Kaieteur News
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Tuesday November 06, 2018
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
LOWERING THE PRESIDENTIAL BAR As the U.S. midterm elections approaches, the United States is at the crossroads and its democratic ideals have reached a critical mass. The tenets of decency and gentlemanly behaviour, which for centuries had defined the presidency and which were once assumed or taken for granted, are under assault by President Trump. But it is not just about President Trump and his derision of the office of the presidency. It is about America becoming a dismal nation whose social fabric has been destroyed to the extent that it has caused irrevocable damage to the country for years to come. The United States has a president who does not seem to understand that his rhetoric is fueling discord, divisiveness and hatred that could lead to violence. This is unprecedented for a U.S. president. The U.S has never had a president like Mr. Trump who is so arrogant, lies about issues, and who will publicly ridicule his opponents on the basis of their intelligence, their physical looks, or their ethnicity. Even the physically challenged have not been spared from the crudity of Mr. Trump’s attacks. The U.S. has never had a President who publicly admitted that he enjoys groping women or has been sued by porn stars. There was a time in the country when even a hint of public scandal, especially of a sexual nature, would be a disqualifier from office. It seems that President Trump is immune to sexual scandal and other wrongdoings. He continued to play to the worst fears of the American people; not only by demonizing his opponents in the most horrible ways possible, but by blatantly and repeatedly lying to the public. While doing this, he seeks to exonerate himself from his own angry and publicly hostile persona by blaming others, especially the media for the incivility and hostility in the country. The truth is President Trump does not seem to understand that, as president, he has been called to a higher bar than any other politician or citizen in the country. That is why he is given the protection of the Secret Service and other privileges which no other American citizen can ever enjoy. Yet, almost every day he does and say things that are indecent to dishonor the office of the presidency which Americans have given him the privilege to have. He does not show empathy when he should show it. Recently, pipe-bombs were mailed to two former presidents, Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama, vicepresident, Joe Biden, a former presidential candidate and secretary of State, members of the House and other important citizens. The president did not have the decency as perceived by protocol to call even the past presidents to sympathize with them on what could have been a tragic event. Instead, he made light of the attacks at a campaign rally by falsely attacking the press. Mr. Trump is an aberration as a president who is being shamelessly aided and abetted by his Republican colleagues. Those colleagues seem more interested in exercising power than they are to the danger that Mr. Trump poses to the country. No other president has so often, and publicly, referred to the press as an enemy of the people. With the current polarized culture in America, yet the president is not concerned that such hostile rhetoric could endanger the lives of journalists. He clearly does not seem to care if they are attacked or harmed by the public. Instead, he would say that it serve them right for criticizing him.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Burnhamism is back…Those who doubt me, do so at their own peril DEAR EDITOR, The breaking news that the government has taken possession of the Berbice River Bridge under the guise that they are acting “in the interest of public safety” must have shocked the conscience of every lawabiding citizen of this land. This is nothing short of the State compulsorily acquiring private property without any expressed intention to pay adequate compensation at market value as is required by Article 142 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Article 142 is designed to protect private property against the State expropriating the same without compensation. It would be recalled that during the 70’s and 80’s, numerous private properties were compulsorily acquired, nay stolen, by the then PNC administration right across the length and breadth of this land. These properties include what is now Citizens Bank, Hope Estate Limited, a huge tract of land at Liliendaal,
Takuba Lodge, Echilibar Villas and dozens more. In many instances, no monies were paid to the owners of these properties and, in the cases where they were payments, the price was pegged to a 1939 valuation as was the law during that period. This atrocity was obviously inspired by an ideology that has no respect for the rule of law, the constitutional rights of the citizenry, and driven by the unbridled arrogance of those in Government then who felt that this entire country was their private property. It was until the 19992001 Constitutional reform process that the Constitution was amended to provide for the prompt payment of market value for properties compulsorily acquired by the State.Again, the PNC is in Government and private property is once again under siege. That ideology and unbridled arrogance to which I have made reference are back. The nation is very much aware of the compulsorily acquisition of the leasehold interest of over
50 rice farmers whose 50year-old leases were revoked by President David Granger without any compensation being paid to these farmers. Readers will also recall the seizure of core homes from single mothers who own these properties by Certificates of Title and Transports. Fortunately, the High Court has declared all these seizures of private property as unconstitutional. You will recall also the blatant attempt by Attorney General, Basil Williams, to confiscate two pieces of private property adjacent to the Attorney General Chambers on Carmichael Street. Every week dozens of leases for State/Government lands are being revoked by various agencies of State. As a matter of policy, the Central Housing and Planning Authority is cancelling Transports and Certificates of Title of persons who are unable to construct buildings on house lots sold to them under the previous administration. I have written profusely over the past 3 years on these
matters contending that these are all incontrovertible e v i d e n c e o f authoritarianism. Again, with the Berbice Bridge, we see the naked authoritarian nature of this Government being displayed. Rather than negotiate from a position that recognizes and respects p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y, t h i s Government has chosen the big-stick method of bullyism and the virtual stealing of private property. This act of the Government will certainly cause irreversible damage to Guyana’s image as an investment destination. No prudent investor would pump scarce finance resources into a nation where the Government’s first resort is confiscation of their investments. I have regularly warned that Burnhamism is back and the reins of Government are in the hands of authoritarians. Those who doubt me, do so at their own peril. Regards, Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP Attorney at Law
The people of Berbice will not be victims of the AFC’s election gimmickry DEAR EDITOR, Earlier this month, Berbicians and the rest of Guyana woke up to the announcement that tolls for the Berbice Bridge would be hiked by almost 400 per cent and the effective date of the increase would be Election Day, November 12, 2018. The announcement came from the AFC-aligned Chairman of the Berbice Bridge Corporation Incorporated Board of Directors, Surendra Persaud. Why did the AFC supporter announce such a toll increase and decide that it would be effective on Election Day? Clearly this was designed to cause worry and trepidation among Berbicians, more so because the Bridge has become so vital for their economic and social wellbeing. How could the announced increase in tolls not be seen as an election gimmick? Fast forward to a few weeks later, Guyanese woke up to the announcement by
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, about the Government taking temporary control over the operations of the Berbice River Bridge in the interest of public safety. This is the perpetuation of the election gimmick on the Guyanese people. Editor, what is interesting i s t h a t t h e P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had said that this is election gimmickry and predicted that it was intended to offer Minister David Patterson/the AFC, a chance to come in like a ‘knight in shining armour’ to ‘save’ Guyanese. True to prediction, this is exactly what happened. What is also interesting is that six days before the Local Government Election, we have this announcement by Minister David Patterson – despite the admission that the matter is still to be dealt with at the level of the Cabinet. I must note that Minister David Patterson had also said
that he would seek legal advice, but the law is already clear. There can be no toll increases unless he, as Minister of Public Infrastructure, signs off on it. Why then, did Minister David Patterson choose to drag this issue out about seeking legal advice and what not when the law was
already clear? Even the Attorney General, Basil Williams, agreed that the law passed by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government on the issue is clear and the company will be in breach of the concession agreement if it increases the toll. That (Continued on page 27)
Reduced Taxation is needed in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Currently in Guyana, Corporation Tax for noncommercial companies is 30%, 40% for commercial companies and 45% for telecommunication companies. These rates should be abolished by creating a single reduced rate for corporation tax set at 25% which creates fairer taxation, as high corporation taxes are burdensome to companies. I am also advocating that the lower rate (28%) and the higher rate (40%) of income
tax be unified and set at 25% as high taxation discourages people from paying their fair share of taxes.While these reductions in taxation to 25% will lower Government Revenue, it is believed that our returns from the discovery of oil can vastly offset this loss.It is time for the PNC-led APNU+AFC Government of President David Granger to wise-up and not squander this magnificent opportunity to do the right thing. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori
Tuesday November 06, 2018
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It’s not surprising that Minister Is GTT doing this intentionally? Patterson has welcomed the call for an audit Dear Editor, Acting on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), I requested that the Audit Office of Guyana to do a special Audit of the following projects: The East Bank Berbice road; Works on the Mabaruma road; and the Port Kaituma road works. I note, not with surprise, that the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has welcomed the call for an audit to be done. Editor, I say not with surprise, given that the Minister’s has peddled a similar line before, in what clearly appears to be his attempt to show ‘clean hands’ – when the reality of the state of affairs at his Ministry has been exposed time and time again, most recently in the Auditor General’s 2017 report. The PPP/C will not allow the attempted deflection by the Minister. The issue here is about accountability and transparency. It was the same Minister who welcomed the investigation of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) into the award of a contract for the feasibility study into a new bridge across the Demerara River. What that report found was that multiple financial laws were breached and that the Cabinet acted illegally in approving the contract. The Minister was not welcoming of these findings. It was also the same Minister Patterson who welcomed the investigation
into the D’urban Park project. No receipts of the $500M given to HDI or documents relating to the project were found by the Auditor General’s office. The Minister was not welcoming of these findings, which were included in the 2017 Auditor General’s report. How much of what we saw in these two incidents alone has been replicated in the three road projects? Minister Patterson has provided some details on the Mabaruma and Port Kaituma road works, but he has failed to say a few things. Were these projects given to the lowest responsive bidders? What was the procurement process used to engage the contractors? The Minister should make public the contract documents. Once this is done, I am sure that the pattern of a lack of transparency, abuse of taxpayers’ monies and improper procurement processes will be exposed. Minister Patterson contends that Guyanese are benefiting from the construction and rehabilitation of roadways nationwide. Anyone resident could be loud in praise for a project, until they have the details of said project, and I refer specifically to the East Bank
Berbice road, which is being undertaken via use of the Force Account. Why is the Minister not giving figures of what has been spent and the quantities spent on this project, as he did with the other two? In case the Minister missed it, the question here is about value for money and compliance with Guyana’s financial rules. The Minister should not use the plight of residents as an excuse for the violation of financial laws and procurement processes. Minister Patterson has given his word on multiple occasions, offering assurances in the face of expressed concerns. As such, an official report must be completed into these matters. We are sure that once that official report is completed and it details adverse findings, Minister Patterson would return to adopting his unwelcoming posture. F i n a l l y, what is instructive in Minister Patterson’s ramblings about welcoming an audit into the three road projects is the indirect and simultaneous, albeit somewhat contradictory, indication that there is no need for an audit. Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill, PPP/C MP
DEAR EDITOR, I’m a resident of Goed Intent village on the West Bank of Demerara. For the last three years I have been using GTT’s broadband internet service without any problem; everything was working well. About a month ago, I began to experience some disruptions on a daily basis, these disruptions would last from fifteen minutes to half of an hour. One night during one of those disruptions I called GTT’s customer care centre and spoke with a representative. I informed her that I wasn’t getting any internet even after restarting my modem several times. I was put on hold while she checked her system. She then informed me that her system was showing I was not receiving any internet. When I enquired as to the reason she said she didn’t know but I should expect a
technician within three to five days. I was given a reference number. About ten minutes after I finished speaking to her my internet connection came back. This disruption continued daily as I waited for the technician to come. Five days passed and no one came, so I contacted GTT’s customer care again. This time I was told that GTT ran some tests and it was determined that I was receiving internet, so there was no need for the technician to come. But the disruptions still continue. I was sharing my experience with my colleagues at work and they all said they were experiencing the same issues just before ‘Blaze’ was rolled out in their neighbourhood. Is this something that is being done intentionally so as to push customers to accept ‘Blaze’? Charles Flavius
These drainage outlets must be cleared DEAR EDITOR, Last Sunday morning at about 05:15hrs, my wife and I went to La Penitence Market to shop vegetables and fruits. I drove out of Diamond Housing Scheme, on the East Bank of Demerara, through a heavy downpour, and between Fifth and Third Avenues on the access road, the area was flooded. I stopped and had a good look at what could have been the cause - the canal to the northern side was reasonable, but on the southern side the
construction by residents caused the road to flood - too high concreted shoulders and bridges, and blocked drainage. On our way back, just to the front of the Guyana National Stadium, Providence was another cause for alarm, the sidewalk drainage outlets were all blocked and the rainwater
flooded the eastern carriageway of the public road. I am a responsible citizen making an appeal for one and all, could the relevant authorities clear the above blockages. ‘’Life is precious, save it.” Yours Co-operatively, Parmanand Ram
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A Kind Smile DEAR EDITOR, On Monday, October 22, 2018, a GSPCA Animal Inspector and I went to Vigilance Police Station to give support to a family whose 10-week old poodle was (allegedly) deliberately killed. Many people seeking justice for other matters got there before 8:30 am. We assembled like cattle under a benab. It was close to 10 am when the Magistrate arrived as he had to preside over court matters at Mahaicony Police Station before coming to the Vigilance Magistrate Court. We were hot, stressed and tired when a young police inspector passed by. She looked very neat and professional in her uniform and cheered us up with a good morning accompanied by a warm smile. When she came out of Court a few minutes later, I stopped and complimented her on her positive attitude. She told me her name was (Inspector) Shavon Jupiter. On October 24th, 2018, I called the Leonora Police Station about an animal cruelty matter (2 small dogs were locked in a filthy kennel in the hot sun). A Lance Corporal, Leon Williams, answered the phone and took my information. His manner of speaking gave me a positive feeling; he was pleasant,
listened to what I had to say, and promised to follow up after discussing the matter with his superiors. His was given permission to act and he quickly contacted the o w n e r ’s b r o t h e r a n d resolved the problem. On November 1st, 2018, I called Agricola Police Station and spoke with Corporal Weaver regarding an animal cruelty problem that was engaging the GSPCA. This matter had been ongoing for months with no end in sight. C o r p o r a l We a v e r w a s extremely pleasant and helpful. She took my information and said she would discuss the matter with the Officer in charge of Ruimveldt Police Station - Officer Singh. She was given permission to help the GSPCA resolve the matter. True to her word, on November 2, 2018, Corporal Weaver and Lance Corporal Anderson, a GSPCA Animal Inspector and a couple of animal lovers went to the place in question. The owner of the home signed an agreement, read to her by Corporal Weaver, in which the animal owner agreed to ten points specified by GSPCA for improving animal welfare. The animal owner was then officially given possession of a new wood dog kennel donated by
Noreen Gaskin, bowls (food and water) collar, worm medicine and chow donated by friends of mine. Other good news that makes me feel change is coming: A couple days ago, Officer in Charge of Sub Division #1, Khalid Mandall, saw an injured horse passing Brickdam Police Station and immediately informed GSPCA; Sergeant Solomon and Corporal Britton of Vigilance Police Station have shown compassion for animals by providing positive support on the case; The new Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams, has demonstrated empathy for animals. Editor, I’m pleased to inform that police officers around Georgetown are demonstrating an increasing awareness and concern for animal welfare. L e t ’s h o p e s u c h compassion spreads throughout the police force, as all animals need their support. It all starts with a kind smile! “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples”Mother Teresa Yours faithfully, Syeada Manbodh
I still live with expectancy DEAR EDITOR, I read with joy and expectancy the news which was captioned, “Region seven Indigenous residents receive firearms.” I say ‘with joy’ because Indigenous people throughout the hinterland of Guyana are in dire need of maintaining a livelihood and this is a very good gesture. I say “with expectancy” because I am quite confident this government does not discriminate. I say with expectancy because implicit in that very news headline, the government will be handing out shotguns to Indigenous
persons of other Administrative regions, and a handout of shotguns is hopefully not for Region seven and Region seven alone. There are others, too, who would have complied with the Amnesty and, even prior to the amnesty, to other conditions as well. Editor, please allow me to record my own experience as an Indigenous person. As a result of my father’s death 18 years ago I was asked to surrender a shotgun through the Charity Police. The shotgun was surrendered as instructed by Police since, they informed me, I was only a Joint holder
and the sole owner was my deceased father. My father died in 2000 and so far I have been unable to retrieve the firearm. Subsequent applications (I can’t remember how many) in an effort to retrieve the firearm failed. All requisite certificates and/or letters from my siblings, etc. etc. saying they are all in agreement for me to become the new owner, have all been submitted but to no avail. A visit to Eve Leary afforded me the opportunity to speak with a Sergeant of the Firearm section. He did inform me (Continued on page 27)
Tuesday November 06, 2018
LGE 2018 is an opportunity for citizens to stand up, raise their voices and be heard DEAR EDITOR, LGE (Local Government Elections) 2018 is an opportunity for citizens to stand up, raise their voices and be heard. For citizens across Guyana, in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LLAs), including Georgetown, their votes can stop APNU+AFC’s sinister plan to increase property taxes. The beleaguered citizens of Georgetown face not only the threat of increased property taxes, they also have to fear the Parking Meter monster that the APNU+AFC-dominated Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is determined to implement. Implementation of parking meters in Georgetown will also affect thousands of citizens from outside Georgetown who visit the city for business, work, education, health and recreation. Make no mistake, an APNU-dominated M&CC will implement increased property taxes, parking meters, residential garbage collection fees, container and environmental fees for businesses that will suffocate Georgetown. The PNC-dominated M&CC is only interested in collecting more money from citizens, offering minimal and sub-standard services, while being totally unaccountable. This is the choice voters in Georgetown must make. Do we vote to stop these absurd, suffocating policies and corruption or do we vote to allow the M&CC to add to the agony of Georgetown? Citizens in Georgetown have before them a clear and
unequivocal choice. The choice cannot be loyalty to a political party or to race and ethnicity. The choice must be catalyzed by policies and performance. The abovementioned policies will make living in Georgetown more expensive for residents and increase cost of operating businesses in the city, stifling businesses and reducing employment. Every single citizen will be negatively impacted. Policies aside, the performance of the PNCdominated M&CC for the last more than fifty years must worry citizens. For more than 50 years now, they have betrayed citizens, with G e o rg e t o w n t h e m o s t beleaguered, dirtiest CARICOM city. The present COI into the performance of the M&CC is shocking, exposing even worse incompetence, mismanagement and possibly corruption. Loyalty to political party and/or race and ethnicity must not mask the truth - the M&CC and their political bosses have used Georgetown as a personal playground, benefiting themselves at the expense of citizens. Enough is enough, citizens must end the travesty. Nothing exposes the i n c o m p e t e n c e , mismanagement and corruption as the management of sanitation and garbage in Georgetown. On top of the mountains of garbage, the M&CC want to implement a garbage collection fee for all residents. Meanwhile, garbage collection haulers have threatened another strike.
The garbage haulers are owed more than $150M presently. This is not a new crisis; it is happening two to three times every year. Before 2015, the PPP Central Government always stepped in and made the payment to avert the strike. Since 2015, the stoppage of garbage collection and the consequent garbage pile-up occur because APNU+AFC prefers for citizens to wallow in stink before any support is given. But buckle-up, expect another strike soon after LGE 2018 if the PNCdominated M&CC were to retain their dominance. Another clear example of incompetence and mismanagement relates to the overall management of drainage in Georgetown. Not only are drains chronically clogged and require frequent central government intervention, but sluices and drainage pumps are chronically inoperable. Sluices often cannot be opened and every time there is heavy rainfall the majority of pumps are inoperable because of missing parts or nonavailability of fuel. These are significant issues that citizens must answer before they vote. It is time that citizens choose their own welfare and the welfare of a great city in front of choosing loyalty to a political party and race and ethnicity. LGE 2018 is an opportunity to choose wisely and to stand up for the city of Georgetown. The clear choice, the wise choice, is to end the PNC hegemony in Georgetown. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Social Services can save us from these long hours of waiting DEAR EDITOR, Can the Social Services Department kindly advise
Pensioners, both Old Age and National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and also those persons who receive Public Assistance, as to what time on the day when their pension is due they can report to the Post Office and other areas that same is payable? It can be frustrating to have us waiting at the Post Office from as early as 07:00 hrs on pension days and not to be paid on most occasions until after 11:00 hrs. Then at 12:00 hrs, the Post Master or
Pay Clerk goes for lunch and resumes payment at 13:00 hrs. Remember as we get older we try to beat the weather by travelling in the cool of it. There are no reasons for me to believe that pensions cannot be made available at 09:00 hrs at the Post Offices at the extreme of the Essequibo Coast, that is, Charity and Aurora. Pension to us must not be seen as a handout or gift, we have earned the right to (Continued on page 27)
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Parole, alternative sentencing among keys to addressing prison overcrowding Parole for convicted felons and alternative sentencing are among key factors which can help ease overcrowding among the prison population. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News Chairman of the parole board, retired Justice Olsen Small spoke of the effects the work of the parole board has on the prison population. Justice Small noted that while only a fraction of prisoners may be eligible for parole, the Board has been active in releasing inmates who qualify. He noted that the Parole Board has also been a part of addressing the situation in the prisons. The law determines who is eligible for parole and it depends on the file before the board. Then recommendations are made to the Minister of Public Security about who will be granted parole licenses. Justice Small stressed however that while the board is cognizant of fact that the prison is overcrowded, it must conduct its work in keeping with the laws. “Parole is quite a complex matter and while it is a release from prison, these persons are still serving a sentence and are still under supervision and surveillance of the authorities. “It is just not in the prison and on conditions set by the parole board. These persons are still monitored by probation officers and in some cases, mandated to check with the parole unit. So we don’t want the public to be
concerned that these persons have been set free. That‘s not the case, they are still serving a sentence, just not behind bars,” he explained. Justice Small said that after completing the mandatory one-third period of the sentence imposed as prescribed by law, a person becomes eligible for parole consideration. Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 5(1) of the Parole Act states that the Minister may, if recommended to do so by the Board on a reference made to it by him, release on licence a person serving a sentence of (a) imprisonment, other than imprisonment for life or (b) detention imposed under section of the Juvenile Offenders Act in respect of any offence of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Just last week, Angelique Williams who was sentenced for the unlawful killing of her pregnant best friend, was among 16 prisoners released on parole. Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels, has noted that while the parole board has been doing its part to address the situation, alternative sentencing initiatives proposed by the Ministry of Legal Affairs the Criminal Justice System Programme, (SCJSP) to address issues relating to overcrowding at local prisons. He noted that it would be very beneficial to the prison service since a number of prisoners who are currently incarcerated would have the opportunity to be otherwise sentenced to community ser-
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vice or, whatever form the ministry would choose. “With persons who commit certain crimes, there is a likelihood of being given an ‘alternative’ – instead of those persons having to go to Camp Street, Mazaruni or Lusignan- but if they feel that they may stand the chance of serving a period of community service” he said. The alternative project is slated to provide legal assistance to persons accused of minor, non-violent offences in pre-trial detention. The project entails training activities, which seeks to strengthen legal representation skills among Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other aid providers. The Ministry of Legal Affairs has outlined that the project may use supervised paralegals to provide support to legal aid in the prisons and police stations. Seeking dismissal of charges or arguing for bail and generally avoiding procedural delays are some areas in which legal aid agents can garner support. The implementation of a more pro-active use of alternative sentencing by the criminal justice system is also an area for consideration. It was recommended that the Government may consider having prisoners deferred to a rehabilitation facility for specified treatment. To this end, a study is being carried out on the appropriate treatments of prisoners prone to substance abuse and mental health issues.
PAHO urges countries of the Americas to rid the continent of malaria
On the eve of Malaria Day in the Americas (6 November), the Pan American Health Organization [PAHO] is urging countries of the region to take urgent action to halt the increase in cases, maintain achievements, and free the continent of malaria. Malaria is viewed as a disease which, during the last century, was the leading cause of death in almost every nation in the world. But PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, is optimistic that “Malaria elimination is now closer than ever.” However, she also warned that “we cannot rely or relax
on the actions already taken. Efforts must be stepped-up where incidences of the disease have increased,” she added. Since 2015, cases of malaria in the Americas, including Guyana, have increased by 71 percent. Ninety-five percent of these cases are concentrated in five countries, mainly in specific areas where efforts against the disease have been weakened. Many of those affected are indigenous populations, people living in situations of vulnerability and mobile populations such as miners and migrants.
“If we want to eliminate malaria, we need to improve investment and expand access to prevention, diagnosis and timely treatment of the disease in communities where the most cases are concentrated,” said Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health at PAHO. Many countries in the Region are expanding their efforts to control and eliminate malaria with the support of PAHO, USAID and other partners. In 2013, the “Elimination of Malaria in (Continued on page11)
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Tuesday November 06, 2018
UG to graduate 1,600 at weekend convocation - introduces new financial awards At its convocation ceremony set for Saturday [November 10, 2018], the University of Guyana [UG] will graduate its first batch of students from its School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation [SEBI]. The School was launched in 2017 and, according to information released by the university, the prospective graduates, at the time, were Third Year students in the Faculty of Social Sciences pursing programmes that were transferred to SEBI. This weekend, the university will graduate its first batch of students from 12 different programmes. From the Faculties of
Health Sciences will be the Diploma in General Psychology, Master of Medicine-Emergency Medicine, Master of Medicine-Family Medicine, Bachelor of Science-— Medical Rehabilitation—first batch of student to graduate with the option in Speech, Language Therapy and Audiology. From the Faculty of Engineering and Technology will come the Associate of Science in Industrial Engineering - previous batches did the Certificate and Diploma. Not to be left out is the Faculty of Natural Sciences, with the Associate of Science in Computer
Science - previous batches did the Diploma. Natural Sciences also will graduate it first Associate of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Associate of Science in Biology – first batch from the Turkeyen campus. The Faculty of Social Sciences will produce its first Bachelor of Social Science in Business Economics. Unlike the two ceremonies which marked the convocation last year, students will graduate with Master ’s and Bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees,
diplomas and certificates at three ceremonies planned for the National Cultural Centre. A total of 1,600 students will graduate from 116 academic programmes in UG’s eight academic units—the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Education and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and the SEBI – will be honoured at the ceremonies. The first ceremony will be held at 9:00 hours, and will feature the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Education and Humanities, with the graduation address delivered by Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London
South Bank University, one of the leading British universities with which UG is developing relations. The second ceremony, for the Faculties of Engineering and Technology, Health Sciences and Natural Sciences, will be held at 13:00 hours. The feature address, there, will be delivered by Guyanese-born Professor Norman Munroe, Director, Office of Student Access and Success and of the Centre for Diversity in Engineering and Computing at Florida International University. The largest of the three ceremonies will be held at 17:00 hours. It will involve the Faculty of Social Sciences and the SEBI - the two largest units of the university. The keynote speaker there will be Attorney-at-Law Mr. Kamal
Ramkarran, a University of Guyana alumnus of the Class of 1997, who is a Partner at Cameron and Shepherd, one of the nation’s leading law firms. Ramkarran is serving his second term as President of the Guyana Bar Association. Additionally, as part of continuing efforts to embrace the alumni, the University will continue to spotlight alumni at the various convocations. Ms. Sara Bharrat (Class of 2015), Mr Dellon Fraser (Class of 2011) and Ms Nelsonia Persaud-Budhram (Class of 2010), will offer words of wisdom to the prospective alumni at the Turkeyen ceremonies, while Ms Somattie Sayrange (Class of 2002, 2004, 2009) will speak at the Berbice campus when (Continued on page 29)
Tuesday November 06, 2018
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Kaieteur News
How to have an enjoyable night out Guyanese love to eat. Just take a drive by any of the many fast food services that abound in Guyana and you would think that you are in the United States. The other day, I was in the drive-through at a fast food restaurant. My crowd was big. When you offer to take out a young lady in Guyana, she likes to walk with company. It is like if she and others of her ilk are walking with a bodyguard. It is also a way of saying to your date that nothing extra special is going to happen. Well my date wanted to make that point more than ordinary because she walked with her entire family. I had plans for a quiet evening but when we left her home with family in tow, it was clear that not only was the evening not going to be quiet but that it would cost me a hell of a fortune to feed all those mouths. I received an early warning of how things would turn out for the rest of the evening when one of the
sisters said, “I don’t know why I allowed you to talk me into coming. I did not get to eat my dinner.” Now, when you pick up someone and that is what you hear, you know, regardless of which part of the world you are in, that dinner has to be on the menu for the night. My problem was what was going to come after the dinner. The second mistake I made was in trying to be friendly with everyone. They all took a liking to me, which eventually meant that they began to dominate the conversation. The third mistake I made was in asking “Where you guys would like to go?” Huge error on my part. One of the things that you always learn about situation like these is to take command of the situation, dictate the terms of engagement or in other words “call the shots.” There was a chorus calling for a visit to a fast food restaurant. I began to perspire even though the
Dem boys seh ... Berbice Bridge and Marriott is Jagdeo and ee friends cash cow De Berbice Bridge and de Marriott Hotel is two Jagdeo projects that he design. And to put he mark pun dem he call dem PPP projects. De PPP stand fuh Public Private Partnership. That simply mean that govt join wid private people to put together projects to benefit all. All over de world both govt and de private investors does benefit. But in Guyana Jagdeo, that scamp design de Marriott and de Bridge project plan fuh benefit de private people only. De Marriott actually cost US$100M. De private people barely put in US$20M. De Govt put de US$80M. Guess what? De hotel is only mekking to pay de private people all of who is Jagdeo friends. That is how Jagdeo; that scamp, Brassington, that fat crook; and Ashni, de shaat vagabond, design de hotel contract. He tun and do de exact thing wid de Berbice Bridge. Dem seh de Bridge cost US$45M. De private people put less than US$8M. De govt put de US$37M. De Bridge wukking fuh 11 years. It pay de private people, who is Jagdeo friends again, more than de US$8M dem invest so far. Dem never attempt to repair anything pun de bridge. Yet dem want increase so high that fuh de next nine years dem would collect more than de US$45 M wha de bridge cost. Dem boys seh de Berbice Bridge contract and de Marriott contract got de founding fathers turning in dem grave. Dem boys fully support de govt decision to tek over de bridge, pay dem back dem money and lock dem up. Dem boys want govt to do de exact thing wid de Marriott. Give dem back de few dollars and dump dem in de Atlantic Ocean without any lifejacket or paddle. Then de govt should offer de same shares to de ordinary canecutters, teachers, policemen etc. After all dem poor people gun be happy to know dem gun carry home an extra dollar. As fuh Jagdeo retribution waiting fuh him over de things he do to de poor people of de country. He tek de scampishness further. De man design de project in such a way that both projects couldn’t mek enough to pay de fat rate of returns he offered ee friends. De contract seh he had to pay suh he use to tek money every year from de treasury to pay he friends. Imagine you put de hog of de money in two project then got to tun round and push you hand in you pocket to pay de odda people who put in next to nutten. And all because you promise dem de gold spoon. Talk half and remember when you got a cash cow you would do anything to protect it.
evening was cool. I had no intention of spending the rest of my evening buried among a group of persons whose company I could care little about, except for my date. And worse of all, I certainly did not look forward to spending my precious time in a fast food restaurant. But I had gotten myself into this jam and I had to get myself out of it. So I decided that we were going to the fast food restaurant, yes, but we were not going inside. We would use the drive-through. As I entered the lane, I saw a vehicle in front of me. The guy at the wheel was leaning out of his window trying to speak into the intercom. He kept leaning and talking, then paus-
ing. After a while I wondered whether he was having a friendly chat with the other person. Eventually I drove up and waited for the prompt. There was no reply. I said, “ Hello?” No reply. “Hello Hello!” No reply. One of the persons in the back shouted. The phone-thing is not working, you have to drive around. So I drove around. The car in front of me was placing his order. He paid for his order and then settled in his seat. I waited for him to move off. He did not. At least two minutes passed and still his order was not collected. I wondered what was taking so long. After about ten minutes, I realized why.
This guy only had one other person in the vehicle but judging from his order he must have been feeding a wedding fete. The guy collected about ten boxes, and only two drinks. I began to get nervous considering my crowd. I felt my wallet for assurance. It felt puffy. Luckily the US dollar exchanges was $200 to one. But I was still worried because at least one of my group had indicated that she did not eat for the entire evening. Just before the guy in the car moved off he dropped the bill that he had received in the lane. He must have loved his car a great deal that he preferred to litter rather than bring the bill into the car. Or he
may have just been showing off to show that having placed such a big order, he did not need to even look at the bill. My turn came and I proceeded slowly in the window. A lady with a lovely smile greeted me, “Good evening, what would you like to order, this evening,” she asked. Before I could answer, a chorus broke out from behind me. “We change our mind; we don’t want fast food anymore, we would like to eat Chinese food.”
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Tuesday November 06, 2018
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
The most important elections in the world take place today As someone who read philosophy, I have long regarded Russia, China and the Arab world as permanent autocracies but also believe the existence of American democracy is inherently flawed. I was always confused and remain confused as to the things that take place in the US. How can the richest country in the world and the country whose wealth probably is the most extensive that any one nation ever possessed throughout history (this takes in the great empires in history including the modern British empire), not have a health care system for its citizens? How can any nation be so stupendously rich yet have such staggering numbers of poor folks? India has shocking numbers of impoverished
people but the GNP and GDP of the US are billions of miles ahead of India. Nobel laureate, economist, Joseph Stiglitz, wrote last Sunday that American democracy is imperiled How can such a powerful democratic land embrace such a horrible culture of racism? After WW2 when the US was offering aid to rebuild Europe (Marshall Plan), the US practised the most sickening intolerance of non-white people. The first Black American to win the Oscar in “Gone with the Wind,” was not allowed to go on stage to collect her prize. Music geniuses who were Blacks were not allowed to enter entertainment clubs through the front door. European empires violently fought their non-
white subjects but never in any European country did the level of racism rise to the frightening levels that the world saw in the US right up to the sixties. It was inconceivable for the UK or France to have signs in front of restaurants that say; “No dogs and Blacks allowed in.” What exactly is the US? The combined populations of Japan, China, India, Europe, Russia, Pakistan would be about four billion, yet the US with just over 300 million folks produced more homicides, serial killers, abduction of young girls, mentally deranged citizens than those nations combined. Fifty years after President Johnson’s landmark civil rights legislation and
the greatness of Martin Luther King, Black American citizens, born in the United States face daily uncertainties and the categories take in entertainment and sports superstars. It is crazy for a Black at an uncivilized hour to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The fear is not private violence but police shooting. No other country in the history of civilization has had a culture of violence so intricately woven into its natural texture. How can any rich, democratic, modern nation produce such nihilistic violence as is so characteristic of the US? The entire world focuses on the deportment of Donald Trump. But Trump is the culmination of the deadly assault on modern civilized values by the Republican Party for over fifty years now. What we are seeing in the US in the form of Trump is the victory of the dark minds of men and women in the Republican Party whose temerity was muted because their supporters were not as vocal and numerically strong back then. They are now. And they
are sweeping the United States. I would repeat in these columns an incident that underlies just how backward the US is becoming. In his first State of the Union address, Republican congressman, Joe Wilson, interrupted Obama by shouting, “You lied.” This was not in the parliament of an unstable, poor Third World country. The US has some congressmen and senators whose attitude to life, the world and power rival few in most countries for their repugnancy. I saw the video clips of the Guardian (UK) journalist soliciting Americans views for today’s midterm elections. You have to carefully look at the journalist’s face when the awfully shocking things are said to him. You can clearly detect the facial attempts to hide his disgust. These are the views of the people of a democratic superpower not a shithole country in the Third World. Today the Americans vote for the entire House of Representative and a third of the senate. If the Republicans retain both, it would consolidate the creeping authoritarian
Frederick Kissoon trend that came with Trump’s victory and is expanding exponentially. There are frightening, backward slides taking place in the US that are encouraging authoritarian driven leaders around the world. A victory for the Republican Party in today’s election will have unspeakable consequences for American democracy which was always weak but now is facing its greatest threat. Trump is going to become wilder in his foreign policy adventures if he retains the Senate and House. He will become more vicious towards constituencies he dislikes. Perhaps the question facing the world is; can American democracy survive after today? If the Republicans win, it will not.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Venezuela alleges sex trafficking by Guyanese A missing19-year-old student is the face of the outcry that has raised alarm in the state of Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela over reports of sex trafficking of women by Guyanese. Josephine Alexandra Marcano Gil, a Venezuelan national, has been missing since August this year. She had travelled to Guyana and after failing to return or make contact, her grandmother, Zulma del Carmen Almeida, started to worry. She reported her matter to the Representatives of the Guyanese Community in Venezuela (RCGV), who have been advocating for the investigation and resolution of this matter. El Diario de Guayana, a Venezuelan media publication from the state of Ciudad Guyana, reported that Marcano was “deceived by a couple of Guyanese nationals named Catherin Marin and Natasha Benjamin, “La Loba”, who allegedly took her to work in Guyana without the consent of her relatives”. Antonio Hamraj, representative of RCGV, told
Kaieteur News that he reported the matter to diplomatic authorities in Guyana and Venezuela. Hamraj has been urging the Venezuelan ambassador to Guyana to take action, since there are multiple reports of Venezuelan women residents being trafficked from the port of San Felix in Ciudad Guyana to Guyana by boat, through the Orinoco River. RCGV told Kaieteur News that Venezuelans travel without a visa through the port, while the authorities turn a blind eye. It is believed that criminals are currently capitalizing on the crisis in Venezuela to promise women a better life in Guyana, before trafficking them to Guyana to force them into sex work. Hamraj said that there are Venezuelan nationals located in Bartica, who are subject to prostitution at Club Platinum. He reported that many Venezuelan women are threatened or blackmailed, while others come of their own accord to perform sex work. Other sex workers, he states, are in the city of Georgetown.
PAHO urges countries... From page 7 Mesoamerica and the Island of Hispaniola” initiative was launched with the aim of eliminating malaria in nine countries by 2020. Since then, the Zero Malaria Alliance, launched in 2015, has joined the efforts to achieve this aim of eliminating the disease in two of these countries, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. This year, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with other collaborators and PAHO as the main technical partner, launched another initiative to accelerate efforts to eliminate malaria in Mesoamerica. This week, PAHO will meet at its headquarters in Washington D.C. with members and representatives from the 10 municipalities in the Region where the burden of the disease is most concentrated, to analyze best practices to help control malaria. Representatives from the municipalities of Cruzeiro do Sul (Brazil), Quibdo (Colombia), La Gomera (Guatemala), Les Anglais and Les Irois (Haiti), Puerto Lempira (Honduras), Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua), Andoas (Peru) and Bermudez and Sifontes (Venezuela) are expected to attend. On November 6, the Malaria Champion of the Americas Awards will also be
honoured. This year’s awardees include malaria control programs in two municipalities in Brazil (Alto Río Solimões y Machadinho D’Oeste), the Suriname Ministry of Health’s Malaria Program, and Paraguay’s Malaria Control Program for their efforts towards the elimination of the disease and prevention of its reemergence. Paraguay was certified as having eliminated malaria from its territory in June of this year. Argentina is on track to obtain its certification in 2019, and Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico and Suriname are potentially on their way to achieving elimination by 2020. Other countries, however, have recorded an increase in the number of cases of malaria, which puts at risk achievement of the goals to reduce the number of cases, and eliminate the disease in the region by 2030. Malaria Day in the Americas was created by PAHO Member States during the 2008 Directing Council as an occasion to highlight the need to invest in the prevention and control of the disease in the Americas. It is estimated that regional efforts coordinated by PAHO and its partners have saved hundreds of lives by reducing mortality rates by 30 percent between 2000 and 2017.
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Berbicians praise government's temporary takeover of Berbice Bridge Berbicians who have been keeping abreast ofthe news in relation to the recent announcement to hike the bridge tolls have expressed their satisfaction over the most recent decision by the Government of Guyana to take control of the bridge, temporarily. Although many were not updated about new developments, the few that were aware said that they welcomed the move by the government. One woman said, “I seh that is a good thing the government do for us. The country ain’tgon suffer because the bridge fare would have break down the country more. So I really appreciate whatever the government has done for us”. The announcement to hike the tolls was made in October with an exorbitant raise from $1,900 for cars to $8040. Many bus operators cried out that the rise was “ridiculous”. They said that it would not auger well for their livelihood. They had made calls for the government to take over the bridge, a move
A car driver paying his $1900 to cross
Toll entry from Rosignol, West Coast Berbice they said would be welcomed. Another Berbician told reporters, “It’s a welcomed move, welcome in a sense that the previous management team was unconscionable in
terms of the conditions that they had laid out. To propose a fare hike for cars from $1900 to $8000 was simply unthinkable. “What I am hoping now
is that the government would apply the best management systems possible to ensure that the customers and the travelling public benefit from this decision. But let’s wait and see how things work out. But for me it’s an extremely welcomed move as compared having to face paying $12,000 to go to Georgetown”. During a visit to the toll entry/exit at the Berbice Bridge yesterday morning, members of staff told this publication that they were not aware of any takeover from the government. They informed Kaieteur News that the person in charge was not in Berbice but was engaged in a meeting in Georgetown and that there was no-one in authority that could speak with us. They were somewhat hesitant to allow the media to take pictures of the bridge and its toll entry/exit point but eventually submitted and allowed access. A press release issued by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, stated that the Government of Guyana
and the Berbice Bridge Company have been engaged in a public dispute over the announcement on October 16,2018 by BBCI to impose the “draconian toll increases at the Berbice River Bridge”. They highlighted that the dispute which has been going on for several years came to a head recently when BBCI demanded a 360% increase on the toll for users of the bridge. That hike was slated to take effect from November 12, 2018. The Ministry stated that it has made it public that “the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Government of Guyana cannot support the unreasonable demand for an increase in the toll on the public which is based on a flawed formula and computation”. Against the backdrop, on the basis of correspondence between both sides as recently as over the past few days, the government said that they do not envision a swift resolution to this crisis and therefore, in accordance with the powers conferred upon the Minister by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, in the interests of public safety, the Minister issued (yesterday) an Order declaring that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by
the Government of Guyana as of November 5, 2018 until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety". However, the government gave assurance, that it will do everything in its power to alleviate disruption to the public and ensure that the assumption of these functions is as smooth as possible. "The truth is, too many of our citizens are dependent on the continuous operations and use of the Berbice Bridge and we should not allow anyone to unreasonably and capriciously endanger their livelihood and public order in one of our vital regions. “The Ministry of Public Infrastructure would like to assure the citizens of Berbice and the public in general on behalf of the Government of Guyana that there will be no change to the present toll structure and all exemptions presently in place will remain in effect.” The Ministry has also made it clear in the statement that there will be no change to the staffing complement, contractors and suppliers as they transition into the new and hopefully temporary arrangement. The Ministry assured that dialogue will continue with BBCI in expectation of an amicable resolution to the dispute.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Govt takes control of Berbice Bridge in face of “threat to public safety” The Government of Guyana decided to take control of the Berbice Bridge from yesterday. Thus, the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) will no longer have jurisdiction to try to impose “unconscionable” increases on the people of Guyana. This was made known by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) via a missive it released to the media early yesterday. The Ministry noted that the government and the BBCI have been engaged in a public dispute regarding a unilateral announcement on October 16, 2018 by BBCI to impose “draconian” toll increases at the Berbice River Bridge. MPI said that the dispute has been ongoing for a number of years and came to a head recently when BBCI demanded a 365 percent increase on the toll for users of the Bridge, which is slated to take effect on November 12, 2018. The statement continued, “We have stated publicly that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Government of Guyana cannot support the unreasonable demand for an increase in toll on the public which is based on a flawed formula and computation. “We have stated that these increases by BBCI are unwarranted and will become burdensome to the people of Berbice and the public atlarge. On the basis of correspondence between both sides as recently as over the past few days, we do not envision a swift resolution to this crisis.” MPI said that therefore, in accordance with the powers conferred upon the Minister by Sections 4 (1) and 11 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, in the interests of public safety. “The Minister issued (yesterday) an Order declaring that the functions of the Concessionaire to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government of Guyana as of 5 November 2018 until the date the Minister specifies by notice on the
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson cessation of the threat to public safety.” The Ministry pledged that it will do everything in its power to alleviate disruption to the public and ensure that the assumption of these functions is as smooth as possible. The missive read, “The truth is, too many of our citizens are dependent on the continuous operations and use of the Berbice Bridge and we should not allow anyone to unreasonably and capriciously endanger their livelihood and public order in one of our vital regions.” MPI sought to assure the citizens of Berbice and the public in general on behalf of the Government of Guyana that there will be no change to the present toll structure and all exemptions presently in place will remain in effect. “Equally, there will be no change to the staffing complement, contractors and suppliers as we transition into this new and hopefully temporary arrangement. And finally, we will be continuing our dialogue with BBCI in expectation of an amicable resolution to the dispute,” he statement said. BBCI has since officially requested a 19-year concession extension from Government as a bargaining chip to
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Kaieteur News
stop the roll-out of hefty toll increases for vehicular traffic. The company’s demands are contained in a letter from Finance Controller and Company Secretary, Stephen Rambajan dated November 2, and addressed to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. The letter called for a meeting between BBCI officials and Government in order to address the matter before November 11 – a day before the company plans to introduce a staggering 365 percent increase in vehicular tolls. According to BBCI, Government’s agreement to the extension would actually give the company a total concession of 40 years. According to the Concession Agreement that was signed by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration with BBCI- the Concessionaire/Operator- the time of the “hand back” should be in nine years’ time. However, the company indicated that the extension of the concession is a means (Continued on page 14)
Govt. fails to submit payment vouchers to support expenditure on $107M for Durban Park – Auditor General Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, has found a number of anomalies during his examination of the financial situation involving the controversial Durban Park Jubilee Stadium. Sharma noted that as at December 31, 2017, amounts totaling $1.150B were expended on the project. However, Payment Vouchers to support the expenditure of $107.119M were not produced for audit examination. As such, Sharma said that the completeness, accuracy, and validity of this amount could not be determined. In addition, the Auditor General pointed out that the amount of $500M was paid to Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI), the private company that was created to implement the Durban Park Project. This was paid over to the company so that it could meet its obligation to its creditors. However, Sharma found that there was no documen-
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma tation attached to the Payment Vouchers to indicate the works done or that supervisory checks were carried out on the works. He highlighted too, that there was no certification to show that the works were satisfactorily completed. Sharma said that the list of HDI creditors and Government’s proposed pay-
ment allocation to each creditor was attached to the Payment Vouchers. In the circumstances, the Auditor General said that the correctness, accuracy and validity of the payments made could not be determined. Sharma said that his Office wrote the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on July 19, last, requesting documentation detailing the works done, supervisory checks of the said works, as well as certification that works were satisfactorily completed. The Head of the Budget Agency later explained that the Ministry was not involved in the operations of HDI; hence, it did not have any information detailing supervisory checks or their methodology of determining that works were satisfactorily completed. At the time of his report, Sharma said that his Office was still conducting its investigations into the case.
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Main witness testifies in Maryann Daby PI The main witness in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) involving businesswoman Maryann Daby, who is accused of attempting to kill a police officer, went into the witness box yesterday when the matter continued. Maryann Daby, 25, of 127 D’Aguiar Park, Houston, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on May 13, last, at Albert Street, Thomas, Lands, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, she attempted to discharge a loaded firearm at Police Constable Christopher Kissoon. She is currently out on $750,000 High Court Bail. Yesterday when the matter was called, Constable Kissoon went into the witness box from where he told the court that he is stationed at the Alberttown Police Station and attached to the Crime Security Intelligence Department. Kissoon went on to tell the court what transpired on the day in question and the role he played in the investigation. According to reports, on the day in question Daby and her friends were at the Georgetown Motor Racing and Sports Club. Constable Kissoon, who was off-duty and was at the Club at the time, reportedly heard what appeared to be gunshots. While checking for the source of the gunfire, he report-
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Bee Hive death car cop commits suicide
Dead Delroy Argyle
Charged Maryann Daby edly saw Daby firing rounds into the air. He said that he confronted her. Daby then allegedly pointed a firearm to the officer’s head and pulled the trigger. Daby is also charged with having an unlicensed pistol along with six live rounds. The attempted murder charge and the unlawful possession of arms and ammunition charges arise from the same circumstances. It is alleged that on May 13, last at Albert Street, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, she
had a .32 pistol in her possession when she was not the holder of a firearm licence enforced at the time. It was further alleged that on the same day, she had six live rounds of .32 ammunition in her possession, when she was not the holder of a firearm licence enforced at the time. She denied the charges after they were read to her. She is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Waldron.
Delroy Argyle, the policeman who only days ago drove motor car PWW 5851 in a reckless manner on the Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Public road crashing and killing Keiolla Thomas, 27, of Clonbrook, (ECD), drank a poisonous substance yesterday while at work and died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation while receiving medical attention. This publication learnt from a reliable source, that Argyle was on duty at an East Coast Demerara police station, when it was said he ingested rat poison, and ran out the station compound. He then collapsed. He was picked up and taken to the GPHC, where he later succumbed. Argyle who is said to be
The car that Delroy Argyle was driving when he crashed and killed Keiolla Thomas at Bee Hive. from Supply, Mahaica, ECD, was the driver of the car that crashed and took the life of Thomas while they were heading at a fast rate of speed on the Bee Hive Public Road. A
witness, who has a business on the roadway not too far from where the accident occurred said, “The car fly past me, heading fuh Mahaica (Continued on page 29)
Govt takes control of... From page 13 of avoiding the need for implementation of toll increases announced on October 16 and the implementation of toll increases in the immediate future. BBCI continues to be seen as a private company that was controlled by close friends of former President Jagdeo. After repeated disclosures by Kaieteur News on the leaked concession agreement, the company issued a response which confirmed that although the bulk of the money invested in the Berbice Bridge came from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Dr. Ranjisinghi ’Bobby’ Ramroop is the largest shareholder. A chart that was included in the response, provided details about the ownership of the bridge. It shows that Ramroop, a very close friend of Jagdeo, is the largest shareholder. NICIL has 10 percent shares in the bridge, NIS has 20.2 percent, Hand-In-Hand Fire Insurance has 10, New GPC has 20 percent, Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. has 20 percent and Secure International Finance Co. Limited owns 20 percent. Brassington’s brother,
Michael, is the largest shareholder in Hand-In-Hand. The Ramroop/Brassington combination therefore puts the ownership of the bridge in the hands of Jagdeo’s close friends. The BBCI was keen to note that no single company has a majority share. However, Ramroop owns two of the companies that each has 20 percent shares. The disclosures of the leaked Concession Agreement would be shocking as it included also other sweetheart arrangements with the company, which has the possibilities to continue running the bridge and collect tolls. The agreement says, “At the expiration of the Concession Period and at the Hand back date, the Concessionaire shall be eligible to tender for the ability to operate and maintain the Toll Bridge and toll plaza on a competitive basis.” With nine years remaining before the bridge is supposed to be handed over to the people of Guyana, a government-ordered review last year reportedly found that the 39 pontoons were not maintained in the three-to-five year period that is required.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Venezuela adds troops near Colombian border after three soldiers killed CARACAS (Reuters) Venezuela has reinforced its border with Colombia with more troops after three Venezuelan soldiers died in an attack by an armed group over the weekend, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said yesterday.Ten other soldiers were injured in the attack in Amazonas state, which Padrino said was retribution for Venezuela’s capture of “nine Colombian paramilitary members,” the latest sign of worsening relations between the South American neighbors. “We will find the paramilitaries wherever they
are,” Padrino said in a statement on state television. “For now, I say to them: leave Venezuela. There is no space here. There has never been any space here for you.” He did not specify how many more troops had been sent to the border. The injured soldiers were not in critical condition, Padrino said. Incidents involving Venezuelan soldiers along the porous, 2,200-km (1,367-mile) border are fairly common, and have contributed to diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In September, Colombia sent a letter of protest to Caracas after Venezu-
The people of Berbice will not be victims of the AFC’s... From page 4 said, I want to reiterate the position of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic. The Party has said it is opposed to any toll increases because the financial model does not support any increase of this magnitude and such increases were not provided for in the agreement – as some in government quarters would have Guyanese believe. For three and a half years the issue of the Bridge could have been addressed – a promise made by the Coalition Government. In the pre2015 election period, most Berbicians remember another AFC Executive, Moses Nagamootoo, being in Berbice touting a reduction in the toll by half and the takeover of the Bridge by Government. The almost $400M for a bottom house touted as a drug bond to the Guyanese people was enough to pay for
all of the common shares in the Bridge and the $1.5B spent on D’Urban Park was enough to buy out about half of the investment made by the National Insurance Scheme in the bonds used to finance the Bridge. We have seen the desperation of the AFC, clutching for any issue with which it could return to Berbice. Because of the string of broken promises made to Berbicians and the mass rejection of the AFC in Berbice, the Party has had to bring up this matter and even go to the extent of compiling fraudulent Nominators’ Lists (Backers’ Lists) several areas in Berbice, including the hometown of AFC’s Nagamootoo. The people of Berbice will not be victims of the AFC’s election gimmickry. Regards, Zulfikar Mustapha PPP/C MP
I still live with expectancy... From page 6 that the firearm was unserviceable. My next move was to apply for a new shotgun altogether, but so far it has yielded nothing. After a change in government, a past Permanent Secretary of the Indigenous Affairs Ministry visited my community. He requested of me the duplicates of all my applications, letters of acknowledgement, character references, etc. as he had faithfully promised to ‘work
on them’. Several calls later to his office went unanswered and today I’m no better off. It is my hope that with the publication of my letter the relevant authorities would use their kind offices to render some assistance so that the firearm I surrendered years and years ago could be returned to me. I still live with expectancy! With thanks. Yours truly Fr. Joseph C. Atkinson
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elan soldiers crossed into its territory and detained three Colombian citizens. Colombia has been a leading critic of Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolas Maduro. The OPEC country has been suffering through an economic collapse since Maduro took office in 2013 and Colombia has been the main haven for Venezuelans fleeing severe food and medicine shortages. In a statement yesterday, Venezuelan opposition party Popular Will attributed the attack to the National Liberation Army (ELN), a Colombian rebel group.
Indigenous Peoples’ Ministry turns down $1M, takes 300,000 for vehicle worth $950,000 - Similar instances cited in AG report The Audit Office of Guyana has found instances where “unserviceable” State vehicles were sold in a manner that did not highlight the best deal for the State. Such instances were highlighted in the Audit Office’s latest report on the government’s spending. Auditors noted that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs received approval for the sale of six unserviceable vehicles on 23 June 2017 from the Ministry of Finance. However, at the time of audit three vehicles
were sold, a Toyota pick-up, a Nissan Frontier and a Toyota Coaster bus. Auditors noted that the Toyota Pick-up was sold for $50,000. “This vehicle was not advertised for sale; hence no bids were received from bidders.” The Nissan Frontier was evaluated at $100,000 but was sold for $50,000. However, the highest bid for this vehicle was $500,000. In addition, auditors noted that this vehicle was sold to an individual who did not even bid for the vehicle.
Also, the Toyota Coaster bus was valued at $950,000. However, this was sold for $301,000 to the third highest of the seven bidders. The highest bid was $1.010M. The Ministry said that it “regrettably acknowledged this finding but can assure that all procedures were followed in accordance with the Procurement Act/Financial Circular.” The Audit Office recommended that the Ministry ensure that there is full compliance with the Procurement Act/Financial Circular.
LGE in focus: We are literally shooting ourselves in the foot with our present mindset DEAR EDITOR, November 12th, the date set for Local Government Elections (LGE) will come and go. Over 1.5 billion dollars will be spent on LGE. There will be very little changes in personnel in the present configuration of the NDCs and townships. One point five billion dollars would be wasted under the premise of taking democracy to the grassroots. Would the citizenry receive any improvement in the quality or quantity of services in their communities? I think not. The LGE commissioners had the right idea when they went to the drawing board to devise a system for LGE. The triumvirs, selected by the coalition and the PPP, because of political expediency, did not go “the whole nine yards”. They both wanted to use the LGE to provide a head count for their respective parties in Local Govt. Elections. Nothing seems to change in politics! The result was the continued politicization of every square inch of our landscape along party lines. Given our already high polarization, we have drifted further away from the theory
of social cohesion, pontificated by the present Coalition govt. The political parties on the LGE ballot only serve to put the people against each other in the lower strata of society - widening the racial divide, all for useless political clout. I see no reason why the political parties should want their names etched in the day to day affairs in our communities, except to further divide us to keep us under subjection. Our poor support for the independent contestants at the last LGE indicates that we are contributing to our own demise by following the parties like lemmings. I see no wisdom in the names of the political parties being on the ballot for LGE. I have no problem with political parties supporting candidates to run in LGE, but the name of a political party should not be on the ballot, period. Can’t we as a people try something different and support the individual candidates in an election that will not decide who runs the Country? LGE offers the perfect scenario for voters to show the
Social Services can save... From page 06 receive same.I had written about the inadequate seating accommodation at these Offices, particularly on pension days, but it is good that I can
say that has been addressed. I am hoping that these long hours of waiting will be significantly reduced. Archie W. Cordis Pensioner
politicians how discontented we are. Agitations and tensions among councillors are rife at the NDCs. Neither the quality nor quantity of services to the people improved or will improve under the present Local Government system. Political insularity defies the whole purpose of what Local Government should be. President Granger in his LGE campaign in Essequibo told the people that LGE is not about politics. He told Essequibians “Elect someone who is multi-talented and willing to work, not because they belong to a political party, but because they are prepared to work for the people of region two.” The Man has the right idea. How does his statement coincide with the names of the political parties being on the
ballot? Political expediency is the reason for the triumph of evil over good! LGE will never improve the services to citizens in their communities in the present scenario. The politicians will continue to push mediocre and uncaring people to run our affairs. As long as we continue to receive them with open arms (vote for them) our lot in life will never improve. As it is; the politicians on both side of the divide (APNU/PPP) have issued a call for their supporters to provide a head count in anticipation of the 2020 General Elections and their supporters will gleefully respond. We are literally shooting ourselves in the foot with our present mindset. Rudolph Singh
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Tuesday November 06, 2018
Kaieteur News
Child rapist to be sentenced
SERVICES
FOR SALE
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisement, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Down to any kind of satellite dishes, Antennas & TV channels. Tel#683-7167/6097363 Hair,nails and make up course. Diamond. #602-9373 MASSAGE & HEALTH HERBAL REMEDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 Relaxing Massage Service. #674-8147 ACCOMODATION ShortTerm: Furnished 2 bedroom in Section K Campbellville AC,TV, Wifi #688-9020
1 Caterpillar DL320 Tel#2654455/667-8852. Contact Lall Supply boat, Steelhull engine CAT3412 can transport 50,000 gls diesel, Built in 2012 #227-0605/ kbenterprise@telsnetgy.net Ratchet strap and chain etc. Call Dexter #676-3982 One two bedroom, wooden house at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 676-1542 Short base super custom bus without engines & gearbox #664-0802 (1) One Onan Gen set, powered by NT 55 Cummins. Contact #269-0603, 609-8041
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WANTED
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Salon for rental & Hair/ Stations makeup for rental, New Market Street Tel#6381106/699-6505
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134
Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290 Business place to rent 114x18, 114x15, 114x10 located at first street Bartica. Contact #6500402/603-1402 NEW 4 STOREY BUILDING AT PARIKA (GUYANA’S GATEWAY) NEAR STELLING, WILLING TO DIVIDE. CALL: 699-4513. 2 bedrooms downstairs, Newly renovated 32 First St Prospect, EBD $40,000 per month. Tel# 614-5710 Salon space for Diamond. #602-9373
rent.
Unregistered Axio 2010 model, Camera, Fog lamps $2.5 neg. Nissan Tida registered PVV series $2M neg #611-7106
1 Driver to work interior location. Must have Motorbus licence. #225-1429/ 641-5075 Office clerk, Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 Bike Mechanic. #628-9268 Wanted urgently (1) electrician, knowledge of both industrial & domestic wiring. And (1) Motor rewinding. Tel#664-9635/644-9084 Welder & Fabricator, must have 5yrs & over experience to work in Georgetown. Call: 690-6053
EDUCATION TRAINING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES- CARE FOR ELDERLY/CHILDREN GUYANA TRAINING COLLEGE. #227-4881 FIRST AID AND CPRCONTACT GUYANA TRAINING COLLEGE #2274881 GOOD FOOD HANDLING PRACTICES COURSE, REGISTER NOW $15,000 GUYANA TRAINING COLLEGE #227-4881 BECOME FSPCA CERTIFIED- FOOD SAFETY PREVENTIVE CONTROL ALLIANCE ACCESS THE U.S FOOD MARKET. GTCIS #227-4881 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool table. Tel#2770578
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
From page 16 got cut many times in many places while they were laying it,” Jagdeo stated. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, noted that the Government is not going back to the previous fibre optic project. “We would have been far
Wanted experienced hire car taxi drivers at Princess Ramada Hotel. Contact #265-7075/6165419
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
VACANCY
Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109
DemBake at Land of Canaan is seeking experienced Drivers and Sales agents. Tel#2665848
Tuschen (Phase 2) $1.2M Neg Parfaite Harmonie $2.6M. Tel#681-8746
Night supervisor, Handyman and Chef. Preferably carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933 or visit 173 Sheriff Street.
One fence land 126 El Dorado Ave South R’veldt $8M. Contact Wilfred #652-1234
Female cleaner office & home age 25 to 50. Call: 233-2745
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Maid for East Bank area to cook & clean age 25-50. Call: 614-4358
VACANCY One Welder, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda. Driver for route 42 minibus, Taxi drivers, Experienced washbay staff, Experienced cook for snackette. #646-8748 One Cleaner. Contact #2235273/74
LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561
LAND FOR SALE
1 House and Land for sale, Land size 58 ftx850 ft, Land of Canaan. Tel#265-4455/6678852. Contact Lall
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Waitress, Waiter, Bartenders. Contact #2235273 /74
GUILTY: Dhanraj Persaud presented by Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken and Seeta Bishundial.
Guyana got value for...
Mature Live-in couple. Husband-Driver,Handyman. Wife- Domestic. Tel#227-1830
Property for sale located Canal #2, 6 large pens, fruit trees and farm house. #688-7291/6502172 VEHICLE FOR SALE
Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow will on November 27, pass sentence on 38-year-old Dhanraj Persaud, who was convicted yesterday by a jury for engaging in sexual penetration with a child. Persaud, called, ‘Rakesh’, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay, had denied committing the act. The jury, however, found that on October 23, 2013, he engaged in sexual penetration of a 15year-old girl. The convict was remanded to prison pending sentencing after his lawyer requested a probation report be presented to the court. Also to be presented are a plea in mitigation and victim impact statement. The case for the State was
Tool room clerk, Welder/ Fabricator, Male cleaner, Mechanic- Apply at Technical Services Lot 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles Cashiers/Supermarket helpers. Apply in person with application @ Nirva Superstore 49 Sheriff & Craig St #227-5771 2 Grillmen (Driver’s license a plus) to grill burgers. 1 live in help from Berbice/ Essequibo. Contact X’s Grill & Cuisine. 675-2550/6569313 Receptionist, Security guard, Gardener. Apply in person to the Manager Herdmanston Lodge, Peter Rose & Lamaha St, Queenstown.
more ahead in terms of connecting the country had that fibre optic cable been in existence today. We have done survey and research on it and given the changes in technology the monies we would have spent to correct the high level of damage in the way the physical cable was laid made absolutely no sense. Unfortunately, we lost in that area. It was money down the drain,” Hughes stated. When asked about the previous US$32M loan, Hughes stated that Government is looking forward. “We got an exciting range of deliverables for the future,” Hughes noted. The new broadband project is touted as improving e-government, e-education, e-health and e-security with the establishment of a command centre for the police to help keep track of patrol cars and expanded Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) monitoring. It is envisioned that more cameras will be installed around the city. Data protection in the ministries and other government agencies will also be strengthened as part of the project. Hughes noted that the project will also deliver smart classrooms and connect more coastland communities with the hinterland.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL OF GUYANA Today we at Kaieteur News join our Hindu brothers and sisters to celebrate Diwali – the festival of lights. We hope that the brightness of this day will signify the importance of embracing new be-
ginnings and by extension the triumph of good over evil. We extend Happy Diwail wishes to all of Guyana and so do other organisations some of which can be found below.
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PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM The People’s National Congress Reform takes this opportunity to extend greetings to the Hindu Community in Guyana and indeed, to all Guyanese, on the occasion of Deepavali or Diwali. Diwali occurs on the night of Amavasya (New Moon) in the month of Kartik, which is considered to be the darkest night on the Hindu calendar and marks the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. To welcome his return and to
light his path, diyas were lit. Diwali is a joyous celebration of inner light over spiritual darkness; knowledge over ignorance and right over wrong. It is a festive restatement of the Hindu belief that good ultimately triumphs over evil. The PNCR has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity and believes that our diversity has worked and will continue to work to the country’s
advantage. Guyana is a multireligious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country. We see our diversity as an asset not a liability. Our Party is proud to belong to a society of many faiths. As we celebrate Diwali, the PNCR remains committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress. Shubh Diwali to all Guyanese!
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PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY
As our nation celebrates the festival of Deepavali, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community. This festival which has gone beyond religious borders is one of the most anticipated events here in our country and has become a major component of the Guyanese cultural mosaic. The significance of Deepavali, known as the “Festival of Lights”, is pertinent for the upliftment of all mankind through its universal message of light over dark-
ness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. The light of the Diyas which will shine throughout our country, symbolises a sense of renewal as light is allowed to dominate and darkness and hatred are banished. Our Party urges that this message be heeded so that darkness from the prevailing despondency, ignorance and hatred can be repelled in the interest of all humanity knowing that knowledge will defeat ignorance and compassion will triumph over despair. Deepavali offers an opportune reminder for all to do their part to achieve that victory.
The influence of Deepavali over the years to forge better relationships and to bring our people together has grown tremendously. This is continually evident as Guyanese from all spheres of society participate in the various events including the grand spectacle of the motorcades and the beauty of the flickering Diyas. The PPP therefore hopes that the message of Deepavali will inspire all to work in the best interest of all Guyanese so that the light of prosperity will manifest itself in their lives. Shubh Deepavali to All!
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GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is once again pleased to join with all Guyanese and especially our Hindu community, to celebrate Diwali, widely regarded as the Festival of Lights. The Diwali observances give us an appropriate occasion to urge that the light of peace, tolerance, understanding and compromise, in today’s conditions, lighten our pathways and guide us in our daily lives. Like the thousands of Diwali diyas in many regions
which will light up the darkness of the night, let our existence be unobstructed by the darkness that prevent our development and well-being. The Diwali celebration is one that today transcends one community and is supported nationally. The symbol of the lighted diyas is not only lovely to behold in the evening but it imparts the message of the value of spiritual enlightenment in our collective efforts to bring about conditions for our peace of mind and a satisfying life.
With such sentiments in mind, GAWU is always pleased to be associated with the usually wide interest shown in the expectedly dazzling celebrations that are traditionally associated with Diwali. We wish all the practitioners of the Hindu faith, and indeed all Guyanese, a happy and enjoyable Diwali, the festival of lights. Let the lights, at this time, light up our pathway to harmony, economic well-being and our general upliftment.
Bee Hive death car cop commits suicide From page 14 side. Next thing I hear a loud crash. I don’t know why dem driving so fast”. The police in a statement said the car was being driven at a fast rate of speed, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with two utility poles, situated on the Bee Hive main road. The driver and Thomas were taken to Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, where Thomas was pronounced dead on arrival, while the driver was treated for minor inju-
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Kaieteur News
ries. He was taken into custody, and a breathalyzer test was conducted. It gave a negative reading for alcohol. One of the first responders told this publication that Thomas was unconscious when he arrived on the scene; her body was across the two front seats, which left him wondering if she was driving. The man said when he asked the driver what happened, the driver was just holding his head, and seemed confused.
ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMISSION On this auspicious occasion of the festival of Deepavali, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) would like to extend greetings and best wishes to all Guyanese especially our Hindu brothers and sisters. Deepavali signifies, among other things, that light will eventually triumph over darkness which is a profound source of inspiration so that all mankind can remain hopeful. It also emboldens humanity with hope giving surety that even in the face of insurmountable challenges, strength will be imbued for them to be overcome. These, and the other important lessons of Deepavali, provide guidance for us all as we continue to work assiduously towards the national
goal of strengthening the bonds of friendship among our Guyanese brothers and sisters. It is through this that national harmony can be achieved so that we can confront challenges together and to remove the dark veil of division. This therefore becomes essential for the furtherance of peace and goodwill and let’s be comforted knowing that our combined efforts can realize that seemingly elusive light which can allow national harmony to shine through and for which we all yearn. Deepavali, like our other national festivals, is a much anticipated event. It has not only transcended religious boundaries, but has become a pillar of our cultural landscape. The traditional motor-
cades and its inherent beauty along with that of the thousands of flickering Diyas, are important conduits through splendor which bring our people from across the country together. The ERC therefore urges that we endeavor so that particular influence can be built upon for the promotion of harmony, unity and good relations among us all in this multifaceted society. As we gravitate towards that light of enlightenment, let us be reminded that Deepavali, through its significance, is replete with messages for togetherness. These, if heeded and inculcated, bode well for the advancement of our nation, its people and humanity at large. Shubh Deepavali to all!
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GUYANA HINDU DHARMIC SABHA
Festivals are an integral part of Hinduism. Each of our festivals is associated with our scriptures. Deepavali, a national holiday, stands as one of the loveliest festivals on our calendar. It is observed annually on Amawasya (New Moon) in the lunar, Hindu month of Kartik. The word Deepavali means cluster of lights. The festival has deeper significance than the word suggests. Deepavali is synonymous with Lakshmi Puja, where homage is paid to the Goddess Maha Lakshmi, whom the Vedas describe as the eternal source of fortune and abundance. Lakshmi Puja is done not simply to seek material benefits, but equally spiritual upliftment. The Diwali Motorcade hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, is unique to Guyana and brings thousands of Guyanese of all walks of life together in a visible display of unity, peace and hap-
piness across the country. The magnificent illuminated vehicles which display the artistry and creativity of Guyanese feature hundreds of young people depicting various aspects of akshmi and divinity and reflect the myriad significances of the festival. This almost 4 decade old tradition is eagerly anticipated throughout the country as motorcades are held in all the counties with the largest moving along the scenic seawall. It would be inconceivable to have Diwali without Dharmic Sabha’s motorcades as they occupy a special place in the hearts of all Guyanese. President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Vasini Persaud is delighted to extend greetings to all on this festive occasion and looks forward to an infinite number of years of Guyanese continuing to join together in celebrating this beautiful festival in a manner
that can be emulated by the world. Dr. Vindhya Persaud says, “As we celebrate, let us continue our drive and advocacy for the empowerment and protection of children, women and the vulnerable against violence and abuse, equal opportunity for all, a safer and secure country, protection of citizens’ rights and welfare, and economic progress and abundance for all Guyanese. These must remain prominent on our agenda. As a people, we must resolve to rid our society of acrimony, injustice and undemocratic practices so that Guyana will always be a country of unity, peace and prosperity. I am happy to share these joyous moments of love and cordiality with all Guyanese. Let the light of Deepavali burn infinitely, eliminating darkness in all its forms and fusing us in a bond of love, respect and unity. Shubh Deepavali Greetings to all.”
UG to graduate 1,600 at weekend convocation... From page 8 it holds its 17th Convocation. The President’s Medal for the best graduating bachelor’s degree student will be among numerous awards and prizes presented at the university’s 52nd Convocation. Additionally, two new awards will be presented from this year. The Francille Griffith Award for Excellence in Nursing will be presented to two outstanding nurses pursuing their Bachelor ’s degree in nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences. The award valued at $50,000 each, will be offered annually to a third year and a graduating student. The second new award is the Dr. Cyril Solomon Prize for the student with the best overall performance at first attempt at Applied Microeconomics, Applied Econometrics, Labour Economics I, and Labour Economics
II, which were courses taught by the late Dr. Solomon during his time at UG. The value of the award is also $50,000. At the Berbice campus Convocation, where more than 200 students will graduate on November 17, on the University Square at Tain, the keynote address will be delivered by UG alumna from the Class of 2016, Paediatrician - Dr. Bibi Areefa Alladin-Karan, a Berbician who is a lecturer in the School of Medicine and a practitioner at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Meanwhile, the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education, the extra-mural arm of the university, is scheduled to hold its graduation ceremonies for its four centres on November 24 [Georgetown Centre], November 25 [Linden Centre], December 1 [Anna Regina Centre] and December 8 [New Amsterdam Centre].
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Low turnout for discipline forces should send strong message to the APNU- Ramson “The writing is on the wall,” said former Member of Parliament, Charles Ramson yesterday as he predicted the downfall of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) first at the Local Government Elections, then General and Regional. The writing to which Ramson referred is the fact that members of the discipline forces—police, solider and prison guards—did not turn out in their numbers to vote. Ramson, an attorney at law, said, “It is well known that the disciplined service usually suppo r t s t h e P N C (People’s National Congress Reform) which means they support the APNU so the fact that less than half of those in the joint services turned out to vote, sends a clear message that P N C ’s s u p p o r t b a s e i s dwindling.” Ramson recalled that only 39.7 percent of the 7,917 soldiers, police and prison guards on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) official voters’ list for Local Government Elections (LGE) actually cast their votes.
Former Member of Parliament, Charles Ramson Ramson said, “Just imagine, of the 4,693 members of the Guyana Police Force, only 1,938 cast votes. The President was a soldier and not even half of those on the list voted. Only 1,022 of the 2,773 soldiers voted while, just 187 of 451 turned out. This sends a clear message.” Ramson continued, “The low turnout is an indication of the confidence that the discipline services have in the APNU administration and mind you, the President is the Commander-InChief.” Ramson noted that the turnout is even lower
than in the 2016 Local Government Election. At the last Local Government Election (2016,) 55.6 percent of the disciplined service members cast their votes. In 2016, Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield said that 55.6 percent of the disciplined service members cast their votes compared with the estimated 76 percent at least year’s general elections. However, the figure is higher than the 40 percent estimated by the groups contesting in Georgetown.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Govt. to spend over $500M in additional funding in three months for regional security The Government, through the Ministry of Communities, has been cleared to spend an additional $513M on security services in six regions. The additional funding was approved last week by the National Assembly as part of a $3.9B supplementary provision. The opposition questioned the need for additional funds when the private security companies are on a fixed-price contract which was catered for in the 2018 budget. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, said that the security guards who are employed by the companies receiving the additional funds will benefit. However, the opposition expressed the view that the monies will not trickle down to the employees. The monies were approved for charges related to October, November and December, 2018. Bulkan said that the decision to seek additional funding is due to the increases in the hourly rate charged by the providers, addition of new locations and to cater for
Value-Added Tax (VAT). In Region Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), the House approved an additional $3.7M for security services to cover six administrative buildings. Bulkan stated that the request for the supplementary provision is due to the increase in hourly rates from $300 to $330 plus VAT, Monday to Saturday, and $495 plus VAT on Sundays. The Minister explained that the time of the 2018 budget, there was a previous contract with Safeway Security which catered for four facilities at hourly rates of $300. He further explained that the previous contract did not cater for twenty-four hours security for the administrative buildings. The new contract with Sentinel Security which was awarded in November 2017 includes additional hours as well as the provision for security services for two additional buildings. Sentinel Security provides 19 guards for six administrative buildings in the West Demerara Region and
costs a total of $19.9M for a 12-month period. For Region Three also, the National Assembly approved the additional $171.5M for increased payment for security services to cover 118 schools and $27.4 to cover 41 health facilities. Additionally, $27.4M was approved to cover 41 health facilities. In Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) Kaliber Security Services was identified as the service provider. The largest allocations included $156.4M to cover 134 educational buildings; $21.1M to cover 31 health facilities; and $19.9M to cover 12 regional locations. Other regions that benefited included Regions 5, 6, 9 and 10 In Region Ten, response to questions raised by the opposition, Minister Bulkan revealed that the majority of the contracts were tendered for by Integrated Security Services. He also committed to having allegations of the company’s poor treatment of workers, its delayed and below minimum wage payments investigated.
Saudi ‘cover-up team’ sent to dispose of Khashoggi body: report (aljazeera.com) Saudi Arabia deployed a chemist and toxicology expert to Istanbul after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in an attempt to cover up evidence of the killing, according to a Turkish newspaper. Pro-government daily Sabah reported yesterday that Saudi Arabia sent an 11-member “cover-up team” to Istanbul on October 11, nine days after the Washington Post contributor vanished after entering the Saudi consulate to obtain paperwork for his marriage. The paper said chemist Ahmad Abdulaziz al-Janobi and toxicology expert Khaled Yahya al-Zahrani were among “the socalled investigative team”, which visited the consulate every day until October 17, before leaving Turkey on October 20. The newest details may explain why Saudi Arabia did not allow Turkish police to search the consulate until October 15. Turkish authorities have released gruesome details of a killing that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said was a targeted hit. MISSINGBODY While Riyadh officials have admitted the murder was planned, they have so far declined to release details of the whereabouts of the 59-year-old journalist’s missing body. Turkey’s chief prosecutor said last week that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate and also confirmed the body was dismembered. Yasin Aktay, an adviser to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body
may even have been dissolved in acid. In an editorial published in The Washington Post, Erdogan accused authorities in Riyadh of refusing to answer key questions about the murder, despite their arrest of 18 suspects a fortnight ago. He said the order to murder the journalist came from “the highest levels” of the Saudi government, adding that he did “not believe for a second” that King Salman was to blame. But he pointedly failed to absolve Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman of responsibility for unleashing a “death squad” against the outspoken Saudi journalist. The murder has badly tainted the kingdom’s de facto ruler. UNWILLINGTO ‘GENUINELY COOPERATE’ Last week, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb met Turkish authorities in Istanbul but refused to share information from Riyadh’s own investigation, according to Turkish officials. A senior Turkish official said
the Saudi officials that appeared unwilling to “genuinely cooperate” with the investigation. “The Saudi officials seemed primarily interested in finding out what evidence the Turkish authorities had against the perpetrators,” the official told the AFP news agency on the condition of anonymity. “We did not get the impression that they were keen on genuinely cooperating with the investigation.” Yesterday, Turkish Vice President Fuad Oktay said that reports of Khashoggi’s body
being dissolved in acid need to be investigated. Oktay told Turkey’sAnadolu news agency it was now accepted that Khashoggi was targeted in a premeditated murder. “The question now is who gave the orders. This is what we are seeking answers to now,” Oktay said. “Another question is where the body is ... There are reports of [the body] being dissolved with acid now. All of these need to be looked at.”According to Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons, reporting from Istanbul, Saudi in-
vestigators had repeatedly asked Turkish officials for access to Khashoggi’s phone while they were investigating the case in Istanbul. Similarly, on Sunday a Turkish security source told Al Jazeera that audio recordings from inside the consulate indicate that Khashoggi’s murderers were trying to find his phone immediately after killing him. Prior to entering the consulate, Khashoggi had given both of his mobile phones to his fiance Hatice Cengiz as she waited outside.
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Saudi Arabia tells U.N. it will prosecute killers GENEVA (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia told the United Nations yesterday it would prosecute those responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its Istanbul consulate, as Western states pressed it for a credible investigation. Bandar Al Aiban, the head of the Saudi government delegation at the first U.N. review of the kingdom’s record in five years, heard calls from more than 40 nations, including the United States, for a thorough inquiry and a string of rights reforms. He told the hearing that King Salman had instructed the Saudi public prosecutor to “proceed with the investigation into this case according to the applicable laws” with a view to establishing the facts and “bringing all the perpetrators to justice”. “As regards the passing of citizen Khashoggi, our country is committed to carrying out a fair investigation and all persons in-
volved with that crime will be prosecuted in the justice system,” Aiban said at the end of the half-day session. Aiban gave no details on the status or whereabouts of the 18 Saudi nationals detained in connection with the case and repeatedly declined to answer journalists’ questions about them, saying: “The case is still under investigation, as you know...I think my statement was very clear.” Khashoggi’s sons yesterday demanded the return of the body of the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, who disappeared at the consulate on Oct. 2. Saudi officials initially insisted Khashoggi had left the consulate, then said he died in an unplanned “rogue operation”. The kingdom’s public prosecutor Saud al-Mojeb later said he was killed in a premeditated attack. “We condemn this premeditated killing,” U.S. charge d’affaires Mark
Jamal Khashoggi Cassayre told the Geneva talks. “A thorough, conclusive and transparent investigation carried out in accordance with due process with results made public is essential,” he said. “ARBITRARY ARRESTS” Many Western delegations called on Riyadh to abolish the death penalty and the system of male guardianship over women,
and to narrow the definition of “terrorism” in law so that peaceful critics are not prosecuted. France’s ambassador
Francois Rivasseau called on Saudi Arabia to “immediate halt imprisonment and arbitrary arrests” of journalists and activists, and to guarantee freedom of religion. The Saudi delegation is due to report back on Friday on which recommendations from states it has accepted. Aiban, who is president of the official Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, said the kingdom was constantly striving to promote and protect human rights “driven by the honorable principles and provisions of Islamic sharia and the traditional values of our society.” Freedom of opinion and
expression were guaranteed, but was limited by laws that protect the rights of others as well as the “prerequisites of national security and public order”, he said. Women had seen a series of reforms over the last five years, Aiban added. Women were allowed to vote and stand as candidates in municipal councils and driving licenses have been issued to women since June.No Arab country raised the Khashoggi case. Egypt’s ambassador Alaa Youssef praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to confront terrorism and radicalism, while Kuwait welcomed its creation of training centers for judges.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Goals feast on opening night of GT Beer 8-a-side football It rained goals as Paradise FC and Rosignol United hammered their opponents on the opening night of the GT Beer 8-a-side Football Invitational at All Saints School ground in New Amsterdam on Sunday evening. Keyron McKenzie scored four goals in the 15th, 17th, 35th and 40th minutes of play and Shaquell DeHart netted three (12th, 14th,27th) as Paradise FC scored a 12-1 lopsided win against Fyrish Black Sharks in the opening match of the double header card. There were two goals each for Olvis Mitchell (33rd, 44th)
and Aubrey Joseph (30th, 55th) and one from Mal Reynolds (45). Wesley Crandon scored the lone goal for Fyrish Black Sharks in the 51st minute. Rosignol United brushed aside Corentyne All Stars 4-1 with Adrian Price netting a hat-trick and Odally Mickle, one goal. Shane Campbell was the lone scorer for Corentyne All Stars. The tournament got under the way with the traditional march past of teams and remarks by New Amsterdam Mayor, Her Worship, Winifred Haywood and
New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood with organisers and Banks DIH representatives at the march past of teams.
Tuesday November 06, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you became an animal today, you'd be a puppy, all frisky and affectionate. By all means, put your passion to good use! Surprise a special someone with a home-cooked meal.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today is ideal for romance, Libra. It's great for forming new relationships or improving existing ones. If you don't have a special someone, make an effort to expand your social circle.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You have a creative and artistic nature that you might want to put to good use today, Taurus. You could have some good ideas for home improvements.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have a good heart, Scorpio, and today it expands to bestow love on all mankind. You can't help but feel connected in a deep, spiritual way with all who have come before you and all who follow.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You may miss friends and family who live far away, Gemini. Why not make yourself a cup of tea and write some letters? It will help you feel connected in a different way than sending an email or making a call. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may have recently inherited either some money or some free time. This is a real gift, and if invested wisely, it could lead to some important self-discoveries. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is well suited for making new friends, Leo. Your sense of adventure is undoubtedly up to it! You will be your usual confident self, but others will seem to respond to your charisma even more than usual. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is a very spiritual and creative day for you, Virgo. You're especially intuitive. Any creative effort will l i k e l y r e s o n a t e d e e p l y. Even if you don't feel you have the talent for it, why not try some form of artistic expression?
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You will likely find it difficult to keep your mind on serious matters with today's playful planetary energies You're in the mood for romance, and you want to make sure everything is in the right place CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your innate talent and conscientious work ethic earn you admiration and respect. Whether you're aware of it or not, others look up to you as someone who has it together. Yet you still have that nagging doubt that you're an impostor. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) It looks as though you're about to hop on the bandwagon, Aquarius. Friends will try to get you to support one of their causes. Think carefully. They aren't going to settle for a check. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Love and passion are at the forefront of your thoughts today, Pisces. Work seems tedious compared to the rich fantasy inside your head! If possible, make a point of getting together tonight with your mate.
Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager Troy Peters. The tournament continues on Friday with two more games at the All Saints ground. Georgetown Police will square off with Pouderoyen FC of West Demerara at 19:00 hours while the second game will bring together Santos of Georgetown and Timehri Panthers of East Bank Demerara. Thirty-two teams from Berbice, Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara are battling for supremacy and a chance to win cash prizes and trophies in
excess of $1.2 million. Sponsors include Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Fly Jamaica, Regional Health Services, Footsoul, Bobb and Sons, National Sports Commission and Integrated Security. The organisers are Candy Boss
and Antics Promotions. Matches will be every Friday and Sunday until the grand final on January 5th, 2019 at the All Saints ground. The tournament has been sanctioned by the GFF and the Berbice Football Association.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
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Bangladesh beat Ireland in first warm up at Providence
Sanjida Islam on the go during her match winning innings against Ireland at Providence on Sunday night. (John Ramsingh photo)
Kim Garth top scored with 34 from 35 balls. (John Ramsingh photo)
The Women’s World T20 Warm up match at Providence between Bangladesh and Ireland played on Sunday last was the first here in Guyana and Bangladesh came out winners by six wickets. Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bowl and restricted Ireland to 83-7 off their 20 overs.
Kim Garth 34 (35b; 3x4; 1x6), Gabby Lewis 15 (13b; 2x4) and Emear Richardson 10 not out (17balls) were the top scorers. Garth and Richardson added 39 off 36 balls for a key seventh wicket partnership. Bowling for Bangladesh Rumana Ahmed 4-1-9-3 and
Jahanara Alam 3-0-11-2 led the wicket takers. Bangladesh reached the target, 86-4 off 14.4 overs. Ayashs Rahman 25 (26b; 3x4; 1x6), Fargana Pinky 21 not out (21b) and Sanjida Islam 26 (20b; 2x4; 1x6). Bowling for Ireland Kim Garth 2-0-4-3 was the lead wicket taker.
Lahiru Kumara axed from Sri Lanka Draughts championship underway squad for breaking team curfew with keen competition
In picture: sitting in front row, (from left) K. Pooranmall and D. Johnson; back standing: (from left) Jiaram, D. Persaud, E. Anderson, G. George, L. Heywood and U. Brathwaite.
Lahiru Kumara in a light mood during a training session. (Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka fast bowler Lahiru Kumara has been removed from the Sri Lanka Test squad on disciplinary grounds. He has been replaced by Dushmantha Chameeera.Kumara is understood to have broken the team curfew on Sunday evening - two days before the first Test in Galle is set to begin. Sri Lanka’s team management has been especially strict on curfew times and player discipline over the past two months, after two players, Danushka
Gunathilaka and Jeffrey Vandersay, were found guilty of serious breaches of discipline during the South Africa and West Indies series respectively. Gunathilaka had failed to return to his room before curfew in the midst of a Test in Colombo. Vandersay, meanwhile, had been out so long after a night out in St Lucia that the team bus to the airport was delayed the following morning. Kumara has generally been Sri Lanka’s secondchoice seamer, after Suranga
Lakmal, and had stood a chance of playing at least one match in the three-Test series against England. Earlier in the year, Kumar had been especially impressive in the West Indies, where he claimed 17 wickets at an average of 19.88 across the three Tests. Chameera, his replacement, has not played a Test since the end of 2016, partly due to injury. He is something of a like-for-like replacement, in that he is also capable of bowling at over 145kph.
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he Annual N a t i o n a l D r a u g h t s Championship got underway at the National Gymnasium with ten of the country’s top players contesting the A and B categories for top honors. Khemraj Pooranmall with 27 points emerged the winner in the senior division. Pooranmall was out of competition for over one year but came out in full form to capture the winning stake. Godfrey George with 23 points took the second
position, while Jiaram with 21 points was dethroned of his crown to number three in the rankings. Ulric Brathwaite from Kuru Kururu was defeated in a tie breaker with Jiaram to earn the fourth spot. In the junior category Tuschen player Devanand Persaud with 20 points defended his title. This is the second consecutive win for Devanand in this division, by virtue he has now moved up to the senior level. Esan
Anderson with 14 points emerged second, while Lyndon Heywood with 12 points placed third. Dexter Johnson from Linden took the fourth position with 8 points. All four players from each categories were awarded with trophies, while the top three were given an additional small incentive. The Championship concludes Sunday which would see action being played on the International 100 square boards.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
Mayweather takes his money team to mystery fight in Japan TOKYO (Reuters) - Floyd Mayweather’s over-stated arrival to his unveiling as the new figurehead for a Japanese mixed martial arts promotion proved that no-matter what the event or the location, the American boxing legend will always be box office. The undefeated 41-yearold announced he was coming out of a retirement yesterday and will top the bill at the Rizin Fighting Federation’s next card on Dec. 31, in a bout against a Japanese kickboxer with the rules yet to be determined. Prior to yesterday’s news conference, Mayweather gave a select number of media interviews over the weekend, but the identity of Rizin’s marquee recruit for the Saitama event had been kept under wraps. So, with the logo for Mayweather’s ‘The Money Team’ brand ostentatiously emblazoned across the room, there was a palpable sense of intrigue ahead of the American’s late arrival. When Mayweather finally appeared in front of the media in Tokyo, the American, whose boxing record is an unblemished 50-0, was far more subdued than his noisy introduction, substituting his
Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. of the U.S. poses for a photograph with his opponent Tenshin Nasukawa during a news conference in Tokyo, Japan November 5, 2018. (REUTERS/Issei Kato) usual bravado with a serious business-like tone.“We want to continue and I want to continue to build my relationship with Money Team Tokyo, I want to continue to come over here and bring other fighters over here,” Mayweather explained during a somewhat stilted news conference. “My company have been making some huge fights
happen in the U.S. but we look forward to taking the Mayweather promotions banner and the TMT (The Money Team) banner worldwide and if it means working with a great guy like this (Rizin president Nobuyuki Sakakibara) then there is no problem.” It seems for Mayweather, who won boxing world titles at five different weight divi-
sions, this fight is about expanding his brand and business interests overseas. “I wanted to do something different. I always wanted to display my skills outside the U.S. and be in a special fight,” added Mayweather, who has fought every one of his professional bouts in the United States. Mayweather’s latest move
comes as a major shock after he announced his second retirement from the ring following his defeat of Irish mixed martial arts (MMA) star Conor McGregor in a crossover boxing match last year. However, the most stunning aspect of Mayweather’s announcement is his decision to sign with an MMA brand, having never competed in the octagon before. CONFIDENT OPPONENT While boxing rules restrict bouts to the use of just punches, MMA also incorporates kicks, knees and elbow strikes, as well as wrestling, joint locks and chokes. Mayweather and his team said they were still in negotiations with Rizin over the rules and format of the fight, which should be “situated” in the coming weeks. The identity of Mayweather’s opponent, Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa — a fighter half the American’s age — muddies the waters yet further. Nasukawa competes in both MMA and kickboxing, and has won all four of his cage fights. While Mayweather showered praise on his opponent and even disparaged himself by saying “my body don’t
look the same as it used to look”, a bullish Nasukawa exuded confidence. “I would like to prove with my own fist what others couldn’t do in the past,” said the 20-year-old, who added he accepted the offer to fight Mayweather without hesitation. “My opponent looks taller than I thought, I think because of the aura around him, but I think I could hit him.” Nasukawa’s comments caused Mayweather and his business advisor Brent Johnson to break into beaming smiles but there was a sense that in the past the former world champion would not have taken this challenge so light-heartedly. With fighting fans — both boxing and MMA alike — trying to process the latest twist in Mayweather’s career path, will primarily come down to the eventual decision over the rules of his next bout before any real judgement can be made. If this move is a bid to stay relevant, then Mayweather, whose business acumen has been matched only by his performances in the ring, has certainly found a way to keep his name in lights.
Our Lady of Coromoto win Marian Academy Inter-House Badminton Team C/ship
Action in the Marian Academy Inter House Badminton Championship.
The Marian Academy Inter-House Badminton Te a m Championships started Tuesday 23rd of October continued and concluded last Tuesday 30th of October 2018 at the S c h o o l ’s Badminton Courts. The Championship went
to Our Lady of Coromoto who defeated Our Lady of Fatima in the Finals 5-0. Third place went to Our lady of Guadeloupe who defeated Our lady of Lourdes 32. The full results are as follows: Final: Coromoto House
defeated Fatima House: 5-0 Boys Singles: Matthew Beharry defeated Jaden Totaram: 21-5 Girls Singles: Lesha Singh defeated Sasha Wang: 21-11 Boys Doubles: Matthew Beharry & Vikash Mootoo defeated Jaden Totaram &
Grame Carpenter: 21-6 Girls Doubles: Ashley Escarraga & Jada Mohan defeated Sasha Wang & Kelliann Sauers: 21-19 Mix Doubles: Vikash Mootoo & Reba Ramlall defeated Grame Carpenter & Kelliann Sauers: 21-13. Third & Fourth Place:
Guadeloupe House defeated Lourdes House: 3-2 Boys Singles: Alexander Ally lost to Zachary Persaud: 21-8 Girls Singles: Jayde DaSilva defeated Isabella Ramjohn: 21-8 Boys Doubles: Ricardo Percival & Alexander Ally lost
to Ronald Hamilton & Zachary Persaud: 21-8 Girls Doubles: Gabryel Fiedtkou & Akila defeated Isabella Ramjohn & Ella Sahai: 21-14 Mix Doubles: Jayde DaSilva & Alexander Ally defeated Roland Hamilton & Ella Sahai: 21-19
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
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GCB U-17 Female cricket franchise
E’bo continue unbeaten run A
n unbeaten 40 which was decorated with five fours from MVP Lilitha Patterson who shared in a 91-run fifth wicket stand with Marcia Anthony, who finished on 18 not out, led Essequibo to their fourth consecutive win in the GCB T20 Female U-17 cricket franchise yesterday when they beat Georgetown by 121 runs at the DCC ground in the first match of a double header. The pair joined forces when Emalia Whyte bowled Davina Ross (4) at 89-4 but was the last success of the
City side as the pair steered their team to 180-4 with Navika Narine chipping in with 13. Whyte took 3-14 for GT who crashed to 59 all out in 15 overs with nobody reaching double figures. Keira Hernandes and Whyte top scored with three before they were both removed by Ross who took 3-7 and when Neha Singh, one of the more elegant batters in the tournament, was run out for two at 49-4, Lisa Charles (2-3) and Onika Stoley (3-2) combined to dismantle the home team’s batting line-up in cloudy
conditions. In the afternoon game at DCC, Lower Corentyne Coached by West Indies Women’s player Tremayne Smartt, got past East Bank Coached by fellow Berbician Micheal ‘Hiles’ Franco, by seven wickets in hot conditions. East Bank batted first a n d t h e t o u r n a m e n t ’s leading run scorer Afruica Gentle (13) and Dalancy Seecharran (7) give their team a solid 47 run foundation before they were restricted to 100-4 when their 20 overs expired. Ashmini Munisar
Aafano Gilgous (21) goes over the top in her 41 runs stand with Munisar at DCC.
MVP Lalitha Patterson
- Gentle suffers 1st failure as L/C’tyne beat E/Bank
MVP Ashmini Munisar followed up her 2-3 with 21 to help Lower Ctyne to victory yesterday at DCC. Jada Marcurious is bowled off a free hit at DCC yesterday. (2-3) and Lafano Gilgeous (1-10) got the wickets to fall to bowlers. Gentle, with scores of 55 not out, 89 and 109 not out in her previous innings was bowled by Gilgeous after hitting three boundaries in her 13. The demise of Gentle, the only centurion in the tournament, triggered a collapse as only Seecharran (7) who was bowled by Munisar and Shenay Daniels (4) reached double figures. The Berbicians, who has won only one of their five matches, reached 101-3 as
MVP Munisar who was run out for 21 and Gilgeous, unbeaten on 21 shared in 41run stand after coming together with the Region six team on 35-2. Hemwattie Mohabiar had 2-24. At Enterprise, West Demerara beat Upper Corentyne by 44 runs after scoring 97-7 in 15 overs. Opener Jamaica Simon top scored with nine, while Britney Mc Ally, Sheridan Nelson and Alaneh Williams had two wickets each. Upper Corentyne were restricted to 53-6 from their 15 overs with Sheridan Nelson (9) and Britney Mc
Ally (7*) being the main scorers. Varunie Pitamber had 2-12. In the second match at Enterprise, East Coast made 158 -4 in 20 overs with Shemika Edwards top scoring with 32. Renata Liverpool captured 2-25. No scores were available for the West Berbice in reply. The action continues on tomorrow when Essequibo take on West Berbice and East Bank will face West Demerara at Wales, while Lower Corentyne oppose Georgetown and East Coast play Upper Corentyne at Enterprise. (Sean Devers)
Coaches association delivers CONCACAF ‘D’ License preparatory course The GFF coaches and officials involved in the Concacaf ‘D’ License preparatory course.
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he Guyana Football Coaches Association provided essential preparatory training for the Concacaf ‘D’ License this weekend, delivering a new two day course designed to help more local coaches attain the internationallyrecognised football qualification as part of nationwide capacity building. The Concacaf ‘D’ License is the basic foundation of professional coaching and equips coaches with the knowledge required to train players according to their age, plan practice sessions and physical training, develop talent and to understand the importance of health and safety. The preparatory two-day course was delivered by
Coaches Association President and GFF Coach Mentor Sampson Gilbert. “This weekend has been about training coaches to understand what is required to achieve the Concacaf ‘D’ License to educate and enlighten the coaches to really bridge that
gap and to enhance their ability to have a higher pass rate,” Gilbert said. “Over the last two years, with this GFF administration and Technical Director Ian Greenwood, we have gone from zero licensed coaches to 53 Concacaf ‘D’ License qualified coaches. That is a great leap and we are
aspiring to have every coach across the country to have the opportunity to develop and to achieve the ‘D’ License.” The preparatory course consisted of a one-day classroom session at the GFF headquarters followed by a day-long practical workshop at the GDF ground in
Georgetown. The GFF Technical Department provided content and coaching methodology support for the course. “Over the years, the science of the game would have changed, so with the knowledge gained from the ‘D’ License, we would be able to put that into practice
and better prepare our players,” said Dillion Roberts, Secretary of the Coaches Association. “The Guyana Football Federation and the Coaches Association would have been working together for quite some time now and, going forward, this is vital for the development of coaches.”
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday November 06, 2018
Guyana Open Golf Tourney
Avinash Persaud, Sukhram, Max Persaud, Hanif excel
Max Persaud (left) and Patanjalee Persaud with their accolades By Zaheer Mohamed espite having to overcome the challenge of an injured ankle, Avinash Persaud showed his prowess on the golf course once again as he won the male overall category at the Guyana Open tournament which concluded on Sunday at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara. In what was deemed as the biggest tournament ever on local shores, Persaud withstood keen competition from rivals Richard Haniff and Kevin Dinanauth, and in addition to winning the Best Gross he created history by returning a gross of 1 under par for the 1st day of the championship. After trailing behind two other former Guyana Open champions, Dr. Joaan Deo who recently won the Suriname Open and Shanella Webster with whom she was tied for the best gross, Sukhram got the edge for the female title on day two. Of note among the four local females (out of 9 females who participated) was rookie Eureka Giddings, who played commendably to finish with a Net total of 176, having begun golfing only a few months ago. Other remarkable performances came from R i c h a r d H a n i ff , Tr o y
D
Cadogan and Esau Shamshudin. Richard Haniff turned a history making Guyana Open total Net score of 129, and was only three strokes behind winner Avinash for the Gross total. Troy Cadogan produced a exceptional 20 stroke improvement on the second day’s play, to not only tie with John Somwar, but also to edge him out at first place because of his better score on day two. E s a u S h a m s h u d i n ’s second day Net score of 138 was exceptional for the senior’s group, in fact placing him on a tie with Christine Sukhram and Mohanlall Dinanauth at 6th Best Net score out of the field of 89 golfers. Max Persaud won the best gross for the 10-18 flight with 168, while Patanjalee Persaud won the net with 136. Prizes were also awarded for Nearest to the Pin (NTP) and Longest Drive (LD) for each day. These were won by: Richard Haniff – NTP Day 1; Vick Ramnarine – LD Day 1; Avinda Kishore – NTP Day 2; and Jalen Raman – LD Day 2. The tables below show the relevant final top scores in each Flight. The Guyana Open Male and Female champions are determined by their overall Gross Score,
(the lowest score wins), hence though they may not win the Net score, the Gross is considered the better measure of the best golfer. Best Net scores in each Flight are necessarily rewarded since the Net Score is very significant in amateur golfing.Despite an interruption of rain on Sunday the state of the Course was in fine shape that the golfers were encouraged to play on and finish their competition in favorable conditions. At the awards ceremony which followed, President of the LGC Aleem Hussain expressed gratitude to the sponsors including: Ganesh Parts and General Store; Builders’ Lumber Yard; Aracari Resort; DaSilva Optical; Nayelli Beauty; Java Coffee; Banks DIH; Trans Guyana Airways; Odyssey Transportation; New Trend Auto; P&P Insurance; AN Electronics; American Home & Beauty Supplies; Karibbee Rice; Tech 9 Security Services; Guyana Beverage; Ansa MaCal; A&R Printery; Brusters Ice Cream; MaCorp; Party Castle; Roraima Airways THAG; Nesha’sFlowerland; Dept of To u r i s m , M i n i s t r y o f Business; Marriott Hotel; and Nex Gen Global Marketing Services.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships
Hikers sweep first division titles
Women’s MVP, Woodpecker Hiker’s Nicole Eastman.
Men’s MVP Aderemi Simon of Old Fort.
T
he PEPSI Hikers jubilantly celebrated a double victory in the men’s and women’s First Division competitions when the curtain came down on the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). GCC managed to secure the three other divisions being the male and female Second Division competitions and the Over35 Division. The final event of the evening was a fitting highlight of an exciting tournament when Old Fort Lamborghini squared off against the PEPSI Hikers in a final which would see a new winner crowned as both teams had dispatched defending champs Bounty GCC in the pool round. The Hikers, littered with Guyanese national players, started the match in their usual dominant fashion but it was Old Fort who was first to break the deadlock in the sixth minute through an Aderemi Simon penalty corner high in the right corner of the Hikers net. As the high-paced game whizzed back and forth, Hikers managed to draw even when top midfielder Jamarj Assanah made a brilliant individual run up the right to finish with the equalizer and taking the game into halftime at 1-1. Skilful striker Aroydy Branford put the Hikers up four minutes into the second segment before Old Fort
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went on a goal-scoring run with three unanswered goals by Warren Williams, Askofu Simon and Aderemi Simon’s second of the match. With five minutes left in the final, Old Fort struggled to hang on to their lead as the Hikers scrambled desperately to make up the deficit. Hikers and national Captain Robert France would lead from the front by pulling his team within one through a 35th minute field goal and the very next minute Hikers won a penalty stroke through a desperation tackle by Old Fort’s Jason Clarke. With nerves of steel, Aroydy Branford scored the penalty to draw the scores even at 4-4 to send the match to penalties which Hikers won after sudden death. The women’s final saw much fewer opportunities as the underdog Woodpecker Hikers clogged the middle of the floor with a rock-solid defence and held the game even for the entire first half despite GBTI GCC Tigers enjoying the majority of possession. Marzana Fiedtkou broke the tie and fired the GBTI ladies up by one with a nifty reverse stick shot in the 37th minute. With the clock winding down and the game entering its final two minutes, the Hikers earned a penalty corner that was converted by a high flick from MVP Nicole Eastman. With the scores tied at 1-1, Eastman found herself free in the scoring circle after receiving a pinpoint accurate pass
from right back Marisha Fernandes. Goalkeeper of the tournament for GCC, Briawna Gordon advanced to cover the angles but Eastman let loose a cracker of a shot into the roof of the GCC net that sent the crowd into frenzy. The come-from-behind victory ended a ten-year dominance of the trophy by the GCC ladies and crowned the new champions, the Woodpecker Hikers. Earlier in the evening, the GCC Pitbulls and Old Fort Top Form drew their men’s Second Division match, 2-2 but GCC dominated the shootout to win it 2-0. The Bingo GCC Spartans duplicated the effort in the women’s Second Division when they defeated Saints by 3-2 after the regulation ended with the scores tied on 1-1. The GCC Vintage completed the club’s hat-trick by crushing the Old Fort Mustangs by 6-3 in the Over-35 division. The individual awards were as follows: MEN Division 1 Most goals: Aroydy Branford (Pepsi Hikers) Best Goalkeeper: David Williams (Old Fort Lamborghini) MVP: Aderemi Simon (Old Fort Lamborghini) Final result: PEPSI Hikers beat Old Fort Lamborghini by 7-6 WOMEN Division 1 Most goals: Nicole E a s t m a n ( Wo o d p e c k e r Hikers) Best Goalkeeper:
Briawna Gordon (GBTI GCC Tigers) MVP: Nicole Eastman (Woodpecker Hikers) Final result: Woodpecker Hikers defeated GBTI GCC Tigers by 2-1 MEN Division 2 Most goals: Warren Williams (Old Fort Top Form) Best Goalkeeper:
Michael Hing (GCC Pitbulls) MVP: Omar Hopkinson (Old Fort Top Form) Final result: GCC Pitbulls defeated Old Fort Top Form by 4-2 WOMEN Division 2 Most goals: Tekeisha Deleon (Saints) Best Goalkeeper: Donyelle Marshall (Saints)
MVP: Makeda Harding (Bingo GCC Spartans) Final result: Bingo GCC Spartans beat Saints by 4-3 Over-35 Division Most goals: Kevin Spencer (Vintage GCC) MVP: Dwayne Scott (Vintage GCC) Final result: Vintage GCC defeated Old Fort Mustangs 6-3
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Tuesday November 06, 2018
GMRSC Ignite
Group three title race wide open Stefan Jeffrey and his civic.
Vishok Persaud’s Lotus was unstoppable in Group Three last year during the CMRC final leg at South Dakota Circuit. The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMRSC) Ignite race meet speeds off this weekend with some anticipated match ups and the group three battle is expected to be intense since that title race is wide open. Defending champion Vishok Persaud scored no points during the local first round of action at the South Dakota Circuit last March and that will make it very difficult for him to retain his title. At the moment, the leader is Danny Persaud who has amassed 50 points after the first round and looks set to cop the championship. His nearest competitor is Syed Hassan who has 30
points as he lies in second and Hassan is being chased by Rameez Mohamed and Motilall Deodass who are tied for third with 18 points each. The group three battle will be spiced up with the large field of competitors that is expected to feature in this class. In addition to Vishok, there is the unruly civic of Stefan Jeffrey which has undergone considerable work to be ready for Sunday’s meet. Testing during last month’s ‘test and tune’ event has shown that Jeffrey is a more than a capable competitor when the flag drops. GMRSC’s Ignite, which
forms the basis for the Seaboard Marine Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g championships (CMRC) final leg as well, is billed for both this Saturday and Sunday with expected overseas competition from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Jamaica and Canada as well as competitors out of Europe. Tickets for the packed 27-race programme are on sale at the cost of $2500; children $1000 at B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Croal Street office. On Saturday there will be the time trials beginning at 10:00hrs in all the classes followed by official races in the Street Cross Motorcyle,
125cc Motorcycle, Street Tuner, Choke Starlet Cup and Sports Tuner which will be 10 laps each from 13:20hrs.
The feature race on Saturday will see 20 grueling laps in the first anticipated clash in the SR3 Radicals Cup.
Meanwhile on Sunday, racing fans’ hunger for scorching action will be well satisfied with a packed 19race programme.
Assistant Instructor of WTMAA completes IOC Sport Administrators Course Assistant Instructor Marminanda Small received her certificate for course Director Mr. Charles Corbin.
Marminanda Small, Assistant Instructor of White Tiger Martial Arts Academy (WTMAA) recently completed an IOC Sport Administrators Course at GTU Hall in New Amsterdam. The course was hosted by the Guyana Olympic Association in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity. The course covered a variety of topics including Mental Health, Governance,
Nutrients, Sport for Law, Value and Ethics in Sport, Budgeting and Money Management, Women in sport among others. Ms. Small is very thankful for this course as she intends to implement what she learnt and would like to encourage more women to get involved in sports. Ms. Marminanda Small has been involved in Taekwondo for over eight years and has acquired her
Kukkiwon Certification. She is also involved in Wrestling and sit on the board of the White Tiger Martial Arts Academy. The White Tiger Martial Arts Academy expressed its gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association, Olympic Solidarity and course director Mr. Charles Corbin for making this Sport Administrators Course possible in New Amsterdam.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday November 06, 2018
PAGE 41
Concacaf U-20 Championship USA 2018
Guyana face Cayman Islands today in search of first win in Group F
National U-20s during yesterday’s training session. By Franklin Wilson in Florida, USA Compliments of Industrial Safety Supplies, Secure Innovation & Concepts and Fitness Express
G
uyana Under-20 Jaguars will go into today’s match against the Cayman Islands with a confident outlook having lost their opening match 0-4 to Guatemala on Friday last at the same #2 Field at the IMG Academy here in Bradenton, Florida when day six of the Concacaf Under-20 Championship, USA 2018 continues. Like Guyana, the Cayman Islands also lost their opening encounter via a 1-3 margin to El Salvador which along with Guatemala have both posted a pair
of wins each with Guatemala leading the group on goal difference. Curacao, the other country in the group have lost both their matches to date. Having played since last Friday, the young Guyanese, still a positive unit despite the loss have had three training sessions since and have been quietly mapping their strategy for today’s encounter which they have collectively stated, “We will be taking full points from this match.” Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and his Technical Staff have been hard at work in trying to lift the morale of the players and have been doing a fine job so far. The players too, have been working hard at training and are looking forward to today’s test. Stressing that the players are
confident ahead of today’s match, Dover informed that the approach would be to take the fight to the opponents. ”The plan will be to go and play a bit more attacking; I want to give my players the thumbs up for the level of commitment shown and for giving a remarkable effort in the first match. So for this game, our approach will be to try and be a bit more attacking and positive in order to get a good result.” Dover wanted to state that his team is not fazed by what many might have had to say with regards to their approach to the first game which was to sit deep and play from position three (defence) whilst trying to play off the counter. ”We know that Guatemala is one of the top teams in the
tournament ranked at #8, while we are at #24 so when we look back at what the team did in that game, we know that with dedicated and consistent preparation along with quality practice matches, Guyana would be able to do a lot better.” During the training sessions since the last match, Dover informed that work would have been done on the team’s offensive pattern, how to penetrate the opponent and create scoring opportunities. The experienced tactician expressed gratitude to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and President Wayne Forde for the investment they have made thus far by ensuring that the youngsters have the opportunity to be a part of this historic championship. ”It’s is not easy for any
federation to be funding multiple teams at the same time in international tournaments and it is not easy also for a group of players never been given the opportunity to play at the age group level to play at a tournament of this magnitude much less to win a group coming up against youngsters like themselves, many of whom are professionals already. So kudos are in order for the GFF and its vision, commitment and investment in this future generation of players.” The Head Coach suggested that in the future more time and investment should be afforded teams for tournaments to ensure that they are well prepared to challenge their much more exposed counterparts.
The Goalkeepers being taken through their paces by Coach Phillip Carrington.
Coaching staff and players strategizing ahead of today’s match with Cayman Islands
rt o p S
Hikers sweep first division titles
GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships
Men’s and Women’s champions – Hikers.
Guyana Open Golf Tourney
Avinash Persaud, Sukhram, Max Persaud, Hanif excel Avinash Persaud Christine Sukhram
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