Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday November 08, 2018

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

The Mid-term elections

T

he Democrats’ advances were essential and will check Donald Trump’s power, but disappoint ments show how far there is to go. Meanwhile, the Russia investigation must be protected. The Democrats’ seizure of the House of Representatives and other advances in the US midterms are hugely welcome and a great relief. But Tuesday’s vote did not see the hoped-for blue wave, and was not a turning point in itself. What matters is what the Democrats, and the president, do next. Donald Trump was predictably ungracious and combative in what he claimed as a “big victory”, despite his improbable suggestion that it “could be a beautiful bipartisan type of situation”. He thrives on divisions. The record turnout (up 31m votes on the 114m votes in 2014) testifies to his ability to fire up his base as well as galvanise resistance. Candidates embraced his nativism, with nakedly racist and antisemitic campaigns. Mr Trump has boasted of the strengthened Republican hold on the Senate – an unsurprising outcome, given how strongly this round of contests favoured the party. The Democrats’ Andrew Gillum made striking inroads in Florida but couldn’t take the governorship. In Ohio, equally critical, Democratic senator Sherrod Brown held on but Republicans triumphed in other races. Mr Trump could be much worse placed for 2020. We can expect him to run against the Democratic House in that race: it will make a convenient enemy. That is precisely because the Democrats have ended the era of unchecked Republican power and can now frustrate his agenda on everything from tax cuts to healthcare and immigration. The resistance has moved into the legislature; but they need to show they can be more than the resistance, and can win over opponents. Critically, they now have the power to investigate him; this is not “presidential harassment” but sorely needed oversight. Mr Trump has threatened retaliation, but the biggest challenge for Democrats is picking the right targets and the priority is protecting the work of Robert Mueller, whose report into Russia’s role in the 2016 election and the alleged collusion of the Trump campaign is pending. No longer fearing electoral repercussions, on Wednesday Mr. Trump forced out Jeff Sessions – never forgiven for recusing himself from oversight – and put a senior aide who has called for the defunding and reining in of the investigation in his place as acting attorney-general. Preliminary exit polls gave House Democrats a 21-point lead among women, while men split almost evenly. Despite some signs that suburban, college-educated women are peeling away from the Republicans, 60% of white women backed Ted Cruz in Texas; in Georgia 76% picked Brian Kemp over Stacey Abrams, seeking to become the first black female governor. But a record 272 women ran for Congress, and at least 95 were elected to the House: the best showing ever, if still far too low. They include the first Muslim and Native American congresswomen (Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar; Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland), and the youngest, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Jared Polis is the first out gay man to be elected governor, in Colorado. There was good news for Democrats in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin (where governor Scott Walker was ousted) – all states which fell to Mr Trump in 2016. This week shows that electors are waking up. Michigan backed a non-partisan redistricting commission and automatic voting enrolment. Florida passed an initiative restoring voting rights to 1.4 million felons, disproportionately black men; Mr Trump won there by 113,000 votes. The Democrats won’t just need the right candidate and agenda in 2020, but a fairer system too. (From the Guardian)

Local democracy is under attack and is being eroded by the Coalition DEAR EDITOR, We are once again approaching yet another Local Government Elections which should democratically elect local representatives to run the affairs of their Local Authority Areas (LAAs). However, I have listened with disdain and disbelief as both APNU and the AFC seem to be suffering intense delusion that the PPP is to be blamed for the currently stymied development of these LAAs countrywide. In this letter I will deal with the true meaning of local democracy and empowerment of the Local Democratic Organs. In terms of local democracy we have witnessed numerous instances in Region 6 whereby there were efforts to fraudulently frustrate the electoral process by inserting as candidates many persons who were not backed by the people living in the respective communities. This by itself being a fraudulent act, has more so damaged and frustrated the entire meaning and purpose of local government elections and has denied the people to democratically elect representatives of their choice. Article 71(1) of our Constitution is seriously breached since it says that, ‘Local Government is a vital aspect of democracy and shall be organized so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live’.It is therefore imperative that the people so elected should be competent to manage and develop their communities and have the support of persons in their

community, at least 18 of those in the case of NDCs. A relevant question needs to be ventilated here. If a prospective candidate cannot even find 18 persons to back him or her, can we conclude that such a candidate is ‘fit and proper’? Imagine a prospective candidate has to do all sorts of questionable things just to have 18 names to back his/ her candidacy! Why would political parties go against the spirit and meaning of what local democracy is all about? Voters should beware of such political parties, since they have already shown their true colours, so do not expect them to deliver when they get into office. We have seen this played out at the last General and Regional Elections in 2015 and its aftermath. Has Local Government Elections truly returned democracy to Guyana? The answer is no! The entire electoral process must be deemed to be free and fair! This Government since the last Local Government has done nothing to empower the Local Democratic Organs of this country, but they have been creating new ones and gerrymandering old ones in order to control them.May I remind the Coalition that empowerment can only be realized when resources are sufficiently available to carry out the functions of these NDCs and municipalities. There can be no empowerment without sufficient resources. This Government is all about empty rhetoric. A pertinent question here is: Have Local Democratic Organs in Guyana truly empowered the people? The

answer is again, NO! You cannot empower your wife and give her just a few dollars to run the home! Moreover, the finance garnered from rates and taxes and the meagre subvention are wholly inadequate. This is compounded by the fact that proposals made by the NDCs and Municipalities are badly decimated when included in the Regional Budget.Many of the proposed projects are then ‘scissored’ leaving the few selected ones at the mercy of the Central Government. However, this Government will ensure that they carry out developmental works in their supportbased areas. There is numerous evidence of this, and this has been raised at the Region 6 RDC statutory meetings more than once. What is important to note also is the fact that the NDCs have little or no say how the ‘huge’ subventions should be spent. Section 21(a) of the Procurement Act Chapter 73:05 says that ‘The National Board may, at its discretion, create District Tender Boards for procurement by Neighborhood Democratic Councils…comprising part-time members as follows: (i) two members appointed by the relevant Regional Board; (ii) one member appointed by the relevant NDC.’ It must be submitted that this Section serves to give empowerment to the NDCs where goods are to be supplied to them or works to be contracted or tendered out on their behalf. What is even more worrying is the fact that NDCs do not know what projects will be done and by whom and at what cost. Is this ‘em-

powerment’? Why is it that NDCs are given subventions and cannot participate on how it is spent? This is how the Coalition empowers NDCs - they delegated the powers to their politically appointed REOs and DREOs, effectively hoarding power at the centre while keeping local governments weak. This is the manner in which they stifle and destroy development at the Local Government level. If this Government and the Minister of Communities are serious about empowerment then they must ensure that NDCs are empowered to spend their monies as they see fit. Moreover, since the Coalition controls the Regional Tender Board, contracts are awarded to many fly-by-night contractors who fail to deliver value for money. Another debilitating blow to ‘empowerment’. In conclusion, if this Government is serious about empowering NDCs then they should have never wasted and squandered monies on wasteful projects such as the D’Urban Park Project and the rental of a bond to store condoms. These two wasteful projects alone could have given each NDC and municipality a small excavator to maintain its drainage system and save communities from inevitable flooding once the rains come, and they will! Local democracy is under attack and is being eroded by the Coalition, and empowerment without resources will remain an illusory concept. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor Region 6

It will not be business as usual for the Trump presidency DEAR EDITOR, The Democratic Party has wrested control of the House of Representatives in the recent mid-term elections. This is a big blow to President Donald Trump, despite the fact that the Republicans managed to retain majority control of the Senate.This new dispensation will change the balance of power in Capitol Hill and will make it much more difficult for President Trump to have his way on important policy issues.The test of any democracy resides to a significant extent on the strength of its national institutions. There are some useful lessons that developing democracies such as ours can learn from the US experience, including a system of checks and balances at the legislative and executive lev-

els, as well as presidential term limits which we have now institutionalized in our laws.Democracy means nothing if there are no mechanisms for checks and balances in the exercise of power. This is why it is so important to have strong institutions at the legislative and judicial levels. The will of the majority must at all times be the basis for rule which must be underpinned by a strong and independent judiciary.It is interesting to see how the new configuration in the House of Representatives will impact on policymaking. One thing is certain: it will not be business as usual for the Trump presidency with respect to his legislative agenda especially on the issue of immigration and foreign policy. Hydar Ally

This monument was never given national recognition DEAR EDITOR, A commemorative symbol has been installed in front of Castellani House facing the Ministry of the Presidency to celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of the National Unity Monument on November 9th, 1995-2018. It is intended to sensitize Guyanese and visitors to the gallery of the existence of the Monument and also to attract support for the restoration of the Monument which is inundated during the rainy season.The Monument was launched on June 13th, 1995, in memory of the late Guyanese Historian and Freedom Fighter Dr. Walter Anthony Rodney, for his indelible con-

tribution to the struggle for National Unity. The Monument is an embodiment of Guyanese Dynamic History and Diverse Cultural Heritage. The Pre-Colombian symbol at the summit is cosmological, associated with Happiness and Prosperity.Unfortunately the Monument was never given National Recognition under the PPP or the APNU+AFC governments, even though they claim that their party’s platforms are National Unity. Yours Faithfully Desmond Alli (Architect of the National Unity Monument)

Thursday November 08, 2018

Real leadership is putting people’s interest before our own DEAR EDITOR, I recently watched the debate in Parliament with Hon. Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence debating about members of the PPP’s exorbitant medical bills that’s taxpayers’ money. I learnt recently that our President Granger is not in Guyana but is in Cuba on medical checkups and prior to that in Trinidad. I have nothing against the President or his cabinet Ministers. But I am a bit concerned as to why none of our Ministers want to use the GPHC or Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital or the Woodlands Hospital. Most of our Ministers are running to top class hospitals abroad at the expense of taxpayers’. Here is an interesting scenario: a lady lost her baby recently at the GPHC while the doctor was on his phone chatting; I saw it on the news, but that story is buried already from the media. Many of our poor citizens are dying at the hands of trainee doctors from Cuba and nurses who barely passed or failed their exams. The past and present administrations created hospitals they will never enter nor will their families, but we must go there to die. Not long ago one of our female Pastors lost her husband at the GPHC from a heart blockage. That man could have lived if the Ministry of Public Health could have sent him abroad the same way our Prime Minister went to treat his heart to live . Just a few months ago we saw another young athlete die at the GPHC from Rose Hall Town. If this govern-

ment or the Ministry of Health was concerned, they would have taken that athlete abroad for treatment. That teenager would have lived, but they are only concerned about themselves. There is no real concern or love for our people. I am seeing often our citizens are begging for money to go and take an operation abroad while this government just watches rather than fly the sick abroad to save their lives. Our erudite and eloquent Minister of State said that our Cabinet Ministers can afford to go as far as Ireland for medical treatment because they have the ‘’load’’ to pay. May I ask now why the Finance Minster cannot put aside one billion Guyana dollars in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health as emergency funds to help our sick citizens pay medical bills abroad? How long will our people beg on National Television to live? They have money for insignificant things like Mashramani and Carifesta money to build arches and imprudent celebrations, but we cannot build modern hospitals with better health care. The private hospitals here will see you die if you don’t have millions. Now that billions will come from the oil money, I will be happy to write this government - or the New Government that will come to power in the near future a proposal, Pro Bono, of a new vision plan for Guyana. Guyana needs a current contemporary vision to take us into a position where leaders put people before themselves and don’t rule for their own personal ambition,

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just to get rich quick by filling their pockets. I remembered two profound quotations from George Orwell’s book Animal Farm: ”All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” ”Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals. He sets them to work, he gives back to them the bare minimum that will prevent them from starving, and the rest he keeps for himself.” These elegant truths from Orwell’s magnificent book fit our political scenario here in Guyana. Our leaders crave political power and recognition, but could not care less for the citizens of this nation. That’s what Orwell meant when he said ‘’but some animals are more equal than others’’ - depicting man with a greedy and unscrupulous mentality. Real leadership is putting people’s interest at heart before our own. As I contemplate to vote next week, I haven’t seen an honest eligible candidate to vote for; the mendacious politics of this nation has corrupted the psyche of our people. Guyana needs young energetic leaders with a new vision to obliterate archaic political ideologies. Regards, Rev. Gideon Cecil

How is Guyana doing globally? DEAR EDITOR, In 2017, the Global Human Capital index, a report that ranks countries according to their effectiveness and level of human capital development, demoted Guyana below its 2015 global position of 79, by 9 positions, surpassing frail economies such as Uganda, Zambia and Kenya. A closer look reveled that: - within one year, 20152016, Guyana slipped by more than four positions in unemployment rate, for age group 25-54, and seven positions, for 55-64. - between 2015-2017, the country’s global ranking fell by another seven positions, in relation to quality of primary education of children, age 0-15 years. Overall, Guyana has slipped by eight positions in global ranking, in the quality of educational services provided to children, age 1524. - youth literacy rate also fell in global position by more than five. According to the report, unemployment rate for youths, age 15-24, has contracted by more than nine positions, globally. • Guyana deteriorated globally by three positions, when ranked by the Human Development Index, for the

year 2016. Countries such as Namibia and Morocco have all surpassed Guyana in global ranking. In the health sector, when compared to 2013: - infant mortality rates, per 1,000 live births increased from 29 in 2013, to 32 in 2015. - infants under five months has seen an increase in mortality rate, per 1,000 live birth, from 36 to 40. - Adults have seen an increase in deaths due to tuberculosis: from 15 for every 100,000 people to 21, in 2015. • In the latest Global Competitive Index Report for the period 2015-2016, Guyana fell in global ranking by more than nineteen positions to 121, when compared to 2014 in the following areas: - Institutions, one of the fundamental pillars that command global ranking, deteriorated by thirteen positions, to 102 in 2016 when compared to 2015: property rights; bribes; favoritism; wasteful spending; and organized crime, have all seen massive deterioration in ranking, on average by 6 positions. - Macroeconomic environment, another critical pillar of equal weight, deteriorated by three positions: government deficit as a percentage of GDP fell by 19

position, which, presently is now worse than that of Haiti. - Health and primary education system declined by another two positions: Guyana is now lagging behind countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. • In 2017, Guyana fell in global ranking in ease of doing business by 11 positions to 126, when compared to 2014. Notably, dealing with construction permits deteriorated from 33 positions to 163. Thus, it is now easier to do business in Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi, than in G u y a n a . A l s o , i t i s easier to get construction permits, electricity and register a property in Sudan, than in Guyana. It is clear that our performance is now affecting negatively, how we are v i e w e d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y. The government must recognize this and deal with the bulging bureaucracy and incompetence affecting Government services in every sector. Mohamed Irfaan Ali

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Thursday November 08, 2018

Caribbean countries taking more than just passing interest in Tsunamis By Kenton X. Chance SENDAI, Japan (CMC) – With the frequency of earthquakes in the Caribbean these days, regional countries took more than just a passing interest in World Tsunami Awareness Day, which was observed Monday. The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) describes a tsunami as an ocean wave or series of waves caused by a sudden disturbance of the ocean floor that displaces a large amount of water.SRC says tsunamis are caused generally by earthquakes, less commonly by submarine landslides, infrequently by submarine volcanic eruptions and very rarely by large meteorite impacts in the ocean. Trinidad and Tobago is one Caribbean country that has been experiencing, almost on a daily basis, earth tremors with the biggest scare occurring in late August when an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 sent people scampering out of buildings, destroyed some homes and brought with it the possibility of a tsunami. SRC Director Dr. Joan Lutchman has said that Trinidad and Tobago, like several other Caribbean countries are overdue for a major quake and the recent string of tremors has only served to heighten awareness of the possibility of a tsunami hitting the oil-rich twin island republic. She says there has been a pattern of quakes building over the years and this is what bolsters the argument to look out for the really big one to come.“So we can consider this as another one of those events that keep us aware that our region, our area here is seismically active and strong earthquakes will occur,

and even stronger than what we have had will occur at some stage,” she said following the quake that rocked Trinidad in August. Sendai, the city in northeastern Japan offers a lasting reminder of the potentially devastating power of tsunami waves. More than seven years have passed since the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing tsunami ravaged the region. But in places like Arahama, a small seaside community in Sendai, the scars are still visible. The waves unleashed that day were so large and powerful that they breached a 21-foot-high sea wall and travelled more than half a mile inland. All told, the earthquake and tsunami left 19,301 people dead around the Tohoku region, and 121,805 homes were destroyed, according to the Sendai City government. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is home to an active volcano, La Soufriere, which last erupted in 1979. Further, the submarine volcano, Kick ‘em Jenny, located between Grenada and St. Vincent, puts both nations at risk, should an eruption result in a tsunami. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) observed World Tsunami Awareness Day with the release of its “Know the Tsunami Warning Signs Vi”. The locally produced video featuring a number of popular local singers, was funded by the Barbadosbased Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) under the Country Directed Fund (CDF).NEMO also held an exhibition on Monday, saying that the main purpose was to heighten awareness on tsunami and other geological hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and volcanic

The United Nations says tsunamis are rare events, but can be extremely deadly. It notes that in the past 100 years, 58 tsunamis have claimed more than 260,000 lives. eruptions.NEMO is involved in a Tsunami SMART Schools and Communities Project in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Ministry of Education and the Seismic Research Centre (SRC) with funding from the European Union through CDEMA’s Country Directed Fund. Through this project, the NEMO is working with six schools — Kingstown Anglican School, Clare Valley Government School, Colonaire Primary School, Union Island Secondary School, Mary Hutchinson Primary School and Stephanie Browne Government School –to develop tsunami evacuation plans. The project is also piloted in the communities of Rose Place and Union Island. “The residents, business operators in these communities and surrounding areas and also the staff and students of the beneficiary schools under this project were trained in tsunami science and developing tsunami evacuation plans and procedures for their businesses, schools and the communities,” the emergency response agency said. Earlier this year, NEMO

DEM BOYS SEH MAKES INTERESTING READING AT TIMES DEAR EDITOR, I read an article by Kaieteur News “Dem Boys Seh...Berbice Bridge and Marriott is Jagdeo and ee friends cash cow....” (KN, 6th November 2018)”. It is an interesting article, but demonstrates a lack of understanding by Dem Boys Seh about how financing works in the real world. With regards to BBCI, Dem Boys Seh is demonstrating a total lack of business acumen. The writer(s) believe that control should go with ownership, when in fact ownership and control

are separate. I can name hundreds of companies where the Majority Shareholder does not have any direct control over the company and how the company functions. Many are listed on the US and UK Stock Exchanges.Ownership and control are two different things.Firstly, the point I am making here is that the view in Dem Boys Seh is that if you put up the most money you should have the most control over a company....which is erroneous thinking. The real world does not operate that way.

Secondly, in the USA, UK and the rest of the world, certain private investors are given preferential treatment over other investors with regards to their investment. It all depends on the type of shares you hold. Bondholders are given preferential treatment over ordinary shareholders with regard to who gets paid first. Thirdly, Dem Boys Seh Jagdeo is friends with the investor/s. Which Government in which world is not friendly to investors? Yours Faithfully, Sean Ori

conducted tsunami evacuation drills involving residents from several communities as part of “CARIBE WAVE 18”, the annual tsunami warning exercise for the Caribbean and adjacent regions. The Tsunami SMART Schools and Communities Project will end in December 2018 with the placement of tsunami signs in the beneficiary communities. The Unite d N a t i o n s says tsunamis are rare events, but can be extremely deadly. It notes that in the past 100 years, 58 tsunamis have claimed more than 260,000 lives, or an average of 4,600 per dis a s t e r, s u r p a s s i n g a n y other natural hazard. The highest number of deaths in that period was in the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. It caused an estimated 227,000 fatalities in 14 countries, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand being hardest-hit. At a building converted from an elementary school to a tsunami education centre after the March 2011 disaster, Yoshiaki Ootomo, assistant director of Sendai’s Disaster Risk Reduction Promotion Section, told participants in the 2018 Caribbean Pacific Journalists Programme that the tsunami claimed the lives of 10 per cent of Arahama’s 2,200 residents. All of the students and staff, along with residents who sought shelter at the school, were rescued. They had moved to the rooftop after the waters rose to the second floor of the building, one of the few that survived the tsunami’s onslaught. The death toll in Arahama and other areas could have been higher had it not been for the Sendai Bosai Leaders (SBL) — “bosai” being the Japanese word for “disaster preparedness”. The SBLs are at the apex of a network of 600 volunteers, with each SBL being in charge of 10 neighbourhood groups. These groups have been trained to respond in the event of a natural or man-

made disaster. Takeshita Hasegawa, an SBL, says that the groups help to manage evacuation centres and to ensure that evacuees are as comfortable as possible. In addition to community leaders, general knowledge of how to protect oneself and others also played a significant role in saving many lives. The director of Kaigan Park (Seaside Park) Adventure Field, Akira Nemoto, was at work when the tsunami came ashore at the park, located about a half mile from the coast.He said it was ironic that people came to the seaside park because of its location, although it was impossible to see the sea from there. The view was interrupted by the tall, dense pine trees — only a handful or so of which survived the 27-foot tsunami. But on that day when the tsunami came ashore, persons who were at the park heard the sound of the advancing waves as it mixed toppled pine trees with other debris into a soup of destruction that flattened almost everything in its path. A Self-Defense Forces helicopter rescued five persons, a dog, and a cat who had sought refuge at the highest elevation at the park. The park then remained closed until just three months ago, having been used as a temporary storage ground for debris. The park was also elevated so as to reduce the extent of flooding from any future tsunami. As in many Caribbean countries, the beach was a magnet for visitors in Arahama, which attracted 40,000 visitors the summer before the tsunami.Its technological advancements — including an early warning system — and frequent drills notwithstanding, Japan still recorded a high number of deaths as a result of the tsunami.But the country is drawing on the experience to prepare, and try to prevent another catastrophe should a similar event occur. Akira Saitou, assistant director of Sendai’s Disaster

Prevention Section, said that since the tsunami, 11 evacuation towers, each 33 feet high with concrete rooftop accessible by stairs and wheelchair access, have been constructed. Sasayashiki Tsunami Shelter in Arahama is a threestorey tower that can accommodate 300 people on the second floor and flat rooftop. Residents of Sendai are told that in the case of a tsunami warning, people should drive inland to higher ground, Saitou said.The evacuation towers are intended for persons who can get to them on foot within 15 minutes of a tsunami warning — or from as far as half a mile away. Soil liquefaction often occurs after an earthquake. According to the United States Geological Survey, this phenomenon occurs when saturated sand and silt take on the characteristics of a liquid during the intense shaking of an earthquake.This can cause buildings to collapse. Therefore, Arahama’s tsunami shelters are built on piles driven into the bedrock. The Sasayashiki tsunami shelter doubles as a facility for fire fighters. When not in use, the shelter is locked, but can be opened easily by breaking plastic sheeting near the lock. Vandalism of tsunami shelters is not a consideration in this country, where there is little crime and respect for public property is widespread.Inside the tsunami shelters, evacuees will find food and water enough for three meals for 300 persons. The food and water have a five-year shelf life. The centre is not intended as an emergency shelter, so people who flee there are expected to be evacuated elsewhere before a fourth meal is required.There are blankets, heating stoves complete with cans of gas to power them — should a tsunami strike in the winter — and an air conditioner should one occur during the summer. The shelter has solar panels on the roof and there is also an electricity generator.

Thursday November 08, 2018

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Contractor receives $45M to build doctor’s quarters in Port Kaituma - completes less than quarter of work The Auditor General has recommended that steps be taken to recover sums of money paid to a contractor who started work on a doctor’s quarters at Port Kaituma, Region One but failed to complete it. The contractor was hired to construct buildings for the Ministry of Public Health in Region One as far back as 2016. And according to information highlighted in the report, the contractor failed to complete the project despite being advanced more than 50% of the contract sums. The 2017 Auditor General’s report, noted that based on the ministry’s capital expenditure, the Doctors’ Quarters at the Port Kaituma Hospital Complex were not only incomplete but the works done were valued at far less than the money paid over to the contractor. “The contractor received payments totalling $45M or 72% of the contract sum as at 31 December 2016. Physical verification of the works on 30 August 2017 revealed that actual works measured only $14.768M or 24% of the contract sum,” the report said. According to the report, approval was granted by the National Procurement Tender Administration Board, (NPTAB) for the award of a contract in the sum of $458.341 M for the construction of doctors’ accommodation at the Port Kaituma Hospital Complex. The Engineers Estimate was for $62.291M. The contract was signed on July 19, 2016. The contract stipulated the commencement date of the project as 14 days after the signing, with a duration of 18 weeks and the defects liability period of six months. However, the works were not completed and there was

no evidence that extension time was granted to the contractor. As such, the Audit Office has recommended that the head of the budget agency present a letter of termination to the contractor to recover any amounts overpaid on the contract. Earlier this year Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, expressed dissatisfaction over the works at the new Port Kaituma Hospital. The Minister, following a visit to the Region One health facility, admitted, “We are a little disappointed with a few areas…the doctors and nurses quarters. We are having challenges with the contractors but those are matters we will deal with in the coming week.” However, the ongoing works are not all disappointing as the Minister has also shared her satisfaction with all other aspects. “We are at the stage where we are happy with the performances of the other contractors…their works are about 80 per cent completed.” The Minister said, “We are going to make a few adjustments and that will be done by a team that will meet in the upcoming week so that we can ensure that we can put all the finishing touches.” While the main building of the hospital was long completed by R. Bassoo and Sons Construction Company, it was revealed in April that the works being undertaken by six other contractors were lagging behind. The contractors were given three months to complete their respective works. The contractors responsible for other aspects of the project are Alvin Chowritmootoo, N and A Constructions, Cummings Electrical, Satar Mohamed

A contractor was paid $45M of taxpayers’ money to build these buildings but completed less than quarter of the work on the project and Son Construction and Hardware Supplies, J. R. Edmondson Building Works and Integrated Works. The Supervisory Consultancy

firm for the project is Kalitech Inc. While Chowritmootoo is tasked with completing the mortuary and administration building, N and A Construc-

tions are responsible for the Infectious Diseases building. Cummings Electrical is tasked with the electrical works, Satar Mohamed has responsibility

for construction of the nurses’ quarters and J. R. Edmondson has been contracted to construct the doctors’ quarters.

Jagdeo to go to police on D’Urban Park spending Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo intends to take the findings of the Auditor General on the Government’s spending as it relates to the controversial D’Urban Park Stadium to the police. The former Head of State made this clear at a press conference that was held yesterday at his Church Street Office. There, Jagdeo reminded that his party had filed private criminal charges against Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, on

the matter but these were subsequently thrown out by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack. He recalled, too, that the DPP had bemoaned the fact that the matter was not sent to the police. Now that the Auditor General’s latest report is out, and a number of discrepancies were found with the project, Jagdeo said that the matter will be taken to the police and the DPP will be asked to relook at the case. In his report, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, noted that as at December 31, 2017,

amounts totaling $1.150B were expended on the D’Urban Park project. However, Payment Vouchers to support the expenditure of $107.119M were not produced for audit examination. As such, Sharma said that the completeness, accuracy, and validity of this amount could not be determined. In addition, the Auditor General pointed out that the amount of $500M was paid to Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI), the private company that was created to implement the D’Urban Park Project. This was paid over to

the company so that it could meet its obligation to its creditors. However, Sharma found that there was no documentation attached to the Payment Vouchers to indicate the works done or that supervisory checks were carried out on the works. He highlighted too that there was no (Continued on page 22)

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Thursday November 08, 2018

Health Ministry statistics show decline in under-five mortality rates The mortality rate of children under five is on the decline. At least this is based on preliminary statistics from the Statistical Unit of the Ministry of Public Health which show the number of mortalities between the period 2014 and 2017. The mortality rates are classified in three categories – neonatal, infant and 0-5. While in 2014 there was a total of 202 neonatal deaths, infant mortality amounted to 286. However, deaths of children under five recorded by the Ministry were 38. In 2015 there was a notable decline of neonatal deaths amounting to 191, and

infant deaths also decreased to 263. In the under five mortality category, the recorded number of deaths increased by one. But by 2016, the Ministry was able to record decreases in all three categories reflected by the 125 neonatal deaths, 162 infant deaths and a mere 24 under five deaths. The numbers further decreased in 2017 with 67 neonatal deaths being recorded, 101 infant deaths and just 16 under five deaths. Despite the decline, the statistics reveal that the deaths over the four-year period continued to be highest in Region Four. This

development, however, could easily be linked to the fact that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] is the only referral institution in Region Four and has been catering to regional cases as well. But the Ministry is nevertheless boasting of the overall noticeable decline in the child mortality rates. According to information provided by Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, the decline in these deaths has been attributed to the deliberate attempts being made by the Public Health Ministry to improve infant and child health here in

Guyana. In this regard the Ministry has been directing focus to specialists training. In fact according to the Senior Public Health Minister, “It is our target that every hospital will have specialists in the areas of paediatrics, surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology.” According to Minister Lawrence, already the Ministry has started to bring on board an increased number of specialists. The Public Health Minister’s disclosure came as part of her response presented to the National Assembly to questions posed by People’s Progressive Party [PPP] Member of Parliament, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. However the Ministry’s efforts have not been limited to specialist training as, according to the Minister, “Ongoing efforts will continue to ensure supporting staff are trained especially in the areas of Helping Babies Breathe, Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses, Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support so that complications will continue to be managed adequately.” Added to this, the Minister said that with an

Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank loan, her Ministry will be looking to purchase equipment for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and the We s t Demerara Regional Hospital which will see the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at these facilities benefiting. As she amplified that h e r M i n i s t r y, a n d b y extension Government, will continue to make strides to improve infant and child health within the country Minister Lawrence embraced the preliminary data from her Ministry’s Statistical Unit which suggest that deaths

among this population continue to decrease. She, however, noted that “though it is our desire that every child has the opportunity to survive into adulthood, we acknowledge that there are many areas within the system that need improvement, hence our continued efforts to ensure universal access and coverage.” In this quest, the Minister said efforts will be continued to decrease the inequities of the coastland and hinterland by further enhancing the services that are available at the hospitals and primary health care facilities.

Man remanded for rape of girl, 13 Odinga Greene, called ‘Dingo’, who was freed twice on two murder charges was yesterday back before a City Magistrate, this time to face a rape charge. Greene, 41, of 17 Station Street, Kitty, is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl. A teary-eyed Greene was not required to plead to the indictable cha r g e w h i c h stated that between November 1, and November 30, 2016, he engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16. Facts presented by the Court Prosecutor stated that on the day in question, the teen was home alone when Greene forced his way into her room and raped her. The Prosecutor made serious objections to bail being granted to Greene citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. The Prosecutor also cited the penalty the offence attracts and the fact that the victim was 13 when the incident occurred. The court heard that if Greene is granted bail there is a likelihood that he will

Remanded to prison Odinga Greene tamper with the victim. The Magistrate after listening to the Prosecutor facts remanded Greene to prison. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on November 21 for report. Greene, on exiting the prisoner’s chute shouted, “ Wi t h a l l t h e m o n e y I spend on the girl this is how y’all gone repay me.” According to informa-

tion, Greene was freed twice of two separate murders. He was on trial for the murder of 28-year-old Nazalene Mohamed, of Lot 1 East Ruimveldt Front Road which occurred between February 2 and February 12, 2007. He was represented by Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes. Greene had also been convicted of the murder of Sandra Harvey on April 26, 2004, and was sentenced to death by Justice Dawn Gregory. On appeal, a retrial was ordered by the Guyana Court of Appeal and this was done before Justice Jaynarayan Singh who upheld no case submissions and freed Greene on May 12, 2005. Three years later, Greene was before the Courts again, this time charged with Mohamed’s murder. In both cases, Greene admitted taking the women to Linden where they were both found bou n d a n d strangled. He gave statements in which he claimed in both cases that the women were left with “a man”. Harvey was murdered between December 9 and December 12, 1999. Greene was subsequently found with her jewellery. His defence was that she had given it to him.

Thursday November 08, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Disrespecting Diwali Diwali is being disrespected. The latest outrage was at a Rangoli event hosted at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, where a Christian activist invaded the event and proceeded to lecture those participating about her religious beliefs. That was a ‘hostile’ act against university students taking part in a Diwali-related activity. It should be punishable as a criminal offence. Unfortunately, it will not because despite all the braggadocio about religious freedom, there are no local laws which can punish the actions of that individual who disrespected a Hindu custom. Guyana has created an offence of exciting hostility and ill-will on the basis of race. In fact, former President

Bharrat Jagdeo was charged privately for this offence for merely exposing the then opposition party’s tactics on Election Day 2015. The High Court rubbished the charge against Jagdeo but he faced the humiliation of having to appear in Court to answer a charge which had no merit. Persons can nevertheless be successfully prosecuted, once the evidence is there, for exciting racial hostility and disaffection. There is, however, no similar charge when it comes to exciting religious disaffection. And it is time one is created to prevent the occurrence of what took place last week at the Turkeyen Campus of the UniversityofGuyana.Therearelawsagainst discrimination on the basis of religion but exciting disaffection is

not discrimination. Last week’s occurrence is not the first time that a Hindu observance at the University of Guyana was disrupted. A few years ago, a similar activity at the University was disrupted when a group which included hooligans decided to start a basketball game on the tarmac where a Rangoli activity was being held. So last week’s intrusion is not a singular development at the university. The University of Guyana ought to have expelled those students who disrupted the Rangoli activity with their basketball game. It constituted scant regard for the Hindu community at the University of Guyana. It was a disgraceful and inconsiderate intrusion

Dem boys seh ...

One crook trying to lock up some odda crook This is de first time de people gun hear that de Berbice Bridge does mek money. From de time de bridge open when Jagdeo was president, all de people who had money in de bridge use to tell people how de bridge not mekking money. Is because it wasn’t mekking money that dem seh dem have to raise de toll. Every time Jagdeo or de NIS hold a press conference dem reporters use to ask bout de NIS investment and when it gun get its money. Yesterday Jagdeo tell reporters that de Bridge does mek money and how de Bridge people didn’t have to raise de toll. But dem boys seh that is only part of de story. He now claiming that de Government don’t have to tek control of de bridge. This is wheh de sweetness start. Dem boys done know that Jagdeo and nuff of he friends got money in de bridge. Now that de government tek over it mean that dem gun see how much money de bridge does mek and how much people does collect dem bonus when de year come. Is only today Jagdeo announce that two group does mek money. One group name Bond One and de odda one name Bond Two.

Dem don’t have no odda name. De government minister seh he been trying fuh years to find out who name Bond One and Bond Two and he can’t find out. Jagdeo try to tell dem reporter yesterday that NIS is Bond One and NIS is Bond Two. If you see money wha dem get. Dem boys now understand how greedy people can get. De Bridge People never fix one pontoon wha keeping de bridge afloat. De government seh it always offer to fix de pontoon but de bridge people refuse. People now believe dem wanted de bridge to collapse suh government woulda give dem back dem money wid interest. Plus dem woulda claim insurance money. De sorry gun come out now. But de Chat3 vex. He carrying de government to court fuh tekking de bridge. Dem boys waiting fuh de outcome. Jagdeo tekking de government to court too but he going to de police first. He reporting how some government people thief de D’Urban Park money. Dem boys seh he gun get lock up as soon as he foot pass de station gat. Talk half and watch crooks fight

which should have been severely punished by expulsion of those involved. The University of Guyana needs to take action to protect future Hindu activities on campus from similar disruption. No one has ever been accused on campus on disrupting a Christian or Muslim activity so why should Hindus be the eye pass on campus. Disruptions of religious observances can get ugly. In 2008, there was a horrific firecracker attack on residents of Alexander Village. The village is usually thronged by persons interested in viewing the illuminated homes. But the situation got grossly out- of- hand when residents’ home and even the Hindu temple came under siege by persons firing off explosive squibs. For more

than five years after, the police had to be deployed to ensure an orderly “lightingup” celebration. Firecrackers have long been associated with celebrations of Diwali. In fact, the Supreme Court of India has refused to ban the use of firecrackers during Diwali but has placed limitations on noise pollution caused by firecrackers and the times during which they can be used. There were more firecrackers exploding than diyas lit during this year’s Diwali in Guyana. Hindus are also complicit in the use of firecrackers. The excessive use of firecrackers can lead to a repeat of Diwali might in 2008 when Alexander Village was laid siege by exploding firecrackers. In Guyana, firecrackers are illegal but that has not stopped its availability. The

police have not done much to prevent the use of firecrackers which are reportedly being sold openly in our markets and in shops around the country. Diwali is a festival of the largest religious group in Guyana. People should respect the festival. Attempts at disruption should invite sanctions under the law. At the same time, a serious debate needs to be initiated about the use of firecrackers to celebrate religious festivals. If it is illegal under the law it should not be encouraged period. And those trying to disrupt religious festivals should face jail time.

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Thursday November 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The Freudian ghost in Moses Nagamootoo’s mind This is what Moses Nagamootoo wrote recently; “This village (Whim)… has long been a PPP stronghold. It is unlikely that this could change any time soon. But what will never change is that my navel string is buried in this area– in Whim. So in spite of political outcomes at the polls, I will always render whatever assistance my villagers need. They wanted street lights and road lamps. They got them. This is an incomprehensible statement. It is also an assertion of determinism in politics that does not

exist (I guess only for Nagamootoo). A village or city or in a federal system like India or the US, a state has no deterministic, political loyalty that cannot be surmounted. Ethnic loyalty is a different matter. But even in this realm there is no permanency of embrace because a rival ethnic party can dislodge its traditional rival as we see in places like India and Israel. If N a g a m o o t o o e x a m ines where Obama won in 2008, he would see that Obama took states that voted solidly for Republican politicians since the sixties.

Policewoman in custody after allegedly dousing man with acid A policewoman is in custody after allegedly dousing a male acquaintance with a corrosive substance. Sources identified the victim as Anthony Paul of Buxton, East Coast Demerara. He is reportedly hospitalized with burns to the face and upper body. According to reports, the two were in a car prior to the incident. When Paul exited the vehicle, the rank allegedly doused him with a corrosive substance, said to be battery acid.

Nagamootoo’s conceptualization of Whim makes no sense and is almost foolish in the light of the results of the 2011 general elections. He t o o k W h i m f r o m t h e P P P. What Nagamootoo has done by making the observation that Whim will remain a PPP outpost for a long time to come is to obfuscate his failure as a politician for which he has destroyed any potential for the birth of a legacy. It was a Freudian admission that he failed the expectations both history and Guyana. Ironically, the rise to power of Moses Nagamootoo has destroyed his lifelong work in Guyana. He lost Whim in 2015 in general elections, lost it again in LGE in 2016 and will lose it again in LGE in 2018. He will further lose it in the national poll of 2020. Why did he win it in 2011 and subsequently lost all other contests? The general factor analysts will cite East Indian rejection of the AFC merger with the PNC. They saw APNU as the PNC. The 2015 PPP defeat

was so razor thin that such an argument is essentially valid. The AFC managed to secure the ballots of a small percentage of disgruntled East Indians who wanted to see the back of the PPP. But even that small number never anticipated the AFC’s repugnant exercise of state power after 2015. Herein lies the reason for Whim’s (and by extension all of Guyana) rejection of Nagamootoo. The coalition was now a fact. There was nothing AFC constituencies could have done after 2015 but hope for the best. But not even a tiny part of the best came. Nagamootoo should be ashamed of himself in his contempt for the Whim folks. They are not stupid people. They read like all other Guyanese wherever they are. They know their son became the Prime Minister and has no power. They know who the people with real power are. They read what the newspapers and the analysts say about N a g a m o o t o o ’s l a c k o f power.

They read about Nagamootoo’s own party, the AFC, wanting to trim the large jurisdictions of Minister Harmon. They know about the AFC wanting to renegotiate the Cummingsburg Accord. The know about the scandal at the Chronicle where two iconic Guyanese who are Moses’s friends since the seventies were stopped from writing in the Chronicle The reason why Whim is a PPP stronghold in 2018 is not because of determinism in politics or the fantastical magic of the PPP that Nagamootoo thinks exists. The PPP lost Whim in 2011. The PPP lost power since 2015. Whim’s son, Moses is the Prime Minister. So why is Whim still a PPP conquest and according to Nagamootoo will remain like that for a long time? It is a question that Nagamootoo must honestly debate will Guyanese political observers. Nagamootoo, in expanding on Whim’s loyalty to the PPP, made a strange (a harsher word could be

Frederick Kissoon stupid) observation. He wrote; “They wanted street lights and road lamps. They got them.” So if they got these things from their son why are they still clinging to the party that is in opposition? This runs against the essence of political theory. A party is in opposition but still controls a village where the Prime Minister was born and ethnic difference does not come into play since the PPP is Indian and Moses is Indian too. Is it not the party in power that has the resources to share out the goodies while the opposition has nothing to offer? That is political theory. Moses has turned such theory on its head.

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Kaieteur News

Govt. still adrift on oil and gas – Jagdeo O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Bharrat Jagdeo has said that there continues to be an absence of effective policy direction from Government in the oil and gas sector. “We are drifting now in t h i s c o u n t r y. We d o n ’t know who is in charge. We just seem to be swaying in the wind. I don’t know what is happening in the oil and gas sector. “The president personally took it over. We can get no clarity on any major matter,” Jagdeo told the media yesterday. Instead of the important issues in oil and gas being discussed at the national level, Jagdeo said that the Government has sidetracked the media and the rest of the country with issues surrounding the management of the Berbice River Bridge. He addressed the establishment of the Natural Resources Fund, which is one element of a management framework for the sector. Jagdeo reminded of his party’s position that there should be no Government involvement in the management of the funds. However, Government’s intention is to have the fund managed via the Central

Bank with critical appointments for the funds managerial structure being undertaken by the Minister of Finance. Government’s Green Paper on the fund states that the Ministry of Finance will manage requested withdrawal from the fund in the annual budget proposal. The Ministry will also be responsible for calculating the fiscally sustainable amount, drafting the investment mandate, and entering into the operational agreement with the Bank of Guyana. Additionally, the Green Paper highlights that the Ministry of Finance will appoint a five-member Macroeconomic Committee, which will determine the economically sustainable amount for the fund. Further, the intention is to have the Minister also appoint a seven-member Sovereign Investment Committee, which would be responsible for advising the Minister about the fund’s investment mandate. “The fund is being dominated by the Government; therefore we are opposed to that. We want an independently managed Sovereign Wealth Fund that is insulated,” Jagdeo

Suspected Trafficking Victim resurfaces in Venezuela Josephine Alexandra Marcano Gil, who was thought to be a victim of trafficking from Venezuela to Guyana has resurfaced in Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela. Speaking to Venezuelan Press and The Representatives of the Guyanese Community of Venezuela (RCGV), Marcano denies that she was missing and that she was involved in an illegal trafficking ring believed to be orchestrated by Guyanese.

40

Marcano had been the subject of immense controversy when her grandmother Zulma del Carmen Almeida, reported that she travelled to Guyana and failed to make contact. Local Authorities in Ciudad Guayana had suspected that she was missing and was trafficked with other missing women, by Guyanese nationals to Guyana. Venezuelan Police are currently investigating the matter.

noted. He stated that the fund should also include simple fiscal rule where everyone understands it and how to get resources from the fund. He said oftentimes, such funds cater for excess reserve, but in Guyana’s case, the government is running a very low reserve that is less than three months of imports. “We may have to spend a couple of years using all the money we receive from ExxonMobil just to build up back our reserve,” Jagdeo warned.

Government has also been criticised for not implementing the Petroleum Commission Bill and finalizing a local content framework. All of this as Guyana prepares for first commercial oil production by early 2020. The Government said it will be ready in time and has placed much confidence in the recently established Department of Energy in the Ministry of Presidency which will have direct oversight from President David Granger.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

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Funding continues to impact HIV/AIDS fight in Region – regional meeting hears The HIV/AIDS response in the Region is continuing to experience a funding crisis. This notion was recently amplified by Dr. James Guwani, who shared that between 2006 and 2017 international resources in the region decreased by 16 percent. Dr. Guwani is the Team Leader and Senior Advisor of the Fast Track, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/ AIDS [UNAIDS] for the Caribbean Sub Regional office. In 2017, just under half of the money needed to finance the achievement of the Fast Track programme in the region was not even available, Dr. Guwani told the gathering at the recently concluded regional meeting on ending AIDS in Kingston, Jamaica. The meeting, which was made possible through the collaboration of the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS [PANCAP] and the Pan American Health Organization [PAHO], saw the

The participants of the recently concluded Regional Meeting on HIV/AIDS. attendance of key health officials and other stakeholders involved in the HIV/AIDS fight. Moreover, the meeting

was one that saw Dr. Guwani advocating that even as stakeholders negotiate with international partners, a message must be sent to Govern-

ments within the Region that there must be full funding for the AIDS response. Even as he considered that the regional meeting on Ending AIDS falls at the halfway point to 2020, he added, “That’s a deadline the global community agreed upon for meeting targets that will set us on a course to end the

AIDS epidemic.” Dr. Guwani not only commended PANCAP Director, Dereck Springer, but PAHO, too, for their leadership in sharing the vision of a region without AIDS. He noted that their commitment to exploring the scientific as well as social dimensions of the challenge is invaluable, particularly now

that the 2020 Fast-Track target is approaching. The Fast-Track target is one that speaks to the reduction of new HIV infections to fewer than 500,000 people globally by 2020. Through the 2016 Political Declaration on ending AIDS, the community of nations (Continued on page 23)

Education Ministry loses $$ millions in overpayment to staff - AG report Each year, millions of dollars are expended on the payment of staff attached to each Ministry and Government agency. And in some cases, Government employees are overpaid by millions of dollars. This situation was highlighted in the Auditor General Report of 2017. According to the AG report, the situation has left Government agencies like the Ministry of Education still attempting to recover sums overpaid to staff and teachers. The document stipulated that under the Ministry of Education, overpayment of net salaries totaled $5M and related deductions totaled over $1.464 M. According to the report, the sums are still to be recovered from the overpaid parties. In response to queries from the AG, the Education Ministry noted that that notices were placed in the print media for persons overpaid between 2010 2015 to make contact with the Ministry. “ T he last notice was placed in September 2018. The Ministry had also written to the Ministry of Finance seeking to determine whether any of the persons overpaid were still in the employ of the Government, and if so,

whether they were entitled to pension/gratuity,” the Education Ministry said in response to the queries. The Ministry further noted that that steps are still being taken to recover the overpaid salaries and deductions. The Audit Office has therefore made several recommendations relating to recovering the sums. The office recommended that the Ministry take stringent action to recover the outstanding sums. But should all avenues be exhausted, the AG recommended that Ministry should seek the requisite approval to write-off the losses resulting from the overpayment of net salaries and its related deductions. The Education Ministry had been cited by the Auditor General several years ago for a number of deficiencies, such as failure to recover several millions of dollars in overpaid salaries, bank accounts with overdrafts of millions not being reconciled and overpayments to contractors among others. According to the report that was recently tabled in the National Assembly by the Speaker of the House, in 2007, a total of 375 pay change directives for resignations, re-

tirements, dismissals and transfers were forwarded late to the Central Accounting Unit of the Ministry, resulting in overpaid net salaries totaling $10.7M and deductions amounting to $4.549M. Some $6.1M was recovered, leaving $4.6M and the deductions. It was also pointed out that a similar situation occurred in 2006 and $3.9M as well as an undetermined amount of deductions remains outstanding. It was also highlighted that the Ministry has still not taken the necessary steps to ensure that cheque orders are carefully monitored and cleared within the stipulated time-frame through the submission of bills, receipts and other supporting documents. For the year 2007, there were 60 cheque orders totaling $11.4M that were outstanding and this was compounded by an outstanding balance of 52 orders valued at $1.2M for the years 2004 to 2006. Back then, the Auditor General had pointed out that the Ministry’s old main bank account, which became nonoperational in May 1996, was overdrawn by $78.2M as at 31 December, 2007 and the account had not been reconciled.

Thursday November 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Security guard charged with attempted murder

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Rondell Mitchell, a 30year-old security guard of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, was yesterday made to answer to an attempted murder charge. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge that was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrate Courts. The charge stated that on October 28, 2018 at Meadow Bank Fishery wharf, Mitchell discharged a firearm at Sherwin Anderson, Romario Nurse and Aquacie Harvey, with intent to commit murder. Police facts stated that on the day in question, about 09:30hrs, the victims were at the fishery wharf when Mitchell took out his cell phone and took a picture of Harvey. Harvey then asked him why he took a photograph of him and Mitchell became annoyed and pulled out a 9mm Glock pistol and fired several shots in their direction. Harvey was shot to the abdomen in the process and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital

Remanded Rondell Mitchell where he underwent emergency surgery. At the time of the hearing Harvey is still a patient at the institution. Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail being granted citing the seriousness of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded Mitchell to prison and further instructed him to return to court on November 28.

Jagdeo to go to police... From page 7 certification to show that the works were satisfactorily completed. Sharma said that the list of HDI creditors and Government’s proposed payment allocation to each creditor was attached to the Payment Vouchers. In the circumFOR SALE Combines 7300 John Deere (2000hrs), Fiatagri L413 (2500hrs), Laverda 132 & Tractors: Massey 399, Fiat 110/90, Ford 6610-Call: 6952220, 338-4354 VACANCY DemBake at Land of Canaan is seeking experienced Drivers and Sales agents. Tel#2665848 Female cleaner office & home age 25 to 50. Call: 233-2745 Maid for East Bank area to cook & clean age 25-50. Call: 614-4358 Tool room clerk, Welder/ Fabricator, Male cleaner, MechanicApply at Technical Services Lot 18-23 Industrial Site, Eccles Vacancy for domestic maid & part time cook. Call: 231-0734 Pump attendant (Shift 6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Submit Application: Shell Service Station Providence EBD. E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com

stances, the Auditor General said that the correctness, accuracy and validity of the payments made could not be determined. Sharma said that his Office wrote the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on July 19, last, requesting documentation detailing the works done, supervisory checks of the said works, as well as certification that works were satisfactorily completed. The Head of the Budget Agency later explained that the Ministry was not involved in the operations of HDI; hence, it did not have any information detailing supervisory checks or their methodology of determining that works were satisfactorily completed. At the time of his report, Sharma said that his Office was still conducting its investigations into the case. Picture saved in Thursday as Jagdeo

Berbice Car... From page 19 resides at 'C' Hadfield Street. Police Prosecution objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and that the men had similar matters in the court. He added that if they were granted bail they may not return to court. Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore refused bail and instructed the men to return to court on November 28.

Thursday November 08, 2018

PPP Member of Parliament alleges assault in the presence of police - attack caught on video With local government elections just a few days away, tensions are flaring. One People’s Progressive Party/Civic Region Five candidate and Member of Parliament, Harry Gill, is claiming that he was assaulted by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Deputy Chief Scrutineer, Carol Joseph at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice. Gill told this publication that he recorded the assault. In a video clip Joseph is standing some distance away with some other persons ranting and in a matter of minutes she charged towards Gill with a length of chain in her right hand while shouting, “Aye bai move from deh, move from deh”. She slammed into him, hitting his phone out of his hand. The Member of Parliament told this publication that he managed to grab his phone before it fell to the ground. At the same time, he was asking the officer who was present, Inspector Clay Rose, if he saw that Joseph assaulted him. The inspector reportedly acknowledged that he saw what took place and he advised Gill to file a report at the Fort Wellington Police Station. In a statement to the police the MP stated that on Wednesday, November 7, last, at approximately 11:45 am he was standing on the tarmac, in proximity to the Region Five monument at the back of the GECOM building at Fort Wellington. He was a part of a delegation that included Joseph that

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Harry Gill had just brought up the GECOM containers along with other local government election material. According to him, he was standing and speaking with a GECOM official from the region when Joseph ventured over to his end and stood listening in on the conversation. “I said to myself, let me record because you don’t know how it is going to end. I did it for my own protection”. Gill said it was at that point that an APNU councillor informed her he was videoing and she rushed over to him, “The woman barged right into me and chucked and slammed into me”. The MP stated that the chain she had in her possession gave him a scratch on his wrist when she slammed into his body in the presence of others and Inspector Rose. “I did not want to take chances. She had the chain because we were supposed to put on a chain on the containers that

we brought up and so she had an extra chain. She had it in her left hand and she moved it from left to right in a threatening way. “The chain gave me a scratch on the wrist. If I was a bad person, I would have said that my chest was hurting etc. She could have damaged my phone and glasses. She did it in the presence of Inspector Rose and when he approached her, she walked away. “I spoke to Inspector Rose and asked him if he saw what she did, and he admitted that he did, and I thanked him. He then told me to make a report at the Fort Wellington Police Station nearby”. Gill who is also a Justice of Peace (JP), revealed to this publication that Joseph has always been abusive towards him, “since I was the one who exposed her drug addiction.” “I had records of her using it every day and I had reported this to the Guyana Medical Council which is currently under investigation. The matter was widely publicized, and she was asked to resign as a councillor by her party, so she had it out for me for a long time” he said. Gill confirmed with this publication that he has since filed a report with the police and will be going ahead to have charges laid against Joseph. The Commander of B’ Division Paul Langevine told Kaieteur News that he was unaware of the incident but will ask the sub-divisional officer in Region Five to brief him on the matter. A follow up call to Langevine on the alleged incident went unanswered.

Funding continues to impact HIV... From page 12 agreed to adopt a Fast-Track strategy that involves increasing prevention, testing, and treatment services while working to eliminate stigma and discrimination. Central to this goal, Dr. Guwani said are the 90-90-90 Treatment Targets. This proposes that by 2020 at least 90 percent of people living with HIV infection should be diagnosed, at least 90 percent of HIV infected patients should be on treatment and at least 90 percent of those on treatment should achieve virological suppression. It is believed that by achieving the target by 2020 it will allow for a 90 percent reduction inAIDSrelated mortality and HIV incidence by 2030 and help to eliminate this disease as a public health threat. But according to Dr. Guwani, “Here in the Caribbean, the AIDS response is at a precarious point.” He added, “There has been partial success in saving lives and stopping new HIV infections, but the pace of progress is not matching global ambition. According to new data published earlier this year in the UNAIDS 2018 Global AIDS Update, there were an estimated 310,000 People Living with HIV [PLHIV] in the Caribbean at the end of 2017.” He informed that 73 percent of PLHIV in the region were aware of their status while 79 percent of diagnosed people were on treatment. Dr. Guwani expressed his concern that the region lags behind the world in terms of viral suppression rates. “Our 70 percent in 2017 compares to a global average of 81 percent,” he emphasized.

He further stated that to reach the targets that will set the Caribbean on track to end AIDS, the Region must close the gaps in testing and treatment. “The gap to achieving the testing target – 90 percent of all people living with HIV diagnosed – was 54, 800 people in 2017,” stated Dr. Guwani. He disclosed too that “The gap to achieving the second target – 90 percent of diagnosed people on treatment – was 74,700 people. And the gap to achieving the third target – 90 percent of people on treatment virally suppressed – was 103,000 people”. Dr. Guwani urged that the Region increase its use of proven strategies such as community-led services for early diagnosis, enrolment in treatment, retention in care and treatment adherence. He advocated that combination prevention must be a priority, with more countries “making use of the full arsenal at our disposal to reduce new infections including biomedical, behavioral and structural interventions.” “Make no mistake: stigma and discrimination and restrictive laws and policies continue to be the biggest obstacle to ending AIDS in the Caribbean, particularly for young people and members of key population communities.” He therefore amplified that the regional meeting allowed for “a critical opportunity for further collaboration between governments, civil society and the faith community towards building an enabling environment.”

Vehicles donated by the People’s Republic of China inspected

The motorcycles and ATV’s that were donated The fleet of vehicles donated by the People’s Republic of China last year to B’ Division was yesterday subjected to an inspection by the officer in charge of traffic in the Division. The ten Foton Tunland double-cab 4 by 4, six motorcycles and two ATV’s were washed, cleaned and put on display for the inspection. Commander of the Division, Paul Langevine, said that yesterday marked one year since the vehicles were donated and with that they thought it best to carry out the inspection to ensure that the vehicles are in “tip top shape”. Traffic Officer for the Division, Timothy Williams, explained that a total of 10 pickups were allocated to the di-

vision with two that were on duty at the time of the inspection. He stated, “For us to maintain the standard of these vehicles, every week they are inspected at the various subdivisions and at the end of the month all of these vehicles are required to come to headquarters where we would conduct the general inspection so that whatever defects are identified can be remedied almost immediately”. He added that based on the inspection, the vehicles and motorcycles were “fairly okay and they are working well”. Williams assured that the vehicles will continue to be maintained and kept up to standard. The Commander told the media that since the vehicles were handed over to the divi-

sion they have assisted tremendously with crime fighting. “I have only been here for a few weeks but since I am here most of the stations are in possession of vehicles and they are able to traverse the areas more comfortably. But we will never have enough vehicles. The more vehicles you get will cover the areas more”. December last year one of the vehicles that were donated to the division, was driven by a police rank, when it collided with a car along the Canje Public Road. It was just a day after it was donated by the Chinese. The vehicle was repaired shortly after and the rank was charged departmentally for the damage caused.

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Thursday November 08, 2018

Thursday November 08, 2018

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Ma vs ffinall inall y put a way Annual Diamond Mineral Water Mavs inally aw ds Wizar izards ds,, halt skid a att 6 Cycle Road Race set for November 18 The Dallas Mavericks made their home fans hold their breath in the fourth quarter before holding on with a late surge to snap a six-game losing skid with a 119-100 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. Dallas was on its way to a laugher in the second quarter with a lead that bulged to as many as 24 points and was 70-49 at halftime.But as the Wizards got off to a 7-0 start to the third quarter, and then kept chipping away, the Mavs might have started thinking about the 26-point lead they lost earlier this season at Atlanta. Behind hot shooting from Otto Porter Jr., and a spurt from John Wall, who finished

with a game-high 24 points, Washington made it 97-91 with 7:04 to go. Dallas called timeout and then went on a 15-5 run spurred by Dennis Smith Jr. to put the game on ice.The Wizards, coming off just their second win of the season Sunday against New York, came out sleepwalking, allowing Dallas to score 35 points in each of the first and second quarters, and were outscored by 31 points combined in the first half from behind the arc and at the free throw line.Mavs guard Wesley Matthews fueled the early lead with 14 of his 22 points coming in the first half, including going 5 of 5 from the 3-point arc before finish-

ing 5 of 8.Smith emerged late with several important hustle plays that produced baskets for himself or a teammate. He finished with 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Rookie Luka Doncic led Dallas in scoring with 23 points, plus six rebounds and three assists, and Harrison Barnes finished with 19 points. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith provided 11 points, including three 3pointers, off the bench. Porter, who hit 5 of 6 from beyond the arc, and Bradley Beal, just 7 of 17 from the floor, each had 19 points. Those two and Wall were the only Wizards to score in double figures. (Field Level Media)

Thursday November 08, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some differences of opinion concerning your love life are likely to come up today, Aries. For example, you may find your beloved taking more liberties than you allow yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you're waiting for someone to come and fill all of your needs, emotional ones in particular, you may have to wait a very long time! You're responsible for fulfilling your own needs, Libra.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) his day isn't likely to be the highlight of your week, Taurus. You may be aware of constraints at work or home. You're quite likely to hanker for an appropriate reward for your labor.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you have children, their difficulties may remind you of your own, Scorpio. Or it may simply be that their education brings back memories of yours.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may be that you've been a bit too stubborn lately. You've been doing whatever you want, giving no consideration to financial constraints.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't spend beyond your means today, Sagittarius! If you happen to be in a crowd of enthusiastic shoppers, it could be disastrous for your finances if you get caught up in the frenzy.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may find yourself in a situation where you need to choose whether or not to commit to a relationship, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is going to be a great day for y o u , L e o . Yo u aren't one to embrace rules, constraints, or restrictions of any kind, preferring instead to reside in a fantasy world where no limitations apply. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) It's important that you abandon the myth that you don't have any gifts or talents, Virgo. Consider thinking about your talents in the same way you think about your body.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Minor tensions could arise today, Capricorn. People close to you, perhaps your mate or parents, seem to be trying to force you to adopt a behavior that you aren't at all willing to follow. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The mood may be oppressive today, Aquarius. After meeting the challenges of the past several days, you're now in need of some well-deserved peace and quiet! PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) This isn't a day for sensitive people like you, Pisces. In fact, the one who shouts the loudest and bangs on the table the hardest is likely to come out the winner today.

On Sunday 18th November the 19th Annual Diamond Mineral Water 46 miles Cycle Road Race will be stages starting at 08:30hrs. Cyclists will pedal off from the Demerara Harbour Bridge proceed to Parika and back to the starting point for the finish. Prizes will be presented to the first six seniors, oldest cyclist and top three in the Juniors, Veterans and Mountain bike categories. Also, 8 prime prizes will be on offer for the riders to cash in on. The event is sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Organised by National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohammed, MS. Last year’s winners were: Seniors: Jamaul John (2hrs, 14 mins)

Juniors: Curtis Dey (now in the senior category) Veterans: Paul Choo-weenam Mountain Bike: Ozia McAully All the above mentioned

are expected to be on hand to defend their respective titles and keen competition is anticipated. Larry Wills of DDL and staff will be on hand to the present prizes.

Ramchand Auto Spares joins GMR&SC Ignite

Gentle continues dream... From page 29 had won the tournament. Simon had 3-23. At Enterprise, Lower Corentyne beat Georgetown by 156 runs after Lower Corentyne scored 176- 4 in 20 overs. Shana Simon top scored with 32, while Niveena Ramnauth supported with 25. Bowling for Georgetown, Emalissa Whyte picked up 335. Georgetown crumbled for

20-8 in 7 overs as Ramnauth ripped through the batting line up with 5-8, while Anisa Samaroo supported with 3-11. In the second game at Enterprise, East Coast scored 163-3 in their 20 overs with MVP Shemika Edwards stroking an unbeaten 51, while Sarah Amin (14) was also not out as Britney Mc Ally and Shenea Leitch picked up two a wicket each. Upper Corentyne in response struggled to 101 for 8 in 20 overs with Shaina Fraser top scoring with 11. National U-19 player Sarah Amin grabbed 2-14. (Sean Devers)

Ramchand Auto Spares... From pagge 31 States and Europe.The two days of racing action will feature competition in the Street and Sport Tuner class as well as the CHOKE Starlet Cup, street Cross Motor-Cycles and the 125cc Lightweight Bikes. On the regional scene, the Groups 2-4 action as well as the superstock, and the Radical Caribbean Cup are expected to feature over the two days of action. Tickets for the 27-race programme are on sale at the cost of $2500; children $1000 at B.M. Soat Auto Sales, Croal Street office. On Saturday time trials for all classes begin at 10:00hrs followed by official races in the Street Cross Motorcyle, 125cc Motorcycle, Street Tuner, Choke Starlet Cup and Sports Tuner from 13:20hrs. The feature race on Saturday will be the SR3 Radicals Caribbean Cup. Action on Sunday will begin at 08:00.

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USOC under pressure to fix USA Gymnastics before Tokyo 2020 (Reuters) - Like a worldclass gymnast, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) needs to nail a perfect landing to put a damaging sexual abuse scandal behind it ahead of the 2020 Games in Tokyo, sports sponsorship experts said. The USOC’s announcement this week that it would seek to revoke the status of USA Gymnastics as the national governing body for the sport reflects pressure from fans, athletes and sponsors for a lasting solution for the scandal-plagued organization. “If the USOC didn’t take this step now, then they would have had somewhat of a revolt on their hands from athletes and fans,” said Jim Andrews, an independent sponsorship consultant. USA Gymnastics has been in turmoil since dozens of female gymnasts, including Olympic champions such as Simone Biles, came forward to accuse former team

doctor Larry Nassar of sexual abuse. Nassar was sentenced in February to up to 125 years in prison after some 200 women testified about decades of abuse at his hands. The U.S. gymnastics team performed well at the world championships in Doha, Qatar, that ended on Sunday, with Biles becoming the first female gymnast in 30 years to claim a medal in all six events at a major competition. The team’s success meant a solution was not required immediately, Andrews said, but was vital to bring back lost sponsors and fans. “This is a reflection that the sport needs to move on,” he said. “This has to happen.” Asked for comment, the USOC said it had nothing to add to its statement from Monday. As the scandal unfolded, sponsors including Under Armor Inc, Proctor & Gamble Co, Hershey Co, AT&T Inc and Kellogg Co suspended or did not renew sponsorship

Simone Biles competes on uneven bars at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., August 19, 2018. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo) deals with USA Gymnastics. None of those companies responded to requests for comment on Tuesday. Nassar’s sentencing did not end the crisis at USA Gymnastics. Over the past two years, three CEOs have been forced out of the organization after

Australia high performance chief Howard sacked MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Cricket Australia (CA) announced yesterday that high performance chief Pat Howard will leave his role next week as the fallout from a scathing cultural review into the governing body continues. Howard, who has been in the role since 2011, had intended to stay until the Ashes tour of England next year, the governing body announced last month, a week before releasing the Longstaff review. However, he becomes the latest executive to fall in the wake of the review, which CA commissioned after the balltampering scandal in Cape Town in March. “While Pat Howard has previously made clear his intentions not to renew his contract next year, it has been decided to bring forward his departure which will take effect next week after a handover,” CA said in a statement. “Belinda Clark ... has agreed to take on the role of Interim EGM, Team Performance until Pat’s permanent replacement is announced in the new year.” The Longstaff review criticised CA for fostering a culture of “winning without counting the cost” and blamed the governing body in part for the ball-tampering crisis, which led to the suspensions of former captain Steve Smith and two other players. Australian cricket has

struggled to recover from the crisis, with its men’s teams losing a test series to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and being whitewashed 5-0 by England in a one-day international series. Aaron Finch’s one-day side were thrashed by six wickets by South Africa in Perth on Sunday in the first of a three-match ODI series, which was also the first international match of the Australian summer. Appointed in 2011, former rugby international Howard was a polarising figure in the role, with former players and pundits questioning his lack of a significant cricket background. But CA CEO Kevin Roberts said Howard’s tenure had been a success, praising him for bringing high performance into the “21st century” and helping deliver World Cups for both the men’s and women’s national teams. CA would look for a replacement with “deep cricket experience”, Roberts told reporters in Melbourne on Wednesday. “I’ll be seeking the counsel of other cricket experts in terms of determining our future direction,” he said. CA also said broadcasting executive Ben Amarfio had left the business on Wednesday, with Stephanie Beltrame stepping into a new role as Interim EGM Broadcasting and Commercial. The changes come on the

Cricket Australia’s Pat Howard (Action Images / Andrew Boyers Livepic) heels of Chairman David Peever’s decision to quit on Thursday after his position became untenable, while long-serving board director Mark Taylor, the former Australia captain, announced his resignation on Monday. CA installed deputy chairman Earl Eddings as an interim replacement for Peever and said last week it would seek someone to take on the role permanently.On Wednesday, however, Roberts said there would be no “significant change at executive level” in coming months, barring the interim appointments being made permanent. “From here on we’re about growing and building and moving beyond these tough decisions and tough times for some people that we really respect to take the game forward,” he said.

being criticized for the way they handled the scandal. Interim chief Mary Bono resigned just four days into the job last month. “This has been such a colossal mess and it can’t seem to get a CEO correct,” said Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing expert at Baker Street Advertising in San Francisco, referring to USA Gymnastics. “There is intense pressure for it to do this right,

get this out of the public eye by the time we get closer to the Olympics in 2020.” Jonathan Little, an Indiana-based lawyer who has represented three gymnasts in lawsuits alleging sexual abuse as well as athletes from other Olympic sports in abuse cases, dismissed the USOC’s move as “window dressing.” “The bottom line is this is just to make themselves look

good in front of Congress,” he said, adding the organization fears Congress could replace it as it replaced the Amateur Athletic Union with the USOC in the 1970s. In a post on Twitter on Monday, Democratic U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said he hoped this “signals USOC will be more vigilant in protecting athletes & survivors when others fail them.” Some of Nassar’s victims such as 2000 Olympic Bronze Medalist Jamie Dantzscher, who has filed a lawsuit against USA Gymnastics, want nothing less than a new governing body. “It is time for this organization to be replaced,” she said in a statement on Monday. Andrews, the independent sponsorship consultant said sponsors would eventually return to the sport, but only if USA Gymnastics is replaced with an effective body that has the trust of athletes and fans. “That’s what everyone wants,” he said. “If they don’t do that, then it really will just be window dressing.”

Australia survive batting hiccup to beat Proteas

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Three-time champions Australia flexed their muscle with a 46-run victory over South Africa, as they warmed up for their Women’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign with a strong performance here Tuesday. Playing at the Guyana National Stadium, Australia gathered 130 for four off their 20 overs, with captain Meg Lanning hitting an unbeaten 65 off 51 deliveries. Opting to bat, the 2016 losing finalists were in turmoil at eight for three in the third over before Lanning arrived to anchor a 92-run fifth wicket stand with Rachael Haynes who hit an unbeaten 29 off 27 balls. In reply, South Africa slumped to 84 for nine of their allotted overs as left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen claimed three for 11 while seamers Tayla Vlaeminck (2-10) and Nicola Carey (2-12) ended with two wickets apiece. Only three batsmen reached double figures but none passed 14 as South Africa lost their second official ICC warm-up match on the bounce. Lanning said the pitch had been difficult to score on but backed her batting unit to always adapt.“[We had] pretty challenging times with

Australia captain Meg Lanning … top-scored with half-century. the bat. Initially [the pitch] was skiddy, you had to be patient, it was more than a normal T20 game,” she said. “For our team, it was a very good learning curve for what we need to do. We know our batting line-up is strong and even if we lose early wickets we have people who will come and do the job for us.” The Aussies open their preliminary round campaign against Pakistan at the same venue on Friday, in the second match of a triple-header. South Africa, meanwhile, will have five days off before their opening match against

Sri Lanka in St Lucia next Monday, and all-rounder Sune Luus said work needed to be done on their batting in the meantime.“I think we produced a good bowling and fielding performance. The batting let us down today and that is something we need to work out,” she said. “Meg had the patience to work it around for ones and twos and she built partnerships … that is something that we have struggled with.” In the other official warmup at the same venue, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs.

Thursday November 08, 2018

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Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers Football League

Uitvlugt trash QC 11-2, Vergenoegen hold free scoring CWSS to 1-1 draw

The inaugural Guyoil/ Tradewind Tankers Football League continued on Tuesday afternoon at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground with two intense matches. In the feature match, West Demerara based school Uitvlugt didn’t hold back against the lads from Queen’s College and doled out to them a heavy 11-2 thrashing which was spearheaded by five goals from Anthony Benn in the 4th, 28th, 29th, 52nd and 66th minutes. It was an extremely dominant performance for the West Side

school and Ruben Dainty was very much involved in the action with a hat-trick of his own with goals in the 18th, 44th and 53rd minutes. Also on the score sheet for the victors were Jadius Edwards with a brace after successful strikes in the 26th and 56th minutes, while

Ivelaw Khan scored one goal in the 36th minute. Meanwhile, in the opening match on Tuesday, league leaders Vergenoegen held the free scoring Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) to a 1-1 draw; the Linden e r ’s s e c o n d c o n secutive draw.CWSS, who are the champions of Linden, prior to this top of the table clash, had scored 26 goals in four matches with one of those four games being a goalless draw to Bishops’ High. Ronaldo Macey contin-

ued his goal scoring form for the league’s front runners and sent his side ahead within 26 minutes of the first half but with two minutes of normal time remaining in that period of play, Tyrese Lewis made no mistake as he equalised for CWSS. As CWSS sent wave after attacking wave,

Vergenoegen absorbed the pressure and held on for a point. On Monday, Dolphin Secondary made light work of Marian Academy with a 3-1 drubbing courtesy of goals off the laces of Shamar Welch in the 29th, Kieron Dazzle in the 51st and Judah Younge in the 9th minute. Daniel Lowe scored a consolation for Marian in the 60th minute. In the feature matched played on Monday, Annandale scored three unanswered goals against Queenstown. Sean Haywood, Omari Glasgow and Jamar Harrigton each scored one goal in the win for the East Coast Demerara based school.

Play between league leaders Vergenoegen (right) and St. Rose’s (black) on Sunday.

Brathwaite in despairing search for positives after latest defeat

AC Milan defender Conti banned for insulting ref after youth team game AC Milan’s Andrea Conti in action with Cagliari’s Nicolo Barella and Marco Capuano. (REUTERS/Alberto Lingria/File Photo)

MILAN (Reuters) - AC Milan defender Andrea Conti’s comeback from a year-long injury layoff ended with a three-match ban after he punched the referee’s door and insulted the match official at the end of a youth team game. Meanwhile, club director Paolo Maldini, who spent his 25-year playing career with Milan, was banned for a week for also insulting the official following the match against Chievo, the Serie A league said in a statement. Conti, 24, was playing his first match at any level since August last year after suffering a knee injury. Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal said that

Skipper Carlos Brathwaite says positives need to be found from Windies’ defeat.

Conti “found the referee in his dressing room at the end of the game and prevented him from closing the door by hitting it with his two fists. At the same time, he shouted injurious remarks to the referee.” The statement added that Maldini “entered the referee’s changing-room without permission and directed an offensive remark towards him.” Maldini made a Serie A record of 647 top flight appearances before retiring at the age of 40 in 2009. He made a club record 902 appearances in all competitions, winning seven Serie A and five European Cup or Champions League titles.

LUCKNOW, India, CMC – Skipper Carlos Brathwaite on Tuesday tried desperately to search for the positives after West Indies crashed to a 71-run defeat to India in the second Twenty20 International, to record their fourth straight series defeat inside the last 12 months. India piled up a challenging 195 for two off their 20 overs behind captain Rohit Sharma’s superb unbeaten 111 and West Indies bungled their run chase to end on 124 for nine at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium. “It was a Jekyll and Hyde performance. Obviously last game we bowled and fielded very, very well. Today I don’t think we fielded as well as we wanted to, even I let the team down with the ball,” said Brathwaite who conceded 56 runs from his four overs. “Chasing 195 was always going to be an uphill task but there were a few positives –

the way Fabian Allen bowled in the middle with two batsmen in Rohit and Shikhar (Dhawan) going – and the way he kept them under wraps until he finally Shikhar out. “On a tour like this it’s hard to just look at the negatives; sometimes you just need to take the small positives and go away with them. Hopefully we can put them together in the final game and come out with a win.” Rohit’s century was a record fourth in T20 Internationals and he put on 123 for the first wicket with Dhawan (43) – a partnership which was also a record for India against West Indies. In reply, only Darren Bravo (23) and tail-ender Keemo Paul (20) passed 15 as West Indies’ batting collapsed from early and never recovered. Even so, Brathwaite again contended there were small

positives to be found. “They batted well but even at the halfway stage with them not losing a wicket, we still felt we were one or two wickets away from restricting them to a total close to 170, 180 – we would have been happy with that,” he explained. “That being said, we didn’t bat as well as wanted to, the batting continues to let us down but again, small positives – Kuldeep went for a bit … so within a dismal performance there was one or two positives. “While we always highlight the negatives, it is sometimes good to take away the positives. We have a young group of guys [and it is] for them to understand where they went wrong but also appreciate when they did well and the small, good things they did.” West Indies play the final T20 International of the series on Sunday in Chennai.

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Guyana compete at World Junior Badminton Championships in Markham Canada

The Guyana Badminton team competing at the World Junior Championships. The Guyana Badminton Junior Team is participating in the Li Ning BWF World Juniors Mixed Team & Individual Badminton Championships in Markham Canada which started November 3 and runs to the 18th. The Team consist of Priyanna Ramdhani (Captain), Jayde DaSilva, Tyrese Jeffrey, Akili Haynes (Vice-Captain) and Manager Emelia Ramdhani. Guyana is the Only Caribbean Country participating in this Event. This Championship is a very high one and our young Junior players will not only

get the necessary experience but will get higher world ranking points to help qualify for the Pan Am Games 2019 which is a qualifier for Olympics a release from the GBA informed. The Team tournament which consists of 41 countries who have been placed in Groups A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, G & H. The Guyana Team is placed in Group G along with Denmark, Singapore, USA & Dominican Republic. In the Round Robin Group Stage: Guyana lost to Singapore, Denmark and the USA all by 5-0 margins.

43 off an over: Northern Districts pair smash List A world record Northern Districts pair, Joe Carter and Brett Hampton created a new List A record with 43 runs in an over. (Sportz Wiki)

ESPNcricinfo - Run rates are climbing, but this was something else. Welcome to the world of Joe Carter and Brett Hampton, the Northern Districts pair, who smashed the List A record books in Hamilton yesterday. The pair took 43 off an over bowled by Central Districts’ Willem Ludick in a Ford Trophy fixture, the most conceded in an over in List A cricket. This toppled the 39 conceded by Alauddin Babu, a Bangladesh first-class cricketer, in a Dhaka Premier League match in 2013. At the other end of the record then was former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura, who smashed four sixes and three fours in a seven-ball over courtesy a no-ball. Back to Hamilton, Hampton started the onslaught with a

four followed by two sixes off two waist-high no-balls. He then hit a third six off a legitimate delivery before taking a single to give Carter the strike. Carter, playing in only his fifth List A matches, smashed the last three balls for six to blaze into the record books. The over read: 4,6nb,6nb,6,1,6,6,6. Ludick’s bowling figures nosedived from 9-0-42-1 to 10-0-851. In all, the pair added 178 for the sixth wicket after coming together at 95 for 5. Hampton missed his maiden List A century by just five runs, while Carter brought up his. The stand was a Northern Districts record for the sixth wicket, surpassing the 150 set by BJ Watling and Peter McGlashan.

Priyanna Ramdhani & Jayde DaSilva play against the USA.

Torginol goes Radical with Jeffrey

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ristian Jeffrey will enter the Radical Caribbean Cup with a fresh coat of paint from Torginol after the company branded his SR3 yesterday.At a brief ceremony, Mohamed S. Ally, Company Secretary of the paint brand contended that the partnership represented a pair of aces. “Kristian is an ace driver in this country and Torginol is top notch when it comes to paint so ace with ace is a winning team,” Ally added. Ally did not rule out the idea of a deal extending beyond the race meet, saying that, “There is a distinct possibility that this may be so but I don’t want to commit 100% to that right now. This is our first getting together with Kristian and let us hope that it grows from strength to strength.” He continued, “Kristian is a winner and Torginol paint is a winner and we will paint the entire racetrack W.I.N.” Jeffrey believes that with the new look on his Radical he is definitely better equipped to take on the competition. “Torginol came on board and as Mr. Ally said, it’s the best paint in Guyana so hopefully I can help to better market the product.” “Definitely with this help, it puts us in a better position. We’ve acquired some more tires to do some additional testing and we should be up there to win,” Jeffrey added. Jeffrey, along with fellow Guyanese Mark Vieira and Calvin Ming will represent team Guyana in the cup. Barbados has the Maloney trio and brothers in point leaders Stuart, third placed Mark and Sean Maloney. Second placed Isa Deen out of Trinidad will be joined by countrymen Luke Bhola and Kristian Boodoosingh to confirm the nine car line up. The first of the three twenty lap races will take place on Saturday, with the remaining two set for Sunday.

Thursday November 08, 2018

13th edition of MACORP Golf tourney launched By Zaheer Mohamed Following the successful staging of the Guyana Open tournament last Sunday, golfers will again be in action on Saturday when the Lusignan Golf Club hosts the 13th annual MACORP tournament. The tournament, which is expected to attract some 5060 players, was launched yesterday at the MACORP office 26 Providence, East Bank Demerara. It will be played in the 0-9, 10-18 and 19-28 flights. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of MACORP Guillermo Escarraga said he is looking forward to a successful tournament and they are happy to sponsor it once again. “We have been working with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) throughout the year and we have seen the development of the sport in Guyana. This year we decided to throw our support behind the club because it is evident that there is a lot of potential,” he added. He acknowledged that there were some challenges due to the conditions of the course but that has improved considerably. “This year we are happy to express gratitude to the members of the executive committee of the Golf Club and its President Aleem Hussain for putting out the work in making sure that the course playable as it has been so for the entire year.” Escarraga stated that the golfers have improved tremendously and the fact that there have been some good scores in the Guyana Open, which was a tremendous success, bear witness. He spoke highly of Avinash Persaud who copped the male overall title, adding that they are happy that the golf community is able to improve and will extend their support. “Golf is a sport that brings about the best in every player and we have placed a lot of emphasis in this tournament. It’s going to be a fantastic event and we hope that golfers turn out in their numbers. We have a lot of prizes up for grabs, it’s going to be an exciting tournament and we hope to see some good performances.” He thanked the members of the media for their coverage. Hussain expressed gratitude to MACORP for their input, adding that their relationship which started 13 years ago has evolved into more than just a corporate partnership. “When I took over as president I approached the company for assistance to upgrade the golf course which was under water and without hesitation they de-

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Kaieteur News

CEO of MACORP Guillermo Escarraga displays one of the prizes in the presence of the LGC President Aleem Hussain. cided to support with their machinery, shortly after the course was transformed into one of the most beautiful courses in terms of preparation and drainage. We were then able to play golf every day without interruption.” Hussain pointed out that

this year has been the greatest for golf in Guyana and this will be the biggest tournament MACORP has ever pulled off. He said that they are looking forward to teach the game to youngsters and will remain committed to see the growth of the game in Guyana. Tee off time is 12:30hrs.

GCB U-17 female cricket Franchise D’Aguiar spearheads E’bo to title at Wales Gentle’s fifty takes her to 322 runs & 10 Wkts By Sean Devers Watched by a raucous crowd in sultry conditions at Wales yesterday, Essequibo, once a pun at time the Cinderella in Guyana’s cricket, added the inaugural GCB female U-17 T20 Franchise title to their Men’s Three-Day and 50-overs Franchise title with a 19-run win against West Berbice in their final round match.Essequibo lost their second game against West Demerara in the super over after the thrilling contest ended in the first ever Tie. They had received a walk over in the opening round when East Bank was a no show. With six victories, the same as Lower Corentyne, Essequibo took the title because they beat the Berbicians in their Head-to-Head match-up.The final round commenced with Lower Corentyne who crushed Georgetown by 156 runs at Enterprise yesterday, hoping that West Berbice could pull off an upset win against the lasses from Guyana’s largest County.But that was not to be as Essequibo reached 106-4 off 15 overs in a game reduced by five overs due to a late start. Annalisa D’Aguiar top scored with an unbeaten 19 with a single boundary on a slow track and sluggish outfield.Navica Narine (10) and Lisa Charles (11) were the only other batters to reach double figures on the large ground in West Bank Demerara. But D’Aguiar and Lalitha Patterson (8) rallied their team with what proved to be a winning total with an unfinished 50-run fifth wicket stand.Mariam Telford (3-19) was the best bowler for West Berbice who, despite being helped by 53 wides, were restricted to 87-7 when their overs expired.Tiea Issacs (21) and Tiemacia Soloman (11) were the only Region 5 batters to get to

MVP E’bo’s Annalisa D’Aguiar double figures. Divine Ross (3-19) and D’Aguiar (2-14) bowled their team to another title.Head Coach Ryan Hercules said the tournament was a good starting point for the girls and praised them for their good showing in this tournament.“This is a good group of girls with talent who now needs to be held together and with proper Coaching with some of them could even vie for selection on their County’s U-17 team,” Hercules said. “When we get back to Essequibo we hope to set up a programme for them with the assistance of the Essequibo Board. Forbes Daniels conducts a programme and we hope to have these girls play among the senior girls and I am sure if enough emphasis is placed on Skill sets and knowledge of cricket and maybe one of them can get into the Guyana U-17 team.

GCB U-17 female cricket franchise

Gentle continues dream run to end with 322 runs & 10 Wkts At 17, National U-18 Tennis Champion Afrucia Gentle has played a bit of Tapeball cricket but her outstanding batting in the GCB T20 female U-17 Cricket tournament is like a breath of fresh air at a time when more could be done to develop female cricket in Guyana. The powerfully built right-handed batter who bowls left-arm spin, followed up scores of 55 not out, 89, 109 not out and 13 with an explosive 56 with eight fours and a six and added 97 with National U-15 footballer Shamaya Daniels who made 11 but could not get their team over the line at Wales yesterday. West Demerara won by one run as East Bank could only reach 139-7 off 20 overs replying the home team’s 1406 in 20 overs in one of the most exciting games in the tournament. Jamaica Simon with an unbeaten 29 added 51 for the first wicket with Devika Boodenall (4) as West Demerara opted to bat on a slow track and heavy outfield before Gentle showed her abil-

L/C’tyne, East Coast & East Bank win in final round

Shemika Edward Player Of the match ity with the ball and removed Boodenall, Varuni Pitamber (1) and Mellisa Carroll (9) to finish with 3-23 and move to 10 wickets in the tournament. When East Bank began their reply, Delaney Seecharran was caught and bowled by the tournament’s leading wicket-taker Avima Buckan for a duck to take her

tally to 15 scalps at 11-2. Gentle then tore into the bowling with utter disdain and plundered Rebecca Renné for consecutive fours and a six in an over which cost 18 runs before blasting Pitamber for back-to-back fours in an over which cost 13. Daniels joined Gentle who

Divine Ross Player of the match. soon reached her fifth score of fifty (one was converted into three-figures) when she hit Pitamber back over her head for four and celebrated the land mark with a brutal boundary past mid-wicket off the next ball.But the pugnacious Gentle, who was anything but gentle on the bowlers yesterday, was well

taken on the deep mid wicket boundary by Simon at 108-3. And with their one Girl Army gone, East Bank fought gamely but needing one run to push West Demerara to a second tie, the visitors could not score off the last ball sparking excited celebration by the home team as if they (Continued on page 25)

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Thursday November 08, 2018

Kaieteur News

Hand-in-Hand Insurance on board for lucrative Tapeball Cricket tournament

Pakistan to open their ICC WWT20 campaign against Australia

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nsurance giants Handin-Hand has pledged support towards the upcoming Pure Entertainment seven-a-side Tapeball Cricket tournament which will be held on December 2 and 9 at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac. The inaugural tournament will be contested on a six-over per-side basis with the winning team pocketing $120,000 and runner-up $60,000. Apart from the team winnings, outstanding individual performances will be rewarded with cash prizes; man-of-the final pocketing $5,000 and a bat; fastest ‘40’ of the tournament gets $5,000 and a bat, while the ‘Smash of the Match’ which gives $1,000 to every time a batsman hits the “HIT ME” target. For the numerous fans expected to attended, three of them will be selected for a ‘bowl-off’ in which they can win cash prizes. Organiser Dexter George, a former national youth player, explained, “Our objective is not just to bring together Tapeball cricket teams,

Organiser Dexter George collects trophies from Hand-in-Hand’s Business Development officer Savita Singh. fans and spectators to be a part of the fun and excitement, but also use this tournament to give back to those loyal patrons of the sport.” Teams like Eccles All stars, Village Rams, Tarmac All stars, Young Guns, Rising Stars, BV & Providence SC have all signalled their interest in partici-

pating in the competition. Apart from the on-field action there will be a Bar-b-que on sale which costs $1,000. Teams are kindly asked to register on or before November 30 with the registration set at $10,000 per team. George can be contacted on 6710458.

EBFA Senior KO Tournament Grove Hi Tech draw bye to final; Soesdyke and Timehri Panthers to clash in lone semi Timehri Panthers goal scorers.

Grove Hi Tech have drawn the bye to the final of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior knockout tournament. By virtue of advancing to the final, Grove will be one of two teams representing the association in this year-end Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super 16 tournament which will have over Six Million in cash at stake.The other place would be taken by the winner of the lone semifinal that will be between the re-emerging neighbours, Soesdyke Falcons and Timehri Panthers on Sunday at the Diamond Community Centre ground from 15:00hrs.In recent play, Timehri Panthers rebounded from being two goals down to defeat Agricola Red Triangle in a nerve racking clash 4-3. Agricola had taken the lead in the 12th minute on account of Egbert Nedd’s goal, the advantage was then doubled by Ronaldo Blair three minutes later.Given the reputation of Agricola in the sport on the East Bank, their fans felt that they had this one

wrapped up but the battle was far from over as Timehri dug in deep to pull off a huge win. Daniel Mochette, Shannon Samnauth, Samuel Steele and Oliver Denny were the goal scorers for the Timehri Panthers. Agricola’s other goal was scored by Byran Lambert.Soesdyke made light work of Herstelling Raiders trouncing them 4-1. Mark Barker (4th), Tyrone Khan (20th), and Colin McLean with a double in the 29th and 53rd minute sealed the deal for Soesdyke, while Herstelling’s consolation goal came off the boot of Trevon Tucker in the 8th minute.And Grove Hi Tech continued their menacing form when they walloped Kuru Kururu Warriors, 10-0 on account of a helmettrick from D. McPherson in the 7th, 19th, 25th and 39th minutes. Mervin Squires (4th & 26th) and Threvon Pluck in the 21st and 69th minutes tucked in a double each whilst there was one apiece for Denzil Crawford (56th) and Akeem James in the 75th minute.

Members of the Pakistan team going through their paces at yesterday’s net session. Pakistan will open their ICC Women’s World T20 campaign against Australia on Friday (16:00hrs) at Providence. The Pakistanis who had a net session yesterday at Bourda will also play India on Sunday (11:00hrs), Ireland on Tuesday (16:00hrs) before facing New Zealand (16:00hrs) on Thursday at the said venue. The Pakistan squad reads; Aiman Anwar,

Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Nahdia Khan, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sana Mir, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz. The semi finals will be played on November 22 while the final will be contested two days later at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Ramnaresh Sarwan UCCA Second Division cricket

Several teams record victory with No.70 MYO amassing massive total Play in the Ramnaresh Sarwan / Upper Corentyne Second Division 40 overs cricket competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne/ Black Bush areas resumed with a number of matches. The competition, which is sponsored by former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, is being organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA). In results of matches played were at –No 70, No 70 MYO defeated Yakusari Horizon by 319 runs. No 70 MYO 375 with Alim Khan 160(19x4, 9x6), Salim Khan 68(10x4), Jameel Assad 40 and Niar Khan 34 the top scorers. Bowling for Yakusari, Toney Ramsundar picked up 5-47. They in reply were bundled out for 56. O. Ahmad 5-24 and Aseef Khan 5-28 did the damage. No 48 Challengers defeated No 69 Vikings by 53 runs. No 48 Challengers batting first and scored 162. D. Budhu 44, A. Baldeo, 34 and B. Samaroo 31 was the top scorers. Bowling for Vikings U. Lalbhari took 3 wickets with C. Narsingh, C. Bollers, and S. Rajram 2 each. No 69 Vikings 104 with U. Lalbehari

46. B. Samaroo led the bowling for 48 Challengers with 521 and T. Seenauth 4. Skeldon Titans defeated No 72 All Stars by 1 run in a close encounter at the No 72 ground. Skeldon Titans 64-8 with Victor Pedro 13 as A. Mohammed with 4 and P. Gobin 3 wickets did the damage for No 72 All Stars. In their turn at the crease they fell agonizingly short by 1run to be dismissed for 63 with A. Hemschand 20. Bowling for Skeldon Titans Jermaine Reid with 5-28 got support from Victor Pedro and Errol Byass with 2 wickets each. No 68 Turn Team hammered Crabwood Creek all Family by 10 wickets at No 68. CWC All Family were bowled out for 61, S Sukdeo 29 and D Rampersaud 15. Bowling for No 68 Turn Team A. Gulcharan picked up 4-2 as they sped to 68-0 in four overs with A. Dourjohban hammered 57 Not Out ( 6x4, 5x6). The game between No72 Cut and Load and Skeldon Super Kings at the No72 ground saw Cut and Load winning by 7 wickets. Skeldon Super Kings bat-

ted first and ended on 90 with C. Felix 19 as Ivan Khan and Ramesh Joseph picked up 3 wickets each bowling for Cut and Load. They reached 95 -3 in their turn at the wicket with VJ Persaud 25, Ramesh Joseph 21 and Mahendra 17 Not out as A. Alli picked up 3 wickets bowling for the Super Kings. No 70 A Spartans and No71 Sports Club played at the No 70 ground with the host winning by 7 wickets. No71 Sports Club batted first and was bundled out for 61. Bowling for No 70 A Spartans Omesh Hemraj picked up 510. They in reply arrived at 62-3 with D. Budhoo 39. Scottsburg United travelled to No 73 and defeated the No73 Young Warriors by 7 wickets. Young Warriors 130 with Roger Craig 22 and A Narine 15. Bowling for Scottsburg United O. Raghuj picked up 3, while James Hart and O. Morgan collected 2 each. Scottsburg then scored 131-7 with R. Lowenfield 22, A. Alli 18 and G. Moore 14. Bowling for the losers Nazir Khan and A. Gandin took 2 wickets. (Samuel Whyte)

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 08, 2018

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Another tough test awaits Golden Jaguars when they face Curacao today, Team not giving up Concacaf U-20 Championship USA 2018 – Group F

Coaches Think Tank yesterday, from left, Gregory Richardson, O’Neil Heywood, Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover and Phillip Carrington. By Franklin Wilson in Florida, USA Compliments of Industrial Safety Supplies,Secure Innovation & Concepts and Fitness Express wo matches with two defeats, conceding 7 goals whilst scoring two of their own is not inspiring by any means but there has been encouraging improvement from the Guyana Under-20 team which will take on Curacao in the third of their four Group F matches when the Concacaf Under-20 Championship USA 2018 continues today, day 8 with a similar number of matches. Having gone down to Guatemala in their first match 0-4 and then losing a close battle with the Cayman Islands 2-3, the young

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Guyanese have endeavoured to continue battling until the final minute of their final game which would be against El Salvador on Saturday night. Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover after yesterday’s recovery session at the IMG Academy here at Bradenton, Florida USA said that in spite of all that has gone on so far, the players are positive and looking forward to today’s match against Curacao. ”Despite the end result on Tuesday which saw us on the receiving end, the mood among the players is upbeat and we are optimistic once again. As the Technical staff we are trying our utmost to keep the players focused on the task of competing and doing so to the best of their

Guyana’s Under-20 team getting prepared mentallyyesterday for another tough day at the office, today against Curacao. a b i l i t i e s . The recovery session Dover informed was centered around the players who played on Tuesday while those who did not were involved in some speed and agility drills to wake up the muscles. ”We concluded the session with a session dedicated to what we would like to do from an attacking stand point; how high up the field we want to play and the numbers we want in that section of the pitch once we go forward. Dover shared that he is of the view that today’s match against Curacao would be a tough one pointing out that it would be a physical shindig given the fact that they have some tall and strong players. ”They are a very fit team and

Ramchand Auto Spares joins GMR&SC Ignite With less than a week before the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports club’s Ignite race meet, Sherriff street spare parts dealer Ramchand Auto has joined the sponsorship wagon.The c o m p a n y, t h r o u g h representative Yogeshwar ‘Ricky’ Ragbeer handed over his company’s sponsorship to GMR&SC’s Saurica Singh earlier this weekend. He said, “We are happy to be on board with the event. We were on board last year and we liked what we saw hence our return this year again.”Ignite, which will double as the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g Championships (CMRC) will feature competitors out of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, United (Continued on page 25)

Ramchand representative Yogeshwar ‘Ricky’ Ragbeer(left) hands over his company’s sponsorship to GMR&SC’s Saurica Singh.

they are also a physical team but as I have said before, we would be optimistic and positive, we will go out and

Some of the players enjoying an ice bath following yesterday’s recovery session. fight as hard as we can to get which would be 14:45hrs, a p o s i t i v e r e s u l t . ” Guyana time. Based on the Today’s match will kick off weather pattern, the sun at 13:45hrs Florida time would be blazing down.

rt o p S GCB U-17 female cricket Franchise

D’Aguiar spearheads E’bo to title at Wales, Gentle’s fifty takes her to 322 runs & 10 Wkts

Champions E’bo with the winning Trophy yesterday at Wales. ECB Prsident Faizul Bacchus (right), GCB’s Kavita Yadram (2nd right) and Coach Ryan Hercules (3rd right) share the moment. (Sean Devers photo)

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Torginol goes Radical with Jeffrey P.28

Kristian Jeffrey (Third from right) collects sponsorship from the Torginol representatives yesterday.

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