Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

US$500M rice payments probe…

SOCU, GBTI head to court again Friday More than two weeks after being granted some time to hand over critical documents pertaining to one of the biggest fraud investigations in Guyana, a local bank is headed back to court on Friday. Legal representatives will be appearing before Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne GeorgeWiltshire, to say whether the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) has complied. The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has reportedly collected some documents, legal officials confirmed. However, calls to SOCU’s head, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sydney James, went unanswered yesterday. The unit is said to be verifying whether it has received what it asked for. On October 20, last, the High Court granted the bank time to search for transaction documents relating to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), in a case that is being closely watched. The privately-controlled bank was battling SOCU over the release of information pertaining to bank accounts of the Rice Board. A number of

SOCU’s head, Sydney James and GBTI lawyer, Stephen Fraser, leaving shortly after the court case last month. other banks reportedly complied but there was a problem with GBTI, according to SOCU. SOCU says it had requested the information since February but delays it believed were deliberate in nature, caused it to approach the courts, both the Magistrate’s Court and the High Court, for

orders to force GBTI to comply. The police unit, which focuses on financial crimes, filed contempt charges last month against eight officials, including the entire board of directors and the current chief, claiming that the bank did not comply, despite being granted extensions. Seven of the di-

rectors and the bank’s chief later appeared in court and were read the charges before being released on self-bail. Representing SOCU was its head Sydney James; and Solicitor-General of the Attorney General Chambers, Kim Kyte. For the bank, the lawyers were Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran and Stephen

US$12M CDB-funded project to boost delivery of TVET At a cost exceeding US$12 million, the Ministry of Education is set to launch a skills development and employability project. According to information coming out of the Ministry, the project is aimed at improving capacity to deliver Technical Vocational Education and Training [TVET] programmes equitably across the sector. To facilitate the implementation of the project, Government through the Education Ministry was able to secure US$12.2 million in funding from the Caribbean Development Bank [CDB]. The project which is set to be launched today at the Kingston, Georgetown Pegasus Hotel, is one that will allow for the development of Practical Instruction Departments [PIDs] of four secondary schools in the hinterland. In addition, three Practical Instruction Centres [PICs] from Regions Three, Four and Five have been chosen to have their workshops, classrooms and/or laboratories undergo refurbishment and expansion. This move, according to information released by the Public Relations Department of the Ministry, will allow the respective

facilities to implement the award of the Caribbean Vocational Qualification [CVQ] certification in five subject areas. It has been pointed out that the main objective is to increase the number of secondary school leavers with the appropriate skills and competencies to successfully enter the job market, embark on an economic enterprise or pursue appropriate post-secondary/tertiary education and training. Since 2014 the Ministry of Education had been fervently promoting CVQ qualifications. CVQ is a CARICOM approved award that represents achievement of a set of competencies which define core work practices of an occupational area consistent with the levels articulated within the regional qualifications framework. The local Ministry of Education was moreover gearing, since a few years back, to offer CVQs at the level of the technical institutions and secondary schools with the latter offering competency programmes through the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme [SCCP]. Through the SCCP students are able to choose, inclusive of Mathematics and English, programmes that

could allow them to be competent and thereby certified in particular skills area such as plumbing, masonry and welding. Such training programmes were long being offered at the country’s technical vocational institutions that exist in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. But as a Caribbean region-wide certification programme, CVQs have certain standards, thus, it was imperative that measures be put in place to have facilities be upgraded to the requisite standards thus the need to target PIDs and PICs.

While most of the Caricom countries have signalled their intention to be accredited in order to award CVQ’s to graduates of their TVET systems, only seven were in April of this year approved with the authority to issue CVQ’s. This disclosure was made earlier this year by Chairman for the Council for Technical Vocational Education and Training [CTVET], Mr. Clinton Williams. He listed the accredited countries as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent (Continued on page 9)

Fraser. Speaking with the media afterwards, Ramkarran disclosed that on August 29, the CJ granted Production Orders asking GBTI to submit a number of documents within seven days. Among other things, SOCU wanted to know details of transaction relating to the GRDB foreign accounts, over a number of years. Ramkarran said that during the session with the CJ yesterday, the bank applied for an extension of time. He said that the bank, controlled by the Beharry Group, addressed the number of transactionsover 3,000-plus and the documents required by the order… over 9000. He said that the bank sought to cooperate fully and by the extension deadline in early October, had submitted 9000-plus documents. According to the lawyer, the bank faced challenges as it receives thousands of documents per day- so it is “appreciated” that some of these can’t be found. He said that the bank cannot account for about 150 documents that SOCU is asking for. However, 9000-plus documents were supplied. He said that the bank asked for more time to find the missing documents. The CJ, following the arguments of both SOCU and the bank, ordered that further submissions be made by November 3 and for the documents to be found- the matter was adjourned to November 10. According to Ramkarran, the High Court developments would impact on the contempt charges filed Thursday in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court by SOCU as they were based on the Production Orders issued by the CJ. On the issue of disclosure of information and privacy of accounts, which GBTI had initially taken issue with and was willing to head to court to fight SOCU, Ramkarran, who is also a blogger, noted that the bank has to obey the legal provisions of the anti-money laundering laws which were

amended in recent years. The laws mandate financial institutions to hand over information that is requested by the courts. However, Ramkarran insisted, GBTI has more than complied. Several former officials, including board members and Opposition parliamentarians, have been charged with fraud crimes involving millions of dollars. SOCU’s battles have embroiled the Director of Public Prosecutions who was accused of causing delays in the charges. The DPP chambers last month questioned the investigative capacity of the police. However, the administration defended SOCU’s work, saying that it has released resources and training, both local and overseas to the unit. The lawyer for the DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack, happens to be Senior Counsel Robin Stoby, the current Chairman of the Board of Directors for GBTI, raising the spectre of a possible conflict of interest situation. SOCU is tracking down US$500M that GRDB handled as far back as 2010. Those monies represented transfers from the Ministry of Finance to pay rice farmers and millers who participated in a lucrative rice-for-oil deal with neighbouring Venezuela. Farmers and millers, up to 2015, would supply rice, through GRDB. Under the deal, Guyana received oil, at concessional rates and conditions…Guyana would pay part of the money upfront and the rest over a number of years. The delayed oil money was what the Ministry of Finance paid over to the GRDB to pay rice farmers and millers. SOCU is reportedly contending that GRDB used those monies to grant illegal loans to some rice millers and even organisations close to the former ruling party. GRDB is being investigated, also, about a number of transfers overseas to a number of banks.

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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

Men too are victims of Domestic Violence Despite numerous efforts by governments to curb domestic violence in Guyana, it remains a blight on our society. It is true that in most domestic violence cases, men are the abusers and women are the victims. Whenever one hears about a case of domestic violence in the country, there is generally an immediate and automatic assumption by the public that the victim is a woman and the male is the perpetrator. Few would believe that the scenario could be the exact opposite. Today, there are many cases of domestic violence in which men have been and continue to be abused by their female partners but these cases are hardly ever being reported to law enforcement or are brought to the public attention. The decision by some men to keep such abuse a secret stems from the attitudes in society, especially in macho societies such as Guyana and those in the Caribbean. In these societies, men who suffer physical abuse at the hands of women are often the butt of jokes and are seen as less than men by other men. Society’s definition of masculinity is supposedly “real men” who simply do not allow women to physically abuse them. Yet increasingly in the public domain, mention is often made of achieving gender balance where equal treatment is accorded to both men and women. This being the case, especially here in Guyana where the domestic abuse focus is almost entirely on women, it is perhaps time for abused men to break their silence and raise public awareness of their plight and the problem of domestic violence. Indeed, this is already happening in a growing number of countries including the United States, Canada and several other countries where October e v e r y y e a r i s o b s e r v e d a s D o m e s t i c Vi o l e n c e Awareness Month. The goal is to help reduce domestic violence in general and for all in society to understand that domestic violence should not be tolerated. It is also to encourage men to seek help whenever they are abused by their female partners and that it is acceptable for them to have emotions and not be vulnerable. It is estimated that more than 65 percent of women are physically, mentally and verbally abused in Guyana and about 20 percent are murdered annually by their male partners. And while data is not available for men who are abused or murdered by females, it is suspected that 15 percent of men are abused and a few are murdered. Domestic violence has affected almost everyone in society. And even though the revelation of it against men may catch many by surprise, it points to a disturbing and perhaps a dangerous trend in society. The silence from men in cases of domestic violence by their female partners is deafening. It is not helping the situation. By any stretch of the imagination, domestic violence of any kind, be it against women or men is wrong in the sense that it is contrary to the goal of building a just and equal society to which we as Guyanese have committed ourselves to do. As a people, we should become much more aware of the consequences of domestic violence and be more vocal to achieve greater public awareness and disapproval of it. In the same way that the National Organization of Women (NOW) and other groups have done in the case of female victims of domestic violence, there must be organizations to help the cause of the abused men. We need a national framework and sound policies to end the scourge of domestic violence and the silence by men.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Imposing a “one-man-will” on a “750,000-person” nation DEAR EDITOR, President Granger has demonstrated a pettiness in several of his decisions that appear to be designed to impose his “one-man-will” on a “750,000-person” nation. The last time I checked, President Granger at his political peak secured 4,506 votes more than the PPP’s candidate. So why is he operating like he won 78% of the votes, similar to the numbers the PNC declared for itself in 1985. Can you imagine in 1985 the PNC gifted the PPP 45,926 votes? But the important point remains that Granger is not getting more popular, but actually, is losing political support by the minute. So his political strategy is a suboptimal one, unless the plan is a return to 1985. For starters, that 10% in the rational middle have now totally abandoned the AFC (let us ignore the WPA because, since 1992, they have always been a fringe party). In 2015, Granger benefited from most of that 10%, plus about 5% of the PPP supporters, who crossed the floor. In an economy that is crumbling today, his entire organization has been pushed behind the eightball. Therefore he cannot

automatically count on the commitment of 207,200 voters that voted for him in 2015. Actually, any astute political mind will tell you that it is now a foregone conclusion that if Granger stands for office in 2020, he will not get more than 200,000 votes. Two reasons – that 5% from the PPP is now well entrenched back into the PPP fold, thanks to the superb grassroots political work of President Jagdeo. Secondly, although that 10% called the rational middle might not automatically vote for the PPP, they have totally abandoned the AFC and have little interest in the ideas coming from the PNC (Coalition, call it what you want, it is the PNC). Actually, today the PNC is right back where it was in 2006 at its natural strength of 35% of the population. So listening to Mr. Granger’s comments while he was in Atlanta is a stark reminder that the PNC is out of political options, save and except for compromised elections - thus the motivation to violate the Carter-Price Model. It is important that all Guyanese reject this 1970/ 1980’s line of thinking from Mr. Granger. Guyana was fortunate in the past to have

“President Hoyte” who was wise enough to put an end to all the selfish political opportunism practices by a few that were nothing else but antiquated and antedated. If he had not acted, today Guyanese might have been eating donkeys and any other similar animals that had the misfortune of growing up in these 83,000 square miles. We as a people must never take those risks again. Thus we must let our voices be heard. Speak and let both the PPP and PNC know what is on your mind. I am not here giving the PPP a free pass. We all know the PPP did much wrong in their style of governance, but there is a fundamental difference I am seeing between Mr. Granger’s term and the PPP’s term – the PNC appears willing to tamper with the electoral process, they are grossly incompetent at growing the economy and they are unprepared to seek help, and most worrisome is that the PNC seems very willing to engage in ethnic and racial suppression. For a country like Guyana to grow economically, it needs ethnic calm and racial stability. Unfortunately, the Ministry of the Presidency appears to be one of the lead

perpetrators of this instability. As a retired politician, I find myself asking how have we ever arrived at this point and what can we do to stop it. First off we must all call for a time-out and it must be led by Mr. Granger. He must rule the country like a leader, not a tribalist. He must stop operating subjectively and selectively on the public service appointments, on the application of the rule of law and most importantly on the social cohesion process. He must trust all the Guyanese people and engage and collaborate more. If he does well, the people will embrace him, but so far the people are judging him by his actions and he comes across as aloof and bigoted. Yes, he may lose at free and fair elections, but he must be the bigger man and recognise what is at stake here - Guyana, not the PNC or PPP. For 50 years this nation has suffered economically and politically, so much so that we have more Guyanese outside of Guyana rather than inside. So why would you want to rule the country in such a manner to continue to push our brightest and best out of the country every day? Sase Singh

Elections rigging, restored democracy and the Constitution DEAR EDITOR, Ever since President David Granger, at his seventh meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the naming of a Chairman of GECOM, announced that he had chosen Justice Patterson, the PPP has raised fears of electoral rigging. How ironic. I recall it was the PPP’s Dr. Cheddi Jagan who in 1962 was the first to introduce rigging at the PPP Congress, where he padded the electoral list with one hundred WPO members in order to prevent Hindu intellectual Balwant Singh Rai from becoming Chairman of the PPP. D r. Jagan would experience electoral Karma when, due to his obsession with the Soviet Union and world communism, the USA decided that he must not be allowed to take power in Guyana, and the means to do so was by electoral fraud to deny his Marxist Leninist PPP victory at the polls during the era of the

Cold War. Numerous Hindu intellectuals had urged Dr. Jagan to change his ideology, cease supporting the USSR against the USA, and to embrace capitalism and the USA, but he placed the interest of the Soviet Union and Communism above that of his supporters, and so he was locked out of power at the expense of his supporters. Further, although he would cry rigged elections d u r i n g t h e 1 9 7 0 ’s a n d 1 9 8 0 ’s , C h e d d i J a g a n would in 1975 declare s u p p o r t f o r B u r n h a m ’s PNC, call for other parties to join the PNC in a National Front in 1977, call for a National Patriotic Front Gov’t with the PNC in 1978, and in the early 1980’s, entered into power sharing talks with Burnham’s PNC, aimed at creating a oneparty socialist dictatorship that would have ended the need for “free and fair elections.” Unfortunately for Dr. Jagan, his best friend and

student Burnham died in 1985 and the PNC’s new leader Desmond Hoyte said enough of the socialist nonsense and ended the power sharing talks between PPP and PNC. Desmond Hoyte proved to be a transformative leader who put the interest of Guyana above that of party and ethnic loyalties. He went about dismantling the semisocialist state of the Jagan/ Burnham experiment, depoliticizing the civil service and security forces, restoring fully the freedom of the press and the right to protest. He also began the process of free and fair elections. Dr. Jagan’s communist world order came crashing down in 1990 with the collapse of the Soviet Union, thereby ending the Cold War. With Dr. Jagan and his PPP no longer posing a threat to the USA, the way was clear for PNC leader and President Desmond Hoyte to restore “free and fair elections” in October 1992 that returned

Dr. Jagan to power. The one crucial mistake President Hoyte made was not scrapping the 1980 Constitution which was designed for a joint PPP/ PNC one-party state. Dr. Jagan, although he had publicly opposed the constitution in 1980, kept it intact. He never even amended it. The PPP would rule for 23 years with just an occasional tinkering with the Constitution. It never stripped away the unilateral Presidential powers, despite many requests by Hindu intellectuals to do so. And after meeting seven times with Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the naming of a GECOM Chairman and President Granger not finding any of Jagdeo’s nominees suitable, the President made his choice in accordance with the powers bestowed on him by the Constitution - the same one under which Jagdeo is claiming immunity from prosecution and court proceedings. Malcolm Harripaul

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Anything less, Mr. President, A COCK-EYED VERSION OF PUBLIC DISCLOSURES would be seen as discriminatory DEAR EDITOR, I have read the answers given by the Prime Minister about his overseas travel since he took office after the May, 2015 elections. Frankly, I have never seen any time before such display of accountability from a highlevel politician, who should be commended for his openness. Instead, the Jagdeoaligned newspaper censored the account of the Prime Minister, and conveniently distorted it. In its November 5, 2017 “Eyewitness” the newspaper gave a cock-eyed version of the public disclosures, with the insertion of a blatant falsehood that the PM has “already clocked up $22 million is (sic) airfare for himself and his better half”. I have looked at the figures given in the answers

and the amount in air fares, accommodation, meals, gifts and out-of-pocket expenses. They are nowhere close to $22 million or even $20 million. I know that the opposition leaders are not good at spelling, but can’t they do simple arithmetic as well! I have noted that the expenses submitted by the Prime Minister were not for him alone, but other public officials who accompanied him on his travels, including Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira. The opposition newspaper is having fun in peddling fabrications in the climate of media freedom in Guyana. I recall how it has repeated that $100 million was spent on buying a vehicle for the PM, when the verified cost was $13 million.

What the opposition wants to hide is that our Prime Minister insists on saving public monies on overseas travel, and insists that air tickets and hotel accommodation are provided by the sponsors. For six out of the nine trips since 2015, the Government of Guyana didn’t have to pay for air fares or accommodation for the Prime Minister. Of course, our Prime Minister is entitled to travel with his “better half”, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo. For all they may want to say about our Prime Minister, the Jagdeo gang inside and outside the media, cannot show that he had travelled overseas on taxpayers’ monies to do cosmetic teeth jobs or on a chartered flight to fix a belly ache. Earl Hamilton

Discontinuing traditional jobs while promoting progressive, profitable work DEAR EDITOR, The traditional concept of a ‘job’ for life with a particular company or organization has been changing in the world of work and human resource management. For example: · UBER which connects people who need transport with people who provide transport without the intervention of a taxi company, has revolutionized the ‘job’ of ‘taxi drivers’ without reducing the opportunity for paid work or employment in transporting people. · CALL SERVICES or TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES or FINANCIAL SERVICES etc., are transforming the traditional nature of office or clerical or secretarial or marketing jobs and the employment relationships between the service provider and the employer. · ENGINEERING SERVICES are being provided by professional engineering firms and consultants which redound to the benefit of traditional employers by availing ready, state-of-the-art technology as and when required ‘off-the-shelf’ as it were. · Similarly, professional HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM) & STAFF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES can be provided by HRM Consultants who are au courant with the latest development in the field in the same way that law firms provide up-to-date legal advice & services, as and when required. The sugar industry, for example, owns scores of tractors and employs numerous tractor operators, many of whom are ‘idle’ for more time than they actually transport canes and other materials; why can’t the industry ‘outsource’ the cane transportation so that the rice farmers in the respective areas whose

expensive tractors are idle for considerable periods of time can be involved in cane transport to the mutual benefit of both the sugar estate and rice farmers. Current tractor operators can also buy their own tractors and work for themselves, the estate and even rice farmers. (The sugar estates have already beneficially outsourced labour and sugar transport!). Similarly, the same people who plough the rice fields can be offered work, not jobs, to plough the cane fields and, who knows, we might eventually be able to also adapt the cane harvesting and rice harvesting machines to improve their versatility and transferability to the benefit of all involved. The estates can reduce much overheads and get better, more economical services by utilizing, for example, the mechanical shops in the surrounding communities to service all the estates’ machines which will redound to the costbenefit of the estates as well as the communities; similarly, the security services can be outsourced for the mutual benefit of the estates and the private security companies…..and we can go on and on!!! Furthermore, we need to put the concept and title of “general agricultural workers” into practice…not just in name! The potential and prospects for yearround beneficial, profitable work for all are indeed exciting, providing we are not hung-up on ‘custom and practice’ which has been a bane of the sugar industry. We desperately need to think out of the box! Nowrang Persaud

DEAR EDITOR, The news media all reported about President David Granger’s meeting with officials of the Guyana Teachers’ Union. The President’s swift response was surprising to say the least and served to convey the impression that the Administration was concerned about the plight of the nation’s teachers. The interest shown by the State must have been pleasing to the eyes and ears of our teachers who play a tremendous role in moulding and training the nation. But I have long learnt and strongly believe that the devil is in the detail. And it is with that in mind that I have examined what the nation’s teachers have gotten from the President’s intervention. Well, from what is reported, they will receive an interim pay rise of between 6 to 8 per cent. If one is guided by the Public Sector-imposed pay

rises, it means that no teacher earns more than $299,000 per month. While the President speaks about an educated nation, seemingly in terms of the teachers’ pay packet, scant attention is paid. We are told this is an interim arrangement. But this tune seems familiar. Oh yes, the same thing was told to the public servants in 2016. Then with the usual twocard trick, the teachers and the public are told that a task force will be established to examine the Union’s concerns and requests. Again, another familiar song is being sung. Our nation, now more than at any other time in its history, has a bevy of task forces, committees, Commissions of Inquiry and other such like. The reports which emanated from those exercises lie idly, gathering dust on our leaders’ shelves. Let me hope that the teachers’ task force does not follow its

predecessors. Furthermore, the task force, as far as I can see, will only make recommendations, which the Administration is not bound to accept. Certainly the matters of concern could have been settled over the bargaining table. But all in all, one can expect that it’s another smoke screen. In light of the President’s meeting with the teachers’ union, he is now duty-bound to engage the sugar workers and public service unions alike. Both large segments of workers employed by the State have legitimate grouses with the Administration’s approach to them and their representative organisations. I hope the President in similar haste engages the workers and unions concerned towards finding favourable resolutions to their difficulties. Anything less, Mr. President, would be seen as discriminatory. Patricia Persaud

Garlic in meals may work DEAR EDITOR, I read about malaria and the scarcity of medicines that could help patients suffering from the disease. I remembered my own lengthy illness from this disease, when as a child of 12 years, I spent a holiday on the Essequibo coast and returned to Georgetown with symptoms which city doctors did not recognise. We l i v e d n e a r t o a n experienced school nurse and she happened to mention it to the doctor she worked for - the younger Dr. Nicholson. He told her that from the shaking and shivering symptoms, it might be malaria, established that I had just returned from a ‘mosquitoridden’ area, and suggested a consultation with Dr. Bettencourt-Gomes, the specialist in the treatment of malaria, be arranged. This doctor was on the staff of a private hospital, but once a week attended patients in P.H.G. fee-paying wards, but with a request from a personal friend, the specialist

might see me. My mother got a letter from Mr. Follett-Smith, a Bookers’ director at the time. The specialist diagnosed malaria and immediately handed my mother a prescription to be taken to the hospital’s on-site dispensary, and we went away with the suitable medicine - quinine, as I recall. Gradually I recovered. Malaria is a very debilitating disease, carried by mosquitoes. That ex-pat superstructure sometimes served a unique and positive purpose. Since the age of 12, I have wondered why my Indian relatives were left alone at

night, while the mosquitoes ate me alive. A few years ago at my ripe old age, I got the answer through a TV cook’s throwaway remark. The cooking was being done on a beach and the cook grabbed a handful of garlic growing on a spot nearby, explaining it was convenient to have fresh herbs at hand, and garlic kept the mosquitoes away! As Indians, my relatives were daily consumers of garlic. Shades of the legend of Dracula. So, in the absence of medicine for malaria, garlic in meals may work. Geralda D.

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Wednesday November 08, 2017

Salary Increases and Upgraded Scales DEAR EDITOR, There is the clear indication of censure in the media of a Government ‘unilateral’ offer of increase in ‘salaries’ (rather than wages) of public servants. The fact is, however, that unilateral ‘salary increases’ have continually been made at least as far back as 2000, except without the taint, if you will, of any negotiation. It is in the absence of faith in the latter process over the past two decades, that all administrations would very likely be criticised by counterpart regimes in the Region, and indeed by related international monitoring agencies. One does not readily recall any focused comparison between the structure of the Guyana Public Service (which has prevailed in this century) and those of our Caricom colleagues. Chances are, however, he/she would discover that the prevalence of ‘Contracted Employees’ (not

‘Contract Workers’) is a classification not formally repeated elsewhere. Indeed, to the dismay of many – including that of traditional public service colleagues – their members have increased exponentially over the years. Incidentally, the following are the other five (traditional) job classifications which have remained steadfast in the Public Service since the 1980s: i) Administrative ii) Senior Technical iii) Other Technical and Craft Skilled iv) Clerical and Office Support v) Semi-Skilled Operative and Unskilled The current National Estimates, like its annual predecessors, shows ‘Contracted Employees’ as the sixth classification in every single agency. So that the diligent observer is left to ponder when, and how in one

fell swoop, since 2016, the reported 4000 ‘Contracted Employees’ were transitioned into regular Public Service, given the assumed legal status of the respective contracts – between the individual employer agencies and their individual employees. For inherent in these contractual arrangements, in which the Public Service Commission has never been involved, was the incentive of a gratuity payable every six months, at the rate of 22.5 % monthly salary – now to be replaced by pension at age 55 years, based on years of service criteria. Given the obviously wide range of periodicities of these numerous contracts, it is hardly unreasonable to enquire of which Agencies were involved in processing the methodology used to place the target personnel into any of the Public Service 14 Job Grades; and at what points in the respective scales shown later below. Surely this must be a source of substantial puzzlement to the Union involved. At this very juncture, our observer is faced with a conundrum, if not a major conflict of interest situation; for since all Public Servants - Permanent Secretaries and other Specialist positions exempted - (including former ‘Contracted Employees’) will now fall squarely within the purview of

the Public Service Commission, they can legitimately volunteer to be represented by the Guyana Public Service Union, whose President hitherto has been the Chairman (ag.) of the employer Public Service Commission. But it might be helpful to examine how the recent COI into the Public Service treated with these issues. The Commissioners would be reasonably satisfied that an attempt has been made to respond positively to the following Recommendation 13: “13) that contract workers in all grades holding Public Service positions be absorbed into the pensionable Public Service establishment provided that they are suitably qualified to fill established positions”. The last is a worrying proviso, which invites the question as to whether the 4000 personnel said to be transitioned were in fact recruited into ‘established positions’? Importantly also, the COI Report applied a further stricture in the following Recommendation: “14) the contracted employees/ workers should be restricted to, high level professional skills not available in the Public Service; and moreso ‘should be recruited and selected through open competitions….’

Question: What are the ranges of professional skills of that 4000 of the reported total of 14,000 Public Servants? By no means unrelated is Recommendation 23 of the COI Report: “23) that an Organisational Restructuring be undertaken in two Phases. In the first Phase emphasis should be placed on rationalising the status of pensionable and contract employees, and the debunching of employees in the Salary Structure”. The above is a most sensitive commentary, as it adverts to the feelings of those long-service traditional employees who would likely be by-passed in the hasty transition process. A not unreasonable underlying reflection must be on whether or not contract service years would still count in the computation of pension. But more immediately however, would be the deep concern about the very fundamental issue of ‘bunching’ that very likely affects the majority of Public Servants. For there has been no performance appraisal system in operation for decades, so that with the steadfast application of ‘across-the-board’ increases few would have earned what used to be known to older servants as ‘merit increments’ in order to move along any one of the totally (hypothetical) 14 Salary Scales – extracted from the 2017 National Estimates and shown at the end of this submission. Simply put, ‘bunching’ means that if for example one was employed at the minimum of a particular scale fifteen years ago, with the mere application of across-the-board increases, the individual remains at the same minimum as all the persons who would have joined the Public Service since then. The newcomer of 2016/17 will therefore enjoy the same benefit as the long suffering predecessor. The tragic reality has been, and will continue to be that if, the announced new increases are implemented before the ‘debunching’ exercise is undertaken – (for which there has been a long established formula) – the estimated costs of the proposed salary increases could escalate appreciably, regardless of the sequencing. So reflect on Recommendation 24 of the COI Report: “24) that the Second Phase continue the restructuring process by way of a thoroughly conducted Job Evaluation study”. The issue culminates in deciding which is the ‘cart’ and which is the ‘horse’? Presumably the Public Service Commission will invite the advice of the Public Service Ministry/ Department. But heaven allows! Once more the expressed determination to ignore those who educate the public servants, the Teachers. Just look and compare their current salary structures. E.B. John

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Trotman predicts Guyana’s rise from potential to prosperity By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Leading members of the world’s oil industry are in Guyana for a workshop being hosted by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). The event is the first of its kind to be held in Guyana. The AAPG is recognized as one of the world’s largest professional geological societies. It is considered the pinnacle of professionalism and integrity in the upstream petroleum sector. With 100 years of experience in the sector, the AAPG has led the way in promoting the advancement of geology as well as research and technology. “This stands as a tangible example to us that a few good people of vision, integrity and perseverance can make a worldwide difference,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, Monday evening as he addressed the workshop’s opening ceremony. Trotman was invited to be the honorary chair of the geosciences technical Workshop. He told participants and sponsors of the workshop that Guyana stands at the cusp of great transformation as it ushers a chapter that has already begun to transform the shape and texture of its

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman society. He admitted that Guyana has a monumental task ahead to prepare institutional and legislative frameworks to efficiently manage the oil sector. “Indeed, we have a task even in preparing our very minds, for the daily influx of change that petroleum brings to a nation and its people,” said Trotman. Even as he noted the established integrity of the AARG, Trotman zeroed in on the common interests of Guyana and the AARG. He said, “I am also quite pleased to note that the AAPG’s website boasts two areas of focus that are a top priority for Guyana – environment and youth. We are committed to developing and

managing our extractive sectors within the ambit of a ‘green economy’ strategy and our youth now, and for generations to come, will play a key role in ensuring that benefits are maximized for all Guyanese.” The Minister continued, “We therefore do not make light of this first ever gathering of AAPG members on Guyanese soil and upon this good and fertile soil I make the first step in declaring that it shall not be the last of its kind. It is a signal honour for Guyana and we are grateful to have been chosen to host this auspicious gathering.” Trotman noted, that Guyana began its journey towards an oil producing nation in 2015. He said that the country has since catapulted – to further assess the geology that brought forth this significant find – and simultaneously moved at warp speed into the future in determining the course forward. The Minister said that the uncertainty of oil exploration efforts is not new to Guyanese. “From the 18th century explorers observing pitch seeping, to the abandoned onshore Abary discovery in the 1970s and, in the 1980’s, the Karanambo discovery onshore in the Takutu Basin, Guyana has held her collective breath waiting for

this potential resource to be realized. “Now those efforts have been rewarded through discoveries by ExxonMobil and its venture partners, Hess and CNOCC Nexen in the Lisa, Payara, Snoek and Turbot 1 wells. These have generated greatly renewed interest in Guyana. I have even heard not so muted comments that we have now been ‘derisked’.” Showcasing a fair understanding of geology, Trotman said that owing to the dynamic nature of the earth’s surface and the continental crust that we reside on, many structural changes have occurred throughout the history of the earth allowing humans to draw parallels with other offshore basins and observe the successes and failures as we continue on this journey. He said that recently, a team attended a New Produc-

ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Rod Henson ers Group Conference in Suriname where the importance of learning from locations with similar geology and its role in successful exploration was greatly highlighted. “When there is a thorough understanding of the Basin’s geology and how it affects production, we can

ensure optimal resource planning, efficient utilization and maximum recoverable resources,” said Trotman. Further, the Minister said that for a successful sector, one must not only consider geological success but economic and commercial success as well. “Given that Guyana’s reserves have been discovered in a period of low oil prices, it is even more pertinent to ensure thorough understanding of reservoir properties and be more diligent in learning. “In making correlations with these basins, we can not only reduce risk but also ensure prudent investment and maximized revenues – especially given the size of investment needed in this industry.” Trotman said that just as the super-continents once connected us, it is also imperative that we stay (Continued on page 15)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 08, 2017

GRA at odds with Auditor General over his final report By Kiana Wilburg The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is of the firm view that Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, has not been accurate in his 2016 report, especially as it relates to his tax exemptions findings. In his report, Sharma said that in accordance with the Investment Act of 2004, a procedural audit of the incentives granted to an investor or an investment enterprise is required to be carried out annually by the Auditor General. However, no records or documentations were submitted to facilitate these audits,

Sharma stated. But GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, explaining why the entity failed to present the relevant records to aid the said audit, made it clear to this newspaper that those records were never requested in the first place. Statia explained that at the end of an audit, the Auditor General or the Auditor sends a draft of their report to the respective agencies so that comments can be provided in relation to findings. The tax chief said, “This was done in our case. All the issues the Auditor General pointed out to us were adequately answered. As to the

article that appeared in the Kaieteur News that we did not provide records, those records were available as I have shown you. The Auditor General only needed to ask for them.” The GRA Commissioner General continued, “In his draft report which he sent to us, he never mentioned that GRA did not submit these records to facilitate the audit he spoke of in his final report. “I would like him (Sharma) to prove to me that he requested these records and never got them…” “Unfortunately, he is not a member of the accounting profession or else he would

have been taken over the coals about it. But if he holds the office of Auditor General he should at least be straight forward about the final language agreed on in the preliminary document.” Statia is of the view that the Auditor General withheld the truth and he, Statia, is therefore, left with no other choice but to question the real reason and purpose for the Auditor General acting in such a manner. Statia said, “I was one of the Auditor General’s lecturers at the University of Guyana and I never taught him dishonesty so I hope he has not acquired it over the years.” TAX EXEMPTIONS In his latest report, Sharma noted that tax exemptions granted to companies were equivalent to 54 percent or $30.287B of the total exemptions granted for the year 2016. Sharma said that total exemptions came up to $56.073B. The Auditor General noted, however, that the total value of tax exemptions granted in respect of Investment Agreements facilitated through the Guyana Office for Investment and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission could not have been determined. In this regard, he pointed out that a review of the records of the Authority revealed that 59 agreements in respect of 41 investors were approved during 2016.

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

GRA in response said that the categories of tax exemptions in the report are those that were built into the system several years ago and are subject to limitations. Nevertheless, it said that the IT Division is in the process of implementing a system that will facilitate a breakdown of the Companies/Businesses’ category so that more informative reports can be generated. The Audit Office recommended that the tax agency submit for audit, the reports once available. Be that as it may, Sharma noted that exemptions from duties and taxes totaled $56.073 billion for the period under review, as compared to $92.425 billion in 2015. He said that this represents a decrease of $36.352 billion over the corresponding period. Notwithstanding this, Sharma said that the value of

revenue foregone for the year 2016 represents 36.89% of actual revenue collections by the Authority. In addition, tax exemptions of $26.399 billion granted in respect of Customs and Trade Taxes exceeded actual collections by $10.017 billion. Furthermore, Sharma pointed out that Unconditional Tax Exemptions reflected an increase of 76% equivalent to $6.628 billion. Kaieteur News asked the Commissioner General to expound on this matter. The tax chief said, “Sharma should have explained what an Unconditional Tax Exemption is, in his report. These have to do with trade agreements. It would go up once trade improves or increases with our CARICOM neighbours…If he had requested a copy of this he would have gotten it along with the rationale behind it.”

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

The AFC is now a cuss word and a cuss bird The AFC is being put to clean up the mess that is being made by the APNU. And the AFC seems all too comfortable with this role. The AFC was put to clean up the Sussex Street bond fiasco. And it shamelessly did so instead of pressing for serious sanctions to be taken against those involved. The AFC was called upon, and responded favorably, to defending the unilateral appointment by the President of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The AFC should have washed its hands of this decision since it was disrespected by not being a part of the decision. The AFC had promised that it would have been independent within the coalition. It is clearly not independent and its positions are clearly not being respected. The AFC has now become indistinguishable from the APNU. This is not what the supporters of the AFC voted for. The AFC promised that it would be independent in the government but it has turned out to be indifferent to what is taking place within the government. The AFC is supposed to

be protecting the democratic rule in Guyana. How can the AFC be defending the actions taken by the government? The priority of the AFC within the government should have been to protect democratic rule, promote transparency and accountability and constitutional reform to ensure that executive authority is reposed in Cabinet and not in the President. The AFC has failed on all three fronts. Its actions do not suggest that it understands the dangers of the government becoming undemocratic. The AFC should not have allowed the Local Government Commission to have taken so long. The AFC is under no obligation under the principle of collective responsibility to go along with the President’s decision. The decision was not collective; it was the President’s and therefore the AFC is not obligated to go along with any decision in which it had no input. It is not as if, also, that the AFC was divided on this issue. The AFC was not consulted on the issue. As a third party, the AFC

would have had the best chance of wresting political power from the two political behemoths, the PNCR and the PPPC. But the leaders of the AFC, like so many others who defected in the past, did not have the patience to continue the struggle which had seen a third party gain 10% of the votes of the electorate. No other third party has ever done this and here was an opportunity in 2015 to perhaps once and for all cement its place as serious challenger to both of the main parties but all the AFC could have done was become struck by the ‘ love bug’ and find itself in the arms of the AFC. The AFC is now being violated by the APNU. It is being put to the front to try to rescue the image of the coalition government which is stumbling from one mistake to the next. The AFC is not without influence. The survival of the coalition depends on the support of the AFC. If the AFC withdraws just one or two votes in the National Assembly, the coalition will fall. Why therefore is the AFC not exercising its clout within the government?

DEM BOYS SEH

Do suh nah like suh

People always see things different when dem change position. Of course if you stand up in front a mirror, you left hand does look like if is you right hand. In truth, that is wha does confuse people, But dem boys ain’t talking bout petty things like that, Dem talking bout things that people see as right one day and then de next day dem change dem mouth. Everybody jump up and talk bout de fish vendor behavior wha tek place inside de Parliament. Dem see Jagdeo wid he placard and dem hear de noise wha he kavakamites mek. That was a historical moment. Dem boys now realize that some people does mek history fuh de wrang reason.

And dem boys realize that wha Jagdeo doing now and getting away wid, he never tolerate from anybody. Moses try to tek out a placard inside de parliament just de other day and Speaker Ralph holler pun him so hard that Moses mess heself. And that happen when Donald was not even in de Parliament. This time Soulja Bai deh inside de building and he was talking. Jagdeo and he kavakamites didn’t care dem wave dem placard and mek nuff noise. Donald was president again when Sityra Gyal stop Soulja Bai people from heckling in de Parliament. She even tell de Speaker that he, Ralph, did seh that nobody should heckle like that. Dem boys seh de whole

Opposition limping because dem foot hurting. Dem put de shoes pun de odda foot and it tight. In reality, is a case of do suh nah like suh. Is not only de shoes tight; Some of dem got constipation. When people in power dem does eat and drink everything nice. Dem does get diarrhea. When dem elections done in 2015 de freeness done. Dem wasn’t eating so fancy although dem did thief. Dem is people who like storing money in case dem get sick suh dem don’t think about food. That is why dem behind get tight. That is why dem want to get back in power. Talk half and don’t get two-face.

US$12M CDB-funded project... (From page 3) and Guyana. The latter two, he said, have already been subjected to Verification Audits for the implementation and use of the Quality Assurance Criteria and Guidelines since November 2015. The CVQ, according to Williams, should be viewed as both a regional and internationally accredited certificate which all local training providers in Guyana should strive for by registering with the CTVET and upgrading their curriculum, human resource and facilities to the prescribed internationally acceptable standards. Williams even then pointed to the costly nature of offering TVET

programmes and highlighted the need for the implementation of policy framework at the national level for funding. He’d revealed that with funding secured from the CDB, a comprehensive study on the feasible mechanisms that can be utilized to fund TVET was completed. Under the same facility, the Council was also able to complete a Public Relations Strategy, which Williams disclosed would be utilized not only to promote greater visibility of TVET but to encourage greater focus by motivating females and persons with disabilities to pursue training courses in TVET particularly in the non-traditional skills area.

The AFC must use Cabinet for negotiations, not for discussions alone. It must go to Cabinet with a position and fight for the change that it claims to represent. Part of the problem facing the party is its misuse of the balance of power that it held in the parliament after the 2011 elections. It should have used that to change the political culture. Instead it jumped into bed with the APNU since it was obsessed with unseating the PPPC rather than setting the stage for the emergence of a more democratic political culture.

There was once a civic movement called GUARD which fell victim to the same sickness. GUARD was supposed to be a reform movement. It was created on the basis that a change of government at the time would not promote national development unless there was reform of the political culture. GUARD however lost its bearings and instead of sticking to reform began to try to dictate the political winds. It ended up disintegrating. The AFC is now disintegrating. Its Canadian support group has served it an ultima-

tum. Many of those who financed the AFC locally are disgusted with the group. They will not support them anymore. The AFC did not obtain the support it did to become a sidekick of the APNU. The AFC is now sadly being bandied as a political expletive. What a shame? What a disgrace!

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Tender Board sees $100M bids for construction of Rip-rap Sea defenses As the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) opened yesterday, bids were announced for a hundred million project at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, Region Three and at DeWillem, West Coast Demerara, Region Three. The bid was for the procurement of work- Lot1 for the construction of rip rap Sea Defense at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, Region Three and Lot2, the construction of Rip rap Sea Defense at DeWillem, West Coast Demerara, Region Three, Phase One. This was one of the three projects that the Ministry of Public infrastructure received bids for.

Receiving bids for four projects yesterday was the Ministry of Public Health. Bids were firstly received for the procurement of consumables in 10 lots as seen.

Bids were received for the further procurement of consumables by the Ministry of Public Health.

The Public Infrastructure Ministry also received bids for the supply and delivery of rock materials for sea and river defence works in two lots. Lot1, the supply and delivery of Gabion Stones and Lot2, the supply and delivery of boulders.

The last project that received bids by the Infrastructure Ministry was for the supply of lighting for Kuru-Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

The last bid received by the Ministry of Public Health was for supply and delivery of antimalarial medicines. Bids were received by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for the rehabilitation of doctors’ quarters, North Block. The Ministry of Public Health, Maternal Child Health Department received bids also for the supply and delivery of office furniture.

Bids were obtained also by the Ministry of Communities for the supply and delivery of two reconditioned wagon cars.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Presidency received bids for the rehabilitation, modification and addition to the existing residence, building four, to facilitate four proposed syndicate rooms at the Ogle Estate Complex, East Coast Demerara.

The Ministry of the Presidency also received bids for the construction of a Linden Immigration Office in Independence Avenue, Linden, Region 10.

Meanwhile, Office of the Elections Commission obtained bids for the procurement of uniform materials.

>>>> Continued on page 27 <<<<

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 08, 2017

UG introduces first psychology programme - to help boost mental health providers The University of Guyana, (UG) on Monday evening added a new programme to its plate. The institution together with various organizations such as the Caribbean Alliance Network of Psychological Association (CANPA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched the Psychology programme which will fall un-

der the Faculty of Health Sciences. The programme will allow students to pursue a certificate, Diploma and Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Psychology. The launching was hosted at the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) at university’s Turkeyen campus. In attendance were heads of department of UG and various organizations. Minister within the

Officials at the launch of the Psychology Programme on Monday. From left: Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith; UNICEF representative Sylvie Fouet; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; President of CANPA, Professor Omowale Marshall and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Scott. Ministry of Public Heath, Dr. Karen Cummings, was also there.

The event was chaired by the Registrar of the University, Dr. Nigel Gravesande. He mentioned that there are currently 104 psychology students in the Caribbean and that this programme would help to increase that number. Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, took the time to welcome the small audience. He described the event as a “Michelangelo moment”. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Scott, expressed how thankful and excited he was for the move. He noted that it was a big step forward for the Institution. There were also remarks by the UNICEF representative Sylvie Fouet who expressed

that the launch will benefit the entire Medical Association and also youths aspiring to pursue a career in medicine. Professor Omowale Marshall, President of CANPA, also took the time to relate how much of a big step forward it was to finally launch the programme. Professor Marshall said that his team has been working to accomplish the goal for 30 years. The programme was officially launched by Minister Cummings. According to Dr. Cummings, The University, embarking on the Psychology programme will surely be an asset in the drive to assess mental health issue in Guyana. The main goal of the psychology programme is to aid in the reduction of the high

suicide rate in Guyana, edify the nation on mental health issues in an effort to increase awareness, prevention and support for individuals experiencing mental illnesses. The programme is also expected to aid in an increase in the number of mental health providers. After completion of the programme, students are expected to receive the appropriate training and support for mental health and exhibit some level of professionalism when dealing with the issue. The programme is set to commence in January 2018 and will see lecturers being drawn from Suriname, the Caribbean and the wider Diaspora. (Kenzia King)

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Beaten teacher dies without regaining consciousness Kescia Branche, the 22year-old teacher, who was found battered and abandoned in an unconscious state on the roadway at Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown died shortly after 17:00 hrs yesterday. Branche, a mother of one was taken off a life support machine at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after it was declared she was brain dead. The teacher’s father, Andre Branche, said that his daughter passed away during visiting hours with her twinsister, Cassandra, at her bedside. “This is not right. Are we to believe that we are living in an animalistic society? I don’t know what transpired, but I can see no justification for this animalistic behaviour,” the father cried. He explained that the investigating ranks in his daughter’s murder have indicated that they are making progress. “She can’t be returned to us, but it will be our reward if the perpetrators can be brought to justice.” Meanwhile, a medical examination done by doctors at the GPHC revealed that the mother of one was sexually active within the last 24 hours

- Surveillance footage shows victim leaving club with two patrol ranks - Medical examination reveals she was sexually active within the last 24 hours

Dead: Kescia Branche of her life. Yesterday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said that a constable has been arrested and another rank is being sought in the murder of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher. It was while reviewing the surveillance footage at a Kitty, Georgetown nightspot that investigators saw Branche jumping onto the motorcycle of one of two uniformed ranks. The two constables were doing patrol duties at the time and are both stationed at Brickdam Police Station. One of the ranks has been arrested and is assisting with the investigation but his col-

league, who offered the teacher a ride, cannot be found. Kaieteur News was informed that the rank in custody has told detectives that he and his colleague were doing patrol duties when they spotted the mother of one standing on the roadway. She was reportedly waiting for a taxi. “He (rank in custody) said that they stopped and they gaff with her for some time and his colleague offered the teacher a ride. They went to a barbeque grill on Mandela Avenue and they hang out there for some time,” a police source said. This newspaper was further told that the rank in custody told detectives yesterday that shortly after eating the barbeque, he had to leave to go home and release his bowel. “He said he left the two of them (teacher and colleague) to go home quick and answer nature’s call,” the source said. The source added that when the rank returned to the spot 20 minutes later, he saw

Drug addict rapes school teacher, released on bail A 24-year-old teacher of Black Bush Polder, Corentyne Berbice is scared for her life after the man who raped her has been released from police custody on station bail. The traumatized young educator told reporters that on Friday, just after midnight she was fast asleep with her five-year-old son when she awoke to an individual choking her. She disclosed that the individual who is a known drug addict (‘junkie’) around the village demanded that she remove her clothing. “I had my phone light on the bed and I cut it off but then I felt a knife at my throat. “I didn’t say anything to him; I just started to cry. He gave me two slaps and then he took off my clothes and raped me”. The ordeal, she said, was a horrifying experience for her. The woman stated that the accused kept looking at her 5-year-old on the bed and so she complied in fear of him turning his attention to her toddler who was fast asleep. She explained that the assault took place in the upper flat of their two-storied home. “After he finish he went downstairs so I thought he gone for some kind of weapon or something so I

was looking for my phone and then I thought he took it.” According to her, her husband was not at home at the time of the assault. “He was in the backdam so after (the rapist left) I found a phone and I call me husband in the backdam and he come”. The husband of the victim told reporters that the accused was imbibing in the backdam when he arrived there sometime around 19:00 hrs. “He bin drinking with some other men up until 11:00 and then he leff and go away”. It was reportedly between the time the accused left the back-dam and 1:00 AM that he committed the act. The victim disclosed that prior to the incident the individual would be seen at a bus shed located near the school she teaches but confirmed that he never attempted to say anything to her since her husband was always with her. It was also revealed that

the attacker is a relative. A medical examination confirmed the rape. After the incident residents gathered with the victim’s family to search for the accused who was later arrested. He was reportedly released on station bail after the 72 hours had expired. The matter was first reported at the Mibicuri Police Station and later transferred to the Whim Police Station. The victim and her relatives together with the support of residents, after not getting the satisfaction they need, visited the office of the Prime Minister and spoke with the PM rep Mr. Gobin Harbhajan. He advised them to speak with the Commander of B Division, Lindon Alves who confirmed that the suspect was indeed released on bail since the time had passed to keep him incarcerated. He also stated that the investigation into the matter is currently active.

his colleague’s motorcycle but did not see him or the teacher. He then left and went back to base. According to information received, the rank said that a few hours after he left the eating spot, he saw his col-

league but it is unclear if he questioned the rank about what had happened. “He did not say the reason for him not saying anything when he knew we were desperately trying to find out what happened to this

teacher,” the source said. Around 05:00 hrs on Sunday, the First Street, Cummings Lodge resident was found on the roadway— unconscious. Her left leg was broken and she sustained multiple head injuries.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Pensioners get new waiting and toilet facilities at Reliance Post Office

The ribbon being cut by 97-year-old Harold Bissoo Pensioners using the Reliance Post Office in East Canje each month to collect their pensions will now have some relief. They will no longer have to wait in the sun or rain or in a dilapidated bus shed across the road. When they need to relieve themselves, they no longer have to run by a lamp post or by the grass corner or by neighbours who would allow them to use their toilet or bathroom facilities. Through the kind courtesy of the East Canje Humanitarian Organisation (ECHO) a brand new shed with seating accommodation and toilet facilities has been constructed in the compound of the Post Office.

The facility was built with funds garnered from members of the community. ECHO which has only women in its membership is a Non-Governmental, non-political Organisation with headquarters in the lower East Canje area. It is involved in a number of humanitarian ventures directed at the elderly, children and the less fortunate. They acquire most of their funds through donation. After noticing the struggles of pensioners and those receiving Public Assistance whenever they visit the Post Office to collect whatever is due to them, the members decided that they should do something to help. A number of ideas were floated

about and they decided to help in a big way. The members decided that building a shed was not enough since the pensioners at times have to endure long wait for their money which is sometimes late. They reckoned that the elderly citizens, some of whom would have contributed during their days would need to relieve themselves. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Attorney-at- Law and Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud, was a pleased man. He congratulated the group for an excellent project and a job well done. The work that the group has been doing over the years has been

Trotman predicts Guyana’s... (From page 7) connected in the scientific community and among Governments so that we can fully harness the full potential of our geological basins. “Forums such as this enable us to see the bigger, regional picture. We can hear first-hand how interpretations were made, understand the technology and techniques used, and appreciate the lessons learnt. “You will be hearing from the AAPG’s leading researchers and delving into the cutting edge advancements in petroleum studies. All this contributes greatly to and is inseparable from efficient resource management.” Trotman said that ExxonMobil recently produced an “excellent” teaching video highlighting the Stabroek Block and the nature of exploration activities. He said that the highly technical discussions that will take place at the workshop over the next few days will nonetheless feed into the larger conversation that the video enabled - a nexus must exist between the necessary technical engagements and

straightforward petroleum conversations in moving Guyana and its people forward. “I know the minds of our local geoscientists will be put to a new test and challenged to scope out new horizons.” Trotman continued, “Guyana is rising, from potential to prosperity! In light of this, I am honoured and humbled to have this conversation taking place in Guyana. These next few days, I believe, shall pave the way and serve as a catalyst for breakthroughs in collective and individual thoughts, yielding a vibrant and progressive petroleum industry. “It shall also serve as an incubator for training young minds; since it comes at a time when training, development of human resources, capacity building and local content promotion are vital and opportunities for the transfer of knowledge are many. For our

part, we are working assiduously to prepare for first oil and beyond, by creating the rules, building the institutions and keeping the citizenry engaged as together we fashion a petroleum based economy - enveloped within a green framework. ExxonMobil is the diamond sponsor of the workshop. At Monday evening’s opening ceremony, the company’s Country Manager, Rod Henson, spoke about the optimism that the company has about operations in Guyana. He said that just as the company wants to operate here, it also wants to help build the country. Henson noted that ExxonMobil has sponsored several students of the University. He said that the company looks forward to working with the Government and the people of Guyana for the benefit of all.

Pictures of the shed with seating accommodation and the toilet facilities at the Reliance Post Office, East Canje exemplary. He urged others to take a page out of the ECHO book. Regional Chairman, David Armogan, also congratulated the group for bringing off such a significant project in less than a month. He highlighted the significance of the project and mentioned that not only pensioners will use the facilities, but members of the community at large, since almost everyone uses the Post Office.

Armogan urged all to care the facilities, since not many persons will go out of their way to assist others especially the elderly. He told the members of the group “You are an example for others to follow”. Regional Controller of the Post Office in Berbice, Balkarran Kissoon, also spoke of the significance of the project. He highlighted the many challenges faced by the Post Office in transporting

money, and stated that the construction of the facilities is an excellent idea. Also speaking were representatives of Guyfuse and Guywid, Indira Yacoob; Post Master of The Reliance Post Office Derick Bristol; founder and leader of ECHO, Kawalpattie Dayaram; overseas donor Mr. Beharry and leader of ECHO, Mrs Brasche. The ribbon was cut by 97 year old pensioner, Harold Bissoo.

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Wednesday November 08, 2017

Wednesday November 08, 2017

16-yr-old gunman held after bungled robbery - firearm found under bed

A 16-year-old boy has admitted to trying to rob the Lady Lucky Chinese restaurant owner at gunpoint at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara on Monday night. Police later found the teen fast asleep at his Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara home. Ranks retrieved a loaded .32 pistol from a suitcase under his bed. Security camera footage

revealed that the teen and an accomplice entered the restaurant around 21.00 hrs. The friend bought a meal and paid the owner. He then asked for a cigarette, and it was then the teen drew a gun and pointed it at the owner. However the proprietor fled, and the teen discharged a round at the retreating man. The two would-be robbers

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then fled. Acting on information from residents, police tracked the 16-year-old to his parents’ home. At first, the teen reportedly claimed that he had thrown the weapon away. However, a rank searched under the boy’s bed and retrieved the firearm from a suitcase. He was detained. Police are searching for his accomplice.

Fiscal Incentives for the last five years to be published in Official Gazette In keeping with the laws of Guyana, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will, next week, publish fiscal incentives it has granted from 2012 to 2016. According to GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, this is an anomaly that has been unaddressed for too long. Statia noted that according to Section 37 of the Investment Act, Government should publish in the Gazette, all fiscal incentives granted under Section Two of the Income Tax Act. The tax chief told Kaieteur News that he intends to honour this. Presidential Advisor on Sustainability, Dr. Clive Thomas, had commented on this matter, stating that concessions granted during the year should not only be tabled in the National Assembly as the law stipulates, but also published in the newspaper. He had told Kaieteur News that the “secrecy” and “level of unaccountability” which prevailed under the previous administration in that regard should remain as a mere characteristic of that “dark past.” Professor Thomas had said, “Under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), you had

- Tax Chief the former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, and the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, showing disregard for the laws in this respect. Sharma failed in tabling in the National Assembly, the concessions which would have been granted to foreign companies as stipulated by the country’s Investment Act.” “I am of the belief that all concessions must be published in the newspapers so that the people can see what is really being granted and then they will be able to later assess if the nation was properly compensated.” Dr. Thomas continued, “I certainly believe that the people have a right to know this and there should be no objection to this. It should not only be tabled in the National Assembly but also published in the papers so that it can reach a wider audience, it can be subjected to constructive criticism and confidence in the system and the process can be restored.” Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram had also criticized Dr. Ashni Singh, the former Finance Minister and

the country’s Auditor General, for having failed, over several years, to adhere to the country’s investment laws. Ram was referring specifically to the sections of that Act which call for transparency surrounding the monitoring and disclosure of tax concessions granted to foreign and local businesses annually. Ram emphasized that both financial officers have ignored their statutory duty and stressed that this needs to change in the new era of governance. Guyana’s Investment Act, Section 38 (1) states that the Auditor General, or any suitably qualified person, designated by him for the purpose, shall annually carry out a procedural or process audit of incentives granted under Section 2 of the Income Tax (In Aid of Industry) Act to an investor or an investment enterprise. It goes on to state that the report of the audit carried out, shall be laid in the National Assembly within six months after the end of each financial year. This has never been done. Further, Section 37 of the (Continued on page 19)

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GTT gives retired cop $1M reasons to smile for Christmas

$1Million winner Maynard Carmichael poses with GTT’s Marketing Consultant, Samantha Gooden. When his wife Janice asked him to purchase tickets for them to go to the Chronixx show, it was not in his wildest dreams that that single act would make him a millionaire. But such is the story of 56year-old retired policeman, Maynard Carmichael, who was made the first millionaire at the launch of GTT’s $1,000,000 Smiles Christmas Campaign. The launch which was held at the Stabroek Market Square on Monday November 6, was attended by hundreds of persons all vying for a chance to win the first million. The process for a chance to win was quite simple, GTT customers had to electronically Top Up $1,000 or more in a single transaction, or purchase a ticket for the Chronixx show slated for November 18. It was the purchase of the Chronixx ticket which allowed Carmichael into the draw, since with every ticket purchase for $3,000, $1,000 of that

amount is given in Top Up to the purchaser. Carmichael credits his wife for his good fortune since it was she who repeatedly insisted that he buy her a ticket to attend the Chronixx show on November 18. He said he was reluctant to buy the ticket since he is not a reggae fan but eventually gave in after he heard of the GTT promotion. He purchased his ticket from the GTT mobile team while he was at his usual liming spot in the Stabroek Market Square. The father of five said that when the phone rang the first two times to give him the good news, he did not hear the ring since he was busy talking with a friend. It was the third call which he answered when he realized that he was the lucky one. He said from that moment his excitement could not be contained when he realized that he had won the $1million. “I jumped off my car and ran

Babita Sarjou’s ex-husband... (From page 19) with Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers calling more than 20 witnesses to testify --among them a doctor and several policemen. During the PI, Brazilian doctor Renato Teodoro Ferreira Paranaibo testified in relation to DNA tests he conducted on Sarjou’s skeletal remains. Also testifying was Champa Seonarine, the mother of Sarjou. Seonarine, who said she is a farmer, told the court that she last saw her daughter on November 4, 2010. The woman recalled that her daughter had left home to attend the Diwali motorcade in Georgetown. The mother also identified several pieces of clothing, a pair of footwear and jewellery that were recovered from the shallow grave as her daughter’s belongings. According to the mother, she last saw her daughter wearing those items. Police Inspector Suraj Singh and Police Lance Corporal Jermaine Laundry—both detectives—had testified to interviewing Narine and Ponton at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown during which they told them of a murder allegation and cautioned them in accordance with the judge’s rule.

towards the stage and jumped on it,” said Carmichael. He said that his 13-plus years of loyalty to the GTT network continues to pay off as he gets the best value for his money on a daily basis. Now the company has made him a millionaire. He jokingly said that his wife has since made her claim to the money since she said she was the one who encouraged him to buy the Chronixx ticket. He has, moreover, given his assurance to his wife and will give donations to the Number 28 Village Anglican Church and the Prospect Assembly of God Church. He will also select and feed needy children. Carmichael retired from the Guyana Police Force last year September after serving for 34 years. The GTT promotion continues in communities across Guyana where customers will be given even more options to enter for a chance to smile as they win millions. To enter, customers must electronically Top Up $1,000 or more in a single transaction, purchase a ticket for the Chronixx show, purchase a data plan valued at $1,000 or more, pay any GTT bill in full and on time, purchase any GTT handset valued $1,000 or more, sign up for Blaze and pay the first month’s rental or upgrade their existing Blaze plans. The campaign makes its way to Better Hope, East Coast Demerara on November 11, Linden on November 17, Bartica on November 24, Essequibo on December 1, Berbice on December 15 and return to Georgetown for the Grand Draw on December 18, where four winners will be selected for $1million each.

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

1. Cat 320 BL Excavator, 1. Cat 215 B Excavator, 1. Cat 428 Back- Hoe, 1. Leyland Daft Truck, 1. 8CU.YD. Mack Cement Mixer Truck. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 683-7225

PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767.

1. Double Steel Wheeled Road Roller, 1. 9-Wheeled Pneumatic Roller, 1. 450GLNS. Bitumen Spray Kettle, 1. Honda 450 ATV Bike. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 6837225

E a g l e ’s : R e - g a s – l o w prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966

Toyota IST. Call: 642-6664

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231

Creole chicks, ducklings, ducks, turkey chicks & one fridge. Contact: 610-0901

FOR RENT

WANTED

Meadow Bank, long term rental. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms apartment, parking, cameras etc- Call: 671-4221 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773

Security to work in the interior. Must have Military/ Police background. Age range 35-50. Contact # 2269768

Furnished two bedroom house, top flat in E.B.D Diamond to rent. 216-0644/6688430. 2 Bedroom apartment to rent. Caneville, Grove E.B.D. $35,000. Tel#653-3328 PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY ETC.– CALL DIAMOND TENTS:216-1043; 677-6620

Cerulean Inc celebrates tourism month 2017 by hosting a service showcase. Contact 226-4650

EDUCATION

Qualified Hairdresser & nail technician. At least 1 year experience must be able to work without supervision. Call: 227-1125, 626-6450

CAR RENTAL AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

1 Driver/ Purchaser. Must give valid driver’s license ( Mc, Mv, Ml) & over 15 years’ experience. Call 227-7528/ 226-9768 Female general domestic.Must have cooking experience. Age 25-45. Call: 629-9450

Land to buy in ParafaiteHarmonie- $1.8 million, 1.5 million. Tel#642-1252 TOLET

CAR RENTAL

Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

Want Land & House. ParfaiteHarmonie, Tuschen, Herstelling, Province, West Coast, East Bank. Call:6046724/ 686-9608

Male operators to work shift and one cleaner to work at Del Ice Co.,Meadow Bank. Call : 231-1408,642-9191

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 1-Caterpillar skid steer loader 236B $3.8M. Contact # 6500402

1 experienced salesman with knowledge of sales & marketing. 1 salesman/ driver.Apply Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Product Ltd. Tel: 225-7864/227-8607

1 Welder Arc & gas. 1830years. 643-9125,223-5595. Broad street, Georgetown.

VEHICLE FOR SALE Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am-4:15pm

One Live-in Female housekeeper for Georgetown. Tel# 223-0654, 225-0605 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

Phonics, Reading &Writing lessons.Kindergarten, grade 1-2.Full time students accepted in January term. Enroll now.Call:6770296

SERVICE

Experienced Curry cook, Roti/ Puri cook, Cleaners. Apply Hack Halaal. 5 Commerce St.

Apprentice for machine shop. Sound Secondary education & one (1) experienced welder. Tel #222-3844

Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158

SALON

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6560 0 8 7 , 6 4 3 - 5 1 2 2 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

Residential: One bedroom house. Cornelia Ida Public Road $25,000 per month. Tel: 693-3340 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud& N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman& Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 6445166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

VACANCY

VACANCY General maintenance man. Age 25-50 Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown. Chef and assistant chef. Please call 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St. Deskstaff Age 25-40. Tel# 225-0198 or visit South Road, Lacytown. One Tig-welder/ fabricator, One fitter machinist for Lathe and Mill. Call 664-2670, 6970703, Email: havin_ramnauth@yahoo.com Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020 One General domestic must be able to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply Alabama Trading. 65 Robb Street or call 6231615 General handy man to work at hotel. 225-9211 Cashier/ Sales Clerk. Apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff& Craig Street, C/ ville. 227-5771

LAND FOR SALE ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4m,$3.5m,$2.5m,$1.6m, Tuschen $2.7m, Hersteling $3.5m,$3m, Province $3.5m, V-Hoop $45m. Call: 6046724/ 686-9608. BLOCK X SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME. CONTACT: 6115273/ 601-4217, 2330159/216-3093 Zeelugt 1st Street- 2.5M ParafaiteHarmonie- $1.8 Million, 1.5 Million. Tel# 642-1252 Eccles (Corner lot) $5M ParafaiteHarmonie (High income area) 100ft x 50ft $2M Onderneeming with fence $1.6M. Tel#611-7223/6671960 Herstelling (2nd Bridge) 110ft x 60ft $5M (4th Bridge)$3.5M Farm $3M ParafaiteHarmonie $1.4M Tel#651-1969/656-0701 Eccles New Scheme (Corner Lot) with 12 massive column and foundation $7M on a main road. Tel#656-0701/6511969

Experienced cleaners, Call between 7am and 9am. Tel: 225-8572 TOLET One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St- Kindly call: 689-3462 or 644-3555. Serious enquiries only. Commercial: One bottom flat. 23ft x 60ft. Cornelia Ida Public Road. Tel: 693-3340

VEHICLE FOR SALE Gun Metal BMW 3181. Good Condition. PPP series, 164k mileage. Rim music 1.6 million negotiable. Call: 604-7998.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

SURF laundry detergent hits the market

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The Surf models

Surf laundry detergent is offering the best fragrance experience to its users, promoters said at its launch on Saturday. Massy Trading launched the new laundry detergent called SURF. According to Troy Beharry, Director, “Surf burst of fragrance is irresistible, cleans great and very affordable. We at Massy Trading are very happy to add Surf laundry detergent, manufactured by Unilever, to our homecare portfolio. Consumers can be assured of its great fragrance, cleaning powers and good value once they try Surf”. Surf laundry detergent comes in two variants, Sun fresh and Rose fresh. It is available at leading supermarkets and stores. “Surf will brighten up your day since it has the best fragrance. For such an affordable price, consumers will definitely have a wonderful approach to laundry,” Beharry said. The launch event at Bounty Water Street Supermarket was filled with excitement. There was music, face painting, free samples and free gifts for anyone who purchased the Surf laundry detergent.

Tender Board sees $100M bids for.... From page 11 Meanwhile, bids were received for the supply of resource kits for the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme of personal protective equipment and other items by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Bids were received for the supply of resource kits for the HEYS programme, which includes catering, hospitality appliances and other items.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs also received bids for the supply of resource kits for the HEYS programme for garment construction equipment and other items.

Meanwhile, bids were received for the supply of resource kits for the HEYS programme, Eco-Tourism and Adventure Equipment.

Bids were also received by the Ministry of Indigenous People Affairs for the supply of resource kits for the HEYS Programme, which includes agricultural, mechanical, masonry, carpentry, joinery and other tools and equipment.

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Wednesday November 08, 2017

No evidence drug shortage was staged to facilitate Ansa McAl There has been no information to support the contention that a shortage of pharmaceutical at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] earlier this year was artificial or engineered to facilitate the subsequent sole sourcing of emergency supplies. This was the deduction made following an investigation conducted by the Public Procurement Commission [PPC] into the procurement of emergency drugs by the GPHC. The PPC report which was submitted to Parliament last week has been able to substantiate that throughout the past year and the first two months of this year, the GPHC was plagued by shortages of pharmaceuticals. The shortage situation has been linked to a combination of factors ranging from late award of contracts for 2016 to delayed launch of tender for 2017. The aim of the investigation was to

determine whether the procurement of emergency drugs by the GPHC to the value of $631 million from four suppliers of which Ansa McAl was requested to supply pharmaceuticals to the value of $605 million was executed in accordance with the Procurement Act Chapter 73:05 and Regulations. Based on the investigation, one major issue that impacted the availability of drugs at the GPHC during the 2016/2017 period was the inaccurate quantification of drugs procured for the 2016 annual supplies. This situation was compounded by the late and short deliveries after contracts were awarded for that year only at the end of June 2016 with a delivery period of three to six months. In addition, during the investigation it was discovered that the GPHC made numerous ad hoc purchases of pharmaceuticals amounting to five times the 2016 annual

-- to reduce ‘emergency procurement’ tender. According to the information garnered during the investigation too, the length of time taken to complete the tender process for the 2017 annual supplies was similar to that of 2016 and resulted from the same pattern of errors committed in 2016. Starting with the inaccurate quantification of needs in August 2016, contracts for the 2017 suppliers were finally awarded at the end of June 2017. It was revealed too that the evaluation of tenders process, which should generally last no longer than one month, endured from February 14, 2017 to June 30, 2017. “In this situation the purchase of the emergency drugs would have served to address the shortages anticipated pending receipt

of the annual supplies,” the PPC’s investigation deduced. In outlining that the Procurement Act of breached, the PPC in its report was able to highlight that former Chief Executive Officer [ag], Allan Johnson, was at the centre of such actions and at the same time absolved Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. According to the report the actions of the CEO to write to suppliers informing them of awards made for them to supply pharmaceuticals to a total value of $631 million without obtaining the requisite review of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board [NPTAB] and ‘no objection’ from Cabinet was in breach of Sections 17 [1] and 25 [2] of the Procurement Act. It was outlined that the CEO was very much aware that he had breached the Act since he subsequently sought to obtain retroactive approval of his actions even as the GPHC started

receiving the supplies ordered. At the same time the PPC noted in the report that it was not presented with any information which indicated that the Minister instructed the GPHC to breach the Procurement Act. ‘Approval to ‘fast track’ does not translate to ‘bypass’ the NPTAB,” the PPC emphasised in its report. It was noted that the GPHC was asked to devise a plan to ‘fast track’ the emergency drugs and thus a plan was provided that reflected a delivery period of two weeks for the drugs. According to the report, “the Minister’s approval related to her instruction for them to present a plan as to how they could bring in emergency drugs in the shortest possible time.” It was at this juncture the PPC revealed that it was found that sole source method was adopted as the fastest means since it avoids a tender and evaluation process.

But in order to prevent future breach of the Procurement Act, the PPC in its report has recommended that the GPHC, among other things, execute all procurement transactions in accordance with the Procurement Act. The GPHC has been urged to “establish appropriate systems to avoid reoccurrences of breaches such as contract splitting and use of procurement methods which are not supported by the Act.” The PPC has proposed that the Board of the GPHC should work assiduously to develop and approve a Procurement Policy and procedures Manual. The PPC has also outlined the need for the GPHC to, “to plan its procuring activities more effectively, including at minimum preparation of an annual procurement plan, which should be effectively executed and monitored.” This tactic, according to the PPC, would serve to also reduce the need to engage in small purchases as well as ‘emergency procurements’.

Remand prisoner threatens to kill reporters Caribbean American congresswoman

urges Trump to ‘stand up for diversity’

Arrow showing Aubry Grant being restrained by a rank. Three men, including a 19-year-old, were yesterday remanded to prison for robbery under arms. The men appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alex Moore. The Prosecution was headed by Inspector Godfrey Playter. Peter Baker, 19; Leroy Guevara aka ‘Trini’, 22, and Aubry Grant, 28, stood before Moore as the charge was read. They were unrepresented. It stated that on Sunday October 22, last, at Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, in the company of others and armed with guns, robbed Pulwantie Singh of a J2 Samsung cell phone, one gold finger ring and one pair of gold earrings. The men, on the said night, also robbed

Roopchand Parmanand of $30,000. The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that guns were used in the robbery. Prosecutor Playter also stated that other charges are expected to be brought before the three accused for another robbery. Bail was subsequently refused by the Magistrate. Upon exiting the court Aubry Grant attempted to hurl a piece of pipe at one of the reporters while threatening to “juk yuh up when i come out”. He also threatened to “done yuh out with ma machine guns dem” if he is ever released from prison. Ranks were forced to tighten security as they whisked him and his two accomplices away to the New Amsterdam Prison.

NEW YORK - CMC – Caribbean American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has urged United States President Donald J. Trump to be “a true New Yorker and stand up for diversity.” In addressing an annual fundraising brunch and concert in her honour here on the weekend, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, said Trump should adopt this stance “rather than fight to create an America that is hostile to the very foundation of what makes America great.” Last week, Trump called on the US Congress to abolish the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Programme through which the suspect in the New York terror attack entered the country. He called the programme, informally known as the Green Card lottery, a disaster for the country. But Clarke said the Trump administration has “politicized this tragedy and turned it into yet another way of going after immigrants of colour by attacking the diversity visa lottery programme.” She added, however, that “terrorism won’t break the spirit of New Yorkers or force us to compromise on our values. “New York symbolizes

Yvette D. Clarke what makes America great,” she said. Clarke also called on Congressional Republicans to “work with Democrats and pass legislation to protect DREAMers, TPS beneficiaries, and all those facing discriminatory action that is contrary to our basic values.” In early September Trump ordered an end to the Obamaera programme that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation, calling it an “amnesty-first approach” and urging the US Congress to pass a replacement before he begins phasing out its protections in six months. As early as March, officials said, some of the 800,000 young adults brought to the United States illegally as children who qualify for the programme, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, will become eligible for deportation. The five-

year-old policy allows them to remain without fear of immediate removal from the country and gives them the right to work legally. On Monday, thousands of immigrants from Nicaragua who came to the United States illegally, many of them decades ago, will lose special permission allowing them to stay in the country. But the Trump administration said the effective date of termination would be delayed one year, until January 5, 2019, to give about 2,500 individuals time to leave the country or adjust their immigration status. The programme allowing them to stay – Temporary Protected Status (TPS), was enacted by Congress in 1990 to protect foreigners, particularly Central Americans, fleeing war, natural disasters or catastrophes and was extended to Haitians after the 2010 earthquake.

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At North Korea’s doorstep, Trump warns of U.S. power while also striking conciliatory note SEOUL (Reuters) President Donald Trump yesterday warned North Korea he was prepared to use the full range of U.S. military power to stop any attack, but in a more conciliatory appeal than ever before he urged Pyongyang to “make a deal” to end the nuclear standoff. Speaking on North Korea’s doorstep during a visit to Seoul, Trump said that while “we hope to God” not to have to resort to the use of full U.S. military might, he was ready to do whatever was necessary to prevent the “North Korean dictator” from threatening millions of lives. “We cannot allow North Korea to threaten all that we have built,” Trump said after talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has supported diplomatic outreach to Pyongyang. But at times taking a more measured, less confrontational tone, Trump also urged North Korea to “do the right thing” and added that: “I do see some movement,” though he declined to elaborate. “It really makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and make a deal,”

Trump told reporters at a joint news conference with Moon. Despite Trump’s renewed threats against North Korea, it was a far cry from the more strident approach he has pursued in recent months, including his previous dismissal of any diplomatic efforts with Pyongyang as a waste of time. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made clear, however, that he has little interest in negotiations, at least until he has developed a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. Landing earlier at Osan Air Base outside Seoul, the president and First Lady Melania Trump stepped down from Air Force One onto a red carpet as he began a 24-hour visit that could aggravate tension with North Korea. He then flew by helicopter to Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base in the country, and met U.S. and South Korean troops, along with Moon. The White House billed Trump’s trip as intended to demonstrate U.S. resolve over a hardline approach to

U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in hold a news conference at South Korea’s presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst the North Korean nuclear and missile threats. But many in the region had expressed fear that any further bellicose rhetoric by Trump toward Pyongyang could increase the potential for a devastating military conflict. TRUMP PRAISE FOR MOON Trump praised Moon for

“great cooperation” despite differences in the past over how to confront North Korea and over a trade pact between the United States and South Korea. At the news conference, the leaders said they had agreed to renegotiate the trade agreement in a timely fashion. In formal talks after an

Kenya’s Odinga says constitutional review, talks will pave way out of crisis NAIROBI (Reuters) Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga said yesterday he wants an interim government to run the country for six months while the constitution is reviewed to curb the president’s authority. Odinga told Reuters in an interview that he was open to talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta over a constitutional review aimed at lowering the risk of violence from minority groups who feel excluded from power. Kenyatta was re-elected with 98 percent of the vote on Oct. 26 after Odinga boycotted the election, saying it would not be fair. The repeat presidential vote followed an election in August, which Kenyatta also won but which was nullified by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds. Odinga’s supporters have repeatedly protested against the results, and at least 51 people have been killed in the turmoil since August, generating an atmosphere of uncertainty in East Africa’s richest economy. “A pure presidential system enhances ethnicity because each community

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance coalition speaks during an interview with Reuters in Nairobi. REUTERS/Baz Ratner believes that they are not safe unless their man is at the top,” Odinga said in the interview in his office. Three of Kenya’s presidents since independence from Britain in 1963 have been from the Kikuyu ethnic group and one has been from the Kalenjin group, although there are 44 recognized ethnic groups in the nation.The current

president is a Kikuyu and his deputy is a Kalenjin, and many of Odinga’s supporters, who are largely drawn from other ethnic groups, say they feel excluded from power. The 2010 constitution devolved some power and money to Kenya’s 47 counties, spreading the opportunities for power and political patronage. But most of the budget and the power

is still in the hands of the central government, something Odinga wants to change. “We had a new constitution that we enacted in 2010; we think that now it is time to revisit it,” he said. A constitutional review could strengthen institutions like the election board and cut down the powers of the presidency, he said. “We think that maybe six months will be required to carry out all these changes that we need in this country.” Odinga served as prime minister in a coalition government that was crafted in 2008 after two months of violence following a disputed election killed 1,200 people. After the Oct. 26 election, Odinga’s opposition alliance called for civil disobedience, including protests and a boycott of products and services by firms friendly to Kenyatta’s government, to force reforms. The opposition did not challenge Kenyatta’s Oct. 26 victory at the Supreme Court and there has been no protest action, but voter and rights activists lodged cases on Monday. The court has 14 days to review them.

elaborate welcoming ceremony outside the presidential Blue House in Seoul, Moon told Trump he hoped his visit would relieve some of South Koreans’ anxiety over North Korea. Pyongyang’s recent nuclear and missile tests in defiance of U.N. resolutions and an exchange of insults between Trump and Kim have raised the stakes in the most critical international challenge of Trump’s presidency. At the news conference, Trump said Pyongyang must understand the “unparalleled strength” that Washington had at its disposal. He cited three U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups that are converging on the Western Pacific for exercises as well as a nuclear submarine he said was also in position. Trump has rattled some U.S. allies with his vow to “totally destroy” North Korea if it threatens the United States and by deriding Kim as a “Rocket Man on a suicide mission.” Kim responded by calling Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard.” Trump’s senior aides privately have since urged him to avoid “personalizing” the conflict any further, U.S. officials say. On the second leg of his five-nation trip, Trump toured the sprawling Camp Humphreys garrison, which lies about 100 km (60 miles) from the border with reclusive North Korea, and met commanders and troops. The base visit gave him a first-hand view of the massive military assets the United States has in place in South Korea, but it also could serve as a reminder of the cost in U.S. military lives – as well as the potential massive South

Korean civilian losses – if the current crisis spirals into war. “MAYYOUR DREAMS COME TRUE” Trump wrapped up his first day with a dinner hosted at the Blue House, dining on grilled sole, beef ribs and chocolate cake while being serenaded by a K-pop singer with an orchestra in the background. “Mr President, may your dreams come true,” Trump said to Moon, raising his glass in a toast. North Korea has not conducted a missile test for 53 days, the longest such lull in testing this year. North Korean state media has not commented on Trump’s arrival in the South. South Korea’s spy agency said last week that North Korea may be preparing another missile test, raising speculation that such a launch could be timed for Trump’s trip to the region. U.S. officials have said privately that intercepting a test missile is among options under consideration, though there is disagreement within the administration about the risks. Trump had previously criticized Moon over his support for diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang – something the U.S. president once called “appeasement” – but both leaders used Tuesday’s news conference to stress common ground. Moon urged maximum pressure from sanctions against North Korea to force it to negotiate abandonment of its nuclear program, something Pyongyang says it will never give up. Several hundred supporters and protesters lined the streets of downtown Seoul as Trump’s motorcade passed by en route to the Blue House, waving flags and posters, with some saying, “No Trump, No War, Yes Peace,” while others cheered, “Trump! Trump!” Trump will deliver a speech on Wednesday to South Korea’s National Assembly expected to focus heavily on his North Korea policy, which has stressed sanctions and military pressure instead of diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang. The North accuses the United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, of planning to invade and regularly threatens to destroy it and its Asian allies. Washington denies any such intention.

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Wednesday November 08, 2017

Contractor added 12 useless... (From page 21) for items in the Bill of Quantity of the contract. The region was also ordered to submit a copy of the complete contract document for audit examination and en-

sure that all additional works are approved by w a y o f Variation Order and that all relevant details and justifications are attached to such Orders. With some of the outlying

regions difficult to monitor, the Audit Office has been finding some worrying breaches of procurement and lack of supervision. The conclusions have been thereâ&#x20AC;Ścorruption.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Warmington Slams Press, Calls Media Practitioners Damn Idiots The Gleaner - Everald Warmington, the chairman of the Constituency Development Fund attacked the press at yesterday’s morning’s committee meeting at George William Gordon House. In what appeared to be an unusual drought of projects for approval by the branch of government which oversees the programme, Warmington, in front of committee members Floyd Green, Juliet Cuthbert Flynn and Richard Azan, launched his broadside. “What we have in this country for news is speculation and opinion. It’s a shame how they keep blowing smoke up the rear end of Jamaicans,” Warmington said, snarling from two reports in which he was the apparent protagonist.

Everald Warmington “It’s true, it’s true,” said CDF executive director Moveta Munroe, as Warmington steamed off. He would continue, taking issue with the narrative surrounding an audio-video presentation of him on the campaign trail in the recent St

Mary South East by-election. In the video, Warmington is heard saying, electors should vote for the Jamaica Labour Party candidate Norman Dunn, as it would make no sense to vote for an MP whose party is not in government. “Even the PNP (People’s National Party) MPs said they know that something must be wrong, because that’s not me ... Damn idiots. They don’t realise they were doing a favour to us,” Warmington said in regard to reporters. He then proceeded to attack the intellect of practicing journalists, saying they have limited intelligence and could never be employed overseas. “I hope Miss Virtue get enough to write now …” he said, in reference to a Gleaner reporter before asking for the adjournment of the meeting.

Political parties sign Code of Political Conduct

Representatives of political parties signing Code (CMC Photo) ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - CMC – Six political parties and one independent candidate have signed the Civil Society’s Code of Political Conduct intended to guide the campaigning for the general elections scheduled for 2018 but widely expected to be held here later this year. Representatives from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Grenada Empowerment Movement (GEM); the New Beginning Political party; the Grenada Progressive Movement (GPM); the Renaissance Party; the Movement for Independent Candidates and independent candidate John Fletcher signed the code on Monday. The Civil Society grouping said that invitations were sent to 13 political organisations and or independent candidates. Noticeable absence was the ruling New National Party (NNP) that has never signed the Code since it was first presented for the 2003 elections campaign. Justin McBurnie of the Good Ole Democracy party was present during the explanatory segment of the ceremony but left the function without signing. Judy Williams of the Civil Society said that the code is in keeping with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Charter of Civil

Society that Grenada signed 1997. Article XXIV of the Charter under Awareness and Responsibilities of the People recognizes that the people have an important role to play in the pursuit and maintenance of good governance, the Code is therefore an opportunity for the people to monitor the politicians during the campaign for the upcoming general elections. “We will affirm you when you obey the code and we will call you out when you go off track,” Williams said. The objectives of the code are among other things to contribute to the holding of peaceful, free and fair elections; ensure continuing respect for internationally recognised human, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights and promote public education on acceptable political conduct. The signatories to the Code agree to among others things, uphold the Grenada Constitution and the spirit and letter of the laws relating to the holding of public activities and election campaigns; address issues and principles dealing with national growth, sustainable socio-economic development and concerns of the people, including environmental issues as well as maintain the highest moral principles and ethics with regards to the campaign.

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St. Lucia planning national consultation on crime CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – St. Lucia is to host a national consultation on crime amid escalating criminal activities in the region, National Security Minister, Hermangild Francis has said. “It’s a Caribbean phenomenon – all the countries are having an increase in the crime rate,” said Francis, a former deputy police commissioner here, adding “we have to sit down and see how best we can deal with it”. Francis said he would be presenting a plan to the Cabinet for the one-day consultation, indicating that he would be sending out invitations to all stakeholders. “Persons like the media will have at least two representatives, the Chamber of Commerce, the Insurance Council, the (National) Youth Council, differently abled people, the LGBT people, the Christian Council – everybody I think that can make a contribution, we will be inviting them to that oneday symposium sometime this month,” he told reporters. Francis acknowledged that the idea for the

Hermangild Francis consultation came from Opposition Leader, Philip J. Pierre. “I met him at a football competition organised by the Community Relations Branch a couple Saturdays ago and at that time we talked about it again. He had made the appeal in the House of Assembly and I took note of it and having spoken to him after that, I think it is a very good idea,” Francis said. So far more than 35 people have been killed here this year, surpassing the 31 recorded for the entire 2016.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Jealous policeman shoots female colleague, kills self

A love-struck policeman shot his female colleague four times before shooting himself in the head at the La Grange Police Station shortly after 20.00 hrs last night. The policeman, identified only as Police Constable 22834 Cockfield, shot Police Constable Fraser during an argument. She was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where staff were making every effort to save her life. Kaieteur News understands that Cockfield and Fraser were at the station, when an argument erupted over another man with whom Fraser was allegedly having a relationship. Constable Cockfield, who recently graduated from the Felix Austin Police Training School, then drew his service

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Police Constable 22834 Cockfield (Courtesy of Newsroom) revolver and shot Fraser several times before turning the weapon on himself. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the West

Demerara Regional Hospital, while Fraser was listed as critical. Efforts were being made to transfer her to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Wednesday November 08, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Although you expect others to reveal their secrets and share their feelings with you, you might not be willing to respond in the same manner. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You’re very empathic today, but you may be picking up something on your emotional radar that you can’t quite wrap your head around. You can tell that you’re missing some facts and you’re on a mission to find them. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might find yourself in a struggle for control with a powerful person today. Or you may need to clarify financial arrangements with a business partner. Either way, you won’t be able to reach a satisfactory settlement if you rely on force to make your case. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your coworkers might be afraid to discuss an important matter with you today because they’re worried that you’ll take their words too personally. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Telling someone what you want is nearly impossible today because isolating any one feeling is extremely complicated. Every single desire exists as part of a complex web of interrelated considerations. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Participating in planned activities with your community or your coworkers can be quite entertaining today, but solely defining your identity with your social experiences isn’t healthy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You want your actions to be noticed by others today, yet you don’t necessarily agree with the principles behind your assignment. Logic tells you to go ahead and do your job, but your intuition is shouting no. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You might not have a lot to say today, but you’re plugged into your most powerful feelings and you want to make sure everyone knows your position. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) An intense exchange with someone special can transcend the boundaries that normally define and confine you. But you won’t back down once you reveal your opinion on a sensitive topic. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A friend’s intuitive advice may push your buttons today. It’s as if others know what motivates you now and they show up ready to support your actions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Health-related issues may be on your mind today. You might modify your intake of vitamins and herbs if you’re feeling just a tad below the weather. But even if your stamina is strong, consider what improvements you could make to your daily regimen. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You’re quietly optimistic today, but might not let others know that you’re busy envisioning your ideal future. You may downplay your big dreams now because you really don’t want them to be scrutinized by anyone else just yet.

Absence of Russia in Pyeongchang would be ‘blow’ to Games: Kremlin MOSCOW (Reuters) The Kremlin on Tuesday said it hoped Russia could mend its relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), adding that the country’s absence from the Pyeongchang Winter Games would be a blow to the Olympic movement. Calls from some athletes and anti-doping agencies for a blanket ban of Russians in Pyeongchang have been growing louder amid ongoing IOC investigations into doping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The IOC is re-testing all Russian athletes’ samples from the 2014 Games following revelations by Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow’s discredited anti-doping laboratory, of a scheme to cover up home competitors’ positive samples. The IOC has said it would decide on the participation of Russian competitors at the Pyeongchang Olympics in February during its executive board meeting next month. Russia topped the medal table in Sochi with 12 golds, 10 silver and nine bronze. “We hope that dialogue with the IOC will be continued and all issues will be settled,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on a conference call with reporters. “We wouldn’t like to talk about the worst scenario linked to the nonparticipation of our athletes at the Games. This would be a blow to the international Olympic movement.” Russian cross-country skiers Alexander Legkov and Evgeniy Belov were banned for life from the Olympics last week by the IOC as part of an investigation into allegations of widespread doping among Russians and sample tampering by laboratory and

FIFA demands visa, work permit and... From page 35 delivery and wrap-up of the Competition, commencing on the date of appointment of the Host Country/Host Countries and ending on 31 December 2028”. FIFA’s ‘enhanced’ bidding guidelines are part of a series of reforms enacted after a corruption crisis in 2015 engulfed the organization. They include ethics, human rights and transparency commitments plus demands on stadium size and infrastructure.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov security officials at the Sochi Games. The Sochi scandal is part of a broader doping affair that has led to the suspension of Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA, its athletics

federation and Paralympic Committee. RUSADA has been suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since a report published in November 2015, led by Canadian law professor Richard McLaren, found evidence of statesponsored doping and accused it of systematically violating anti-doping regulations. Peskov said that there were a “string of problematic issues” regarding Russian athletes’ use of banned performance-enhancing drugs, but they had nothing to do with alleged statesponsored doping. “We categorically deny this possibility,” Peskov said. Authorities in Russia have never acknowledged the state’s role in the scandal.

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Azarenka to miss Fed Cup Murray targets return in Brisbane ahead of Australian Open final over custody battle Victoria Azarenka (Imagine: AFP/ Mediafax Foto)

(Reuters) - Victoria Azarenka will miss this week’s Fed Cup final in Minsk against the United States due to an ongoing custody battle with her baby son’s father, the former world number one said yesterday. Azarenka said she was unwilling to leave her son behind in California, where she has a home and where her child was born and must stay until his future is decided. “It is heart-breaking for me to not have a

chance to play and help Belarus in the final but unfortunately, my current c u s t o d y situation is keeping me in California,” the 28-yearold said in a statement posted on her Tw i t t e r account. “Even though I will not be in Minsk for the final my heart is always with my country and my team and I will cheer for them from afar.” The two-times grand slam winner returned to action in June after the birth of her son Leo last December and decided to skip the U.S. Open in September amid the custody battle. Belarus, who will host the Nov. 11-12 decider, have never won a Fed Cup championship while the United States won the last of their record 17 titles in 2000.

Andy Murray (right) played a singles and a doubles match at the charity event in Glasgow. (Getty Images) MELBOURNE (Reuters) Former world number one Andy Murray is targeting a return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International in January in the lead-up to the Australian Open. The 30-year-old Scot has been sidelined with a hip problem since Wimbledon but returned to the court for a charity event in Glasgow, losing a three-set match to a kilt-wearing Roger Federer on Tuesday. “My hip felt pretty good, not perfect yet but it’s going in the right direction,” Murray said after the relaxed one-hour, 40-minute hit with Federer. “I’ve got eight weeks until my first tournament of next year and hopefully I’ll be there.” The Dec. 31-Jan. 7 Brisbane International, which will feature world number one Rafa Nadal among other top players, is a key warm-up to the year’s first grand slam,

which starts at Melbourne Park a week later. Murray, whose ranking has slipped to 16, said he planned to do his usual preseason training bloc in Miami before arriving in Australia early. “Obviously coming into the beginning of the New Year I will be at a bit of a disadvantage because I have not played matches for a long time,” he told British media. “So if I can go there a little bit earlier to get used to the conditions, a bit sooner than some of the other players, that might help level it up a little bit for me.” Caution is the watchword for the Scot, who admitted he had erred in trying to play the U.S. Open in August rather than resting his troublesome hip. He ended up pulling out two days before the tournament. “I made probably a bit of a mistake trying to get ready

for the U.S. Open but it was the last major of the year and I wanted to give it a go,” he said. “Now I’ve had time to give my body the rest and recovery it needs.” The three-times grand slam champion felt confident, however, that he would be able to get back to his best tennis. “I believe I will,” he said. “You never know when you’re coming back from any injury, but that’s what I’m working towards, for sure. “When I get back on the court next year and start playing again it might not come immediately at the beginning of the year. “There is a difference between that 75 or 80 percent practice and going flat out at 100 percent for two-and-ahalf or three hours on the match court. “Until I do that I can’t say for certain, but I think I’ll be able to come back just fine.”

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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FIFA demands visa, work permit and India clinch rain-hit thriller to tax exemptions for 2026 World Cup win T20 series v New Zealand MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The will decide whether to select one of the United States and other countries hoping to candidate bids at their congress in June next host the 2026 World Cup should provide year, or re-open the process if none of the government guarantees on visa-free travel bids are accepted. plus work permit and tax exemptions for their OVERVIEW DOCUMENT bids to be accepted, according to documents Regarding immigration and travel published by FIFA yesterday. guarantees, the FIFA overview document on The U.S wants to host the 2026 government guarantees states: tournament in a joint bid with Canada and “In order to cover the needs of the Mexico, who would also have to commit to respective groups of individuals, the the government guarantees for their proposal Government is requested to generally to be accepted by soccer’s world governing establish a visa-free environment or facilitate body. existing visa procedures for them. Morocco is currently the only other “Regardless, any visa procedures must be country to have indicated they will bid for the applied in a non-discriminatory manner.” finals, which will be As a the first to feature presidential an expanded 48candidate, Trump team field. called for a total FIFA wants a ban on Muslims v i s a - f r e e entering the U.S. environment, or at as a counterleast nonterrorism measure. discriminatory visa The courts The logo of FIFA is seen in front of its procedures, while have blocked his headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. the work permit latest executive exemptions apply action barring to anyone involved with the World Cup and entry into the United States for people from tax exemptions relate to the soccer governing several Muslim-majority countries. body and its subsidiaries. The FIFA document adds however that: While FIFA has asked for - and received - “It is understood that such ease of access to similar exemptions in the past, their inclusion the Host Country/Host Countries must by no in a revamped World Cup bid process will means adversely affect the national mean the current U.S. administration of immigration and security standards in the Host President Donald Trump will need to sign off Country/Host Countries”. on the exemptions. The document also says a bidding nation’s Sunil Gulati, chairman of the joint U.S, government “is requested to guarantee the Mexican and Canadian ‘United Bid Committee’ issuance of valid work permits unconditionally has previously stated that Trump supports and without any restriction or discrimination the attempt to bring the World Cup to the of any kind” to people involved in the United States, which hosted the 1994 finals. preparation, organization and hosting of the FIFA produced new bidding criteria after tournament. the organization was heavily criticized over It adds that the government “must grant a the selection process for the 2018 and 2022 general tax exemption for FIFA, the 2026 FWC World Cup finals, won by Russia and Qatar (FIFA World Cup) Entity, the 2026 FWC respectively. Subsidiaries (if applicable) and any other FIFA Formal submission of the completed bids subsidiary limited to the period of preparation, has to be made by March 16, 2018 and FIFA Continued on page 33

Yuzvendra Chahal’s ploy of bowling wide worked wonders. (BCCI) (Reuters) - India pipped New Zealand by six runs in a rain-truncated Twenty20 thriller to win the three-match series 2-1 in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. Put into bat after steady rain had reduced the third and final match to an eight-over shootout, hosts India posted 67-5 at the Greenfield International Stadium. New Zealand wobbled early in their chase of a modest target and eventually managed 61-6 in a contest which stood out for disciplined bowling and some exemplary catching from both sides. Earlier, India managed

Honduras draft in striker Hernandez for Australia playoff Eddie Hernandez (Reuters)

(Reuters) - Honduras announced a surprise recall for Eddie Hernandez Sunday, with the powerful striker looking set to recover from a fractured cheekbone in time for this weekend’s World Cup playoff against Australia. Hernandez has scored six goals in 19 internationals and was a key player in Honduras’ last two qualifiers, scoring a goal in the 1-1 draw with Costa Rica and grabbing an assist in the 3-2 win over Mexico that secured their playoff spot. However, he was left out the squad to play the Socceroos – with veteran Carlo Costly taking his place - after sustaining his facial injury two weeks ago. The playoff begins in San Pedro Sula on Nov. 10 with the second leg in Sydney five days later.

only seven runs in the first two overs as Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner bowled with tremendous discipline. Tim Southee wrecked the Indian top order in his first over, dismissing openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma off successive deliveries with Santner taking both the catches.

Virat Kohli made 13 off six balls before Boult took a catch in the deep off Ish Sodhi (2-23) to send back the India captain. Manish Pandey top scored for India with 17 before falling to a spectacular piece of fielding by Santner. Pandey had hit Boult towards long-on where a sprinting Santner dived to take the catch but realising momentum was taking him across the rope, the fielder threw the ball to Colin de Grandhomme who was nearby to complete the dismissal. Like their opponents, New Zealand too lost openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro cheaply and never really got going. Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals, leaving New Zealand needing 19 runs off the last over from Hardik Pandya but managing only 12. Jasprit Bumrah (2-9) was the pick of the Indian bowlers while de Grandhomme topscored for New Zealand with 17 not out. Scores: India 67 for 5 (Pandey 17, Southee 2-13) beat New Zealand 61 for 6 (de Grandhomme 17*, Bumrah 2-9) by 6 runs.

Jasprit Bumrah was on song for India v New Zealand ©AFP

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Benjamin keen on consistency after Hurricanes strong start

Fast bowler Jeremiah Louis … grabbed a six-wicket haul in the Pride first innings. ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Head coach Winston Benjamin has urged his Leeward Islands Hurricanes to be consistent and build on their strong start to the new Regional first class season. Hurricanes lie second in the six-team standings after two rounds of matches, following a draw against Windward Islands Volcanoes and a comprehensive victory over Barbados Pride last weekend. “We need to be consistent and not just for games like this [against Barbados] but for the other games to come,” Benjamin told the Observer newspaper here. “And as I said in my [previous] interview, my aim is not to go out and win the competition but to improve the cricket, and when we win then that is a bonus.” Hurricanes were

particularly ruthless against Pride, routing them by an innings and four runs inside two days at Kensington Oval, after dismissing them cheaply for 113 and 116. Pride were 34 for seven at one stage in their first innings before producing a late rally and Benjamin said Hurricanes could have been even more clinical in dismissing their opponents for a smaller total. “We should have bowled them out for less than 100,” he noted. “We gave away 52 runs trying things that we didn’t need to try. If we had executed or been a bit more patient then we could have bowled them out for under that score.” Hurricanes benefitted from their mixture of youth and experience, with 21-year-old seamer Jeremiah Louis starring with a six-wicket haul in the first innings and veteran

34-year-old Gavin Tonge producing another six-wicket haul in the second innings to stun Pride again. Benjamin said his chief objective was to get all players to buy into the vision of the side, and understand their specific roles. “Most of these guys, I have worked with them at youth cricket level so they know exactly how I operate. They are grown men now so you can’t deal with them now how you use to deal with them when they were younger,” the former West Indies seamer explained. “But once you get them to understand what you are trying to achieve and to accomplish and they buy into it, then it makes your job so much easier and I think they’re doing that. “As I said to them, we don’t have a team of big stars but with what we have we can get the job done and I think they, themselves, want to better their performances from last year.” Hurricanes face a stern test at Warner Park in the third round starting on Thursday when they host three-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars, who have won both their opening matches this season. However, Hurricanes are expected to be strengthened as wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton and all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall, are expected to return to the lineup after missing the opening fixtures because of West Indies A duty.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Highlights of Monday’s NBA games

Boston Celtics gaurd Kyrie Irving (left) runs into Atlanta Hawks gaurd Dennis Schroder during their game. (Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) Highlights from National Basketball Association games on Monday: Celtics 110, Hawks 107 Kyrie Irving scored 13 of his 35 points in the f o u r t h q u a r t e r, a n d t h e Boston Celtics won their ninth in a row after two opening losses, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 110-107 on Monday night. Irving made four 3-

pointers and shot 14 of 22 overall while adding seven assists. Boston rookie J a s o n Ta t u m s c o r e d 2 1 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and former Atlanta forward Al Horford had 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Dennis Schroder scored 23 points for the Hawks. Dewayne Dedmon and Marco Belinelli each had 19 points, with Dedmon also

Jemima Sumgong: Four-year doping ban for Olympic marathon champion BBC Sport - Kenya’s Olympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong has been suspended for four years for doping. The 32-year-old was found to have taken banned blood booster EPO in an out-of-competition test in her home country. Sumgong, who also tested positive for a banned substance in 2012, won the London Marathon in 2016 before claiming gold in Rio, becoming the first Kenyan woman to take the title. Her ban runs from 3 April, when she was provisionally suspended. EPO, also known as erythropoietin, is a hormone that can increase endurance and, in athletics, is used mainly by long distance-runners. Between 2011 and 2016, more than 40 Kenyan track-and-field athletes failed doping tests. Among those sanctioned was Sumgong’s former training partner Rita Jeptoo, 36, who was banned for four years following a positive test for EPO in 2014. Earlier this year, Sumgong was one of a number of Kenyan athletes who welcomed a new initiative to eradicate doping, agreeing to be monitored by doctors appointed by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and Athletics Kenya. “It will be easy for us now to communicate with these doctors before we take any medicine when the need arises,” she said at the time.

Jemima Sumgong fell during the London Marathon in 2016 but still went on to win. (Getty Images)

grabbing 12 rebounds. Warriors 97, Heat 80 Kevin Durant scored 21 points, Draymond Green had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Golden State overcame a slow start to defeat Miami. Golden State won its fourth straight and beat Miami at Oracle Arena for the fourth consecutive time. The Wa r r i o r s survived cold shooting (36.8 percent). Stephen Curry had 16 points but was 5 of 19 from the floor and 2 of 9 on 3-pointers. James Johnson had 21 points for Miami, and Goran Dragic added 19. Nets 98, Suns 92 D‘Angelo Russell scored 14 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and Brooklyn earned its first road win of the season, beating Phoenix. Joe Harris had 18 points, Allen Crabbe added 15 and DeMarre Carroll scored 14, including five in the final two minutes, for the Nets, who snapped a four-game losing streak overall and won for the first time in five tries on the road. Phoenix’s TJ Warren finished with 20 points and Devin Booker had 18 before fouling out with 2:37 left. Mike James scored 16 points and Tyler Ulis had 11 for the Suns, who have lost three straight and fell to 4-4 under interim coach Jay Triano.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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CWI Digicel Regional 4-Day C/Ship

Chanderpaul is back for top-of-the table clash By Sean Devers in St Kitts In association with Vnet Communications In what promises to be the match of the round, three times defending Champions and leaders Guyana Jaguars face-off with second placed Leewards Hurricanes from tomorrow at Warner Park in one of three third round games in the CWI Digicel Four-day Championships. Despite not producing their best performance as yet, Jaguars beat Jamaica at Providence and Windwards Volcanoes in St Lucia and with 40.4 points, enjoy a 10.2 point lead over Hurricanes, who drew with Volcanoes and blew away Barbados Pride in two days and are on 30.6 points. The Hurricanes are the only team to beat the Jaguars in their last 32 games (twice last season) and they start their 41st game against each other with 12 wins each and 17 draws. Hurricanes will have found memories of Warner Park where in the second round last season, they broke the Windward Islands’ 33year-old Regional record of the highest successful run chase by one run. Set 371 to win in four sessions after Jaguars had declared, Hurricanes galloped to 372-4. In 2014, the Leewards amassed 718 against Kenya in Anguilla, a record that still

Jaguars face-off with Hurricanes tomorrow stands as the highest total in West Indies cricket and are presently playing good cricket. Leewards hunt their fifth title and first since 1998, while Guyana will want to capture a fourth consecutive Championship, a feat only bettered by Jamaica who registered six successive titles from 2008 when Chris Gayle led them in the Carib Beer Cup. The return of Shiv Chanderpaul for tomorrow has sparked heated debate on Social Media, but the 43-yearold left hander brings the experience of 164 Tests, 30 centuries and best temperament among the present crop of batsmen in the West Indies. This season he scored over 800 runs and three centuries in English County cricket to take his tally of FirstClass tons to 76. His unbeaten 303 against Jamaica in 1996 is the only triple century scored since sponsored Regional First-Class cricket began as the Shell Shield in 1966. His 19 Regional hundreds is second most only to Devon Smith’s 24 for the Windwards, while his only two innings in the GCB three-day Franchise League produced 91 and 119. Chanderpaul should bring some sanity to an erratic lineup in which the top order

continues to fail and even the well set batters throw their wickets away with injudicious shots. Rajendra Chandrika is lucky to still be in the side, while the out of form Tagenarine Chanderpaul, the 21-year-old son of Shiv, will want to give his team a foundation for the middle order to build on. The level-headed Vishaul Singh looked solid in compiling his seventh ton on his return from ‘A’ team duties, while Keeper Anthony Bramble, the leading runscorer for Guyana with 178 runs, held five catches and fell 10 short of what would have been a well-deserved maiden hundred before he lost his head and wicket with swipe high to cover in St Lucia. It will not be surprising if Bramble, who has opened in the 50-over format, replace Chandrika at the top of the order on the small ground here. Leon Johnson continues to show he is the best Captain in the Region and began with a fifty in Guyana but needs to improve his conversion rate if he hopes to regain his Test place. The positive looking Chanderpaul Hemraj, who got 60 against Jamaica and Shiv Chanderpaul are the other specialist batsmen. The 19-year-old pair of

Joy Neville to be first female referee for men’s European game

Joy Neville will be assistant referee at the Barbarians v Tonga match before officiating in the Challenge Cup in December. (Getty Images) BBC Sport - Joy Neville will become the first woman to referee a European professional club fixture next month. Neville officiates with Bordeaux-Begles against Enisei-STM in Pool One of the Challenge Cup on Friday, 15 December. The former Ireland captain and Six Nations Grand Slam winner has previously been assistant manager in European competitions. She also refereed the Women’s World Cup

final between New Zealand and England in the summer. Her latest progression in the men’s game comes after she became one of two women to referee a men’s international fixture in Europe. Neville took charge of Norway against Denmark on 28 October, while former Spain international Alhambra Nievas refereed Finland v Norway on 14 October.

fast bowling all-rounders, Kemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford has contributed with both bat and ball. Paul scored Guyana’s first hundred this season, while Rutherford bagged eight wickets and made a fifty in St Lucia. At 22, Romario Shepherd is another talented allrounder, while the vastly

improved Keon Joseph will lead the pace attack with experienced left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, the tournament’s leading wickettaker (15) doing the bulk of the spinning for the Jaguars. West Indies U-19 batsman Keacy Carty is Hurricanes’ leading scorer with 295 and would hope to give the people of Hurricane hit St Martin, something to smile about with another good performance. Nkrumah Bonner (290),

Chesney Hughes (207), Akeem Saunders (177) Jeremiah Louis (151) are the other batsmen with 150 runs this season, while Terrence Ward, Jacques Taylor and Devon Thomas will hope to contribute. Louis’ 14 scalps is one less than Permaul, while the experienced Gavin Tongue, Mervin Matthew, Bonner and Taylor will strive to restrict a strong Jaguars batting lineup.

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Kaieteur News

Turbo Knockout Football Tournament

Quarter-finals showdown begin tonight The $500,000 battle intensifies tonight at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue with the first two quarter-final matches in the Turbo Knockout football tournament beginning at 18:30hrs which will determine the last qualifying quarterfinalists. Tonight is the fifth match night of the tournament and it pits favourites of the tournament, Police FC against Kuru Kururu Warriors of the East Bank of Demerara in the first match. Police FC, the champions of the last Petra organized competition, decimated Eagles FC 6-0 in their roundof-16 encounter and will be looking to assert their dominance over the Warriors that had a simple 2-0 victory over Uitvlugt in their previous knockout game. The feature game of the night will between Pele FC, which qualified for the quarter-finals on the initial match night after overcoming a one-goal deficit to defeat Northern Rangers 2-1, and Grove Hi-Tech that capitalized on the poor work by Santos FC goalkeeper in their previous match that they won 5-3. This feature game is expected to be fast paced with the quick legs of each side’s forward men but Hi-tech will hold a slight defensive advantage with their more physically back four. The other teams that will contest the following two quarterfinals are Pouderoyen, Silver Shattas, Mahaica Determinators and Camptown. The tournament’s runners up will receive $250,000, third place $125,000, while 4th finishers will pocket $75,000.

Santos’ Orin Yarde (left), Grove Hi-tech’s Clive Matthews who will be on show tonight, jostling for possession during their round-of-16 clash on match night 2 at the MOE ground.

Registration pours in for King Medas-Pansy Adonis Classic In just about six weeks the KINGMEDASPANSY ADONIS FOUNDATION would be hosting its annual event at the Paradise Community Centre Ground located on the East Coast of Demerara from the 14th to the 17th of December that will see over $3million in cash and prizes up for grabs. Registrations have begun to pour in for the event which is getting bigger each year and athletes are being reminded by organiser of the event Andy Medas King that they can go online at kmpasport.com to register for the event. The website was created for this purpose even though some athletes are still going for the paper registration. King shared with Kaieteur Sport that there are a few locations where registration forms can be uplifted and these locations included Sann Sports at Maraj Building, contact Sean Embrack on 664-2116, SafeTV Ch 2, contact Lorrie-Ann Adams on 218-1890 and Stokely at Golden Grove Market, East Coast Demerara, contact number 6616054. However, athletes are being urged to register online since there are a limited amount of hard copies of the applications forms. A fee of $1000 will register each athlete for both the Junior Olympic Games (track and field events) and the road race, and it can be paid online provided the registrant has access to a PayPal account. The track meet will be on the 15th and 16th and will feature five races, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m, while the 5k road race will be on the final day, the 17th. The initial day of the four-day event will begin at 12 noon with a fun filled day of strictly field events consisting of discus, shotput, turbo and regular Javelin, long Jump, high Jump and triple Jumps . On the 15th of

December there will be the 100m, 200m and 400m heats along with the 800m and 1500m finals for all ages. Then on the 16th of December there we will be having the 100m, 200m and 400m finals for which runs off at 10am sharp. The curtains will come down on the 17th of December with the annual Road Race with the 1k for lads 12-years-old and younger, 2k for teachers and Government Officials along with the 13-16 age group and the 5k will be contested in 17-20 years age category along with the Seniors and the Masters divisions. There will be trophies, laptops, desktops, flash drives and SD cards for giveaways but the only way to get these prizes, according to the organizer, is that students have to walk with a recent copy of their CXC results and must compete in the road race and finish the course. The cash prizes will be enjoyed by the 1720, Seniors, Masters, Teachers and Government Officials categories, while there will be a gate price of $300 per person and two for $500. The organizer noted that on day one there will be a lot of surprises and every event will be recorded and posted on YouTube. On behalf of the Pansy Adonis Classic, Medas King thanked all of the sponsors of the event that includes Banks DIH, Sybils Bakery, Daddy’s Enterprise, Prodigal, Shelmac Photo Studio USA, Ansa Mcal, Island Express Brooklyn, National Sports Commission, AAG, Channel 9 Wake up Guyana Show, Star Party Rentals, Payless Variety Store, Prince Shipping Guyana & USA, Channel 2 Safe TV, Peleus, HGPTV/67, Nostrand Ave Paint and Hardware Y Mohammed, Signal department, track departments NYCTA and the Adonis Family and friends and Kaieteur News.

Fletcher, Samuels shine as Sixers, Victorians win again

Pele’s left back Lloyd Anderson (10), who will come against Grove Hi-tech tonight, jostles Sunil Logan of Northern Rangers for possession in his team’s 2-1 roun-of-16 victory.

T&T elude five-time champions US for U20 championship PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Hosts Trin i d a d a n d To b a g o avoided giants United States and Mexico, when they were drawn in Group A f o r n e x t y e a r ’s C O N C A C A F Wo m e n ’s Under-20 Championship. In the draw staged here yesterday at the Hyatt R e g e n c y, T & T found themselves pitted with the likes of Costa Rica, Canada and a yet-to-be determined Caribbean qualifier. Group B features the US and Mexico along with Nicaragua, with another

Wednesday November 08, 2017

Caribbean qualifier set to join the trio. The championship, which runs from January 18-28, will feature 16 matches with all scheduled for the Ato Boldon Stadium in central Trinidad. It will also serve as a qualifier for next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France, with the top three teams earning direct qualification. United States are fourtime defending champions, having won the tournament the last time it was played two years ago in Honduras. Overall, the US

have won the title five times. The remaining two teams for the Under-20 Championship will be determined when St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic contest a Caribbean Women’s Under20 Qualifier from November 22-26 at Warner Park in St Kitts. Yesterday’s draw was attended by FIFA and CONCACAF council member, Sonia Bien-Aime along with Trinidad and Tobago FA president, David JohnWilliams.

SYLHET, Bangladesh, CMC – West Indies batsmen Andre Fletcher and Marlon Samuels both extended their run of form as their respective franchises logged wins in the Bangladesh Premier League here yesterday. Playing in the second match of a doubleheader at the Sylhet International Stadium, Fletcher struck 48 as Sylhet Sixers marched to their third win in as many matches with a 33run victory over Darren Sammy’s Rajshahi Kings. Sent in, the red-hot Sixers posted a challenging 205 for six off their 20 overs with opener Upul Tharanga top-scoring with 50 and Danushka Gunathilaka carving out 48. Sri Lankan Tharanga put on 101 runs for the first wicket with Fletcher who struck five fours and three sixes in an exciting 30-ball innings. West Indies seamer Kesrick Williams was the best bowler with two for 39. In reply, Kings managed 172 for eight off their 20 overs, with Englishman Luke Wright top-scoring with 56 off 39 deliveries and New Zealander James Franklin getting 35. Sammy lasted nine balls for his nine before holing out to long-off off pacer Abul Hasan who finished with three for 22. Earlier, Comilla Victorians won their second game with an eight-wicket victory over Chittagong Vikings, thanks to an unbeaten 35 from West Indies stroke-maker Marlon Samuels. Sent in, Vikings rallied to 143 for seven off their 20 overs with New Zealander Luke Ronchi leading with 40 and Windies star

West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels. Dwayne Bravo grabbing two for 29 with his medium pace. In reply, Victorians got 48 from England’s Jos Butter as they got home comfortably in the 18th over. Buttler posted 43 for the first wicket with Liton Das (23) and a further 57 for the second wicket with Imrul Kayes who made 33. Samuels arrived at the fall of Buttler’s wicket to hammer four fours and a six in an 18ball cameo, adding 44 with Kayes in an unbroken third wicket partnership.

Wednesday November 08, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Hockey ladies draw with Puerto Rico

The Guyanese ladies team pose for a photo before their encounter with Puerto Rico. The Guyana female hockey team drew 0-0 against Puerto Rico in their second encounter of the Caribbean and Central America (CAC) games qualifier being held at the Mona UWI campus in Jamaica. The game being played in the blistering Jamaican sun at midday, started off a bit shaky for the South Americans

as their deep defenders and midfielders created several unforced errors. Puerto Rico seemed the more threatening team in these opening minutes but good recovery defending by Guyana, and especially defensive stalwart Ulrica Sutherland, kept the Puerto Ricans

from testing Guyana’s goalkeeper Briawna Gordon in goal. With the scores remaining tied at the half, both teams had enjoyed their share of possession with Guyana opting for short build-ups, while Puerto Rico went for the direct long passes into the Guyana defensive area. The second half

saw a continuation of an even battle, although the needle edged ever so slightly in Guyana’s favour. Gabriella Xavier was the closest to scoring in the match but missed her shot just a few feet away from the goal line. Xavier had a productive game for Guyana otherwise, as did Marzana Fiedtkou,

Maria Munroe and Marisha Fernandes. The final 0-0 tie sees Guyana into second position in the pool behind hosts Jamaica with three matches remaining. Guyana women will face Jamaica today at 13:30hrs (Guyana time), while the men will clash with Guatemala at 15:30hrs.

Berbice Cricket Board Under-15 inter zone competition

NY President’s XI and Savage Upper/Central Corentyne Masters collide tonight at DCC continues dominance Under-15 action continued over the weekend in Berbice as the Berbice Cricket Board’s Inter Zone competition gained momentum at two venues across the county. At the Port Mourant Community Centre in Berbice, Upper/Central Corentyne defeated Western Berbice by 19 runs in a closely contested match Batting first, the Upper Corentyne batsmen scored 243 runs in their 50 overs losing 9 wickets in the process. Batting for Upper Corentyne Skipper Jonathon Rampersaud scored a magnificent 72, while Mahendra Gopilall contributed 48. Rampertab Ramnauth scored 14 and J. Sandia 20. Bowling for Western Berbice B. Lakeram took 3 wickets for 66 runs, S. Roopnarine 3 for 57 while D. Joseph supported with 2 for 47. In their reply, Western

New Amsterdam/Canje eliminates Lower Corentyne Berbice fell short of the target by 19 runs. D. Joseph and S. Shaffie scored 44 and 32 respectively. Batsmen D. Miller made 21, while S Roopnarine contributed 16 and A. Alexander 28. In their bowling innings, Upper Corentyne’s J. Rampersaud took 4 for 57, M. Pottaya 3 for 49, and J. Sandia 2 for 31. Over at the Albion Community Centre, New Amsterdam/Canje defeated Lower Corentyne by a massive 225 runs in their game. Batting first, NA/ Canje scored 255 with Zeynol Ramsammy scoring 89, Tomane Caesar 77 and Avishkar Persaud 21. Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Leon Cecil, P. Gamesh, R. Goderdhan and

T. Mahnal took one wicket each. In their reply, Lower Corentyne were bowled out for 30 runs in 11 overs. J. Persaud took 6 wickets, while Niquan Samuels took 2. Wi t h 2 w i n s , U p p e r Corentyne is leading the points table, while Western Berbice and NA/Canje are tied on one win each. Lower Corentyne have lost both their matches and will look to defeat Upper Corentyne in their final match to save face. The competition c o n t i n u e s o n S a t u r d a y. Western Berbice will battle New Amsterdam/Canje at the Blairmont Community Centre, while Lower Corentyne will engage Upper Corentyne at the Jai Hind Ground in Albion.

NY President’s XI skipper Mike Balkarran with organiser Barbara Balkarran. New York President’s XI and Savage Masters will clash tonight in a specially

organised T20 softball fixture at Demerara Cricket Club from 18:30hrs.

The NY President’s XI will be led by Mike Balkarran and includes Mohamed Rafeek, Rudy Rogrigues and Richard Persaud while Savage Masters will be captained by Vickey Ramsaywack and contains Nadir Baksh, Lakeram Barlow and Randolph Perreira. The NY President’s XI participated in the recently concluded Guyana Softball Cup 7. Teams; NY President’s XI; Mike Balkarran (Capt.), Mohamed Rafeek, Richard Persaud, Talesh Ramotar, Rudy Rodrigues, Dharamdeo Mohabir, Rudy Myers, Mark Bobb, Mikey Ifill, Doodie Ramdeen, Joseph Pitamber and Rasheed Williams. Savage Masters; Vi c k e y Ramsaywack (Capt.), Nadir Baksh, Lakeram Barlow, Kennard Luke, Herbie Gentle, Randolph Perreira, Navindra Pooran, Roshan Ally, Anil Rambarran, A. Yu s u f and Tr o y Ramsaywack.

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Wednesday November 08, 2017

Kaieteur News

Windies T20 tour of Pakistan “likely” to be postponed

West Indies’ series against Pakistan unlikely to come off as planned. LAHORE, Pakistan, CMC – The proposed historic three-match Twenty20 series between West Indies and Pakistan scheduled for later this month here, is now unlikely to come off before after March next year. A Pakistan Cricket Board official told a local media house here Monday that the series was expected to be postponed because of an issue with smog in the city and the commitment of the leading West Indies players to the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. “The PCB and the West Indies Cricket Board had agreed that West Indies will tour Pakistan in November, but now it is unlikely to happen because of the smog and some other reasons,” a senior PCB official told Dawn News. The “other reasons” refer to the unavailability of several

West Indies players as the series, scheduled for late November clashes with the BPL, which started last weekend and wraps up December 12. The likes of T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite, off-spinner Sunil Narine and batsmen Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard and Evin Lewis, are all playing for various franchises in the T20 tournament. Additionally, West Indies are set to embark on a twoTest tour of New Zealand later this month, followed by a three-match one-day series and a three-match T20 series which starts late December and runs until January 3. According to the PCB source, the weather issue was also a serious one, with meteorological officials unable to say when the heavy smog over the city would ease. Smog over Lahore has

been at a recent all-time worst, creating visibility issues especially at night. And with the floodlights at the Gaddafi Stadium having failed once in a match during the World XI series last September, the PCB believes proceeding with the Windies series in heavy smog could prove problematic. Other media reports said Cricket West Indies and the PCB also failed to agree on dates to have the series played this year, after the proposed November 2326 itinerary proved impractical. CWI were pushing for the itinerary to be rescheduled until December but PCB officials were said to be worried by the threat of seasonal rains during that month. The news of the postponement will be a huge blow for the PCB as they were using the proposed tour as

part of their campaign to have international cricket returned to the country after a long break, due to the country’s volatile security situation. Sri Lanka last month played the final T20 of their three-match series in Lahore after the first two contests were hosted in United Arab Emirates, and the Windies tour would have represented the first full bilateral series to be played in Pakistan in eight years, since militants attacked a Sri Lankan team bus en route to the Gaddafi Stadium. CWI announced last August it was “advancing discussions” with the PCB with the view to proceeding with the series but stressed the tour would be subject to the safe conclusion of the World XI series the following month and the “affirmation of manageable security”. The three-match series was successfully staged.

Mohamed’s century hands Everest CC huge win; GCC trounce GYO

Saheed Mohamed

Javed Rasheed

An attacking century by Saheed Mohamed handed Everest CC a 198-run victory over Ace Warriors, while Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) defeated Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) by 246 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society Ltd second division 40-over tournament continued last weekend. On Sunday at GYO, Everest CC took first strike and posted 368-8. Saheed Mohamed clobbered 20 fours and four sixes in a robust 116, while Rishi Hiralall stroked 90 with 13 fours and three sixes and Riyad Sattaur 74 inclusive of 12 fours. Afzal Gafoor captured 383, Roger Aaron 2-66 and Linden Cox 2-73. Ace Warriors responded with 170 all out. Aaron got 46 (6x4, 1x6) and Devendra Lall 39 (6x4). Javed Rasheed bagged 4-14, Mohamed 2-19 and Khemraj Ramdeen 2-49. On Saturday at the said venue, GCC batted first and scored 337-5 in a game which was reduced to 35 overs. Khemraj Jaikarran struck eight fours and two sixes in a top score of 87, while Martin Pestano Bell slammed 72 with eight fours and two sixes,

Gavin Singh made 49, Joshua Wade 46 not out, Ronaldo Alimohamed 31 and Marlon Persaud 26. Darshan Persaud picked up three wickets. Gandhi Youth Organisation were bowled out for 91 in reply. Persaud made 31 and Surendra Hiralall 26; Devon Lord grabbed 4-27 and Chetram Persaud 3-4.

Martin Pestano Bell

Former Namibian sprinter Fredericks suspended by IOC

Frankie Fredericks has been suspended by the Int’l Olympic Committee. (Getty Images)

ZURICH (Reuters) - Former Namibian sprinter Frankie Fredericks was suspended by the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday after being placed under formal investigation in France in a probe into allegations of vote buying to win the 2016 Summer Olympics for Rio de Janeiro. Fredericks, who won four silver medals at the 1992 and 1996 Games, is suspected of receiving bribes and laundering the money through Paris, a source close to the inquiry in France said on Friday. He appeared before a French magistrate on Thursday. Fredericks has previously rejected allegations of corruption. The IOC said in a statement that its executive board had decided to suspend Fredericks after “considering the gravity and urgency of the situation and its impact on the reputation of the IOC.” Fredericks is already being investigated by the global Athletics Integrity Unit over payments he

received from Papa Massata Diack, the son of former world athletics chief Lamine Diack, on the day Rio won the vote to host the 2016 Olympics. Fredericks has previously said that a payment of $300,000 to his company was recompense for legitimate work. Fredericks also sat on the IAAF Council, world athletics’ governing body, until he was suspended in July pending the outcome of the Integrity Unit probe. Rio was awarded the games in 2009, beating Chicago, Tokyo and Madrid. Last month, the IOC suspended the head of Brazil’s national Olympic committee, Carlos Nuzman, after he was charged in Brazil with racketeering in connection with alleged vote buying to win the Games for Rio. Nuzman is accused of arranging more than $2 million in bribes to get the IOC to pick Rio. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Devon Lord

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood