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November 05, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 46

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Govt. should say what it will do GGMC begins restructuring if Exxon overstated US$460M to handle pre-contract costs - Ram oil and gas Two witnesses testify Teen found in Norton St. murder PI dead on trail after birthnight celebration

Burnt car of a key witness, Collin Rodney, in which a body, believed to be his, was found in the trunk

GAWU concerned about state assets being sold at 'bottom prices' Thief held at victim's workplace while seeking job

Berbice businessman exchanges gunfire - victim believes at with home-invading bandits least one injured Crackdown on abuse of police vehicles…

Sirens must only be used in cases of emergency - adherence to speed limits, respective lanes a must… even while performing escort duties - Traffic Chief

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

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Two witnesses testify in Norton St. murder PI - Accused further remanded

By Trishan Craig

P

olice Prosecutor Dominic Bess yesterday called two Criminal Investigation Department (CID) detectives to the witness stand to testify in relation to the murder of Marlon Seon Rodney called 'George'.

T h i r t y - n i n e - y e a r- o l d Osafa Grundell, called 'Safo' of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown and James Fraser, 21, called 'Dab' of Garnett Street, Georgetown, are on remand for the murder.

The men are before Senior Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court where the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) is being heard.

It is alleged that between April 25, and April 30, last, at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, they murdered Rodney.

The first detective's testimony was in relation to arresting Grundell after putting the allegation to him.

The other's testimony was about being present when the men were interviewed about the murder.

Magistrate McGusty adjourned the case until November 25 for the continuation of witnesses' evidence before the court.

According to reports, Marlon Rodney, a 35-yearold taxi driver of 71 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was involved in an argument

James Fraser called 'Dab' with three individuals.

The men had reportedly pulled out guns and discharged several rounds at Rodney, who was hit in the left leg. A passerby was also shot in the process.

The injured men were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where the passerby was treated and sent away, while Rodney was admitted in a critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries.

On October 25, last, 36year-old Collin Rodney of 70 Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, went missing along with his silver grey Toyota Allion bearing registration number PRR 1076. He is the cousin of the deceased and also a key witness in relation to the murder.

One week after Collin Rodney went missing, the police made a gruesome find of the burnt remains of a body

Osafo Grundell called 'Safo' The torched remains of the car that was found by police

Missing: Key witness Collin Rodney in the trunk of a car which was found torched.

The discovery was made at a desolate and swampy area at Letter T backlands, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, an area that is surrounded by coconut estates and rice fields. This was after an anonymous caller contacted ranks at the (continued on page 19)

Teen found dead on trail after birthnight celebration

D

allon Francis, a farmer of R u p e r t e e Vi l l a g e , N o r t h Rupununi, was found dead on Sunday morning, mere hours after his birthday celebration Francis had just turned 18, and decided to visit a bar in Aranaputa Valley on Saturday evening, along with his parents, relatives and friends, to celebrate.

According to reports, the young man was seen taking a few drinks with his family until the bar was closed at midnight and the other individuals went home leaving Francis there.

At around 02:00hrs on Sunday, a Lethem resident while driving along the trail, saw the young man's body lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the road.

Police were summoned and it was (continued on page 18)

Dead: Dallon Francis

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

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

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

EDITORIAL

A costly, self-inflicted mess

E

xxonMobil belongs right here. Paper - what paper? Costs? Evidence? When there is finding, there can be talking. Problem: there can’t be finding of something that doesn’t exist. It is called the Fawn Hall school of filing and retaining of records.

Remember her from the televised Oliver North (Iran Contra) Congressional show? Her storage cabinet was the trusty, failsafe contingency plan of the shredder. That was the end of that in bits and pieces. Try putting that one back together again.

As these things go, there is nothing more foolproof than that. It is sound and proven and results-oriented.

Nothing to declare. Nothing to hang on anybody before the courts of justice or public opinion.

ExxonMobil came to Guyana and refined its own education.

We will say that again for emphasis. Though no slouch at the deception game, ExxonMobil dealt with Guyanese, kept what it wished, and smoke was the rest.

Look at the year closely. It was 2015. Something happened here with paper, people, and their memories.

Nothing available, nobody home. The president himself said so. And there it is now in the Big Apple, with the slick ExxonMobil coming forward to put hand on heart, the other one on some good book, and tell the tale.

No paper. No trail. No story. No dots to connect. No evidence.

Therefore, no responsibility and no liability. Even by the standards of sole proprietors, under-the-table operators, and shadow businesses, to get rid of sensitive documents of less than five years vintage takes some doing, automatic or no automatic sweep.

It is the sharpness of the shrewdly reckless.

Calculated, it is. ExxonMobil did not rise to be number one by being hesitant or pious or observant. Observant of rules. Observant of host interests. Observant of basic fairness. After all, there is no line in cash flow statements and income statements for something called fairness.

Good sense as in return on investment and profits, yes.

But fairness does not count.

So paper is made to disappear. It is the age-old story.

Even sacred scripture is roiled with turmoil over what has been left out (deliberately), what has been tampered with (secretly), and what has been presented (righteously).

Now if the rest of the world, including that judicial one up north, is compelled to give credence to the sleazy manipulations (Machiavellian, isn’t it?) of the mighty ExxonMobil, then it is welcomed to do so. But this paper, and the people of this poor country, know better, sense differently. Guyanese can be so, because they have seen before all of what ExxonMobil trots out under various legal camouflages.

Thanks to crafty political people and sleazy public service people (dirty private sector people, too), Guyanese are overeducated in the tricks of one trade after another.

They can teach ExxonMobil a thing or two, given the decades of experience lived with here. Disappearing documents is as old as the first profession. Titillating, it has been. Rewarding, too. And now, ExxonMobil looks poised to collect its own $460 million plus reward that it has awarded itself at the expense of Guyana.

The court proceedings will make it official, with a judicial stamp.

Though it is recognized business culture, this paper takes it personally. And so, too, should the people of Guyana. Four hundred and sixty million US is not small change. Simply multiply by 200 (or 230/240) and we are left openmouthed, with the stories that jump out, as to what is no longer possible. Billions of them in Guyana dollars.

In defence of ExxonMobil, its thinking must be this: if Guyanese can do this to one another (and more), there is nothing preventing us from taking a page out of their local book. When in Guyana, do like Guyanese. What a mess we have made of ourselves.

Jagdeo is setting the stage to challenge elections society where the PPP bad is this and leaving the door Anil Nandlall about returning good and others good is bad. open to challenge the consti- to Parliament and his reresults True to form, they always seek tutionality of the elections sponse was the PPP will not DEAR EDITOR, Reference is being made to an article published recently- “Parliamentary democracy collateral damage in govts efforts to overturn noconfidence vote Jagdeo.”

A violation of the Constitution of Guyana cannot be explained away as collateral damage, according to Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo. It is a deliberate and willful violation of the law and disrespect for the nations highest decisionmaking forum.

Jagdeo is wrong and he must not be allowed to hoodwink Guyanese and the international community to believe his failure to uphold the Constitution and the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) can be explained away as collateral damage. Nobody sets out to do collateral damage…it is incidental.

What Mr. Jagdeo had set out to do is violate the Constitution when he declared in bombastic fashion that he is not going back to Parliament.

This is open contempt and disregard for the highest-decision making forum of the land and whereas he has demonstrated a willingness to hold others accountable to the law, he is demonstrating when it comes to him and the PPP the law does not apply to them.

This is another dualism in

to justify their wrong by spinning lies as facts. The media and others in society must hold them accountable.

Article 106 of the Constitution still allows the government to function. There is no excuse for Parliament not to reconvene. None whatsoever.

Item 7 in the CCJ, in the July 12th judgment expressly states: “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held.”

Any failure on the part of the National Assembly to give effect to its responsibility means that the date for the election would not be constitutionally declared thereby creating conditions to challenge the results.

Mr. Jagdeo is leaving no stones unturned to disrupt the elections processes and should the results not favour his party he will challenge same on the ground that it was not constitutionally determined, i.e. the two-third votes needed in the House to have the election held at “such longer period” outside of the “within three months” as per Article 106(7).

There is no doubt he would have thought about

should the result not find favour with him.

He is in every nook and cranny seeking ways and means to disrupt even at times when there is nothing to disrupt. He is not playing by the rules and cannot be trusted.

It would be a detriment to this nation if the willful violation of the constitution is allowed to happen. We must hold the David Granger administration accountable that Mr. Jagdeo and fellow PPP Members of Parliament not be allowed to be in breach of the law.

The concentrated focus on how the PPP can take the reins of power by any means possible, even if it means abrogating their constitutional responsibility and undermining the constitution of the country, must not be countenanced.

As recent as August, after the CCJ ruling, the Chief Justice (CJ) in her court reportedly expressed that “we are supposedly in a period of an extension for the timeframe for holding elections, but that extension has not been agreed on” (KN 3rd August 2019- ‘Elections date long gone- Chief Justice’). In said article the CJ is quoted directly as saying, “We are still waiting on the National Assembly to meet.” SN on 7th October reported Basil Williams wrote

be returning (See “No going back to Parliament -Nandlall says in reply to Williams”).

President Granger noted as much in a later interview with SN. We the people must not allow the flagrant violation of the Rule of Law for such carry dire consequences for the sovereignty of the nation and welfare of all its people. The Constitution and Laws of Guyana do not only apply to the government it applies to the opposition, and all of us.

Government should take note of what the Opposition is saying that they have the numbers for the quorum and is not sitting. This notwithstanding where the Opposition is chair of critical parliamentary committees such as Natural Resources, Public Accounts and Constitutional Reform they are not working yet shouting that government must do this and that or is not doing this or that.

The legislature is the place where the Government is held accountable to the people and it must be allowed to work. Something is morally reprehensible about these MPs who according to the Clerk of the National Assembly have received their salaries and benefits each month.

For months they have refused (Continued on page 6)

GUYSUCO CANNOT WITHSTAND THE TRUTH DEAR EDITOR, Our unions the GAWU and the NAACIE have seen a letter under the hand of the GuySuCo which appeared in the November 01, Kaieteur News. We saw too, some sections of the letter, appearing in a report published in the November 02, Stabroek News.

The GuySuCo begins its letter charging that our unions were engaged in insincere representations. While the corporation failed to really qualify what it meant, it appeared that the GuySuCo, rather than acknowledging our expressions, has apparently decided to treat them insincerely and possibly with contempt and derision. This is saddening if true and speaks to the esteem held by the corporation for its workers.

It appears that the GuySuCo prefer us to meekly stand at the sidelines while the workers are disadvantaged and pushed into poverty.

Just recently, the corporation criticized the GAWU for supporting workers during a protest action at Blairmont Estate though the workers stood on most principled grounds.

We hasten to add that the GuySuCo workforce is not confined to the field, factory and offices but ascends to the managerial cadre as well.

As we told the corporation officials, at our truncated October 29 engagement, the expressions we shared were also being whispered in close quarters by the managerial personnel. They, like their non-managerial colleagues, are hard-pressed at this time as they too are being crushed by the heavy increase costs of living.

Several managerial personnel told us that they were supportive of the recent petition of the sugar workers which was addressed to President David Granger.

Some even wished they could have appended their signatures but were obviously reluctant given their position in the corporation and the real threats to their jobs.

The GuySuCo says that our expressions could not have been displayed “…within the corporation premises”.

What the corporation refrained from saying is that it ranted, sometimes in an intimidating manner, that the meeting was being held on private

property and our unions were almost demanded that we should put away our expressions.

Our unions pointed out then, and strongly hold, that GuySuCo is state-owned and thus we were on the Guyanese people and not any private property. Moreover, as far as we know, our right to freedom of expression did not stop at the corporations gate or doorway.

Certainly, the rights and freedoms we enjoy, and which were won out of struggle, must apply at all times.

The state-owned company contends that our expressions saw the engagement “…being held under duress…”

We hasten to wonder how this is so. Duress, we should remind the GuySuCo, regards a situation whereby there is compulsion, coercion, or pressure to do something. Our unions cannot see how the displaying of slogans to the GuySuCo qualifies as duress.

In fact, at no time, did anyone from the unions utter a word.

We were not disruptive or disrespectful as we displayed our slogans. We remained in our seats listening attentively to presentations. To charge our unions, unwittingly, is

misguided and clearly an impertinent reaction. The sugar company said that it “…was not given the opportunity to share essential information with the unions and their delegations as it intended on the corporations production, financials, marketing outlook, perspectives and plans towards growth and sustainability of the Industry”.While the corporation says this, it, so far, has not released certain information that has been requested of it though it received our request over a month ago.

The data requested is not unusual and have been previously been shared with the unions. We are at a loss to understand the seeming denial and it appears that the information sought maybe eyeopening.

Nevertheless, our unions did not prevent or obstruct the corporation from sharing the information it was intent on disclosing.

Maybe it is the truth, as expressed by our slogans, that hurt the GuySuCo, a truth they could not withstand.

Seepaul Narine, General Secretary GAWU Dawchan Nagasar General Secretary NAACIE

Tuesday November 05, 2019

NIS IS NOT HONORING MY SICKNESS made countless enquiries in person BENEFITS CLAIM andIviahavethird parties acting on my behalf and DEAR EDITOR, In light of the recent public pronouncement by the honorable Minister of Finance for the National Insurance Scheme to improve its service to the public, I wish to highlight the callous and discriminatory acts experienced at the hands of this institution in seeking the sickness benefits that I am legally entitled to receive as a citizen of this country.

In December 2017 I was ill and was given 21 days sick leave by my medical practitioner.

I submitted my claims through my employer with all supporting documents.

I received $2,625.00 (voucher#:3222899) for medical care on 2018-03-20. I have not yet received my sickness benefit payment for the nine days that the insurance scheme should be compensating me for as my employer has already covered me for the first 12 days of my sick leave.

The records of my employer reflect that all my NIS contribution as mandated by Chapter 36:01 of the National Insurance and Social Security Act has been remitted to NIS and I am not in default of my statutory obligation.

we were told by staff members that NIS is not honoring claims above a certain sum of monies.

When I made further inquiries as to the reasons for this, I was told that the entity was in a financial crisis and given two telephone numbers to call (226-9867 and 227-3461).

When you are finally able to speak to an officer using the numbers provided, the officers claimed that they are not the ones in charge of benefits and hence transferred the call to other departments whose personnel were of no help.

The National Insurance Scheme has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to honor claims in a timely manner and having to wait 22 months and not having any positive response from the organization is truly a repulsive experience.

As a public service institution in the 21st century, NIS needs to better understand its obligations to the public as outlined by the Minister and ensure that it provides a service that matches those expectations.

Michael G. Baird

If you keep telling a lie you may eventually believe it said: “I have been very much the Coalition to deliver on any DEAR EDITOR, The public is apprehensive of President David Grangers return from what seems like a pattern in a migratory cycle of five years to the Fourth Estate (the media). Will his return have the effect of his last cycle in 2015? In his column of July 29, 2018 Lincoln Lewis wrote, “Granger was not expected to account as Leader of the Executive but as Leader of the Opposition, and that saw him addressing issues, making promises/ commitments that the society yearned for and pulling the right cords. As a President holding press conferences and facing the media, he will be rightly asked questions to account for the stewardship of his administration”.

The time has now arrived for “the chickens to come home to roost.”While the president had offered a miserly three press conferences since 2015, this time around, the president seems to waste no time in adopting the simplest approach. The president

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disappointed that we havent been able to bring matters to prosecution… not only corruption matters but also matters of crime and murder.”

I am expecting this form of apologetic persuasion by the president to cover every failed area- the economy, corruption within the coalition, oil and gas, etc., in this campaign season apology is the last resort of people who failed miserably and wants a second chance.

Speaking recently on Kaieteur Radio (The Political Show), the President said: “I am supported by a good team, and I have built a strong coalition.”

With an MP that couldn’t bear to see the suffering induced by the Coalition on his constituents, flipping on a vote of conscience and the present ruckus of selecting or accepting a prime ministerial candidate from the second major partner (AFC) in the Coalition, the presidents “good team “ and “strong Coalition” seem like distant mirages.

Judging from the failure of

of its promises, except the holding of LGE, over the last four years and the president continuous expression of satisfaction that he is “supported by a good team”, it would seem that the president is not the kind of leader to set the bar high or demand much from his team.

Despite all the allegations of corruption leveled at some members of his team and the “boom out” videos, not once had the president issued a chiding word to any on his “good team”.

The president rehiring in their respective ministries, the quartet that would not relinquish their foreign citizenship for service at the highest level, obviously because they cherish more, their feathered beds in foreign lands, is tantamount to a national disgrace.That was a (Continued on page 6)

WILLFUL DISENFRANCHISEMENT DEAR EDITOR, At five billion dollars and counting, General and Regional Elections are a tremendous burden for our nation’s fledgling economy to bear.

Chairman of GECOM, Madam Claudette Singh seems intent doubling our bill by laying the grounds for vitiation of the March 2020 poll, with her ruling’ to disenfranchise 25,000 voters who have neglected to collect identification cards from GECOM offices since 2008. In a strangely worded article carried in the state newspaper, Chairman Singh is quoted as saying “Cognizant of the CJ’s ruling that GECOM should consider other methods of verification…I rule that notices by registered post be sent to the last address of such persons [and] also that their names be published in the daily newspapers…”.

The logical other methods of verification’ are the tried, tested and proven method of a period of Claims and Objections that are a statutory requirement for all electionsGeneral, Regional and Local Government.

GECOM CommissionersCharles Corbin, Vincent Alexander, and Desmond Trotman- have been joined by Claudette Singh in their quest to disenfranchise 25,000 voters.

The invention of an arbitrary new method of verification not supported by any scientific or social theory, which has not been tested before, is an unfair imposition on the populace. There is no nexus between uplifting an ID card and voting.

It is as random, as say, a requirement of a minimum of four facial moles is needed to vote, and, equally ridiculous.

But this is how fascism works- it comes in small, seemingly innocuous incre-

ments, today, uplift your ID card or no vote; tomorrow, ensure you have a Taxpayers Identification Number… then one day it is only those with party cards can vote.

History is replete with examples of fascist states. In Guyana, we used to call it party paramountcy’, but the principle is the same, a oneparty state.

The 25,000 persons who have failed to uplift Identification Cards are largely from Region Four, APNU/AFC Commissioners are seeking to disenfranchise persons in the capital city they are being aided in this nefarious quest.

It begs the question of why, for whose benefit and what are the possible consequences, intended and unintended of this action.

Why seek to take names off the voters’ list? Do they cause a problem by being there? What harm is caused by leaving the names on the OLV? There will be tens of thousands on that OLV who will not exercise the right to vote for one reason or the other, should they be taken off also?

Why the 25,000 and not those who did not vote in 2015 or 2018? The removal of the 25,000 names is an act of willful mischief and ignorance that cannot be allowed to stand.

Editor, I believe that the disenfranchisement of mainly Georgetown voters is being done to cause anger, bitterness, hurt, mayhem and chaos, this will ultimately, brand the polls as unfair and invalid. This would be to the benefit of David Granger in his obdurate quest to hang onto

power for as long as possible.

The unintended (?) consequences range from verbal abuse of polling staff to a fullfledged civil war and all that falls between.

The setting of the stage to create instability and mayhem in our nation at this critical juncture of our history is unforgivable and unpardonable.

We all want a peaceful and stable Guyana, at this juncture, we have to ask friendly nations and organizations to exert maximum pressure on GECOM and the Granger administration to behave in a civilized manner that respects our constitution as the supreme law of the land.

Both GECOM and Granger must be urged to comply with the norms of democracy and to act within the laws of the land. Personal sanctions should be applied to anyone that seeks to disenfranchise any eligible voter from exercising their franchise on Election Day 2020.

The International Criminal Court must not be the last resort or an after-the-fact institution. The Right to vote is fundamental; there is a consequence to action and certainly this action of willful disenfranchisement against the backdrop of our electoral history of violence should be protested by all patriotic Guyanese and our friends in the international community and must be stopped or must be prosecuted before their effects and consequences are fully realized.

A stitch in time may save nine, or in this case, lives and democracy.

Robin Singh

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GUILTY OF VOTERS SUPPRESSION DEAR EDITOR, It is an egregious mistake and a blatant illegality GECOM has an absolute obligation to extract every name of a person who is at least 18years-old on the National Register of Registrants (NRR) to compile the voters’ list.

Already a Preliminary Voters List (PLE) was prepared from the NRR and is presently subjected to Claims and Objections.

GECOM’s decision to keep persons on the NRR, but removing them from the voters’ list, even though they are 18-years-old is not just illegal, it is fully voters suppression.

The only way to remove a person from the voters’ list is if the person has died or there has been a successful objection to that person during Claims and Objections.

Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP are fighting the illegal move by GECOM to disenfranchise more than 25,000 persons.

While the PPP is carrying the heavy-lifting fighting for these persons, none of the other political parties seem interested in meaningfully joining the fight.

Where are the Ramkarrans, Shumans, Badals, Ruel Johnsons, Vishnu Bandoos, Fed-Up and their parties? Where are other stakeholders, such as the private sector commission, the trade unions, Transparency International, the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Bar Association, the Women’s Lawyers Association?

Where are the ABCE countries? Surely, this should be a joint fight to protect the integrity of Guyana’s Voters’ List.

Whether anyone likes Bharrat Jagdeo or the PPP or not, everyone should join them to fight for the integrity of the voters’ list. Today, the attack is against these 25,000 persons, tomorrow it might be each of us.

This fight is for Guyana’s democracy.

GECOM plans to remove more than 25,000 persons from the Voters’ List unless these people show up at a GECOM office to pick up their ID cards which they had previously not picked up. These persons, according to GECOM’s dictate, have 21 days to pick up their cards, failing which, their names will be removed from the voters’

list.

Justice (retd) Claudette Singh as Chair, and GECOM, must show Guyanese and the world the law that permits them to commit this egregious act- the law does not exist.

But APNU+AFC, the political party behind the move, and the GECOM Secretariat are unbothered by this blatant illegality.

No one in APNU+AFC or within GECOM questions the legitimacy of these persons being listed in the NRR and, therefore, no that these persons had legitimately registered.

In fact, Justice Claudette Singh insists these persons will retain their registration in the NRR. But this is a violation of the law - the voters list is obtained by extracting all names from the NRR of persons who are18-years-old as of a particular date.

For the March 2, 2020 elections, the cut-off date is December 31, 2019. There is no other requirement for the extraction of names. GECOM has no flexibility - they must extract every name of persons 18 at least years old, outside of dead persons.

At the time of registration, these persons personal data, including their then residency, were verified and scrutinized.

GECOM staff, accompanied by scrutinizers from the PPP and the PNC and other political parties, had verified these persons’ physical being and verified the presence of these persons at their addresses.

Notable in the present Claims and Objections conducted by GECOM no one has objected to any of these names. The only legitimate reasons to object to anyone are those described in the law, such as the person has died.

Not picking up one’s ID card is not remotely a reason described in the constitution or any law. The move by GECOM, supported by commissioners linked to APNU+AFC and by the Chair of GECOM, is, therefore, barefacedly disenfranchising voters, rigging the election.

There is no law that obligates a citizen collecting his National ID card from GECOM. There is a law that describes eligibility of persons who want to vote in an election in Guyana (Articles 59 and 159 of Guyana’s Constitution).

Nowhere in the constitution or in any law does it state that a person must have in his or her possession a National ID Card to register or vote.

The law does require someone to register and be on a voter’s list in order to vote, but he or she can use any

approved document as an ID, including a National ID Card, a passport or any other approved document.

In fact, in Guyana, the voter’s lists in possession of officials from GECOM contain photographs of individuals and, in all elections since 2001, provisions are in place for these folio pictures to be used whenever someone shows up without an ID card.

The High Court had already ruled in 2001 that the Voter’s ID Card is illegal.

The judge in that ruling was Justice Claudette Singh.

The parliament had voted unanimously to make it lawful for the use of a voter’s ID card for the 1997 elections, after the PNC had demanded there must be a voter’s ID card.

Subsequently, having lost the elections very badly, the PNC, through a surrogate named Ester Perreira, challenged the use of a voter’s ID card and Justice Claudette Singh ruled the law was unconstitutional.

Acknowledging the results of the election would not have changed, she still vitiated the 1997 elections and, therefore, the then PPP’s government was forced to schedule elections more than a year earlier than the full term.

In addition, Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George this year ruled that no one can be removed from the NRR, even if the person is resident somewhere else at present.

There are many reasons why persons did not pick up their ID cards. For some, they tried and could not and subsequently did not feel they needed the card, since there are other ways they can verify who they are.

From her FB page, Priya Manickchand admitted she never picked up her card. Is her name going to be removed from the voters list? I tried to pick up my card several times after 2008 and failed. I eventually picked it up after I was assisted by the then Chairman.

He had referred me to a senior officer who then assisted me. I have never used my ID card for anything, never used it to vote since I always used my passport. There are, in fact, thousands of Guyanese who have lost their ID cards and have not bothered to replace them. Are these persons going to lose their rights to vote?

The decision by GECOM is illegal, it is patently voter suppression and thousands of Guyanese will challenge them. What happens if someone, in fact, communicate they will not be able within the 21 days given to pick up their card, but give notice they will turn up to vote?

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Tuesday November 05, 2019

GECOM needs to be united on decisions DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to Mr. Persauds “How GECOM Secretariat was Constituted” (November 3) and letters (varied dates) and news reports on new house-to-house registration list (October 25). The process and laws on electoral lists need understanding and clarification.

Also, GECOM is too deeply divided in its operations.

Madame Chair (Claudette) Singh needs to take measures to instill faith and confidence in the election body and bring her commissioners together on the difficult issues.

From my own reading of the relevant laws and after speaking with legal luminaries, including former judges, GECOM may not be following the laws on continuous registration of Guyanese (ROG) and Commonwealth citizens, Preliminary List of Electors (PLE), Revised List of Electors (RLE), and Official List of Electors (OLE).

GECOM is setting itself to face court challenges by removing people from the PLE if they did not pick up their ID cards.Ditto for having a second list (that is being scrutinized) arising out of the house-to-house registration if those legitimate persons on this list are not included on the PLE. The H2H was not a completed process and thus cannot be used as a basis for PLE Every lawyer I spoke with said the laws make mention of only one PLE. But there is the PLE and the H2Hl that is being circulated for claims and objections; the latter was conducted in August and abruptly terminated by the

newly appointed Chair leaving out some 400K people, more than half the population.

Since there is a PLE, what is the purpose of the H2Hl? What will the latter be used for since the law does not cater for it? My own investigation of samples of names on H2H done at random at varied locations revealed duplicates and names at addresses where homeowners said no such persons lived there.

Even neighbours are unfamiliar with the names incorrect addresses or non-existent or wrong locations. In addition, I found that people living in legitimate addresses are not on the H2H. It is difficult to tell how inaccurate or flawed is the H2Hl. We know over 60% of Guyanese are not on the H2Hl. It also seems, based on my preliminary assessment, that a significant percentage (estimated 10% if not higher) of the names on H2Hl cant be verified.

Clearly, this is problematic.

GECOM should do a random sampling of verification of addresses on the list. Or failing that, the parties should be funded to carry out a verification process (with additional time given for scrutiny there is still a lot of time to prepare an OLE) as was done with the claims and objections).

The way election law is structured is: registration of Guyanese (and Commonwealth citizens) or preparation of a national list from which a PLE (extracted from the national registrar) is derived. The law does not cater for an incomplete H2Hl. The PLE is either a H2Hl or extracted from a national list or the list from the previous election is used as a basis of a PLE. There are

claims and objections that lead to a RLE and (after review) from it is derived the OLE for an election.

Although GECOM is headed by a former Chief Justice (Madame Claudette Singh) and has at least three lawyers, they should check with election law specialists that they are not breaking the law. Taking voters names off a list can be the subject of a court challenge that undoubtedly will succeed at the CCJ if not in Guyana. The Chair should point to the relevant sections of law that allows for an incomplete H2Hl and its relevance in light of very distinct law on PLE. When is the H2Hl going to be merged with the PLE? Will there be time for claims and objections of this new PLE that emerges?

It is also noted that GECOM is deeply divided on almost every single matter pertaining to the varied lists noted above.

The Chair frequently had to break a tie in partisan voting- she voted consistently with the government half of the commission.

There is deep lack of trust on both sides. People of repute and non-partisans I spoke with say that such a polarized body does not give much confidence in GECOM. The Chair needs to rise above partisanship and take independent objective positions not in violation of basic laws. She needs to bring all members of GECOM in unison pertaining to the H2Hl, PLE, RLE, and OLE especially in addressing questions raised on the H2H and on the removal of names of people who have not picked up their ID cards.

Vishnu Bisram (PhD)

If you keep telling a lie you may eventually...

From page 5 catastrophic blow against the feuding of patriotism in Guyana. Who wants to be a patriot after that?

Lincoln in his July 29, 2018 missive took note of the president penchant for praising his team when he wrote: “The ultimate responsibility for the performance of the Executive is the President, and as he expresses satisfaction with the performance of his team, continuous evaluation is being made by the man in the street who sees it differently.”

I would imagine that perception by Lewis of how the man in the street now sees it, should be worsened, given the shenanigans displayed by the Coalition in disrespecting the Constitutional provisions of the NCM since December 21st 2018.

I am inclined to think that the Coalition spilled their

winning beans when they inordinately and autocratically choose to hang on to power rather than adhere to the constitutional provisions of the NCM. So far, it is just the president speaking. His words:”we are confident that we are not winning by a oneseat majority; it will be a much larger majority.”

Grossly audacious.

This is reminiscent of a famous quote -”If you keep telling a lie you will eventually

believe it.”

I figure the president would like to be a victim of this fallacy.

The hard questions are not being asked of him but they will be asked as long as he avail himself. Will the president avail himself or will he just keep talking? I am contemplating the latter. I don’t anticipate a single press conference from him this election season - unless he can pick the journalists.

Rudolph Singh

Jagdeo is setting the...

From page 4 to work yet they continue to stretch out their long hands to receive.

Reference is often made to Karl Marx parasitical class.

Mr. Jagdeos behaviour as Leader of the Opposition shows his willingness and predatory instincts to benefit even from society’s downfall.

That is parasitic.

The National Assembly is out of recess and must be convened to give meaning to the CCJ ruling, the constitutionality of the election date, and ensuring government functions.

Lincoln Lewis

Tuesday November 05, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Removal of duty-free equipment‌

GRA closely monitors situation at Rusal The Kurubuka mine site area, Region 10.

GRAs Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia

Days after workers complained that the Russiancontrolled bauxite operations in the Upper Berbice area, Region 10, were shipping out equipment, it has come under the attention of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Last week, personnel from the tax collection agency descended on the Kurubuka mines area, staffers confirmed.

GRA s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia, disclosed yesterday that a team had indeed visited the area as part of the monitoring aspect of the authority. He said that a report is being prepared

and will likely advise GRA on the way forward.

The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) is controlled 90 percent by Rusal, one of the biggest bauxite companies in the world. Since coming here in the mid-2000s, it has been granted hundreds of millions of dollars of tax concessions on equipment and vehicles. It also has c o n c e s s i o ns on fuel importations.

The Russian company has racked up a history of run-ins with workers and the labour ministry over the years.

In addition to firing workers who were striking, the company has refused to turn up in Government-sanctioned

meetings.

Earlier this year, it fired 90 workers sparking a monthlong sit-in by workers.

The workers blocked the Berbice River in protest for weeks, forcing Government to step in.

Recently, the pay dispute

has arisen again, with talks stalled.

BCGI quietly started to move out a number of large equipment including graders and trucks.

Workers took photos and shared.

Minister of Natural

Resources, Raphael Trotman, disclosed that the relevant authorities like GRA are in the loop to determine if BCGI has breached th e c o n d i t i o n s under which the duty-free concessions were granted.

The company has refused to entertain talks of increase in pay for the period starting 2009, a sticking point for the employees and their union.

The situation has become tense again within recent weeks.

Over the years, the Russian owned company has declared continuous losses despite shipping out bauxite by the boatload. It has also not paid any dividends to the people of Guyana despite all the concessions on the fuel and equipment.

The situation has been an exasperating one for the governing coalition which has done little to force BCGI to improve the situation. BCGI has over 300 workers.

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

GAWU concerned about state assets being sold at ‘bottom prices’ After learning through newspaper ads that the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)-Special Purpose Unit (SPU) plans to sell state assets from the Skeldon Sugar Estate, the Guyana Agricultural a n d G e n e r a l Wo r k e r s ’ Union (GAWU) has expressed concerns about the assets being sold at ‘bottom prices’.

According to GAWU, the ad listed the sale of “what are deemed ‘unserviceable’ motor vehicles and motor cycles”.

Previously, NICIL-SPU had sold several other items that the sugar estates had placed in its hands.

Those included tractors, motorcycles and agricultural implements.

What was worrying howe v e r, t h e G AW U s a i d , was the low price range at which these assets were being sold.

“The assets disposed of could have obtained superior prices,” the Union asserted.

G AW U a l s o q u e s tioned whether the sale prices of the items represented the valuation that was carried out.

“We recall, concerns being raised about the sale of so-called scrap iron from the closed estates.

That sale, we understand, brought in a large sum and again it was felt that higher prices could have been obtained. In fact, our Union was made to understand, that one buyer managed who purchased the ‘scrap iron’ at the Wales factory made a hefty profit from the deal,” GAWU stated.

The Union pointed that it was assured by Government that the sale of sugar assets was above reproach and was transparent, but to date, this has not been done.

“Once again, the GAWU has called on Government to stay true to their commitment and ensure that the sale of the sugar assets is transparent and above reproach.”

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Prospective voters flock GECOM offices on last Claims day As of Sunday last, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had recorded 5,636 new registrants during the Claims period. However, that number could significantly spike, as persons were seen in long lines at several GECOM offices, trying to get their particulars sorted out before the day ended.

The Claims period is officially over.

GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, stated that, as of Sunday last, inclusive of the new registrants, the Secretariat had recorded 26,300 transactions. Those include 14,474 transfers, 2,639 changes/ corrections, 2,400 replacements, 651 photo retakes, and 500 objections. The Objections exercise will continue, according to a GECOM order, for another week, until November 11, 2019. An advert from the Secretariat states that objections can be made to the inclusion of a registrant on the list, provided that that person does not meet the eligibility requirements. It states that objections may only be made by an elector who is listed in the same divisional list in which the person being objected to is listed, or by accredited scrutineers of political parties, provided that any such scrutineer has moni-

GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward toring responsibilities for the division in which the persons being objected to are listed.

Moving forward, the public awaits a published list from GECOM of the names of thousands of persons whose names could be removed if they fail to verify their identities with the Secretariat. Those persons had not collected their identification cards since 2008 and did not make contact with the Secretariat

by any other means.

GECOM Chair, (retd) Justice Claudette Singh S.C., made a decision on October 28, last, to follow a process laid out in the National Registration Act, for the cancellation of those registrants. According to Commissioner Sase Gunraj, the last count he checked placed the number of persons at risk of having their names removed in excess of 25,000.

Commissioner Charles Corbin had said that the process will include publishing a list of the names, likely in newspapers, allowing those persons to claim their identities. If they fail to do so, their names will not be included on the Revised List of Electors (RLE) and, consequently, the Official List of Electors (OLE), indicated Corbin. He also said that the 21-day process will involve sending notices to the registrants addresses.

He was keen to note that, if persons fail to claim their identity, though their names will not be on the RLE, their names will not be removed from the National Register of Registrants (NRR). However, they will miss the opportunity to vote in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and persons aligned with the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) have condemned the move, on the grounds that it may be contravening the constitutional right of an eligible person to vote.

Justice Singh is expected to host a press conference on Friday to provide clarity, and to speak on other issues related to GECOMs preparations for elections.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Pre-contract costs are no chicken feed Guyanese are excited about first oil happening for Christmas. But they should remind themselves about the pre-contracts costs which have to be paid - that is, the costs of Exxon’s exploration prior to the signing of the contract on October 7, 2017.

Pre-contract costs for the period 1999 to 2015 have been tagged at US$460M. And from January 2016 to October 2017, it is estimated that the oil companies would have ratcheted up another US$400M in pre-contract costs. This means that even before oil production begins, Guyana has to repay to Exxon and its partners close to US$900M. Most Guyanese have dismissed these costs as incidental and insignificant relative to the oil revenues that Guyana will earn. They claim that the country will earn enough to pay off easily the pre-contract costs. And therefore they are not paying much attention to verifying these costs to ensure that Guyana is not overbilled.

US$900M is about three times what Guyana is expected to earn in 2020 from oil production. US$900M is a great deal of money, anyway you look at it.

It is not the sort of money which should be easily dismissed. With US$900M Guyana can construct three international airports, one for each of our three counties – Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo. In addition to that, it can build two more bridges each across the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and create a bridge link between Parika and Leguan. The country can

also develop another highway from Crabwood Creek to Georgetown and then to Timehri. All of these things can be done, with money left over, for less than US$900M. Kaieteur News has been like a voice crying out in the wilderness. It has been pointing out how the country has been shortchanged during the oil negotiations. The population is not saying anything.

People are so divided politically that many do not wish to admit what they know in their hearts: that the country’s got a 6 for a 9 in the negotiations.

People are more excited about how the oil revenues are going to be spent rather than addressing how much more the country could have been receiving. People are proposing things for the government to do without calculating how much the country will receive. This is called counting your eggs before they are hatched.

With 2% royalty and 75% cost recovery per annum without ring fencing, Guyana will not be overflowing with riches anytime soon. Some persons have said that the oil

riches will come after the first five years - that is from 2025, when oil production is expected to increase. But no one has asked what is likely to happen to oil prices within the next five years. There is no guarantee that with fracking and improvements in renewable energy the price of oil will stay as high as it is projected to do.

Oil don’t spoil is what Eric Williams once told Forbes Burnham. But oil runs out.

And Guyana’s oil is going to be exhausted within the next 40 years. This is not as long as people think, considering that Guyana gained independence 50 years ago, which seems like only yesterday.

So what is going to happen to our children and grandchildren when the oil is exhausted? The argument is that they will be well taken care of, because oil revenues are going to be placed in a sovereign wealth fund.

What this means in practice is that all of oil revenues cannot be spent during the next forty years. The government has to make provisions for the next 100 years, and therefore only a percentage

of that which is going into the sovereign wealth fund is going to be available for spending locally.

This is all the more reason why instead of staying silent, Guyanese should have been demanding a better deal from Exxon.

Guyanese will continue to live in hope and die in despair because they are divided, even on an issue which should have united them: ensuring a better deal for our children and their children.

They are so divided that our journalists are not even prepared to ask simple questions.

The President of Guyana was live on Kaieteur Radio last Friday and the one question which was not posed to him was whether the oil deal was signed behind his back.

Jan Mangal, a former adviser to the government, has publicly said that the President seemed surprised when he told him that an agreement had been signed. No journalist has had the courage to ask the President whether he approved of the deal before it was signed.

And if the media is divided that it cannot pose such a simple question, then what

hope is there that the government would be scrupulous in auditing pre-contract costs.

Just consider how much could have been done with US$900M and you will appreciate how important it is to ensure these costs are verified

PAGE 10

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A question for Mark Kirton, Aubrey Norton and Vincent Alexander Dr. Mark Kirton is the consultant to the APNU election campaign. Mark and I have been friends for more than forty years. He is a wellread academic. Aubrey Norton, Vincent Alexander and Kirton are possessed of

strong, analytical skills.

Norton sits in the PNC’s hierarchy and along with Kirton will be intimately involved in the shape of the PNC’s electoral energies.

Alexander, though not officially linked to the PNC’s

campaign bandwagon, will no doubt be sought out by every PNC bigwig on strategy.

My question to all three men is; using your profound knowledge of Guyanese politics, where in the entire territory of Guyana are the votes

for the AFC coming from in the 2020 contest?

Let us start with David Hinds’ revelation. David said that he, along with other WPA personnel, held a series of meeting in African districts and the distinct impression he got was that there are African Guyanese who will vote for APNU out of support for what the WPA stands for. In other words, WPA will bring in votes from WPA supporters and they are located in several African villagers.

Let’s look at Lenox Shuman. He is an Amerindian who formed a political party without the name Amerindian being in the title.

But everyone knows if his party contests next year, then most of his votes will come from the places in Guyana where Amerindians live and work.

Given our historical racial demarcations, Indians and Africans will vote for the two big ethnic edifices. I am asking these three gentlemen to educate me and the Guyanese people by providing us with their knowledge of electoral demographics.

Are there African Guyanese in the ten Regions that will cast a ballot for the AFC with the same mental attitude that David Hinds described? To repeat; Hinds wrote that there are Black Guyanese who are not PNC supporters but will vote for the united slate of APNU+AFC because they embrace what WPA stands for.

Wi l l t h e r e b e B l a c k Guyanese that will cast an X for APNU+AFC but will be doing so out of embrace for the AFC and not the PNC as in the scenario that David described? If the

answer is yes, where are these people located? In Georgetown that has a very large African electorate?

Will Linden go for the AFC as distinct from the PNC? Are Black villages in Berbice like Leeds, Liverpool, Ithaca, more inclined to vote for APNU+AFC because of the presence of the AFC? If the answer is yes, then why is the preference for the AFC that has an Indian leader and not the PNC? What attracts them to the AFC more than the PNC? I see nothing in 2019 that indicated a handsome return for APNU+AFC in 2020 because AfroGuyanese are equally divided in their loyalty to both parties in the coalition. My analytical take is that when Trotman and Ramjattan entered a huge battle for the presidential candidacy of the 2011 election and Trotman lost out, Afro-Guyanese perceived the AFC to be more Indian than multi-racial. In fact, exROAR activists had flocked to the AFC. And Indian businessmen literally financed the 2011 campaign.

From 2014, it was fair to say that because of the 2011 showing for the AFC in Berbice and in many Indian districts across Guyana, the AFC had solid backing of Indians. My question to Kirton, Norton and Alexander is; do Indian people still support the AFC? The 2015 station by station results released by GECOM tell an interesting s t o r y. N a g a m o o t o o a n d Ramjattan lost significantly in their home villages. In Indian areas

Frederick Kissoon throughout Guyana, the showing for the AFC had diminished substantially.

We cannot know if Linden and other African districts voted for the AFC, because APNU and AFC did not contest separately, but here is what the 2015 GECOM publication revealed. In all areas where Africans live, the APNU+AFC coalition did better than the PPP. In all areas where Indians live, APNU+AFC did not outpoll the PPP. What are we to make of the results of 2020? First internal surveys are being done by both PPP and PNC and they are keeping quiet on the results; none show a majority rule. These internal surveys show a big win for APNU in areas where African Guyanese live and victory for the PPP where Indians reside.

So the question that my three friends should answer in the configuration of things is; where does the AFC stand? How much electoral value will the AFC have in 2020? What percentage does my three friends give them in the overall totality of votes for APNU+AFC? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Guyana, regional bankers trained in risk and compliance at AML session Jamaica (Jamaica Observer)- In a recent training exercise carried out by the Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB), 19 participants from nine Caribbean jurisdictions became certified in a one-day training programme designed to

improve their understanding of risk and compliance.

The training exercise which took place on October 29 in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten had registrants including chief executive officers, chief financial officers, compliance heads,

and senior executives seeking to become enrolled in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) for Correspondent Banking Certificate Programme.

The programme was enabled by the Florida International Bankers

Association (FIBA) in partnership with the CAB Inc. In a release on Wednesday, it was stated that “the training initiative was the first manifestation of the recently-signed memorandum of understanding between CAB and FIBA, and formed part of the 46th annual CAB Conference.

Financial services professionals from Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Curacao, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname were involved”.

Correspondent banking and de-risking have been a major concern to the regional financial services sector for several years now and CAB said that its organisation has been working diligently to galvanise a harmonised response. The course which focused on the practical applications of the regulatory

requirements with a particular emphasis on nested accounts is one part of that response.

FIBA instructor Maria Jose Fox took the class through seven hours of history, regulatory expectations and understanding of the USA. Patriot Act, money transmitters and money service businesses, risk rating methodology, due diligence, transaction monitoring and case studies. Also supporting on the training day was Wayne Shah, senior vicepresident with responsibility for global financial institutions at Wells Fargo Bank. CAB CEO Wendy Delmar expressed her satisfaction with the level of participation and the information conveyed on a vital topic. “The practitioners here today were clearly very highly energised and engaged from the outset. The highly interactive course

offered practical knowledge that they can apply to their correspondent compliance programmes. The range of job functions, organisations, and territories that attended this session demonstrates how far-reaching and how important the issue of correspondent banking is to us in the wider Caribbean. It is incumbent upon us at CAB to continue wo r k i n g towards identifying opportunities and solutions,” she said.

The CAB is a community of banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean Region, which proactively influences issues impacting the financial services sector through advocacy, education and networking.

They represent 56 banks and financial institutions in the Caribbean with an asset base in excess of US$41 billion as at Dec 31, 2018.

M&CC warns citizens to brace for heavy rainfall, flooding The Mayor and Councillors of the City (M&CC) of Georgetown have issued an advisory, warning residents to brace for heavy rainfall and flooding. In the interim, the M&CC is doubling efforts to ensure that all of its sluices and pumps are fully functional. In a statement issued yesterday, City Engineer (ag) Kenson Boston noted that currently, the koker doors are closed due to the high tide, but will be opened between 11-12pm to facilitate the free flow of water off the lands. Boston has assured that the pumps are functioning to optimum to allow water to drain off the land. “The M&CC therefore calls on

citizens to be reminded that heavy rainfall may result in overtopping in low-lying areas including Albouystown, Alberttown, Riverview Ruimveldt and Lacytown.” “Since the City can only accommodate 2 inches of rainfall during normal high tide. Persons who live in these communities must take the necessary precautions to ensure that they secure their properties and other personal belongings,” the release added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ubraj Narine is imploring city dwellers to be responsible when disposing of waste.

“The Council is still faced with a serious problem where waste finds its way into the

drainage system. This in fact has helped to compromise the integrity of the drainage system and has contributed to overtopping in several communities. Over the past two months several Councillors have embarked on drainage projects to restore drainage in their respective communities, these areas include; Agricola, East Ruimveldt, Bourda, West La Penitence, F e s t i v a l C i t y, C a s t e l l o Housing Scheme and North Ruimveldt,” the release outlined.

The City Engineer has deployed a team to address blockages in several communities. Persons who have concerns can call 225-2218 or 2269977.

Thief held at victims workplace while seeking job A teenager was yesterday remanded to prison after he was charged and placed before the court for allegedly robbing a man of his cell phone and a sum of cash.

The 18-year-old defendant was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The teen who is said to be a labourer, of D Field Sophia, Georgetown, denied the charge which stated that on October 12, 2019, at Oronoque and Charlotte Streets,

Georgetown, armed with a knife, he robbed Kennedy Singh of a Samsung Galaxy phone valued at $35,000, and $25,000 cash.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris made objections to bail being granted to the defendant based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts.

He added that he also based his objections on the fact that a knife was used to commit the offence.

According to the facts of the charge, the youth approached the victim on a bi-

cycle and asked for directions.

After Singh directed him to Camp Street, the teen pulled out a knife and relieved Singh of his cell phone and the sum of cash, before making good his escape on a bicycle. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched.

The court heard that on Saturday last, (November 2), the defendant turned up at the said location seeking employment and was asked to return the following day to (Continued on page 22)

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Political will needed to improve mining laws

H

ead of the G u y a n a Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC) Newell Dennison believes that political will is lacking in the process of amending the mining laws.

Speaking to Kaieteur News about the status of mining law reform, Dennison noted that talks have been on the table for years now, but the work needed to achieve the goal has been lagging.

“While these things might seem simple they have been discussed for years now and what is required to change the law is not straightforward.

These matters must be discussed extensively and then taken to parliament before that change can actually take place,” Dennison said.

He was at the time responding to questions about reform as it relates particularly to provisions in

- GGMC Commissioner

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison the Mining Act, which is currently up for review.

Dennison said that “simply put, the political will must be there to change things before that change can actually take place.”

The Mining Act is currently up for revision to allow for better management of mineral resources. As the

principal law regulating the mining sector, the Mining Act details how mining exploration, development and production are to be conducted, setting out rules for the granting of licences.

According to the Act, the GGMC is the designated enforcer of the law and monitor of all the subsurface

GGMC refutes claim of officers burning shops at Quartz Stone Backdam

C

ommissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC) Newell Dennison is refuting claims that enforcement officers of GGMC are responsible for the burning and forceful destruction of shops at Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni Mazaruni, Region Seven.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Dennison addressed the criticisms levelled against GGMC officers for the enforcement exercise.

According to Dennison, GGMC officers “should not be blamed for the recent bust up” at Quartz Stone, CuyuniMazaruni, since the burning and destroying of people's property is not the modus operandi of the GGMC. He noted GGMC was notified that there are over 30 illegal shops operating at the landing. The shop owners were notified that they needed to remove the illegal structures.

“They were given time to remove. This was a demolition exercise. What we have seen so far are photographs of the burning litter that was left behind after the shops were removed. Not the actual shops being burnt.

GGMC is not in the business

of burning people's possessions,” Dennison affirmed.

Last month, mining and other enforcement officials descended on Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni, where they conducted a demolition exercise.

O ff i c i a l s s a i d t h a t notices for removal were issued by the authorities sometime ago, to no avail.

They were also advised to alternately move to the Quartz Landing.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) had denied being involved in that development stating that it “takes note of a recent post by a Facebook page identified as 'Anonymous – Guyana', seeking to link the Ministry and by extension, the Government of Guyana to alleged dismantling and burning of properties in Quartz Stone, Cuyuni Region 7.”

“The Ministry…takes this time to inform the general public that the MNR has no prior knowledge neither involvement in this activity and is baffled that the social media outlet would indicate such.

Notwithstanding this, the Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman has requested an urgent and detailed explanation from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission regarding its involvement in this operation.”

In its statement the Ministry went on to note that it “strongly advises against the issuing of such statements seeking impugn the standing of the Ministry and the Government of Guyana both of which are committed to working with the citizens of the country in the most peaceful way possible to achieve the visions for the natural resources sector.”

mineral rights owned by the State.

Dennison had explained previously that the issues associated with mining have attracted the GGMC's attention for years.

He told Kaieteur News that while a legislative change is a possible solution to the issue, it's not the only solution, and that the decision would have to wait on consultations with stakeholders.

He pointed out, for example, the issues associated with land reclamation.

Land reclamation is a process of decommissioning and revitalizing mined out areas, which requires that mine operators are essentially cleaning up after themselves by, inter alia,

replanting trees and opening blocked waterways to make the land useful again.

Land reclamation regulations have been in place since 2005.

According to the mining regulations which apply to all categories of mining; large, medium and small; 225(1) “subject to 271 (3), every holder of a mining licence, prospecting permit or mining permit shall lodge an environmental bond in Form 19 in the schedule thereof in favour of the commission, for an amount to be determined by the commission”.

If or when mining lands are abandoned, the GGMC would use the bond for mine reclamation.

The regulations state that miners have to lodge a fee of

$100,000 to the commission, a bond that is not enough to cover any environment.

As it stands, studies are being done to come up with a suitable figure of what should be lodged as the reclamation bond.

Dennison noted that for some time now, GGMC has been considering a possible increase in the fees for reclamation of lands which have been mined-out.

The GGMC Head said that the Ministry of Natural Resources has started the discussions and is in possession of drafting new regulations.

Over the last three years, GGMC has expended roughly around about $100 million to reclaim far sites at Linden, Mazaruni, Mahdia and other areas.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

La Penitence Market shootout‌

Accused duo jointly charged with attempted murder

By Trishan Craig

L

ashawn Lewis and Renard Caesar were yesterday jointly charged with attempted murder in relation to last month's shootout at La Penitence Market.

This was after Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers yesterday withdrew the individual charges against the men and asked that the joint charge be instituted. The new charge was read to the men and they were not required to plead to the offence as the charge was made indictable.

It is alleged that on October 5, last, at La Penitence, Georgetown, they discharged a loaded firearm at Teon Alleyne called 'Spoil Child' with intent to commit murder.

Lewis and Caesar are currently on remand, and appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Lewis is a 22year-old resident of Central Amelia's Ward, Linden, while Caesar is 23, and of S o u t h A m e l i a ' s Wa r d , Linden. They both are represented by attorney-atlaw Gordon Gilhuys.

Attorney Gilhuys yesterday renewed his bail application for both of his clients. Lewis is presently bedridden and is normally placed on a stretcher to be taken to the courtroom. The lawyer had told the court that Lewis is presently unable to walk as he was shot in the

vicinity of the spine and the bullet is still lodged there.

However, Prosecutor Jeffers objected to bail, based on the fact that there are witnesses that can place the defendants at the scene of the alleged crime.

The alleged victim, who made his first court appearance yesterday, was asked if he knew the motive behind the men attempting to kill him, and he claimed he was unaware.

Magistrate McLennan once again refused bail for the defendants, citing that she is still unclear as to the circumstances of the shooting.

The men were instructed to return to court on November 19. Police had stated that there was an ongoing issue between the alleged victim and the 'MOB family', a gang comprising persons from Linden and French Guiana.

On the day of the shooting, Alleyne was reportedly purchasing vegetables from La Penitence Market when the occupants of a black car drove up next to him.

Moments later, three persons exited, two of them allegedly being the defendants.

All carried firearms. Several rounds were discharged in Alleyne's direction, but the intended victim managed to seek refuge.

According to reports, when Alleyne got to a safe location, he returned fire, injuring Lewis. The attackers ran away, leaving the injured Lewis on the scene. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, admitted under police guard and later charged.

Kaieteur News had reported that Alleyne had moved to Georgetown to seek refuge from the MOB, but apparently he was followed by his assailants.

Renard Caesar

Lashawn Lewis

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday November 05, 2019

GGMC begins restructuring to handle oil and gas

T

he Guyana Geology and M i n e s Commission (GGMC) is being restructured to deal with the oil and gas industry.

Yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, met with the consultancy team for the restructuring of the commission.

The consultancy team is expected to thoroughly review the GGMC's operating procedures and structure.

According to the ministry, reviewing the commission's operating procedures, structure and functions is being done to ensure that the government agency is prepared and in line with international standards, as Guyana heads into a new era of an oil and gas-based economy.

Guyana is expected to start as early as next month to produce oil in a commercial quantity. The oil offshore is the light crude that is in high demand, setting the stage for huge profits for ExxonMobil and its partners.

With the opening of new areas for exploration and with Tullow recently announcing a find of its own in its offshore concessions, the pressure has been on for GGMC to adapt itself urgently. Yesterday, a government release said that Jamaica-based AZ

The meeting yesterday between Minister Raphael Trotman (seated at the head of the table) and the stakeholders.

Consultancy Firm, which was retained by the GGMC earlier in the year for the exercise, met at the commission's Brickdam office, to provide Trotman with an update and work plan.

“A general review of our operating procedures, our functions, our structure (is necessary) with the changing sector that we will be going into, I suppose the next decade the commission

(GGMC) has to do some c h a n g i n g , we have to reorganise ourselves and we have to make sure that we become efficient with resources that are available to us,” stated GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison.

According to Trotman, the GGMC has come under the spotlight in recent times.

The minister described the management and staff of the agency as hardworking.

However, he noted that

“there are always areas in which one could improve.”

“Today, they are to give a preliminary report of where things are. I know this agency has come in for quite a bit of scrutiny.

I be l i e v e t h a t t h e management and staff of the GGMC are hardworking, wanting to do their best for the country, not pretending that they know everything and getting everything right, and so, we believe that this

consultancy will help us to move forward,” Minister Trotman noted.

The first official report should be compiled and presented by December 31, 2019. GGMC is responsible for providing effective stewardship of the country's mineral resources by ensuring increased opportunities for development - exploration, documentation and extraction - and to promote

and support increased investment in the mining and mining related sectors.

The GGMC was created in 1979 from the Department of Geological Surveys and Mines which itself was the successor to the Geological Survey of British Guiana.

Currently, GGMC is divided into a number of sections: Geological Services, Mines, Environment, Petroleum and Land Management.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Crackdown on abuse of police vehicles…

Sirens must only be used in cases of emergency - adherence to speed limits, respective lanes a must… even while performing escort duties - Traffic Chief

P

olice ranks are being warned to stop the abuse of the force's vehicles.

This comes on the heels of a deadly smashup weeks ago involving a police car which left five dead.

On Saturday, Traffic Chief Linden Isles sounded the warning loudly at a special seminar held for drivers from the 10 regional divisions.

The ranks also included drivers from the Eve Leary headquarters, with the session taking place at the nearby Officers' Training Centre. According to the police, the seminar was in

The police car that was involved in the deadly Friendship accident a few weeks ago.

The Traffic Chief addressing participants during the special one-day training seminar for police drivers.

keeping with President David Granger's call for a thorough assessment of how the fatal accident occurred at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. The accident involved a police vehicle with siren and a private car.

Isles instructed the drivers that siren must be used only in cases of emergency and not for ordinary duties or simply traversing as “abuse may cause the public to become dismissive”.

It was pointed out that reports of police abusing sirens and forcing other drivers off the roadways are common. This, he said, must cease immediately, as

drivers of the Guyana Police Force are to adhere to speed limits and remain in their respective lane, even while performing escort duties.

Speed is the leading cause of road fatalities in the country, but still, police are always speeding, which the Traffic Chief attributed to lateness.

He reminded the drivers that they are required to report 15 minutes before the actual time of duty and in doing so, there would be no need for speed. In some exceptional cases, he advised that it is better to arrive late, than not at all.

“Police are not above the law,” he cautioned, “speed (continued on page 20)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Authorities block OAS talks disaster importation of Romaine preparedness management Lettuce over E.coli threat

T

he National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has advised importers of Romaine Lettuce of a temporary restriction on the

Teen found dead...

From page 3 observed that there was a wound to the left side of Francis' head. The body was then taken to the Lethem Public Hospital's mortuary to await a post mortem.

Regional Commander of Region 9, Keithon King, told this publication last evening that it is still unclear as to what actually transpired. He said that his ranks are currently in the area where the body was found, carrying out the necessary investigations.

commodity.

“The institute will not be issuing import permits and will be recalling all permits issued within the past three months for Romaine Lettuce owing to the outbreak of E.coli.”

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of warm-blooded organisms.

Most strains of E. coli are not harmful but are part of the healthful bacterial flora in the human gut. However, some types can cause illness in humans, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes vomiting.

“The restriction will be removed when Guyana is notified by the United States of America FDA that there is no threat to the Romaine Lettuce.”

The Organization of American States (OAS) Country Representative, Jean Ricot Dormeus, yesterday called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings.

The two officials discussed disaster preparedness management among other areas. Guyana has been an active participant in the Organization of American States since 1991. Presently, Guyana's Ambassador to Washington D.C., Dr. Riyad Insanally serves as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OAS.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Risk factors of poor hygiene highlighted at launch of Oral Health Month

D

id you know that poor oral hygiene does not only lead to bad breath, gingivitis or gum disease, but has been linked to more serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and fertility issues?

It is a fact that researchers have found the link between poor oral health and several noncommunicable diseases.

Their research has even pointed to ways in which people can practice proper oral hygiene and minimize the risk of such ailments.

Papers written on the subject outline that bacterium from the mouth can cause infection in other parts of the body when the immune system has been compromised by disease or medical treatments (e.g., infective endocarditis).

Systemic conditions and their treatment are also known to impact on oral health (e.g., reduced saliva flow, altered balance of oral microorganisms).

Periodontal disease has been associated with a number of systemic conditions. Though the biological interactions between oral conditions such as periodontal disease and other medical conditions are still not fully understood, it is clear that major chronic diseases – namely cancer and heart disease – share common risk factors with oral disease.

These risk factors were highlighted at the recent

Two witnesses testify in Norton...

From page 3 Weldaad Police Station to say that a car was being torched at the location. Upon arrival at the scene, the officials said that they came across a badly burnt vehicle.

A stench was emanating from the vehicle. On opening the trunk, the ranks came across the sight of a corpse, which had been burnt beyond recognition.

Crime Scene ranks from Georgetown also scoured the scene. They eventually assisted in placing the remains in a bag. The corpse was then taken to a funeral parlour where a post mortem will be conducted on the remains today and also DNA testing is likely to be carried out to determine the identity of the individual. It is suspected that the remains are those of Collin Rodney.

Paul Anthony Clarke, Manager CJDC launch of oral health month in Bartica Speaking at the event, P aul A nthony Clarke, Manager of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, (CJDC) expounded on the importance of good oral hygiene.

“We recognize that good oral health can lead to lifechanging benefits.

Oral health has been linked to general health …to be specific gum disease has been linked to coronary diseases adverse pregnancy outcomes and diabetes.

Research has shown that women with gum disease find it harder to conceive,” Clarke told a gathering of residents and students in Bartica.

He noted that the CJDC

is on a mission to spread awareness and help Guyanese across the region improve their dental care.

With assistance from Massy's Colgate Palmolive brand, the CJDC is visiting schools and neighbourhoods spreading the word and conducting dental drives to provide villages with dental screening, examinations, fillings, and cleaning.

“Good oral health is important for everybody and so during our procedures, we will engage parents and caregivers of children to adopt a conscious effort to maintain their dental health and the importance of cultivating good dental habits in their children,” Clarke said.

He added that one of the

aims of the programme is to improve the oral health of particularly those in the rural

communities.

“Everyone has an important role to play in

ensuring that the regions achieve more optimal oral health care,” Clarke added.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Berbice businessman exchanges gunfire with home-invading bandits - victim believes at least one injured Gordial 'Old Dog' Balram

The premises the gunmen targetted

N

eighbours were awakened to the piercing sound of gunshots just after midnight yesterday, when Gordial Balram called “Old Dog”, a 49-year-old Cambio Dealer, Rice Farmer and bus driver was the target of a brazen attack by bandits two masked men had

sledgehammered their way into his home at Lot 48 N u m b e r 6 9 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, Berbice.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene yesterday morning, one of the glass windows that enclosed the back porch was shattered, and just near the door to enter the house there

was a gigantic hole in the wall left by the men who smashed through the c o n c r e t e w i t h sledgehammers.

Still a bit shaken after the ordeal, the businessman managed to recount what took place while he was at home with his wife, daughter and two other children.

'Overloaded' minibus topples at Lethem

Balram told reporters that it was after midnight, while they were asleep in their respective rooms in the upper flat, that he heard a shattering sound (glass breaking) and shortly after there was a bashing on the wall.

“I heard hard sounds, glass breaking up...and knocking on the concrete wall, and when I come out of my room I was still hearing hard sounds. It had a hole on my wall from the back verandah, and they (bandits) come in and start fire shots,”

The verandah wall smashed in by the bandits Balram recalled.

He said that at that point he retreated to his bedroom, grabbed his licensed .32 pistol and returned to the hall, firing shots in the

intruders' direction. As bullets rained in the home between the perpetrators and the businessman, the man said they began shouting (continued on page 22)

Sirens must only be used in cases...

S

everal passengers on the way to Lethem, Region 9, on Saturday, are counting their lucky stars after the Route 94 minibus in which they were travelling toppled.

Passengers blamed overloading and speeding.

The incident reportedly happened about a mile away from Lethem, a town that borders with Brazil. No one was seriously injured.

From page 17 limits are erected throughout the country and force drivers must set the example for the public to follow.”

He emphasised that the seminar seeks to caution them about what is expected of them.

They all have a responsibility to safeguard the image of the force.

He also revealed that the force is currently developing new and advanced driving programmes to enhance ranks' skill in areas of remedial, tactical and escort driving.

Police drivers will operate as defensive drivers -

drivers who are found to be inadequate will be reassigned.

Taking control of the little things will prevent escalations, Isles explained.

He also spoke about the issue of traffic breaches being committed in view of police patrols and ranks on or off duty, where no action is being taken.

“I receive reports of 'blue lights' and we have patrols on the roads, they don't see 'blue lights'? That's a violation, you don't have to be a traffic rank or on duty to take action…”

Ranks who are culpable will be charged for neglect of

duty, he cautioned.

The Traffic Chief also reminded the drivers of the importance of using vehicle logbooks to record their movements when using the force's vehicles, and any defects to ensure adequate maintenance of the vehicle.

They were also informed of the administration's intention to create a best driver award for force drivers, as the incentive will help to motivate them to drive more responsibly.

Isles will soon be hosting a seminar with drivers of emergency vehicles to inform them of the new stance of the police force.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Govt. should say what it will do if Exxon overstated US$460M pre-contract costs Ram Government must tell the people how it will treat with ExxonMobil if it is found to be overstating its pre-contract costs, says Chartered Accountant and Attorney-atLaw Christopher Ram. There appears to be no procedure detailing how Government will respond if this turns out to be the case.

According to Ram, the pre2015 US$460M costs are already stated in the signed Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Exxons subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL). That means, he told Kaieteur News, that Government has effectively already agreed to pay the cost. And since that contract cant be revisited without Exxons consent, there seems to be no way to address any overstatements.

Kaieteur News posed the question to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. Both neglected to comment.

Ram had said, last year, that Exxons claim of US$460M is overstated by at least

Attorney-at-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram US$92M. He had challenged the Government to justify the figure it agreed to pay. His calculation found that all figures supplied by the companies, even when one allows for all expenses and expenditures, amount to a far cry from the US$460,237,918 that Exxon and its partners, Hess and CNOOC Nexen, are claiming. Even then, Rams assessment was generous. He had said that it is overstated by “at least” US$92M, because not all expenditure is recover-

able as pre-contract costs.

The PSA states that the pre-contract cost “shall include four hundred and sixty million, two hundred and thirty seven hundred thousand and nine hundred and eighteen United States Dollars (USS 460,237,918) in respect of all such costs incurred under the 1999 Petroleum Agreement prior to the year ended 2015, “and … such cost as incurred under the 1999 Petroleum between January 1, 2016 and effective date which shall be provided to the Minister on or before October 3, 2016 and such number agreed on or before April 30, 2017. For purposes of this paragraph, the term pre-contract cost includes contract costs, exploration costs, operating costs, service costs, and general and administrative costs and annual overhead charge as those terms are defined in the 1999 Petroleum agreement.”

GUYANA WILL NOT PAY OVERSTATED COSTS Earlier this year, Petroleum Advisor to the Government, Matthew Wilks, categorically stated that if oil companies rack up costs which are exor-

bitant and unjustifiable, Guyana will not be paying those costs, while noting that the power of the government is in cost recovery audits. He had said that this is the case whether it is for the controversial US$960M pre-contract costs and any costs going

forward.

He had added, “If anything is excessive and there is no good reason for it being done, it will be disallowed, and that is a risk to any operator. If an operator spends too much on gold plates or doesnt seek cost efficiency,

it might be spending its own money and not the governments because we will disallow it, pure and simple!”

US$960M PRE-CONTRACT COSTS International lawyer, (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Berbice businessman...

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From page 20 “put on the effin' light and dem start cuss up”.

Balram disclosed that with the brief exchange of gunfire, it is believed that one of the men may have been shot, since there was bloodstains on the verandah wall that was busted through. There were also drops of blood on the terrace floor leading to the step.

The men apparently abandoned their attempt to rob the businessman after they were shot at multiple times.

According to Balram, he sustained no injuries during the shootout, but his home was riddled with bullet holes on the wall inside. The businessman stated that when the men ran out of his yard, he noticed that they were joined by at least four others as they made good their escape via a muddy dam located opposite his home. The bandits, he said, were armed with “big and small guns and sledgehammer”. Balram said that the men made off with no loot, but the incident has left him and family fearful for their lives, since it brought back memories of a similar occurrence at his home in 2014, when armed men invaded his premises and opened gunfire, shooting his then 16-year-old son in his spine. The teen was left paralyzed from the waist down, and the attack was investigated as an attempted robbery - since nothing was stolen - but his daughter who was 18 at the time had related that when the men entered the home they had asked for her father.

Meanwhile, neighbours complained about the response by the police from the Springlands Station. They said that when gunshots were heard they immediately made attempts to contact the police at the said station, but “it (the phone) was not working”.

Balram said when the men left, he too tried to contact the police and was unsuccessful.

It was when a neighbour drove to the Springlands Station to report what had occurred that they were told that only one police rank was on duty. The police patrol vehicle eventually arrived nearly 30 minutes later after the rank at the inquiry desk had reportedly contacted the patrol.

Balram opined that if the police had responded promptly “they would have caught these men”. An officer at the station informed reporters that the phone line has been out of operation for over a week now.

In addition, Balram told reporters that he believes that he is qualified to have a shotgun to protect his family. He added that while he was approved for a .32 pistol over eight years ago, the process of applying for a shotgun has been disappointing. He stated that he applied twice within the last eight years but was not approved.

No-one has since been arrested, but all medical institutions were put on high alert in the event that the injured gunman tries to have his wound treated by medical professionals in the Region.

Govt. should say...

From page 11 Melinda Janki, was one of the first persons to note that the country is neckdeep in US$960M worth of pre-contract costs. During a panel discussion that was held on Guyanas oil contract with ExxonMobil at Moray House, Janki reminded that the country has to pay US$460M in pre-contract costs. This covers the period 1999 to 2015. But there is a second lot.

Janki noted that the contract specifically states that Guyana is to pay contract costs from January 2016 to when the deal was signed on

October 7, 2016.

The international lawyer had said, “The costs for the whole of 2016 were about US$583M and if you apportion it to October, you get roughly US$400M. Again, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has agreed for Guyana to pay this. As at October 7, 2016, Governments attempt to sell our oil costs us US$960M.” She had also said that there is no law that allows the Minister the authority to burden the nation with this cost, and that it is quite possible he acted illegally.

Thief held at victims workplace...

From page 21 start working. He was not aware that Singh worked at the same location. When Singh saw him the next day, he recognised his face and pointed him out to his colleagues as the person who had robbed him of his cell phone and cash.

The police were called in and the teen was arrested and taken into custody. He was later charged for the offence and put before the court.

After listening to the facts of the charge, Principal Magistrate Marcus remanded the defendant to prison and the matter was adjourned until November 18.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Bartica Regional Hospital undergoes partial upgrade in three years - Additional funds needed for complete modernisation Bartica Regional Hospital has undergone a partial upgrade in the last three years. Regional Health Officer (RHO) for Region Seven, Dr Edward Sagala told Kaieteur News that the process of modernising Region Seven’s premier health care facility has been slow and continuous.

According to the RHO, the hospital, which provides services to thousands in Region Seven and its surrounding environs, has seen critical upgrade in terms of machinery and staff for the various medical departments.

Dr Sagala said that within the past three years, the adult intensive care unit, the neonatal intensive care unit, operating theatre and the maternity and child care unit of the Bartica Hospital have seen upgrades.

Additionally, he noted that the hospital is now staffed with eight medical specialists including a General Surgeon, gynaecologist, obstetrician, pediatrician, anesthesiologist and dermatologist along with one radiographer and eleven general medical officers.

Dr Sagala said that the upgrade is vital, given that thousands of residents of Bartica and nearby communities, and even persons coming out of interior locations, access medical services at the hospital.

“We have in the short space of three years, seen upgrades. The hospital is staffed with over seventeen doctors, including a cardiologist and one radiographer. We have an operating theatre where we conduct all types of surger-

ies here.

We have a two-bed intensive care unit in which we have been able to save the lives of at least ten persons. We are now renovating the accident and emergency unit to cater for more persons. We have a new CT scanner, but we are waiting on engineer to come to finalise the procedure for it to be up and running.”

Additionally, Dr Sagala noted the hospital has a robust malaria unit which caters and treats patients from areas as far as Saxacalli, Itaballi, Imbaimadai, Jawalla, Kako, Kamarang, and Eteringbang in the Cuyuni.

The RHO noted, however, there is a lot more work to be done to achieve modernisation, but it requires funding.

“We are hoping to further upgrade the operating theatre in 2020. We need a new mortuary, because so far we can only store four bodies at a time, which is not sufficient for such a big region.

There is need for more renovation, especially in the area of record keeping, which remains a challenge for us. Our records need a better system; hopefully we can get it computerised by next year.

The Regional Health Services of the Ministry of Public Health has recognised the Bartica Hospital as a regional facility, since most of the requisite and specialist services including surgeries are conducted there.

Some US$3M was expected to be spent on the modernisation of the Bartica Regional Hospital -

RHO Dr. Edward Sagala points to critical equipment which is now part of the hospital’s ICU unit. the expansion of the existing building, along with the construction of a number of new structures in the compound.

Regional Chairman of Region Seven Gordon Bradford had explained that, “with the project onstream the RDC will now focus on creating community hospitals throughout the Region.” He said that the region is also working on enhancing the Kamarang District Hospital to reduce the number of

referrals to the GPHC. The expansion will see an additional operating theatre, expansion of the accident and emergency unit and the training of our healthcare providers in the region.

“It’s a big project and we hope that within the next three years it should be up and running,” Bradford explained.

The Regional Chairman also pointed to other developments within the region’s health sector.

40 Departments such as the hospital’s record keeping section currently need upgrading.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Impeachment testimony…

U.S. diplomat says she was told to tweet support for Trump WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. diplomats told lawmakers the State Department was being used for domestic political purposes under President Donald Trump and warned that would hurt American interests, according to transcripts released yesterday from Congress’ impeachment investigation.

Michael McKinley, a former top ad-

viser to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, told U.S. House of Representatives committees that injecting domestic politics weakened diplomacy.

“I feel that this is not the way we maintain the integrity of the work we do beyond our borders. We’re meant to project nonpartisanship overseas,” he said.

The transcripts were the

first released by the closeddoor inquiry by the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight panels. They painted a detailed picture of the distress felt by top U.S. diplomats as Trump allies tried to pressure Ukraine to launch investigations into the Republican president’s political rivals. McKinley said he quit his post after the State Department opted not to de-

Ukraine to fire prosecutor who discussed Bidens with Giuliani - source KIEV - (Reuters) - Ukraine plans to fire the prosecutor who led investigations into the firm where Joe Biden’s son served on the board, a central figure in the activity at the heart of impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald Trump, a source told Reuters.

Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani has acknowledged meeting the prosecutor, Kostiantyn Kulyk, to discuss accusations against the Bidens.

The decision to sideline someone who

played an important role in Giuliani’s efforts to find out damaging information about the Bidens comes as Ukraine has tried to avoid getting drawn into a partisan fight in Washington.

Trump’s Democratic opponents have launched impeachment proceedings, arguing that Trump abused his power by pressing Ukraine to investigate the Bidens to hurt the former vice president, front-runner to challenge him in the 2020 election.

fend then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch from attacks by Trump and his political allies.

He also cited his concern over “what appears to be the utilization of our ambassadors overseas to advance domestic political objectives,” McKinley told lawmakers.

Yovanovitch was abruptly recalled as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine after a smear campaign

by Trump allies. In her testimony, also released y e s t e r d a y, s h e s a i d t h e State Department was being “attacked and hollowed out from within” and that not rebuilding it would harm the United States.

“The harm will come when private interests circumvent professional diplomats for their own gain,” she said. “The harm will come when bad actors and countries beyond Ukraine see how easy it is to use

fiction and innuendo to manipulate our system.”

The Democratic-led House investigation is focused on a July 25 phone call in which Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to inv e s t i g a t e f o r m e r Vi c e President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic rival as Trump seeks re-election in November 2020.

The committees began releasing interview transcripts as they prepare for public hearings this month.

Yovanovitch, who was abruptly removed as ambassa d o r i n M a y, t e s t i fied on Oct. 11 that she felt threatened by Trump telling Zelenskiy on the call that she was +cked she would be repeatedly featured in a presidential phone call and that Trump would speak about her “or any ambassador in that way to a foreign counterpart.”

Trump has denied wrongdoing and accused Democrats of unfairly targeting him to reverse his surprise election victory in 2016.

Showing that concerns about the administration’s Ukraine activities arose long before the July call, Yovanovitch said she first learned in late 2018 that Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, had been involved with Ukraine when Ukrainian officials alerted her to the former New York mayor’s communications with a former Ukrainian prosecutor general.

Yovanovitch also said Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, had urged her to use Twitter to express support for Trump in order to save her job. “He said, you know, you need to go big or go home. You need to, you know, tweet out there that you support the president,” she said.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 05, 2019

Tuesday November 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Windies suffer setback with shock warm-up defeat Roston Chase … top-scored with 41.

LUCKNOW, India, CMC West Indies were dealt a heavy blow in their buildup to tomorrows opening OneDay International when they slumped to a shock fourwicket defeat to an Afghanistan XI in a one-day warm-up match here yesterday.

In their first and only preparation game before the limited overs series, West Indies batsmen yet again failed to produce anything of real worth after collapsing to 156 all out in the 39 overs, and then watched as the hosts chased down the modest target with over 15 overs to spare at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium.

Roston Chase was the foundation of the Windies effort with a top score of 41

Tuesday November 05, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You could be cleaning your house when you hear some wonderful news about money today. This could make your day.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today could be one of the happiest days you've had in a long time. Perhaps you'll spend it with a current or potential romantic partner, going to quaint places in your neighborhood..

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you could receive an unexpected sum of money. Perhaps a friend who owes you could repay the debt, or you could get an unexpected opportunity to earn a little extra on the side.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Love and romance blossom as a current or potential love partner comes on strong with passionate affection.

This person could have a lot to say that catches you by surprise.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Someone who may be something of a local celebrity might suddenly be attracted to you, although at this point neither one of you may be inclined to pursue it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you may be powerfully attracted to someone from a distant state or foreign country. The person may be highly educated and stimulating.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might be catapulted into the public eye in some way - and you won't be very comfortable there!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A wedding could take place.

It might be yours or it could be that of someone close to you. Whoever is getting married is very happy.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you might do some routine work, perhaps as a volunteer, with an interesting person whose company you enjoy. Lively conversations should make the day go faster.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A new love relationship could appear on the horizon, perhaps with someone as creative as you. This could cause some self-doubt, particularly about your appearance, but don't succumb to that.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some visitors could come to your home today, perhaps a couple with a child. You'll go through the place like a whirlwind and want everything to look just right.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A call from a close friend or love partner could bring good news today. You'll be so happy about it that you'll want to get word out to everyone you know. This could involve romance or it might concern a creative project of some kind, perhaps involving writing and speaking.

while former captain Jason Holder chipped in with 31 and Evin Lewis, 24.

Twenty-year-old seamer Naveen-ul-Haq (3-22) and 24year-old left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf (3-34) claimed three wickets apiece while pacer Gulbadin Naib supported with two for 34.

West Indies were in dire straits at 12 for three in the sixth over after Naveen knocked over Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King both without scoring, and opener Shai Hope perished for one one.

The left-handed Lewis tried to repair the damage in a 24-run fourth wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (20) but he was fourth out in the 11th over after striking four fours in a 35-ball knock, caught at the wicket off 21-year-old pacer Karim Janat.

When Naib removed Pooran and captain Kieron Pollard (3) in successive

overs, West Indies were tottering on 64 for six in the 18th over.

Chase and Holder then came together to provide the first sign of resistance, adding 47 for the seventh wicket to get West Indies past three figures.

Chase faced 52 balls and hit four fours while Holder belted a four and a six in a 43ball stay at the crease.

Naveen returned to break the stand when he bowled Chase in the 28th over and his dismissal signalled the end of all resistance as the last four wickets tumbled for 45 runs.

Needing early wickets in defence of a small total, uncapped fast bowler Romario Shepherd (3-16) wreaked havoc at the top, removing both openers Hazratullah Zazai (1) and Javed Ahmadi (9) cheaply as the hosts limped to 12 for two in the fourth over.

And once Ikram Alikhil

followed for one in the seventh over, the Afghanistan XI were up against it at 23 for three.

But they staged a daring recovery, Rahmat Shah hammering a top score of 47 off 76 balls with six fours in a 55run fourth w i c k e t s t a n d with Najibullah Zadran whose 44-run 40 included seven fours.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph accounted for Rahmat in the 21st over but even then, Zadran found an ally in Asghar Afghan, whose 33 not out off 35 balls helped him put on a crucial further 35 for the fifth wicket.

Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr, in his first appearance in maroon colours, broke the stand when he bowled Zadran in the 27th over. However, any last ditch hopes of a Windies win were dashed as Asghar and Mohammed Nabi (18) added 34 for the sixth wicket to erase any doubt over the result.

Scores: WEST INDIES 156 off 38.5 overs (Roston Chase 41, Jason Holder 31, Evin Lewis 24; Naveen-ul-Haq 3-22, Sharafuddin Ashraf 3-34, Gulbadin Naib 2-34).

AFGHANISTAN XI 160 for six off 34.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 47, Najibullah Zadran 40, Asghar Afghan 33; Romario Shepherd 3-16).

CarlosPetterson...

From page 29 Kares Strongman competition.

Before his turn, he was being prepped by his Coach, another strongman in Guyana, Big John Edwards, who never doubted his charges ability to wrest the title from his gym mate, this year; pointing out before the start that, “Carlos is in pristine condition and would obliterate the opposition.” Well, that he did and comfortably so.

For his efforts PettersonGriffith pocketed $150,000, Sinclair $125,000 and Wilson $100,000. The other six athletes each received $25,000, all compliments of Kares Crossfit.

Following are the events for the Strongman Competition: Event 1 Time Cap 2 Mins - 15 Sandbag Squats @ 150lb Max Rep Sandbag Thrown over 4ft Bar. Event 2 Yoke Race Time Cap 2 Mins - Carry Starting Weight -460lb 30ft - Then add on weight to Weight #2 560lb Carry for 30ft - Then add on weight to Weight #3 620lb Carry for 30ft.

Event 3 Top 5 Athletes 1 Minute- Max Reps - Car Deadlift - As many reps as possible within one minute.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Marriott hosts Inaugural Golf Tourney in honour of “Global Customer Appreciation Week” Marriott Hotels Georgetown kicked off Global Customer Appreciation Week 2019' with a magnificent new feature - a ‘funament’ at the Lusignan Golf Club on Sunday November 3, 2019.

“Global Customer Appreciation Week is always very special for us. It gives us the opportunity to personally thank our customers, and get engaged with them in lot of activities.” said General Manager Eduardo Reple.

He decided that instead of a traditional golf tournament, Marriott would combine fun and the game in a 9hole activity where loyal customers of the top hotel chain played alongside some of Guyana’s top golfers.

The activity led off at 8:00am with a sumptuous breakfast on the terrace overlooking the golf course and the traditional excellent service by Marriott’s Head Chef Awanish Joshi and staff was on full display.

All the players were given tokens to start the day and teams eagerly headed to the course to show off their skills.

The Marriott team ensured that players were hydrated and fed as they provided two

hospitality tents on the course.

Competition was keen and players gathered eagerly and were treated to Sangria’s as they returned to the clubhouse before sitting down to an elegant lunch, prepared by Head Chef Joshi and served by a team of cordial Marriott staff.

Though General Manager Eduardo Reple (4th place overall), Sales & Marketing Manager Sandra Bernal and Mario Moonsammy represented Marriott on the course, they did not partake in the prizes, thereby allowing their customers to enjoy the many rewards.

In First place, the team of Guillermo Escarraga (Macorp) and Ryan Ramjit (Repsol) scored 36/27 playing with determination and excellent shot making.Second place went to Mario Acuna (Macorp) teamed with Lee Ehmling (Exxon) with net 38/ 29.Third place was won on a count back after three teams tied with net 39/30

by Romel Bhagwandin (LGC Member) and Martin Joyce (GYSBI).

Nearest to Pin was won by

From left to right: Marriott’s GM Eduardo Reple, Christian Fazio, Aleem Hussain, Sandra Bernal, Mario Acuna, Mike Mangal,Lee Ehmling, Ryan Ramjit, Miguel Oviedo (accepting for Guillermo Escarraga),Romel Bhagwandin, Diana Chapman and Martin Joyce.

Aleem Hussain (LGC President) and most improved of the day by Mike Mangal (LGC Member) and Christian Fazio (InterOil).The winners walked away with trophies and prizes including overnight stays for two persons, lunches and dinners for two at Marriott’s Terra Mare restaurant overlooking the poolside and Atlantic Ocean.

“Our aim is to strengthen our relationships with our clients as they are the reason

for Marriotts success. This week provides us the opportunity to thank our guests personally by devoting the entire week towards this goal” said Mr. Reple. “We are investing heavily in Guyana and Guyanese and want to ensure that all citizens know that they have a great future with Marriott, not just in Guyana but worldwide.”

Mr. Reple thanked the members of the LGC and his entire team for making their

Several teams record victories in NSC Pinktober Secondary Schools Windball Cricket

first golfing event a success.

“Our involvement with Aleem and the Club is only the beginning and we look forward to a long-term partnership”.

The grand finale of the ‘Global Customer Appreciation Week’ will be held on Thursday night at 18:30 hrs with a cocktail reception.

Bad Lights ruins Open final at GSCL Inc PM T20 Cup The final of the Open category in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Prime Ministers T20 Cup 3 was heading for an exciting finish, but poor lights put an end to the contest on Sunday night at the Everest Cricket.

SVC Grill Masters were 67 without loss after seven overs, batting first against Regal All Stars when two of eight lights used went out and put a halt to the proceedings. Despite the efforts of the organisers, the lights didnt improve and the umpires called off the game. A decision will be made soon in relation to the outcome of the final.

Meanwhile in an invited comment, Prime Minster (ag) Khemraj Ramjattan said despite the challenges in the final, the tournament was a success. “The fact that more than 20 teams competed in a very sportsman like fashion and the standard was good. Playing this game is a healthy thing for Guyana, competitions that involved teams of the highest order certainly is going to take this country places and contribute to a more discipline and loving society.”

He said the competition augurs well for the tourism industry adding that its always good to see cricketers coming back and showcase their skills, stating that he learnt that they also did some charity work as well.

Regal won the Masters and Legends category earlier.

Fixtures released as Arthur ...

DOS Christopher Jones takes a photo op with Camille’s Academy.

Play in the National Sports Commission / AL Sport and Tour Promotions A. Munroe organised Annual Christmas Term Pinktober Secondary Schools Windball Cricket tournament continued with several teams recording victories at the National Gymnasium.

In the Male results - Queenstown Secondary made 733; Shawn Gomes 22, Samuel Thomas 18 and L. Woodford 12 were the top scorers. The Bishop’s High School responded with 76-1 to win with Tyrell Adams 44 and Aroop Muthu 22 leading the charge.Camille’s Academy rattled up 115 2 with Ranaldo Blair 52 (6s-6) and Kishon Chiraunsie 47; with Yohance Angoy taking 2-25 for Charlestown Government Secondary School who stumbled in their chase at 88-3. M. Halley

made 35 and Y. Angoy 25 as Nkosi Morris picked up 2-12.East Ruimveldt Secondary School 90-4 off their overs with Adrian Wharton 47 and Stanford Porter 12. The Bishops High replied with 97-2 to win thanks to Jonathan Van Lange 53, with Alex Budhai and Tyrell Adams scoring 12 runs apiece.

Camille’s Academy hit 95-1, Alex George 60, Jawell Smith 22. Queenstown Secondary responded with 97-2 for victory.

A. King scored 43 and S. Gomes 37 as M. Jairam took 2wkts.

In another result: Charlestown GSS scored 114-1 and limited Soesdyke Secondary to 87.

The females will be in action again tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6, while the males will play the following day, from 10:00am.

From page 31 successfully held tournament.

Arthur is hoping for many long time and new sponsors to lend support to keep this traditional tournament, which many of the clubs, ward and village teams and also many top flight players over the years, have participated and displayed their talent.

He expressed delight at the support he received over the years, but noted that things have been a bit slow so far with the start date approaching. However, he is hopeful that the sterling support of the many companies over the years will continue.

The opening salvo of games is as follows:

Starting from 4:00pm: Bourda Blues versus Durban Backlands, Charlestown vs.

Stanleytown, Gaza vs. Casa Coima FC, Timehri vs.

Bagotville, Agricola vs.

Wales, Goed Fortuin vs. Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke vs.

Plaisance and Den Amstel Kings vs. De Kinderen.

More matches will be played on November 17 and 24, with the quarters, semis, third place and final being played on Sunday, December 1.

The winning team will take home $200,000 and a trophy, while second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $100,000, $60,000 and $40,000 respectively.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Kares Strongman Competition Carlos Petterson-Griffith obliterates opposition to claim title

Julio Sinclair had to settle for second place.

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Carlos Petterson-Griffith was the man to beat at Sunday evenings Kares Strongman competition organised by the Guyana Fitness Games and held on the Tarmac at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Space Gym Member, multi talented sportsman who has shown his quality in the

power lifting and body building arena on Sunday night powered his way to the 2019 Kares Strongman Competition tile in a classy and destructive display of real power lifting.

Petterson-Griffith was ahead on the scorecards from the first event and never relinquished the advantage and clearly displayed intent to win from the onset as he was focused as can be, even ignor-

ing some of his fans who were hailing him up, during the events.

His strong focus and competitive spirit eventually delivered the big prize and in the process relegated the defending champion and teammate Julio Sinclair to the runner-up spot, the Guyanese duo keeping out their Surinamese competition.

Balansi Wilson and Anis Ade-Thomas, from the Dutch

Carlos Petterson-Griffith and Coach, ‘Big’ John Edwards.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

GHB Junior Indoor Hockey Championships

Sunshine Snacks, Farfan & Mendes and Simco Engineering sponsor event The sixth Annual Junior Indoor Hockey Championships hits off tomorrow and will conclude this Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) on Homestretch Avenue. More than 100 children are expected to participate in the five-day event in categories ranging from under-10 to under-21.

Simco Engineering Inc. is the sponsor for the Mixed Under-10.

The GCC Thunderbolts are the defending champions and will be challenged once again by last years runnersup Saints as well as the Underdogs, Panthers, YMCA Old Fort and Hikers.

The Under-13 Mixed competition is split into two groups with defending champions Saints Hockey Club

(SHC) Scalpels and runnersup SHC Scorchers both appearing in pool A. The GCC Eagles and Hikers round out the pool. Group B features the GCC Falcons along with the SHC Snipers and SHC Samurai.Farfan & Mendes Ltd are the sponsors of the boys and girls under-16 competitions. The girls division sees defending champions GBTI GCC Spartans take on SHC Supreme, SHC Sensations, YMCA Old Fort and the GCC Her-ricanes. The boys competition will see a battle among the GCC War Dogs, SHC shockwave, SHC Silencers, YMCA Old Fort and defending champions St Josephs Warriors.

The senior Division is sponsored once again by Sunshine Snacks and features

both girls and boys under21teams. YMCA Old Fort are the defending champions in the ladies division but will face tough opposition in the GBTI GCC Spartans and Saints. On the boys side, the GCC Pitbulls hope to retain their crown against Saints and YMCA Old Fort.

Matches begin at 17:00hrs each week day with the weekend matches beginning at 10:00hrs and 12:00hrs on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The Sunshine Snacks under-21 competitions and the Farfan & Mendes under-16 competitions will begin during the week and conclude on Sunday, while the Simco Engineering under-10 and the Sunshine Snacks under-13 will run off on Saturday.

Samuel Sooknandan andAmanda Grant..

From page 33 Omissi Williams and Kellon Reid outhustled the opposition in the Mens RX Team showdown to enhance their pockets with the top prize of $200,000. Anis Ade-Thomas and Mark was good enough for second and received $150,000, while the third place combo of Kelvin and Kishan Baul earned $100,000.

The fourth, fifth and sixth placed pairs of Paul Meusa/ Thurston Pearce, Joshua Dendeo/Clint Atmosoerodjo (Suriname), Randolph Leitch/ Timothy McAndrew were each presented with $50,000.

The top athlete in the Mens Masters segment was Masibma Williams ($50,000) followed by Leon Benjamin ($30,000), Beenie Persaud ($25,000), Satya Kishun ($10,000) and Paul ChesterJunis ($10,000) in that order.

The organisers, Guyana Fitness Games is expressing thanks to the following sponsors for making this years event another success: Kares Engineering, Kares Crossfit, Lotus Hardware, Lucozade, Icool Water, Mackeson, Berkenstock Guyana, The Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals, Fitness Express, Genesis Fitness Gym. The events contested in the various categories are as follows: Event 1 - Part A: Complete- Time cap 1 minute Deadlift Sprint 8-4-2-1 Scaled Women 95-135-155185: Scaled Men 135- 185225-275 Teams Women 135-155185-205: Teams Men 185-225275-315 Part B: Max REP Deadlift

Amanda Grant Scaled Female winner is all smiles as she is rewarded. in 1 minute Scaled Women 185: Scaled Men 275:Women RX: 205 Men RX 315 Event 2 Scaled MEN and Women - Complete - Time Cap 12 Minutes - 200 Single Skips - 21-15-9. Calorie Row; Thrusters 65lb/95lb Burpee Broad Jumps Event 2 Teams: Complete - Time Cap 12 Minutes 200 Double Under (Both Athletes must complete 200 each before moving on) 2115- 9 Calorie Row - Overhead Squat 65lb/95lb Burpee Broad Jump - *One team member must be holding their respective weighted barbell in the OH squat position for reps to count.

Event 3 Scaled Men: 25 Toes to Bar - OH Walking Lunge 45lbs Plate - 25 Barbell

Cleans 95lbs - OH Walking Lunge 45lbs PLATE - 50 Box Jumps 24 - OH Walking Lunge 45lbs Plate.

Event 3 Scaled Women: 50 Hanging Knee Raise - OH Walking Lunge 25lbs Plate 25 Barbell Cleans 65lbs - OH Walking Lunge 25lbs Plate 50 Box Jumps 20 - OH Walking Lunge 25lbs Plate.

Event 3 Teams: 55 Box Jumps (1 at a time) - Partner Carry - Must Alternate Partners 44 T2B (1 at a time) - Partner Carry - Must Alternate Partners - 33 Bag Cleans (1 at a time) 100lb/150lb - Partner Carry - Must Alternate Partners - 22 Bar Muscle ups (1 at a time) Women Chin Overs Partner Carry - Must Alternate Partners - 11 Snatches (1 at a time) 95lbs/135lb Run To Finish Line.

Under-10 players race for the ball.

Rugby World Cup: South Africa’s 2019 win is bigger than 1995 - Francois Pienaar BBC Sport - South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2019, a 32-12 triumph over England, eclipses the side’s success in 1995, according to former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.

Pienaar was presented with the William Webb Ellis Cup by president Nelson Mandela in an iconic moment in the nation’s post-apartheid history.

“This is bigger,” said Pienaar.

“It is a transformed team with 58 million people watching in South Africa, all races wearing green, which wouldn’t have happened in my time.”

In the apartheid era, during which black South Africans were barred from opportunities and public facilities by a political system of racial segregation, rugby was seen by many as the sport of the country’s minority white community.

The Springboks’ opportunities were limited by an international boycott of the country, with their opponents often supported by the black majority population in the few fixtures they did play.

However, their victory over England on Saturday, led by captain Siya Kolisi who grew up in poverty in a Port Elizabeth township, was greeted by scenes of jubilation across South African society.

“We had an incredible moment with Mr Mandela but just the support from the nation for this and team and captain,” added Pienaar.

“In South Africa we are tender. We have had bad leadership and our country needs to rebuild.

“They play together and it makes them a successful team and that is a beautiful story for life and for a

Kolisi (right) is South Africa’s first black Test captain. (Getty Images) country.“As a country, to be world champion, you all need to work together.”

Kolisi praise well deserved - Habana Former Springboks wing Bryan Habana, who helped South Africa achieve World Cup glory in 2007, paid tribute to Kolisi.

“I told people the whole week of Siya growing up,” he said. “He had some support, but he didn’t have great role models. He was sometimes worried about where his next meal was coming from.

“He just wanted to get through some nights knowing that he could go to school and get a jam sandwich that would see him through the day.

“Knowing Siya a little bit more personally than the av-

erage person and being part of his journey, it has been absolutely fantastic. He deserves everything that comes his way.”

Nationwide victory tour planned The World Cup-winning squad and coaches are due to arrive back in South Africa on a number of flights today and tomorrow.

Captain Kolisi, vice-captain Handre Pollard and head coach Rassie Erasmus will be among the first batch of squad members to arrive in Johannesburg today.

There are plans for a nationwide victory tour from Thursday to Sunday taking in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Soweto, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Three wins for GDF on...

From page 31 defeated Police Falcons in the final match of the day.

This tournament is being used by the GRFU to prepare players for the Goodwill series against French Guiana. The Goodwill series will run from December 13-15 and will feature Guyana scrumming with French Guiana in the under-16, under-19 and mens and womens open.

In February this year, Guyana hosted French Guiana for the first time in this Goodwill rugby exchange programme that was initiated in 2017. At the Police Sports ground, Guyana had won the boys under-17 and under-19 along with the mens open matches but the women open team lost to their French speaking counterparts.

Tuesday November 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GCB U-17 Female T20 Franchise

We are the Champions! GT Hitters with GCB’s Kavita Yadram after the washed-out finals at Everest yesterday.

Ebo dethroned as GT lift title after Final washed out

Naomi Barkoye collects her MVP of the tournament from Coach Clive Grimmond yesterday at Everest.

Yesterdays Guyana Cricket Boards U-17 Female T20 Cricket final between Georgetown Hitters and Lower Corentyne Thunders was washed out at Everest and by virtue of having a better net run rate, Hitters were named Champions.The final was scheduled for Everest from 10:00hrs yesterday but torrential overnight and morning rain put paid to any chance of play. Hitters dethroned last years winners Essequibo Hurricanes as they finished the preliminary

rounds with the most points.GT Hitters, East Coast Stars, Upper Corentyne Strikers, Lower Corentyne Thunders, West Demerara Heat, East Bank Warriors were the teams involved. The tournament was divided into two Groups with Group A comprising of Upper Corentyne Strikers, West Berbice, Georgetown Thunders and West Demerara Heat.Defending champions Essequibo Hurricanes were grouped with East Bank Demerara Warriors, East Coast Sixers and Lower

Corentyne Thunders in group BTwo matches were played on the same day at Everest in the City, Young Warriors in Canje Berbice and Lusignan on the East Coast. The first match started at 09:00hrs while the afternoon games commenced at 13:00hrs. The second annual tournament was held in collaboration with Social Services Office of the Childcare and Protection Agency, the Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission. (Sean Devers)

Fixtures released as Arthur seeks sponsors for Hammie Green Annual football This years 9-a-side InterWard Football Competition to commemorate the 85th Birth Anniversary of former Prime Minister and City Mayor Hamilton Green will kick off on Sunday with eight matches at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground, West Coast Demerara, venue for the tournament.

The annual event will feature teams from East Coast

Demerara, East Bank Demerara, Georgetown and West Berbice battling those from the host community for some $400,000 in prize money.

Co-ordinator of the tournament, former national football coach, Lennox Arthur indicated that he is looking for sponsors to come on board with this years event because their support is the key to a (Continued on page 28 )

Lennox Arthur

GRFU/Banks DIH Rugby Sevens Guyana Jaguars depart for the 2019 Three wins for GDF on Sunday Colonial Medical Super 50 Competition

The Guyana Jaguars squad before they departed for 2019 Super50.

Play between GDF (possession) and Police Falcons during the Banks DIH Sevens tournament on Sunday.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) won three matches when the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)/Banks DIH sponsored Rugby 7s tournament continued at the National Park Athletics Track on Sunday last, while Panthers won one.

GDF pipped Caribs 14-12 in the first match of the afternoon but still found energy to thump the developing Police Falcons side 195. The army men then staved off a strong challenge from Panthers to win 19-15. Panthers (Continued on page 30)

The Guyana Jaguars Cricket team departed Guyana at dawn yesterday to compete for the 2019 Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup title.

Playing in the Group B segment of the competition, their first match begins on Thursday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

The Guyana Jaguars feature the following players: 1.Tagenarine Chanderpaul

2.Chandrapaul Hemraj 3.Leon Johnson (Captain) 4. C h r i s t o p h e r Barnwell 5.Raymon Reifer 6.Anthony Bramble 7.Gudakesh Motie 8.Veerasammy Permaul 9.Clinton Pestano 10.Ronsford Beaton 11.Nial Smith 12.Jonathan Foo 13.Kemol Savory

14.Ramaal Lewis Esuan Crandon Head Coach Shivnarine Chanderpaul Assistant Coach Neil Barry Physiotherapist/ Strength & Conditioner According to the release from the Guyana Cricket Board, Romario Shepherd may return to the squad after West Indies ODI duties against Afghanistan.

PAGE 32

Tuesday November 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Terrence Ally National Open C/Ships

GDF retain Best Gym title as Crawford & Gibson adjudged Best Boxers Keevin Allicock was clinical in his destruction of Teusimar Peters before Referee Richard Braithwaite stopped the contest in the first round.

Andre Williams from the Antigua BA is flanked by Youth best boxer Mark Crawford (right) and Clairmont Gibson.

By Sean Devers Although not close to the 3,000 capacity of the National Gymnasium, Sunday nights crowd was the largest of the three nights of the Terrence Ally National Open Boxing Championships.

The raucous fans in the stands created a wonderful atmosphere as the GDF drums

rolled when a Boxer from the Army entered the ring and when the dust had settled GDF had won eight Gold Medals and retained their title as Best Gym.To crown another excellent tournament for the Soldiers, their Coach Terrence Pool was voted Best Coach, while GDFs Clairmont Gibson won the Lightweight

title and the Best Elite Boxer Award.Mark Crawford from the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) stopped Winston Pompey Warriors Boxing Gyms (WPWBG) Alex Butcher in the third round to take the Junior Welterweight title to be crowned Best Youth Boxer.

The fans, who were also entertained outside the Ring

Spinners stifle Windies in 53-run defeat NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC West Indies women were left facing a series decider in tomorrows final One-Day International after they muffed a tricky run chase to plunge to a 53-run loss in the second match at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here Sunday.

Chasing 191 under lights after Player-of-the-Match Punam Rauts 77 had marshalled the visitors innings, West Indies were stifled by Indias spin attack and crumbled for 138 in the 48th over, to leave the three-match series level at 1-1.

The hosts were making a fist of it at 78 for one at the half-way stage but declined swiftly, losing their last eight wickets for 60 runs, with opener Natasha McLean succumbing to injury in the 15th over and failing to return.

Shemaine Campbelle provided the main source of resistance with a top score of 39 while captain Stafanie Taylor got 20, but West Indies never quite found the momentum required to chase down their target.

India used their slow bowlers in the middle overs with telling effect as off-spinner Deepti Sharma (2-25), legspinner Poonam Yadav (2-26) and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2-27) all picked up two wickets to

hurt the run chase.

Raut had earlier set the tone for India, holding the innings together in knock requiring 128 deliveries and which included four fours.

Harmanpreet Kaur struck a breezy 52-ball 46 while captain Mithali Raj chipped in with 40 to engineer a recovery after the visitors found themselves slumping at 17 for two in the ninth over.

Fast bowler Aaliyah Alleyne (2-38) claimed Jemimah Rodrigues without scoring to a lofted drive to mid off in the third over before seamer Shabika Gajnabi got Priya Punia (5) to edge a slash behind in the ninth over.

However, Raut buckled down to post 66 for the second wicket with Raj before adding a further 93 for the third wicket with Kaur, before the innings stalled at the back end with both Raut and Kaur perishing in the space of seven deliveries with just two runs added.

West Indies endured a nervy start when Stacy-Ann King (6) was dropped twice before she had reached five, before finally missing a good length ball from seamer Shikha Pandey and losing her off stump in the fourth over.

McLean (15) pulled up lame after completing a run, leaving Campbelle and Tay-

lor to complete a second wicket stand eventually worth 68 and which put West Indies in command of the game.

Campbelle faced 90 balls and counted two fours while Taylor struck two fours in her 31-ball innings before missing a sweep at Poonam Yadav at the end of the 25th over and falling lbw.

Chedean Nation followed four overs later for six, slapping a short ball from Poonam Yadav to Deepti Sharma at cover and when left-hander Kyshona Knight edged a cut at Deepti Sharma and was caught at the wicket, West Indies were losing their way at 96 for four in the 31st over.

Sheneta Grimmond was unfortunate to be adjudged stumped off Gayakwad in the 32nd over for a first-ball duck but the key wicket was that of Campbelles, the righthander scooping a long hop from the same bowler to Raut at cover point in the 34th over.

Scores: INDIA WOMEN 191 for six off 50 overs (Punam Raut 77, Harmanpreet Kaur 46, Mithali Raj 40; Afy Fletcher 2-32, Aaliyah Alleyne 2-38).

WEST INDIES WOMEN 138 off 47.2 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 39, Stafanie Taylor 20; Deepti Sharma 2-25, Poonam Yadav 2-26).

by pulsating music from the Sound System, saw Guyanas most talented amateur pugilist 20-year-old Keevin Allicock, fighting out of the FYF Gym in Albouystown, beat GDFs Teusimar Peters.

Boxing for the first time since his return from the Pan Am Games in Peru, Allicock was clinical in his destruction of Peters with Referee Richard Braithwaite stepping in to stop the contest in 1:33 seconds of the first round.

The Caribbean Bantamweight Champion made light work of his opponent in their Featherweight Final.A lightning fast combination to the head sent Peters staggering across the Ring for a standing eightcount before a series of hard punches to the body resulted in a second 8-count of the round.The GDF boxer was never allowed to fire any meaningful shots and seemed scared to fight and the Referee rushed in to call a halt to proceedings. On a night packed with entertaining match-ups, US based 26-yearold Azeem Al Azeem of FYF was beaten by GDFs Jullius Kesney in the Bantamweight Final.The opening stanza produced lots of close range fighting and several clinches initiated by Kesney.

Both fighters scored with upper cuts to the mid-section as Al Azeem tried to dance out of range.In the second round Kesney was warned for hitting at the back of the head but caught Al Azeem with a three-punch combination which began with sharp left jab. Al Azeem was hurt and given an 8-count but retaliated with a wicked upper cut just before the bell and the crowd was on its feet.With the drummers in full cry and GDF fans screaming instructions to their man, both box-

Alisha Jackman (left) and her sister Abiola square off in the only female bout of the Card. ers went at each other with punches and counter punches to the body.

The holding tactic was used by the GDF boxer to good effect to tie his man up before they traded big shots but Kesney got the better of the late exchanges in the final round to take the fight.

Gibson started in a hurry and threw a flurry of punches in bunches in a fast paced fight with his GDF Gym mate Delroy Fordyce.Gibson, known for his show boating, dropped his guard and taunted Fordyce to hit him but when he tried to come forward some ferocious shots to his head and an overhand right stopped him in his tracks and fight was stopped in 35 second of round two as Gibson took the Lightweight title.

Boxing with a porous defence, Omar Sukhdeo got hit at will by Daren France in their Heavyweight final and was soon knocked out at 1:45 seconds of round two.

Policeman Dennis Thomas beat GDFs Markember Pierre in a slug fest in their Light Heavyweight bout, while Kevin McKenzie beat fellow GDF Cranston McAllister in the Welterweight final and Police boxer Dewani Lampkin failed to answer the bell for the second round in his Lightweight Final against GDFs Colin Lewis.In the other bouts of the night, Quincy Abrams of GDF beat FYFs Richard Subrattee in their Elite Flyweight final, while Kevin Hunte stopped his GDF Gym mate Anthonio Williams in the Super Heavyweight Final.

The lone female bout was an Exhibition contest between siblings Abiola and Alisha Jackman. This Card, the last for the year by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), will be used to select Guyanas team for the Caribbean Boxing Championships slated for Trinidad from December 4-9.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 05, 2019

PAGE 33

Kares Crossfit Fitness Expo

Samuel Sooknandan and Amanda Grant take Scaled male and female #1 accolades

The top three pairs in the Womens RX Team competition display their awards.

Mens RX Team champs, Omissi Williams and Kellon Reid being rewarded.

By Franklin Wilson On a night when every athlete walked away with cash prizes, obviously some more than others, the Fifth edition of the Kares Crossfit Fitness Expo organised by the Guyana Fitness Games was a resounding success.

The appreciative fans, supporters and followers of the sport and moreso the athletes left the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall satisfied that it was all worth the while as they witnessed the athletes displaying great heart, determination and a

never say die character as they battled each other in the Scaled (male and female), RX Team (male and female) and Mens Masters c o m p e t i t i o n s .

Amanda Grant emerged as the best female Scaled athlete of the competition

Deoram, Bovell slam centuries as WDCA Beacon Café 50-over continues

C

enturies from D e o r a m Chanderbir and Floyd Bovell highlighted the latest round of matches in the West Demerara Cricket Association Beacon Café 50over competition on Sunday last.

At Windsor Forest, Windsor Forest CC ‘A’ defeated Windsor Forest CC ‘B’ by 171 runs. Windsor Forest ‘A’ opted to bat and posted a 272 all out in 49.1 overs. Deoram Chanderbir slammed two fours and nine sixes in a fine 101, while Kishan Tracy made 51 with three fours and three sixes, Av i n a s h G a n e s h 3 2 , Yudhistir Parbhudin 23 and Deendyal Guyadeen 22.

Rajiv Kadernauth had 3 for 57 in 10 overs and Mohanram Chetram 3 for 58 in 10 overs.

Windsor Forest B were bowled out for 101 in 35 overs, in reply. Muneshwar Balgobin made 49 (2 x 4, 4 x 6) and Hemchand Bisnauth 14. Maniram Ragnauth claimed 4 for 9 in five overs, Deendyal Guyadeen 2 for 17 in nine overs and Abdullaah Wazidali 2 for 32 in two overs.

At Joe Vieira Park, Christ Ambassadors rattled up 322

Deoram Chanderbir all out in 37 overs. Floyld Bovell stroked eight fours and three sixes in a top score of 114, while Leon Andrews made 45 with five fours and one six. T. Carrington captured 3-43 and Jermin Ramroop captured 2-37.

In reply, La Grange made 226 all out; G. Singh made 70 with five fours and six sixes, while Ramroop scored 62 including five fours and five sixes. Chanderpaul Harrylall captured 4-10 and Leon Andrews 2-29.

Mc Gill Super Stars batted first at Okoo cricket ground and managed 151 all out in 40 overs. Sudesh

Floyd Bovell Persaud made 42 with five fours while Keshram Seyhodan made 24 (3×4, 1×6), Travis Persaud 21 (4×4) and Daniel Basdeo 18 (1×6, 1×4). Bisram Thomas bagged 5-35 off eight overs, Malcom Hubbard had 2-25 and Jamal Gomes 2-37.

Zeeburg responded with 151-3 in 29.5 overs.

Malcolm Hubbard struck three fours and two sixes in a top score of 48 not out, while Balbinder Shivpersaud made 36 with three fours and three sixes and Nick Mustapha 26.

Abdool Razack, Ganesh Puran and Seyhodan had one wicket each.

following a grueling battle amongst her peers; her pains didnt go without gain as she collected the first place prize of a whopping $150,000, gift voucher and hamper compliments of Massey.

Taking the second place was Quineta Walrond who received $100,000 with third placed Kimberly De Santos pocketing $75,000. Ruth Collins came in fourth and was rewarded with 50,000; Roneta Fordyce and Onika

Beckles who came fifth and sixth, walked away with $25,000 and $10,000, apiece.The top six places in the mens equivalent of the competition attracted similar cash prizes and went to Sooknandan, Christopher Henry, Masibma Williams, Odwin Yansen, Beenie Persaud and Satya Kishun.

Leon Benjamin who was tied for sixth with Kishun, Paul Chester-Junis (8th), Dukesh Persaud (9th) and Adrin

Adams (10th) all collected $10,000 each. Winning the $200,000 first place prize in the Womens RX Team competition was the duo of Semonica Duke and Latoya Roberts. Second place was taken by Tonnica Archer and Mellisa Stewart and they were presented with $150,000, while the third place pair of Sonya Inniss and Kesjia Abrigo received $100,000.The Linden duo of (Continued on page 30)

Ramlall century guides United XI to victory A fine century from Sunil Ramlall guided United XI to a 158-run win over Speed Boat XI when the Saints Premier League 20-over Ta p e b a l l c o m p e t i t i o n continued on Sunday last.

Batting first at Diamond, United XI piled 320-5 with Ramlall striking six fours and 15 sixes in an attacking 118, while Saif Ally made 40 with two fours and four sixes. In reply, Speed Boat XI were bowled out for 162.

Junior Phillips took three wickets. In another Group A clash, Diamond Gunners

defeated Red Bull XI by 10 wickets. Red Bull XI were skittled for 34 in six overs, batting first. Terrence English captured 3-20. Diamond Gunners responded with 34 without loss in 1.5 overs; Travis Fung scored 24 not out. In Group B action at D u r b a n P a r k , Te a m Corruption beat Eccles All Star by six wickets and four balls to spare. Eccles All Stars posted 290 all out, taking first strike. Keshan Persaud struck 162; Deonarine Seegobin grabbed 4-48 and Jared P e r s a u d 4 - 5 8 . Te a m

Team Corruption

Sunil Ramlall Corruption responded with 295-4 in 19.2 overs. Amir Persaud struck 81 and S. Liverpool 60.

Kares Strongman Competition

Carlos Petterson-Griffith obliterates opposition to claim title

rt o p S

Hail the Kares Strongest man!

Carlos Petterson-Griffith Deadlifting his way to victory.

GDF retain Best Gym title as Crawford & Gibson adjudged Best Boxers Terrence Ally National Open C/Ships

GDF retained their title winning eight Gold medals. (Sean Devers photo)

Samuel Sooknandan and Amanda Grant take Scaledmale and female #1 accolades Kares Crossfit Fitness Expo

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