a twin pregnancy is confirmed by ultrasound, special care and treatment of the mother goes into effect, with even the patient’s chart prominently and legibly indicating such a status. No details were supplied regarding the gestational age of the twins, except to state
that they were delivered by Caesarean Section. In wellrun modernized obstetrical units, a special team is set up for each Caesarean delivery with additional team members depending on the number of births. Among the team members and of prime presence during the delivery are the Paediatrician and the Paediatric Resuscitation team ready to give care to the baby/ babies following removal from the uterus, as well as the anesthetist carefully monitoring the intravenous infusion and intra-partum medication administration . Now the obstetrical drama is over, the plot darkens and the curtain unfolds. Was there a paediatrician present at delivery? If so, what part did he play? What was the Apgar score for each child? The Apgar Test is a tool used to document newborn wellbeing immediately following birth with scores recorded at one minute, five minutes and sometimes ten minutes after birth. The airways, pulse, grimace, activity and respiration is measured and the maximum score is ten. Had such an assessment been conducted in its scheduled time frame, then nowhere in reality and factuality could the live-born have been wrapped ready for the morgue. Who certifies death in Guyana? Under whose authority was the nurse carrying out death certification? Thankfully, and to some degree the relatives requesting to see the babies, allowed one of the twins a new, though somewhat brief lease on life. I shudder to think of the roller coaster of emotions to which the grieving mother
and the family were subjected. One minute they are notified of the stillbirth, the very next, they are told birth still, then the newborn is placed next to the newlyoperated mother, rather than in an incubator. The imponderable explanation by the doctor regarding lung immaturity and non-necessity for oxygen not only adds to the existing obstetrical maelstrom but further shows the nescience of a member of the medical profession, in whose hands human lives lay. An incubator provides the ideal monitored and regulated environment that enable newborns especially preemies to thrive. What obstetrical reason underlies the surviving twin being denied an incubator? Who ordered the oxygen administered to the baby? When was it ordered? What changes in the baby brought about the need for oxygen? While the condition of prematurity results in lower oxygen level, supplemental oxygen can have significant
side effects, as an excess can cause injury to the infant’s eyes and lungs. The right target balance must be found, for while too much oxygen is bad, too little is equally sad. Conclusively, quo vadis? The evidence is in—the jury is out. At a parliamentary hearing on July 12, 2018, the Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence stated that for the period June 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) recorded 119 neonatal deaths. While such numbers are worrisome, what is of more serious concern is the fact that GPHC is home to the only Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Guyana, and the only public hospital capable of providing a neonate with invasive breathing support. Based on the presenting evidence this appears to be all talk and no walk. This negligent carnage must be brought to a halt. The Minister of Health stated that as it relates to investigations (Continued on page 5)
IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NOT A DEFENCE DEAR EDITOR, Of course, the APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger have to uphold The Constitution guided by the Court of Law. Yet, this APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger simply do not understand the LAW, which is WHY it ran to the Courts, Court of Appeal and maybe the CCJ. It is simply asking, “What is the Law?”
IGNORANCE is BLISS but ignorance of the LAW is not a defence. We’ve already had a ruling about the validity of the No-Confidence Motion. Come 22nd March 2019, President David Granger becomes David Granger and a TYRANT IF he does not resign and call fresh Constitutionally due Elections before the 90 days expiry timeframe. Yours faithfully Sean Ori
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
The nature of bipartisanship and what it lacks My friend’s thinking need for shared-governance essential to any form of from partisanship may have evolved or power-sharing possible shared-governance. This in
DEAR EDITOR, I wish to address some concerns regarding sharedgovernance which is being advocated as a way forward for Guyanese politics. I want to briefly explore what some political commentators have said about sharedgovernance and its role in transcending politics in
Guyana. Undoubtedly, the political system and its institutions in Guyana must change for the better. What the ideal framework should look like has room for much debate since there is a plethora of possible ideas. However, there is one proposal that is commonly praised by political commentators, that is the
Maternity and Neo-natal... From page 4 every neonatal death is reported and reviewed by the Child Mortality Committee with representatives from the government and the private sector. The figures bear testimony to the inutility of this committee. As a qualified health care professional of Guyanese origin, and with deep civic concern, I am calling on the Prime Minister, the Health Minister, the Chief Medical officer and Chief Nursing Officer to view the ongoing neonatal mortality rate with utmost concern. That an independent Advisory Committee be duly constituted to view anew and report directly to the Prime Minister. On November 1, 1977, at the dedication of the Hubert
Humphrey Building in Washington D. C., the former Vice President Humphrey spoke about the weakest members of society as a reflection of a government—- “The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children. Enough said, some children are not even seeing the dawn, which in itself speaks volume of the government. Both the medical and nursing profession must he held accountable for the work performance of their representatives, with sanctions, discipline and even irradiation where justified. As a nation, we cannot allow such a situation to continue where pain is borne and mothers needlessly mourn. Yvonne Sam
dilemma, one that broadly affects the efficacy of a shared-governance democracy. The dilemma has to do with the nature of bipartisanship and what it lacks from partisanship. We must understand how these two notions shape the political situation in Guyana’s context. Partisanship, that is expressing or endorsing strong support for a political party, is good for democracy but it tends to promote segregation instead of compromise. It also leads to polarization, which tends to negatively intensify political relations at every social level. But it does help to build political contenders who become opposition or critics to the sitting government. Ideally, a good democracy would have the National Assembly filled with independent parties with differing partisan agendas but hold national interest as paramount. In contrast, bipartisanship aims to promote collaboration between majoritarian parties,
turn provides a pathway for nonpartisan relations. However, one glaring problem is that political disputes become reduced among contending ideologues or parties. Debates may even be artificially orchestrated, resulting in collusion to sustain the status-quo. This is devastating for democracy since political figures who are supposed to be contenders of policy and legislation simply present the perception that they are or become dormant. Furthermore, a bipartisan approach to majoritarian parties without suitable opposition, equal in force and influence, provides no opportunity to transcend beyond the status-quo. Evidently, we see this to be the case with the two-party dichotomy between the PPP/ C and the PNCR, both of which are adamant about dismantling their traditional ethnocentric persona. Consequently, this puts Guyana’s political situation in a state of stasis and, for the most part, a democratic (Continued on page 6)
I have found my friend Mr. Ralph Ramkarran S.C.’s recent offering in his “Conversation Tree” column in the Stabroek News’ edition of 17 March, 2019 ‘The Court Of Appeal Can Shine A Legal Light On The Way Forward’ very intriguing. Mr. Ramkarrran is reported as positing that if the Court of Appeal gives its decision in the pending appeals before it, after 22 March [2019], it would be doing so where the Government no longer has any legal status. He goes further to say that, there would be a huge gap in its decision if it does not address the absence of lawful governmental authority in Guyana. Mr. Ramkarran opines that if the Court is of the view that because of the Government’s failure to hold elections within the stipulated time, it is holding office illegally, the Court of Appeal should say so boldly and fearlessly. However, I cannot help but remember Mr. Ramkarran in January 2001, when as Counsel for Mrs. Jagan in the case before Her Honour Justice Claudette
Singh, in which Justice Singh vitiated the 1997 elections as having been conducted under unlawful arrangements, Mr. Ramkarran was faced with a submission by opposing Counsel that as the then Bharrat Jagdeo Government had acceded to office by an unlawful election, it was ipso facto unlawful, and therefore ought to demit office. Mr. Ramkarran, had urged on the Court a submission that Her Honour had no authority to order the Government to desist office. Her Honour invited all Counsel to address her on whether or not she had such authority. Mr. Ramkarran’s submission must have found favour with Her Honour, as she concluded that she did not. While I remark on the fact that my friend Mr. Ramkarran’s positions do not appear to be entirely consistent, I am conscious of the fact that they have occurred nearly twenty years apart, and my friend’s thinking on the subject may have ‘evolved’. Yours sincerely, Brynmor T. I. Pollard, S.C., O.R.
PAGE 6
Police need to use non-lethal force instead of taking lives DEAR EDITOR, It was reported recently that police in Berbice shot and killed an intoxicated security guard who did not comply with their orders and approached them wielding a cutlass. One police officer, it was reported, fired five rounds in his direction of which three hit him causing his death. Three police officers are on close arrest, as a result. Editor, these three officers are going to get a pat on the risk and, I predict that none of them will be criminally charged, even with manslaughter as they will claim self-defense. It has now become the norm for police officers to video residents who fail to comply with them. It should become mandatory for one of the officers in the group to video the actions of others when excessive force and lethal weapons are used,
rather than having a mob mentality and covering up to save themselves. Editor, the concern of mine is if this tragedy could not have been avoided. Are our police officers trained to deal with intoxicated and differently able people? If so, are they practising what they were taught? In many instances, it is more cases of over-zealous, trigger-happy officers showing who is in control. Editor, there are non-lethal approaches that law enforcement officers can apply before they shoot and kill someone; excessive force should be the last resort rather than the initial one. Officers can use: 1. Pepper spray, 2. Rubber bullets, 3. Collapsible Baton, 4. Taser, 5. Grenade Sting, 6. Grenade Flash and 7. Tactical communication. Officers should be also trained in arm-to-arm combat.
The nature of bipartisanship... From page 5 deadlock. The saying “people will just vote for race anyway” has weight. So how should we address this scenario in any sharedgovernance model? One possible way to counter this deadlock is by invoking civil society to become democratically invigorated to create necessary opposition and to spawn new partisan initiatives. It starts with civic engagement, which the democratic framework allows for and becomes important to prevent the danger of an authoritarianism which breeds and thrives on ethnic segregation and hostility, one which Guyana has systematically endured for decades. Even if the majority parties formed an alliance or coalition in the name of shared governance, theirs would be a form of tyranny of the majority because of this
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
bipartisan maneuver, whereby minority parties or independents would have little to no influence on politics and its direction. For instance, land rights issues regarding indigenous peoples continue to this day because it is not prioritized due to the ethnocentric ideals of the current political dichotomy. Thus, any proponent of sharedgovernance must have a mechanism built-in to ensure political minorities become elevated in terms of representation and having some degree of voice in affecting political outcomes. However conceived, shared-governance must be democratic, that is, possess an independent opposition, undermine a potential tyrannical majority, and allows civil society and citizen engagement on policy and legislative matters. Yours faithfully, Ferlin Pedro
Each non-lethal method has to be applied according to the circumstance. For instance, tactical communication may not be effective with a drunken person who cannot reason with others. However, rubber bullets of pepper spray can be effective. While some will argue that Guyana is a poor country and cannot afford these resources, such an argument supports us being backward and behind time. It also devalues human lives, especially that of the poor. We can afford new, ATVs, pickup trucks and cars for the police but cannot place a concomitant priority for state of the art non-lethal resources. If in fact these vehicles are donated, then we can lobby the donors for nonlethal equipment. Alternatively, are we satisfied with the state of affairs, propagandizing that crime is on the decrease? I plead with the persons in authority to visit this issue and do what is right. Karan Chand Region 2 resident
In unity we will prosper and save the children DEAR EDITOR, It is becoming clearer every day that the opposition leader and his propagandists are all bent on seeing our country plunge into chaos and ethnic violence. These politicians feel they can rally those sugar workers who they neglected during the period of their rule for those 23 years in government, they closed Leonora and Diamond Sugar Estates. Did they offer the land to the cane cutters? No! They sold the land at Leonora to ED Ahmad who ended up in US jail for robbing unsuspecting persons in a major fraud scheme, then the land at Diamond, they sold that to DDL. That is the love they shared with the poor of the sugar estates. How foolish it is to state that they will reopen the sugar estates, and in the same breath state that it will not be profitable. It is a wicked act to give the poor false hope; they will soon find out that they are being abused by a selfish opposition leader and his colleagues. They would do anything to see the collapse of the coalition Government so they won’t head for the courts to face charges instituted against them for robbing the Guyanese nation. They do not care about us the underprivileged, so they want to see our children remain in the cane fields while they remain the masters of our fate, the PPP LEADERSHIP and GAWU know full well that for sugar to be profitable, we must change the mode of harvesting by using machines to harvest the cane. The world is transforming robotics and
Cyber training are necessary skills in a modern day society. Our youths need to retrain and retool the focus of President David Granger Green State Development Strategy. The PPP 23 years in government saw the enrichment of individuals, mostly their friends and family, their supporters are well aware of that, they know all those who were raping GUYSUCO, they were paying super salaries to the administrative Officers, an example is the CEO getting almost 3 million dollars per month plus allowances, while Jagdeo pays himself 3 MILLION dollars per month plus perks. There are reports that gullible supporters will be called to behave disorderly and hence face dire circumstances, because those that have been marginalized under the previous administration will not allow the PPP to run rough shod over our beloved President and supporters of the coalition Government. In opposition, President David Arthur Granger has championed the cause of peace, and was able to avert the threat that was so imminent during the Pre and Post 2015 election period. The oil is the factor that creates great anxiety in the opposition camp and who knows what they are planning, whatever seed they plant their harvest will be plentiful. I call on the young people of this nation to unite and experience a prosperous economy where we can all benefit handsomely and live quite happily with our families. This may not be comfortable for those who want to see us at each other’s throats in ethnic rivalry. RAS Aaron Blackman
A subtle and devious way of undermining the confidence of the workers DEAR EDITOR, Response is being made to article “Mining union questions ‘secrecy’ of Rusal meeting” (KN 18th March, 2019). The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) notes that despite the apparent statements of solidarity and calling on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI/Rusal) to reinstate workers, etc. there is a greater effort to sow seeds of discord between the Union and the workers and as such the statements made by Sherwin Downer, President of the National Mine Worker Union of Guyana (NMWUG) are seen as duplicitous, some may say treacherous. They are un-welcomed for they lack the true spirit of goodwill and solidarity, which true unions are noted for and which was demonstrated in the support that was received from many in public space. The entity known as NMWUG is best known as ‘the union’ that BCGI sought to foist on the workers at
Aroaima as it sought to displace and de-recognise the GB&GWU. The NMWUG has no bargaining rights anywhere and has never represented workers in any company or industry. It will hereafter be referred to as ‘the entity’. During the struggles of the GB&GWU when organisations, trade unions, groups and individuals came out on solidarity ‘the entity’ and Downer were silent but seeks now at this juncture to undermine workers’ confidence when the GB&GWU is sitting at the bargaining table with BCGI in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect To question the motive of bilateral discussions between BCGI and the GB&GWU is a subtle and devious way of undermining the confidence of the workers in their Union. Downer has always been on the opposite side of the workers and their Union in BCGI and along with others of the same mindset to destroy the GB&GWU. There is no doubt in this
instance he is seeking to continue in this capacity and in this regard, he remains consistent. For Downer’s trade union course 101 would help him to understand that when the company sits directly across the table and treat with the union, it is a strong signal that the management has accepted the union as the sole bargaining agent for the workers employed. Further, when the Labour Department or Ministry of Social Protection invites the union and company, it is the Department and Ministry’s meeting. When either the union or company request of the other to have a meeting it becomes a meeting of the two parties, with neither of the two speaking through an intermediary. These meetings are usually held on the premises of the employer. There isn’t any collective agreement in any organisation that excludes bilateral engagement or determines the place of meeting. He is reminded that the strength of the
GB&GWU, the commitment and trustworthiness of its leadership is not threatened by where any meeting is conducted, nor by who chairs or who is present. GB&GWU as an experienced recognised union with approximately 47 years of workers’ representations stands true and firm in all its deliberations. Of the 500 plus workers employed by BCGI, it is instructive that Downer chose to make a case from, as he claims, one worker who said the meeting between BCGI and GB&GWU of 15th March was done in secrecy. Where was Downer and the ‘employee’ he hides behind when the GB&GWU made it public that it was meeting with BCGI and of the planned content to be discussed. Where were they when following the meeting on the same day (15th) a press statement detailing the progress of the meeting and discussions held were made public. The public knew about this meeting before and after and the Union’s branch leaders of BCGI were at the (Continued on page 7)
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
‘The clock has not been stayed’- British envoy urges swift resolution to political impasse The diplomatic community is becoming impatient with the political situation in Guyana. In what would be strong words for the political parties in Guyana, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, yesterday warned voters to choose wisely on policies and not on what families members would have traditionally been doing. “Voters also have a responsibility. To hold their elected officials to account for what they have done or are doing. To not blindly follow one party because that has been what the family has always done. It is time to look to whomever has the best policies and best plans.” The envoy was speaking during the Annual General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of
British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn Commerce and Industry. Speaking to several business leaders and other members, Quinn insisted
that the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana. He also noted that the 90-day timeline for the vote has not been stayed. “It is not, however, my role to interpret that Constitution. But what I will say is that the clock is ticking following the no confidence vote in December. A legal process is ongoing, I recognise that, but that clock has not been stayed. I therefore urge, indeed implore, the political leadership of this country to get together and agree a constitutional way forward.” The High Commissioner, who was here for the 2015 elections, insisted that it is imperative this happens. “If no way forward is found, I fear there will be a further and more harmful impact on business and investment in Guyana. None
Community Group to take legal action against businesses in Lamaha Gardens The Lamaha Gardens Community Cooperative Society (LGCCS) has moved towards taking legal action against businesses operating in the residential zone. President of the LGCSS, Ronald Alli, confirmed that lawyer’s letters were sent to at least 10 businesses operating in the community. He said that businesses were notified that the operations are in violation of the land use regulations for Lamaha Gardens and failure to comply will result in legal action. The Community Group President had raised concerns about the continuing disregard for the zoning laws by both authorities and private citizens. Alli said that over the past 15 years, the Society has been trying to get the attention of both the government and the city council to uphold the zoning laws but to no avail. Alli noted that over the years, the residents have been abandoned by the public sector authorities in their quest to address many negative influences imposed on the community. There have been businesses, an office by a government agency and incursions by cattle from neighbouring communities among the issues affecting the residents, despite complaints to government agencies,
including the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Mayor and City Council. “These impositions are inconsistent with the objective of orderly and harmonious development and preservation of the amenities set in the planning scheme provided by the Central Housing and Planning Authority, for our community. Lamaha Gardens was laid out in 1966 and developed as a residential community based upon a planning scheme approved by the CH&PA. Typically, such planning schemes seek to provide for orderly and harmonious land use development through the zoning of land and the presentation of amenities. Therefore, any activities not consistent with these objectives are not to be tolerated.” According to Alli, this includes rearing of animals such as cows and the intrusion of incompatible land uses, such as commercial businesses operating in an area approved as a residential scheme. He noted that the residential scheme is approved by the CH&PA with conditions consistent with objectives of orderly and harmonious development. “Consequentially and in or-
der to safeguard the rights of proprietors to enjoy the use of their properties consistent with the approved schemes, the clauses were included in the transports issued to property owners that no cattle , pigs , donkeys, sheep, horses or other livestock shall be kept or reared in the community. The lots shall be used for residential purposes only. No shop, trade, industry or business whatsoever shall be carried on the said lots and no advertisement shall be erected or exhibited thereon.” “Since then, nothing has happened to change that position. Therefore, all regulatory agencies including the Georgetown Municipality have a statutory duty to safeguard the residential status of Lamaha Gardens.” Last week, members of the Council including City Mayor Ubraj Narine, and Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore, committed to helping address the concerns of the residents. Mayor Narine told a community gathering that the City Works Committee should be among those to be commended for the effort in Lamaha Gardens. He assured the residents that the new council will work to have Georgetown retain the title of being the ‘Garden City’.
A subtle and devious way of... From page 6 meeting. The GB&GWU has stood up and will continue to stand up and represent the interest and well-being of workers, and to work steadfastly to ensure the workers maintain their trust and confidence in their willingness to so do. The Union will wage battle valiantly, at all times to protect workers. And even in event of any losses - as there is likely to be at sometimes, throughout the world of trade union struggles - workers will always be reassured that their battle is one that will be well fought. Leslie Gonsalves President GB&GWU
of us in this room want that.” He said that all political parties have a responsibility to act honestly and truthfully and to act for the betterment of every citizen – not their own pockets or to their own narrow interests. “Politicians need to put the people first.” Recently sworn in US ambassador to Guyana, Sarah–Ann Lynch had been less blunt, urging genuinely free and fair elections. According to Quinn yesterday, despite a long and not always glorious history, Guyana and the UK have remained close partners. “We are equal members of the Commonwealth. We share the same fundamental values – respect for human dignity, human rights, freedom, democracy and equality. Globalisation is bringing us even closer together. That is a fact. Al-
though it is also a fact that we face new and growing threats which seek to undermine the core values we share. Ultimately the UK’s fundamental desire is to help a fellow Commonwealth country grow, expand and develop to the benefit of each of the over 750,000 people who inhabit this land.” He said that this is done through support to the health sector; to infrastructure development; to seabed mapping and surveying to make the approaches to Georgetown port safer and more efficient; to support the certification process of seabob and timber to expand markets; to advocacy for the rights of women and children and other disadvantaged people; through helping to give the Indigenous Peoples a voice in their discussions with Government and through support to
ensuring oil and gas revenues are properly accounted for and scrutinised. He also noted that the cooperation was through support to environmental research; through Chevening scholarships; improving the business environment; and the support to Security Sector Reform to make the security sector more efficient, effective and responsible to the people of Guyana. “I suspect many people don’t realise the range of areas where we provide support. And yes, yes, yes, we support democracy and good governance in Guyana. My predecessors have been outspoken about the importance of free and fair elections. I said the same thing in 2015 and again on 21 December last year. I will continue to say the same thing going forward.”
PAGE 8
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Rusal was also granted fuel import licence On top of all the tax breaks and other incentives granted to Rusal, for years now they were also offered a free rein on fuel imported into Guyana.The country gave up millions of dollars of what would otherwise be revenues. According to documents pertaining to the contracts signed by Rusal’s subsidiary, Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), the company has been benefitting from a fuel import licence with concessions that allows them to pay no taxes on it. Rather, the Guyana Energy Agency would mark the fuel and send it along. The licence to import fuel is important, as it is now emerging that the Russiancontrolled company has been operating for nearly a decade and a half in Guyana, without declaring a profit. The profit would be crucial as Guyana owns 10 percent of BCGI. Guyana got naught in dividends. Consecutive governments appeared not to care much about Rusal’s operations and what it was doing. In fact, nothing was done when in 2009, Rusal sent home 57 workers, including supervisors, for protesting better pay and working conditions. Critics have been pointing out that Guyana bent over backwards, giving up millions of dollars of revenues so that Rusal would have a better edge of profits at its operations in the Kurubuka mines, Upper Berbice River, Region 10. A decade and a half ago, the Government of Guyana entered an agreement with subsidiaries of UC Rusal for the management of the Aroaima Mining Company
There has not been any bauxite shipped for weeks now from Rusal’s operations in the Berbice River. and for the development of the Kurubuka area. The company not only inherited assets, including equipment and housing units with infrastructure, but also operations, which were considered going concerns. The Government, in the mid-2000s, invited Rusal to invest in the Aroaima Mining Company which was being operated by the state and which was experiencing declining production and sales. According to the Fiscal Incentives Agreement, which was signed March 2005 between Guyana, the Bauxite
and Alumina Mining Venture Limited, located in Cyprus; Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) and Guyana Trading Company Limited (GTC), registered in the British Virgin Islands, Rusal/BCGI enjoyed years of tax breaks. Among other things, BCGI was exempted from the payment of income, corporation, and property taxes for the period of five years commencing from the effective date of the management agreement. It was agreed also that the company would be exempted from the payment of Withholding Taxes on interest, dividends and lease payments to its affiliate for the whole period of existence of the arrangement. The company was given a free rein to import all items that it says are related to its
operation. The deal includes exemption from payment of all and any duties, including Customs Duties, and taxes, including purchase taxes, on equipment, machinery, motor vehicles and supplies. With regards to the last, the Government agreed that the company would benefit from these concessions for as long Rusal/BCGI remains here. It was agreed, too, that the company would not pay any royalty for any bauxite produced during the first five years. After that, the government, under then President Bharrat Jagdeo, agreed that royalty shall be payable at the rate of 1.5 percent on the Freight On Board (FOB) value of shipments from New Amsterdam. The government also
agreed that it cannot just make amendments to, and changes of applicable laws that can directly affect the financial position and or operations of the company, without its prior approval. Under the mid-2000s arrangement, Rusal/BCGI was supposed to manage the Aroaima mining area and facilities and to explore and develop the Kurubuka deposit. Rusal appears to have been doing anything it wanted in and to Guyana. Following its refusal in 2009 to reinstate the 57 workers, it ended up in a similar situation this year. In midFebruary, workers downed tools asked management to explain a one percent increase. However, they were ordered to return to work. The workers refused and have
been holed up in Aroaima, a Region 10 area where Rusal houses employees. For five weeks now, there has been a standoff, with no bauxite being shipped. The company is working with a skeleton crew, stockpiling the ore. Workers in the meantime have blocked the Berbice River, refusing to allow any vessels to pass. Rusal after initially refusing to meet with union, faced significant pressure, finally agreeing to conciliation talks to end the impasse. One such meeting took place Friday with another set for today.In the meantime, the workers have been helped by communities surrounding the mining area. None of the 91 workers whose services were terminated knows if and when the next paycheck will be coming.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Life is a lottery Life has become a lottery in Guyana. You wake up one day and there is no guarantee that you will live to see the end of that day. One bread vendor was on Sunday killed, allegedly by bandits who invaded his home and beat him and wife and ended his life. People are no longer safe in their homes and in their communities. They are not safe even in the police stations. A few weeks ago there was a report about thieves carting off equipment from a police station in Berbice. The new Commissioner and his team have had little or no impact on crime. The 5% reduction in serious crime is really negligible when one considers the scale of criminal activity. All Guyanese have become sitting ducks. You are not sure if you are going to be the next one. There is nowhere to run and hide
within Guyana. The bandits seem to be striking everywhere. Home invasions have become frightening. People are afraid to relax in their yards out of fear that the bandits are going to attack them. They are afraid of walking the streets out of fear of being robbed. They are scared of being followed from the banks and relieved of their two pennies. Business persons are being robbed of huge sums. Many of them owe the banks and the loss of so much money sets their business back. In many cases, the victims really cannot recover from those losses. People are losing their money and their jewellery. They are losing their earnings, and when they lose it, they take years to recover. No wonder so many of them are leaving the country. They prefer to make a start elsewhere where the probability of
them being caught is far less than in Guyana. Those who cannot leave or who opt to stay have to live like they are in prison. They have to barricade their doors and windows with steel bars. They have to run razor wire along their fences to prevent unauthorized entry. They have to employ security guards at a high cost. A few years ago, a prominent cultural personality, Laxmi Kallicharran, was burnt to death in her heavily-grilled home. She could not get out in time to escape the flames because of the barricades on her doors and windows. About two weeks ago, another woman was unable to escape the inferno in her home. It may again have been another case of too many security features preventing her from escaping the blaze. Schoolchildren walking
Dem boys seh ...
Phagwah mean nuff thing dis year Phagwah Day coming. Dat is de time when de place does come alive especially if is dem place wha been under ice fuh de winter. Is de time when de colour does start to come back and things like dat. Guyana does see colour whole year suh Phagwah got a different meaning. It more religious than anything else. But dis year it more than welcoming de change in de season and de religious things. It is about de government. Dem boys seh is not by accident dat de date when de government should come out of office is de same date as Phagwah. Jagdeo seh dat a
new period start wid Phagwah. Everything should change because Soulja Bai sitting pon de edge of a situation. Oil coming and money gon be circulating. Dat is why it shouldn’t surprise anybody if people run in to Ohh Pee wid water and abeer and powder. Some might even use dem fire hose. Dem gon be pretending to be playing Phagwah but in reality dem gon be hustling to clean out de place, blowing away all who shouldn’t be in deh. Dat is why dem got all dis talk about constitutional crisis. One man claim dat de only crisis dem got is when Jagdeo threaten dem. De public ser-
vants believe dem have a crisis because when dem hear Jagdeo seh de government got to get out of office dem start to wonder who gon pay dem. And de thing dat worrying dem is dat de date is before pay day. And if dem don’t have elections till next year then is no pay till then. However, de Chat-3 she, dem got a law dat allow de Finance Minister to spend money. Dis money must be fuh elections only. Dem boys want to know if de man can spend money pon elections, how come he can’t spend money to pay people who wuk. Talk half and try avoid confusion.
home or to the bus park after school are being accosted and relieved of their small pocket change and cellular phones. A video was circulating recently on social media which showed a young man being robbed while on his way to work. This happened in the centre of the city. No place is safe anymore. This is the hell-hole in which Guyanese have to live. You do not know when you will be the next victim. The bandits are becoming more brazen. People are blaming the President. They say that the bandits are taking advantage of the situation because of a statement which the President had
made, a while back, concerning the use of lethal force by the Police. The public, whether rightly or wrongly, feel that the bandits believe that in any confrontation with the police, the lawmen will be restrained in the use of force. At best, therefore, the bandits calculate that the worst that can happen to them is jail, and they are prepared to take that chance to rob people. The police are ineffective in making a serious dent in crime. The new team which was put in place, and which involved politically-directed supersessions, has not been able to put a handle on crime.
The bandits have the upper hand. The prisoners demonstrated that they have the upper hand by the burning down of the Camp Street Prisons and the disturbances which have been created at the Lusignan Prison. Guyana is not safe. Life has become a game of chance. Today it is me; tomorrow it may be you who will be robbed.
PAGE 10
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
This entire country does not exist My daughter is abroad doing her Masters in Literature in Europe. What she says to me is what I heard long before she was born. My students, after they would have graduated from UG and go abroad to do post graduate studies, would say, “Mr. Kissoon, oh, God, things are so much easier here than the nightmare that UG is”. I would meet friends I knew a long time who are living in foreign countries, and when they meet me in the National Park and on the seawall, the refrain would be the same – “Freddie, why are things so impossible to get done here, man.” I don’t have the answer, only that I can theorize on why Guyana is like this.
I have written about it in an enormous number of columns. There is a complete psychic breakdown in Guyanese civilization and people in this country just live to exist and exist to live. Human meaning and the resulting commonsensical behaviour that should result from an understanding of it does not obtain in Guyana. The essential contribution of Sigmund Freud in comprehending psychic destruction is his discovery that motive and action are intricately connected. One without the other is disaster. In Guyana, action has no motive and this obtains in every sphere – private sector, government, social behaviour, etc. When you finish reading
this column, you will disagree with me that I was blameless. You will say that I should have been more careful how I drive. I beg to disagree. It is the loss of rationality in the civilization of a nationality named Guyanese that caused me to suffer what happened to me on Barr Street, Kitty, yesterday morning. I assert – I am not to be blamed but the wasteland of Guyana is. Here we go. Hand-In-Hand company sent me a notice two weeks ago advising that my car insurance would be up on March 21 (incidentally, the same time the life of the APNU+AFC regime is up). My wife keeps reminding me that she wants me to go and pay it right away. The thought
then occurred to me that since I have to pass Kitty on my way to the National Park with my dog, and there is a Handin-Hand branch at Barr Street and Stanley Place (Stanley Place made famous by the “feral blast” man, Roger Luncheon who lived on it before moving to Pradoville 2), I could renew the thing there. I checked the notice to see the telephone numbers to call before going to the Kitty branch. The notice is on a GCIS letterhead. It is the letterhead from way back in the seventies when GCIS was a state company. It has no email address or website or telephone number. How could it? The letterhead hasn’t changed since the seventies. GCIS is owned by Hand-in-
Hand. So I drove to Barr Street just to find out the information I could have had on the phone. When I pulled up at the branch, I ran into the gutter. My dog began to bark because the car was tilting. A commercial van came up, two men came out and together with Hand-in-Hand Security, raised the car while in reverse gear with me inside and I reversed to safety. Now read this. This is incredible. I spoke with the manager of the Barr Street branch, Shanomae Baptiste, and asked if I could see the video from the security cameras to thank those two men. Brace yourself for the most asinine country in the world. Ms. Baptiste said the employees of the branch cannot see what the cameras pick up or access the cameras of the Barr Street branch; only head office on Robb Street can. I couldn’t believe that. I called Ms. Pierre, the manager of the Hand-in-hand branch on Main Street, next to the Ministry of Finance. She said that Ms. Baptiste was right. The employees inside cannot see what the cam-
Frederick Kissoon eras capture, only those at head office can. So I enquired from Ms. Pierre what happens if someone is outside the Barr Street branch about to enter with an offensive weapon, then the employees will be at his mercy, because the cameras won’t reveal to the employees inside the building who is coming in. Ms. Pierre said that is the situation with the surveillance cameras. I asked Ms. Pierre what happens when the folks at head office see the man entering the branch with his weapon, how could they provide safety, since they will have to telephone the branch employees to warn them. Ms. Pierre said she guesses that is what will be done. This is indeed, the world’s sickest nation.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Allegations of mistreated patients at West Dem. Hospital will be investigated - Regional Health Officer
Regional Health Officer Dr. Cerdel McWatt
Persons awaiting medical attention at the facility Reports of mistreated patients at the West Demerara Regional Hospital will be investigated in-depth, and findings will be addressed, with the intent of having issues resolved. Regional Health Officer Dr. Cerdel McWatt made this assertion yesterday in an interview with this publication. Members of the public has been complaining of mistreatment they have been continuously receiving at the hand of nurses, doctors and even security personnel, as they attempt to obtain medical attention at the facility.
The hospital’s relatively new RHO yesterday told Kaieteur News that while he would certainly be investigating in detail the allegations, he is urging patients who would have had unpleasant experiences to come forward with their stories. Persons have repeatedly expressed their disgust to this publication at the alleged insensitive attitude of medical staff at the hospital, explaining that very often they are made to wait for hours as medical staffers on the night shift gossip in groups in loud tones, much to the dismay of patients.
Security ranks at the institution were very not co-operative when approached by a reporter from this newspaper, and some did not hide their disdain at what they described as, “Dem fass, troublesome media people” A male patient of Crane Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara was adamant that there is need for urgency in addressing the treatment of patients at the institution… “Padna…dis place is a hell-hole… When yuh come hey, yuh gat tuh wait fuh hours fuh get attention. Dem nurses and even de night doctors gang up in de night gos-
siping loud, loud, loud….and if yuh interrupt dem, dem mo vex dan you. Patients groaning in agony in the night and yuh could hear them laughing and goin’ on inside, and when dem ain’t talking nonsense, dem sleeping”. A New Road, Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara female resident was furious as she related her grouse, “ Mista, dis place ain’t gat no good, and dem doctor and nurse is a waste ah time… Every time you come hey
dem always ain’t gat medication, telling yuh fuh come back, come back, or send yuh fuh purchase things. The people at the dispensary always telling yuh them ain’t get medical supplies from Georgetown. Pon tap ah dah, de security ranks disrespectful and putting people who come in after yuh fuh see doctor, although you come in hours before. And we know dem ah tek raise fuh do that and tek lunch money tuh…Dem eyes pass poor people” Another female patient, of Jetty Squatting Area, Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara, was very disappointed at the treatment she would have received on more than one occasion at
the facility. “Me nah want me face in de paper fuh dem spite me when me come back here… Dis place want a complete overhauling… When yuh come here, is bare square peg in round hole yuh gat to deal with. De people wukking in de filing area can never find yuh records, and dem full ah attitude, like if yuh begging dem ah favour.And dem heartless!!! One night me and some relatives come hey since early in de night and left almost till morning… People ah bawl in pain.. One nurse come out and yuh can see she been sleeping… from she face and hair… And she telling we fuh stop mek noise before dem ain’t treat we…
Haitian govt. collapses PORTAU PRINCE, Haiti – Six months after he was sworn into office, the government of Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant was forced out of office yesterday after the Lower Chamber of Deputies voted overwhelming to remove it from office. The move came as Prime Minister Céant had gone to the Senate for a meeting only to find 13 Senators present. The Senate, citing the recent arrest of five armed Americans last month and their subsequent release with the help of the State Department, had summoned both Céant and his justice minister to its chamber yesterday. Senate President Carl Murat Cantave tweeted that due to the lack of a quorum, the prime minister’s session is being rescheduled for tomorrow However, in the Lower Chamber of Deputies, where 104 Deputies, were present, they voted by a wide margin to censure the Prime Minister. The agenda of the session was adopted by 88 deputies, 12 against and 4 abstentions and without the prime minister present, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies announced the continuation of the interpellation. “The results of the session will be communicated to him,” said Deputy Gary Bodeau. In the vote to remove the government, 93 law makers voted in favour of the motion, six against and three abstained. A letter will be sent to the President Jovenel Moise regarding the appointment of a new prime minister. “The Government of Jean Henry Céant received a motion of censure from the Chamber of Deputies with 93 votes in favour, 6 against and 3 abstentions,” the Chamber of Deputies announced just after midday yesterday. “It was illegal. It was unconstitutional,” said Deputy Sinal Betrand, who was among the six who voted against the government’s censure. Political observers said that in the absence of a quorum in the Senate yesterday morning, Prime
Minister Céant could not benefit from a six month stay by way of a vote of confidence. Céant later told the Miami Herald newspaper “the decision is illegal and was outside of the constitution, It is unacceptable.” He said that the justice system needs to shed light. The Senate is trying to fight Céant’s ouster. Céant and his 21-member cabinet will remain in office as caretakers until a new prime minister is named by President Moïse. Under Haitian law, a caretaker prime minister and government can only oversee the country’s day-to-day affairs, and cannot enter into any new contracts. Céant, a lawyer had replaced Jack Guy Lafontant, as prime minister following a series of street demonstrations over fuel increases. But in recent weeks, President Moise has been under pressure from opposition parties to step down over his handling of domestic affairs as well as the use of funds under the PetroCaribe agreement, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. Moise has already indicated that he does not intend to step down in favour of armed gangs and drug traffickers, acknowledging that the “the crisis we are going through is very serious”. Last month, CARICOM leaders at their intersessional summit in St. Kitts-Nevis “expressed deep concern about the situation prevailing in Haiti during the past three weeks characterized by violent protests jeopardizing the political, economic and social stability of the country’. “Heads of Government call upon all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue as a means to address peacefully and meaningfully, all relevant issues, and to create the conditions for lasting political stability essential to the sustainable economic and social development of Haiti.”
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 13
Despite years of promises...
Numerous natural resource contracts remain hidden from public scrutiny By Kiana Wilburg “The public and the media have a right to know what is going on in the country. It is reasonable for taxpayers to want to know what the government of the day is doing in various sectors. It is even more reasonable for them to question how members within various sectors are operating and operated during a certain period...These things are not state secrets, so make (them) known.” That is what Finance Minister Winston Jordan told Kaieteur News on May 25, 2016, on the issue of disclosing to the public, concessions and contracts, especially those in the extractive sector which were granted to companies and individuals. One month after, June 19 to be exact, President David Granger told Kaieteur News that that he believes in full disclosure; that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the other branches of government should make concession agreements public. But since making such a d e c l a r a t i o n , h o w e v e r, numerous natural resource contracts are yet to be released for public scrutiny, save and except for the few which have been signed with oil majors such as Repsol, CGX, Nabi Oil and Gas; Orinduik Partners: Tullow, Eco Atlantic, and Total; and Stabroek Block operators: Hess, CNOOC and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL).
- Concessions still not made public in local newspapers
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan In a brief interview, Kaieteur News recently asked Minister Jordan to state why the government has not made a concerted effort to release all contracts and have all concessions published in the daily newspapers as the law requires. He said, “I believe that the N P TA B ( N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board) routinely publishes awards made by this entity on the MoF (Ministry of Finance) website. Efforts are being made to have Ministerial, Regional and Agency Tender Boards do likewise, for awards made in 2019. I remain an advocate for all concessions to be published in the daily newspapers and the Gazette.” Nonetheless, Revenue Watch, a non-profit policy
President David Granger institute that promotes the responsible management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good, has also called for there to be the practice of contract disclosure in Guyana and other emerging oil producers. The grant-making organization has noted that Governments must be held accountable for all contracts they enter, be they for the provision of roads or the purchase of goods. And when the contracts concern non-renewable resources, Revenue Watch said that the need for scrutiny is even more pressing. In this light, it said that the growing interest in mining, oil and gas contracts on the part of concerned citizens around the world makes a great deal of sense. Given the history of
government corruption and mismanagement of extractives, along with the environmental degradation, community displacement, violent conflict, and human rights abuses, Revenue Watch said it is no wonder that the calls for better government management of - and more corporate responsibility in the extractive industries, have never been louder. Revenue Watch argues that contract transparency is critical to addressing better resource management and bringing contract stability to an industry that is notorious for corruption. It said, “Over the long term, Governments will be able to negotiate better deals, as the information asymmetry between governments and companies closes. In the shorter term, contract transparency will help government agencies responsible for managing and enforcing contracts, of which there are many, work in tandem. With contracts publicly available, government officials will have a strong incentive to stop negotiating bad deals, due to corruption, incompetence, or otherwise.” R e v e n u e Wa t c h continued, “Citizens will better understand the complex nature of extractive agreements if they are out in the open and explained by the contract parties. States and companies may not be hiding
Man, 65, charged with sharing nude photos of young partner
A
Martial Arts instructor was yesterday charged and released on $10,000 bail after he allegedly went to his reputed wife's workplace and distributed nude photographs of her to her colleagues. Godfrey Taylor, 65, of 38 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. An unrepresented Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 15, 2018, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), he knowingly and without lawful excuse, distributed obscene photographs of Shetra Sheeonarine, his reputed wife.
According to information, Taylor and the young woman shared an intimate relationship, which has since ended. However, the defendant went to the woman's place of employment on the day in question, and distributed the obscene photographs of her to her colleagues. Hence, the woman went and reported the matter to the police. An investigation was later carried out and Taylor was arrested and charged with the offence. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail being granted to Taylor. The defendant was instructed to make his next court appearance on March 20, for statements.
Godfrey Taylor
anything of great import, but so long as contract disclosure is scattered and leaked materials suggest hidden horrors, that perception will persist—providing easy fodder for demagogues and politicians to make calls for expropriation and renegotiation in cases where it is not merited.” The organization added, “Furthermore, contract transparency will result in
more stable and durable contracts, both because they are less subject to the population's suspicions and because the incentives for governments and companies to negotiate better contracts will be increased.” In short, the organization said that contract transparency is a necessary element of any effort to promote the responsible management of natural resources for growth and economic development.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Tuesday March 19, 2019
UG Unions remain at odds with Administration, Council over matters of concern
E
ven as it insists that the welfare and wellbeing of staff and students are of paramount importance to the University of Guyana [UG] Council, the Council is nevertheless in support of a decision by the institution's administration to return to conciliation process to address salary increase concerns. At least this has been outlined in a statement issued by the university which seeks to chronicle a series of events which influenced its position on the matter. In fact the Council's disclosure comes on the heels of a joint statement issued by the workers' unions – the University of Guyana Workers' Union [UGWU] and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association [UGSSA]. In a statement to the media last week, the unions said that they are extremely disappointed that the Council did not make any decisions on the matters relating to workers during its meeting dated March 7, 2019. They revealed, too, that the meeting's agenda essentially left the matters relating to the workers for last. The items in question
The University of Guyana's Turkeyen campus
were numbers 15 and 16 on a 17-item agenda. The only item after these two was 'Any Other Business'. The unions have moreover questioned, “How committed those who prepared the agenda were to actually discussing the worker-related items and deciding upon them. The Council made no decision on the matter of the forensic audit, nor did they respond to a request from the Unions to have a special subcommittee set up to deal with human resources issues at the University. Instead, the matter is deferred until the
next Council meeting, which might be in April,” the unions headed by Mr. Bruce Haynes [UGWU] and Dr. Jewel Thomas [UGSSA] noted. However, in response to the unions, Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Retired Brigadier Joseph Singh, expressed his “regret at the course of action taken by the Unions to distort the outcomes of the Council meeting held on March 7, 2019, at which the Unions' representative was present and participated fully in the discussions and decisions of the Council”. In fact, he revealed that
CDC engages stakeholders on oil pollution response protocols From page 2 management system; noting that as Guyana advances towards becoming an oilproducing territory, the probability of oil spills increases significantly. He also commended the stakeholders present at the workshop, on their commitment and recognition of the need for collaboration. “The presence of so many representatives here today from the public sector and the private sector, is a signal that there is not only a recognition of the need to collaborate to ensure we have an effective disaster risk management system, but more importantly, it shows that there is already the highest level of commitment from you and your agencies to ensure that the development of this emerging sector is done…to ensure protection of our environment while maintaining a very high standard of production,” he
said. The workshop caters for 42 participants drawn from organisations such as: the Toxic Control Board, Guyana Energy Agency, Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Marine Conservation Society, Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Rubis Guyana Incorporated, SOL Guyana Incorporated, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Guyana Oil Company I n c o r p o r a t e d , Tu l l o w Guyana, Repsol Exploration Guyana, Guyana Defence Force, the Maritime Administration Department, several State agencies and representatives from Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. According to the Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, the workshop is a testimony to the efforts being made to build a more robust sectoral framework. He said, “the
need was recognised for the design and implementation of a national contingency oil spill plan, though the government continues to emphasise prevention as the key oil spill related activity”. Dr. Bynoe added that “despite the systematisation of these efforts, accidents do occur and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has to be prepared for all eventualities, applying as far as practicably possible, a tiered response to mitigate risks.” Meanwhile, a Consultant from RAC/REMPEITCCaribe, Lieutenant C o m m a n d e r, M a t t h e w Richards lauded Guyana for its progress in the oil and gas sector. “Guyana has made significant strides in preparation over the last few years. It truly displays your dedication to protecting the environment while undertaking responsible plans for action,” he said.
prior to the March 7 meeting, on February 15 to be exact, he appealed to the leadership of the Unions and the Administration to “return to the negotiating table in a spirit of compromise, transparency and cordiality”. Additionally, he noted that three non-University members of the Council were requested to join the Administration's Team pointing out that, “Their collective mandate was to address the issues that have been responsible for generating tensions, mutual distrust and aggravation, and craft a way forward that would address the concerns of both the Unions and the Administration”. But the unions are strongly refuting claims coming from the university's Council, even providing a table which seeks to summarise some main points addressed by the unions and the Council in respective statements disseminated to the media. “The points made in the Council's' press release either do not address those made in our release, or are new points unrelated to those made in our release... The 'Council's release also makes some points that we do not
make in our release, because of our specific focus on the matters that were of greatest concern to staff,” the unions u n d e r s c o r e d . Added to this, the unions disclosed that another matter that Council did not respond to was a letter from the Unions sent since January of this year. The letter in question asked if Council members would consider meeting with the staff. It also asked “how does Council enforce its decisions, since over the last few years it seemed to the workers that Council kept making decisions that would simply be ignored by the administration. It also asked about the contractual situation of a number of senior administrators”. In this regard, the Unions h a v e a s k e d t h e administration when the contracts of a number of senior administrators would end, given that some persons' contracts might be nearing an end. The unions have, moreover, called for these contracts to be evaluated as part of any contract renewal process, but are still awaiting needed answers. Concerns on both sides [unions and the university administration/Council]
have contributed to their continued fracture relationship. According to the ProChancellor, “even though the Council was prepared to facilitate a process that will enable a return to the negotiating table by the Unions and the Administration, and the Vice-Chancellor immediately after the Council meeting on March 7, 2019, issued an invitation to the leadership of the Unions to meet with him and his team on Friday, March 8, 2019, the Unions have demonstrated their lack of trust and interest in such a process.” In the circumstances, he added, the Vice-Chancellor has indicated his preference for the impasse to be referred to the Ministry of Social Protection's Department of Labour for conciliation. The Pro-Chancellor further stated that “the Council, now recognising that the facilitating role it has initiated has not met with the desired response from the Unions, has no option but to acknowledge and support the decision by the ViceChancellor and his Administration to return to the Ministry of Labour's conciliation process”.
GECOM erred in selection of Deputy... From page 3 refusal to assist the enquiry by their presence or by written submissions amounted to a deliberate hobbling of the Sub-Committee in the production of an informed report. It can also be seen as putting their own personal interests above their public duty.” The ERC said that the Sub-Committee was left to do its own research, and that on paper, Persaud was by far the more suitable candidate for appointment to the post of Deputy CEO of GECOM. In October, Myers was sworn in as the new DCEO.
GECOM commissioners for the opposition, Robeson Benn, Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shaddick had favoured Persaud, who held the post up to 2017 when his contract expired. Using the existing process at the Commission, Chairman Patterson used his casting vote on the seven-member Commission, against Persaud's appointment. The number-two ranked applicant, who was Myers, received support from Patterson and the Government Commissioners, Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
PAGE 16
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Challenge to GECOM chair's appointment…
PPP reiterates call to CCJ for early hearing
F
ormer Attorney General and P e o p l e ' s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall, met with officials of the Registry of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to urge an early hearing of an appeal filed in relation to the unilateral appointment of Justice (Ret'd) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Nandlall paid a visit to the court last week where he was informed that his concerns and apprehensions will be conveyed earliest to the court's president, Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders. According to Nandlall, “The early hearing and determination of this appeal is an important component of the struggle for d e m o c r a c y a n d constitutionalism ongoing in the country.” The PPP had earlier this year filed an application with the court requesting an early hearing. Last October, the Court of Appeal upheld President David Granger's decision to unilaterally appoint Patterson, saying it was in accordance with the
PPP MP, Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall Constitution. The decision was unanimous and was made by Chancellor of the Judiciary Yo n e t t e C u m m i n g s – Edwards and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory. Justice Gregory, in her ruling, noted that in the process prior to the appointment of the GECOM Chairman by President Granger, there should have involved more consultation and consensus, rather than the supplying of 18 nominees from three lists of six names. These were eventually rejected by the President. According to Justice G r e g o r y, t h e m e r e submission of a list did not mean the President should pick one of the nominees, even after a prolonged period of eight months. “The submission of a list, never mind 18 names and three lists, but without the engagement on their
acceptability, separate from the choice, could not have led to a consensual candidate,” she said. The Judge noted too, that the President could not have been expected to make a choice without some discussion on the potential candidates, their qualifications, and other pertinent characteristics. She essentially stressed that it is for the President to determine who is fit and proper for the position from the list of nominees supplied by the Opposition Leader. The judge also stressed that while the proviso rule in Article 161 (2) of the
Retired Justice James Patterson receives his instrument of appointment from President David Granger at his swearing-in constitution is not ideal, President Granger resorted to the provision in the interest of the public. “If he finds therefore that none of the lists are acceptable …he has the right to appoint one whom he finds suitable. Therefore a resort to the proviso was not lawful and unconstitutional.” In upholding the decision of the Chief Justice, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Cummings-Edwards said that the proviso rule in Article 161 (2) of the
constitution should have been enacted earlier; after he rejected the first list. Although she agreed with some of the submissions presented by Nandlall, the Chancellor noted that under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, President Granger has the right to appoint a GECOM Chairman. S i m i l a r l y, J u s t i c e Persaud said there was nothing to suggest that the President acted unconstitutionally, illegally or unreasonably in appointing Justice James Patterson. The President could not be forced to choose from a list, because that could lead to an “unreasonable fettering of his discretion.”
“That could possibly lend itself to politicking, abuse by one …Again such an interpretation may also attempt to elevate the Leader of the Opposition to a position over and above the norms associated with his authority,” Justice Persaud added. In June of last year, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George ruled that the President acted lawfully when he unilaterally appointed Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. As a result, PPP Member of Parliament Zulfikar Mustapha filed an appeal against Justice George's decision with the Court of Appeal. After that Court's ruling, another appeal was filed with the CCJ.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Judge to rule on “illegal” confinement challenge by US murder suspect
H
igh Court Judge Navindra Singh is set to hand down a ruling on Thursday, April 4, in a case mounted by US murder suspect Marvin Williams, referred to as Troy Anthony Thomas, who was ordered extradited, but is now challenging his “illegal” imprisonment by the State. Late November, last year, Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus ordered that Williams be extradited to the United States of America, where he is wanted for the December 11, 2011 murder in Richmond Hill, New York, of 20-year-old Keith Frank, a Guyanese. Frank, a father of one, who moved from Guyana to the United States when he was 12, was shot and killed outside a party, where he ran into some other men with whom he had an ongoing
Marvin Williams, also referred to as Troy Anthony Thomas dispute. Williams is also wanted for two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. It was reported that he fled to Canada hours after Frank was killed. Ever since he was ordered extradited, Williams has remained in the custody of the State.
In January, Williams through his battery of lawyers, including Nigel Hughes, filed habeas corpus ad subjiciendum proceedings, in which he is challenging the authority of the State to hold him. Williams is asking the Court to examine and determine whether his confinement is legal. In an affidavit sworn to by Williams, he is arguing that his confinement is illegal—that he is being unlawfully detained and subject to legal process, unsupported by any legal basis or foundation. In court documents seen by Kaieteur News, Williams said that he is applying to the Court for leave to issue a Writ of Habeas Corpus, directing the Commissioner of Police to show cause why he should not be immediately released from prison.
PAGE 17
5km of East Coast road already paved
Works are quickly moving apace on the East Coast of Demerara road project. The US$45M-plus project is between Better Hope to Annandale, with the four-lane being extended. From Annandale to Belfield, the two-lanes will be upgraded. According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, works have reached the Lusignan Prison Road with the fourth layer in. Already, approximately five kilometres of asphalt concrete surface have been paved. The project was earmarked to be completed by September.
PAGE 18
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Oil reserve potential for Orinduik Block increases to 4B barrels - Int'l Report
The Orinduik Block and its proximity to some of ExxonMobil's discoveries By Kiana Wilburg
T
he Orinduik Block—which is operated by three oil majors, Tullow Oil, Total and Eco Atlantic— now potentially holds 4B barrels of oil equivalent reserves, a significant increase from the 2.9B estimate that was reported last year. This new data forms part of an analysis prepared by K e v i n S . We l l e r , a Registered P e t r o l e u m E n g i n e e r at Gustavson Associates. The evaluation was completed on March 15, 2019 and released yesterday. In its Resource Report for Certain Assets in Offshore Guyana, it was noted that the current plan b y the partners is to commence the drilling of a well, the Tullow Jethro #1 by mid-June of 2019. Gustavson Associates said that the net estimated cost to Eco Atlantic Guyana Inc. is approximately US$6.75 Million based on the anticipated well depths and water depths.
The Consultant noted that the well will be drilled by the Stena Forth drillship. It stated that Eco is responsible for its working interest share of overheads, license fees and general operating costs, which are minimal and shared between all working interests. An additional drilling target is currently being discussed for the third quarter of 2019. Further to this, it was noted by the Consultant that the Orinduik Block license area is 1,800 square kilometres (444,789 acres) where Eco, after buying out the minority interest partners, had a 40% net working interest. Since the last report dated 11 September 2018, Eco sold a 25% Working Interest to Total Exploration and Production for US$12.5M to reduce the Eco interest to 15%. The company said that Tullow Oil is the designated Operator holding the remaining Wo r k i n g Interest and has carried Eco for a portion of the
initial exploration programme work commitment. With respect to the expiry date of the interest in the block, the Consultant noted that the license was awarded in January 2016 for an initial term of four years in which the work obligations were to review the existing 2D seismic data and by the end of the fourth year, acquire and process a 3D seismic survey over the area of interest. Gustavson Associates said that the Orinduik Block partners, to date, have fulfilled these obligations and have interpreted a 3D seismic survey that covers the majority of the Block. It said that the seismic interpretation work is ongoing at this time. It also noted that the initial term can be extended for six additional years and by year nine, a well would need to be drilled on the Block. The current plan by the partners includes the drilling of at least two wells by the third quarter of 2019.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Mayor to meet with Kitty Market vendors
City Hall mulls stiffer penalties for littering
T
he Georgetown Mayor and City Council is likely to reboot an aggressive enforcement campaign as a means of addressing the persistent problem of littering in the city. Speaking on the issue yesterday, Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine called on citizens to be responsible. “The Council is cash-strapped, and so if persons continue to litter, we will not be able accomplish anything; we will be going around in circles. Every time we clean, persons will go back and dump garbage. There are substantial amounts of plastic, styrofoam and other materials that are disposed of in alleyways, clogging the drainage system. As such, we are appealing to the citizenry to desist from dumping garbage in these areas and resort to proper disposal methods.” The Mayor described the situation as very disturbing, since it has resulted an increased cost for maintenance. “So we encourage citizens when you see someone throw
garbage out of a vehicle, call them and ask them to pick it up,” Mayor Narine urged. He opined too that an increase in the fine for littering would help the situation “As part of the strategy, we are also considering a raise in the fee from $10,000 to $50,000.” In 2015 an anti-littering unit operated under the City Constabulary Department and proved as a deterrent to persons who were prone to dumping garbage around the city, because not only were persons taken before the Courts for littering, but their names and addresses were published in the newspapers. Within the first month of the launch of the anti-littering campaign at least 50 persons were charged, placed before the Court, and fined for littering. Litterbugs caught in the act were fined up to $10,000 by the Courts. Additionally, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA), had put in place stiffer penalties for those littering the city.
PAGE 19
M
Mayor Ubraj Narine Among the new regulations are implementations where persons found littering will be served littering tickets on the spot, which will mean they will have fines to pay. It also includes motor vehicle drivers bearing the responsibility for anyone throwing litter out of their vehicles. It was added that for now, some 12 litter wardens will be hired to monitor public areas; specifically for litterbugs. However, where the M&CC under the Municipal and District Act Chapter 28:01; is allowed to fine persons $10,000 for littering, the EPA can fine a person $50,000.
ayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine is expected to meet with stallholders and vendors of the Kitty Market to discuss issues of concern to them. Stallholders have been complaining about the significant increase in rent to occupy a space at the market. A few of them have returned to the market since it closed for construction, some three years ago. However while some vendors have started occupying spots in the market again; it does not come at a small fee. According to one stallholder, “The rent has been increased from $1000 to as much as $14,000 per month.” They claim that the move is not consistent with the flow of consumer traffic at the market square. “So, we have found ourselves in a conundrum, because we do not want to lose our stalls. But the fee attached is heavy and many people are finding it difficult to sustain their business in the face of the increase and low consumer support. “We don't have a big customer base flowing through the market, so we are not making that kind of
money here.” Commenting on the issue yesterday, Mayor Narine disclosed that he will meet the vendors to discuss the rent and other issues relating to occupying the market. “We have to meet and discuss the matter and take it to the Council before any approval is given to decrease or increase the rent. The ball is not really in my court. Everything goes through the council.” Meanwhile, stallholders have been complaining that they have to depend on other ventures to help them pay the rent. “We love the environment at Kitty Market and we understand the need to increase the rent, but not by that amount.” The stallholders claim that the newly rehabilitated spaces are much smaller than they are used to. “Not only are we are paying a bigger rent, but the spaces are much smaller,” one vendor said. Another vendor explained that in addition to the increased payments to the City Council – some vendors have been taxed a daily rental to vend on the road corners, and a monthly fee to safeguard stalls in the Kitty Market for its reopening.
Four Region 9 communities benefit from newly-drilled wells
A
ssessments of water systems in Region 9 have resulted in a number of wells being drilled to improve water access to communities. Over the weekend, Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Van West-Charles visited a number of the well sites to inspect the progress of works to date. Wells have been drilled in Aishalton, Sand Creek, Kanuku and St. Ignatius. In Aishalton, an additional well was drilled to supplement the existing one that was drilled by the Brazilian Army. This is to adequately satisfy the residents who are dispersed throughout the community. Furthermore, 1580 metres of transmission mains were laid and 2100 metres of distribution pipelines to connect 44 individual new service connections. A total of 275 persons are
benefitting from this project. The newly-drilled well at Sand Creek was a collaborative effort between GWI and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). GWI will be facilitating the interconnection with the community's existing well and a new connection that will benefit the secondary school's dormitory. Meanwhile, the Kanuku well will improve the water supply and pressure to residents of Central Lethem. The production at the previously existing well had decreased significantly, resulting in water from the Tabatinga well, being redirected to supply residents of Central Lethem. This resulted in residents s e r v e d b y Ta b a t i n g a experiencing a reduced level of service and those served by Kanuku receiving reduced hours of service. As such, water supply to
GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles and Hinterland Manager, Mr. Cleon French inspect a newly-drilled well in Sand Creek
residents served by Tabatinga will now be returned to a state of normalcy. The St. Ignatius
well will enhance the water production to serve residents situated in the eastern part of the community. They will
also benefit from individual service connections. These projects represent just some of the works being
undertaken simultaneously in Region 9 to improve quality and access to water for residents.
PAGE 20
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
AG meets Carter Center representatives
A team of high profile representatives from the Carter Center yesterday visited Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and discussed the current political situation in Guyana in light of the passage of the No Confidence Motion. In photo from left: Davis J. Caroll, Ph.D; Brett Lacy, AG Basil Williams and Jason J. Carter.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
Overcharging passengers can lead to revocation of boat licences - Harbour Master Speedboat captains who continue to overcharge commuters can now face revocation of their vessel licences, according to Harbour Master, Michael Tennant. In an interview with this publication yesterday, Tennant noted that the issue of boat captains (plying the Vreed-en-Hoop/Georgetown route) overcharging commuters has been a situation that the Maritime Administration Department has been targeting over time. He noted that he was surprised this practice was still occurring, since his department had suspended several speedboat operators found guilty of exploiting customers. “It’s surprising that boat captains are still engaging in this practice, since we have not so long ago suspended many of them who were exploiting commuters on weekends and on holidays. We would really appreciate if victims can come forward with the names of boat captains and other particulars, so that our department can deal seriously with these offenders.”
Speedboat operations at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling
Reacting to the issue of captains resorting to demanding fares before the vessels dock at the point of destination, the Harbour Master noted that this was a direct breach of laws governing
speedboat operations, emphasizing that his department will deal seriously with captains that are found guilty of this practice. While Tennant affirmed that severe action will be
Body of caretaker found in Costello Housing Scheme yard
The Costello Housing Scheme community was thrown into chaos yesterday morning when the body of 50-year-old Lancelot Grandsoult was found lying in a pool of blood in the yard at Lot 22. Residents yesterday told this newspaper that the man was a caretaker of the premises at the said location. Sources said the man had carried out that duty for some time, and was very friendly to all whom he came into contact with. He was found motionless and topless, according to reports, about 07:30 hrs yesterday. A bucket was found with what appeared to be blood quite close to the body, while dried blood was also discovered on the areas of his mouth, ears and nose, according to police reports. No marks of violence were said to have been found on the body. Neighbours were tightlipped about the incident yesterday, and residents of a nearby home said no one had noticed any signs of struggle, or heard any commotion to indicate as to how the man had met his demise. Owners of the property were not around to comment, but a resident informed that the family was away from the premises at the time of the incident. Police are continuing investigations.
sanctioned against guilty boat captains, he added that his department depends strongly on the public to resist this practice, by choosing not to travel with their vessels if the operators attempt to increase the fare. He said that the correct fares are displayed visibly on the vessels and customers are therefore not required to pay anything more. The current fare per passenger using the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown route and vice
versa is $100. “The public has to stand firm against this practice… Ever too often they encourage this by paying the double fare, knowing that they are being exploited. It should also be the responsibility of the general public to help in stemming this issue by choosing other forms of transport should they be in such a situation. They should also immediately report the matter to the Maritime Administration Department. Particulars of
vessels and captains would be of great help, and victims should be ready to come forward to aid in investigation and the area of discipline…Often when it’s time for us to conduct proper investigations, victims who would have reported matters, refuse to come forward, with many excuses”. Commuters have told this newspaper that on holidays and weekends, boat captains would double the fare with promises that they would leave with a half full vessel, but instead would eventually fill their vessels and still charge double fare. This would often result in eruptions between passengers, bowmen and captains. A few commuters have reported a matter which occurred mid-river not so long ago, where a few passengers refused to pay the double fare, and the captain brought the vessel to an abrupt halt, and did not move until all the passengers had complied with supplying his bowman with the double charge. Tennant noted that if passengers would use other forms of transportation when captains attempt to overcharge them, this can force the speedboat operators into complying with the rules of the department, since their trade is obviously fuelled by money collected from commuters.
PAGE 22
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
Two charged for shooting teen, robbing woman
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
1-45 Leyland Daf truck without engine & gearbox $800,000, 1-60 Kva generator (English made) with Perkins engine $2M Contact#6500402/603-1402
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.
1 250 KVA Onan generator powered by Cummins #2690603/644-1190
ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Jay’s Welding Est specialized in: Grills, Gates, Rails, Fencing, Razor wire, Repairs etc. Tel#698-0501 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 HEALTH For doctoring erectile disfunction problems. Asthma burns, hearing & hair loss. Call Bush doc. Tel 231-9348
1 CAT 215 Excavator, 1 Honda 450 Atv, 2 8-cu yds Mack Mixer Truck, 1 Pneumatic 9 wheeled tryre roller #275-0367/ 683-7225 1 Double Steel Wheel Roller, 1 CAT 428 Back-hoe, CAT 215 Excavator spare parts, 2 Bitumen spray kettle. #2750367/683-7225 1 ready to work 6x6 Bedford TM, comes with extra engine and gearbox, price $4.5 Million. Contact# 684-1201
House and land available at Parfaite, Tuschen, Diamond etc. Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Norton street $16M, Atlantic Ville $17M, Roxanne Burnham $18.5M, Diamond $14M, Stewartville, Campbellville $40M, Durban. 231-2199, 6187483 House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657
WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly light & water, S/ Riumveldt. Call: 623-0076 1 three bedroom fully furnished, 1 two bedroom full furnished in Diamond #2162299/672-1906/617-2666 1 Bedroom apartment self contain. 288 Samatta Point E.B.D 644-0931,665-8561,2660858 (1) Four bedroom upper flat house, fully grilled with garage, in First St Herstelling. Contact# 265-3844/662-2687 1-1 Bedroom apartment, 573 Uitvlugt Housing Scheme. Call: 698-2802/276-0400 One bedroom apartment Middle Rd La-Penitence. Contact# 666-9534 VEHICLE FOR SALE
Parfaite ten year up 2.2M 1.9M Province 6M Farm 3.5M Parfaite front 6M Tuschen 1.5M Call 666-2326 1 Mercedes Benz, White Moto car C200 PNN6967 call: 698-2802/276-0400 New 26 Gauge 42'’ normal corrugated pre-painted red roofing sheets. 3x15ft, 2x25ft, 3x12ft, 2x17ft, 1x22ft Tel#2254106/643-0333
HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 PROPERTY FOR SALE
FOR RENT
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Fabs Rental, Beterverwagting ECD Cars from $4000 #604-0883
Honda SUV PTT series. Contact 225-1005, 225-9230, 623-0368 LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package. Call: 644-5166/6912561 WANTED
(1) Manager to work @ a hotel, restaurant & bar located in Charity on the Essequibo Coast. Contact 665-6082 Porters. Apply with written application @ Best Buy Food Supplies, Lot 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville 1 welder to work in the interior, interested persons contact tel# 625-5136 Monday-Friday from 8am-4-pm VACANCY Experienced salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Senior Accounts Clerk, 2 years experience, Apply to info@bettencourtsfoods.com or call #231-1368/223-1938 General domestic with cooking experience for East Bank. #614-4358 Cashier. 2 Shift - 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm. Apply to: Shell Service Station Providence or Shellramsburg@gmail.com Body work Technician to work in Georgetown to spray truck #227-1717 Truck Driver to work in Georgetown. Tel#227-1717
1 domestic between 35-40 yrs. Must know to cook and wash. Contact 673-1131
Vacancy exist for the following. 1 Maid. 1 Office assistant. Attractive salary offer. Whatsapp 603-2590 for further information
Minibus Driver for Route 42 #664-0802
1 Live in domestic. Salary $75,000. Call 683-1606
Experienced Cashier, Counter servers, Roti/Puri cook, Cleaners, Apply Hacks Halaal with H/written application
Hotel cleaner at Crimson Bat Hotel. 633 Industrial Area Mckenzie Linden. Tel#4442102
One experience attractive waitress 18-25 yrs, living around ogle. Salary $20,000 wkly. Contact #610-3974
One male Janitor, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda
Drivers for Taxi #646-8748 Security Guards to work with Private Firm in G/town & Interior, must have Military Background. Contact#6656082 1 General domestic (housekeeping) Ages 30-45. Tel 673-5300 (1) Captain to fly from Georgetown-Bartica. Contact#650-0402/603-1402
Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/683-8765
Devon Gillis
Andre Scott
A City Magistrate yesterday remanded two men who are accused of shooting a teenager and robbing a woman of her valuables. The men, Devon Gillis, 26, labourer, of 64 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and Andre Scott, 26, carpenter, of Albouystown, were slapped with several charges after they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The first charge stated that both defendants on March 8,2019, at Campbell and Sussex Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, discharged firearms at Shane Gordon, a 13-year-old boy, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him grievous bodily harm. It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, the two discharged a firearm at Anastasia Rodrigues, with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause
court that his clients were not aware of the allegations, and were badly beaten by the police. Thompson asked the court to grant his clients bail, citing that their records are unblemished and they will return to court for the trial. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the defendants on the grounds of the serious nature of the allegations and the penalty they attract. The prosecutor also highlighted the fact that guns were allegedly used and the defendants are known to the victims. Facts presented by the prosecutor stated that on March 8, last, the defendants, while being in the company of another and armed with guns ,went to the home of Rodrigues inquiring about her son Gordon. The court heard that the teenager went outside and the defendants discharged several rounds, causing Gordon to receive injuries to his right hand. The teen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The matter was reported, an investigation carried out, and the men were arrested. The Chief Magistrate after listening to the facts remanded both men to prison. They were instructed to make their next court appearance on April 8.
her grievous bodily harm. It is also alleged that Scott on March 10 last, at West La Penitence, Georgetown, while being in the company of another, robbed Grace Bishop of 7 1/2 penny weight raw gold valued $140,000. The men pleaded not guilty to both charges. Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson in an unsuccessful bail application told the
Body of epileptic man found in businessman’s verandah The body of an epileptic elderly man was found in the verandah of a popular businessman yesterday, sparking much curiosity in the Belle West Squatting Area, West Bank Demerara, yesterday morning. According to police reports, relatives indicated that the man, Lalta Persaud, a male handyman, of the said area, was an alcoholic. He was seen on Sunday last around 22:00 hrs at his home where he was acting unusually and was ‘talking to himself’. Reports indicated that around 02:00hrs relatives made checks for Persaud and realized he was missing from his bed. The front door was found wide open. Yesterday morning, according to reports, the man was found lying motionless on the western verandah of the businessman. The body was examined by police, but no marks of violence were reportedly discovered. It was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where an official pronouncement of death was made. The businessman has reportedly been questioned by the police.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Statements given to duo charged Miner allegedly assaults, wounds with Eccles execution-style murder cops during arrest attempt One month after two men were charged with the execution-style killing of taxi driver Kelvin Walters, who was gunned down in front of his five-year-old daughter and wife at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, statements were yesterday served on the two murder accused. It is alleged that Devon Allen, 31, of 148 Middle Road, La Penitence, and Roderick Thomas, 28, of 68 William Street, Kitty, on January 22 at Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, murdered Kelvin Walters. Yesterday when the matter was called in the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Police Prosecution Neville Jeffers handed over statements to the accused. Both men who are still nursing injuries to their left legs are currently on remand for the offence. They are expected to make their next court appearance on March 26. Principal Magistrate Sherdel MarcusIsaacs will be conducting the Preliminary Inquiry (PI). According to reports, investigators believe that both men, who are nursing broken left legs, were injured when Walters rammed his car into their motorcycle just as they shot him.
Devon Allen
Roderick Thomas
Walters was gunned down at around 19:30 hrs on the day in question, while driving south along the eastern carriageway of the East Bank Demerara Public Road. Police said that he was i n t h e v i c i n i t y o f Tw o Brothers Service Station at Eccles when two men, on a motorcycle, turned in front of his vehicle. The pillion rider then whipped out a handgun and shot Walters in his face. Although wounded, Walters struck down the two individu-
als, who fled the scene on foot, leaving their motorcycle and a .9mm Taurus pistol, with 14 rounds, at the scene. Walters was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The injuries the men sustained were said to be consistent with that of a motor vehicle accident. CCTV footage reportedly showed an individual hopping north along the East Bank Public Road after the shooting.
Truck passenger remanded on ganja trafficking charge A miner was arraigned yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a charge in which he is accused of being in possession of just over two pounds of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. It was alleged that the accused, Alex Thomas, on March 15, 2019 at Vulture Boat Service Landing had in his possession 1,035 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield indicated to the court that Thomas, 26, who resides at Lot 16 Public Road, Coverden, East Bank Demerara, had no special reasons for being in possession of the narcotics when he was found. As a result, the prosecutor objected to bail for the defendant. The facts of the charge indicated that on the day in question, ranks from the Bartica Police Station, acting on information received, went to the location. Contact was made with Thomas who at the time had a bag and a GT beer box in his
possession. The ranks after identifying themselves asked who the articles belonged to and Thomas answered in the affirmative. A search was conducted on the accused, however nothing was found on his person or the bag he had on him. The box was then searched, and it was discovered that it contained two parcels wrapped in plastic. The parcels when checked contained a quantity of stems, leaves and seeds suspected of being cannabis. This was shown to Thomas and he denied ownership of it. Thomas was taken into police custody along with the items which were weighed in his presence and amounted to the sum mentioned in the charge. After the prosecutor related the facts of the charge, Thomas asked to say something. He stated that, “Your honour, I was there with my bag only; waiting for a truck to travel. I did see this box, but it look like rubbish to me, so I didn’t bother with it.” He went on to say that, “The police come and
search me and everybody else. They ain’t find nothing on me, but suddenly I feel a stern hand on my shoulder and somebody say move to the police truck.” According to Thomas, he complied, because he knew he had not done anything wrong. “I went with them willingly; nobody told me I was under arrest or being charged.” “Nobody else was arrested or anything, but they took me. When I get to the station and I heard is what going on, I understand, and I say is because I is a ‘rasta’ that’s why I’m a suspect. Magistrate McLennan then stated that, “I’m going to give you a chance to clear your name and I’m going to grant you bail, however you need to make sure that you return to court or an arrest warrant will be sent out for you or a trial done in your absence.” Bail was granted in the sum of $110,000. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on April 11, when Thomas is expected to make his next appearance.
A 26-year-old miner allegedly gave two police constables “the works” to have him arrested, as he wounded and assaulted them during the process. Orin Ridley of 173 Campbell Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, who was reportedly arrested for two armed robbery accusations, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He denied all four of the charges that were made out against him when they were read. The first charge alleged that on March 12, 2019 at Lot 173 Campbell and Sussex Streets, Georgetown, Ridley wounded police constable Clive Clarke with intent to prevent lawful apprehension. Also, it was alleged that at the same date and location, Ridley assaulted police constable Nigel Reid with intent to prevent lawful apprehension.
Further, it was alleged that on January 31, 2019 at Albouys Street, Albouystown, Georgetown. The accused, while being armed with a firearm, robbed Saneka Ramlakan of articles amounting to $24,600. Finally, it was alleged that on the same date and location, while being armed with a firearm, he robbed Akash Ramlakan of a pedal cycle valued at $18,000 property of the said victim. According to Ridley, the police officers arrived at his home and started to strike him to the stomach, stating they came to arrest him. “They just come saying they have an arrest for me. They assaulted me; hitting me to my belly. I start bleeding from my mouth…all now I still in pain.” Ridley also claims that a police told Saneka Ramlakan to point him out, and he was assaulted in front of his threeyear-old son. He went on to say that,
“The police have nothing to prove I rob these people, because even the wife says I’m not the person. No proper ID parade was done, your honour.” Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail based on the serious nature of the offence and the penalties the allegation attracts. He further highlighted a weapon was allegedly used for the robberies and Ridley was previously convicted for a robbery under arms. The prosecutor informed the court that the articles in the robbery charges were not recovered, and although there was no ID parade, a confrontation was held with the victims. After listening to both sides, the magistrate remanded Ridley to prison for the armed robbery charges, and released him on self-bail for the other two. The matter was adjourned until March 25 for statements into the matter.
Duo before court for wounding each other Rajesh Pollard and Shemar Williams were yesterday brought before a city magistrate after a heated argument between the two parties resulted in them wounding each other. The two defendants appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they denied their individual wounding charges when they were read to them. In the case of Pollard, it was alleged that on February 10, 2019 at Duke Street, Kingston Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Williams with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm to the said victim. For Williams, it was alleged that on the same date and location he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Pollard. Pollard was represented by attorney at law George Thomas who made an application for reasonable bail to be granted. He informed the court that his client is 44 years old. He said that the accused is a vendor who resides in Kingston, Georgetown. The attorney also highlighted that Pollard is married and has three children. He further indicated that Pollard was released on self-bail during the investigation of the matter and has been complying with the conditions of the police. The court was told that
Williams is 18 years old, and a student who hails from Fourth Street Alberttown, Georgetown. His attorney asked that the court should consider the fact that Williams is a full-time student with a stable family background. He also emphasized that his client has no previous charges
or convictions. Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objections for bail to be granted to either of the accused. Bail was granted to the tune of $50,000 for each of the men. The matter was adjourned until March 25, for statements into the case.
A. Ally and Sons founder dies Ahmad Ally, said to be in his late 60s, founder of A. Ally & Sons has died. Ally, who started major retail operations in Berbice, which saw a number of branches along the coastland, including at Giftland, will be laid to rest on Saturday. (Photo from Nazim H u s s a i n ’s Facebook page)
A. Ally and Sons founder dies
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 25
Kaieteur News
Christchurch mosque shootings: England to pay tribute to New Zealand victims BBC Sport - A tribute will be paid to the victims of the Christchurch shootings before England’s match against the Czech Republic at Wembley on 22 March. Fifty people died in an attack on two mosques in New Zealand on Friday. The Premier League, English Football League and Football Association were accused of “double standards” for not marking the attack over the weekend. But a statement from the FA said: “We will remember everyone affected by the terrible events in Christchurch.” It added: “We will pay tribute to the victims of the tragedy in New Zealand at the England v Czech
There was a minute’s silence for the victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings before the weekend’s Six Nations games, but not at Premier League or FA Cup matches. (AFP) Republic match on Friday, 22 March.” Premier League clubs wore black armbands and
France’s national anthem was played after the Paris attacks of November 2015. A minute’s silence for the
Tuesday March 19, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A book, letter, or other important piece of paperwork that was misplaced might finally be found today, Aries. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Discussions with close friends could lead to ideas for creative projects of some kind. Although the projects themselves may center on writing, music, drama and today's brainstorming is likely to center more on business and marketing than artistic matters. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Money matters might require your attention today, Gemini. Concerns involving the home are on your mind. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Deep thought that occupies your time today could lead to some fascinating conversations with a close friend or partner, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today your imagination is likely to be flying high, Leo, drawing on past images and events that you may have forgotten. You may wonder about the commercial potential of your thoughts. A conversation with a friend who knows this subject could prove enlightening. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A friend could put forth some ideas regarding incorporating the arts into a business enterprise, Virgo. A lot of discussion could result, though it's unlikely that any final decisions will be made now. More ideas should come over the next few days.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Imagination and insights definitely advance a project today, Libra. Discussions, perhaps involving money, spur you and your collaborators on to new innovative projects that might prove to be of great benefit to all. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Friends who have been traveling or live far away could bring some interesting news your way that hasn't yet broken in your area. This might make you curious to do some research on the subject. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you might give some thought to career matters. You're probably trying to brainstorm ingenious ways to advance professionally and increase your income. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your partner may return from a journey today, and a deep conversation could follow. Your friend will share stories of the trip, which could lead to talk about the relationship's future. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you may feel a little out of sorts, Aquarius, but your creative energies are likely to flow freely. Inspiration could come from deep within you. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The survival of a partnership could depend on some open and honest communication today, Pisces. Conflicting issues may be simmering and need to be aired in a sensitive and caring way.
Christchurch victims was held before the weekend’s Six Nations rugby union games and rugby league’s Super League fixtures but not at Premier League, EFL or FA Cup matches. Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a self-described white supremacist, has been charged with murder following the shootings.
Windies take... From page 26 in the May 30 to July 14 World Cup in England, following their lowly form in recent years. In fact, the Windies have not won an ODI series in five years and were forced to play an ICC qualifier last year March in order to reach the World Cup, after their ninthplace ranking ruled them out of automatic qualification. England, meanwhile, remain top of the standings on 123 but lost three ratings points. Second placed India failed to capitalise, however, as they dropped two points to slip to 120. New Zealand lie third and only marginally ahead of South Africa, while Australia have moved into fifth spot. Pakistan have dropped to third and Bangladesh remain seventh.
Wellman Masters... From page 28 finished on 173-5 in reply. Eric Thomas stroked an unbeaten 45 which contained two fours and three sixes, Rudolph Baker scored 44 not out with five sixes and Mahase Chunilall 36. Latchman Kallicharran captured 2-10 and Sheldon Perch 2-33. Kallicharran was named manof-the-match. The game was sponsored by Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.
Blind runner and his dogs make history at NYC Half Marathon (Reuters) - A blind runner, assisted by a relay team of three guide dogs, made history on Sunday by completing the 2019 United Airlines New York City Half Marathon without any human help. Thomas Panek, 48, ran along with three Labrador retrievers, Waffles, Westley and Gus, according to the Guiding Eyes For The Blind’s website, a charity that trains dogs for the visually impaired. Panek became the first blind runner to complete the race led by dogs instead of other runners, according to the charity and also the website of the running club, New York Runners. He finished the 13.1-mile race just under two-and-a-half hours, according to the club. About 20,000 runners competed in the St. Patrick’s Day race which passed through New York’s Times Square. Each dog ran between three-to-five miles and Panek’s pace averaged 10.5
minutes per mile, the club reported. Panek lost his sight in his early 20s, CNN News and other media reported. He had previously finished about 20 races with the help of human guides. “When I lost my sight I was too scared to run,” he told CBS News, which added that after he adjusted to being blind, he ran again, but only with a fellow runner. “Although many people run with running clubs, at the end of the day you’re running your own race,” he told the network. “And when you’re tied to another person, it’s no longer your race. The independence isn’t there. After the race, Guiding Eyes posted a photo on twitter of Panek smiling broadly while hugging his dog Gus, with both wearing marathon medals around their necks. Panek, a lifelong runner, is the president and chief executive officer of the New York-based charity.
PAGE 26
CRICKET WEST INDIES CLEARS THE AIR ST JOHN’s, Antigua – CWI never denied liability in the Phil Simmons’ dismissal affair for no other reason than to ensure an amicable resolution in the interest of West Indies Cricket. The negotiations with the former coach, Phil Simmons and his representatives are ongoing. While we have a hearing date for March 26, 2019, we are hoping to reach a settlement soon. The Office of the President, like any other department, prepares a budget for its operations in any financial year. The budget is approved by the Board of Directors. For the 2018/2019 period, a total of US$258,263 was budgeted. As of January 31, expenditure stood at $61,768. This cost includes travel.
In late 2017 the composition of Compensation Committee was agreed by the Board of Directors. The Chairman of Finance, Anand Kalladeen was appointed to chair the Compensation Committee. The other members were independent directors, Jennifer Nero and Milton Samuda. CEO, Johnny Grave sat in an advisory capacity. The President was not a member of the Committee and did not attend any meetings of the Compensation Committee. In March 2018 the Committee reported to the Board of Directors and recommended an increase of stipends for all directors, including the President and Vice President. The recommendation was for a monthly stipend as follows: · US$4,000 to the President · US$2,000 to the Vice President
· US$700 to all other Directors Said increase is not effective unless and until approved by Ordinary Resolution at an Annual General Meeting. At no time did the President recommend an increase for himself. The Board of Directors wishes to reiterate that the President cannot and does not dictate or approve any increase in compensation or stipend for himself or other directors. He cannot and does not approve the budgets for his office or CWI. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and misleading. In the 2017/2018 period, the President’s office had a budget of US$217,604 of which US$223,923 was spent. This money has been accounted for by the Office of the President. All accounts of Cricket West Indies are audited externally by international auditing firm KPMG.
Thiem topples ‘legend’ Federer to win Indian Wells title (Reuters) - Dominic Thiem claimed his first Masters 1000 title after coming from a set down to defeat Roger Federer 3-6 63 7-5 and win the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday in Indian Wells. Momentum swung in T h i e m ’s f a v o r i n t h e deciding set when he smacked a forehand winner down the line to break Federer and take a 6-5 lead. The Austrian fell on his back and covered his face with his hands when F e d e r e r, w h o h a d b e e n bidding for a record sixth Indian Wells title and 101st tournament victory, netted on match point. The 25-year-old Thiem, who was set to rise four places to a career-high world number four yesterday, paid tribute to his opponent. “It is such a pleasure to compete with you, to learn so much from you, and to play with one of the biggest legends of all time,” he told the 20-times Grand Slam champion during the trophy presentation ceremony. “I feel like it’s not my right to congratulate you, you have 88 more titles than me, so I’m just hoping you play more and we can have some other big finals,” he said with a laugh. Federer was gracious in defeat after falling in the final in the Southern California desert for a
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
CWI ‘admit liability’ in Phil Simmons’ unfair dismissal case ESPNcricinfo - Cricket West Indies has been forced to admit liability in a case brought against them by Phil Simmons for unfair dismissal as West Indies coach. Simmons, the current Afghanistan coach, has claimed damages of more than US$300,000 with a final sum to be agreed at a court date in Antigua on March 26. With legal costs included, the episode could cost CWI US$400,000 or more. Simmons was sacked in September 2016 having complained publically about “interference from outside” in the selection of sides. The timing of the news could cause considerable embarrassment and, perhaps, damage to the current CWI president, Dave Cameron. It comes as Cameron stands for re-election for the position and supports the claims of his rival, Ricky Skerritt, that he has squandered large sums of money during his tenure. “If Cameron wants to talk about turmoil, perhaps he can explain why former head coaches, Ottis Gibson, Phil Simmons, and the several others who Cameron hastily and summarily dismissed, from both the men’s and women’s teams, have collectively cost CWI well
Phil Simmons (AFP Getty Images) over US $1million?” Skerritt, who is a CWI board member, asked only last month. He also alleges that Cameron led the board to believe there would be no costs incurred in Simmons’ dismissal as it was made “for cause”. The election takes place on March 24. ESPNcricinfo also understands that Cameron recently asked the board to increase his monthly expenses from US$2,000 to US$10,000 a month. The board eventually agreed a rise to US$6,000 but discontent at the cost of his presidential office, travel and staff - now understood to cost somewhere approaching US$500,000 a year - is rising. His entertainment costs alone are understood to be over US$100,000.
CWI turns over somewhere around US$4045million per annum and has, at times over the last year or two, been obliged to delay payments to staff due to cashflow issues. Gibson, another West Indies coach discarded before the end of his contract, previously settled his case against CWI for a sum understood to be over US$300,000. Simmons is being represented by/†Antiguan based Queen’s Counsel E. Ann Henry and Barbadian/ †lawyers Leslie/†F./†Haynes/ †Q.C and former cricket commentator Donna Symmonds in the case at the Industrial Court in Antigua. Sir Viv Richards, who remains hugely influential in the Caribbean and beyond, joined the election debate on Saturday when he released a video on his Instagram account endorsing Skerritt for president and suggesting he would “bring respectability back to that position”. Sir Viv joins St Vincent and Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in endorsing Skerritt. Gonsalves is also chairman of the CARICOM sub-committee on cricket. Cameron has been approached by ESPNcricinfo for comment.
Windies take aim at eighth spot ahead of World Cup Dominic Thiem (AUT) holds the championship trophy after defeating Roger Federer (not pictured) in the finals of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) second consecutive year. “It has been a great week for me even though it didn’t work out today,” he said. “What a great week for Dominic. Wo n d e r f u l playing at the very end and throughout the week. You deserve it.” Federer raced to an early lead, winning the first three games before wrapping up the first set in the Southern California desert. But baseline specialist Thiem kept his composure and leveled the match in the second, gaining traction by extending rallies and unleashing a torrent of high-kicking serves to keep Federer off
balance. Federer ’s own serve lost some of its bite in the crucial game in the third set with the score tied at 5-5. “The game he broke me I didn’t serve very well, so I think he took advantage of that fact,” said Federer, who was not overly down about the defeat. “I just got my 100 (career title) in Dubai and I had a good week here,” the 37-year-old said. “Really there is no reason to get down. Plus there is more to look forward to in Miami.” Thiem will also play in Miami, hoping to complete the “Sunshine Double” with a victory there after his Indian Wells win.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – West Indies’ sterling performance against England has seen them draw level with eighthranked Sri Lanka on points, ten weeks before they kick off their campaign at the ICC 50overs World Cup. In the latest rankings released Sunday, West Indies remained ninth but gained four points to draw level with the Sri Lankans on 76.
Their points gain was the best in the tables and came following a 2-2 draw in the recent five-match one-day series against world number one England. West Indies lost the first match of the doubleheader in Barbados by six wickets despite posting a first innings record 360, but hit back in the second game with a 26-run victory. The third match in
Grenada was abandoned due to rain and England then took a decisive lead in the series with a 29-run win, even though West Indies piled up a record 389 in pursuit of 419. West Indies then crushed England by seven wickets in the final ODI in St Lucia, after bundling out the visitors for a paltry 113. The series raised hopes of the Caribbean side’s chances (Continued on page 25)
West Indies celebrate during the series against England.
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Concacaf Nations League
Three debutants in 23-man Golden Jaguars for Belize clash on Saturday Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson, has announced three debutants in a 23-man squad to face Belize this Saturday in the final and most important qualifier for Guyana in the Concacaf Nations League at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. The squad includes three Goalkeepers, seven Defenders, seven Midfielders and six Forwards as well as debutants – Defender Reiss Greenidge, Midfielder Anthony Jeffrey and Forward Keanu Marsh-Brown. Greenidge is a 22 year-old from Norway, 6 feet, 6 inches tall, left-footed Defender who can operate both as a Centre or Left Back. His technical development has been based at the English Premier League (EPL) team Arsenal’s famous youth Academy. He has been playing professional football in Norway since 2017. Anthony Jeffrey is a 24 year old, rapid attacking player who can play as a Winger or as a main Forward. A talent, also produced by EPL’s Arsenal’s Academy, Anthony has played in the English Football League for Stevenage Borough FC and Wycombe Wanderers FC. Currently a regular goal scorer in the Conference National for Dover Athletic, Anthony will add a new dimension to Guyana’s Forward line. Keanu Marsh Brown, brother of Ronayne MarshBrown, is a 26-year-old
The Goalkeepers during their training session yesterday at the GFF Training Facility. seasoned Forward in the English Football League playing at Newport County. A product of Fulham’s Academy, Keanu has played for MK Dons, Oldham Athletic, Yeovil Town in England and Dundee in Scotland. Among the seasoned members of the squad rejoining the team are Warren Creavalle, Emery Welshman, Samuel Cox, Walter Moore and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. This selection follows the Guyana-based t e a m ’s preparation, which has been in training for approximately eight weeks and which they have had five training matches during this time, the last of which was held on Saturday at the Pierkhan
Stadium, Nickerie, Suriname. The team went down to a full-strength Suriname S e n i o r M e n ’s N a t i o n a l Team by a 3 – 1 margin. Head Coach Johnson reflected on the match: “The objective was completed with our friendly game against Suriname. It was a chance for us to have a clos er examination of our Guyanabased players in a tough fixture. Everything we are currently doing is focused on March 23. We were able to find out what worked and what didn’t, who can play in this position and who plays better alongside this person, we got our answers from the game. You can do as much training as you like but nothing beats a competitive
fixture.” Tickets for the match are being sold at $1500 at the following locations: Andrews Supermarket - A u b r e y Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, The Guinness Bar - Durban Street, GT; We s t Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurante, below Space Gym, Croal Street, GT; Pegasus Hotel Guyana; KFC Outlets - Regent Street & Mandela Avenue; Dad’s Fish Shop, Den Amstel; Patsy Food Court And Bar, Linden Soesdyke Junction; The Fashion Box, Vendors Arcade, Bartica and at Giftland Mall. Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat, the Guyana Pegasus and Giftland Mall at a cost of G $5,000. Match time
is set for 18:30hrs. Guyana’s Men’s Senior Squad for Belize clash Name Position Club Alex Murray Goalkeeper Santos FC Akel Clarke Goalkeeper SV WBC Sese Norville Goalkeeper Milerock FC Sam Cox Defender Hampton & Richmond FC Elliot Bonds Defender Dagenham & Redbridge FC Terence Vancooten Defender Stevenage FC Reiss Greenidge Defender Arendal Fotbol Ronayne Marsh-Brown Defender Whitehawk FC Walter Moore Defender FF Jaro Kevin Layne Defender Guyana Defence Force FC Neil Danns Midfielder Bury FC Warren Creavalle Midfielder Philadelphia Union Trayon Bobb Midfielder Uitvlugt FC Kadell Daniel Midfielder Dover Athletic FC Clive Nobrega Midfielder Eagles United Stephen Duke-McKenna Midfielder Bolton Wanderers FC Anthony Jeffrey Midfielder Dover Athletic FC Emery Welshman Forward FC Cincinnati Keanu Marsh-Brown Forward Newport County AFC Pernell Schultz Forward Western Tigers FC Marcel Barrington Forward Hampton & Richmond FC Gregory Richardson Forward Fruta Conquerors FC Sheldon Holder Forward Caledonia AIA
IAAF instructor to conduct two-week Aqua Pur Water partners with GFF to coaches’ seminar in Guyana keep players hydrated for CNL final clash Aqua Pur Water, distributed by Sureia Manufacturing Inc., located at Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara yesterday committed to partnering with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to keep the Golden Jaguars hydrated during this week and on game day, this Saturday in what will be the most historic day in football history. Guyana is set to face Belize in their final Concacaf Nations League at the Leonora Track and Field Facility from 18:30hrs and a win for the home team would see them qualifying for the first time in the nation’s history for the Concacaf Gold Cup, the highest level in the Confederation. National Captain Sam Cox yesterday reiterated the importance of being hydrated
not only for this all important clash but always as he accepted the donation on behalf of the GFF and his colleagues. “We all know the importance and how vital it is to hydrate properly and the partnership with Aqua Pur is fantastic not only for the programme but it’s going to steer us in the right direction for this match. Everybody’s thrilled and we look forward to Saturday’s game against Belize.” Chief Executive Officer of Sureia Manufacturing, Frank Sanicharra in his remarks said he was extremely proud to be a part of the initiative to partner and support the Golden Jaguars on their journey to creating history. “Contributing to sports is always part of our corporate responsibility and more so, I
am very proud to see the Guyanese boys are here and ready for action. I feel encouraged and would have to be there on Saturday to support you guys on behalf of the Aqua Pur team, good luck to you and I encourage all of Guyana to come out and support your team.” Technical Director Ian Greenwood was also on hand and expressed thanks to Sanicharra and the Aqua Pur team on behalf of the GFF. “The Guyana Football Federation is very excited about this partnership with Aqua Pur, we know its vitally important that the players are correctly hydrated during the week. We are ninety minutes away from creating history on Saturday so this partnership will definitely help the recovery and performance of the players.”
With just over a month before the local contingent depart for the 2019 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) games in Cayman Islands, the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will benefit from an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) instructor, who will be in Guyana for two weeks to conduct a coaches’ education seminar, while also working with local athletes. The instructor is Uruguayan Oscar Gadea, who sits on the IAAF review board, and he is set to arrive in Guyana this Friday where he will host a 10-day theoretical and practical workshop. The theory will be housed at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Secretariat in Lilliendaal, while the practical sessions will be at the National Track and
Oscar Gadea IAAF instructor.
Aubrey Hutson President of AAG.
Field Center (NTFC), Leonora. Head of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson, in an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, noted that this is an incredible opportunity for Guyana as the AAG looks to build the capacity among the local coaches. In addition, “With the CARIFTA athletes stepping up their preparations for the championship which
is schedule for Easter weekend our guys will have a unique opportunity to work with this top coach. Also, the guys preparing for the Pan American Championships later in the year will also benefit.” This year, a total of 17 local athletes have qualified for the CARIFTA games, in 2017 Guyana won a record haul of eight medals after sending a 12-member team.
PAGE 28
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
NSC host Football Workshop for Physical Education Teachers on the East Bank A number of Physical Education Teachers were the beneficiaries of a Football Workshop organised by the National Sports Commission/ Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Sports Organiser, Owan Wills. Teachers for the 3-day Workshop, which took place at the New Diamond/Grove Primary School, was facilitated by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical Development Officer attached to the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), Devnon Winter, were drawn from Schools from Eccles, East Bank Demerara to Dora on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. According to Wills, the objective of the workshop was to help equip the Physical
Education Teachers with the Principles, Guidelines and Techniques of the sport with a view of them in turn, being able to empower their students and prepare them for future competitions. Winter shared on what he did: “We worked on how to develop fun sessions when coaching students, how to warm up, how to approach children at various ages and method of teaching long term development among other areas. The teachers were all excited and I am sure will all be aiming to pass on the knowledge to their students. I must commend also the NSC and Ministry of Social Cohesion for pulling off this programme through Mr. Wills. I look forward to similar programmes of this nature in the near future.”
Physical Education Teachers that participated in the NSC organised Football Workshop seen with NSC’s Owan Wills (left) and Facilitator, Devnon Winter, right.
Wellman Masters overcome Regal Masters by four runs Wellman Masters defeated Regal Masters by four runs when the teams collided in a 20over fixture Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club. Batting first, Wellman Masters posted 1776 off their allotted overs. Lloyd Rooplall struck
five fours and one six in an even half century, while Rawle Reid made 33 with three fours and two sixes and Wayne Jones 33 not out. Tyrone Sanasie claimed 2-26 and Parsram Persaud 2-44. Regal Masters threatened, but (Continued on page 25)
The victorious Wellman Masters team
Ramdanie, Ahmad guide Aurora Knight Riders to victory over United Warriors... From page 31 Fellow opener Mohamed Timur Gafoor never suggested prominence and was soon caught behind off the skiddy Richards for 2. Ravi Beharry, who thumped two sixes, soon followed, well caught at cover of Shawn Boucher for 14. Garfield Phillips and Anand Manniram then rescued the innings with a fighting 43 runs partnership. However, left arm pacer Brian Murray struck twice as Phillips (23) was taken at point. Manniram followed next ball, brilliantly caught by Jones at cover for 21. Murray con-
tinued to put pressure on the Knight Riders, dismissing Gangabeharry Ramdanie and Elroy Spencer in quick succession. Needing 15 off the last over, Zafar Ahmad struck the first ball from Murray for 6 over long off. Murray’s next ball went for 4. Ahmad then neatly guided the third delivery through cover for another boundary. He then polished things off when he deposited the fourth delivery for a huge six, much to the delight of the fans in the stands. Bowling for the Warriors, Murray claimed 4-27, Richards 2-8, while Boucher had 1-16.
Milo Schools’ football tournament
Group stage concludes During the final day of group games, Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (CWSS), Charlestown and Tucville secured wins in the Milo Schools’ Football tournament on Sunday at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground, Carifesta Avenue. Tyrese Lewis recorded a double in the 12th and 57th minutes as CWSS humbled Friendship 4-0. Assisting with goals in the first and ninth minute were Felix Inniss and Andre Mayers respectively. Meanwhile, Charlestown edged Vergenoegen 3-2. Antwoine Vasconcellos bagged a brace in the 22nd and 43rd minutes, with Carlos Agard adding to the score in the 48th minute. For Vergenoegen, Ronaldo Macey tallied a double in the 13th and 24th minutes. Tucville squeaked past Tutorial 3-2. Shawn Lewis bagged a double in the 12th and 32nd minutes, with Clem Semple adding a goal in the 15th minute. For the losers,
The group stage of the Milo Schools’ football tournament has concluded. Delon Harry and Stephon Millington scored in the 27th and 52nd minutes, respectively. Upon the conclusion of the group stage, the top two finishers in each pool, alongside the best four third place teams, will advance to the elimination round. The winners of the competition will receive $500,000 towards a school project and the championship
trophy, while the second, third and fourth-placed sides will pocket $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively towards a school initiative and a trophy. The tourney which is slated to conclude on April 14th, features 24 teams divided into six groups of four and is supported by the Ministry of Public Health’s ‘Stop gender based violence.’
D’Andrade places second in T and T Guyanese Lionel D’Andrade placed second in Subway River Raid Trail run which was contested recently in Trinidad and Tobago. D’Andrade who maintained the lead until he was overcome meters before the finish line, clocked 17 minutes 07 seconds to finish behind winner Christopher Mitchell of the host nation whose time was 17:05. Richard Jones of Trinidad and Tobago finished third in 17:47. 301 athletes started the race. D’Andrade next assignment is on Saturday in the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service 5k. The Guyanese has won this event for the past two years.
Lionel D’Andrade
Tuesday March 19, 2019
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Bartica Cycling Challenge
Hometown Youths thrill fans in BMX and Upright classes on historic day It was a day that they were not going to miss for nothing at all, many of the 30 local cyclists pressuring their parents to get cycles for them so that they could have been a part of history, the inaugural Bartica Cycling Challenge which was successfully hosted by the Bartica Town Council in association with the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) on Saturday last. These children, ranging from ages five (5) to 16 warmed the hearts of all in attendance as they pedaled with energy and a sense of achievement during their races. Witnessed by Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall, Deputy Mayor Arita Embleton, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and GCF President Horace Burrowes among other officials, 8 year-old Jaden John pedaled to victory in the 8 and Under BMX race. Wi n n i n g t h e s p r i n t home for second place was
7 year-old Christopher Edmonds with 5 year-old Kareem Welcome crossing the line for third. The Girls Under-10 contest was a two-way battle between Maliah Dos Santos and Trinika McDonald with Dos Santos winning comfortably. In the Boys Under-12 contest, emerging as the winner was David Moses who rode away from Daniel Douglas and Michael Joseph in that order. More known for his exploits as a footballer, Ian Gomes showed his ability as a multi talented athlete when he won the Boys Under-15 BMX showdown from Orin Alleyne and Keanu Moore, while the Boys Under-15 Upright clash was taken by Ezekiel King in style from Eugene Baptiste and Omario Lewis. Apart from being presented with water bottles compliments of GCF President Horace Burrowes, some of the
Future Stars! The boys and girls that participated in the BMX and Upright races from Bartica pose with their water bottles in the presence of Deputy Mayor Arita Embleton (left) and Town Council Staffer, Arianna Waddle at right. riders also received helmets, uniforms, medals
Jaden John crosses the line to win the U-8 race.
(top three) among other items. Burrowes said that he was very pleased with t h e t u r n o ut and the commitment shown by the youths. He has encouraged some of the leaders in the Town to look at the possibility of forming a club or two to organise the youths and get
them more active on a consistent basis. Mayor Marshall also joined Burrowes in complimenting all the local riders who came out to make the event a resounding success, whilst thanking the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the many businesses for
partnering to make the day a wonderful experience that would be talked about for a very long time to come. Those contributing were the Speed Boat Association, Lions Club, Hopkinson Mining, Pooran’s Waste Disposal, Limpy Lotto, RMB Investment Inc., and Gary Young. (Franklin Wilson)
Guyana participates in 2019 ITF World Junior Tennis Competition in Santo Domingo
Coach Shelly Daly (right) and her charges who made the journey to Santo Domingo.
#1 U-10 Girl Maliah Dos Santos raises her hand in triumph.
On March 9th last, three junior tennis players Vadeanand Resaul, Wayne Baker and Nigel Lowe and their coach Shelly Daly departed Guyana for Santo Domingo to participate in the 2019 ITF World Junior Tennis Competition. The under 14 pre-qualifying competition ran from March 11th to March 16th with participants from sixteen countries, Guyana placed 14th. In the preliminary rounds, Guyana won one match and lost two. For the position rounds Guyana lost to Curacao, won against
Aruba and played against Barbados for 13th14th position. The players competed in singles and doubles categories. Coach Daly expressed that the team displayed team work and played their best. The GLTA is extremely grateful for the support from the following donors; Vladimir Permaykov, Navanith Hedge, Toolsie Persaud Limited, P & P Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Pritipaul Singh Investments, Mr. James Samuels, Rohan Auto Spares and Hassan Tractor Spares.
PAGE 30
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kaieteur News
CWI Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super 50
Guyana hunting first victory against Jamaica at Everest today Following their 69-run lost to Trinidad and Tobago in the first round at Providence, Guyana will be looking to rebound when they play Jamaica at Everest Cricket Club as the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super 50 continues today. Jamaica, who won their first round encounter against Windward Islands by 80 runs at Bourda, along with Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, who overcame Leeward Islands by seven wickets at Everest on Sunday, are on five points each, while Guyana, Leeward Islands and Windward Islands have not yet registered a point. Chinelle Henry, Natasha McLean, Stephanie Taylor, Rashada Williams and Chedean Nation are capable batters and will look to get among the runs once again and give their bowlers a decent total to defend. Vanessa Watts and Henry did well to help restrict Windward Islands in their opening game.
The respective team Captains and CWI Director Anand Sanasie and Josina Luke display the trophies at stake. Guyana skipper Shemaine Campbell batted solidly against Trinidad and Tobago before she was run out for a top score of 45 and Sheneta Grimmond were the only two batters that showed resistance in their opening
game; they will need support from Tremayne Smartt, Melanie Henry, Akaze Thompson and Shabika Gajnabi to give the local fans something to cheer about. While left arm seamer Evra Giddings got the ball to swing
‘A’ Division Conquer in Police Football Final On Wednesday last, ‘A’ Division’s Football team (A-Team), commanded by Police Constable 23298 Marvin Josiah competed against the Police Band Room team in the five (5) a side football final at the Police Sport Club Ground, Eve Leary in the Police Inter-Divisional competition. ‘A’ Division came out comfortable winners after beating the ‘Music Boys’ 3-0, as they collected the championship Trophy and one hundred ($100,000) thousand dollars prize.
The captain, Constable Marvin Josiah was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and was awarded with a trophy and seven thousand dollars ($7,000) for his efforts. Commander ‘A’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Mr. Marlon Chapman along with Second-in-Charge ‘A’ Division, Senior Superintendent Rishi Das, and Third-inCharge ‘A’ Division, Superintendent Walter Stanton and other ranks met with the players at his Brickdam Office Thursday last, and congratulated them for their exceptional performance.
and put Trinidad and Tobago on the back foot early on with two wickets in the first over, and her new ball partner Smartt bowled well but wasn’t utilize for her full quota, the Guyanese must improve in this area as their performance
was below par at Providence with too many wayward balls. The surprise non selection of pacer Subrina Munroe in the final squad has left a void in the attack which was without the talented Mandy Mangru in the
opening game. The Everest pitch is expected to favour the batters. Trinidad and Tobago will take on Leeward Islands at Bourda and Barbados will play Windward Islands at Providence.
GMR&SC Drag Championship
Surinamese expected for this weekend showdown
Azurdeen Mohammed’s Nissan GT-R (right) takes on Suriname’s Chevrolet Nova during an earlier round of Drags in Guyana during a drag meet in the past. (GT Callouts Facebook photo)
Members of the ‘A’ Division Football team and senior officers, including Commander Marlon Chapman (centre with trophy), display the spoils for their effort.
Sunday will host round one of the National Drag Championship and the day are fast approaching for the anticipated event that is being hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), and international competitors are beginning to signal interest in competing. According to the GMR&SC, Suriname is interested in supporting the event with a contingent of cars wanting to come in on Friday morning. GMR&SC is in the process of getting the list from that body’s motorsport division but has confirmed at least five cars are expected.
The interest by international competition in Drag racing locally is now renewed with the installation of the launch pad for drag racing.That coupled with the fact that the strip is being extended from 1000ft to 1320ft or a quarter-mile, the Surinamese will be eager to finally unleash the full power of their machines. The icing on the cake was the fact that last week, one of the fastest Nissan GTR’s in the world was recently cleared at a port in Georgetown. The EKanoo/Magnus GTR, which will compete on Sunday under the team
Mohamed’s Enterprise banner, is something that fans and other racers are most interested in seeing. In addition to that, the 1000ft strip record holder Goliath, the team’s other Nissan GTR will also be in action. The event is sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Service Centre, Delco Ice Factory, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Services Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical, Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station and Super Bet.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday March 19, 2019
Kunusasha Medas-King top ranked in 800m and 1500m in USA Kunusasha Medas-King, who is the daughter of Andy Medas-King; founder of the Pansy Adonis Classic and Road Race, is walking in the footsteps of her sister Kcaysha, and last week after a couple of successful races, she is now ranked in the top ten for both middle distance races. The six year old is now ranked fifth in United States for the 1500m and sixth in the 800m. While her sister, Kcaysha, is battling injuries currently, Kunusasha is Kunusasha stepping up to the expectations Medas-King of many and in a great way. Kunusasha is the youngest in the Medas-King family to medal at Nationals and in a correspondence to Kaieteur Sport, her father posited that, “I would like to encourage all the young athletes to motivate themselves and it is only through working hard that you can keep your dreams alive.�
Ramdanie, Ahmad guide Aurora Knight Riders to victory over United Warriors Played under a cloudy sky in a game which was reduced to 15 overs due to a late start, fans got their monies worth as Aurora Knightriders silenced United Warriors in a last over thriller when play in the South Essequibo T/20 cricket competition continued last Sunday at the Affiance Cricket Ground. Opting to bat first, the Warriors were off to a horrendous start when opener Steve Narine was sent packing by the lively Chaitram Ramdanie without scoring. Essequibo youth player Orlando Jailall and Reyaad Mohamed then put together 21 runs for the third wicket. However, Ramdanie, who bowled with good control, shattered the stumps of Mohamed for 12. The introduction of off spinner Deoraj Dindyal proved fruitful as he quickly accounted for the aggressive
5
Shawn Boucher and Romel Persaud. Jailall, who was put down twice, was then caught off Ramdanie for a matured 41. Bevy Jones, who was struck in the head by a vicious Zafar Ahmad bouncer, then took matters in his own hands with a brutal 28 runs which included two monstrous sixes. Seamer Imtiaaz Ally was introduced and had Jones, who looked like a man on a mission, caught at long off. The innings quickly folded as the Warriors found themselves at 112 all out in 14 overs. Bowling for the Knight Riders, Ramdanie grabbed 4-20, Ally 3-18, Dindyal 218, while skipper Saieef Ally took 1-24. In their run chase, the Knight Riders suffered an early set back when left handed opener Dindyal was smartly stumped for a duck off spinner Sidney Richards. (Continued on page 28)
PAGE 31
t r o Sp Concacaf Nations League
Three debutants in 23-man Golden Jaguars for Belize clash on Saturday
Keanu Marsh-Brown preparing to make his debut for the Golden Jaguars.
Anthony Jeffrey is excited to make his debut.
Debutant Reiss Greenidge focused on the task ahead.
Aqua Pur Water partners with GFF to keep players hydrated for CNL final clash
CEO of Sureia Manufacturing Inc., Frank Sanicharra (4th left) with Golden Jaguars Captain Samuel Cox (4th right) teammates, TD Ian Greenwood (right) and Head Coach Michael Johnson (left) during yesterday’s presentation.
CWI ‘admit liability’ in Phil Simmons’ unfair dismissal case Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.