Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 3
Kaieteur News
Disruptive behavior during President’s address…
I would have asked them to leave, or called the police to get them out if they refused- Former Speaker Sase Narain Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Sase Narain, said he would have sanctioned the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs) for their behavior inside the House during the President’s address last Thursday. Narain told Kaieteur News that he would have stopped the sitting and called a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, and the Leader of Government, Moses Nagamootoo, to warn them to desist from disrupting the President’s address. “I would warn them to stop. On Thursday, they should have been given a warning and if they didn’t comply then sanction them. That is what I would have done. They must show respect for the President whether you like him or not,” Narain stated. Asked about the level of sanction, the former Speaker said that he would have ejected them from the House. If they had refused to leave he would have called the police to evict them. The former Speaker is famously known for his decision to ban the late President
and PPP leader, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, from speaking in the National Assembly after he refused to apologize for throwing law books on the floor and for dislodging away the Speaker’s mace. Narain had also expelled PPP MP Ishak Bashir who threw a drinking glass at him. The glass had missed the Speaker. Narain stated that it is not for him to tell the current Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, how to manage the proceedings of the National Assembly. “It is not about the Speaker of the House, it is the dignity of the House that must be protec t e d a n d m a i n tained. Every Speaker has his own take on things, but Parliamentarians have a responsibility also. You can’t behave like that inside the National Assembly,” Narain maintained. The Government has roundly criticized the opposition members for their disruptive behavior which included waving placards and shouting which drowned out parts of the President’s presentation. Many believed that the Speaker should have intervened.
President David Granger delivering his address before a sea of placards Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said the behaviour of the opposition represented a significant departure from what is known as legitimate protest. “The occasion itself was not a proper forum to exhibit that kind of behaviour before your President and be-
fore all of those persons whom you invited into your house. “It’s like if you invite somebody into the home you try to show them the best, but when they come there you give them the latrine,” Harmon had stated. Prime Minister and First
Vice President, Moses Nagamootoo, said President Granger discharged his responsibility well by delivering his address despite the noise from the opposition. “I believe it is unprecedented…I have never seen political domestic terrorism introduced in the
House the way I saw it [Thursday] because it was to terrorize the President from continuing, hoping that he would stop and walk away,” Nagamootoo stated. The PPP/C has been unapologetic about what transpired during the sitting.
Civil society body mulls strategy to engage Govt. on child protection In light of the brutal rape/ murder of Berbice teen Leonard Archibald, the National Coordinating Coalition (NCC), a leading civil society body, recently met to strategize on how to better engage government on child protection issues. Archibald, 13, formerly of Overwinning Primary School, went missing on September 17, 2017 after leaving his brother’s Village, East Canje Berbice home with his sisters to attend a birthday party. His decomposing body was fished out of the Berbice River days after. Hilary Edwards and Obediah Christopher, who have been both charged with the teen’s murder, allegedly confessed to sodomizing him before dumping his body along with the bicycle the lad was riding over board. The NCC, which comprises 34 members from seven of the 10 Administrative Regions, is calling for affirmative action dealing with issues of neglect and abuse to be taken by key government agencies- the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Social Protection, and Ministry of Public Security. According to the NCC,
MURDER ACCUSED: Hillary Edwards, 29 and Obediah Christopher, 19 action must address the enforcement of Child Protection policies and to rectify the nonfunctioning aspect of inter-agency coordination that leads to breakdown in communication and ultimately poor responses to incidence of neglect and abuse. “Therefore the NCC proposes that civil society can be socially contracted to collaboratively implement other programmes similar to the Ministry of Education and
Childlink’s ‘TELL SCHEME”, which creates awareness for children on how to communicate being touched inappropriately and to provide training to relevant officers on how to respond and provide suitable support to families and victims of cases of child abuse and neglect,’ the NCC stated. In addition, the NCC is also advocating that the Ministry of Education gives permission for NGOs’ to work in
schools to provide counselling on child rights and abuse awareness. “It should be recognised that NGOs have for many years been playing an integral part in their communities addressing social issues with limited resources and yet have had many successes.” The NCC deems it critical to continue the dialogue on this issue; as too often horrifying stories like that of little Leonard come to light and fade away without any aggressive action being taken to address or prevent similar occurrences. Meanwhile, last month, the Ministry of Public Health, through Senior Psychologist Balagun Osunbiyi, announced that counselling will be provided to family members of the murdered teen. “As a result of the obvious trauma, the Public Health Ministry will be offering counselling for the family which will include the older children and the father, Walter Archibald, who is a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) employee and also a part-time fisherman,” Osunbiyi said. Osunbiyi revealed that the counselling package will include psycho-social and problem-solving skills, coping and
MURDERED: Leonard Archibald refusal. It was also noted that prior to Archibald’s death, residents were silent about sexual assaults in the village. According to Osunbiyi, villagers disclosed that while there are several known paedophiles roaming the Brothers, East Bank Berbice
community, and one of the individuals who was charged was “the worst” of the lot. The villagers have also revealed that this individual is believed to have sexually molested a dozen other young men in the community. As a consequence of this revelation, the Ministry of Public Health will also be undertaking sustained community-sensitization programmes to help familiarize residents with techniques to spot both perpetrators and victims of sexual assaults.” Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Oswald Pitt was dispatched to Berbice to investigate reports of numerous sexual attacks on other young men. ASP Pitt was also tasked with investigating reports that ranks failed to act on the complaints that came to them, the Guyana Police Force said.
PAGE 4
Kaieteur News
Monday November 06, 2017
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
PEOPLE ARE LIVID, BUT FOR WHAT! It seems that many Guyanese at home and in the diaspora are livid over the unilateral appointment of 84 yearold retired Justice James Patterson as the chairman of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by President Granger. While the leader of the opposition and some of its regional councils have declared war on the Granger administration, the AFC led by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and its Chairman and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan have fully supported the President’s decision. Whether it is due to cabinet solidarity or not, given the embodiment of the coalition government, one should not expect anything different from the AFC. That said, many believe that the wider-public has every right to be upset with the President because of his unorthodox and awkward style of governance. It seems that some members of the present administration are putting their interests ahead of the country. Many are prone to make costly mistakes because of their lack of experience and their refusal to listen to advisers or their inability to understand and comprehend issues. The question on the minds of many Guyanese is: Why would the President allow the leader of the opposition to submit three lists of 18 names when he knew that he would not accept any of the candidates because of his distrust of Jagdeo and his practice of politics? And why would the opposition leader believe that he could goad the President to choose a candidate when he knew it would not happen. While Mr. Jagdeo has made the age of the chairman an issue, yet he placed 82 year-old Norman McLean’s name at the top of his list. And it looks as though his memory is indeed failing him because Cheddi Jagan died in office at age 79, and his wife, Janet demitted office in 1999 and the same age. To mention the age of James Patterson is one thing, but to be hypocritical is being deceitful. Most Guyanese, including supporters of the PPP are aware that as President, Jagdeo has on most occasions acted in his own self-interest and those of his friends and relatives and not in the interest of the country or the people. One just has to look at the contract he gave to his friend to purchase the nation’s drugs, the secret financing of the Berbice Bridge and the Marriott Hotel, the giving away of the airwaves to his relatives, friends and his party, the parceling out of the nation’s best ocean front lands to himself and his PPP clique. Not to mention his reckless use of NICIL as a vehicle to squander the taxpayers’ money. There is another dimension to the President’s decision. He may have erred and should be criticized for his action, but the PPP should also be blamed for its inaction. But like everything else, our politicians have and continue to look for advice from foreigners, most of whom do not understand the political culture of Guyana. The truth is the Carter Formula is flawed and the PPP government had 23 years to correct it, but did nothing.This reminds us of the 1980 constitution which the PPP had relentlessly criticized for giving the president too much power. But while in office, the PPP government did absolutely nothing to reduce those powers. In fact, the Jagdeo/Ramotar regime used the constitution to their advantage. And no one is more contemptuous of the constitution and the laws of Guyana than Mrs. Janet Jagan who had tossed a writ issued by a judge over her shoulders. So for the opposition leader and his cabal to say that the unilateral appointment of GECOM chairman by the president is unconstitutional and that it threatened our democracy is foolhardy. Mr. Jagdeo should look at himself in the mirror and acknowledge that he was pathetic as president and should stop his race-bait politics. We are in a new era and the nation’s interests should take preference over his and his party.
Police doing random checks from Windsor Estate to Mocha Back Road DEAR EDITOR, So much has been written about the illegality of random checks done by police on vehicle owners yet this doesn’t seem to be in the training manuals at the police training schools. Or is it purely human nature to hassle others when you are in a position to do so? Two groups of police ranks seem to have found a safe zone aback of Providence; the road from the dump site via Winsor Estate to Mocha, to hassle vehicle owners for documents in the late evening. These guys have the most endearing approach. “Good evening sir, documents, please!” Upon collecting the documents, the next question is. “Whey you wukking?” If your answer is Ansa McAl, the next question is, Wha wuk you doing deh?”-all the while examining your documents. I figure their line of questioning is to decide how much
you should pay if your documents are not in order. These guys are not our ordinary traffic cops in white sleeves. They are cops with bullet proof vests and heavily armed--they are intimidating. If your documents are in order you can get an, “Enjoy the rest of the evening!” While your papers are handed back to you! If they (documents) are not, your ordeal has just begun. It begins like this,”Sir we have to take you to the Providence Police Station.”The infringement is then cited to you. Now you have to speak--not you, your pocket. They already know where you work so don’t offer a measly $500 or you are going to hear, “Are you trying to bribe the police?” You have to shoot (pay up) or risk being taken to the station for further booking. This is the service and protection we get from the police. Concerned Citizen
The trickery behind the three lists DEAR EDITOR, The Alliance for Change has already endorsed President David Granger’s decision to appoint retired Justice James Patterson to be the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The Party has also condemned the wild, inflammatory and indecorous statements made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and the People’s Progressive Party’s antinationalist plan to sabotage the country through noncooperation. One thing should be made clear here. When President David Granger rejected the three lists of six names of nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, he acted within his constitutional powers. But even more than that, he rejected the Jagdeo’s sinister political and racial overtures. When Jagdeo was accused of being an ideological racist, he hypocritically ran to the court for protection from slander. However, when we look at the composition of the lists of nominees that he proffered, it is clear what his intentions were. Of the first list, only
Christopher Ram could be singled out as not having close ties to the PPP. The point here is not which ethnicity should sit as GECOM Chair. Rather, it is about Jagdeo’s obsession and compulsion with reducing everything to racist categories. So in his willful simplicity, he attempted to get President Granger to choose Christopher Ram who is now offended because the President did not find him “fit and proper” and who by his own action now suggests that he is “unsuitable”. The second of Jagdeo’s intention was to get the president to appoint someone who was sympathetic to the PPP. The only person of African descent on that list was Professor James Rose who once appeared on PPP list of candidates. If President Granger went for race Jagdeo would have gotten his wish. Jagdeo has not got accustomed to the fact that the country has rejected him and the PPP. He is so possessed of “control freakism” that he still behaves as if he pulls the strings. Hiding behind the Carter formula, he deliberately and deceptively served up flawed
Opposition Leader, cohorts stoop to new low!! DEAR EDITOR, I must register my dismay over the behaviour of the opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and members of the Opposition in the hallowed walls of Guyana’s Parliament on Thursday, November 2, 2017. It was total disrespect to the president, Mr. David Granger, for Mr. Jagdeo and his cohorts to turn the august chambers into a place of intimidation! Their placards, loud shouts and crude banging on tables drowned out the President’s address! Mr. Jagdeo needs to act
more responsibly and set an example! It’s everyone’s right to protest but it’s the manner in which it was done that has, in my view, made him appear childish and utterly disrespectful! As the opposition leader, Jagdeo needs to be different! He should do well and to remember that he was once a president! I hope when his time comes to speak in Parliament, that he would stand bold, tall and unbreakable like President Granger, and take it like a man! Regards, Earl Hamilton
lists with the aim of tricking the President into appointing someone who would be racially and ideationally disposed to the PPP. Jagdeo’s third intention was purely political. This was to put the President in a position where he would reject all the lists. The PPP are well schooled in opposition politics. As a result, they had hoped to use the rejection of the lists to inflict blows on President Granger for stalling the electoral process. Had he had his own way, he would not have sent the third list. But his hands were tied. He did not want to carry the blame for stalling the process. He therefore sent a list with a former GECOM Chair and padded around him some persons whom he knew were “unsuitable” to the President. Still pursuing the aim of having a supporter selected, he thought that he had the president checkmate. He was wrong.
It would now seem that the President had made up his mind, after seeing the first list, that he would have none of Jagdeo’s deception. The choice of the learned Judge could not be willy-nilly. It seems to have been carefully thought out and executed. Jagdeo got what he deserved and the nation should see his intentions for what they truly are. He never had the national interest at heart. His intention was just to sabotage the electoral process and to disrupt the political climate. It is a dreadful thing to fall in the hands of Karma. Jagdeo and his PPP cabal sat for fifteen years hiding behind a constitution that the PPP demonstrated and agitated against since 1980. They quarreled with powers of the presidency in the Constitution. They knew that the Constitution made the President the final arbiter of who is “fit and proper” to be Continued on page 6
A MOST WORRYING ADMISSION DEAR EDITOR, The Kaieteur News article, ‘New GECOM Chairman misled President on CV’, on Friday, November 3, 2017, makes public a most worrying admission from the new GECOM Chairman, James Patterson. The new GECOM Chairman is already facing questions about his ability to act in an impartial way in heading the Elections Commission, as well as questions about his integrity. Integrity, according to President David Granger, is an important factor in deeming a person as “fit and proper” to be appointed as GECOM Chairman. So while, Mr. Patterson admits that he lied on his CV, does that not speak about his lack of integrity? Should he not resign as the
GECOM Chairman? Another newspaper on Friday, November 3, 2017, reported that Mr. Patterson has admitted to being friends with former PNC Leader, Desmond Hoyte. This second admission and the fact that Mr. Patterson was a pallbearer at a private PNC funeral ceremony for Mr. Hoyte, brings us back to the question about Mr. Patterson’s ability to act in an impartial manner. If Mr. Patterson remains in the post, more questions about why the APNU+AFC Government want him in that position will be raised. This situation does not bode well for the state of confidence in future electoral processes. Regards, Cedric Lord
Monday November 06, 2017
HOW CAN GOVERNMENT JUSTIFY THIS SPENDING? DEAR EDITOR, The spending of almost $20M on overseas trips by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, is a matter that comes on the heels of the Coalition Government dealings with the Guyana Teachers’ Union and other unions. The reports from the media say that Mr. Nagamootoo spent this money on cultural events and diaspora engagements, among others. How can the government justify this spending? What did Guyana get from Mr. Nagamootoo’s multimillion-dollar trips? The average Guyanese is already facing hardships as a result of actions taken by the APNU+AFC government,
which promised us better; and in the face of these hardships, we see how taxpayers’ monies are being used. The Prime Minister was in the front line talking about “fat cats” under the last government. What is he saying now? The Guyanese people deserve straight answers on this. Sincerely, Baldeo Mathura EDITOR’S NOTE: The government has answered the questions asked and addressed the statements made by way of an answer to a request to the National Assembly.
Undoing the Prefix in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, There is a Guyanese proverb, “Wha rain can’t full, dew can’t full.” It means, if it didn’t work, nothing else will make it happen. This proverb seems to be a reality in the Politics of Guyana. We have tried hard to unite the nation through various means but invariably, we have failed because of the divisive political adherents. On the part of the political arena, we have tried to unite this nation or not? We have to acknowledge, humbly, that humans are selfish beings and by all means, we will try to put forward an ideology that suits our own selfish interests. Last few weeks have proved that politicians can never unite this nation, who is supposed to uphold the slogan, “one people?” In the wake of political unrest in the nation, should
the church or religious body speak up? Should we prove the aforementioned proverb untrue? True religion will certainly care for the holistic growth of its believers, namely, body and spirit or temporal and spiritual. If the religion does not care for these two realities of the devotees, then the religions will fail in its teachings of justice and peace for every religion must promote justice and peace, which are two important attributes of God. The Catholic Social Teaching emphasises two important aspects, namely, life and dignity of human person and solidarity as one human family. Every Christian must uphold these aspects because we believe that God created humans in his image and likeness. If we try to divide the people based on
political ideologies or colour of skin, we certainly go against the teaching of Christianity by distorting the image and likeness of God. Are we subtly led by our leaders to distort the image and likeness of God? There is a fearful tendency among church people that politics is dirty game and this dirty game must not be played in the church. This causes one to stay away from any political issues in the nation. This tendency is the hot cake for the political leaders. Hence, on the one hand people remain cold towards political differences while on the other hand, politicians truly enjoy because it matches their way of life. In other words, politics is the opium of the masses. As long as this opium is ingested, politicians will keep Continued on page 6
Simply exercising a right DEAR EDITOR, Last Wednesday, the Opposition PPP/C and its members were out exercising their first amendment rights in peaceful protest. That protest was conducted first on the streets, then in a classic display in the parliament chambers itself. It was A People’s Protest. We, The People were showing this government of sorts, that we would not be bullied into acceptance of a blatant violation of our Constitution. We, The People are standing up for our rights, we are showing The Granger Government that bullyism and a disregard for the democratic norms that govern society would not be tolerated. Enough is enough, this nonsense must stop now! And I am glad that it was done before the watchful eyes of the international community, in the presence of the USA Ambassador in particular. Yes I am, they were the ones who “taught” us “natives” the democratic ways in showing dissent. Yes, we were doing what all right, sane thinking people would do in the face of the reckless handling of our hard fought freedoms; to enjoy a good and peaceful life under the law. And Mr Ambassador, there were no channa bombs, no shooting or looting, no killings. Georgetown was not a towering inferno as is the norm when The PNC have their so called protests. We had none of that! This is the point where you separate those who I will call “yard-fowls and vagrants” from
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
those who are simply exercising, the upstanding or upscale forms of protest. The International Community by verbal note needs to report to their respective jurisdictions the dignified way we carry out our business here. I rest my case. Now, I will pause here to address a few of the local spin doctors who saw this exercise as disrespect to The President! Oh please! Why throw the blame over on our side? Please address the issue at stake here, and don’t hide your head in the sand like an ostrich. President Granger has shown total disregard for Law and Order, he has thrown down all the established norms that govern society and you folks are blaming us for that? Pardon me, I would ask them to apportion blame where it rightfully belongs and condemn The President’s actions. Come on! We, The People have grown accustomed to “democracy” and the rule of law; these 23 years will not, and I repeat, will not, stand back and allow anyone to undermine those rights. So, The Granger Administration is having a serious problem on their hand and will continue to have the uphill task of stemming the democratic fervour that has been engraved in the psyche of this nation. Mr President, you have a very daunting task ahead of you, I wish you well. Respectfully submitted Neil Adams
Strategic management and planning are necessary for the police DEAR EDITOR, I read with great pleasure the training of members of the Guyana Police Force Strategic Management Unit which was recently conducted by the British Government. According to the media, this training is directly linked to the interim recommendations that Russell Combe, the Security Sector Reform, Advisor to the President, recently produced. It is part of a series of planned training activities which the British are looking to conduct over the next few months. At the opening ceremony, Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, and Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine made presentations. The training of the members of the SMU is a fit and proper thing to do as those who were selected to do the task must be given the appropriate training to perform at the highest level. The last Strategic Management Department which was disbanded by Commissioner, Seelall Persaud failed for diverse reasons, including the fact, that the police did not pay enough attention to the strategic management risks identified by Capita Symonds. I am not au fait with the finer points of the current Strategic Management Plan. However, it cannot be vastly different from the one submitted by Simon Reeves, Director of Capita Symonds to Khemraj Rai, Programme Coordinator, Citizen Security Programme during February 2011. In fact, media reports quoted the British High Commissioner as positing that there is nothing that Russell Combe has found which has not been seen in many of the other reports that have been done before. Capita Symonds advised the setting up of a Strategic Risk Management Plan to identify mitigating measures and monitor each risk’s ongoing relevance as well as identifying emerging risks. This was ignored. Some of the risks identified were: Alleged and perceived corruption within the GPF will adversely affect public trust and confidence in the police. Staff in the GPF may be resistant to the change so that the activities outlined in the Plan may not be achieved or will have to be delayed. New and emerging crimes will divert resources to tackle other activities not set out in the Plan; A decrease in the
economy of Guyana may increase the demands in the GPF, and at the same time mean that increasing the number of officers up the establishment may not be achievable. An increase in the economy of Guyana may increase the demands of the GPF which cannot be managed with existing resources. The skills and abilities of staff of the GPF will be insufficient to implement, or will delay, delivery of the Strategic Plan; Insufficient human resources will be made available to the GPF to implement the Strategic Plan. There may be implications for the nature and type of criminality in Guyana as a result of an increase of the population and/or an influx of non-Guyanese nationals. There will be an increase in legislation that brings about demands in the GPF. The MOHA does not have a Strategic Plan which gives overall directions to the GPF. There will be a lack of suitable equipment for officers of the GPF to meet new and emerging challenges (increase marine/air capacity, improved vehicles, etc). Managers of the GPF will not be equipped to deal with new and emerging challenges arising from modernisation. These risks were relevant in 2011. They are even more apposite today and in the future. They were not cast in Mazaruni granite. Difficult as they appear, they are surmountable. They must not be dashed under the “no action red carpet” if the current Strategic Management Plan is to be successful. The challenges faced by the GPF are many. They defy any one-shot solution. However, strategic management and strategic thinking are effective tools used by law enforcement officers to reduce crime and
the fear of crime. As the police play their strategic innings, they must be cognisant of some nagging and short of a good length deliveries identified as strategic risks alluded to above which they will encounter in their activities to score some strategic runs. The movers and shakers of the plan must ensure that information and understanding of the plan are communicated down to all levels, including the recruits and the various stakeholders. The Plan must not be seen as a Top Secret document to be locked away in a safe for the information of a very few. All must have a clear understanding and appreciation of where the police are, where they want to go and the methodology in place for them to achieve the various projected milestones. Organisational and personal changes will emerge. Therefore, much emphasis must not only be placed on the agents of change but also on the victims of change. The latter should be equipped with the necessary coping skills to deal with the changes. Despite the many challenges, the Strategic Management Unit if managed effectively will be successful. I am confident that with the input of Russell Combe, Paul Mathias, who has an excellent understanding of the operations of the GPF, and other police forces across the Caribbean, Andy Odell, Senior Superintendent, Andries Junior and the other facilitators, the police will be able to deliver a higher quality of service to the government and the citizens of Guyana who they swore to serve and protect. Yours faithfully Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Monday November 06, 2017
The fortunes in We must protect our children offshore banks DEAR EDITOR, According to a recent BBC report, huge sums of money are hidden away in offshore banks. This was exposed by a German newspaper which got its hands on millions of secret documents dubbed ‘Paradise Papers.’ Interestingly, a number of key individuals and celebrities are named in the papers as having substantial deposits in offshore banks in the Caribbean islands of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Interestingly, the private estate of Queen Elizabeth was also named in the leaked papers. The leaks came on the heels of a recent similar exposure dubbed the ‘Panama Papers’ which named several high ranking celebrities and politicians which included the wife of the Prime Minister of Iceland who was forced to resign after the information became public. According to conservative estimates, the amount of cash held in offshore banks globally ran in the trillions of
dollars and is equivalent to the combined GDP of Britain, France and Japan! These secret transactions are protected from taxes in their respective jurisdictions and even though they may not be illegal, it certainly raises some serious questions of morality especially when seen against the background of growing inequality and widespread poverty. According to the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, there are enough financial resources in the world to eliminate poverty but much of it is hidden in offshore banking, speculative capital markets, money laundering and capital flights not to mention the billions that are consumed annually to satisfy the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and the famous. Credit must be given to the international media, including the BBC, for the investigative role played in exposing these ‘secret’ financial transactions and putting them in the public domain. Hydar Ally
Undoing the Prefix in... From page 5 enjoying their freedom. In this nation, politicians have gotten freedom and the people have not yet enjoyed that kind of freedom. They still live under the colonisation of the elected few. This is the new way of colonisation. Just think for a moment, how many of the politicians truly care for the poor? How many political leaders have true concern for the poor who still live in logies and in the swamps? How many of our politicians have ever donated their fat salary to build a decent shelter for the poor? Catholic Social Teaching talks about care for the poor and their vulnerability. We don’t even know why our political leaders are in friction with each other. The day any leader fights for the care of the poor, our country has
truly seen a great leader. Our political situation must be everyone’s concern. We need begin with “Politics Matter”, hence, every religion, organisation, institution must speak up objectively by applying those teachings of Christ, life and dignity of human person and care for the poor and vulnerable. No politician should identify us as IndoGuyanese or Afro-Guyanese! The prefix must be erased and only suffix should matter to us because we are truly Guyanese and we are citizens of Guyana and not citizens of Indo or Afro- Guyanese. If we can organise our families, business and institutions so well, why not organise our own nation. After all, we make the nation; not one or two political leaders. Let us go and get it! Citizen
The trickery behind the... From page 4 selected for the GECOM Chair. They knew also, that the nominees who were offered by the Leader of Opposition had to be found “suitable” by the President. This meant that the President was never obligated to select from the list. In fact, it was the PPP who, sticking slavishly to the Carter formula, used their two-thirds majority in 1995 to amend the Constitution and inserted the “fit and proper” in Article 161. Jagdeo should stop his hypocrisy and his infantile whining. He got a “fit and proper reward” for his chicanery. Dillon Goring
DEAR EDITOR, The recent drowning of 50-year-old Gavin Moses and his 13-year-old niece, Yasha Prince, who died as a result of drowning while swimming at the Rockstone Fish Festival at approximately 16:30 hrs on Sunday, October 29 was a real tragedy that could have been avoided. The News Room reported: ‘’Moses along with other relatives hired a private boat to transport them to the Golden Beach, just minutes away from the main event area, to indulge in swimming. It was during this time, that the teenager and two cousins, including Thalia Clarke, experienced difficulty in navigating through the deep waters.’’ It’s important to note that this teen’s uncle hired a private boat to take them to the Golden Beach for swimming where they died. This teen’s parents, I will assume, went ahead of them or stayed behind. This uncle who died was very ignorant of the depths of the water and
he himself was not a proper swimmer so why put these kids to swim into an unknown river or creek of tremendous depths? It’s very sad of all these untimely deaths of very young people in our country by accidents and suicides and drowning. Yasha Prince could have been a next doctor or lawyer or a teacher but her life was snuffed out all because of a very ignorant and stupid uncle. I am calling on parents to avoid sending their children out on picnics with uncles, aunts, or family friends, unless they are present there. Then I see lots of accidents by speeding. Drunk-driving parents buy vehicles for their children to kill them before their time. I also believe all these resorts like Rockstone, Lake Mainstay, Splashmins, #63 Beach and even swimming pools should be well equipped with life guards on ground and with boats patrolling the waters with
surveillance cameras linked to an office where life guards can see a danger or we will have more drowning of this nature. I guess we are a very backward nation when it comes to technology but Minister Dominic Gaskin was correct to have these life guards in place or he should close these places that don’t meet the government requirements. I went to a few of these places. I discovered that the bottom of these creeks has sand that can wear away into constant depths or trap your feet like a sucksand. Below, it’s very dangerous for children and adults to swim there. It gets scary when the water level rises. I am calling on parents to be more protective of their children. I see little kids ride big bicycles to go buy goods at shops and many of them die by accident. There are too many irresponsible parents in our nation today who care less about their children. Today’s
youths are tomorrow’s leaders so we must protect them from dangers. Our teachers too and church leaders must be actively involved in protecting our children from dangers such as drinking, smoking, drugs, suicide, depression, and low self-esteem .Young people like adventure. Many will not even know how dangerous a simple lake or creek can be; even climbing trees or go biking. Youths are the back bone of the nation. They can change the future of the society with their wellbeing and academic achievements. I am calling on all parents, guardians and those responsible to protect our youths. Gandhi said,’’ We must become the change we want to see.’’ Let’s work together to transform the lives of our youths by watching over them daily by inculcating in them moral and spiritual values to be better citizens of our nation. Yours truly, Rev.Gideon Cecil
DEAR EDITOR, As crime evolves into its most heinous forms among us, it is incumbent upon President Granger to act decisively for the safety and protection of all Guyanese. It must be said, though, that whatever befalls us due to the foolish political choices we make, it serves us right. If we make ‘issues’, such as the death penalty, as the bases to choose our political leaders rather than ‘race’, then our standard of living will be much, much better. President Granger had proudly proclaimed, much to the glee of the criminals, that as a ‘Christian’, he opposes the Death Penalty. Such proclamations are symptomatic of a diseased mind of sorts exhibited by the vast majority of Christians. Every wishful thinking of theirs, no matter how contradictory it is to the teachings of Jesus, is ‘Christian’. According to them, the blood of Jesus is unconditionally for the gays, the rapists, the murderer and every conceivable pervert that is on the face of this earth! I had previously written advocating the death penalty (see KN August 16, 2016 ) but because of President Granger’s position, I must put him to the test to see if he is a true follower of Jesus (and the Bible). In the Old Testament, there is no doubt about the death penalty. The Commandments (Laws) given
to Moses lists all crimes deserving the death penalty. It includes intentional murder, rape, sodomy and a host of other vices (Deut. 21-24; Ex. 21, 22, 35; Lev. 20,24). The dispute arises with the New Testament and the ‘born again’ Christians. They zealously try to pass off Jesus as some sort of absolute Prince of Peace even though this position is contradicted by Jesus who described himself as a ‘bringer of the sword and not peace on earth’ (Matt. 10:34). Jesus himself had said in Matt. 5:17 that he was not here to destroy the Laws of the Old Testament but to fulfill those Laws. This meant that he was going to ‘breathe new life’ into the Laws by teaching ‘the true essence’ and principles of these Laws. The Jews had the habit of adhering to the strict letter of the Law, albeit as it suits their purpose. The Priesthood showed no understanding of ‘mercy’ or ‘justice’ but would simply apply the Law as long as it was to their advantage and it was usually the poor and helpless who felt the brunt of the Law. This was so in the case when the Jews were about to stone the woman for adultery. Jesus stopped them by saying that only he without sin must throw the first stone. He then wrote in the sand. Some Christians use this as proof that Jesus was against the Law (which was stoning to death for adultery)
even though this interpretation would contradict his previous word and the Bible as a whole. A more reasonable and contextual interpretation would be that Jesus was teaching them to be a little more ‘forgiving’, bearing in mind that they themselves were all notorious breakers of the Laws. What did Jesus write in the sand? It seemed that he wrote the names of all those
present and guilty of adultery yet wanting to stone the woman for the same crime. This was perhaps why when they came and looked at what he was writing, they walked quietly away. Among the many despicable names which Jesus called the Jews was an ‘evil and adulterous generation’ and chastised them for preaching and not practising what they Continued on page 7
Jesus for the Death Penality
The plight of a job hunter DEAR EDITOR, Some of us attend PLAY SCHOOL for 1-2 years, THEN to nursery school for 2 YEARS. We graduate and attend to PRIMARY SCHOOL for 6 years (We sit different examinations (MID TERM, END OF TERM, GRADES TWO, FOUR AND SIX ASSESSMENTS) THEN our parents look for a great secondary school for us. Some attend PRIVATE and some attend PUBLIC Institutions. Whereas some of us have to go in transformation class, some of us go to form one. We attend secondary school for 5-6 years, we sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). Our parents and teachers work really hard with us to achieve good grades and receive great awards in the end. However, some of us have great plans to further their studies at
PROFESSIONAL places, because their parents have enough funds to help them, while some of us have to stay home (until our parents get funds for us to further our studies and achieve great thing in life). With the grades that have been achieved in high school, we try and apply for jobs (so that we can earn some cash to help our parents to pay for our studies). We understand that businesses need persons with EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATIONS so the business can keep flowing. The only business that doesn’t need anyone with experience is business with low reputation so how can we go and get a next to nothing job when you have a lot of education? But if businesses don’t give us a shot at employment, how can we get experience to do the jobs? Concerned job hunter
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Protests against The Circle of Corruption in Region 10 GECOM Chairman are emotional DEAR EDITOR, The Canadian Chapter of the People National Congress Reform (PNCR) operating out of central Toronto, hereby gives our wholehearted and united support to President David Granger in his selection of Justice Patterson for the post of Chairman of GECOM. The P r e s i d e n t ’s decisive action to fill the GECOM position was fit, proper and lawfully done by the authority vested in him under the constitution. We noticed that opposing forces in Guyana were displeased with the President’s decision, but we quickly recognized that the opposing forces were being emotional and not basing their reactions on facts. However, the fact is that the Canadian and our related American Chapters of the PNCR wish to share the following valuable information with the Guyanese public. The constitution actually predicted the exact scenario if a President was faced with having to make a unilateral decision to pick a GECOM Chairman. The constitution totally allows the President to select his own appointee as GECOM chairman if he disagreed with the people recommended for the position. It was made clear when a letter from another PNCR North American Chapter pointed out that there is nothing in the constitution preventing a future
opposition leader from submitting list after list of only murderers and bank robbers to be nominated as GECOM Chairman. As our sister PNCR Chapter pointed out, what if the constitution demanded that the President had to only select someone from the list? That would mean that a future GECOM Chairman could be a murderer or bank robber or worse. F o r t u n a t e l y, the constitution does not demand that the President choose exclusively from a list submitted to him. Because of that, we can all be assured that Guyana will never have a murderer, b a n k r o b b e r, e t c , a s a GECOM Chairman. So, in the end there is no blame to pass around to any politician in any party, because it is the constitution that has set the laws. Anger, displeasure and protest will not solve it. The GECOM Chairman appointment stands and the constitution will outlive us all, just to protect us all. I will suggest that the entire country should be consulted in a referendum for majority approval of the people before any politician brings new ink to scribe on that sacred paper that protects our nation. Sincerely, Alan Zaakir Organizer of the PNCR Central Toronto Chapter
Is this community at the mercy of a land grabber? DEAR EDITOR, The Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs has once again disappointed the villagers of Parikwaranau in South-Central Rupununi. The Minister was scheduled to visit the village on Saturday, 21st October for a meeting with villagers to address a land issue where a Rancher had fenced off a portion of Parikwaranau’s Village lands claiming ownership. But while the villagers were prepared to meet Minister Sydney Allicock, he never showed on the claim that he learnt that the village would be taking legal action on their land issue. The villagers were disappointed and it is being alleged that the Minister may not be competent to deal with Indigenous peoples affairs. But it is my humble
opinion that even though the Minister has learnt that the village would be taking litigation on their land issue whether true or false, he still should have visited the village as matter of interest to see if he can bring resolution to the land issue as the responsible Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs because the villagers were prepared to meet with him. Parikwaranau Village, it seems, is now on its own where its land issue is concerned. But is this reason why it has been alleged by Amerindian villagers that Minister Allicock is only providing greater focus on the Annai District? The National Toshao Council (NTC) needs to take note and act. Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud
DEAR EDITOR, There is a circle of corruption which seems to be the order of the day at the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 and it seems like the hit squad is becoming more relentless in pursuit of dollars. One would think that a council under the leadership of a “Pastor” would be led with righteousness and corruption would be the number one enemy. It is however quite the opposite and is undoubtedly the best friend of the council in a relationship which is growing stronger day by day, budget by budget, procurement by procurement, contracts by contracts. Pastors should know that the Bible says “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” They are to have “no part” or take no part in it,
meaning not even a little, or tiny part. Having “no part” means avoiding the “works of darkness” altogether, and that means avoiding those who do them. In fact, we’re told to expose them, because whoever breaks man’s laws, also breaks God’s laws, and if you break God’s laws, in time, they’ll break you (and me) too. But I’m not sure if several of the leaders who are active in the church read the scripture well or if they selectively do so for Sunday’s purpose. These people are giving Christianity a bad name. The Pastor is the head of the Hit Squad that targets the regional coffers and he has been chair of the procurement body which is only seeing Pastors as suitable contractors for the big money contracts in the region.
Just see the list of contractors on file qualified for works in the region as set out by the Hit Squad. The councillors who oppose this circle get castigated and ridiculed even by “Mori” who claimed he is the Boss of the town when there is a sitting Mayor. I sat in meetings upon meeting with this man and all he does is fight for power and control. He dabbles from ridiculing the President and Ministers of the government stating he got better access to PPP executives, to instructing the EO to award contracts to selective persons. This circle includes a known drug lord in Linden who was recently the cause of several persons losing their space at LEN and now it seems like Mori and Samo in the man pocket and pushing the RDC to give the man
contract for garbage collection. We opposed it at the council but how impacting that can be when you are not part of the squad. Now I understand that the “Lard” is now wreaking havoc over the other side at the town council and wants to wash his dirty laundry with a garbage contract. The PNC needs to look at its chosen representatives, the people of Linden need to know what’s going on, the church needs to be aware of the culprits, the government needs to know that the budget which it passed for Linden is not felt by the community due to the circle of corruption and finally the people must know what goes on at the RDC. Let’s Break the Circle of Corruption. Sincerely, Regional Councillor
Jesus for the Death Penality From page 6 preached and making the Law burdensome on the common man ( Matt. 16: 4, 23-4) There is no clear teaching in the New Testament for Jesus to say that the death penalty was abrogated. The aforementioned incident and when Jesus urged the turning of the other cheek is perhaps the closest it comes to saying that Jesus had abrogated the Laws of Moses. This is a clear misinterpretation of convenience used by the missionaries to sell Christianity. The contextual interpretations and a proper analysis of ALL of Jesus’s teachings does not support this but rather that he wanted to teach the Jews about the way God intended the Law to be applied, which was, that the Law must be tempered with mercy and forgiveness as it warrants. The Catholics introduced the ‘prison’ system. Their theory was that a criminal in jail would use that time to ‘reflect’ on his crime and be ‘sorry’. He would then emerge as a ‘changed’ person, ready to contribute positively to society. Practically, nothing of the sort happens. Perhaps for every success at reformation, there are maybe a hundred failures. Criminals generally came out of the system more ‘hardened’ and graduate to more serious crimes. In almost all cases, especially in those of unintentional murder due to anger, etc., a criminal is usually ‘repentant’ immediately after the commission of his crime. By
the Catholic theory, he should be freed at this point, since he is already repentant. In fact, if he is allowed to pay compensation to the victim’s family, as is permissible by the Bible, it is almost certain that he will thenceforth be a more productive citizen. By sentencing him (or the career criminal) to prison, that immediate feeling of remorse will soon turn into depression and hopelessness, leaving the criminal no choice but to
burn down the prison. Why risk the safety of society because of some whimsical theory? It ought to be a matter of common sense that the Giver of life has the right to ordain whether or not that life can be taken (by man) and under what circumstances it may be taken. God has done so in the Bible. To say such things as ‘life is sacred and should not be taken’ is to make oneself ‘holier’ than God.
President Granger will do well to bear in mind that the Jews wanted to stone Jesus because of Himself, ‘being a man who made Himself to be God’ (Jn. 10:33). He will also do well to remember that Mr. Hoyte proved that the Death Penalty changes things. And so when the precedent is clear, why must our politicians debate at the behest of outsiders while innocent lives are being lost? Sheik Mustapha
A case of disrespect DEAR EDITOR, The leaders of our country are a disgrace to us. I was watching the President address to Parliament and indeed the world was watching (one can watch it anywhere around the world), and I could not believe my eyes and ears. In the presence of members of the Diplomatic Corps and other dignitaries, the Leader of the Opposition and his merry-men embarrassed us all. How low can these people get? Their antics must be condemned by all fair minded Guyanese. How can you show so much disrespect to the President of a country? Even if you do not subscribe to his policy or his government, common human decency demands that we give due respect to the President when he speaks. The action of the PPP parliamentarian is shameful and must not be condoned. Take a page out of the US Congress. When the
President addresses that body, they all sit and listen, sometimes standing, clapping and acknowledging what the President says. Why have we descended to the gutter in Guyana? The PPP parliamentarians did not have to show up in parliament to hear the President’s address, but having attended, they should have given due respect to the President. Whether we like it or not, he is the President for all of
Guyana. We have seen the same low gutter politics in our Regional Administration. One side would disrupt the meeting when called to order. Where are we heading? Are we going to the bottomless pit? I know that the Guyanese voters are watching. As we hear often in our country, “the longest rope has an end.” Sincerely, Charles Sugrim
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Monday November 06, 2017
COI finds...
Guyana Defence Force faces web of problems The Guyana Defence Force plays a vital role in the Government’s peacekeeping operations, military exercises and humanitarian relief missions. But beneath this patriotic ideal, lies a web of problems that are most likely, gnawing away at the quality service that could be delivered by the army as well as its overall morale. The troubling challenges facing the Defence Force were highlighted in a report from the Presidential Commission inquiring into the conditions of veterans from the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service. In that document, issues that were highlighted included the need for better quality soldiers as well as the unfair compensation meted out under the superannuation system for extra years served by senior officers of the military. As it relates to the matter of better quality soldiers, it was noted that the salaries (and particularly allowances) of other ranks need to be raised significantly, both to attract a better quality of recruit to what should be a small, versatile and robust force, that can defend the territorial integrity of Guyana; and who can also be a credit to the GDF and the country on their return to civilian life. The Commission in this regard, believes that higher
salaries will impact superannuated pensions which are now woefully low for soldiers who have to retire at younger ages than other public servants. As for superannuation Disparities, the Commission said that since most very senior officers enter the military at age 18, they would have served, approaching retirement, for between 36 and 37 years - well over the 33 years and four months that is the maximum calculable period under the public service rules. The Commission said that this anomaly will have major impact on the gratuity and
pension received, since the highest promotion might have fallen during those three years, denying the new pensioner significantly higher gratuity and pension, through no fault of his/her own. It said that retroactive remedial action seems necessary. The Commission said that it may even be useful to delink the Army from the civil service superannuation system and establish its own regulations, responsive and catering to the uniqueness of military service. The proposed review of Public Service pensionable ages might resolve this issue, the Commission said.
BETTER QUALITY SOLDIERS In order to produce a worthy veteran, the Commission pointed out that the military forces should recruit its best possible quality of recruit at both the officer and other ranks levels. The Commission said that the dilemma small, poor countries face is making their armed forces play an optimum role without consuming too high a percentage of the national budget. “Guyana faces unique challenges being a comparatively large country, with a small population and not occupying land areas that are being claimed by potentially militarily aggressive neighbours. Military conscription would not be a popular option in Guyana's ethnically charged political environment, so other incentives might have to be employed to recruit the best possible soldier to satisfy the country's security needs…” “It was widely acknowledged that there was need for a higher quality of basic soldier, who it is felt must be able to pass the National Grade Six Assessment Examination (which replaced the Secondary School Entrance Examina-
tion (SSEE, also known as the `Common Entrance') test on entry; and be elevated to the level of passing three (3) Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) subjects before s/he becomes a senior Non-Commissioned Officer.” “If it is accepted that this is a requirement for all the positions in this small army, then there should be more incentives to attract this civilian, while noting the general dearth of adequate preparation of graduates from secondary schools.” The Commission also pointed out that during its inquiry, there was mixed feeling about making base level remuneration more attractive than that of those employed in private and public sector organizations. The claims are that higher pay will not necessarily attract the better recruit; and that, on net, soldiers, who have the benefits of free food, work clothing and housing, are higher net earners than their civilian counterparts. Furthermore, the Commission recommended that the Guyana Defence Force undertake a study, in collaboration with the University of Guyana perhaps, to establish optimum marketing and financial policies aimed at recruiting better
qualified soldiers and officers to the Force. PENSIONS AND BENEFITS The Commission during its interviews found that there were concerns among soldiers regarding the Superannuation system. The Commission said that GDF pensions and gratuities' calculations are based on a 33 years and four months of pensionable and calculable service as awarded in the public service. However, since officers can be recruited at 18 years of age, they would have served for 36 or 37 years when they would have retired as very senior officers. However, their benefits are only calculated on the standard, lower number of maximum years. The Commission pointed out that this results in a severely reduced amount of pension and gratuity. The Commission also highlighted that there are concerns regarding the inadequacy of pensions. “Since junior ranks can retire from between 37 and 40 years of age and since there was severe inflation in salaries during the period 1986 and the present time, some of the older veterans are drawing army and NIS pensions that are inadequate to provide them with one meal per day.” “They are requesting pensions closer to the ones being given to current retirees. This special circumstance was presented to an NIS manager who promised to have the anomaly considered in the current actuarial studies being undertaken by the NIS.” The Commission pointed out that some legislative action was requested to provide relief for veterans who might have retired before the major currency devaluation. In any event, it said that a ‘living pension’ is also needed for the military veteran who retired 10-15 years before his civilian counterpart. (To be continued)
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Discrediting the Carter formula David Hinds, a political analyst, was not part of the local political landscape in the run-up to the 1992 general elections in Guyana, As such, he can be excused for his illinformed comments about the Carter formula which was used not just to select the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission but also to constitute the Commission. We are in a political season where arguments are being contrived to justify the indefensible. As such, one can understand where Hinds is coming from when he makes a number of erroneous and baseless assertions, about the Carter formula, in his weekly column in the
Guyana Chronicle. The first of these is that the Carter Formula was intended as a stop-gap measure. Hinds has not provided a shred of evidence to support his contention. The Carter formula emerged out of discussions which were held in Guyana between the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government, then headed by Jimmy Carter, and the political parties and government of Guyana. Carter had paid a visit in October on 1990, at the same time that the controversy erupted over the voters’ list of the 1991 elections. It was during the course of that visit that agreement was reached
DEM BOYS SEH
Parliament full of whores and fare-pickers Parliament is fast becoming a whore house. Is not dem boys seh suh. All about dem go dem hearing people seh suh. Since dem boys li’l dem parents tell dem, “If dem respect yuh, respect dem. If dem disrespect you, still respect dem. Don’t allow de actions to decrease yuh good manners because yuh represent yuhself, not others. After a lang break Parliament resume Thursday to discuss de nation’s business. Instead, dem behave like prostitutes—man and woman. Dem start dem vulgarity outside and then tek it inside parliament. Dem suh shame at dem own behavior. Dem know what dem was doing was undignified suh dem cover dem face wid de placard. Dem hope people wouldn’t know is dem carrying on like that. Dem own children call dem boys after dem see it pun TV and seh how dem shame. One man who was in charge of de parliament seh that kind of behavior coulda never happen in he time. He seh he woulda ask dem to leave and if dem refuse he woulda call de police to lack dem up. He seh he remember when one MP pelt a glass at him and ban de man fuh life. He seh another walk in wid he shirt out he pants and he put de man out fuh dress properly. He seh he want to know wa happen wid this speaker. He want to know if he was deaf, blind and dumb because he sit down in de chair and he didn’t seh a word. He seh he shame fuh Guyana and fuh de people of de country wid who dem got fuh politicians. Instead of politicians, dem got fare-pickers attending parliament. Dem fuhget that Parliament is a place fuh debate and discussion and not to behave like a whore or a fare-picker. Talk half and pray that dem change dem ways.
on two main concerns of the then opposition which at the time included the WPA. The first was the need for a new voters’ list. It was agreed that a new list would be complied on the basis of a new house-to-house registration process. Secondly, agreement was also reached on the contentious issue of a preliminary count of the ballots at the places of poll. The elections laws were amended to give effect to these agreements. A constitutional amendment, justified under the doctrine of necessity, was also passed to extend the life of parliament. No agreement, however, was reached on the issue of the expansion and reconstitution of the Guyana Elections Commission. It was not until a subsequent visit led by the now late George Price, the former Prime Minister of Belize that agreement was reached on the composition of the Elections Commission. The agreement was for two additional members to be chosen by the ruling party, two more members by the opposition and the chairman to be chosen by the President from a list submitted by the
opposition. This was the agreement reached and which is now known as the Carter formula. It is contained in a report which the Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government prepared. That report should be tabled in the case presently before the court challenging the unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. The report indicates the formula and how it was arrived at. There was nothing in the formula about ‘fit and proper’, judge-like qualities and all the jazz that we are now hearing. The Carter formula was clear: The Chairperson would be chosen from a list submitted by the opposition. It was in giving legal effect to the formula that the old formula was retained alongside the new formula and the new formula qualified by the criteria of ‘fit and proper’. The underlying principle was always, however, the Chairperson would be elected by consensus. The formula was never considered as a stop-gap measure. There was a constitutional reform process, following the 1997 elections, of which the WPA was a part.
The reform process retained the Carter formula. It therefore could never have been a stop-gap measure as is now being alleged. It is equally fallacious to contend that gridlock was built into the formula. The very basis of having a consensus chairman and an odd number of commissioners was intended to break any deadlock. It must be noted also that the persons who are selected by the various political parties to be members of the Commission, are not party representatives on the Commission, even though they may vote along party lines. The Carter formula was therefore not a risky venture. A consensus candidate as Chairman of a seven member Commission would ensure that there was no gridlock. But one understands why David Hinds is taking the positions that the formula
was a stop- gap measure and gridlock in a feature. The defenders of the President’s unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM are being intellectually stretched to defend his actions. The government side now has four appointments as against three from the opposition. And so, the defenders of the government are now trying to discredit the Carter formula to demonstrate that it was terminally defective. The defenders of unilateralism should be reminded that it was the same formula which was used to appoint Election Commissions which ran elections that were certified as free and fair by international observers, in 1992, 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2015.
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
Guyana benefited from PM $20M overseas trips Guyana benefited from the overseas trips made by Prime Minister and First VicePresident, Moses Nagamootoo during the period October 2015 to July, 2017. Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixiera asked the PM through the National Assembly to provide information about his overseas travels. According to the information the PM provided, his overseas travels for the period cost tax payers Guy$20 million. The written response concluded that except where required by Government to do otherwise, the Prime Minister has made it a matter of principle to participate in events overseas where air fares and accommodation are provided partially or fully by the sponsors. “This is unlike the wanton waste and squandermania under the previous administration, where there is little to show for the chequered episodes of lavish overseas excursions, and the raiding of the Treasury to meet the hefty costs for air fares, chartered flights and hotel accommodation,” the PM said in response. In 2015, the Government of Guyana paid for accommodation and meals, amounting to US$3,225.00 for the Prime Minister and two other representatives to attend the Summit of Open Governance Partnership (OGP), Mexico City, Mexico during October 25 -29. The Government of Mexico provided partial funding for air fares and the PM addressed the opening ceremony which was attended by high officials from 66 countries. “More importantly, he exposed Venezuela for imposing a trade embargo against Guyana in furtherance of a false claim to Guyana’s territory,” the response highlighted. On the Mexico trip, talks were initiated with Enrique Pena Nieto, President of Mexico, for purchase of Guyana’s paddy by Mexican importers. To date some 70,000 tonnes of paddy have been shipped to Mexico, representing onetenth of Guyana’s total production. While in Mexico, the Prime Minister concluded important arrangements on National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) for scholarships to Guyanese in petroleum engineering. IPN committed to a monthly stipend of US$1,000.00 for each Guyanese student who would take up scholarships. Guyanese students have since taken up places at the Institute. As a spinoff from the trip, Mexico has assured technical support for Guyana’s legal framework and disaster reduction for the oil and gas industry. A high-level delegation has since visited Guyana. Also, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) for assistance in genetic enhancement of coconut and palm cultivation while Yucatan Infrastructure Fund from which Mexico assured US$2 million for an Institute of Creative Arts and assistance from experts in Cyber Security to improve Guyana’s public security institutions. The PM also attended Argentina’s Presidential Inaugural Ceremony, Buenos Aires, Argentina during December 9-12, 2015. The Government of Guyana paid all expenses for attendance at the Inauguration which amounted to US$4,000.00 plus Guy$4,087,230.00. Admittedly, according to the response, the return air fares were too costly and the Prime Minister had requested an inquiry as well as for bookings of alternative, cheaper flights in the future. In December 2015, the PM attended the Mercosur Summit, Asuncion, Paraguay during December 19-21, 2015. The Government of Guyana paid all expenses associated with attendance at the Summit, in the amount of US$3,900.00 of which US$2,000 were for contingencies and Guy$699,603.00 for air fares. Between January 15-18, 2016, the PM accompanied by his wife, Sita Nagamootoo and security/protocol officer, Val Barnwell, attended the launch of Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary of Guyana, Queens, New York. The Government of Guyana paid all
…unlike the wanton waste under the previous administration, says Nagamootoo December 1, 2016. Accommodation and meals, together with out-of-pocket allowances for the Guyana delegation amounted to US$3,535.00 and Guy4944,780.00 for air fares. The PM was accompanied by Hon. Dr. George Norton, Minister of Public Health and Hon. Gail Teixiera, PPP/C Member of Parliament. An amount of US$1,250 for meals and outof-pocket expenses were paid by Government for the PM’s attendance at the Indian Diaspora World Convention on 100th year of abolition of Indian Indentureship, Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. He was accompanied by his spouse, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and the sponsors provided air transport and accommodation.
Prime Minister and First VicePresident, Moses Nagamootoo during the period October 2015 to July, 2017. expenses amounting to US$2,400.00 and Guy$982,675.00. The PM returned to NY during June 24-26, 2016, for the 27th Anniversary celebrations of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and Global Convention, New York. He was accompanied by his wife, Sita and Supernumerary Constable in the Presidential Guard, Moses Ernesto Nagamootoo. All expenses, according to the response, were borne by the Government of Guyana totaling US$5,824.00 and Guy$609,500.00. In July 2016, the PM and his wife attended the State Funeral for Hon. Patrick Manning, late Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad at a cost of US$3,420,00 In September 2016, the PM was Chief Guest at World Tamils Economic Conference, Convocation Ceremony of the Bharat University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu; and Delhi Law Society’s Conference on Environmental Law in Delhi. He was also invited to TERI’s Sustainable Development Summit in Delhi, India, which was subsequently postponed. The PM was accompanied by Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo and air fare and accommodation in India were provided by the sponsors. However, Government met miscellaneous costs for accommodation, meals and out of pocket expenses in the amount of US$4,200 of which US$1,000 was a contingency allowance, for in transit accommodation. According to the PM, as a result of the trip, Guyana has since received expressions of interest from Indian investors in the sugar industry, aquaculture, agro-processing and granite production The PM attended the 17th International Conference of Chief Justices and Judges, Lucknow, Utter Pradesh, India from 11th to 14th November, 2016. President David Granger was invited to attend as Chief Guest, but due to his busy schedule His Excellency nominated the Hon. Prime Minister to represent him. the Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife and Deeann Ali, Personal Assistant/Confidential Secretary to the Hon. Prime Minister. The organisers provided funds for accommodation and return air fares, but Government paid for in transit accommodation and meals at a costs of US$5,600 and an additional G$54,000 for gifts. PM Nagamootoo also attended funeral ceremony for Fidel Castro Ruz, late President of the Cuba, between November 29 and
In May, 2017 the PM and his wife attended the 100th Anniversary Festival to mark end to Indian Indentureship, Capesterre Belle-Eau, Guadeloupe. Air fares and accommodation provided by sponsors while the Government of Guyana paid for meals and out-of-pocket allowance in the amount of US$1,250. In June, 2017, the PM was accompanied by Special Assistant and aide, Wallace NgSee-Quan Convention of the Federation of Tamil Organisations of North America, Minneapolis Minnesota, USA. He was invited as Special Guest to the Business Convention which attracted some 3,000 business executives, artists, eminent scholars, legislators from Canada, USA, and other countries. Air fares and accommodation provided by sponsors while the Government of paid miscellaneous costs in the sum of US$1,000 for both the Prime Minister and his Aide.
PAGE 12
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Govt. diligent in upgrading legal system - President Granger Ever since the APNU/AFC coalition ascended to government, there have been several improvements in the legal system from the recent appointment of a GECOM chairman, acting appointments to the highest judicial posts, and the creation of the Upper Demerara Magisterial District, among others. These enhancements were highlighted by President, David Granger during his address at the opening of the 71st sitting of the Eleventh Parliament last week Thursday. The Presided asserted that Government has been most diligent in fortifying the Rule of Law. “Your Government has strengthened the country’s legal administrative system. The commissioning of a new, modern and improved headquarters for the Deeds and Commercial Registries is aimed at preserving, protecting and promoting property rights.” The Commercial and Land Registry located at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown was commissioned last year January by the President who stressed that it must be fully computerised to protect documents from fires, floods and tampering. The Head of State added that the support for the establishment of a Family Court will enhance the system of justice.
The Family Division of the High Court commenced hearing matters in May of last year. Among applications that could be made to the court are for custody and access; divorce; division of property; maintenance; guardianship; parentage orders, including paternity orders; protection of children; wardship; variation of an existing order; and breach of orders. According to the President, “the creation of the Upper Demerara Magisterial District brings judicial services closer to the people and reduces inconveniences.” This tenth Magisterial District was declared opened on August 4, by President Granger. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President noted that the initiative falls in line with Government’s push to improve access of justice to all citizens. He also noted that the new Magisterial District brings justice closer to the people and is aimed at timelier and less costly justice for residence of Region 10. Further, President Granger disclosed, “Government has re-established and made appointments to institutions decreed by our Constitution. A Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission and an Ombudsman were appointed. Acting appointments were
President, David Granger made to the highest judicial posts.” On October 19, President, David Granger unilaterally appointed Justice (retired) James Patterson as the new GECOM Chairman. Justice Patterson was admitted to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and called to the degree of the Utter Bar on November 24, 1964, before being admitted to the local bar in 1970. He joined the Director of Public Prosecution in March 1972. In May, the Head of State also appointed Retired Justice Winston Patterson as Ombudsman, a position he said, is of significant importance to
At age 38, Gino Persaud, is Guyana’s youngest Judge
Former Chief Justice (ag) Yvonne Cummings-Edwards was elevated to Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) earlier this year
The appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as GECOM Chairman has stirred much controversy
the nation, as the holder serves as an advocate for members for members of the public against injustices caused by maladministration. During a ceremony at state house that same month, President Granger swore in Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire as Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) and Chief Justice (ag) respectively. In addition, the Head of State said, “A Public Procurement Commission has been established; the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, reestablished; and the Judicial
Service reconstituted.” After some 14 years, five members of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), a body replacing Cabinet’s role in approving state contracts, was sworn in by the President on October 29, 2016. After being out of operation for more than two decades, the Public Service Tribunal was restored when a three-member team headed by retired Judge, Nandram Kissoon was sworn in at State House on May 17. These appointments, President Granger, said manifests Government’s commitment to
abide, at all times, with the Constitution. Meanwhile, in July, long serving High Court Judge, Mr. Rishi Persaud was elevated to Justice of Appeal. Gino Persaud, Damon Younge, Simone MorrisRamlall and Sandil Kissoon were appointed judges. Attorneys-at-Law, Peter Hugh and Wanda Fortune were also endorsed to Magistracy earlier this year. In February, the spanking new Sparendaam Magistrates’ Court was re-commissioned at a cost of $77M, after almost 12 months of construction work.
Guyana moves to acquire equipment to contain oil spills As Guyana gets ready for the pumping of oil come 2020, Government is moving to acquire equipment in case of a spill. According to an advertisement of the Ministry of Natural Resources in Kaieteur News on Sunday, it is inviting bids for the supply and delivery of an oil containment boom. The successful bidder will have 40 days to supply the boom. A containment boom is a temporary floating barrier used to contain an oil spill. Booms are used to reduce the possibility of polluting shorelines and other resources, and to help make recovery easier. Booms help to concentrate oil in thicker surface layers so that skimmers, vacuums, or other collection methods can be used more effectively. They come in many shapes and sizes, with various levels of effectiveness in different
An example of an oil containment boom.
types of water conditions. Often the first containment method to be used and the last equipment to be removed from the site of an oil
spill, they are the most commonly used and most environmentally acceptable response technique to clean up oil spills in the United States.
ExxonMobil has discovered a major deposit about 100 miles offshore of Guyana that estimates to about 2.8B barrels of oil.
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
AGl flags inaction by new Govt. Two held for alleged rape of ‘drugged’ Corentyne schoolgirls on crucial recommendations Police have detained two men in their twenties in connection with the alleged drugging and rape last Tuesday of two 14-year-old girls along the Corentyne. Police Public Relations Officer Shivpersaud Bacchus confirmed that the men were held yesterday. A police source revealed that the men have denied the allegation and are instead claiming that they met the alleged victims, who were in a drunken state, on a roadway and offered them assistance. It is claimed that the teens had half of a bottle of alcohol in their bag packs. The source disclosed that a teacher from the school noticed the girls acting strangely. She then informed the head teacher who upon searching the bag found what appeared to be alcohol. Both students were given letters and told to return with their parents. The girls reportedly returned home, but changed into casual wear and headed out to a nearby liquor shop where they engaged a "drink-
ing spree". The girls reportedly visited several rum shops in the area. It was at one of the liquor shops that the girls allegedly met two men and offered to buy them beers, which they did. The girls subsequently left the shop and were walking along the road when they met the two suspects, who were on bicycles. The men are claiming, that the girls were "throwing up.” According to the suspects, the schoolgirls asked the men to take them to the suspects’ homes to "clean themselves up". However, on arrival, the teens reportedly fell asleep in a hammock. They reportedly left the suspect's house early the following day. According to the police source, the mother of one suspect asked who the girls were, and also attempted to question the girls about where they resided. However, the teens were reportedly too intoxicated to respond. After they returned home and the report was made, the ‘victims’ were taken to the
hospital for a medical examination, which reportedly revealed that they were sexually active. But the examination seemed to indicate that they had not been engaged in recent sexual activity. Initial reports stated that the mother of one of the girls was demanding justice after claiming that her daughter was drugged and raped. The mother had stated that her daughter claimed that she and her friend were walking home from school when two young men, said to be in their twenties, offered them a drop in their car. “Them girls like them been frighten to come home because wah happen at school. Them take them girls a rum shop and give them beers and me daughter say them promise fa put them in taxi,” she said. But them give them the tablets and then take them to them house. Them separate them and take them different house,” The matter was reported at the Number 51 Police Station and the Springlands Police Station.
Govt. steps in to help City Hall with solid waste debt The Central Government has committed to settling the outstanding debt which the Georgetown Mayor and City Council,( M&CC), owes to two private solid waste disposal companies. During a press conference on Friday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, announced that the Government has decided to step in to assist City Hall with the $300 million debt it owes to Cevon Waste Management and Puran Brother’ s Waste Disposal Services. Harmon explained that the companies have actually made proposals for the settlement of the outstanding amounts. The Minister of State noted while the Government had taken a position not to intervene in matters of the Council, it was recognised that the Council needed assistance in this instance. “We recognize now that there is a problem and it makes no sense for us to operate as if there is no problem.” “We believe once people have done work they should be paid and so I want to give that assurance to the service providers that government is mindful of the fact that they provided a service and that they have it paid,” he said. As such, Harmon said that the matter is currently engaging the Minister of Communities. “And after it will come to Cabinet for Cabinet to delib-
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon erate on it,” Harmon said. Town Clerk of the Georgetown M&CC, Royston King, had previously announced that the Council is looking to settle the debt with the two contractors which dates back to 2015 by the end of this year. The Council had unveiled a plan to collect special fees for commercial and industrial waste as part of efforts to offset the expenses. “All monies owed to our partners will be paid before the end of this year, 2017,” Town Clerk Royston King had assured. With controversy surrounding the withdrawal of two of its major solid waste contractors since August, the cash strapped council was left to grapple with containing the garbage condition in several wards of the city. Cevons Waste Manage-
ment and Puran Brothers, the two principal waste disposal entities contracted to the Georgetown Municipality, indicated that they are withdrawing their services “in protest over the absence of progress in our efforts to secure payment, of amounts totaling in excess of $300 million dollars owing to us by the Georgetown City Council.” The companies in a joint statement explained that they understood the implications the withdrawal of their service will have on the citizens and institutions in and around the capital. “Indeed, it is our wish that a change in the circumstances that led to our decision to withdraw our services in the first place can come about quickly, thereby significantly minimizing the impact of the action that has been taken,” the statement outlined.
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, has found just cause to flag the new administration and its respective ministries for inaction on crucial recommendations he made in 2015 to improve transparency and accountability. Sharma in his 2016 report said that each year, his office issues recommendations to Ministries, Departments and Regions that are designed at improving systems and practices at these entities and improving the Government’s governance mechanisms. He noted that 442 recommendations were made in his 2015 Audit Report. He said that the Audit Office reviewed each recommendation to determine what action, if any, was taken by the respective Accounting Officers. At the time of reporting, Sharma said
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma that 160 or 38% were partially implemented, while 91 or 22% were not implemented. Overall, the Auditor General said that he is concerned with the lack of action towards the implementation of these
recommendations; since, sixty percent of the recommendations have not yet been implemented. In addition, the Auditor General said that in many instances, recommendations are repeated each year without appropriate action and as a result, weaknesses and issues that impacted negatively on Government’s governance and accountability mechanisms continue to occur. Be that as it may, Sharma still encouraged the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General’s Department and the respective Head of Budget Agency to take appropriate actions and put measures in place to address the recommendations made in his prior report and this year’s as well.
Teacher found unconscious on roadway - on life support with head injuries, broken limbs The family of 22-year old Kescia Branche, a teacher at the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, is pleading with the public for any information which could assist them with answering how she ended up in an unconscious state in the vicinity of Princes and Louisa Row, Georgetown at around 05.00 hrs yesterday morning. Branche, the mother of a three-year-old boy, was rushed in an ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Kaieteur News understands that her left leg is broken and she sustained multiple injuries to the head. Her father, Alfred said that he spoke with her on Saturday. Kescia resides at First Street, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown. According to the father, he received a call from his daughter’s twin sister who resides in Barbados, about her sibling’s injuries. He said that when he visited the hospital he was informed by doctors that his daughter is in a critical condition. He added that she was hooked up to a life support machine. Although the father was unaware as to where his daughter went, he said that persons told him she was seen with a group of friends on Saturday. However, the father could not say where exactly she was seen. He is now trying to find out who those friends are. When asked whether her partner might
Kescia Branche know about what transpired, Mr. Branche related that he does not know if his daughter is seeing anyone since she and the father of her son have separated. He also said that his daughter’s cell phone is missing. Anyone with information that could assist is being asked to contact Mr. Alfred Branche (592) 677-8733 or the nearest police station.
GGMC officials allowed breach of laws and... (From page 2) Health and Safety (OHS) checks. The final COI report into the mining death outlined further that since the site was illegal, GGMC officers should have revisited the mining camp to conduct inspection prior to the incident. Following the incident, GGMC officers were also found culpable of not conducting adequate investiga-
tions or taking statements from witnesses--- a minimal requirement for GGMC official engaged in such investigations. The COI into the mining death was headed by former Army Chief, Gary Best. The COI was established to probe the circumstances surrounding the mining pit collapse and death of Ann’s Grove resident, Keon Wilson, 33, at Rock Creek, Puruni,
Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven). The pit “cave-in” occurred on October 8, 2016. The COI was set up to investigate, examine, monitor and report regimes that govern areas specifically at Rock Creek, Puruni to determine whether there was compliance with safety operating procedures. The inquiry was to determine whether there were breaches of any laws, regula-
tions, rules and practices that led directly to, or contributed to the death of Wilson. Mr. Best was also tasked with enquiring into the actions of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and to report his findings and conclusion to determine the cause of the incident and make recommendations to prevent a recurrence. (Rehanna Ramsay)
PAGE 14
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Businesswoman robbed thrice in eight weeks
The newly renovated wall that was ripped down
The window that the bandits used to gain entry into the home Robbed twice before in two months, Albouystown businesswoman Yasmin Deonauth is now thrice unlucky, after four masked, guntoting bandits invaded her premises early yesterday morning. Deonauth, the proprietor of Nesha’s Flowerland, said that the men gained entry to her home by forcing open a window. The 53-year-old businesswoman, at home with her two daughters, said she was asleep when she was awakened after she heard a door in her home slam. “At first I did not take it seriously because I thought was my eldest daughter gone to use the washroom.” The woman said that it was after she realised that all the lights in her home were off she decided to look through her bedroom window. She saw that her neighbour’s lights were on. “At that point I realised that robbers were in my home.”
Deonauth said that she got up to close her bedroom door, and it was then two masked men pointed guns to her face. “It was so scary because my children were in their room.” Although the intruders warned her to be quiet, Deonauth said she screamed out for her neighbours, and this caused the robbers to flee. She later discovered that they had made off with a drone valued $US 3,000 and $100,000 that was in a piggy bank. The woman said that robbers first broke into her residence eight weeks ago, but luckily, the family was out at the time. That time, the robbers gained entry by ripping out an entire wall and damaging the six security cameras that are located around her premises. “The first time they break into my home, my family and I were out for the weekend. When I return home I saw the
The house which has been targeted
entire wall on the ground and all the cameras wire were cut.” The robbers carted off her electrical appliances including a 68 inch television, three 54 inch television sets, and five laptop computers. She added that she reported the matter to the Ruimveldt Police Station and ranks showed up hours later to conduct their
investigation. The woman lamented that the thieves had also made off with her eldest daughter’s bag pack, with all her text books. Nine days after the first robbery, the woman said that she and her family were at home when robbers gained entry into her home by breaking the lock on a door. This
time around, the robbers stole a large sum of cash. After the traumatic experience of seeing a bandit place a gun to her eldest daughter’s head, she decided to have contractors install grills and a steel door. The woman noted that after the second robbery her eldest daughter was terrified to
be in the home because she was in constant fear. “My daughters were so terrified of staying at home so I decided to take them and stay in a hotel until the house was completely renovated.” She noted that her family only returned home a few days ago after the contractors told her that the house was more secure. “Just imagine I am living here for over 50 years and in two months I have been robbed of millions in cash and appliances. The sad thing is that the robbers picked up my nine-year-old daughter’s piggy bank that she was putting her savings in for the past three years and they took a drone that my eldest daughter had purchased for her father’s birthday that cost over US3, 000.” The woman is calling on the police to do a better job at investigating the home invasions. She alleged that the police showed up three hours after she and her neighbours called. She also claimed that the rank who eventually arrived was very unprofessional did not produce his identification card or give his name.
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 19
Kaieteur News
Umami Inc. rebrands Skeleton suspected to be remains products at ‘Uncapped’ event of ex-con found at Enmore Umami Inc. officially rebranded its line of products at the Guyanese Flavour ‘Uncapped’ event which was recently hosted at the National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown from October 27 to October 29, last. Umami labels proudly display five circles, each containing a colour of the Golden Arrow Head. The company in an effort to continue building its contribution to patriotic marketing has recently added the “Also from Guyana” tagline to its labels. This concept allows customers who might not necessarily be aware of Guyana’s rich heritage and culture, to be enlightened by its famous landmarks. Every watermarked image was carefully selected from Guyana’s history to be proudly displayed by Umami Inc. These watermarks include the Amazon Jaguar, Harpy Eagle, Canje Pheasant, Rice, Gold, Kaieteur Falls, Stabroek Market, St. George’s Cathedral, and the Umana Yana. The launch of the ‘Uncapped’ event welcomed Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and other Members of Parliament. There were also several heads of private sector entities; and hundreds of spectators who were eager to learn about local products. During this three day event, the spectators were thrilled by the unveiling of Umami’s new packaging, and the significance of this rebranding with images that evoke a memory which craft the uniqueness of the Guyanese heritage. Numerous spectators expressed excitement after sampling Umami’s products. They accredited this feeling to the pleasure of finding a local lineup of products, which are all made from local ingredients and filled with rich tastes. This truly shows that the Japanese word ‘Umami’ (pronounced ‘oo-ma-mi’) stands by its meaning pleasant taste. Local farmers sought the
Police are questioning a number of people following the discovery yesterday of skeletal remains in a sack at Enmore, East Coast Demerara. Reports indicate that the victim may be an ex-convict known as “Mud Man,” who is known for raiding villagers’ crops and fruits. He has not
The find comes just about two weeks after the discovery of skeletal remains at an abandoned school compound at Berbice. The families of two women who disappeared some years ago have suggested that the victim may be their missing relative.
Masked men raid Coverden business
Some of the Umami Products opportunity to offer their produce to ensure each Umami customer continues to receive quality. Several groups of students approached Umami’s booth to seek ideas on establishing a successful business in Guyana, and customers affirmed how proud they felt to see Guyana being represented on such an exclusive production scale. With customer service being one of the top priorities for Umami Inc., this event reinforced how innovative thinking and customer satisfaction inspires Umami. Umami Inc. manufactures agro processed food condi-
ments such as Cocktail Syrup, Garlic Sauce, Green Seasoning, BBQ Sauce, Hot Sauce and others. All products are made available in a number of supermarkets and small shops country-wide. Umami also exports to countries inclusive of the USA, Dominica, Grenada, Tortola, St. Croix and other international markets. This ‘Also from Guyana’ rebranding signifies another major milestone for Umami Inc., since this company won the Gold Manufacture Awards for Quality from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on October 20, 2017 at the Georgetown Club.
Women on the Move stages 17th Cancer... (From page 15) runny nose. Once it begins to get ‘cream’ and yellowish, that is an abnormal vaginal discharge,” Dr Perreira pointed out. Some risk factors for cervical cancer are being HIV positive, being overweight, tobacco use, chlamydia infection and long term use of contraceptives, which the doctor said is a major risk factor. She said too that having a baby before the age of four-
been seen in the area for some time. Police have reportedly received information that the victim was electrocuted after coming into contact with a villager’s fence. His body was reportedly then placed in a sack and disposed of.
teen is also another risk factor, as well as family history of the disease. She advised that eliminating these risk factors could help in greatly reducing persons’ chances of getting the disease. Both coordinators and participants agreed that this year’s event has been the biggest and best to date. The Cancer Awareness Walk was initiated in Linden, 17 years ago by the group “Women on the Move”,
which is headed by Judy Gravesande Noel, along with founder member Gleneth Arthur, Janet Allen, Camille Cummings and Wanda Richmond. Both Noel and Arthur expressed satisfaction with this year’s turnout and participation. They also expressed gratitude to their sponsors including Brusche’s Basketball Foundation who donated tee shirts among other things.
Four masked men on Saturday raided the business place of Nadira Arjune around 16:00hrs before escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash. The incident took place at Arjune’s business located at lot 6 Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Arjune, 23 was robbed along with several others who were in the business place at the time. Her cashier, Davina Joe, was relieved of her Samsung Galaxy S4, while Raymond Caliavio, 29, of Kuru-Kururu, Soesdyke Linden Highway was relieved of his Samsung Galaxy S5. Police reports suggest that the victims were inside the depot and were suddenly confronted by the men who held them at gun point and demanded their belongings. The suspects then fled the scene in a silver-grey Premio. The matter was reported to a nearby police station some 20 minutes after the epi-
sode. Efforts were made to locate the suspects but proved futile. Investigations revealed that Nadira Arjune is a coowner of Arjune Chicken De-
pot. The building is a twostory concrete structure that faces east. It is fenced and has a driveway for customers.
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
US Congresswomen Plaskett, Clarke to co-chair Invest C’bean Agribusiness Forum
Stacey Plaskett
Yvette D. Clarke
WASHINGTON - CMC – The Washington-based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) says United States C o n g r e s s i o n a l Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Stacey Plaskett will serve as co-chairs of ICS’ 19th Annual Invest Caribbean Agri-Business Forum (ICAF) that opens here on November 16. ICS Jamaican-born president Dr. Claire Nelson on Saturday said that the forum will focus on “Farm the Future: Resurgence and Resilience in the Agribusiness Value Chain.” “The conference theme will allow participants to explore challenges and opportunities emerging for growing trade and investment in the Caribbean agribusiness sector, and in light of recent devastation across the Caribbean region, will pay special attention to the issue of disaster
recovery in the agribusiness sector,” Nelson said. Plaskett, Representative of the US Virgin Islands who serves on the House Agriculture Committee, said that ICAF 2017’s focus on resilience is most welcomed. “Given that agriculture producers in the US Virgin Islands will be able to secure assistance from the various USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Farm Service Agency disaster programs country, we hope that we can use this opportunity to explore how lessons learned in the USVI re risk coverage for specialty crops, and repair of damage to agricultural and private forest land, will be of assistance to other islands in the Caribbean region,” she said. “Truly, these hurricanes have served to make us more aware of our common home,
the Caribbean Sea and our shared environmental futures,” she added. Nelson said the Forum set to kick off in Rayburn House Office Building, and will begin with a focus on the Legislative Agenda affecting US Trade and Investment in the agribusiness value chain. She said the discussions will also address elements in the implementation of HR 4939 (Public Law 114-291), “which lays out a framework for shared work between the US and Caribbean on a variety of issues, including agriculture and small business and energy.” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who serves on both the US House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce and Small Business Committee, and is also co-chair of the nascent Congressional Caribbean Caucus, will serve not only as ICAF co-chair but also as cochair of the Caribbean American Heritage Awards on Nov.17. Clarke represents the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York. Nelson said the forum brings together a select group of US and Caribbean business persons, the Caribbean diplomatic corps, policy makers and financiers to exchange up-to-date information and discuss opportunities for delivering sustainable growth with job creation.
Jamaica well positioned for health and wellness tourism – PM KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness says health and wellness tourism is a growing market on which Jamaica is uniquely poised to capitalise. Holness, who was speaking at a function in the western city of Montego Bay recently, said the upcoming United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference in Montego Bay from November 27 to 29 offers the perfect opportunity for the country to showcase the world-class medical facilities and services it now has at its disposal. “The global growth in the flow of patients, health professionals and medical technology across national borders has made medical tourism a thriving sector,” Holness pointed out. “Jamaica is ideally poised for this growing market, which was valued at approximately US$20 billion in 2016. It is now estimated that
it will reach approximately US$47 billion by 2021,” he added. The Prime Minister said the UNWTO conference will offer the forum where Jamaica will be able to highlight how far it has come in the area of health and wellness and its ability to now use it as a strategic marketing tool. The Prime Minister also noted that Jamaica has a competitive edge as it relates to medical tourism, pointing to “the availability of quality professionals, the island’s strategic location, increasing diagnostic facilities, and, importantly, Government’s support to facilitate growth in this market”. “Jamaica must continue to diversify and expand our tourism product in order to meet emerging market demands. Travellers today are more discerning. In some cases, due to ageing and complex health conditions, the availability of world-class
Andrew Holness health facilities is considered when making decisions to travel for vacation, business or to return home,” he pointed out. The Prime Minister, however, said that even with the best of intentions and all the best-laid plans in the world, unless the crime situation is brought under control, everything, going forward, will continue to be a challenge.
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Inter n a t i o n a l l y e x p e r i enced examiner inhandwriting & Question documents. Specialized: Wills, Deeds, Identify theft etc. Call /whatsapp :416-8275239. Email:k02g099@hotmail.com Landscaping, flower plants for sale treating& trimming. Cut down trees & treating the land.Call:627-5969
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231
FOR RENT
WANTED
Meadow Bank, long term rental. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms apartment, parking, cameras etc- Call: 671-4221 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773
Security to work in the interior. Must have Military/ Police background. Age range 35-50. Contact # 2269768 Female babysitter age 35-50 in Georgetown, 6 days per week Call 614-5711 to apply.
Space in Charlotte Street, central Georgetown .Ground floor. Call #608-5303
One live-in female housekeeper for Georgetown. Tel# 223-0654, 225-0605
Chef and assistant chef. Please call 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St.
Two bedroom bottom flat, fully grilled. $50,000 per month. Call# 687-3017
Experienced Curry cook, Roti/ Puri cook, Cleaners. Apply Hack Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
Deskstaff Age 25-40. Tel# 225-0198 or visit South Road, Lacytown.
American Variety Store. 140 Regent & Light street Georgetown. Experience Cashier & Sales girl apply with application.
1. Cat 320 BL Excavator, 1. Cat 215 B Excavator, 1. Cat 428 Back- Hoe, 1. Leyland Daft Truck, 1. 8CU.YD. Mack Cement Mixer Truck. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 683-7225 1. Double Steel Wheeled Road Roller, 1. 9-Wheeled Pneumatic Roller, 1. 450GLNS. Bitumen Spray Kettle, 1. Honda 450 ATV Bike. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 6837225 Toyota IST. Call: 642-6664
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am-4:15pm FOR RENT Top Flat, 3 Bedroom. 1314 Golden Grove, Housing Scheme E.B.D $60,000 Contact 619-4490
VEHICLE FOR SALE
WANTED
Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501
1 Welder Arc & gas. 1830years. 643-9125,223-5595. Broad street, Georgetown.
Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 FOR SALE/RENT Virgin Gold and Diamond mining,claim in Cuyuni. Seeking joint Venture, Lease purchase or sale. Contact # 671-9478 MASSAGE Angels Massaging Spa. Come relax and be pampered. Call: 694-9775
Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.6M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.2M. Call: 617-5536 CAR RENTAL AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Security guard & Housekeeper, apply in person @ Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, Werk-enRust One Live-in Female housekeeper for Georgetown. Tel# 223-0654, 225-0605 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 1 Driver/ Purchaser. Must give valid driver’s license ( Mc, Mv, Ml) & over 15 years’ experience. Call 227-7528/ 226-9768
1-Caterpillar skid steer loader 236B $3.8M. Contact # 6500402
SALON
1 experienced salesman with knowledge of sales & marketing. 1 salesman/ driver.Apply Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Product Ltd. Tel: 225-7864/227-8607 Want Land & House. ParfaiteHarmonie, Tuschen, Herstelling, Province, West Coast, East Bank. Call:6046724/ 686-9608 Apprentice for machine shop. Sound Secondary education & one (1) experienced welder. Tel #222-3844
PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. E a g l e ’s : R e - g a s – l o w prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 6105846 or 661-8158
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6560 0 8 7 , 6 4 3 - 5 1 2 2 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
Female general domestic.Must have cooking experience. Age 25-45. Call: 629-9450 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud& N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman& Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 6445166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
VACANCY
VACANCY Male Security Guards. Age 27-50. Must be fit & able bodied. Attractive salary & benefits. Call 625-3301 for appointment. General maintenance man. Age 25-50 Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
One Tig-welder/ fabricator, One fitter machinist for Lathe and Mill. Call 664-2670, 6970703, Email: havin_ramnauth@yahoo.com Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020 One General domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street or call 6231615 PROPERTY FOR SALE New Building with two apartment downstairs for sale, 10 mins from Georgetown. Tel: 675-1510
LAND FOR SALE ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4m,$3.5m,$2.5m,$1.6m, Tuschen $2.7m, Hersteling $3.5m,$3m, Province $3.5m, V-Hoop $45m. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608. BLOCK X SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME. CONTACT: 6115273/ 601-4217, 2330159/216-3093 28 Acres of land @ Soesdyke Public Road.By owner.Interested persons please send information to P.O 101184, Georgetown. Farm(East Bank) New Scheme $3.5m, ParfaiteHarmonie (upfront)$1.5m,Uivlugt $3.5m(high income).Tel:6511969/667-1960 Land for Sale in gated community at land of Canaan 50 x 100. Contact # 694-7817/ 612-1351 ParfaiteHarmonie Business spot $3.5m, $1.3m, $2.5m. ParfaiteHarmonieten year up $3.5m, Tuschen $2.5m, Herstelling $3.3m, $2.8m. Call:666-2326
Business Property for Sale. Lot 11 Middleton Street, Campbellville, Georgetown Guyana. Contact Owner at: 240-605-8877 USA. No Agents FOR RENT Rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-3234
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922 Phonics, Reading &Writing lessons.Kindergarten, grade 1-2.Full time students accepted in January term. Enroll now.Call:677-0296 SERVICE
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Cerulean Inc celebrates tourism month 2017 by hosting a service showcase. Contact 226-4650 SALON
FOR SALE 70 head cows. 219-3384, 6886353
Genesis Beauty Salon. Wanted one nail technician, please call: 647-8268
Monday November 06, 2017
Saudi princes, ex-ministers arrested in anti-graft purge: report
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal
Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Arabia arrested 10 princes and dozens of former government ministers on Saturday, reports said, in a major purge immediately after an anti-corruption commission was established. Separately, the powerful heads of the Saudi National Guard, an elite internal security force, and the navy were replaced in a series of high-profile sackings that sent shock waves in the kingdom. The developments follow a political crackdown in September as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, set to be the first millennial to occupy the Saudi throne, cements his grip on power. “Arrest of 10 princes and dozens of former ministers in Saudi Arabia,” Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television reported, citing unnamed
sources. The news of the arrests came soon after the anticorruption commission, headed by Prince Mohammed, was established by royal decree. Saudi news websites said Saudi billionaire Prince AlWaleed bin Talal was among those arrested, but there was no official confirmation. The prince was not immediately reachable for comment. An aviation source told AFP that security forces had grounded private jets in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, potentially to prevent any high-profile figures from leaving. “The breadth and scale of the arrests appears to be unprecedented in modern Saudi history,” said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.
“The reported detention of Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, if true, would send shockwaves through the domestic and international business community.” The arrests come less than two weeks after Prince Mohammed welcomed thousands of global business titans to Riyadh for an investment summit, showcasing his economic reform drive for a post-oil era. The 32-year-old crown prince, often known as MBS, has projected himself as a liberal reformer in the ultraconservative kingdom with a series of bold moves including the decision allowing women to drive from next June. Already viewed as the de facto ruler controlling all the major levers of government, from defence to the economy, the prince is widely seen to be stamping out traces of internal dissent before a formal transfer of power from his 81-year-old father King Salman. In September the authorities arrested about two dozen people, including influential clerics, in what activists denounced as a coordinated crackdown. Analysts said many of those detained were resistant to Prince Mohammed’s aggressive foreign policy that includes the boycott of Gulf neighbour Qatar as well as some of his bold policy reforms, including privatising state assets and cutting subsidies.
May’s deputy denies report pornography was found on office computer LONDON (Reuters) Prime Minister Theresa May’s most senior minister has denied an allegation that police found pornography on one of his computers in the Houses of Parliament in 2008 as the British government struggles to contain a scandal about sexual harassment. First Secretary of State Damian Green said the claims by a former senior police officer in a Sunday newspaper were “completely untrue” and “political smears.” “This story is completely untrue and comes from a tainted and untrustworthy source,” Green said in a statement on his Twitter page. The claims amount to “little more than an unscrupulous character assassination,” he said. The Sunday Times reported on its front page that former Metropolitan police assistant commissioner Bob Quick alleged the material was
discovered by officers during an inquiry into government leaks in 2008. Quick, who was involved in the leak investigation, told the newspaper that officers had reported finding the “extreme” pornography on a parliamentary computer from Green’s office. The claims against one of the prime minister’s closest allies risks deepening a growing sexual harassment scandal that led Britain’s defence minister Michael Fallon to resign last Wednesday. Fallon said his behaviour has “fallen short” of the standards expected by the British military. May’s minority government is already struggling with divisions over Britain’s departure from the European Union. Britain’s interior minister Amber Rudd said the issue
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
would be investigated by the Cabinet Office today and she denied the government was on the verge of collapse if Green resigned. Rudd said Britain needed to address allegations of sexual harassment in the corridors of power. “It is something that will take place, in terms of clearing out Westminster of that sort of behaviour, and Westminster, including the government, will be better off after it,” she said. Green, 61, has also denied a previous allegation that he made an inappropriate sexual advance on a young woman. He said it was not true that he had touched the woman’s knee and told her that his “wife was very understanding” during a meeting in a pub in which the pair discussed her career aspirations and gossiped about sexual affairs in parliament.
Trump in Japan stresses unity on North Korea; talks trade, too TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up his tough rhetoric against North Korea when he arrived in Japan yesterday, saying the United States and its allies are prepared to defend freedom and “no dictator” should underestimate U.S. resolve. Trump kicked off a 12-day Asian trip and is looking to present a united front with Japan against North Korea through meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid heightened tensions over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile tests. He told reporters on Air Force One en route to Asia that North Korea would figure prominently in discussions, and also singled out trade, which he said had been “badly handled” in the region for years. Trump has rattled some allies with his vow to “totally destroy” North Korea if it threatens the United States and with his dismissal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “rocket man” on a suicide mission. A top aide said last week Trump intends to tell Asian leaders the world is “running out of time” in dealing with the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula. “No dictator, no regime, no nation should ever underestimate American resolve,” Trump told hundreds of cheering U.S. and Japanese troops in camouflage uniforms gathered at Yokota Air Base, just west of Tokyo, soon after he arrived. “Every once in a while, in the past, they
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, north of Tokyo, Japan yesterday. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it?” said Trump, who wore a bomber jacket as he addressed the troops. North Korea’s recent actions, including several missiles that flew over Japan and Pyongyang’s sixth and largest nuclear test, have raised the stakes in the most critical international challenge of Trump’s presidency. Recent drills over South Korea by two U.S. strategic bombers have further heightened tensions. “We will never yield, never waver and never falter in defence of our freedom,” Trump said. He told reporters earlier on Air Force One that a decision would be made soon on whether to add reclusive North Korea to a list of state
sponsors of terrorism. Trump said his administration planned to take a different approach after years of what he termed “total weakness.” “It’s a big problem for our country and the world, and we want to get it solved.” In an apparent attempt to distinguish between North Korea’s leadership and ordinary people, he said he thought North Koreans were “great people.” “And I hope it all works out for everybody.” Abe told reporters before Trump’s arrival that he welcomed the visit as a chance to deepen bilateral ties by building on the “friendship and trust” between the two leaders, fostered by several meetings that included a round of golf in Florida earlier this year.
China to expand corruption supervision pilot scheme nationwide: Xinhua BEIJING - China will expand a pilot project for antigraft supervision reforms nationwide next year that will consolidate existing corruption agencies, state-run news agency Xinhua reported, as President Xi Jinping expands his signature policy drive. Xinhua said in a report published late on Saturday China’s top legislature adopted a decision calling for new supervisory commissions to be set up by the People’s Congresses at provincial, city and countylevels to “supervise those exercising public power”. Xi’s signature anti-graft drive has jailed or otherwise punished nearly 1.4 million Communist Party members since 2012. The leader, who began his second five-year
Xi Jinping term in October, has vowed to maintain the “irreversible” momentum of the campaign to root out corruption. China aims to pass a national supervision law and
set up a new commission at the annual parliament meetings early next year. The new National Supervision Commission will work with the Communist Party’s anti-graft body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, expanding the purview of Xi’s anti-graft campaign to include employees at state-backed institutions. Xinhua said the commissions to be set up nationwide under the China legislature’s new directive will have the power to investigate illegal activities such as graft, misuse of authority, neglect of duty, and wasting public funds. The commissions will have the ability to conduct searches, freeze assets and detain suspects as part of those efforts, the Xinhua report said.
PAGE 24
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
Chuck hopes plea bargaining will become game changer for criminal justice system
Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck addresses the audience at the Ministry of Justice’s Town Hall Meeting. (Photo: JIS) KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck, says plea bargaining could become a game changer for the criminal justice system. He argued that the initiative may ease some of the pressures of the country’s overburdened justice system. “The backlog in the court cannot continue. We have to
buy into it, because with guilty plea, you save the country an enormous amount of resources. The cost to try a case is enormous,” Chuck said. He was speaking at the ministry’s town hall meeting on plea bargaining held at the St George’s College Auditorium, North Street, Downtown Kingston, last
week. The Plea Negotiations and Agreement Act, 2017 was recently passed in the Houses of Parliament. The legislation provides for a system of plea bargaining for persons who commit crimes. It is intended to give accused persons the opportunity to offer a guilty plea in exchange for a lighter
sentence. Persons may also be considered for early parole. Chuck noted that currently there are over 35,000 cases in the Parish Court and over 2,000 cases in the Circuit Court. He also encouraged persons who have been accused of crimes and know they are guilty, to take advantage of the plea bargaining being offered. “If persons who know they are guilty speak out immediately after being accused, then they will not only reduce the burden on the system, but also save the nation millions annually,” Chuck stated. “What is more, if the person pleads guilty, he saves the victim and the witnesses the trauma of reliving the experience of what took place. So if we can encourage
accused persons [to] accept their wrong doing, plead guilty, save the country time and resources, save the witnesses from reliving the experience, then I think we would have done an enormous service to the victims and the country,” he argued. In addition, Chuck is encouraging prosecutors to make an offer of reduced sentences to accused persons wanting to plead guilty after completing their files. “We will be urging prosecutors to act on completed files. We will be urging the police to complete their file very quickly, and… we hope the prosecutors will make the offer and the offer will be at the top of the range and the accused is willing to plead guilty. They will come
and there will be basis for a negotiation. After that, the judge will assist both parties in coming to an appropriate sentence,” Chuck stated. Meanwhile, Executive Director, Legal Aid Council, Hugh Faulkner, stressed that plea bargaining is only for those who are guilty and are willing to plead same. “I must state that plea bargaining is for the person who is accepting responsibility. There are instances when allegations are made and the allegations are false, so the plea bargaining is not for the persons who has been falsely accused,” Faulkner said. He also encouraged members of the judiciary to become familiar with the contents of the Plea Negotiations and Agreement Act.
Digicel opens new hub in St. Lucia
Grange warns of effect of slavery, climate change, global economic system on developing states
PARIS - CMC – Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, says the lingering effects of slavery continue to have an adverse effect on the development of Small Island Development States (SIDS), such as Jamaica. Grange, made the statement in an address on Saturday at the 39th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. She also noted that the global threat of climate change had added to the challenge of achieving sustainable prosperity. “As a Small Island Developing State, we are in constant confrontation with the impact of climate change and the inequities of global economic systems that often result in serious social and psychological damage for our people. Add to that the residue of slavery and colonialism, and you get a prescription for disaster of one kind or another which we must constantly strive to mitigate.” She added that in response – the Government of Jamaica will continue to focus on deepening the involvement and participation of youth in national affairs; creating new
Olivia “Babsy” Grange strategies and programmes reflecting lifelong learning, education for all, and quality education for success; as well as promoting higher incidence of youth employment in the cultural and creative industries sector. Grange also highlighted the economic opportunities fora hosted by her ministry which are aimed at preparing mostly young people in communities contiguous to the Blue and John Crow Mountains to benefit from the location being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. She advised that the government was working with the world’s greatest athlete, Usain Bolt, to establish the Caribbean Sports Medicine Centre to facilitate better
medical response to athletes in the Caribbean and Latin America as part of Jamaica’s thrust to use sport to promote the creative sector as a catalyst for national development. Grange applauded the efforts of the outgoing Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, “under whose tenure greater prominence has been given in the work of Unesco to the impact of climate change and for the initiatives aimed at promoting the importance of mitigation and building the resilience of SIDS to the impact of climate change.” Among the activities was the hosting in Jamaica of the first Caribbean Symposium on Climate Change and World Heritage in May, 2017. The Minister said Jamaica would continue to be a strong voice for the development of policies and programmes at UNESCO “particularly in the area of sustainable development.” She appealed for support of Jamaica’s candidature for a seat on the Executive Board. The Executive Board is mandated to oversee the development of policies and programmes that direct Unesco’s operations. The election of members of the Executive Board for the period 2017-2021 will take place on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and Vanessa Slowey, CEO Digicel Caribbean and Central America CASTRIES, St Lucia - CMC – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says St. Lucia is “open for business” as telecommunications company, Digicel, on Saturday opened a new hub . According to Chastanet, this is the beginning of plans to make the island a hub for regional and international business. A company statement noted that the installation of the St Lucia hub comes as a part of Digicel’s global transformation programme launched in February of this year in response to the many changes in the industry in terms of the competitive environment, customer needs and wants and technological advances. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Digicel CEO for the Caribbean and Central America, Vanessa Slowey, said that the commitment Digicel makes to any and every country in which it does business is to community and to advancement for all. “We make that same promise here today to give back to St Lucia and to drive opportunities for St Lucians. We are proud to call this the home of our hub and grateful to have been welcomed by you. “Our transformation is a work in progress but our ambitions and our intent are clear and
we look forward to delighting you in the future with what we do – and how we do it,” she said. In officially declaring the building open, Prime Minister Chastanet thanked Digicel for its commitment to St Lucia and the region noting the he anticipates far reaching benefits for the people of St Lucia with the opening of the hub. “Since Digicel began operations in the region, we have watched it grow and increase its services to the people and provide so many St Lucians with an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment. “It has been committed to corporate social responsibility and training and development of its team. We are pleased that it continues to have confidence in St Lucia and we pleased to partner with Digicel in order to create even more opportunities for the people of the region,” he noted. Under the banner of Digicel 2030, Digicel is promising customers a completely new communications and entertainment experience made possible by a more agile and customer-centric deployment of resources and underpinned by a network experience and a commitment to putting customers in control.
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
TRINI ON AMERICA’S MOST WANTED LIST ...linked to killing of sister and girlfriend
Andre Neverson
Trinidad Express – Trinidadian Andre Neverson is one of the Most Wanted men in the United States. The 53-year-old murder suspect was as a “charming Casanova” in a story done on the website - www.crimewatchddaily.com. There is aUS$25,000 reward offered for his arrest. In the article, it was noted that Neverson, allegedly murdered his sister by shooting her in the head and stomach on July 8, 2002. The next day, he allegedly abducted a former girlfriend. She was found dead two days later with a mortal head wound. At the time of both murders, Neverson was on parole in the State of New York for attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a firearm.
Neverson was last seen in November 2002, when armed with a handgun, allegedly entered the home of another ex-girlfriend in an attempt to visit his daughter. The woman’s brother interrupted the unannounced visit, and Neverson fled with no further incident. The New York City Police Department searched the area for the felon, but never located him. Neverson has been classified as one of the U.S. Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” Fugitives. He is also wanted by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Division of Parole for New York State and the NYPD. Neverson, is a black male. He is about 6’2" tall and 240 pounds (last reported). He has brown eyes, black hair and a muscular build.
Venezuela opposition leader Guevara seeks refuge in Chile ambassador’s home CARACAS (Reuters) Prominent Venezuelan lawmaker Freddy Guevara has sought refuge in the Chilean ambassador’s residence in Caracas amid fears he could be jailed, a development that leaves the ailing opposition with even fewer leaders to take on leftist President Nicolas Maduro. Authorities had sought to remove Guevara’s congressional immunity so that he could be tried for instigating violence. The opposition and local media said that Sebin intelligence agents had surrounded Guevara’s house over the weekend. Guevara, a 31-year-old who runs the hardline Popular Will party and is also the deputy leader of congress, entered the residence on Saturday and requested protection, the Chilean government said in a statement. Guevara could become the highest-profile Venezuelan
politician to seek exile in recent years. A majority of opposition leaders are now unable to challenge unpopular Maduro, a 54-year-old former bus driver and foreign minister whom they blame for the oil-rich nation’s economic downfall. Anti-Maduro politicians have been barred from
holding office, like two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles; arrested or placed under house arrest, like opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez; or threatened with trial, like congress leader Julio Borges who could face treason charges for lobbying against Venezuela’s government in global financial circles.
Powerful 5.7 earthquake rocks Trinidad and Tobago PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – A powerful 5.7 earthquake was felt in sections of Trinidad and Tobago and as far north as St. Vincent and the Grenadines yesterday. The Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus says the quake was felt around 11:00am, approximately 68 kilometres northwest of Tobago and 84 kilometres southeast of Grenada. The Seismic Research Centre centre says in the twin island republic the quake was felt in the towns of Arima, Carapichaima, El Dorado, San Juan, Barataria and Valsayn. Elsewhere in the region, residents in St Vincent and Grenadines and Grenada reported feeling strong tremors. So far there have been no reports of damage or injuries.
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Monday November 06, 2017
Congo sets presidential election for December 2018 KINSHASA - (Reuters) - Congo’s electoral commission announced yesterday that long-awaited presidential elections to replace President Joseph Kabila would take place on December 23, 2018. Around 43 million voters have been registered for the vote so far, Corneille Nangaa told a news conference in Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. The election will be held on December 23, 2018, with the results to be published on January 9, 2019, and the president to be sworn in on January 13, another official from the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), Jean Pierre Kalamba, told the same news conference. The election, originally scheduled for late 2016, has been repeatedly delayed. Those delays have triggered unrest and raised fears the central African nation could slip back into the conflicts that killed millions around the turn of the century, mostly from hunger and disease. The electoral commission had said last month that the presidential vote could not take place until April 2019 at the earliest, and the opposition had warned that the population would “take matters into its own hands”. Opposition leaders reacted furiously to the new date. “The predatory regime wants to prolong the instability and misery of the people. We do not accept this fantasy calendar,” exiled opposition leader Moise Katumbi tweeted. Civil society activist organisation Lucha on Twitter also condemned the announcement. Dozens died in protests against Kabila’s refusal to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate last December. U.S. envoy Nikki Haley said during a visit to meet with Kabila last month that the vote must happen in 2018 or it will lose international support. With no imminent election in sight, a political crisis has set in that is fuelling increasing militia violence and lawlessness in Congo’s east and centre.
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
At least 27 dead, more than two dozen injured in Texas church shooting
Law enforcement officers gather in front of the First Baptist Church after the shooting yesterday morning. At least 27 people were killed and 27 injured in a mass shooting at a Texas church yesterday morning, a law enforcement official told ABC News. The alleged shooter, who has not been identified, is dead, and there is no longer an active threat at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, police told ABC News. Among those killed at the white clapboard church was a 14-year-old girl named Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, according to her father, Frank Pomeroy, who is pastor at the church. The other victims are all close friends of his, he said. A woman who said she works at a gas station across the street from the church told ABC News she heard rapid gunfire at around 11:15 a.m. as congregants from the church as well as customers at the station ran inside the station for cover. “We heard several shots
and we all started running inside the store,” said the woman, who said she is 49 but declined to give her name. “It lasted about 15 seconds,” she said. “I yelled, ‘Get down! Get inside!’ and we all went into hiding.” Within minutes of the gunfire, emergency personnel arrived at the scene, she said. She said the gas station locked its doors and has not reopened. Police formed a perimeter around the church and flooded its grounds with emergency and police vehicles, according to ABC affiliate KSAT-TV in San Antonio. The First Baptist Church is an unassuming, white structure with a red-hued door, with numerous flags in front, including an American flag and one for the Lone Star State. It’s on what appears to be a dusty road in a rural area. A small group of people were seen clustered together outside the church, holding hands and attempting to
pray, a KSAT-TV reporter said. Families in tears wait to see if their family and friends are safe. Praying for the safety of all those involved. Texas Gov. Abbott said in a statement, “While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act. I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of mourning and loss.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement, “The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church.” “Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting,” Paxton said. (ABC News)
Sacked Catalonia leader turns himself in, polls show independence strength BRUSSELS/MADRID/BARCELONA (Reuters) - Sacked Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont and four associates turned themselves in to Belgian police yesterday, following Spain’s issuing of an arrest warrant for rebellion and sedition. All are wanted by Madrid for actions related to the push for the region’s secession from Spain. Puigdemont has become the public face of that move for independence. Other charges are the misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to the secessionist campaign, which has thrown Spain into a political crisis just as its economy has recovered from a sharp downturn and banking stress. Madrid has taken over administrative control in Catalonia, until then an autonomous region, and called new elections on Dec 21. Two polls yesterday suggested pro-Catalonia independence parties will together win December’s regional election although they may fall just short of a majority of seats in parliament needed to revive
the secession campaign. Parties supporting Catalonia staying in Spain would divide seats but garner around 54 percent of the vote, the polls suggested. Puigdemont travelled to Belgium shortly after Madrid took control. Yesterday morning, Puigdemont and four of his former councillors presented themselves to police in Brussels. A judge was to hear the defendants’ case yesterday afternoon and has until this morning to decide whether the formalities for the extradition request have been fulfilled. According to a GAD3 survey of 1,233 people conducted between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 and published in La Vanguardia newspaper, pro-independence parties ERC, PDeCAT and CUP would take between 66 and 69 seats in the 135-seat parliament. A second poll taken over the same period for the conservative newspaper La Razon echoed the GAD3 survey, showing pro-independence parties would capture the most votes though still fall just shy of a parliamentary majority with 65 seats.
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
Red Force, Scorpions draw despite Khan heroics TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – Leg-spinner Imran Khan snatched his 19th fivewicket haul in first class cricket but it proved in vain as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force were held to a draw by Jamaica Scorpions on the final day of their second round contest here yesterday. The 33-year-old finished with six for 59 as Scorpions, resuming the day on 29 for one in their second innings were dismissed for a paltry 141 at the Brian Lara Stadium. Captain Paul Palmer topscored with 52 and Derval Green got 30 but the visitors collapsed from 100 for four at one stage, losing their last six wickets for just 41 runs. Set 193 for victory, Red Force ended on 84 or three with captain Denesh Ramdin hitting an unbeaten 31 and Green returning with his pace to capture two for 55. Red Force stumbled early on losing both openers as Jeremy Solozano fell for seven and Amir Jangoo for 17, both to Green in successive overs. Solozano was caught at the wicket and Jangoo bowled, as Red Force slipped to 29 for two and when Roshon Primus was run out for nine, Red Force were in deeper trouble at 45 for three. But Ramdin battened down the hatches in an innings lasting 42 deliveries and a shade over threequarters of an hour, as he put on 39 with Tion Webster who ended 15 not out. Earlier, Scorpions slipped to 48 for four in the morning session after Garth Garvey (20), Brandon King (3) and Assad Fudadin (8), all fell in quick succession. With Scorpions only 99
Monday November 06, 2017
Kaieteur News
runs ahead at this stage, Palmer and Green came together to frustrate Red Force in a 52-run fifth wicket partnership and take their side to lunch at 67 for four. For Palmer, it was his third first class half-century and he faced 183 balls, in just under 3-1/4 hours and struck three fours. Green, meanwhile, thumped three fours and a six in 69-ball knock before driving firmly back to Imran Khan who took a smart catch diving to his right. With six runs added, Romaine Morrison followed, caught low down at forward short leg by Solozano off Imran Khan for five. And first inning centurymaker Fabian Allen offered little resistance this time around when he failed to score, missing a cut five balls later in the same over and seeing his stumps rattled. Palmer reached the tea interval on 48 with Scorpions 133 for eight, and managed to add just four more runs before he was ninth out to the third ball following the resumption, lbw to left-arm spinner Khary Pierre. Scores: SCORPIONS 431 (Fabian Allen 169 not out, Brandon King 98, Derval Green 29, Dennis Bulli 28; Bryan Charles 3-64, Roshon Primus 2-69, Imran Khan 2127) and 141 (Paul Palmer 52, Derval Green 30; Imran Khan 6-59, Khary Pierre 240). RED FORCE 380 for seven decl. (Tion Webster 178, Yannic Cariah 127; Derval Green 3-77, Paul Harrison 2-60) and 84 for three (Denesh Ramdin 31 not out; Derval Green 2-55).
MAN CITY BRUSH OFF ARSENAL TO CONTINUE WINNING STREAK
Sergio Aguero broke Manchester City’s goalscoring record in the midweek win over Napoli. (Getty Images) MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - MANCHESTER CITY 3 ARSENAL 1 They may not have been at their very best but Premier League leaders Manchester City still had enough to beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium yesterday and extend their win streak to 15 games. They opened up an eightpoint lead at the top of the table before second-placed Manchester United’s game against Chelsea an and left the Gunners trailing 12 points behind. Unbeaten City have not dropped points since a draw at home to Everton in their first home game of the season in mid-August and they have now won nine league games in a row. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was angered by the awarding of a penalty against his team in the 50th minute and what he saw, with some justification, as an off-side when David Silva set up
Gabriel Jesus for City’s decisive third. “Can anyone stop them? It will be difficult this season, the way they have started, the quality they have but you never know. If on top of that they have decisions at home like that, they will be unstoppable,” Wenger told reporters. Wenger clearly felt his best hope of halting City’s run of wins in all competitions was to keep men behind the ball and try to eliminate space for City’s prolific attack. Fielding a five-man defence, with the full backs staying deep and midfielder Francis Coquelin in the middle of the back-line, Arsenal’s intentions were clear but frustrating City at the moment is far easier said than done. City grabbed the lead in the 19th minute through a low drive from Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, after his initial shot had been parried
out by Petr Cech. The home side’s trademark fast counter-attack should have brought a second in the 35th break when De Bruyne fed Raheem Sterling but the winger overhit his pass to Leroy Sane with the German in a great position. Arsenal were just about managing to stay in the game and on the stroke of halftime City keeper Ederson needed to be at his most alert to get down and keep out a wellstruck effort from Aaron Ramsey. City doubled their advantage five minutes after the interval when club record scorer Sergio Aguero slotted home a penalty after Raheem Sterling was barged over by Nacho Monreal. Guardiola’s side’s normally slick passing a little off at times and they showed signs of fatigue from their midweek exertions at Napoli in the Champions League.
Having not gained much joy from Alexis Sanchez on his own in attack with Mesut Ozil behind him, Arsenal threw on 52 million-pound ($68 million) striker Alexandre Lacazette in the 56th minutes and the Frenchman fired them back into the game with a clinical diagonal finish after being set up by Ramsey. But City restored their two-goal lead when David Silva, in what replays suggested was an offside position, collected a pass from Fernandinho and slipped the ball to substitute Gabriel Jesus for a simple tapin. City have set high standards this season and this win will not be among their most memorable. But the relative ease with which they dealt with the fifth-placed team in the league is an ominous sign for their pursuers. ($1 = 0.7649 pounds)
Samaraweera to coach Sri Lanka’s batsmen
Leg-spinner Imran Khan … picked up a six-wicket haul.
ESPNcricinfo - Former Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera will be Sri Lanka’s batting coach leading up to the 2019 World Cup, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala has confirmed. The move is expected to be rubber-stamped today, when Samaraweera arrives on the island from Melbourne, where he lives. The following day he will travel with the team to India, where they are set to play three Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. Samaraweera will have his work cut out on the tour, in shoring up a batting unit low on confidence. While the role of batting coach
is officially a first for the 41-yearold former middle-order batsman, he has previously had stints as a batting consultant with other national outfits - with Bangladesh since September last year, and a brief stint with Australia prior to that. He replaces Hashan Tillakaratne, who had taken up the role on a temporary basis in July ahead of India’s visit to Sri Lanka. Tillakaratne will now go back to his role as batting coach of Sri Lanka’s developmental squads. A veteran of 81 Tests, in which he scored 5462 runs at 48.76, Samaraweera retired from international cricket in 2013.
Thilan Samaraweera on his first day as Bangladesh’s batting consultant. (BCB)
Monday November 06, 2017
COTTRELL, MAYERS HELP WINDIES A LEVEL SERIES
Fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell … his four-wicket haul helped undermine Sri Lanka A. (file photo) FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, CMC – Manof-the-Match Sheldon Cottrell conjured up a lethal spell to fire West Indies A to a serieslevelling 45-run win over Sri Lanka A in the final one-dayer of the three-match series here yesterday. Defending a paltry 152 at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium, the hosts bundled Sri Lanka A out for 107 in the 39th over, with leftarm speedster Cottrell taking four for 19 from 8.3 overs. Opener Nipun Karunanayake top-scored with 47 but was one of just four batsmen in double figures and the only one to pass 13. Cottrell disposed of Sandun Weerakkody (6) and Roshen Silva (3) cheaply to leave the innings tottering on 12 for two in the fifth over. And when captain Dhananjaya De Silva was caught at the wicket off fast bowler Odean Smith for three, the visitors were slumping at 28 for three in the 11th over. Karunanayake, who faced 113 deliveries and struck two fours, put on 25 for the fourth wicket with Charith Asalanka (10) – the highest stand of the innings – but once they were separated, the last seven wickets perished for 54 runs. Seamer Kyle Mayers was also superb, taking three for 24 to destroy the lower order.
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Earlier, Shamarh Brooks top-scored with 35 while Andre McCarthy got 27 but Windies A also faltered after opting to bat first. They were well placed on 115 for four just after the halfway stage but declined to lose their last six wickets for 37 runs. Windies A were undermined by left-arm pacer Vimukthi Perera who grabbed four for 25 while seamers Lahiru Kumara (2-30) and Shehan Madushanka (2-35) supported with two wickets apiece. Perera accounted for Montcin Hodge for one and Rahkeem Cornwall for 18, to leave the hosts on 22 for two in the seventh over. Brooks anchored two small but crucial stands, putting on 41 for the third wicket with Sunil Ambris (20) and a further 30 for the fourth wicket with McCarthy. However, Brooks and McCarthy fell within 22 runs of each other and West Indies A then failed to recover. Scores: WEST INDIES A 152 off 44.1 overs (Shamarh Brooks 35, Andre McCarthy 27, Sunil Ambris 20; Vimukthi Perera 4-25, Lahiru Kumara 2-30, Shehan Madushanka 2-35). SRI LANKA A 107 off 38.3 overs (Nipun Karunanayake 47; Sheldon Cottrell 4-19, Kyle Mayers 3-24).
ECB changes likely to spell end for Clarke ESPNcricinfo - Giles Clarke’s long spell at the ECB looks set to end in 2018 due to changes in the governance of the sport. Clarke, currently the ECB’s first president, has been on the board of the organisation since 2005 and, between 2007 and 2015, was its chairman. But with the ECB set to reduce the size of its board from 13 to a maximum of 12 (and quite possibly 10) and introduce maximum term limits, it seems certain Clarke, now aged 64, will stand aside in the next few months. To comply with the governance requirements of UK Sport and Sport England, the ECB will shortly introduce a term limit of nine years (three terms of three years) for directors, while it will also be obliged to have a minimum of 30% of each gender on the board. At present, only two of the ECB’s 13 directors are women. While there is some scope for a director staying in position for 12 years if they are “appointed as chair... or to a senior position on an international federation” Clarke qualifies on both counts - it will shortly become necessary for a director to
have a break of four years before serving on the board again. The ECB has previously opposed any reduction in the size of the board suggesting that to do so would pose a threat to its “operational effectiveness”. They have also claimed that the “highly complex nature of the business” necessitated longer periods in office. The changes will be enshrined in the ECB’s amended Articles of Association - sent to counties this week and scheduled to be agreed in December and ratified at the AGM in April 2018 - alongside a raft of other adaptations. Among them will be an end to the system where the first-class counties (and the MCC) elect a chairman. It will instead be left to the board to elect one. Clarke might charitably be said to have polarised opinions during his spell at the ECB. While he oversaw an influx of money into the game - money that helped improve facilities for spectators and players and contributed to a period of much-improved results on the pitch - he also presided over
a period when cricket’s relevance diminished in the public consciousness and gained an ever-more-elitist reputation. Clarke also deserves credit for his support of women’s cricket, disability cricket and, more latterly, Pakistan cricket though his attempts to backtrack on his role on the ‘Big Three’ takeover at the ICC convinced few. The ECB also intends to introduce a Regulatory Committee in the coming weeks. Increasingly anxious about government scrutiny of governance in sport - ECB chairman Colin Graves recently described it as “the most important issue for our sport” in a letter to the counties - the committee is intended, in Graves’ words, to “ensure that we are properly protecting ourselves in relation to integrity matters”. The committee will be chaired by Nick Coward, who has previously been CEO of the British Horseracing Authority and General Secretary of the Premier League, and also include three independent members, two senior ECB executives and an independent member from the ECB board.
UFC 217: Rose Namajunas finishes... From page 35 straight right hand. Jedrzejczyk got up and seemed to recover quickly. But Namajunas wasn’t done. She caught Jedrzejczyk on the chin with a left hook that dropped her a second time. This time, Jedrzejczyk wasn’t able to survive. Namajunas dropped a series of hammer fists on Jedrzejczyk from the top, forcing referee John McCarthy to stop it at 3:03 of the first. Jedrzejczyk was aggressive and animated all week and was in Namajunas’ face at the weigh-in and during public appearances. When Jedrzejczyk was shouting at Namajunas during the weigh-in, Namajunas stood quietly and recited The Lord’s Prayer. “There was a lot of stuff in the press going on and I just wanted to use my gift of martial arts to make the world a better place,” she said. She made Madison Square Garden a loud and crazy place, as the crowd that seemed to come for the inevitable Jedrzejczyk win got to see one of the biggest title-fight upsets in UFC history. Jedrzejczyk was attempting to make her sixth consecutive successful defence of her championship, which would have tied ex-
bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey’s record for women. But she was never in the fight on Saturday, failing to connect with a serious blow and being dropped twice and finished. Namajunas, who lost a title shot earlier in her career to Carla Esparza, is a talented and creative fighter whose submissions are outstanding and often jaw-dropping. Few, though, thought she’d be able to stand toeto-toe with Jedrzejczyk and beat her at her own game. But Namajunas pulled it off and fulfilled the prophecy of her boyfriend, exUFC heavyweight contender Pat Barry, who said that Namajunas would win the title several years ago before she was even in the UFC. She fought with a calm determination Saturday, beating one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world by a wide margin. It was the first MMA loss for Jedrzejczyk, who entered the bout 14-0 and had talked of moving up to 125 to challenge for the newly created flyweight title sometime next year. That may yet happen, but the division that she ruled so thoroughly the last several years just took a sudden change of direction.
ECB’s Giles Clarke looks on in the company of Tom Harrison. (IDI/Getty Images)
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Monday November 06, 2017
Jack Sock beats Filip Krajinovic Flanagan upsets Keitany, ends US drought at NYC Marathon to qualify for ATP Tour Finals
Jack Sock won Olympic mixed doubles gold, and bronze in the men’s doubles, at the Rio Games in 2016. (Reuters) BBC Sport - World number 22 Jack Sock beat qualifier Filip Krajinovic to win his first Masters 1000 title in Paris and qualify for the ATP Tour Finals. The 25-year-old American came from a set down to beat the Serb, 77th in the world rankings, 5-7 6-4 6-1. Sock, seeded 16th, is the first American to win the tournament since Andre Agassi in 1999. Victory meant he took the final place at the season-ending ATP Tour Finals from Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.
Krajinovic beat ninth seed John Isner and Wimbledon semi-finalist Sam Querrey on his way to his first ATP Masters final. He was broken by Sock in the sixth game of the opening set but responded immediately and took the first set when his opponent netted a forehand. The American found his rhythm, serving nine aces and winning 79% of points on his first serve, as he won in one hour and 59 minutes. Sock will move into the world’s top 10 for the first time when the new rankings are
released on Monday, two days before the draw for the ATP Tour Finals, which take place in London from 12-19 November. Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who ended his season in July with an elbow injury, will fall out of the world’s top 10 for the first time since 2007. Who has qualified for the ATP Tour Finals? Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Alexander Zverev, Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Jack Sock.
Shalane Flanagan edged out Kenyan rival Mary Keitany to become the first American woman to win the New York City Marathon since 1977. NEW YORK (AP) — Shalane Flanagan dethroned Mary Keitany yesterday and became the first American woman to win the New York City Marathon since 1977, potentially ending her decorated career with her first major marathon victory. Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya won the men’s race, holding off countryman Wilson Kipsang by 3 seconds for his first major victory. Keitany had won three straight New York marathons, but Flanagan pulled away from the Kenyan great with about three miles to go. Flanagan finished in 2 hours, 26 minutes, 53 seconds, about a minute faster than Keitany. The American cried and yelled as she approached the finish line all alone. “It’s indescribable,” the 36-year-old Flanagan said. “It’s a moment I’m trying to soak up and savor.” The last American woman to win New York was Miki Gorman, who took consecutive titles in 1976-77. Flanagan finished second in New York for her first marathon in 2010 but hadn’t run this race since. This was her first marathon since finishing sixth at the Rio Games due to a fracture in her lower back. The injury kept her out of the Boston
Marathon in the spring but set her up to train hard for New York with an eye on Keitany. Flanagan had called Keitany “the alpha racer” and said she was ready to “suffer dearly” while keeping pace with the unpredictable Kenyan. Flanagan, Keitany and Ethiopia’s Mamitu Daska were step-and-step until the 24th mile. Keitany never made a move, though, and Flanagan hit the jets to pull away, keeping a stern face until getting emotional near the finish in Central Park. On the podium, Flanagan put her hands over face and began to cry again when she was announced the winner. She turned to hug Keitany before accepting her medal. “This is the moment I’ve dreamed off since I was a little girl,” Flanagan said. Flanagan had said she may retire if she won New York. She didn’t immediately make an announcement regarding her future. Kamworor edged Kipsang with a time of 2:10:53. Kamworor separated from the pack late and seemed like he would cruise to his first major marathon victory, but Kipsang appeared on his heels in the final stretch. Kipsang didn’t have
MYO/Amanat Baksh Memorial Inter-Jamaat Softball bowls off Nov. 12 The Muslim Youth Organization of Guyana Inter-Jamaat softball cricket competition in Memory of the late Br. Amanat Baksh of Queenstown Jama Masjid is schedule to start on 12th November at the MYO ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown. The registration fee is $3,000 per team and lots of trophies and cash incentives will be at stake. All Jamaats interested in participating are kindly asked to make contact with Br. Imran Ally on 231-9822 (h), 689-7425 (c), Br. Ralph Khan on 625-4330 or Br.Abdool Kumar on 670-8207. Registration closes on Thursday November 9 at 18:00hrs, followed by the draw.
enough to catch Kamworor, though. The 24-year-old winner kissed the pavement right after crossing the finish, then turned to embrace Kipsang. American running great and 2009 New York winner Meb Keflezighi completed his 26th and final marathon in 11th place at 2:15:29, collapsing as he crossed the finish. “Thank you New York for showing up today,” Keflezighi told the crowd. “Cheering me on and showing that vibrant energy.” The race went off without interruption five days after the bike path terror attack killed eight in lower Manhattan. Police had promised an unprecedented effort to secure the course, a plan including hundreds of extra uniformed patrol and plainclothes officers, roving teams of counterterrorism commandos armed with heavy weapons, bomb-sniffing dogs and rooftop snipers. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city was expecting 2 million fans to line the course. “New York City said strongly we’re not giving into terrorists,” de Blasio said, adding “That’s a message we’re sending the whole world.” Beverly Ramos ran the race with a Puerto Rican flag headband two months after her home island was ravaged by Hurricane Maria. Like many in Puerto Rico, Ramos was without power after the storm. Still, she decided to continue training near San Juan, seeking out safe places to run amid the wreckage. Comedian Kevin Hart made his marathon debut at New York. Forget about chasing gold — the actor and fitness nut was mostly worried about avoiding humiliation. “I don’t want to see a bunch of memes of me looking weird out here,” Hart said shortly before starting.
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
CLEVELAND “THE LITTLE KENYAN” FORDE WINS GUYANA LEG OF SOUTH AMERICA 10K
Yesterday’s medalists stand together for a group photo. Guyana ruled the roost in the men’s Open Division of the second leg of the three-stage South America 10k after finishing with all the podium finishes. The race shot off yesterday afternoon at 15:30hrs at the GTT earth center on CARIFESTA Avenue, preceded to the University of Guyana road and returned for the finish inside the National Park. Cleveland Forde finished in pole position with an impressive time of 33 minutes 42seconds followed by long time rival Cleveland Thomas who finished with just a nine-second
gap in his time of 33 minutes 51 seconds for second place. The ever improving Winston Missigher finished 3rd in a time of 34 minutes 05 seconds to complete Guyana’s full podium finish. Forde explained to the press that himself along with Missigher and Thomas had decided to work together but they did most of the work which allowed him to come out on top. Champion of the Guyana leg in 2016, 49-year-old Curtis Cox, had to scamper for fourth position in 34 minutes 18 seconds, while Junior Ashton of St. Vincent and the
Grenadines (SVG) was fifth with 35 minutes 53 seconds. SVG’s Linda Mcdowall showed up her countryman fifth place finish in the men’s Open after capturing the Women’s Open. The 23-year-old lass ran a time of 39 minutes 50 seconds and related to Kaieteur Sport following her victory that she didn’t expect Guyana to be so hot and the heat played a major role in her time which was slow to her standards. Grenada’s Kenisha Pascal finished second in the female Open in a time of 40 minutes 44 seconds,
AND THEY’RE OFF! The beginning of the South America 10k Guyana leg yesterday.
while Guyana’s Maria Urquhart was third in 44 minutes 20 seconds. Guyana achieved more success in the Junior Male division of the 10k race after South America Junior bronze medalist; 19-year-old Anfernee Headecker, who finished sixth overall, was first among his peers. Suriname’s Ronaldinho Pinas was second among the Junior Male, while Rickie Williams of Guyana was third followed by his compatriot Delroy Leitch fourth. Headecker in an invited comment following the race stated that, “Although I’m a
junior, I decided to run with the pace of the seniors in order to push myself towards their level, and that’s why I came out as the top Junior because I wasn’t competing against them, I was gunning for the top.” The Junior women saw a similar first to third finish for Guyana with third place overall Maria Urquhart being the first female junior to cross the line, followed Sheama Tyrell second and Leyanna Charles third. Meanwhile, Sefanja Wielzen of Suriname was fourth in the junior women class of the 10k race.
Port Mourant Turf Club, KP Jagdeo and Sons stage Meet on Sunday 19 Nov. Horseracing is set to continue on Sunday 19th November when the Port Mourant Turf in collaboration with The KP Jagdeo and Sons Construction Company and Racing stable stages a grand one day Horserace meet at the club’s entity Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice. Seven races are set for the day with over $6M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for the takings. The feature event will be for horses classified C and Lower over 1500 M for a hefty winners money of $800,000 and trophy. There is a race for E3 Maiden and lower horses over one mile for a top prize of $500,000 and trophy. Animals classified H1 and Lower has at stake a top prize of $300,000 and trophy to aim for in the race over 1200M. The race for Three-Year-Old Guyana Bred maiden and I and lower horses will be galloping for a winning pocket of $300,000 over 1200 M. The race for two years old
Guyana Bred animals will also be racing over 1200M as they go against each other for the $200,000 bounty and trophy. The race for animals classified J, K and L will see the winner taking home a winning prize of $160,000 and trophy also over 1200M. The final event is for animals classified L non winners over 1200M for a top prize of $200,000 and trophy. The race will be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA). There are also stating that five horses must start a race before third prizes will be paid and that Seven horses must start before any fourth prize will be paid. Entries are expected to be closed on Sunday 12thNovember, No late entries will be accepted. For more information and entry details interesting persons can contact Ramnauth on 337-5311 or Kris Jagdeo on 624- 6123 or 3220369. Race time is 12:30hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Champ Wilder KOs Stiverne in first round of rematch
Deontay Wilder knocks out Bermane Stiverne in the first round during their rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title, at the Barclays Center in New York. (AFP Photo/AL BELLO) New York (AFP) Undefeated champ Deontay Wilder destroyed Bermane Stiverne by knocking out the out-of-shape challenger with one second left in the opening round to retain his WBC heavyweight championship on Saturday. The 32-year-old Wilder delivered an explosive performance as he floored Stiverne two times in the opening round before finishing him off with a punishing right-left to the head as the defenceless Canadian was pinned against the ropes. Stiverne then slumped to the canvas and stayed motionless for some time before being helped up and into a chair where he was examined by the ring doctor at the Barclays Center arena in New York. “I know I am the best. I just want to prove that I am the best,” said Wilder, who has 39 wins and 38 knockouts. “I got the heart of a lion. I am the king.” Wilder was the heavy
favourite going into this the sixth defence of his heavyweight title. It was his second win over the 39-year-old former champ Stiverne who came into the rematch 15 pounds heavier and having fought just once since losing the belt to Wilder in January 2015. He won the first fight with a one-sided unanimous victory and the rematch was even easier. On Saturday, he flattened Stiverne with 45 seconds left in the first round with a left followed by a straight right that landed flush on the face of the Haitian-born challenger. Just 20 seconds later, he sent Stiverne back to the canvas with a heavy right hand that landed like a club to the side of the head. By this time Wilder was having his way with Stiverne as he sealed the victory with a four-punch combination that sent Stiverne awkwardly back into the ropes as referee Arthur Mercante frantically tried to intervene and stop the
onslaught. The Canadian earned another crack at Wilder in September, taking the rematch on short notice after the scheduled challenger, Luis Ortiz, of Cuba, failed a doping test. “So much frustration. Man .... it just seems like my career has been crazy. So many guys ducking me and so many guys using PEDs,” said Wilder. Wilder was so confident that he would win again that he vowed to retire if he lost. Stiverne blamed health issues for his failure to muster much resistance to Wilder’s onslaught in their first meeting but the beefy boxer’s his biggest mistake the second time around appeared to be spending too much time around the buffet table. Still Wilder said he respected Stiverne’s willingness to accept the challenge. “It took lot of courage to step in ring with someone like me. He was a clean fighter and he did the best he could,”
Wilder said. - Calls out Joshua Wilder hopes this win will land him a super fight with Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight showdown the boxing world is dying to see. Wilder issued a call for British star Joshua, who is the IBF and WBA heavyweight champ, to step up to the plate. “I been waiting on that boy for a long time now. Listen mate. I know I am the best. Are up for the test? I want Joshua. Joshua come and see me baby,” Wilder said. On the undercard, K a z a k h s t a n ’s S e rg e y Lipinets claimed the vacant IBF junior welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Akihiro Kondo of Japan. Lipinets improved to 13-0 with 10 KOs as he won on all three judges’ scorecards, 118110, 117-111 and 117-111. Kondo, the third ranked challenger with a career record of 29-6-1 coming into the bout, was fighting for his first world title in his debut fight on American soil.
Monday November 06, 2017
RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Metro Female Teams host monthly Pensioners Programme The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, First Division and Female Cricket Teams on Wednesday last hosted their monthly programme for pensioners at the Rose Hall Town Post Office. Members of the Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets First Division and Rose Hall Town Metro Female Teams along with their counterparts from the Club’s Over-35 Group provided snacks and refreshments to close to 300 pensioners while they waited to uplift their monthly Old Age pension. The Club members under the supervision of Vice President Mark Papannah and Assistant Organising Secretary Ravin Kissoonlall provided hot tea, water, soft drinks, sandwiches, boiled channa and a collection of fresh fruits to the pensioners. The programme was launched in March 2017 after a delegation of pensioners visited the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Office and met with Club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster. The delegation disclosed that some pensioners turn up at the Post Office from early as 03.00 hours to uplift pensions which are usually paid until 11.00 hours. Numerous pensioners are known to have fainted or became ill while awaiting their pensions. The two teams and Over-35 Group on the first working day of each month host the programme under their “We Care” Project. Foster stated that the members pool their financial resources and together with
funding from the club’s charity programme hosts the monthly project. The Pensioners Programme, Foster stated is one of the most pleasing projects the Club has undertaken and noted that since the project was launched in March, the amount of pensioners collecting pensions on the first of the month have doubled. The Club plans to increase the number of days to the first three working days of the month and to consider requests to extend the programme to the Whim and Nigg Post Offices. Arrangements are also being made by the two cricket teams for a Doctor and team of nurses to be present during the exercise to provide medical care for those feeling unwell. The teams during the month of May and June shared special hampers and gifts to mothers and fathers respectively. The December edition would be a special one with meals and Christmas goodies for the pensioners, while twenty of them would be selected to receive special Christmas hampers. The cricket teams also plan to visit shut-in pensioners to make their festive season memorable. The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets First Division Team is led by Shawn Pereira with Clinton Pestano as his deputy, while West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle leads the Metro Female Team with Erva Giddings as her deputy. The two teams have successfully completed a total of 83 personal development programmes.
Graf backs Williams to break Court’s record ZHUHAI, China (Reuters) - Serena Williams can “absolutely” surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam singles titles if the American returns to tennis after giving birth earlier this year, former world number one Steffi Graf said yesterday. Williams has not competed since winning the Australian Open in January but the 36-year-old posted several videos on social media showing her hitting balls during her pregnancy. Williams was about two months pregnant when she captured her 23rd grand slam singles title in Melbourne, one short of the all-time record held by Australian Court. “Absolutely, yes,” Graf told fans and reporters ahead of
Sunday’s WTA Elite Trophy singles final in Zhuhai. “I think a lot of it is determined on her drive and if that is what she wants to do.” Graf won 22 grand slam singles titles which was eclipsed by Williams in January. Williams told Vogue magazine in August about her ‘outrageous plan’ to defend her title in Australia, where the year’s first grand slam will be played from Jan. 15-28. “It sounds from what I hear that she is looking to come back to tennis and, you know, everything that she has shown over her career just makes you believe that if she has that in her sights then she will go after it and achieve it,” Graf said.
The pensioners receive refreshments from the RHTYSC teams as they wait to collect their monthly allowance.
Monday November 06, 2017
PAGE 33
Kaieteur News
Caribbean Junior Road Cycling Championships – Road Race
Dey suffers double puncture on last lap, ends 9th as did Ramsachchit in Juvenile class
Amber Joseph (centre) along with Alyssa Rowse (right) and Tachana Dalger after the finish. By Franklin Wilson in Barbados In association with Queensway Security Service and Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc. An ultra-challenging Stewart Hill in the Parish of St. Phillips presented a steep and challenging climb and rapid descent which had to be negotiated a total of seven (7) times adding up to 1300m of climbing over 88.9 kilometers. This was the terrain that 25 of the best Junior cyclists in the Caribbean had to negotiate when the Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships Road Race was contested yesterday in Barbados. Guyana had three starters but only Curtis Dey completed the very challenging course for the Juniors ending in 9th place of the 13 finishers. A total of 25 riders faced starters orders but 12 of them were unable to complete the distance including the Guyanese pair of Briton John who cramped up on lap 5 after falling on lap one and was brought to the finish line by the ambulance. Nigel Duguid Jnr., exited the race on lap 2. Winning the Gold medal in this category was Bermudian Matthew Oliveira who completed the seven laps in 2:32:18.67, exactly 9:56.04 ahead the second placed Emmanuel Gayral (2:42:14.71) who is Guyanese born but now resides in Antigua and Barbuda. The bronze medal went to Adrian Urcel of Guadeloupe in 2:44:02.44. Dey, who ended 13:38.21 behind the winner was looking good for a podium finish but suffered a double puncture on the final lap of the event which dented his chances of ending with a medal. The Berbician sat in with the peloton which had also included Briton John in the first five laps.
Oliveira who also won the Time Trials on Saturday established himself as the favourite after a breakaway of the top three riders on lap two. By lap 4, it was all Oliveira who went out on his own followed by Gayral over two minutes behind and Urcel a further two minutes behind in third. Dey and six other riders tried their utmost to reign in Urcel, they were close but his {Dey} chances of doing so were severely dented on the penultimate lap. Two Bermudians, a similar amount of Antiguans, Belizians, along with one each from St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Anguilla were among the 12 that did not finish the race. Some of those were taken out because they were eight (8) minutes or more behind the leader and eventual winner. Bajan Jacob Kelly ended 4th followed by Anthony Dames (Guadeloupe), Dominic Howard (Barbados), Gian Lino (Belize), Kyle Gill (Barbados), Dey, Kluivert (St. Lucia), Ronell Woods (T&T), Yannis Lubin (Guadeloupe) and Kemp Oroso of T&T completed the top 13 placing. The latter three ended one lap behind the winner. This race, which many spectators said was very tough for the Juniors in hot conditions, also presented them with 1100 meters of high speed descending for a total caloric burn of 300 calories per lap. JUVENILE RACE This race was contested on the Time Trial course with each lap being 10.1 kilometers. The 12 competitors were required to traverse this course six times for a total of 60.6km. The Guyanese pair of Jonathan Ramshuchit and David Hicks were in contention but only Ramshuchit completed the distance in 1:57:35.00, some 11:28.83 off the gold medalist, T&T’s Enriaue De Comparino time
of 1:46:06.17. Hicks (1:27:10.83) and Antigua and Barbuda’s David Simmons (1:40:31.82) were both taken out of the race as they were over eight (8) minutes behind the leader and winner. Like junior winner, Matthew Oliveira, De Comparino also won the double as he took the Time Trials on Saturday. The silver medal went to De Comparino’s countryman Joshua Rawlins in 1:47:17.53 with the bronze taken by Barbados’ Luke Staffner in 1:50:11.00, more than four
Matthew Oliveira (centre) won ahead of Emmanuel Gayral (right) and Adrian Urcel. minutes behind the winner. Ramshuchit, who along with Hicks are 14 year-olds, was in the top three for four of the six laps but hadn’t the energy as the race heated up to rally with the front runners and seasoned campaigners in this his first year at this level. The duo has promised that with two more years still left at this level, they would be back with the aim of ending on the podium. FEMALE RACE This 5-lap contest on the same course as the Juveniles saw home
girl Amber Joseph turning the tables on Bermuda’s Alyssa Rowse who had beaten her in the Time Trials one day earlier. Joseph sprinted away from the Bermudian to win the contest in 1:35:09.79 with Rowse being timed at 1:35:12.65. Surinamese Tachana Dalger took the bronze medal in 1:37:07.14, some 1:57.35 behind the winner with the other female competitor at this 12th edition of the championships, Belizian Taralee Ordonez completing the distance in 1:38:55.79; 3:46.00 behind.
Race of Champions horserace Meet fixed for December 3 at Rising Sun Turf club Rising Sun Turf Club is the venue on Sunday December 3 from 1:00pm for the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Race of Champions horserace Meet. The provisional programme lists eight races for the day with millions of dollars in prize money on offer for the outstanding performers. The main event is the C-Class & Lower 1200M race for a $1,000,000 purse. The second prize is $500,000, third $ 250,000, fourth $125,000 and fifth $62,500. The other races listed on the programme are: F Class & Lower/ E -Class non-earners of 2017 covering 1200M with a first prize of $400,000 on offer, while the other top two positions will claim $200,000 and $100,000 rewards respectively. H1 & Lower will gallop over 1200M for $300,000, $150,000 and $75,000 for the top finishers. The 3Yrs Old Guyana Bred & Open to H class horses who have not earned in their last 2 starts & I1 &Lower horses also collide over 1200M with the top three collecting
$250,000, $125,000 and $62,500 respectively. 2Yrs Old Guyana Bred & J3 who have not earned in their last 2 starts will run for 1200M with the reward being $240,000 for the winner, $120,000 for second and $60,000 for third place. The K-Class 1200M race carries a $230,000 purse, with $115,000 and $57,500 for the other top finishers. The L & Lower 1200M event have $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 at stake for the top three, while the L-Class non-earners since Guyana Cup 2017 will also run over 1200M for $175,000, $87,500 and $43,750 prizes. The Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee reserves the right to cancel / reframe any race mentioned. In the event that there are less than five (5) horses entered for any race, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money on race day after notifying the horse owners. Five (5) horses to start or no third
prize will be paid. Seven (7) horses to start or no fourth prize will be paid. Twelve (12) horses to start or no fifth prize will be paid. All races are run under the rules of The Guyana Horse Racing Authority, but also needs to meet all requirement of the Jumbo-Jet thoroughbred racing committee. Horses are subject for reclassification pending the results of any race meeting prior to this one. Entries close on Saturday, 25th November. Horse owners will pay an extra fee for any late entries. They must also fill the Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee form to accompany their fees to enter or their horses will not be allowed to race. Information can be accessed by calling: Chandu Ramkissoon: 624-9063, 608-9063, 232-0633 Alan Podmore: 232-9115 Rajin (LION): 608-4050 Nikita Ross: 662-4668
PAGE 34
Kaieteur News
Guyana Open Golf Classic
Avinash Persaud retains title, Sukhram overthrows Joann Deo
Avinash Persaud
Before the second and final day’s play in the Guyana Open golf classic concluded yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Course, Guyana’s premier female golfer, Christine Sukhram reinstated her place as the best in her class after dominating 36 holes of golf in the two-day tournament. Sukhram had a score of 82 strokes during the first day’s play and on day two, yesterday, she played slightly less impressive with a score of 89 strokes but nevertheless, it was good enough to come out on top of her competitors for a win in yesterday’s round which saw her grab the overall title. The 2016 female champion, two-time winner Joann Deo, who was in third place following the first day’s play, rallied during yesterday’s second round to overtake Shanella Webster for second place. Deo outplayed Webster 91 to 99 strokes yesterday. Meanwhile, the fourth and final finisher in the women’s division was newcomer Anasha Ally who improved on her score of 130 strokes on Saturday by one to finish with 129. At the end of the day, Avinash Persaud maintained his dominance and doubled up on his victory in 2016 and won his eighth Guyana Cup title with a gross score of 149 strokes, while 2013 champion Avinda Kishore finished second with his gross score being 151 and Mikey Mangal was third with 157 strokes.
Christine Sukhram
Chelsea’s Morata deals blow to United title bid
No player has scored more headed goals in the big five European leagues since the start of last season than Alvaro Morata. (Getty Images) (Reuters) - CHELSEA 1 MANCHESTER UNITED 0 Alvaro Morata’s secondhalf header secured Chelsea a 1-0 win over Manchester United in a compelling Premier League clash yesterday as Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge ended in defeat. Morata’s brilliantly-taken header in the 55th minute was the difference on another frustrating trip to London for United, with six of their last seven away defeats coming in the capital. United pressed for an equaliser, with Mourinho throwing all his attacking options on from the bench, but they did not test Thibaut Courtois enough in the Chelsea goal, mustering just two shot on target in the whole match. “We played with great energy, passion and enthusiasm. There were a lot of positive things. The desire from my players, the fight and
will to help each other,” said relieved Chelsea manager Antonio Conte after a tough week. Chelsea stay fourth on 22 points, the win breathing life into their hopes of retaining the title. Conte’s men are within a point of local rivals Tottenham Hotspur and second-placed United, who trail Manchester City by eight points. The gap at the top of the table is the biggest after 11 games in Premier League history. Conte left Brazil international Davis Luiz out of the squad and dropped Antonio Rudiger to the bench after some awful defending in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat at AS Roma in the Champions League in midweek with Andreas Christensen coming into the side. United started well but Chelsea had the ball in the net first, only for referee Anthony Taylor to rule it out, with Morata adjudged to have fouled defender Phil Jones.
Both goalkeepers were kept busy. Courtois was forced to make his first stop after 16 minutes, beating away Romelu Lukaku’s strike, before United counterpart David De Gea spectacularly kept out Tiemoue Bakayoko’s fierce effort from distance. GLORIOUS CHANCE After an entertaining first half that produced 15 shots at goal, the second period began sluggishly. However, just moments after Eden Hazard had missed a glorious chance, Morata stepped up to net what proved to be the winning goal. Cesar Azpilicueta sent over a perfect cross for Morata who was afforded far too much space by the United defence, with the Spaniard guiding his header superbly past De Gea. “The team that scores first probably wins because both teams are very good defensively, Mourinho said. “We had the chances to equalise, which would have
been a fair result. One goal, three points, congratulations.” Mourinho shuffled his pack, and made unusually adventurous substitutions, but Chelsea remained largely untroubled. Bakayoko could have doubled Chelsea’s advantage with 15 minutes left, but drilled the ball wide. United’s best spell came in the dying embers of the match, with Marcus Rashford fizzing an effort past the post and Marouane Fellaini denied by a fine save from Courtois. But Chelsea saw out the match to claim a victory that means Mourinho has not beaten any of the big six sides away from home in 11 attempts — a run stretching back almost three years. Results from yesterday’s games: Tottenham 1 - Crystal Palace 0 Man City 3 – Arsenal 1 Chelsea 1 - Man Utd 0 Everton 3 – Watford 2
Monday November 06, 2017
Free-scoring Ambris rewarded with Test call-up ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Vincentian strokemaker Sunil Ambris has been rewarded for his recent prolific scoring and named in a West Indies 15-man squad for the two-Test tour of New Zealand starting later this month. The 24-year-old, who played a single One-Day International in the fivematch series against England last September, is the only new face in the unit, replacing Kyle Hope who failed in successive series against England and Zimbabwe recently. Ambris smashed 608 runs at an average of 43 for Windward Islands Volcanoes in the last first class season and was one of the leading scorers in the Regional Super50 earlier this year when he pummeled 423 runs at an average of 70. Last month, he tipped the scales heavily in his favour with two hundreds in the three-match “Test” series against the touring Sri Lanka A, as he emerged the leading batsman in the series with 278 runs at an average of 55. “Sunil has replaced Kyle Hope in the squad, and this is on the basis of his consistent performances across formats and his outstanding returns for the Windies ‘A’ team in the ‘Test’ series against Sri Lanka ‘A’,” chief selector Courtney Browne said. “This type of consistency is very welcomed by the panel.” Hope has struggled in international cricket, gathering just 41 runs in six Test innings on a difficult tour of England. The 28-year-old righthander also failed to produce against minnows Zimbabwe, managing just 60 runs in three innings. “Kyle is encouraged to return to the first-class championship and turn in the strong performances his talent suggests he can deliver,” Browne said. Apart from Hope, selectors have kept faith with the unit that lost 2-1 to England last August but impressed in winning the Caribbean side their first Test on English soil in 17 years with the stunning result at Headingley. They completed a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe last week, winning the first Test by 117 runs before being held to a draw in the final match, and Browne said this series win was underpinned by a strong collective effort. “The panel congratulates the players and the entire
Sunil Ambris … named in the Test squad for New Zealand. team management unit on the series victory in Zimbabwe,” the former Test wicketkeeper said. “It was a strong team effort and highlighted by those players that did not do as well as expected on the recent tour of England, playing critical roles in the team’s success. “Their success augurs well for the selection process and the philosophy of continuity which has underpinned our selection for the tour of New Zealand, and not the chopping and changing mentality.” West Indies will undergo a camp in Brisbane starting next week before travelling to New Zealand where they open that tour with a threeday match against New Zealand A starting November 25. The first Test bowls off December 1 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, with the second starting eight days later at Seddon Park in Hamilton. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach.