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Kaieteur News
Friday November 11, 2016
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 RESPECT FOR TEACHERS October 5, 1994, was declared World Teachers Day by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Its aim is to recognize, applaud and celebrate the role of teachers worldwide and to mobilize support for them to ensure that the needs of children will be met by them. It is to pay teachers a little bit of extra gratitude for shaping their lives and minds of children. This year, World Teachers Day was celebrated under the theme “Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status. Some say that teachers have what is most certainly one of the most difficult professions of any available. On any given day, a teacher is expected not only to educate at least twentyfive or more children, and even more in developing countries, in one classroom, but also do it with limited resources. Teachers face even more pressure than is already inherent in their jobs. They often face the challenge of educating average, gifted, and special needs students in the same classroom using versions of pre-approved methods. Some of their students may not speak the language most common to their country. Others may come from fractured or abusive homes. In Guyana, it has been acknowledged that the status and prestige that teachers once enjoyed is no more. Some claim that teachers themselves may have contributed to their diminished status by virtue of their conduct, and commitment to task. Others have questioned the code of conduct of some teachers as it relates to their mode of dress and mannerisms. The dignity that the profession once enjoyed has been undermined in large measure by a lack of resources and the poor standard of infrastructure that teachers have had to work in over the years. This has led to teachers feeling a sense of disenchantment and disillusionment, further resulting in diminished output and commitment. Be that as it may, society must invest in teachers by affording them the requisite training, respect and recognition commensurate with the very significant role they play in the process of educating children. But they must also know that the respect that is due to them must be earned. Most, if not all children tend to model the behaviour displayed by their teachers. Guyana, like other countries must be prepared to treat their teachers as exemplars and they must be told this in no uncertain terms. The country must value and respect its teachers and their work. A nation that does not value and respect its teachers cannot claim to love its children. Therefore, the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. As educators, teachers occupy one of the most prestigious positions of nation builders. But the education system in the country is in dire need of reform. This is reflective of the theme of World Teachers Day. Fundamental changes are needed that should go beyond the current ad-hoc attempts or piecemeal approaches to improve the education system and the performance of teachers. The teaching profession, like all major professions, requires public trust and confidence. As such, investment in education is also an investment in teachers, but most important, it is also an investment in children, which should be at the very heart of the reform process. The fact that teachers are credited with the responsibility to shape and mould the minds of children means that they should be given the tools, resources, facilities and support to fulfill their mandate. Criticizing, rebuking or humiliating teachers will do more harm than good, in that it could destroy their egos and reduce output which will add to the vicious cycle of failures and school dropouts, the consequences of which will be felt by future generations. Any meaningful attempt at reforming the education system in Guyana must begin with the adequate remuneration for teachers and support and encouragement from parents and stakeholders so that they can do their jobs without threats of intimidation. The total responsibility of educating the nation’s children must be a shared responsibility. Homes must be the extensions of schools.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Social media can manipulate people’s thoughts Dear Editor; I ask you to publish this timely warning against a very dangerous phenomenon. Please allow me to share some knowledge with your readers that may be of great benefit to their lives. It regards the startling rise in unscrupulous manipulation of people’s emotions by very savvy media operators. Imagine this scenario if you will, a video emerges of a political rally where a person of one race is abused in the crowd by those of another race. He is pushed, shoved, called names, racial epithets are hurled his way, and all caught on ubiquitous smart phone
videos. It is shared on social media. People of the abused race are angry. Their reactions, guided by emotions fuel further abuse. And cross abuse ensues. Persons get forced into feelings of shame by the actions of the abusing crowd. They react by trying to comfort and support friends from the victim’s race. Imagine if you will, that the entire incident at the political rally was carefully staged by political strategists, this is our new reality and it is a very dangerous one. Social media is awash with such events. It is a strategy engaged upon by those in power, those wishing to attain power, added to the plethora of fake news’ websites that make patently false
claims to an increasingly gullible global population. It makes for poor decision making. Such manipulation abounded during the recent election in the USA, Guyana however is a much smaller society and the results could be disastrous in an already acrimonious political environment. My advice to my fellow Guyanese is to stick to credible sources of information. Do not be too willing to believe every video or photograph you see, look closer and the manipulation may become clear. Misinformation is the new reality. Do not be hasty in sharing or reacting to such manipulation. Think before you share. Robin Singh
The role the US in the evolution of Guyanese politics Dear Editor; The USA held its general elections last November 8 and the results were bitter sweet. For those in Trump’s Camp the feeling is that of great joy and celebration that once again a Republican President is back in the White House. Those in the Hillary Clinton’s Camp, it was a bitter and humiliating defeat and the excruciating pain of loss and dismay that they have been dealt such a blow when - from all indications their candidate was destined to win. From all indicators, Mrs Clinton should have won the elections, however the sad reality is she lost. It was a sickening sight to see a crestfallen Mrs Clinton
making that short speech conceding defeat to the triumphant Trump. I felt sorry for her, but, as humiliated as she might be Mrs Clinton cannot, I repeat cannot say that she was denied the presidency because of fraud. She would go away with the known fact that she was denied the presidency because “the people” have said so in a free democratic process that has all the trappings of fairness. So I will now turn our attention to the Guyana situation and juxtapose it against that of the American System and engage you in a Guyana- USA relation. Where elections are concerned, Guyana - USA Relations have not been
good or pleasant, because ever since Guyana attained that adult stage never for one moment has the United States left us alone. They never allowed us that space to prove ourselves, for decades we were herded into choosing and formulating our affairs according to the dictates of the USA - that is choosing leaders/party of their choosing. The USA and in particular The Democrats have bullied us into fashioning our voting in a party and person of their choice. Throughout our history The Democrats have been directly involved in our politics. Ever since Guyana became eligible for adult suffrage and the ability to
choose its own leader and government, the USA has been a key player every step of the way. And here is where the trouble began. Early in the 1950’s and 60’s on attaining the ability to choose the US dogged our path. The people of this country clearly stated who and which party they wanted to govern them, but the USA would have none of it. John F K e n n e d y, a D e m o c r a t summoned Dr Jagan to Capitol Hill and told him in no uncertain terms that he did not countenance him leading Guyana. In 1992, the Americans again decided who shall run Guyana, literally putting Dr. Jagan in power in 1992. Neil Adams
The PPP instructed their people not to support this event Dear Editor; In keeping with P r e s i d e n t G r a n g e r ’s announcement that November 7, 2016 be observed as National Day of Villages, I must congratulate the Regional Administration Region 3 for not only observing but for celebrating that day in grand style. The celebration began 10:30 hrs at Den Amstel Community Ground with a cultural program where a number of Region 3 artists performed. The highlight of the program was the message that was delivered by Honourable Minister Winston Felix where he focused on the i m p o r t a n c e o f u n i t y, togetherness and cohesion. The event was attended by a massive crowd and even though the NDCs controlled by the PPP were instructed not to participate and overseers can confirm this, I must mention that Wakenaam
NDC, Leguan NDC, Mora Parika NDC, Greenwich Park - Vergenoegen NDC, Tushen Uitvlugt Administration, Hague - Blankenburg NDC, Best Klin - Poudreyen NDC and Malgre Toot - Meer Zorgen NDC participated. What captivated me even more was the presence of 5 PPP RDC Councillors. This tells me that regardless of the unfortunate utterances by detractors who don’t want to see unity, people are not followers but rather leaders in their own rights. Editor, when the cultural program concluded, a number of games were played which included dominos, cricket, football, volleyball and rounders. From my observations NDCs really and sincerely got to know each other and even though the competitions were fierce, friendliness was the real theme that prevailed.
The games ended at 20:30 hrs and it must be mentioned that the Regional Executive Officer was present from start to finish. Editor, you may ask the question why is it that I am giving an overview of the day’s activities. I willingly wish to answer. When this activity was conceptualized by the REO, all NDCs were invited to a meeting and they all said with bright smiles that it was a good gesture and promised that their participation was a must. As meetings continued leading up to the event, I would have noticed the absence of some NDCs and opted to inquire. It was indeed a shock when I found out that an instruction was sent out for them not to participate. The action of the instructor does not auger well for Region 3 and by extension our country and it must be denounced completely. With the exception of 2
PPP RDC Councillors, all would have indicated in one form or the other that not participating in the activity was not the best move and I guess that is exactly why 5 PPP councillors disobeyed the order. However, it must not be seen as a disobedience but moreso intolerance to division and acceptance of cohesion. I congratulate them for their braveness and humbleness. In conclusion let me say with firmness that Region 3 has been lifted from the nightmare it once found itself in and with continued togetherness, Unity and Cohesion, behaviour like that of the instructor will become obsolete. For the record, Julius Faerber Regional Chairman was not present even though he was slated to speak at the activity. My next letter will focus on a PPP RDC councillor that is threatening a head-teacher of a school in Region 3. Ganesh Mahipaul.
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Wastage of huge sums of money taking place at IAST DEAR EDITOR; The term Commission of Inquiry has become very familiar to the citizens of Guyana since May 2015. In fact, since that time Guyanese have been made aware of the following: 1.Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service; •Commission of Inquiry into the murder/assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney; 2.Commission of Inquiry into the Education System; 3.Commission of Inquiry into the operations of CANU; 4.Commission of Inquiry to examine condition and circumstances facing veterans of the GDF, GPM and GNS; 5.Commission of Inquiry into the Camp Street Prison disturbance and subsequence deaths; 6.Commission of Inquiry into the death of a miner in the Konawaruk backdam; 7.Commission of Inquiry to investigate circumstances under which a foreign twinengine Cessna aircraft was discovered near Yupukari, Region 9; 8.Commission of Inquiry into the Drop in Center fire; 9.Commission of Inquiry into conflict at GNBA. I, myself, believe that the establishment of all of these Commissions of Inquiry is a good thing because many improprieties have been investigated, and this is beneficial for democracy in Guyana. I am now calling on his Excellency President David Granger to quickly establish another Commission of Inquiry, this time to investigate the conditions and circumstances into the shocking and outrageous mismanagement and the misdirected use
of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money at the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), which is housed at the Turkeyen Campus, University of Guyana, between 2006 and 2015, and which is continuing in 2016. I do not make these allegations lightly because I have the necessary information to supply to this forthcoming Commission of Inquiry. As an example of a mindboggling mismanaged IAST project, in 2009, exactly G$28,787,658 were spent on an old rubber recycling plant and a generator, which were purchased from an overseasbased friend of a certain senior IAST official. This plant was almost completely repainted at the supplier’s warehouse in Canada, and a small amount of repainting was done at the IAST on arrival, following which the plant was put into operation. This plant was to be used for cutting up old vehicle tires, the pieces of which were to be used to modify bitumen for a mobile hot-mix asphalt cement pilot plant costing nearly G$24.3 million in 2013 Also to produce rubberized asphalt to cover nearly 1500 Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) deck plates as a trial. If this were successful, then the technology would have been marketed. However, this arrangement with the DHB, which was supplying the deck plates, ended abruptly only after 300 plates were covered; these 300 plates were covered manually in IAST compound. An important element of this mismanagement was the fact that there was no formally signed agreement with the
DHB on this issue. In addition, the old tire mincing machine output could not compensate for the fuel it was consuming. This expensive mobile hot-mix cement pilot plant was never used at anytime, and is presently sitting on wheels in the IAST compound. This entire fiasco represents a waste of over G$53 million. An example, also, of the blatant misappropriation of the taxpayers’ money by the IAST administration, during the twelve months of the calendar year 2014, is as follows: a)IAST Current Budget for year 2014: G$122,585,000. b)IAST Senior Official’s first class airfare overseas to Guyana (return) reimbursement: G$4,699,738. c)IAST Senior Official’s Housing allowance/ rental of his own house G$2,908,800. d)IAST Senior Official’s Housekeeping and Maintenance of yard (his own at East Bank Demerara) and IAST Security Guards travelling to and from his house: G$777,260. e)IAST Senior Official’s Telephone & Internet Bills: G$286,149 f)IAST Senior Official’s Electricity Bills for his own house at East Bank Demerara: G$288,195. g)IAST Senior Official’s Honorarium plus 22.5% gratuity: G$9,175,634. This highly placed staff member, therefore, received, from the taxpayers of Guyana, a total of G$18,135,776 during the twelve months of the calendar year 2014, which is calculated to be 14.8% of the IAST current budget for 2014. The IAST work records reveal that this white collar big wig
Unbearable noise levels at South Ruimveldt Gardens DEAR EDITOR; As I pen this letter I am sure the area of South Ruimveldt Gardens is within the residential zone, which is subject to noise restrictions laid out by the Hon. Minister of Public Security. On November 4th 2016, along the Kiskadee Drive, a celebration/ event took place near the closest residence, which was in the vicinity of 10 feet to 50 feet. The sounds were thunderous, to put it mildly. I do not think that I have to elaborate on the effects of the amplified sound booming way above the stipulated decibels
from the boxes on nearby human beings. This went on for hours and well into the wee hours of the morning. On the 5th November, 2016, an event being held at the corner of Aubrey Barker Street and Tucville Bridge was the icing on the cake. Not only was the sound above the decibel levels, the vibrations were felt lying in bed; the heart pounds in the chest, window panes rattle, etc. Over time, events held at this venue, and other nearby venues have displayed blatant disrespect for residents with its loud music going into the
wee hours of the mornings. The police have been invisible and have proven to be deaf to appeals. Is it that some people are exempted from the laws? Remember every person matters! Efforts are applauded to restore South Ruimveldt Gardens/Park with its community policing group and signs to (Continued on page 6)
visited the IAST for a total of 78 days, inclusive of weekends, in year 2014. This same joined the board of a foreign company and then was appointed to a very senior position. During the calendar year 2014, this IAST Senior Official did not spend more than 50% of these 78 days at the
IAST because the rest of the time was spent, by him, attending to foreign duties. This staff member, between 2006 and 2015, particularly as a result of improperly and carelessly drafted employment contracts, has benefitted from a cumulative amount of at least G$150 mil-
lion of taxpayer money for not more than 850 days, which is equivalent to a minimum of 170 working weeks or a minimum equivalent of G$44 million per annum (this last figure will raise if weekend and national holidays are excluded from the 850 days). David Sookram
An outline on Contracted Employees in the Public Service DEAR EDITOR; I hope that you will exercise patience in allowing the following commentary on an issue made topical by the former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran, in your papers. As someone who has monitored the governance structure and operations of the 10 Administrative Regions over the years, there are related issues regarding the substantive implications in the transition of the Ministry
of Local Government and Regional Administration to that of Ministry of Communities, and consequently of changes in organisational structures and accountability relationships. Admittedly, the information contained in the submission following will be regarded by some as dated. On the other hand it can be contended that it provides for a deeper and wider appreciation of the intractability of the context in which contracted em-
ployment flourishes, and moreso in the Regions. It is in fact an extract from a review titled “Compensation Management in the Public Sector” dated July 2013, presented to the Commission of Inquiry. Notwithstanding its length, I hope that you will consider it worthy of publication. It will be obvious that actual salaries would have changed. The Job Grades, and therefore relativities, would have remained the same, however.
Regional Distribution of Contracted Employees
It would be reasonable for any one, if not all, of the above specialist post-holders to enquire of the professional qualifications and related experience criteria utilised for selection to
manage the multifaceted breadth of responsibilities assigned to the Regional Executive Officer. For what
it is worth the following (sample) comparisons may also be of interest: (Continued on page 6)
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An outline on Contracted.... (From page 5)
Reporting Personnel The range of senior personnel reporting to the Regional Executive Officer of each Administration includes the following: Administration and Finance ?Deputy Regional Executive Officer ?Principal Assistant Secretary (Finance) ?Principal Personnel Officer ?Assistant Regional Executive Officer ?Chief Accountant Public Works ?Engineer ?Senior Superintendent of Works
Education Delivery ?Regional Education Officer ?Education Officer ?Senior Schools Welfare Officer Health Services ?Medical Superintendent ?Hospital Administrator ?Regional Health Officer ?Matron Questions which need to be asked should concern: i)The substantive status of the Regional Executive Officer who sits at the top of a uniquely multifaceted organisation. It is clear that the position is not pensionable. It must therefore be presumed that
REO is an employee contracted at an undisclosed level that appears to preclude publication of salary and benefits attributable to the position. ii)More importantly perhaps is the total lack of knowledge of the educational and experience criteria to be satisfied in order to earn such an appointment; and iii)Of course the recruitment and selection process invites explanation. Given the substantial budgets the REO is authorized to manage there should be particular interest, if not concern, regarding the financial management capability in the respective Regions see Exhibit below:
Exhibit Financial Management in the Regions
It was instructive to note that the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly had been reported not long ago as focusing on the financial performance (and performers) of the Regional Administrations. One is not certain however whether its examination took into account the ‘established capability of the respective Regions to discharge the statutory responsibilities that would have been assigned.
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Kaieteur News
In the meantime some preliminary questions arise, e.g. a) Why is there no specialist financial management presence in Region 8? Are the REO and Deputy REO therefore routinely responsible for processing transactions – without any explicit system of checks and balances? There is no provision for ‘Field Auditor’ in Region 10. b) Region 9 is served by one (1) Accountant only. c) Regions 2, 3, 4 and 6
only appear to be fully staffed. A substantive issue which should invite continual examination concerns the effective oversight arrangements in place – in the notable absence of any auditing capability in any of the Regions. Is there not a case for the Minister to be at least curious about accountability procedures and performance effectiveness? E.B. John
WHAT DOES GENDER EQUALITY REALLY MEAN? DEAR EDITOR; Please give me permission to respond to Ms Danuta Radzik regarding an article published in your Nov. 09 2016 print. It is really great that we have a strong representative for gender equality. However I am of the opinion that the word gender equality might be misinterpreted in my community. Can Ms Radzik please outline what form of equality are we talking about, list few points what gender equality is trying to achieve and what it means. This information will help men in particular for understanding and can also assisting in the gender equality achievement. My focus is mostly on the female gender. My understanding of human beings is that life has certain needs for completing the survival process. Emotional needs, physiological needs, psychological needs, financial needs, growing needs, procreating and independence. If equality means to share the space with other genders in achieving these needs then I most welcome such agendas. However I am mostly concerned with the failing well-being of the future generation which we have started to inherit already by failed parenting. A child is the future. Their mind is accumulated by recording of data, everything consciously and unconsciously, sleeping or awake. Emanations from neighbours, friends and teachers are being gathered through their five senses. This is what make them or break them; their futures are determined by the data they have gathered or
recorded. As a parent every emotions you emote, every thought you generated, every word you spoke and every action you acted they will exaggerate all and better them. Isn’t it most important that by knowing this they get as much of these data from their parents as possible? Afemale is the deity of love and compassion; they can create the most perfect home, ambience, environment and loving children, healthy meals, clean laundry and above all nurturing. See what happen when this is missing. When you ask most females who are not financial earners, what do they do, they would reply by saying, “Oh, I am just a housewife”. Do they really know what a housewife really is? Men need to start recognizing and complementing their wife for being a housewife, focus and education are needed here. A housewife controls with effectiveness the emotions, the diets, infrastructure, appliance, finance, marketing, education, health care, agriculture, utilities and so much more. But sharing the space for earning will always affect good parenting. There are many studies done on this subject. I am asking is this an easy task. I am not against earning, if there is a financial need then you must look at your priority. These needs should be the main topic before marriage; many couple avoid having these discussions of needs. Parenting is an 18 to 20 years commitment, the kind of parents you have today determine the kind of generation we will have
tomorrow. My suggestion to Ms. Radzik for achieving well-being for all human beings which is what the UN’s SDG’s is hoping governments to work on, are lobbying governments for setting up structures and plans or a compensating package for housewives. If the government is really concerned about the wellbeing for the next generation, then creating an environment or policies for female to focus on parenting is what really should be their main focus . Those who are seeking financial success can follow that need but must make responsible decision towards child bearing. We have too much (not all) psychological cases around that were created by this irresponsible behaviour. As a male gender I am willing to assist with your plan for achieving your goals, but you must understand that educating all genders is the best option for a successful transition. Let us first work on the educational aspect of your program. Empowering the female gender can be a disastrous ideology if the educational aspect is not focused and directed efficiently. I wish to reflect this statement on the recent data of 14 women killed in 11 months. Every party and stakeholder need to be aware and informed by way of outlined programs. Please note my community understands gender equality for women and girls mean power and financial independence. Vishnu Bhagwandin President of ECOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Poor labeling of seed paddy sold by GRDB’s Burma Rice Research Station DEAR EDITOR; Kindly permit me space in your newspaper to express my dissatisfaction with the labeling of seed paddy being sold to farmers by the GRDB’s Burma Rice Research Station. The seeds do not have the requisite label with the necessary information on the bag. The bags have some things written on it with a marker. Anyone can write anything on the bags once they have a marker and dupe the farmers. This has been happening for some time now. The allegation is that the leadership of Burma Rice Research Station chooses to bypass this step in the processing and packaging of the seed paddy for the reason of passing off low quality seed paddy and paddy that does not fully meet the require standards to farmers. Farmers who purchase paddy from the Burma Rice Research Station in the last crop can
absolutely corroborate to the fact of the quality of paddy received. Time has come for the GRDB Board and the Minister of Agriculture to take steps to ensure that the seed paddy sold to farmers meet the quality standards before being sold and seed label must be stitch within the lid of the bags the essential information (Year and Season Grown, Class of seed, Variety, Weight, % Purity, % Other Crop seeds, % Inert matter, % Weed seeds, Origin, % Germination, Date tested etc.) so that farmer can know what they are paying for is what they getting in the bag and not buying ‘pig in a bag’ like in the last few crop. The seed quality standard protocol that oversees the labeling of seeds is one that is known and being used by seed production agency in other part of the globe and must be adopted here in Guyana. Terry Ross
Unbearable noise levels at... From page 5 remind us all it’s a neighborhood. May every residents be encouraged to assist in eradicating the growing disease of loud noise/music from our neighborhood, cars, mini buses music carts, etc which
plague us on a daily basis, so that South Ruimveldt Gardens will be fully restored to a peaceful and quality residential area. I urge the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Seelall, and Commander Hicken to take every
step to ensure that measures are in place to curb this growing disease of loud noise coming from music sets in residential areas at ungodly hours and to the detriment of the welfare of neighbors. Concerned resident
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Govt. playing by the rules for all Parliamentary sittings - Chief Whip By Kiana Wilburg Contrary to what is being bandied about by the political opposition, the Government has not hijacked any day in the National Assembly that was rightfully designated Private Members’ Day. This is according to Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally. In fact, the Government Chief Whip told members of the media fraternity yesterday that the administration has played and continues to play by the rules when it comes to the sitting of the House. Ally stressed that the business of Parliament is guided by the Standing Orders, which along with the Constitution, outline when the Opposition is entitled to have its day in the House. She added, “Every fourth sitting of the Parliament, except at budget times, is what we call Members’ Day or the Opposition’s day. November 4, last, which saw the most recent Parliamentary Sitting, was for Government’s business.” The PPP has contended otherwise. According to the Opposition’s Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, November 4, last, was designated Private Members’ Day. In fact, an Order Paper was circulated to Members of Parliament reflecting same. However, instead of this being used to guide the proceedings of the House on that day, a supplementary paper was laid on November 1, last, which indicated that the President’s latest speech would be debated in the National Assembly.
- rejects allegations by Opposition
Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira Ally however maintains that November 4, last, was designated for Government’s business. She said that the Order Paper which was circulated reflecting otherwise was a mistake on the part of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs. “When we look at the whole scenario, it was discovered that the next Members’ day will be until next year, sometime in January. However, at the behest of the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, the Opposition Chief Whip and I had discussions and we conceded to have the next parliamentary sitting on November 21, which would be given to the Opposition to deal with their matters,” the Minister of Social Cohesion explained. Ally added, “I want to say too that the Opposition Chief whip is au fait with the Standing Orders and the Constitution, and so I don’t think it is a matter of misconception…but it must be corrected now, regardless of how painful it seems. We
have to work with what the Standing Orders and the Constitution say, lest we fall into chaos.” The Opposition has since noted that the role of a parliamentary opposition to hold the government accountable and to have its day in the legislature is a fundamental premise guarded in democratic parliaments. It noted that in the 17 months and 44 sittings of the 11th Parliament of Guyana, it has been able to have only four Private Members’ Days or what is more popularly known as “Opposition’s Day.” The PPP said that these days were December 12, 2015; January 14, 2016, May 14, 2016 and August 4, 2016. PPP/C Parliamentarians are of the view that they are being subjected to the constant battle to have the right to a Private Members’ Day upheld. The opposition reminded that the matters it desired to speak to on November 4, last, included the report on the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service and two controversial projects; namely the Durban Park Development Jubilee Project and the Parking Meter venture. A motion on the Public Service COI report was supposed to be raised by Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira. According to her motion, the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service was
appointed by President David Granger on August 17, 2015. It was expected to examine, advise and report on the salaries, conditions of service, training and other matters pertaining to the improvement of the efficiencies of the performance of the public service and the well-being of the public servants. Teixeira in her motion notes that the report on the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service was tabled in the National Assembly on May 24, last. Teixeira wants this report to be placed on the Order Paper for a Sitting of the House before the next recess so that its contents can be debated and recommendations made. As regards the motion on the contentious Parking Meter Project, this was supposed to be moved by Opposition Member, Irfaan Ali. In his motion, Ali notes that the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, represented by the Mayor and Town Clerk, has entered into a contractual arrangement with a company (Smart City Solutions) for the installation of Parking Meters in Georgetown. He noted, however, that the Mayor and City Council has held no public consultations with national stakeholders or the citizens of the city. As such, the
Govt. Chief Whip, Amna Ally Parliamentarian states, “the citizens of Georgetown and those who drive into, and, must traverse through the Capital to reach other areas of the country, have appealed to the Mayor and City Council to abandon this parking meter project because of the financial hardships it will inflict upon the people.” He goes on to state that the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communities and the
Ministry of Legal Affairs, has reviewed the parking meter contract and found that the contract may have violated tender procedures; that the contract is too much in favour of the parking meter party and that the cost is burdensome. Ali said that the Mayor and some councilors, in the face of public opposition, have been adamant that the project will proceed. He also noted in his motion that the company contracted to implement the project has been proceeding, full steam ahead with its implementation plan, with aggressive promotion, importation of equipment and the hiring of staff. The Opposition member is of the firm belief that there are many legal hurdles and protocols to address, including the yet unresolved critical issue of whether the Mayor and City Council has authority over public roads such as Regent Street, Water Street and Avenue of the Republic. He said, too, that there are (Continued on page 13)
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Friday November 11, 2016
Robbery at Rohee’s home…
Woman who rented car gave fictitious name and address
Police were yesterday still trying to track down the woman who rented the car in which three bandits escaped after Wednesday’s daring robbery at the Eccles, East Bank home of
PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee. Investigations by police revealed that the woman gave a fictitious name and address while renting the vehicle from a Croal Street auto dealer.
Detectives found this out when they attempted to locate her. According to information, the auto dealer claimed that he had rented the car to a woman, who returned the vehicle an hour later and alleged that it had developed mechanical problems. The vehicle was reportedly in perfect condition when detectives checked it. Investigators have reportedly lifted a number of finger-
prints from the car. The bandits, who were masked and carrying two guns and a knife, escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash, jewellery and other valuables, after tying and beating two maids, who were the only persons at home. They reportedly entered through the back door, which was left open. Reports are that the maids were tied and kicked when they told the intruders that they had no idea where the money and jewellery were hidden. Rohee said that he and his wife were at work when a neighbour called and informed him that a jeep loaded with police ranks were in front of his property. According to the former Home Affairs Minister, when he arrived at his home, he was informed that one of the maids had left the door open while she was inside cleaning. He said that the men used the opportunity to barge into his house and demanded that the women hand over gold, after which the men ransacked his home in search of valuables. The PPP General Secretary said that he was informed that the ordeal lasted for about 15 minutes and the men hurried out of the yard and escaped in a waiting car.
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Promotion and their withdrawals are serious issues Government workers are crying to be paid more money. The defence of the government is that it cannot afford to sustain the increases demanded. The more things change the more they remain the same. The persistent cry of workers is for more money. The ongoing demand of their unions is for greater increases in salaries. But there is something that all sides are overlooking which is more important than salary increases. The one thing which can substitute for a salary increase is a promotion. It gives a worker a great sense of satisfaction when that worker is promoted. A promotion says to the worker that you are not a machine, you are human, and your efforts are recognized and appreciated. A promotion says to a worker that he or she has made a difference. A promotion is signal to a worker that he or she can expect to pursue a career in their place of employment. They will not have to worry about looking for greener pastures, because they can climb the occupational ladder. Promotions are important, also, from a psychological point of view. They make workers feel good about themselves. They motivate them to
do better and motivate others to try to follow in their footsteps. The problem under the PPPC government was that little attention was ever given to promotions within the public sector, except of course for the military, police and teachers. The fact that persons were constantly brought in for top positions for jobs rather than looking from within the organization for seniority is something that discouraged a lot of employees. It has led to the crab-barrel mentality, whereby people are climbing all over persons, because this is how they feel they will get ahead. A person who works within an organization should expect that if a vacancy arises in that organization, it will be filled firstly from within the organization. Only if no one is judged suitable, should a vacancy be filled from outside. What happened under the PPPC was that a great many vacancies were filled by persons from outside of organizations. This led to a grave loss of morale within the public service. It is happening again under the APNU+AFC coalition. Persons were brought in to fill positions by those who were sent home. In some instances
the persons brought in were long past retirement age. The same loss or morale is repeating itself, because persons within the public service do not feel that they will ever be able to rise through the ranks unless they have friends in high places. People should be promoted. Any worker at the lower tiers of the scale who has not received a promotion every two years should be worried. Any worker who is at the middle of the scale should be worried if he or she is not promoted every four years. Any worker at the higher echelons should expect a promotion every six years. If this is not happening, the system is either not
right or the worker should be looking for another job or should be upping his or her performance. Promotion and the withdrawal of promotions are serious issues. They can damage the relationship between a worker and the company with which he or she is employed. The New Year is a good time for promotions. The promotion lists should start being prepared. There are persons who are acting in positions who should be confirmed forthwith. It is unfair to persons who have worked long in an organization to be bypassed in favour of someone outside the organization. If a person within an organi-
zation cannot rise through the ranks, why keep that person on the payroll? Promotions are also important for politicians. A tradition, long ignored, was the reshuffling of Cabinet positions and the naming of new Ministers and the shelving of others, at the break of the New Year. There is a need for the President to look at his cabinet closely and to decide whether he wants to make any promotions, appointments or demotions. But more point-
edly, the government needs to announce promotions regularly. It is the best motivator of performance, far more than salary increases.
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Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Frightening election statistics about the US I got the following statistical information from the Guardian newspaper of the UK. It tells the story of a dying exceptionalism in the US. Exceptionalism is a term every US President in history, including Barack Obama, used to describe the nature and essence of the United States. After horrible revelations were made known about Donald Trump’s sexual attitude to women, even the hierarchy of the Republican Party had given up on a Trump victory. You simply do not win votes when you are exposed as a person who treats women so horrible, by preying on them. Trump received 53 percent of the ballots of White women as opposed to 43 percent for Hillary Clinton. What is highly sickening about this statistical information is the knowledge that people had of Trump’s predatory past and the fact that a woman of wide experience was running against him. Yet White women ignored those two pellucid facts and voted for Trump. How can such a country sustain its tag of exceptionalism? There is noth-
ing exceptional about a country with women voting for a man like Donald Trump. This election was about race and the world underestimated the capacity of Trump to think. Many of us were labouring under the misconception that with an everchanging demography, to win the presidency in the US, you have to get substantial numbers of ballots from the Latin and Black worlds. Trump knew this was inaccurate demographic thinking. If the electorate was seventy percent White, then Trump knew he didn’t need the non-white world in America. He didn’t get the Latino and Black votes. He secured a majority of White male and female votes. That took him past Clinton. Race aside, Mrs. Clinton carried to much baggage in a country where the rich were running away with the wealth and the poor were drowning in poverty. Ordinary Americans saw Mrs. Clinton as establishment figure that courted the rich in the US and offered them concessions. In this sense, the widely held belief that people voted against her rather than for Trump holds sway. It is doubtful that if she
had become President, she would have embraced the economics of Bernie Sanders. Mrs. Clinton is not even semiradical when it comes to revolutionizing the economy of the US. She had campaigned on a platform of extending the political economy of Barack Obama, but poor Americans would tell you that it was Obama who bailed out Wall Street during the 2008 financial meltdown and they, the poor, did not benefit. However you look at it, people were really turned off of Clinton, to vote for a questionable character like Trump. To lose to Trump had to be the most painful moment in the entire life of Hillary Clinton. One could have predicted with deadly accuracy that if the Democrats had put up someone without the baggage that weighed down Clinton, Trump would have received a good thrashing. There is another factor that worked against Clinton that is seldom given wide coverage, and that is the symbol of dynasty that she represents. Modern humans hate dynasties. India had enough of the Nehru clique and voted them out in the last election. Americans are not open to a
Kennedy clan in the White House. When Obama appointed Senator Clinton as Secretary of State, he favoured a Kennedy to have Clinton’s Senate seat, but the Democratic Party instantly rejected Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy. She was a strategist in Obama’s 2008 campaign and Obama wanted to reward her. In the end he had to settle for posting her as ambassador to Japan. Americans felt that another Clinton in the White House was a dynasty brewing. Bill and Hillary in 2015 made their daughter the head
of the Clinton Foundation, no doubt the training ground for political entry. All of that has now gone down the drain. Mrs. Clinton’s political career is over. I am sure America has seen the last of her and her husband in mainstream politics. The question is what happens to the US now. One has to fear for the worse. There is no way that clique in the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives are going to live with “Obamacare.” One day after the election, the Senate Majority Leader said he wants its abolition. Trump may not come out swinging
Frederick Kissoon in the first months, but he will not accept “Obamacare.” That clique is also going to roll back the gains of abortion and many other modern things in the US. The world in another two years will see the final nail in the coffin of exceptionalism.
Dem boys seh...
Rohee want publicity and he get it Rohee sit down at he press conference and claim how crime on de increase. He talk about all dem robberies that does happen every day and how Soulja Bai ain’t got control over crime. Is now people seh that Rohee right. De difference is that when ordinary people get rob, de police does be slow to act. When Rohee get rob, two truckload of police does respond so fast that de bandits barely dodge de corner. Dem reach home before Rohee and he outriders. Dem boys want to know if de robbery wasn’t a setup
thing. De house got nuff security. It got a high fence and grill all round de place. De place been like that fuh years. Nobody ever try to enter. This one time two maids deh home and dem lef de front gate and de back door open fuh de first time. That is exactly when somebody rent a car, drive to de open gate and get de bandits to run up this back step and through de back door that open. Dem boys seh that is a woman rent de car and when de robbery done she carry it back she tell dem how de car malfunction. De police find de
car and it was wukking, but dem can’t find de woman. De house dem deh close together. De neighbours can hear you when you whisper, but these men get in de house, beat de maids, tie dem up and walk out de house and nobody ain’t notice. How come strange people can walk in and out of a house and nobody ain’t see? Rohee seh that de people didn’t tek de guns he had in de house. Dem boys watching this Nancy story closely. Dem sure that Rohee just looking fuh some publicity. And he get it. Now everybody watching he house round de clock. Dem boys want to see who more gun try fuh rob him. Talk half and don’t tek you eye off Rohee house.
Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Guyana must show effective outcomes under FATF regime - Finance expert The Private Sector Commission (PSC) yesterday organised a special lecture on anti-money laundering yesterday, during which a Canadian financial expert explained that it is necessary for Guyana to show that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) measures are producing results. The expert, Matthew Maguire, said that when Guyana goes through the fourth round of evaluation under the FATF, questions will be asked whether the new measures are working: “Are you seizing assets? Are you putting people in jail?” He said that Guyana needs to look at what are the outcomes of implementing the new policies instead of boasting of having them in place. “Are we achieving what we set out to achieve in the first place? And so that evaluation will happen in Guyana and it will look at Guyana’s adherence to the new regulations and recommendations.” According to Maguire, these standards will look at how anti-money laundering policies are put in place and coordinated. He said that some of the issues which will arise will take into consideration laws relating to confiscation, terrorist financing, and what are the preventative measures put in place with financial institutions and professional service providers. He noted that money laundering remains a global problem. According to Maguire,
Matthew Maguire making his detailed presentation to members of the PSC money laundering occurs when persons convert illegitimate proceeds into legitimate proceeds. He said that when the illegitimate funds mix with the legitimate funds it becomes hard to tell them apart, and added that some of the crimes which generate illegitimate proceeds according to Guyanese law include murder, insider trading, fraud and trafficking in persons. Maguire said that if nothing is done to rid the society of money launderers, others will come and take their place as time goes by. According to him, the objective of the launderer is to keep and use his illegitimate funds without getting caught. He identified some of the ways in which persons hide illegal money. These include
the purchasing of high value goods, over or under invoicing of goods and buying property to renovate and resell. Additionally, he said that some creative ways in which some persons have chosen to launder their cash is by creating false identities, concealment within business structures, exploiting jurisdictional issues and use of anonymous asset types. He said that some even go as far as to undermine the legitimate private sector companies through criminal price subsidy, commingling of proceeds, and the subsidizing of legitimate business with illegitimate proceeds. According to member of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo,
Maguire was invited to sensitize the local private sector about the issue since there are many unanswered questions. Maguire is a professional chartered accountant and a member of the Canadian government’s Department of Finance Public Private Advisory Committee on antimoney laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. Guyana has recently been taken off the FATF watch list as well as the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce watch list.
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Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
Porter remanded for escaping from custody, breaking stall A porter accused of escaping from the Alberttown Police Station and carting off a quantity of hair and cosmetic products after breaking into a stall at Merriman Mall, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded to prison, after the
Police Prosecutor pointed out he has no fixed place of abode. The 39-year-old man, Aneri Deokie, who gave his address as Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on
October 7, while being confined at the aforementioned Police Station on an indictable charge for break and enter and larceny; to prevent lawful detention, he escaped from the said lawful custody. It was also alleged that
between October 3 and 4 at Merriman Mall, he broke into the stall of Shondel Sealey and stole hair and cosmetic supplies. The unrepresented accused also denied this charge. When asked by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan if he had any objections to bail,
Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers replied in the affirmative citing that the defendant is a flight risk. According to Jeffers, the defendant failed to provide police with an address at the time of his arrest. Jeffers stated that the defendant told investigators he
lives nowhere. Prosecutor Jeffers cited the fact that Deokie only provided an address at his court appearance. The case files in these matters are still incomplete. Deokie was instructed to return to court on November 22.
Man walks into hospital with ‘ice pick’ in back …after telling Rasta man to eat salt A 23-year-old man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) around 15:00 hrs yesterday with an ice-pick stuck in his back. This was after he reportedly told a “Rasta man” to eat salt. The victim has been identified as Seyon Persaud of Leopold Street, Georgetown. According to information received, Persaud was walking near Stabroek Market in Georgetown with a friend, Sherwin Anthony, when the suspect looked at them and shouted, “fire, fire.” The victim reportedly then told the suspect to go and eat salt. This resulted in the assailant going into his
Seyon Persaud bag and rushing up to the man with an ice-pick in his hand and stabbing him in the
back. Upon seeing his friend attacked, Anthony ran for his life. Persaud was rushed to the hospital with the weapon protruding from his body. Police sources yesterday said that no one has been arrested. Statements were taken from Anthony and a description of the suspect was given to the police. At the hospital yesterday, Anthony said that he and Persaud were heading to the Wales Police Station on the West Bank Demerara to bail Persaud’s partner when the attack took place. Up to press time, the victim was still receiving treatment at the GPHC’s Emergency Unit.
Election outcome will not affect Guyana -US relations - Ambassador Holloway By Abena RockcliffeCampbell United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, does not advise that Guyana brace itself for any major change with regard to its relationship with the world power. Holloway said that he does not foresee anything that Guyana should be worried about on the heels of Donald Trump’s recent election as United States President. Kaieteur News interviewed Holloway yesterday, and the envoy was pointed to the fact that President-elect Trump had made a number of ‘worrying’ statements during the recently concluded campaign trail regarding immigration and his intention to redefine America's foreign policy. Holloway was asked, based on those statements, if he foresees any changes in the good relations currently existing between Guyana and the United States. While the ambassador obviously could not have addressed the query with a 100 percent guarantee, he expressed great confidence that Guyana has nothing to worry about. Holloway said that in his 27 years of working for Republicans and Democrats alike, he learnt that Presidential elections “rarely cause any significant changes to foreign policy.” He said that “no one can predict the future”, but historically America’s foreign policy does not dramatically change after an election. The Ambassador continued, “Our domestic politics stop at the borders. And therefore I am not anticipating any dramatic
American Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge
changes.” He was careful to say, “Of course, I cannot speak for President-elect Trump; and I am a good government employee and I will do whatever or leaders decide that we do. But in the end the election is over, we are all Americans; we are not Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans, and I think Mrs. Clinton, President Obama and President-elect Trump have all said positive things.” In response to a similar question to that posed to Ambassador Holloway, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge said that “each leader has his or her own idiosyncrasies and I am sure Mr. Trump will be no exception.” He said however that there is no reason to expect any change in the relationship be-
tween Guyana and the USA. Greenidge is assured of this because “there is no undercurrent that has to be reconciled or resolved.” Nevertheless, the Foreign Affairs Minister admitted, “Of course change will come regarding intending policies. But we foresee a relationship that will continue to be tranquil and promising with the USA and its new President-elect, (Donald Trump)”. Trump was recently elected to be the 45th President of the United States of America. He defeated former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in last Tuesday’s battle. Trump is a Republican. Republicans also enjoy a majority in the House and Senate.
Friday November 11, 2016
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Diversification can end reliance on billion-dollar bailouts - GuySuCo By Kiana Wilburg As currently structured, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) cannot be sustained. If the status quo remains, subsidies exceeding $18B and $20B would be required in the next two years and thereafter. In short, GuySuCo’s board members have come to terms with the reality that the price to turn sugar around is too high. A high level team has since communicated this to Cabinet. During that meeting, members of government were told that even if all the capital was to be provided for the state entity, GuySuCo would remain a significant loss maker. The estimated operating losses would be more than $10B annually. In the circumstances, two Government Ministers told Kaieteur News that based on presentations made by GuySuCo officials, funds injected into the sugar industry would be wasted, if such injection is made in the absence of any plans for restructuring and diversification. The Government officials agreed that radical reorganization and diversification are urgently needed. Recently, GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas, said that the assets of the industry are “rundown”. He noted that factories, agricultural fleet and field infrastructure were all inherited in a terrible state. GuySuCo Board members said that compounding the issue is the fact that the sugar management and technical support are weak and inexperienced.
GuySuCo hairman, Dr. Clive Thomas
Anthony Vieira, Head of GuySuCo’s Diversification Unit
But one of the priority issues for the Chairman remains reducing the sector’s heavy reliance on bailouts. Dr. Thomas said that the entity hopes to do this through diversification. “What we are projecting is that we would use some funds to pursue the diversification of the industry. We see bailouts rising for about two to three years and then falling dramatically by 2020.The bailouts, or need for it, can fall by 2020. We hope to pursue diversification of some of the estates, one of which includes Wales.” Lending much credence to the Chairman’s position was Anthony Vieira. Vieira who once served as a GuySuCo Board member has been appointed head of the state entity’s Diversification Unit. Vieira agreed that diversification of the sugar industry can bring an end to the sector’s reliance on billion-dollar bailouts. He said that the Unit is currently in the process of coordinating a diversification process with regard to aquaculture and the cultivation of rice.
Vieira said that the Unit is awaiting a USA study on the feasibility of GuySuCo’s proposed aquaculture venture. “For the time being, I can say that the people conducting the study believe that this is a very feasible project, and that aquaculture can be many times more profitable than growing cane,” Vieira added DIVEST AND DIVERSIFY A number of options on the way forward for the sugar industry were presented to Cabinet, recently. Speaking on the discussions that occurred in this regard between Government and the team from GuySuCo was Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. Harmon said that the officials presented a number of alternatives regarding the way forward with the sector. The Minister declined, however, to reveal what those “options” were. The options up for consideration include privatization as recommended in the Commission of Inquiry into
Govt. playing by the rules... (From page 7) other legal issues involved with granting policing authority to a private company. Given the aforementioned, Ali wants the National Assembly to call on the Auditor General of Guyana, Deodat Sharma, to immediately conduct a forensic audit into the Georgetown Municipal Council, including the Parking Meter Contract. As for the Durban Park Development Jubilee Project, this was to be taken before the House by PPP Executive Member, Juan Edghill. In his motion, Edghill says that no public disclosure or consultations
were held with the citizens or national stakeholders. The Parliamentarian said that architectural designs and overall projected costs for its construction and completion were not made public.
In the interest of public accountability, transparency and good governance, Edghill wants the House to call upon the Government to make full disclosure on several fronts.
Cabinet believes matter... From page 3 if a subordinate has done something that requires some amount reprimand or some amount of proper assigning, those things can be done internally. In fact, the President says that he prefers you have public praise and private reprimand.” The Minister was asked if the matter has been referred to the Attorney General's Chambers and he responded, “Well I don't know what it is to be addressed, referred to the AG Chambers; whether there is a civil action that has been brought against the state by any person...the issue is properly under the remit of the Minister of Public Security.”
GuySuCo - and the most extreme being the closure of the sector. Another recommendation made to Cabinet was on the need to bring an end to the production of bulk sugar at the Skeldon Sugar Estate. Kaieteur News understands that the US$200 million factory is in dire need of costly repairs. “If you only knew the cost to refurbish the factory, it would blow your mind,” the GuySuCo Chairman asserted. “Skeldon needs to be divested. We thought it would have been saved or salvaged by a mechanization project and that was not helpful. Then to get the costs down to competitive levels, moves were made to involve private cane farmers in supplying cane to Skeldon. That, too, did not work. The reality before us is that the factory has lots of faults; it is badly designed and poorly
constructed.” Thomas added, “The factory is deteriorating. New steel is needed, some of the furnaces don’t work, some of the boilers don’t work…the factory is just not properly built. The cost for the repairs needed is about, if not over, US$60M ($12B). It is that big of a disaster.” Just recently the sugar sector received a whopping $2B in assistance from the national purse. This financial support is to help meet routine expenditure, and is in relation to the second crop for the sector. The cost to repair Skeldon alone would be six times that bailout. The amount needed to fix the problems facing Skeldon is also more than the $11B ploughed into the sugar industry for the entire year. Government was also presented with the option to diversify Rose Hall /
Providence and the East Demerara estates. It was noted that in addition to the Wales Estate, the estates at East Demerara and Rose Hall are underperforming and should be transitioned into diversification. “We were told that those estates have prime agricultural lands, have access to the required facilities, and are strategically located for access to support services and trade,” said one official. “We were also advised by GuySuCo officials that these advantages should be exploited in financially viable diversification ventures. They said that preparations should commence from January 1, 2017, so that the lands can be prepared for proposed diversification projects as the canes are harvested during 2017. The diversification plans are contingent on this decision.”
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Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
$48M to be expended by year-end to improve Maths performance In what is expected to be an earnest quest to improve the results of Mathematics in the public education system, Government has allocated the sum of $48 million to the Ministry of Education. The fund, according to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, is expected to be expended by the end of December. But according to Harmon, Government is prepared to make provision for a further sum to be spent on the venture in 2017 and going forward. Harmon, who doubles as Cabinet Secretary, made the forgoing disclosure at yesterday’s post Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency. According to Harmon, funding for the Mathematics improvement venture gained approval when Cabinet met earlier this week. He divulged that “there is an immediate emergency arrangement which requires this sum of 48 million and there is a strategy that’s outlined for that which we have already started and we (Cabinet) agreed to that.” The move to put deliberate measures in place to realise improve mathematics results was one that was prompted when Government observed daunting results in the
subject area of Mathematics at the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The NGSA is the final assessment undertaken by primary school pupils in order for them to be placed at secondary level institutions. Harmon at an earlier press conference had shared that Cabinet was concerned with the Mathematics performance yielded at the 2016 NGSA. The Minister of State yesterday made it clear that “if you have a problem in primary, by the time you go to secondary the problem goes with you. So we figured that at the bottom level this is where it has to be dealt with initially, because if we don’t deal with it there, they will get to the secondary and university (levels) and the problem is never dealt with.” In highlighting the need to undertake the improvement venture, Harmon intimated that “I believe that (based on) some of the reports I get out of our own university, we have some problems at the tertiary level as well.” But according to Harmon, efforts will particularly be made to target the primary level, since improving the performance at this level is seen as of extreme importance now. He however assured that the long term plan of the
Ministry of Education is to also address the performance at the secondary level. The Education Ministry has in recent days published multiple advertisements seeking applications from persons to help with the development of specific standards for secondary school mathematics instruction under a project being dubbed the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project. The improvement strategy will be one that will be guided by a report that was presented to Cabinet earlier this month. According to Harmon, Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, on November 8, last, presented a report to Cabinet dubbed ‘Emergency Education Intervention for improved performance in Mathematics by pupils of Grade Six’. Harmon said that the wanting performance at NGSA was one that Government was confronted with upon its ascension to office. “We are correcting what we have found,” said Harmon, as he pointed out that “the hinterland was the more severely affected than the coastland.” The Education Ministry was tasked with preparing a proposal detailing an
immediate, mid-term and long-term proposal to address the glaring challenge. According to Harmon, the seven-point proposal was submitted to Cabinet and consideration was given to it. The proposal, he disclosed, includes: training of teachers in content and methodology; facilitating fortnightly cluster meetings in all regions; the recruitment of mathematics coordinators and monitors; the training of officers and school administrators to supervise the teaching of mathematics; preparing and administering a diagnostic assessment of pupils in the hinterland regions before training; the enhancement of public relations; parental involvement in the education of their children and the acquisition of support materials for students. Even at the time of presenting the report, Harmon said that the Minister of Education had informed Cabinet that preparatory work had commenced and the
proposed strategy was awaiting funding for full implementation. “Having had a very thorough discussion on the matter, Cabinet approved the proposed plan and agreed to the allocation of the sum of $48,682,690,” Harmon disclosed yesterday. It is expected that the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) will play a key role in advancing the improvement initiative which is slated to have a countrywide reach. But in addition to training Mathematics teachers to help yield the desired results, Harmon said that one of the options that the Ministry will embrace is to rehire teachers who have retired or left the system for various issues. The option to recruit teachers from overseas will also be explored, Harmon said yesterday, as he pointed out that “many of our good teachers have migrated to the Caribbean and as far as Botswana in some cases...(but) many of them have actually started coming
back.” “We believe that we can attract some of those teachers who had left in the first place, with the kind of environment that is being prepared in the education system as well as the resources the government is putting into education,” Harmon underscored, as he emphasized that moves to recruit overseas teachers represent “a clear and viable option that will be exercised by the Ministry.” According to Harmon, the ultimate intent of Government through the Education Ministry is “to enlarge its pool of persons who can actually teach mathematics, and my understanding is that they are well advanced in getting to that stage”. In so doing the Education Ministry has proposed holding several conferences for mathematics teachers across the country, and Harmon related yesterday that this is likely to see NCERD spearheading training sessions in Georgetown and within the regions to improve expertise of mathematics teachers.
PM reveals Mazaruni welder died from head injuries; two arrested A post mortem (PM) that was conducted on the body - mother seeks answers of 44-year-old Timothy Fraser, a welder who worked in the Mazaruni River, has revealed that he died from blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy which was done by Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh on Wednesday further made known that Fraser would have been dead two days prior to him being reported missing by colleagues. This has prompted investigators to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Fraser’s death. According to reports reaching Kaieteur News, two men are currently in police custody, while investigators are on the hunt for several others. Fraser’s body was fished out of the Mazaruni River last Sunday. The welder who hails from Savannah Park Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, was employed with a mining company when co-workers reported
Dead: Timothy Fraser him missing. Mother of the dead man, Valerie Fraser, was adamant in her belief that something was amiss in relation to her son’s death after she received conflicting stories of how he died. She said that from all initial reports given to her, Fraser drowned in the Mazaruni waters. She was told by his colleagues that Fraser was dressed in his work attire
awaiting a boat to collect him but after some time had passed he allegedly decided to go for a swim. Her son’s colleagues alleged that when the boat arrived his clothing was seen but Fraser was nowhere in sight. Another story given to her was that Fraser was sitting on a boat when he accidentally fell overboard. She stated that she was also told that her son would have gone to another location to work. The distraught woman is seeking answers for her son’s demise since the family is of the firm belief that the welder was asleep and was beaten before eventually being transported by boat and dumped in the river. None of the welder’s working equipment and clothing could be found in the camp. Investigations are continuing.
Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 11, 2016
Laid-off Barama workers could receive small forest concessions
Government is studying a number of options for the 1.6 million hectares of forests that Barama Company Limited (BCL) has relinquished. Speaking yesterday at the administration’s weekly post-Cabinet briefings at the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that among the options being considered is the release of small concessions of Barama’s forest lands to former staffers who had lost their jobs. Government could also be open to the possibility of cooperatives being formed by Guyanese to benefit from the relinquished forests, Harmon said. Already, Government has received a number of expressions of interest from both foreign and local parties for commercial activities in the area. The matter of Barama’s concessions came up on Tuesday during the weekly Cabinet meeting. During that meeting, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, briefed the ministers of the
Barama’s Land of Canaan operations. A number of its sawmills here have already been closed.
decision last month by Barama to exit its forest operations and concentrate instead on its plywood production and other valueadded activities. According to Harmon, the Minister presented a number
of options for alternative uses of the land as well as plans to address the welfare of the workers of the company who have been affected by the decision not to renew the Timber Sales Agreement (TSA).
Based on the presentation by Trotman, the Cabinet had appointed a subcommittee of several ministers to study the options for the 1.6 million hectares of forest and to decide on a way forward. The sub-committee includes the Ministers of Natural Resources, Business, Indigenous People’s Affairs and Social Protection. The ministers are to make recommendations on the feasibility of the options presented by Trotman for possible implementation,
Harmon disclosed yesterday. They have until this monthend to report back to the Cabinet. Barama’s forestry concessions were the biggest by a single company in Guyana. The Malaysianowned business came here in 1990s and at the height of its logging and related activities had over 1200 workers. It had been engaging the new administration since last year for a renewal of its licences but changed its mind this year after world prices affected operations.
The company had operations in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and Buckhall, Essequibo River. The company has said that the relinquishing of its forest holdings will see employment losses of up to 500 persons. Many of the staffers have already gone home. Barama was considered the biggest player in the timber industry and was one of the two biggest investorsalong with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company- back in the ‘90s.
Husband slaps wife over cheating allegation A man yesterday appeared before Magistrate Leslie Benjamin to answer to the charge of unlawful assault. It is alleged that on November 7, last, at 70 Norton Street, Lodge, Bodes Persaud unlawfully assaulted his wife Seefonie Nirgnin. The 37year-old pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge when it was read to him by the magistrate. In his explanation, he told the court that on the day in question he heard from a few friends that his wife was having an affair with another
- Court hears man and when he confronted her, she denied the allegation. “When I asked her for the second time she denied, so I fly in a passion and give her two slaps and a punch, but she telling people is three slaps.” Based on his explanation the court entered a not guilty plea. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh told the court that the defendant and the Virtual Complainant (VC), had lived together for 14 years, and on
the day in question the defendant accused the VC of having an affair with another man and when she refused to answer him, he got annoyed and started to slap her across the face and punch her in her face. The woman subsequently made a report at the Police Station and the defendant was arrested and charged with the offence. The Magistrate placed the defendant on $40,000 bail and referred him to Help and Shelter, until the completion of the trial. Magistrate Benjamin also advised the couple to seek counselling which would better their relationship. However Seefonie Nirgnin told the court that it is not the first time the defendant hit her “he does beat me every time I go out, I want to leave”. Persaudwill make his next court appearance on November 25.
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Friday November 11, 2016
Aurora Mine shines with 107,000 ounces gold in first nine months
Canadian-owned Guyana Goldfields Inc. has announced a good year so far with 107,700 ounces of gold produced at the end of September. Between July and September (the third quarter), the company’s Aurora Gold Mine, Region Seven, produced 34,400 ounces of gold, an increase from 32,000 ounces in the previous quarter- this was due mainly by higher mill throughout, the company said yesterday in its
third quarter report. In the first quarter, the company declared 41,300 ounces with 32,000 ounces recorded for the second. The company said that its cost of sales (including royalty and depreciation) improved for the third quarter to $811 per ounce of gold sold (compared to $842 per ounce in the prior quarter). The company said that revenue decreased slightly versus the prior quarter to US$44.4 million due to the timing of
sales, however earnings from mine operations increased to US$17.4 million representing a margin of 39%. The company appears to be sitting pretty too with the third quarter ending with a cash balance of US$128.5 million (including restricted cash of US$23.3 million) and a debt balance of US$135.7 million, following the completion of an equity financing that raised aggregate gross proceeds of $103.5 million during the
Guyana Goldfield appears well on course of meeting this year’s target, the company said in its third quarter report yesterday.
period. According to Scott Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Officer, the company remains well on track to meet its 2016 production and cash cost (before royalty) guidance. The company is targeting up to 160,000 ounces for this year. “Ongoing capital
investment in the mine should drive further efficiencies in mining costs and mill performance as we head in to 2017. The company’s strong cash position also provides ample capacity to meet our short and long-term liquidity requirements including the funding of a potential mill expansion at the Aurora Mine, the restructuring of the
project loan facility and a significantly expanded exploration programme as we ramp-up drilling in 2017". The company started operations last year, reaching commercial operations in January. Guyana Goldfields is among two of the big gold mining companies here. The (Continued on page 27)
Bartica Massacre trial… Court hears relatives witnessed autopsies of victims State witnesses, Ingrid Ferreira, Zaheer Zakir and Faizul Ali testified yesterday during the Bartica massacre trial which continued yesterday at Georgetown High Court. Dennis Williams, called ‘Anaconda’; Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Durant’; and Roger Anthony Simon, called ‘Goat Man’ are on trial for 12 counts of murder. The trial is ongoing before Justice Roxanne George and a mixed jury. Yesterday, Ingrid Ferreira testified that on February 20, 2008, she visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, (GPHC) to witness a post mortem examination conducted on the body of her relative, Ignatius Ferreira called ‘Pakoo’, a former security guard. The witness recounted that the autopsy was
conducted by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh and a police officer. She said a funeral service was conducted at Sandy’s Funeral Home for the victim and he was later laid to rest at Sorrow Hill cemetery in Bartica, on February 23, 2008. Zaheer Zakir also testified to witnessing the autopsy conducted on the body of his son, Zaheer Zakir Jr. The examination was conducted at GPHC by Dr. Singh in the presence of a Lance Corporal of Police. Similarly, the third witness, Faizul Ali testified to witnessing the post mortem examination conducted on Faizal Ali, his nephew. The witness led the evidence based on questions provided by State Prosecutors Diana Kaulesar and Stacy Goodings. Defence attorneys, Roger Yearwood, Peter Hugh and
Saphier Hussein declined to cross-examine the witnesses during the brief hearing. Last week, state witness, Jaiwantie Singh, detailed testimony of how persons stormed her home at First Avenue Bartica, kicking down doors and firing gunshots during the 2008 Bartica massacre, in which a dozen persons were killed. According to reports, on the night of February 17, 2008, several gunmen attacked Bartica, slaughtering a dozen people, including three police officers, during an hour-long attack. It was reported that the armed men attacked the community’s police station killing the officers there, before freeing prisoners. They then left with the vehicle assigned to the police station and w e n t o n a rampage, terrorizing the area.
Friday November 11, 2016
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Kaieteur News
Court rules in Union’s favour in teachers’ promotion matter After months of waiting, the verdict into stalled teachers’ promotion matter involving the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) was yesterday handed down by Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards. Justice CummingsEdwards’ ruling, which favoured the GTU’s argument that there should be a review of the process of promotions for teachers by both the TSC and the Ministry of Education’s Schools Board Secretariat, was delivered in the High Court yesterday. Executive members of the GTU who were present in court to hear the ruling dubbed it a long overdue but very acceptable victory for the union. The union was represented by Attorney-atlaw Roysdale Forde. In an invited comment to this publication yesterday, GTU President Mark Lyte disclosed that the Ministry will be pushing to have the review of the promotion process be completed by January, so that teachers
could benefit from their long delayed promotions. Lyte said that the Union is very appreciative to its membership “for standing by us through this. They were worried, they were frustrated and at times thought that they wouldn’t get their promotions but they persevered and stood by their Union and their patience was not in vain.” Lyte is convinced that the process, though lengthy, taught a valuable lesson “that sometimes getting the results you need will not come overnight, but sometimes you have to be patient and wait it out”. But like the teachers, the Union’s patience was wearing thin, so much so, that the Union just a few weeks ago desperately appealed for the ruling to be handed down. Lyte had even then lamented that “we continue to wait after many months for a decision from the High Court.” Lyte had noted too that the Union was concerned about the slothfulness of the judicial system in treating with a matter that should be
GTU Executive Members at the High Court in the company of Attorney-at-law Roysdale Forde (third from right) viewed as important, since it was essentially putting on hold the career of educators. The GTU President had stressed that a ruling was not forthcoming even after efforts were made to seek help from several avenues, including
Special unit of wardens to police mining, logging areas A major problem of monitoring and compliance in the logging and gold mining sectors is expected to receive a shot in the arm with a special team that is to be established. According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Cabinet on Tuesday approved the establishment of unit of wardens that will have policing powers to tackle illegal logging and mining, trafficking in persons and even drug dealing. The agencies that will be collaborating and benefitting include the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC); Guyana Gold Board; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Protected Areas Commission (PAC); Guyana Wildlife Management Authority; and the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission. Updating media personnel during the weekly post-Cabinet briefing yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency, Harmon said that on Tuesday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman made a case for the establishment of a core unit of wardens to support compliance and enforcement policies programs within his ministry. With the extractive sectors experiencing significant expansion in recent years, Trotman reportedly argued that it was
a challenge using the current resources to properly monitor the vast areas. GGMC and GFC are both said to be limited in resources with officials forced to be accompanied by police in their visits. According to Harmon, there has been an increase in illegal activities and non compliance with the laws and regulations becoming entrenched. Since taking office last year May, the coalition government has ordered a number of inquiries into mining deaths which found negligence and non compliance in many of the cases. The situation, if left unchecked, could place Guyana in a precarious position of even being in
breach of the number of international protocols and agreements that has been signed. “The need for robust compliance and enforcement programs across the extractive industries sector was therefore necessary and urgent,” Harmon stressed. Among other things, the wardens will have to tackle non compliance with mining related regulations; provide institutional capacity to enable enforcement of the various regulatory frameworks; coordinate actions against evidence of illegal mining, drug trafficking, deforestation, and handling trafficking in persons cases as they occur. The wardens will also have powers to inspect rivers (Continued on page 28)
Aurora Mine shines... (From page 26) other one is Troy Resources. Almost a third of this year’s declaration of gold, which is over 530,000 ounces currently, is due to Guyana Goldfields and Troy. The small and medium scale operators have also been rolling out declarations that have been encouraging to Government. The national declarations are on course for the record breaking 600,000 ounces that Guyana wants to touch this year. Gold has been one of the biggest performers for the economy in recent years. With a number of other sectors down, gold has been delivering as prices have continued to remain relatively stable over the past year.
ministers of government. “Letters were written to them seeking their intervention for a speedy ruling...our calls have essentially remained unanswered,” Lyte had complained. He’d added too that “we are hoping that by the end of another year – 2016 – the Chief Justice will make her decision whichever way, so that those persons
whose careers would have been put on hold can move on.” However, Lyte was even then optimistic that the eventual ruling would have been in favour of the GTU, thus allowing the teachers to receive promotions retroactively. The stalled promotion matter is one that was initiated by an injunction filed by the GTU. While the
Schools Board Secretariat had adhered to the injunction, which demanded that the promotion process be halted until a review of preliminary lists were done, the TSC decided to fight the matter in court. As a result, promotions for 2015 and 2016 were stalled. It is however expected that the promotion process will be fast-tracked following yesterday’s verdict.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 11, 2016
Racists attacks Iraqi soldiers accused follow Trump victory of cold blooded murder CNN)Rights group Amnesty International has accused men in Iraqi police uniforms of t o r t u r e a n d unlawfully killing villagers “in cold blood,” in th e operation to liberate the city of Mosul from ISIS control. Amnesty said in a statement Thursday that up to six people were extra-judicially executed in late October, apparently due to suspicions they had ties to the ISIS militant group. “Men in Federal Police uniform have carried out multiple unlawful killings, apprehending and then deliberately killing in cold blood residents in villages south of Mosul. In some cases the resi-
(Reuters) Attacks on women in Islamic head scarves, racist graffiti and stories about bullying of immigrant children indicated a backlash against U.S. minorities from Donald Trump supporters after his presidential win. The reports of intimidation and violence came as people protested Trump’s victory in cities across the country, citing concerns that the Republican’s campaign rhetoric about women and racial and religious minorities could result in persecution of these groups once he takes office in January. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a leading Muslim civil rights group, said it was monitoring reports of several incidents targeting Muslims in the United States since Tuesday’s election and called on Trump to denounce the attacks. “It’s the inevitable result of the mainstreaming of Islamophobia we’ve seen in recent months with the presidential campaign,” CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper
said in a phone interview on Thursday. “Unfortunately, it really is up to Donald Trump to repudiate this kind of bigotry.” Trump’s campaign could not be reached immediately for comment. During the campaign Trump called for a ban Muslims from entering the country for security reasons but the wealthy businessman, who won his White House bid with strong support from white voters, has made calls for unity since the election. Hooper said the president-elect’s supporters appeared to be getting a different message. Many people took to social media to describe threats and insults they had received or witnessed against minorities. Spray-painted messages such as “Black Lives Don’t Matter and Neither Does Your Votes” on a wall in North Carolina and a swastika and “Make America White Again” on a baseball dugout in New York went viral. WOMEN IN HIJABS A female student wearing
a hijab near the University of Louisiana at Lafayette was hit on Wednesday with a metal object, had obscenities shouted at her and had her head scarf removed by two suspects, including one wearing a Trump hat, university police said yesterday. Another female student in a hijab at San Diego State University was assaulted and robbed on Wednesday, the university said. The assailants were reported to have made comments to the victim in support of Trump and hurled anti-Muslim insults at her, the school said in a statement, adding the case was being investigated as a hate crime. Civil rights leaders said at a news conference in Washington, D.C., yesterday they were hearing of an increase in bullying incidents against children from racial and religious minority groups. “That is the reality of what Trump has created,” said Christina Jimenez, executive director of United We Dream, an immigrant advocacy organization.
Special unit of wardens to... (From page 27) and other waterways to ensure that miners and loggers are not damaging them. The improper handling of chemical wastes will also be targeted. “The core of wardens will also be expected to be an emergency rescue and disaster recovery unit within the natural resources sector,” Minister Harmon explained.
The wardens, comprising current experienced operators within GGMC, GFC and other agencies, as well as new recruits, will receive a “certain level of police” and other specialised training and eventually receive police powers. Of course, Harmon said, the vacancies will be advertised and there will be a recruitment process. Over the years, there have
been several murders and cases of robberies in the mining areas, with illegal shops also being a major problem. It is not unknown for criminal elements to escape to the hinterland where the crime rate has seen a spike in recent years. Harmon noted that the wardens will not replace mines and forestry officers, but rather, complement them.
dents were tortured before they were shot dead execut i o n - s t y l e , ” s a i d Ly n n Maalouf, Deputy Director for Research at Amnesty International’s regional office in Beirut. “Deliberately killing captives and other defenseless individuals is prohibited by international humanitarian law and is a war crime,” Maalouf added, calling for an immediate investigation. The Iraqi Federal Police have denied any involvement in unlawful killings in the Mosul operation, affirming their commitment to protecting civilians. Around 100,000 people have been involved in an Iraqi-led coalition to free
Mosul, which was launched on October 17 and involved a push toward the city through villages, where forces clashed with ISIS fighters. ‘Did not pose a threat’ Amnesty gathered evidence of the alleged killings on a visit to villages south of Mosul in the alShura and al-Qayyara subdistricts. It said that around 10 men and a 16-year-old boy, most from the villages of Na’na’a and al-Raseef, were tortured and ill-treated after they handed themselves over to a small group of m en wearing Federal Police uniforms on October 21 in an area known as Nus Tal.
Anti-Trump protests continue for second day Police put up security fences around U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump’s new hotel i n Wa s h i n g t o n o n Thursday and a line of concrete blocks shielded New York’s Trump Tower as students around the country staged a second day of protests over his election. A day after thousands of people took to the streets in at least 10 U.S. cities from Boston to Berkeley, California, chanting “not my president” and “no Trump,” fresh protests were held in cities from New Orleans to San Francisco. About 100 protesters marched from the White House, where Trump had his first transition meeting with President Barack Obama on Thursday, to the nearby Trump International Hotel, chanting “love Trumps hate.” “This generation de-
serves better than Donald Trump,” said Lily Morton, 17, marching with about 100 classmates from the Georgetown Day School. “The queer people, colored people, women, girls, everyone that is going to be affected by this, we need to protest to help them. There is still love in this country.” A Trump campaign representative did not respond to requests for comment on the protests. Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and a high-profile Trump supporter, called the demonstrators “a bunch of spoiled cry-babies,” in an interview with Fox News. Protesters cited a list of objections to Trump, including his campaign rhetoric critical of immigrants and Muslims, as well as allegations that he had sexually abused women and bragged
about it. Trump has denied those allegations. More than 20 people were arrested for blocking or attempting to block highways in Los Angeles and Richmond, Virginia, early Thursday morning. White House spokesman Joshua Earnest said Obama supported the demonstrators’ right to express themselves peacefully. Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer urged the protesters to give Trump a chance once he is sworn into office in January. “I hope that people get it out of their . They go out, they exercise ... their right to free speech, but then they give this man that was just elected very historically and his new vice president an opportunity to govern,” Spicer said in an interview on MSNBC.
Two police officers shot in Pennsylvania, one dies Two police officers were shot in southwestern Pennsylvania and one died early on Thursday after they responded to a call about a domestic dispute, local media reported. Moments after the two officers approached the home in the town of Canonsburg, about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Pittsburgh, police said the suspect opened fire in an ambush-
style attack around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to local CBS affiliate KDKA.Washington County Coroner Tim Warco told KDKA that one officer, who was taken to Canonsburg Hospital, had died, and that the other was flown to a hospital in Pittsburgh. “Obviously, it’s very sketchy. At this point, it’s still an active scene in search of the shooter,” Warco said.
Police told residents to remain in their homes as they searched for the gunman in Canonsburg. There were no immediate details on the other officer’s condition, the names of the officers, or any possible suspect. Authorities said schools would open two hours later than usual as the investigation continued. Some roads were closed.
Friday November 11, 2016
Caribbean American congresswoman calls for halt to deportation of Haitians
Yvette Clarke NEW YORK, CMC – Caribbean American congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, has urged the Obama administration to immediately halt the deportation of undocumented Haitians.. “Earlier on Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that removal proceedings have resumed for Haitian nationals in the United States who lack Temporary Protected Status (TPS),” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). “The majority of the people DHS intends to remove have not been accused of any crime.” According to Clarke, the deportations will “return thousands of Haitians to a country that continues to struggle with the devastation of Hurricane Matthew and the recent outbreak of cholera that was introduced by interna-
tional aid workers responding to the 2010 earthquake.” “This will only exacerbate the difficulties of rebuilding Haiti and deny families access to remittances from relatives in the United States,” added the representative for the ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York. “I am deeply saddened that these deportations have resumed, and I call on President Obama and his administration to end this policy immediately.” On November 2, Clarke, with 13 of congressional colleagues, urged Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, to suspend the removal of Haitian nationals who have not been convicted of a serious crime or otherwise present a threat to US national security. Last week, two major Haitian Diaspora groups in New York launched an online petition requesting that Obama
also immediately halt the deportation of undocumented Haitians in the wake of the massive destruction caused to the French-speaking Caribbean country by Hurricane Matthew a month ago. The New York-based Haiti Renewal Alliance and the United Front of the Haitian Diaspora on Friday launched the petition, saying that they are hoping to build awareness to support it, which, on receiving 100,000 signatures, will require an official response from the White House. It notes that Hurricane Matthew “violently struck Haiti and resulted in the country’s largest humanitarian crisis since the 2010 earthquake.” The petition says Matthew caused extensive damage, leaving more than 2.1 million people at risk of food insecurity, homelessness, and increase cholera and other diseases. In late September, Clarke expressed deep concern about the DHS’ decision to resume the deportation of undocumented Haitian immigrants. The passage of Hurricane Matthew, a month ago, has further exacerbated Haiti’s plight, prompting the Haitian Diaspora group to launch the online petition, supported by Clarke. The UN said this is exemplified by the nearly 600,000 children being stalked by disease, hunger and malnutrition, and in need of assistance.
Small plane crash kills three
All three occupants in the small aircraft that crash in Greenwich Town, South West St Andrew have now been confirmed dead. The aircraft burst into flames on impact and also ignited a house. Residents managed to pull one of the men from the plane and rushed him to hospital where he was pronounced dead. People who helped him to the hospital said he was crying as the tried to help him. The police say the small aircraft crashed some time after 1 o’clock this afternoon on Seaview Lane in the community. Transport Minister, Mike Henry, told a graduation ceremony at the Caribbean Maritime Institute a short while ago that the plane had just taken off when it crashed. He says the plane belonged to the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre shortly
after it took off at the Tinson Pen Aerodrome. Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller in whose South West St Andrew constituency the crash happened has arrived at the scene expressing regret at the incident.
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Kaieteur News
A woman claiming to be a relative of one of the victims who turned up at the scene was crying uncontrollably. In the meantime, the Civil Aviation Authority has launched a probe into the incident.
Cabinet approves plan to boost arrivals from Canada
KINGSTON, CMC – The Jamaican Cabinet has given approval for the implementation of a rescue plan for the Canadian tourism market. The objective is to increase arrivals to the island from Canada for the 2016/ 2017 winter season, which starts next month. During a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Information Minister Ruel Reid said as part of the plan, Jamaica Vacations Limited (JAMVAC) is to be provided with US$275,000 for seat support, while the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will receive US$425,000 for cooperative marketing and promotion targeted at that market. Reid said the move fol-
lows a recent trip to Canada by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, where he met with leading tourism stakeholders to discuss declines in arrivals from that country. Bartlett has indicated that the Government is targeting in excess of two million visitors to the island from the United States and Canada. When combined, the two markets are responsible for more than 1.7 million visitors to the country. JAMVAC, which is an entity within the Tourism Ministry, helps to maintain and increase visitor numbers through consistent airlift and to grow new markets and gateways.
Meanwhile, Reid said a Concept Paper is to be developed for a Tourism Networks Policy and Strategy. He noted that the implementation of the policy will require the collaboration of several ministries. The ministries of Tourism, and Transport and Mining will be critically involved in the consultations for development of the policy and strategy. He also noted that Cabinet granted approval for Jamaica to host the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Conference next year to culminate the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
After the polls... Trinidad adopts wait and see attitude Trinidad: DONALD Trump’s stunning victory in the US presidential election will change the course of world events, but how his policy plans articulated during a deeply divisive campaign will affect citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and the Diaspora, no one is certain.During the campaign, many in Trinidad and Tobago, and those living in the US expressed support for democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, identifying with her policies on trade, immigration and race and religious tolerance in what is the most powerful and influential country in the world. On the other hand, Trump promised to roll back free trade agreements, protect America businesses, and impose tariffs, which may hurt the country’s already deport eleven million illegal immigrants, some of whom as
Trinis, and place a ban on suspected Muslim militants, which may also affect Trinidad Muslims. So what can Trinidad and Tobago expect and learn from a Trump presidency? Former prime minister Basdeo Panday said there was similarity in the US election on Tuesday and the general election in Trinidad and Tobago last year. He said : “I think what the Democrats did to Trump was to demonise him with women and this and that and corruption and I think there was boomerang in the same way that the PP (People’s Partnership) tried to demonise Dr (Keith) Rowley and in so doing it boomeranged, and people began to feel sorry for him and they (PP) lost.” Panday was prime minister at the time Trinidad and Tobago hosted a Miss Uni-
verse pageant for the first time in 1999, following Wendy Fitzwilliam’s win in 1998. Trump was present at that show. Panday said he knew Trump well but he was not too concerned about who won the election. “The power of the United States is really controlled by the Senate, and the Senate is controlled by business interest. So there will be very little change really,” he said. When asked how and if Trinidad and Tobago will be affected, Panday replied: “Trinidad is a mere dot on the international landscape of the US. They are not very concerned about us except for the petroleum industry and the fact that we are probably near to Venezuela. They are more interested in larger international issues. (Trinidad Express)
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
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Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206
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One salesman to work in parts store contact 2235273/4
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Need a building contractor, house plan to be drawn or just an estimate. Call: 2160671/ 692-8464/ 622-0267
Friday November 11, 2016
Kaieteur News
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP, 9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
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Experienced cashier, curry cooks, cleaners. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.
Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Zeelugt - $1.5M, Tuschen School Street -$2M (terms available). Call: 6046724 Diamond 21st Street, can transfer $3.5M. Schoonard, WBD $25M, Land Of Canaan $5M per acre- Contact Shawn 231-2199, 618-7483 Large houselot (fenced) bearing fruit trees, near GuyAmerica , Zeeburg W.C.D, price negotiable. Call: 277-0024/659-1206 Gold & Diamond mining blocks in Puruni, Providence prime house lots. Call: 6158810 or 668-3100 Land for sale in Dairy, $5M. Call: 600-8558 CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT,CHEAPREATES, SPECIALOFFER.CALL:690-6494
One waitress to work at bar on the E.C.D – Call: 613-2650 or 627-5607 Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses, cooks needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616 Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust. Storage Bonds & office space to rent. Call: 638-5303 Experienced dispatcher to do shift work @ Gem’s Taxi. Call: 225-5075/ 622-6413/667-9013 One domestic, age 45 & older, preferably from West Bank/ Coast. Call: 691-1161 Live in maid wanted between ages 45 and older @ Robb Street home. Call: 226-0450/ 627-3205 Interior workers needed, salary $80,000. Call: 674-1767/ 659-2708 PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RD5 Honda CRV, immaculate condition, TV, reverse camera, CD, mags, alarm, etc, price -$2.850M. Call: 626-2884 1 Landcruiser Prado, excellent condition. Call: 625-4196 or 656-0565 1 New & unregistered Toyota Allion $2.4M, 1 Allion PVV series $2.150M negotiable, low mileage, TV, camera, etc. Call: 649-0956
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 3 Bedrooms bottom house @ Sophia - $70,000 neg. On/off road parking, CCTV, fully grilled & tiled. Call Mr. Gomes: 693-2237/ 219-0211 Suitable space for taxi based in central Georgetown. Please call: 624-6783
Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815
Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954
Toyota 110 Sprinter for sale $650,000 negotiable, PKK series. Call: 684-5402
One bedroom apartment @ Middle Road La Penitence $28,000 monthly. Call: 2266374/ 666-9534
One To y o t a AE100 Sprinter, Stick shift. Price negotiable. Call:613-6666/ 222-4579
2 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 227-5194
Bus BKK series, working condition -$600,000 negotiable. Call: 668-1004/ 682-9127 Not working Vehicles: 1 Surf, 2 Pathfinders, 1 Bobcat, 3 Toyota Cars, 1 Canter, 1 Fiber glass boat. Call: 227-4377/ 6246013
Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 227-4377/ 227-0613/ 6246013 Apartment self contained in Tuschen. Call: 669-1448
PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 Church building in front and 2 story building at the back (W30XL120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/2265183 Property @ Lot 172 Zohora Street, Market Street Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Call: 220-1583/667-6066 Property with extra large land well built with 2 storey house @ Back Street BetterHope, E.C.D Won’t last. Call: 2201583/667-6066 Campbellville- $45M, $32M. Festival City (2 Families) $19M, $9M. Aubrey Barker $30M. Diamond $12M- GME Realty- 231-2199, 618-7483 House for sale: storey concrete building, block 8 Mon-Repos, E.C.D- Call: 592611-3548 2 Storey house, 4 bedrooms, all amenities, 2 lots near GuyAmerica, Zeeburg W.C.D, price negotiable. Call: 277-0024/659-1206 Two flat, three bedroom wood and concrete building Nurseville(Tucber ) New Amsterdam, Berbice -$15M. Call 333-2915 or 687-1837
PROPERTY FOR SALE Two bedroom two flat wooden building on large plot at Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice $6M. Call 3332915 or 687-1837 Tuschen property from $2M$10M, La Parfaite Harmonie: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, newly built home -$22M. Call: 6880087
TO LET 2 Bedroom furnished Apartment in exclusive residential area, close to Ogle Airport , with modern amenities. Call for appointment 664-1070 1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished; 1-2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished at Eccles. Call: 667-2536 2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished @ Werk-enRust, Georgetown. Call:2315750/ 609-6392
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Granger calls for new model of Trade Unionism ‌as GTUC opens 4th triennial confab By Murtland Haley President David Granger is calling for a new model of Trade Unionism to be embraced by the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) and its associated member unions. The Head of State offered this advice during his remarks at the opening of the fourth Triennial Conference of the GTUC held at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue yesterday. According to Granger, there needs to be a new direction to build on the successes of the movement over the past 75 years and to prepare workers for the future. He said that presently technology is making jobs redundant, leading to the withdrawal and downsizing of many industries. He also said that outsourcing is adding to job losses and globalisation has led to jobless growth in some instances. Granger said that these developments have undermined the workers’ standard of living and weakened the trade union movement. According to the president, in Guyana, less than 20% of the workforce is unionized. “We need a new model that takes into account the changes in our market. The International Labour Organization in its World Employment Social Outlook Report 2015 noted that employment growth is weak, partly because of the decline in global demand and fall in productivity.â€? According to the President, the diversified nature of employment markets has already started to present serious challenges for the unionization of workers and the protection of their rights. He said that “the new model that I speak about re-
quires a re-evaluation of trade union organisation�. The President emphasised that times have changed and therefore the GTUC and the associated trade unions have to redefine themselves in light of these challenges. “The trade union movement, in adapting to these new circumstances, must embrace a new model, a model that is based on education. Brothers and sisters we’re living in a globalised era, knowledge-based industries are the main drivers in economic growth and competitiveness. If you have noticed, the hammer and sickle are no longer the tools of the working class.� Granger said that workers need to be educated and skilled if they are to function effectively and efficiently in the workplace and to assure upward mobility. “It is education and only education that will provide greater opportunities for the unemployed to secure em-
ployment.� He said that the provision of education services for workers and for the unemployed therefore must become the focus of any organisation that is committed to protecting workers’ rights and livelihood. Further, Granger said that the trade unions must understand the changes taking place in employment and must promote self-employment as a means of reducing unemployment. “Mechanisms such as credit unions run by trade unions can help the unemployed by providing credit for them to launch their own micro enterprises. Congress must find ways to provide skills training and mentoring in order to encourage job creation through entrepreneurship,� Granger posited On the matter of low memberships in trade unions, the President said that the GTUC can help to arrest the alienation of workers from their
Alleged bag snatcher granted bail Twenty-two year old D e x t e r F o r d e o f We s t Ruimveldt appeared yesterday before Magistrate Leslie Benjamin to answer to a charge of larceny from the person. It is alleged that on November 7 at Albert and Croal Streets, Georgetown, he robbed Carlotta Nurse of one cellular phone valued $14,000 and $5,000 in cash. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh told the court that on the day in question the Virtual Complainant (VC) was walking along Croal Street when Forde rode up beside her on a bicycle and snatched her bag. He then quickly pedalled away. The VC raised an alarm and Forde was captured by
public-spirited persons. He was subsequently handed over to the police. The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge
was read to him. He was placed on $55,000 bail, and will make his next court appearance on November 21.
President David Granger making his address to the gathering as GTUC’s executive members listen keenly
unions. “Only when this is done, would the labour union as we knew it, survive. Works need to be engaged, trade unions need to take into consideration the changes that are taking place not only in Guyana but around the world.� The theme for this year’s conference is “Labour Poli-
cies, a prerequisite in creating a green economy.� According to Granger, Guyana can become a green state and in so doing could become a worker’s paradise. He said that his government’s concept of a green state rests on a number of pillars; the first is on the provision of educational and
environmental services and eco-tourism. The second pillar is the protection of bio-diversity; the third pillar is the generation of sustainable energy. He said that these pillars are capable of generating a new type of worker. The president stressed that the old model of trade unionism has outlived its usefulness.
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Judge recommends deportation for Panamanian A parish judge today recommended the deportation of the Panamanian woman who was held with alleged lottery scamming mastermind Lavrick Willocks. T h e w o man, Ailyn Fuentes, was also fined $10,000 or 90 days in prison for overstaying her time in Jamaica when she appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.
Fuentes acknowledged, through her attorney, that she arrived in Jamaica in March this year and should have left the island a month later in April. Her attorney also indicated that she was very anxious to leave Jamaica. According to prosecutors, Fuentes and Willocks were held by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter Terrorism
and Organised Crime division during an operation on Tucker Avenue in St Andrew on November 5. Willocks is wanted in the State of North Dakota in the United States for money laundering and lottery scam charges. American authorities have alleged that he is the leader of a criminal organisation that fleeced over 8 0 e l d e rly victims of approximately US$5.6 million.
Trump’s Immigration policy bothers T&T Trinidad: Amid anxiety over a possible merciless immigration policy under new president-elect Donald Trump. Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Edmund Dillon stressed that people should not assume that there would be a surge in the number of
deportees. Told that there was a widespread expectation that, given Trump’s persistent pronouncements on immigration reform, countries like Trinidad and Tobago would see a sharp increase in the number of deportees, the minister said yesterday: “We should wait
and see what the policies (of the Trump administration) would be.” However, treating with a hypothetical question, Dillon said if indeed there were an increase, the Government would have to take the necessary measures to deal with these deportees.
Obama, Trump meet ahead of transition U.S. President Barack O b a m a an d P r e s i d e n t elect Donald Trump met on Thursday for the first time, setting aside the deep rancor that dominated the long campaign season to discuss the transition to the R e p u b l i c a n ’s i n a u g u r a tion on Jan. 20. Their 90-minute meeting in the White House Oval Office, with no aides present, took place just two days after Trump’s stunning election defeat of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Obama, who vigorously campaigned for his fellow Democrat to succeed him, had repeatedly called Trump unfit for t h e president’s office, while the businessman had oft e n d u b b e d O b a m a ’s eight-year tenure a “disaster.” But in separate postelection remarks on Wednesday both men appeared to seek to help the country heal from a bitterly divisive campaign, and that tone continued into the White House meeting. Seated next to Obama after their talks, Trump told reporters: “We really discussed a lot of situations, some wonderful, some difficulties.” He said Obama explained “some of the really great things that have
been achieved,” but did not elaborate. “It was a great honor being with you and I look forward to being with you many, many more times in the future,” Trump said, with a tone of deference. Trump, a real estate magnate who has never held political office, later met congressional leaders, including U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican who has had a strained relationship with the party’s presidential candidate. Amid those efforts to bury hatchets, there were scattered protests in a string of U.S. cities against Trump for a second day on Thursday. Security fences
were erected around Trump’s new hotel in Washington, just blocks from the White House, and around New York’s Trump Tower as students protested his election. Obama said he had offered assistance to Trump over the next couple of months, and urged the country to unite to face its challenges. “We now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed because if you succeed, then the country succeeds,” Obama said, adding he and Trump discussed a range of domestic and foreign policy issues and details related to the transition period.
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Sammy cameo fails to put Kings over the line DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) — All-rounder Darren Sammy’s cameo failed to save Rajshahi Kings as they slumped to a heartbreaking three-run defeat to Khulna Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League here Wednesday. Chasing 134 for victory at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Kings came up short on 130 all out off their 20 overs to lose their opening game of the tournament. The right-handed Sammy, who is leading the Kings this
season, slammed an unbeaten 31 off 23 deliveries, but it was not enough to get his side over the line. His three sixes came down the stretch and kept Kings in the hunt but he perished at the start of the 18th over, bowled by seamer Shafiul Islam. They needed seven runs off the last over, but lost three wickets to see their challenge fizzle. Sammy was one of just three players in double figures, with opener Mominul Haque stroking a top score of
64 off 57 deliveries. Opting to bat first earlier, Titans reached 133 for eight off their 20 overs, with West Indies Twenty20 batsman Nicholas Pooran getting only 14. Captain Mahmudullah and Riki Wessels both topscored with 32. In the other game at the venue, former Barbados and West I n d i e s b a t s m a n Dwayne Smith failed with 10 as his Chittagong Vikings went down to Rangpur Riders by nine wickets.
Darren Sammy.. slammed an unbeaten 31 off 23 deliveries.
Perez dumps sponsor after... (From page 36) States was built. Trump, the Republican candidate elected in Tuesday’s election, promised before the polls to build a “big, beautiful, powerful” border wall with Mexico to stop the flow of undocumented immigrants. “What a bad commentary. Today I am ending my relations with @HawkerMX,” Perez said on his own Twitter
account in reply. “I will never let anyone laugh at my country.” Hawkers subsequently said it had made a ‘serious error’ and removed the offending Tweet, which it said had not been made in ‘mockery’. “It will not happen again,” the company added. Perez would not say how much the brand was paying him but told reporters at the
Brazilian Grand Prix on Thursday that his mind was made up, even though production had started on a run of some 20,000 glasses bearing his name. The sponsorship had only recently been agreed, he added. “I decided to split with the brand,” said the Force India driver, who found out about the comment after landing in Sao Paulo and seeing a lot of angry messages on Twitter from his fans. “It was a very unfortunate comment about my country... I didn’t find it funny at all. I feel sorry because it’s a great brand, they’ve done really well but I’m not willing to stay there,” he added. “The relationship was going to be very successful but my country and my people come first,” added Perez. “I won’t let anyone make fun of my country and it’s a shame that the brand pays for it because it’s a mistake from one person.”
Friday November 11th 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Being married to someone for many years takes work, Aries. No one said it was going to be easy. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today is a great day to make your big move, Taurus. If there's something in the love and romance department that you feel you need to act on, this is the day to do it. It's now or never. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Take your focus off you and concentrate on someone else for a day, Gemini. This doesn't mean focusing so the person will stop and pay attention to you. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It might take an extra few minutes to get out of bed today, Cancer, but it will be worth it when you do. You will find that the more honest you've been with people, the more payoffs you will receive. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't try to fit into a mold you simply don't belong in, Leo. You may have gone through a major transformation lately in which you went from being a square peg to a round peg. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There may be subtle messages in people's words today that you need to attend to. Other people could be trying to send you hints in order to push your buttons. Confront them on this behavior.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't keep playing along with the games if you no longer want to repeat the same drama. By placing yourself in a victim role, you're opening yourself up to manipulation and control by others. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today is excellent for you, Scorpio. You should be encouraged to take action in any artistic realm. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Go weed the garden, Sagittarius. If you don't have a garden, start one. It's important for you to get into the Earth today, so roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There's great opportunity for romance today, Capricorn. Love the people you're with, but don't smother them. The more you loosen your grip on a situation, the more you will gain control of it. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) The active and receptive natures of your being are coming together. There's a balance between these two aspects. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today is a fantastic day for you. Your sensual, caring nature will be appreciated, Pisces. Whether you actively pursue it or sit back and relax, you will receive the love and good fortune you desire.
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CA, CSA oppose WICB’s release-fee concept ESPNcricinfo - Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Cricket Australia (CA) have strongly objected to the WICB’s decision to charge a release fee in order to provide a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Caribbean players participating in overseas Twenty20 tournaments. The WICB had decided to impose a levy of 20% of a player’s contract fee, which it says should be paid by the host board in order for West Indies players to participate in their T20 tournaments. The news came to light earlier this week when it was leaked that WICB informed Kieron Pollard, on November 3, that he would not be given the NOC to travel to South Africa for their domestic T20 tournament, where he plays for the Cape Cobras. In a subsequent media release on Tuesday, the WICB issued an explanation of its decision, which it said was a policy move made by its board of directors. But later in the day, WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead
WICB’s decision to levy a 20% release fee for NOCs has not found favour from other member nations © AFP
said Pollard had been granted the NOC without any condition. Muirhead added that the WICB would carry on the dialogue with the other boards. “While we do not wish to
act in restraint of trade, we must seek a balance to ensure that there is fair and adequate compensation for the investment made in the players,” the WICB release said. “What WICB seeks is
some compensation to recognise the investment made into players, an investment from which another Full Member is benefitting.” However, other boards disagreed. Both CSA and CA said they did not support the proposal and pointed out that it was recently tabled for the first time by the WICB, but not agreed upon, at the Cape To w n r o u n d o f I C C meetings held in October. “It was a WICB proposal, but not supported by any other member at the time,” CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said. “It was the first time the topic was raised and it was concluded by all that we should reflect on it as a part of all of the other reforms or regulations that we are presently working on to support the primacy of international cricket.” Lorgat said the WICB decision to go solo without proper consideration and agreement with other stakeholders was inappropriate. “I was quite surprised by the approach of
Detroit coach Van Gundy ‘ashamed’ of Trump victory (Reuters) Outspoken Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy joined a number of other non-political voices o n We d n e s d a y i n condemning the election of Donald Trump as U.S. president, stating that he was “ashamed” of the outcome. Several actors, writers and musicians had earlier expressed their disappointment at R e p u b l i c a n Tr u m p ’s successful election, with many having publicly supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton beforehand. A visibly shaken Van Gundy, however went further, and felt Trump’s rhetoric about women, ethnic minorities and immigrants during the campaign would only damage the country. “It’s embarrassing. I can’t say I’ve ever been ashamed of our country until today,” Van Gundy told reporters. “We just elected an openly brazen racist, misogynist leader. “What we have done to minorities and women in this election is despicable.
I’m having a hard time dealing with it. “We have just thrown a good part of our population under the bus and I have problems with thinking this is where we are as a country.” Van Gundy, whose Pistons team is mostly African-American, added he felt the U.S. could no longer claim to be a moral leader and had disqualified itself from lecturing other countries on human rights. “I don’t want to hear anything from our leaders talking to China or anybody else about human rights abuses,” he said. “We need to keep our mouths shut and realize we need to be learning maybe from the rest of the world because we ain’t got nothing to teach them.” Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was also dismayed at the election result, though he spoke more diplomatically. “I thought we were better than this,” said Kerr. “I have no idea what kind of president (Trump
Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports) will be) but it’s tough when you want there to be some respect and dignity and there hasn’t been any. “And you walk in and you see the faces of your players, and most of them who have been insulted directly, as minorities. It’s sure shocking. It really is.” Golden State forward David West, however, felt Trump’s election was the manifestation of still simmering racial, ethnic and
class tensions in the country. “This whole fairy tale about some post-racial utopia that Obama supposedly created is all bull,” he said. “The things that he (Trump) said, the things that he represented, that’s the way that the majority of this nation feels. “I think he just emboldened them because he’s able to say it publicly. He got the platform.”
Haroon Lorgat © Getty Images the WICB because we had discussed this concept in a very preliminary way at the last chief executives committee (CEC) meeting in Cape Town. As an isolated measure, we cannot support it at this stage.” Muirhead told ESPNcricinfo that WICB president Dave Cameron had said the concept was first discussed by the ICC board of directors at a meeting earlier this year. “I understand from my President that it was approved at the ICC board level, which is above the CEC. The Board agreed to the concept that [the] fee would be charged. I have not seen the minutes itself, but this is what he told me.” Muirhead said the ICC might have discussed the issue further on its own and perhaps pointed out some “practical” issues, which led to the discussion once again by the CEC in Cape Town in October. “It came up for discussion at the CEC [meeting] and then they took that back to the Board. But there was an initial approval at the board level earlier.” According to Lorgat, the WICB decision was surprising because the ICC members had agreed that the concept of a release fee needed more discussion to understand the full implications. He confirmed that CSA had responded to the WICB saying it would not support the payment of release fees at this stage. “We have written back saying we are not in a position to agree to pay release fees when neither our board nor the ICC members have properly considered the concept.” That opinion was supported by CA, too. “We are aware of the issues pertaining to West Indies
Cricket Board releasing players for other domestic leagues and are in discussion with them on this,” a CA spokesperson said. “Cricket Australia does not support the proposal suggesting that release fees be paid by home member boards to WICB in order for West Indies players to play in their domestic leagues. This matter was briefly discussed and rejected by member board CEOs at the recent ICC Chief Executives’ meeting in Cape Town.” Administrators - in the ICC and of the Full Members - have been concerned about the rising popularity of domestic T20 tournaments, which have eaten into the viewership of the other formats of the game. What has also bothered many boards is players opting to retire from international cricket to become free agents, in order to lengthen their T20 shelf life. As such, Lorgat said a release fee was appropriate in the case of the IPL, which is played over nearly two months every year when all international cricket effectively comes to a standstill, as players from most countries participate in the lucrative tournament in India. In addition, the BCCI does not release their players to the other leagues. For these reasons the BCCI pays member boards a certain fee by way of compensation. “It should clearly apply to the BCCI because all the other countries have effectively created a window for the IPL and thus lost the o p p o r t u n i t y t o commercialise their international rights during that period,” Lorgat said. “That is why the BCCI compensates the other member boards. It is clearly very different.” But Lorgat added that the same formula could not be mechanically applied to other member boards. “Without having worked on the details and the implications, I have a feeling that the smaller b o a r d s w i l l b e disadvantaged by the payment of release fees, or it would simply end up all square between the various boards with similar amounts being paid to each other.”
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Windies Women suffer defeat after batting flop
Mithali Raj and Stafanie Taylor at the toss, India beat the West Indies in the 1st women’s ODI by six wickets. ©Andhra Cricket Association
VIJAYAWADA, India, CMC – Another batting failure saw West Indies Wo m e n c r a s h t o a disappointing six-wicket defeat to India Women, in the opening One-Day International of the threematch series here Thursday. Opting to bat first, the Caribbean side’s batting woes continued from the recent series against England Women, as they slumped to a paltry 131 all out off 42.4 overs at the Mulapadu Cricket Ground. Former captain Merissa Aguilleira top-scored with a
defiant, unbeaten 42 off 77 deliveries but was one of only three batsmen in double figures, with teenaged opener Hayley Matthews getting 24 and captain Stafanie Taylor, 19. The damage was done by left-arm spinners Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who finished with four for 21 and Ekta Bisht, who claimed three for 14. West Indies Women were 63 for three in the 17th over but collapsed to lose their last seven wickets for 68 runs. In reply, India were
tottering on 36 for four in the 17th over before Veda Krishnamurthy stroked an unbeaten 52 and captain Mithali Raj, 46 not out, to see the hosts over the line in the 40th over. The pair put on a brilliant 97 in an unbroken fifth wicket stand as they powered India to a precious t w o I C C Wo m e n ’s Championship points. Fast bowler Shakera Selman was superb on her return to the squad, claiming two for 11 from her nine overs. West Indies Women, in
contrast with India Women, now find themselves under pressure to win the remaining two games in order to make safe their automatic qualification for next year’s 50-overs World Cup in England. Taking first knock, the visitors lost Shaquana Quintyne without scoring with just five runs on the board in the second over but recovered through a 37-run second wicket partnership between Matthews and Taylor. Both right-handers, Matthews stroked three fours and a six in a brisk 27ball knock while the usually prolific Taylor found the boundary twice in her 51ball innings. Matthews and Kycia Knight (9) fell in quick succession to leave the Windies Women on 54 for three and when Taylor and Deandra Dottin (8) both perished in successive overs with the score on 63, the innings was plunged into turmoil. Aguilleira then led a recovery of sorts, stroking six fours and putting on 31 for the sixth wicket with Shemaine Campbelle (7). However, when Campbelle was run out in the 28th over, West Indies Women suffered another collapse which saw the last five wickets tumbled for 37 runs. West Indies Women looked like defending their target when Selman
removed opener Smriti Mandhana (7) and Mona Meshram (2) cheaply at 28 for two in the eighth over. Opener Deepti Sharma (16) and Harmanpreet Kaur (1) also perished cheaply in the space of 20 deliveries to leave the Caribbean women on top before Krishnamurthy and Raj arrived to rescue
India. The right-handed Krishnamurthy faced 70 balls and counted four fours and two sixes while the experienced Raj hammered six fours in a 91-ball innings. West Indies Women face India Women in the second game of the series on Sunday at the same venue.
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Isinbayeva to face three opponents in bid to become Russian athletics chief
Russian track-and-field athlete Yelena Isinbayeva talks on her mobile phone as she walks at Red Square in Moscow, Russia July 27, 2016. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) (Reuters) Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva is among four candidates to register for an election to choose a new president of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF), the organization said on its official website. Isinbayeva, 34, was among 67 Russian athletes ruled out of this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after a World Anti-Doping Agency report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping in Russia. Russian athletes were banned in November 2015 from competing in international competitions and the new ARAF chief’s main task will be to try to lift the suspension. Isinbayeva
has said she will never forgive the IAAF for imposing the ban. Russian media say Isinbayeva, who won gold at the Athens and Beijing Games, is the frontrunner for the job. The other candidates are current ARAF president Dmitri Shlyakhtin, its general secretary Mikhail Butov and the 2008 Olympics high jump
champion Andrei Silnov, the website said. This list is now final as the deadline for registering was November 9. The election will take place in Moscow on Dec. 9. Isinbayeva has a big reputation in Russia, where she is seen as a symbol of national sporting prowess. She personally appealed to President Vladimir Putin during a visit to the Kremlin in July to help restore the reputation of the country’s track and field athletes. “I ask you to defend us from this disregard for the law,” she said, referring to
t h e I A A F b a n . “Unfortunately our sportsmen now are left without a defence. We really believe in you. We must punish all those involved in (imposing this ban).” According to Sport Express newspaper, Isinbayeva was recently offered an important post outside the ARAF, though this has not been confirmed. If the report were to prove true, Shlyakhtin would be the favorite to win the presidency. He took over as interim president in January, nearly a y e a r a f t e r Va l e n t i n
Balakhnichev stepped down. The IAAF has banned Balakhnichev for life over his role in covering up positive drugs tests committed by Russian athletes. Shlyakhtin initially said he would quit as ARAF chief at the end of 2016 due to a heavy workload but then decided to run in the election. He is also the sports minister of the Samara Region, a chairman of the board of Krylya Sovetov football club and vice president of Lada Togliatti ice hockey club.
Herath caps series sweep with 13-for
FAT System to be introduced at National Schools’ Championships The Fully Automatic Timing System (FATS) that primarily produces and pronounces on photofinishes in athletics will be introduced for the first time at the upcoming 2016 National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships, scheduled for November 22-25 at the National Stadium, Providence. President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) met with officials from the Organising Committee of t h e S c h o o l s Championships yesterday to finalise arrangements for the introduction of the internationally recognised system. “The role of the AAG is to assist with the development of the sport,” Hutson said, adding that the FAT System solves the issue of improper timekeeping. “The FAT System will remove all doubt in close finishes,” he noted. The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) had
acquired the system in 2014 and handed it over to the athletics association. The FATS is International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) ratified as the proper mechanism for recording times in races. According to the IAAF, any record in athletics (World, Olympic, or National) or qualifying time for Olympic Games or World Championships must be FATS recorded to be valid. Hutson stated that there will be photographic evidence of finishes to settle disputes. The GOA-acquired FAT System came complete with the starting-gun that sends electronic signal to the timing system when fired. It also has the Digital Line-Scan Camera, which is angled across the finish line, and captures as much as 1000 frames per second. One of the main advantages of the introduction of the FAT System at Nationals is that
the AAG will record performances that it can use for national and international purposes such as selection of national teams and sending to IAAF for ratification as records. Apart from managing the FAT System, the AAG will also ensure that the track is marked to the correct specifications and support the manual recordkeeping process with the Meet Manager - an electronic record keeping mechanism that will make it much easier to input data to the National Sports Commission (NSC) database, which is under construction. These systems will ensure that the process of transitioning the Schools’ Championships from just school sports continue along a technological path. The systems will also continue to raise the standard of the Championships, compatible with international best practices.
Rangana Herath finished with 19 wickets in the series © AFP ESPNcricinfo - It took Sri Lanka a little over 50 minutes to wrap up proceedings on the final day in Harare. Resuming on 180 for 7, Zimbabwe folded for 233 to give Sri Lanka a 257run win. Rangana Herath, in his first and perhaps last series as Sri Lanka captain he was standing in for the injured Angelo Mathews celebrated a 2-0 series win with his seventh ten-wicket haul in Tests. His match figures of 13 for 152 took his series tally to 19 wickets. Craig Ervine, who made a battling half-century on the fourth day, stood between Sri Lanka and an early finish. In the first six overs, he seemed keen on playing according to the merit of the ball. But the frustration of being unable to get runs Zimbabwe had just one
scoring shot in the first 23 minutes - resulted in him gloving an audacious reverse sweep from the rough off Herath to Dhananjaya de Silva at slip. Dhananjaya, who was initially moving to his right in anticipation of the sweep going a lot squarer, changed directions and dived low to complete an excellent twohanded catch. Ervine referred the decision, but it was eventually upheld as there was sufficient evidence of the ball brushing the glove before hitting his forearm. Off the first ball of his next over, Herath had Carl Mumba with an arm ball that drifted back in to trap him in front. Christopher Mpofu came out playing shots. A slog sweep over deep midwicket off Herath even had the
dressing room in splits as he acknowledged the applause by raising his bat. He swung at everything thereafter, but the party did not last much longer as Herath’s slider came back in to beat his forward push and trap him lbw. This was Sri Lanka’s fifth successive Test win they swept Australia 3-0 at home prior to this series - to equal their second-longest winning streak in Tests. Their longest is nine, which they achieved in 2000-2001. Scores: Sri Lanka 504 (De Silva 127, Gunaratne 116) and 258 for 9 dec (Karunaratne 88, Kusal Perera 62, Cremer 4-91, Mumba 3-67) beat Zimbabwe 272 (Chari 80, Ervine 64, Herath 5-89) and 233 (Ervine 72, Herath 8-63) by 257 runs.
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Friday November 11, 2016
Brazilian GP: Lewis Hamilton has ‘nothing to lose’ as he aims to deny Nico Rosberg BBC Sport - Lewis Hamilton says he has “nothing to lose” in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, as he attempts to stop Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg clinching the title. German Rosberg, who has a 19-point advantage, will seal the championship if he is victorious at Interlagos, where he has won the past two seasons. The Briton has never won in Brazil but clinched his first title here in 2008. “I have had lots of experiences here. It’s tough to come here and win, that’s the goal,” said the world champion. “I don’t really know why I have not won here. “It is the right time to right that wrong and make that change. I have worked hard to prepare training-wise and at the factory. I feel the best prepared here than I have in any of the last 10 years and I hope that shows in the results.” On his position in the championship, the 31-year-
old added: “There is no real point thinking about it. I know what I have to do. “My goal is to try to win these last two races. There will be some things out of my hands and there have been this year. “I don’t know what’s going to happen but as long as I leave these two races knowing I drove my best, that will have to be enough for me.” Rosberg said he just needed to do a “good job” this weekend. He said: “I love the track. It is a great track. It feels good. I have always gone well here. “I have great memories from those two wins but, at the same time, we all start from zero this weekend. “I am feeling great, of course, because it is awesome to be fighting for the world championship with two races to go. I am looking forward to it and of course trying to go for the win.” In dry conditions,
Lewis Hamilton (front) is on 330 points in the drivers’ championship with Nico Rosberg on 349. (Getty Images)
Mercedes would be expected to dominate but wet weather could bring other teams into play, particularly Red Bull, and rain is forecast for the race on Sunday. R e d B u l l ’s D a n i e l
CMRC Final Leg
Ricciardo said: “It looks like it will be potentially wet, which would make it interesting. There is less pressure on the rest of us. If there is an opportunity, we go for it. It will be fun and we’ll see how it pans out on Sunday.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel added: “This place has always delivered special races. I don’t know what it is. “The circuit is good fun
to drive - it is the atmosphere, the weather. I am sure we will have a great race. The rest of us not fighting for the world championship are fighting for the victory. In mixed conditions, there is always a chance.” McLaren driver Jenson Button said: “If it’s wet, it mixes things up. Lewis knows he’s really good in the wet and can make a big
points score. “Nico knows there’s a lot more to lose. I’m sure Nico wants it to be dry. But everyone watching wants it to be wet.” Vettel, Ricciardo and the other Red Bull driver, Max Verstappen, all said they would “respect” the fact Hamilton and Rosberg had the championship at stake but would race them as hard as ever.
Leon Dorado Int’l Hotel & Bar sponsors Joel Neblette Perez dumps sponsor -Speedster promising to be in the mix Superbike racer Joel Neblette added his name to the list of local riders who will be throwing down the gauntlet to the foreign invasion this Sunday when the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club stages the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (GMR&SC), at the South Dakota Circuit. Neblette, who is being sponsored by Leon Dorado International Hotel & Bar situated at Fourth & Cummings Streets, will be astride a Suzuki 600cc monster which is expected to be in the hunt for top honours. Speaking with the local speedster, he told this newspaper that he is extremely satisfied with t h e m a c h i n e ’ s performance, having tested earlier in the week and is anticipating good results come Sunday. According to Neblette, an experienced rider with a
number of years in the sport, the team did some testing on the Dyno as well and was impressed with the bike’s reliability and speed and was looking forward to being on the podium on race day. “I’m pretty confident of doing well, the bike is working well right now and it is all up to me to get the results we are hoping for,” Neblette stated. Asked for a comment about the competition, Neblette said he is quite aware of the achievements of the riders from the USA and the UK, but felt that while they’ve come with big reputations, he believes that the locals’ knowledge about the South Dakota Circuit will certainly give them a distinct advantage over their rivals. “I’ve heard about how good they are and they’ve also backed it up with some fantastic times, but racing against yourself and the clock is totally different than
when other riders are in the race and everybody is battling for first place,” he said. With a best lap time of 34:03 seconds, he did concede that they will have to ride out of their skins to beat the two top riders, who according to reports are hovering around the 33:04 seconds mark. In response to why the fans should come out in their numbers to witness the imminent enthralling showpiece in the Superbike category, Neblette said that this segment of the sport has enjoyed a startling resurrection and assured fans and motor racing lovers that they will not disappoint. Among the other riders to be on the starting grid are Elliott Vieira, cousins Matthew and Stephen and USA Bryce Prince and UK’s Matt Truelove, all of who will be fighting for the Caribbean title.
after Trump elected
Sergio Perez holds up Mexico’s flag after attending a news conference at the Plaza Carso in Mexico City, Mexico October 26, 2016. (REUTERS/Henry Romero) SAO PAULO (Reuters) Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez has dumped his sunglasses sponsor for a comment made o n Tw i t t e r a b o u t h i s
compatriots after Donald Trump was elected U.S. president. The brand, Hawkers, had suggested on its Mexican account @HawkersMX that
Mexicans should wear the glasses to hide crying eyes when the wall between their country and the United (Continued on page 32)
Friday November 11, 2016
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Furniture World decorates Flying Ace Cycle Club track attack meet The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam, Berbice on Wednesday received a sizable financial donation from the principals of the popular Furniture World Business establishment of New Amsterdam, Berbice. The donation is for the club’s fourth annual 2016 track attack cycling event slated for Sunday November 13th at the Rose Hall Community Center Ground, East Canje, Berbice. The handing over was done by Proprietor Janet Hykel and her assistant Janet Blackman to cyclist Zaman Khan and coach Randolph Roberts at the business entity’s office at Main and King Street, New Amsterdam. Speaking at the ceremony Ms. Hykel stated that the company always takes it cooperate responsibility seriously and
gives back generously especially in educational activities and those that benefit youths. She said that over the years the company has always been on board with the FACC because the club has a good track record and has been a pacesetter over the years. Roberts for his part congratulated Ms. Hykel and her staff for continuing to stick by the club and wished them all the best in the future. He said that the event is usually staged just before the National School Athletics, cycling and swimming championships, as it is used as a warm up for the many athletes from the three districts in Berbice. There will be a number of cycling events of various distances for all categories, class and age of riders. Apart from cycling there will also be football, softball cricket, volleyball and flat races and
a number of novelty events on the day. There will be events for open riders, juniors, juveniles, BMX, veterans, school boys, starters, females and school girls including the 5000, the 3000 and 1500meters events and the devil take the hindmost. There will also be flats races of various, categories, distances and age groups including the much anticipated 100M and 200M events. Cyclists and athletes from all over Berbice including New Amsterdam, Canje, West Berbice and Corentyne are expected to trek to the venue to be a part of the day’s activities. The day’s event is expected to begin at 10:00 hrs. Among other sponsors on board so far are First Impression Hotel, Hampshire Corentyne Berbice, Ming’s Optical,
Proprietor Janet Hykel (centre) and her assistant Janet Blackman hands over the sponsorship to cyclist Zaman Khan.
Hand in Hand, A. Ally and Sons, Fix It Electronics establishment, Mara And
S o n s B u s i n e s s establishment, Payless Variety Store, Lewis and
Sons and Water Chris Hotel. (Samuel Whyte)
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Friday November 11, 2016
Messiah Primary triumph
Participants prior to the games. Messiah Primary School defeated No. 68 Primary by 18 runs when the National Sports Commission Primary School Windball tournament continued recently in Berbice. Playing at No. 71 Play Field, Messiah Primary batted first and scored 39-3 off their allotted five overs, while No. 68 responded with 21-5. No. 56 Primary beat New Market Primary by 11 runs. No. 56 Primary took first strike and managed 311, New Market Primary replied with 20-4. Crab Wood Creek Primary scored
19-2 before restricting Skeldon Primary for 14-4. No. 59 Primary got 25-5, while Crab Wood Primary responded with 29-4. Messiah Primary posted 49-2, while No. 56 Primary were limited to 218 in reply. In the final, Messiah Primary got 33-4 and restricted Crab Wood Creek Primary for 21-9. In the female segment, Skeldon Pri m a r y m a d e 21-6, batting first w h i l e C r a b Wo o d Creek P rimary replied w ith 2 3 w ithout loss. N0. 56 Primary were restricted to 15 against Massiah
Primary who replied with 16-1. New Market Primary scored 26-4; Massiah Primary made 20 with out lost in response. In the final, Messiah Primary managed 21 without loss; Crab Wood Creek Primary in reply were restricted to 20-5. Meanwhile, the organiser Alistair Munroe thanked the Regional Education Officer Region #6, the Schools especially those from Black Bush Polder, management and staff of Rose Hall Estate, Sidney Kennard of Bush Lot Farm Ground and teachers.
Payless Combined and Tri State Masters Combined clash in 20/Twenty affair today at GCC The Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda sward, will be teeming with activity this evening when two cricket teams, Payless Combined and Tri State Masters Combined of the USA oppose each other in a highly anticipated 20/Twenty affair. Payless Combined will be captained by Lennox
Cush and includes a competent line up the likes of Joseph Ramkumar, Anand Sooknarine, Boodan Baksh, Zanzen Hassan, Brian Ransaran, Michael James, Peter Persaud, Tulsie Sooklall, Orlando Dass and Malonee Ramphal. The Tri State Masters Combined of the USA will be captained by Anand
Persaud with other members of the squad being Dananam Magru, Zameer Hassain, Lalta Grainda, George Gravesande, Reaz Khan, Fanil Persaud, Vibert McLenan, Satro Singh, Sudesh Persaud and David Lall. Activities are sponsored by Factory Price, Payless Variety Store and Star Party Rental. Admission is free.
Rent-a-Tent launches VIP Pavilion at Giftland Mall today -Fans will have opportunity to meet motor racing stars R e n t - a - Te n t w i l l launch its VIP Pavilion today during a Meet and Greet Ceremony with competitors of Sunday’s Caribbean Motor Racing Champinship that will be
held, at the South Dakota Circuit. The Ceremony will be held at the Giftland Mall entrance and is open to all members of the public, starting from 19:00 hrs.
According to a release from the Organisers, fans will have the opportunity to mingle with the drivers and riders and receive autographed copies of the Fast Lane Magazine.
BCB Tenelec 50-over tourney
Wins for Upper Corentyne, Blairmont, West Berbice and Young Warriors Upper Corentyne, Blairmont, West Berbice and Young Warriors registered victories when the BCB/Tenelec Inc. 50-over tournament commenced recently. At Cumberland, Young Warriors defeated Tucber Park by 79 runs. Young Warriors batted first and scored 188 all out in 41 overs. Shimron Hetmyer struck 77, Alex Algoo made 36 and Linden Austin 24; Devon Clements claimed 3-22 and M. Persaud 2-13. Tucber Park were sent packing for 109 in 34 overs in reply. Eugene La Fleur made 29 as Royan Fredericks captured 3-14, Kassim Khan 2-11 and Austin 2-25. At Skeldon, Upper Corentyne overcame the host by four wickets. Batting first, Skeldon were bowled out for 134 in 26.4 overs. Junior Blair scored 37; Totaram Persaud snared 3-24 and Lakeram Latchman 231. Upper Corentyne responded with 135-6 in 25.4 o v e r s . N a e e m Ya c o o b stroked 29 and Rishi Persaud 27 not out. Clavern Beresford bagged 5-19. At Bush Lot, West Berbice beat Bush Lot Rising
Shimron Hetmyer Star by 170 runs. The visitors posted 302 all out in 39.2 overs. Arthley Bailey made 63 and Quacy McPherson 59; Javed Saywack took 3 for 37, Renai Gransault 2 for 28, David Jones 2 for 36 and Akeem Miller 2 for 50. In reply, the home team were shot out for 132 off 26 overs. Andrew Dutchin took 4 for 24 and Keyron Fraser 2 for 7. At Blairmont, the home team overcame Bush Lot by 71 runs. Bush Lot won the toss
and inserted Blairmont in a match that was reduced to 40 overs a side due to early morning showers. The host struggled to 145 all out in 34.1 overs with Waqar Hassan and S. Baksh making 35 and 26 runs respectively. J. Harry and C. Harry took three wickets a piece. In reply, Bush Lot were sent packing for 74 with Hassan and Derick McAlmon taking four wickets each. The competition continues this weekend.
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‘Age is just a number’- Tramine-Forde Catwell Tensions are running high ahead of this weekend’s International Race meet of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, with team Barbados looking to upset the locals. One such competitor was Tramine Forde-Catwell who has sent a strong message to the remainder of the field ahead of this weekend’s Caribbean Motor Racing Championships, saying “Age is just a number, I’m young but I know my talent.” Forde-Catwell, who is no stranger to Guyana having been here thrice before, was speaking during a press yesterday at the GMR&SC’s Thomaslands facility. “There isn’t really much preparation, we drove it the week before, it was ok, and just some slight tweaking for the atmosphere here that’s about it. However its working and I won’t have to do much preparation before the race meet,” He added.
Members of the visiting teams appear at a press briefing yesterday at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club yesterday. He continued, “Every year is different for me, this is my third year coming. I didn’t have much practice before the car went into the container so we just want to get the car and get some practice.” Meanwhile, group three competitors Shawn Eversely is not worried about his
chances, though he has singled out a few competitors to watch on race-day, saying, “Guys like Paul Vieira are very fast, Danny Persaud once the car is working is very fast too so it’s just to work together and see if we can get some points.” “As soon as we get the
Chunilall Balgobin Memorial cricket and football set for Sunday - E’bo The second annual Chunilall Balgobin Memorial cricket and 5-aside football competitions have been scheduled for Sunday at Walton Hall ground on the Essequibo Coast. Four teams will battle for a top prize of $100,000 in a 10/10 cricket competition from 10:00hrs, while eight will vie for supremacy in the small goal 5-a-side football tournament which will
commence at 18:00hrs; this carries a winning purse of $60,000. Both competitions will be played on a knockout basis and will see some of the Region’s top players on show. Walton Hall, Devonshire Castle, Henrietta Gunners and Pomeroon Oil Mill will contest the cricket while teams from Charity to Supenaam will play in the football tournament.
Additionally, there will be a dominoes competition, attraction for the children and promotions. Players and patrons will be given meals, while off field entertainment will be provided by models, Earthquake International and D J’s from Essequibo and Georgetown. The event is being organised by Balgobin f a m i l y a n d Vi rg i n Promotions and sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd.
Champion of Champions dominoes set for Sunday The Champion of Champions dominoes competition will be contested on Sunday at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park starting at 14:00hrs. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000, runner up a trophy and $100,000, third place a trophy and $50,000. The player of the final will receive $5,000. All GNDA rules will be in effect and teams expected to take part are Mix Up, Spartans, C7, PSE, F and H,
T and T, Gangster, Thunder, Specialist, Assassins, Frankies, Phantom, Killers, Pisces, Strikers, Master Rage, Scramblers, All
Seasons and NA Killers. Trophies are being donated by Faye Joseph, Linden Boston and Spartans.
containers, we are going to get out there and feel the track, look to get a good qualifying position and look to finish all the races,” he continued. Meanwhile, Speaking on behalf of the remainder of the team Kurt Seabra contended that team Barbados is a well put together unit out to cause some amount of trouble come race day.
He predicted tough battles in the various classes including the group four two wheel drive (2WD) where Mark Maloney will take on the best of the Guyanese as well as Trinidadian Franklyn Boodram and Jamaican Peter Rae. The other members of the team are the Thompson Brothers, Kurt and Mark who will be in groups 3&4 and 2&3 respectively as well
as Steve King (3&4) and Kenrick Husbands (2&3). Jamaica statementIn an earlier issued statement, the team was quoted as saying, that, “The RR’s will be tearing up South Dakota over the weekend both in the Gp4 4Wd and go 4 2Wd classes.” “ Wi t h o u t a d o u b t Jamaica will be taking home the 4Wd championship whereas I am fighting to move from 3rd place in the 2Wd class with some strong competition ahead! Norman will be exciting the fans on two wheels,” it continued. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Fly Jamaica for moving us across the Caribbean seas safely and in style, Seaboard Marine for their endless support of the CMRC and the safe passage of our race equipment.” “Finally a BIG thank you to the GMRSC for their invitation and efforts in having our race equipment delivered to South Dakota on time.”
t r o Sp CMRC Final Leg
Leon Dorado Int’l Hotel & Bar sponsors Joel Neblette
Superbike racer Joel Neblette (right) poses with sponsor Leon Dorado of Leon Dorado Int’l Hotel & Bar and his Suzuki 600 cc monster at the sponsor’s location yesterday.
-Speedster promising to be in the mix Windies Women FAT System to be introduced at suffer defeat after National Schools’ Championships batting flop
Teenaged opener Hayley Matthews … chipped in with a breezy 24.
FLASHBACK! TOO CLOSE TO CALL! Races like these from last year’s National Schools’ Championships will be easier to judge with the introduction of the FAT System.
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