Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 3
Kaieteur News
SOCU faces resistance as it moves against former “untouchables” By Kiana Wilburg For 14 years, there was little to no action taken against money laundering in Guyana. The creation of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) in 2013 was intended to change this state of affairs. By the time it was operationalised the following year, there were concerns that this arm of the police force would not be given the freedom and the resources needed to break the backs of money launderers. With just a few cases making it to the court, the perception that SOCU was a “toothless poodle” quickly became an irrefutable truth in the minds of many critics. But that image of SOCU is changing. SOCU has been able to take before the court, institutions and persons who, under different circumstances, would have been deemed “untouchables.” Of course, SOCU is now surfing a new wave of criticisms for such an approach. The quality of its investigations is being questioned by some. Many believe that this is not an unjust criticism especially when one considers SOCU’s limited resources. For attorney-at-law, Patrice Henry, SOCU has been able to surpass its ex-
pectations when one takes into account the political climate in which it was born. He stated that SOCU has moved from being a “toothless poodle” to a “fearless predator” against financial crimes. On Friday, Henry shared his thoughts on the organisation, the challenges it is facing and the capacity issues that it must overcome. MANDATE/RESOURCES The Special Prosecutor
crime at different levels. He commented that most of these crimes would lead to money laundering activities and central to SOCU’s objective is breaking the backs of money laundering enterprises. “So its job really entails having persons with the necessary knowledge so that they could go into any institution and get the relevant document or information that would assist them in a court
“You are seeing individuals and institutions which were once considered ‘untouchable’ being hauled before the court. This is causing them to react in a particular way. They come out with criticisms of all sorts…” - Special Prosecutor noted that SOCU is now tasked with the responsibility of dealing with organised crime. Being an arm of the Guyana Police Force, SOCU would be able to benefit from the resources available to the Force. But since SOCU deals with organised crime, Henry said that it would have to equip itself with persons who are forensically trained in dealing with audits, financial documents, and organised
of law.” Henry described SOCU’s performance to date as commendable. “Its capacity is one that is building and improving as time progresses. At this stage, I would say that I am satisfied with SOCU’s performance because I am privy to some of those investigations and the presentations of some of those files. I think that it is up to the standard to deal with money laundering activities.”
POOR QUALITY Henry was reminded that his expression of satisfaction is in conflict with that of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack, who noted that SOCU needs to carry out proper investigations. In a statement to the media, the DPP said, “SOCU needs to focus on doing quality investigations before sending files to these Chambers for legal advice because charges are based on evidence and not on wild recommendations. In doing quality investigations, they must obtain the relevant evidence in relation to the ingredients of the offences that they are investigating.” Taking this into consideration, Henry said he was not privy to some of the factors or circumstances that led to the DPP making such utterances. He noted, however that SOCU works in tandem with the DPP. “They cannot operate without the fiat of the DPP. So if the DPP is saying that the quality is poor, maybe she is speaking about the quality at the investigative stage. So with her input, they would be able to bring it up to a standard that she would be satisfied with before offering her fiat in those matters. SOCU
Soldier who allegedly fractured man’s skull to face felonious wounding charge Six months after a 57year-old man was slammed - as man’s sight several times to a wall before passing out, a member continues to deteriorate of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been charged with the offence of felonious wounding. He will be appearing in court soon, said a source close to the investigation. According to a police source, the file which was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) was returned and charges have been instituted against the soldier. Linden Hastings, of Lot 374 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, suffered a fractured skull at the hands of a soldier on June 7, last, and since the incident he has been unable to see clearly. “Every day my eyes are getting worse and worse. It is from one problem to another problem. Sometimes, I wake up with headache and go back to sleep with headache. This is overbearing; I am using medication but sometimes I feel as though it’s not working. My sight is so bad that I can’t even
The injured Linden Hastings at the hospital. read the newspapers.” Commander of Police ‘D’ Division, Leslie James, said that a file on the matter was sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) a few months ago for advice. Hastings said that after the first article was published about the incident, a few police officers went to his home and took another statement from him. Hastings said that the following day, he received
a phone call and was instructed to go to the station where he had a confrontation with the soldier. He said that he was told by a police officer to relate his side of what transpired when he went to a mosque to pray. The man said that after he left the station, he went to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) where he was informed that the file was sent for them to recommend charges against the soldier who assaulted him. The man said that for now, he is just relaxing at home waiting for the court date, since he cannot work as a result of his injuries. “Right now I’m just at home because I’m still feeling a lot of pain and still using a lot of medication.” Hastings received his injuries while he was attending service at a Masjid. This allegedly happened after he told a member of the Guyana Defence Force that a young woman that the rank
had invited could not sit in the male section of the Mosque, because she was not a Muslim. He said that after the soldier and the woman left the Masjid, he too went outside. It was then that the soldier allegedly confronted him and began verbally abusing him before punching him in the face and slamming his head to the wall several times until he passed out. His wife, who was at the upper floor of the Masjid, had to render assistance to him after she saw him lying motionless on the ground. With the assistance of a taxi driver, they rushed him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. He was then transferred to the GPHC where he was admitted and underwent several tests, one being a CT scan which showed that he sustained a fractured skull.
Attorney-at-law, Patrice Henry would recognise its short comings in this regard and so it is a learning experience…” OVERWHELMED SOCU has on its hand, a number of complex forensic audits, each requiring hundreds of miniature investigations. This is in addition to the backlog of money laundering cases that it has to deal with. As such, the general feeling in some quarters is that SOCU is overwhelmed. Henry said that he would concede that indeed, the entity is overwhelmed. “It needs to improve its capacity base in terms of human resources as I mentioned before, but there are challenges. When you have small organisations, in a small country and then there are some persons with unexplained wealth, those factors really create a difficulty in recruiting witnesses for cases.” “Those persons have the resources to undermine those investigations. And since we are dealing with paper trails, and other forms of evidence, some of these things can disappear before the investigation even gets underway.” RESISTANCE The Special Prosecutor pointed out that there is more than one matter before the court where the individuals or institutions are refusing to cooperate in providing documents to enable SOCU to deal with the real challenge of money laundering activities. A few months ago, SOCU approached the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) for information on the accounts of a number of former officials of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). The Bank has refused and is yet to comply with an order of the court which states that GBTI should provide SOCU with the documents requested. Failure to comply with the order saw seven high ranking officials of GBTI being slapped with contempt charges. They were arraigned
before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and were all released on their own recognizance (self bail) after pleading not guilty to a charge of failing to comply with a Production Order. In this regard, Henry said that there are reasons best known to those persons as to why they would wish to do so. “But if they are aware, time would not be a rescue ground for them, because irrespective of which government is in place, once money laundering activities are being conducted, the international anti-corruption treaties we are signed onto have to be obeyed. Those who are conducting the activities would always be prosecuted for money laundering activities whether locally or internationally.” EFFECTIVENESS Even if one were to take a yardstick to determine where SOCU should or could have been at this stage, Henry maintains that SOCU is at a position where it is performing beyond expectations. “My reason for saying this is persons are aware of the political and economic climate, as well as other challenges facing this arm of the police force. Many comment that they lack capacity, yet you are seeing individuals and institutions which were once considered ‘untouchable’ being hauled before the court. This is causing them to react in a particular way. They come out with criticisms of all sorts. SOCU recognises.” Henry insists that if SOCU were to get the cooperation it needs; then it would reach a far way in terms of its success rate. In this regard, he reiterated that SOCU has been asking for documents and it has seen nothing but opposition. “Those documents are not forthcoming and there is a legitimate reason why. So, based on its history and the political climate it came from, SOCU is performing beyond its expectations. It is woefully understaffed but fortunately, we are staffed with officers who have a combined experience of over 100 years…” To be continued in tomorrow’s edition …
PAGE 4
Kaieteur News
Monday November 13, 2017
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
MANY ARE UNHAPPY
The fallout continues from President Granger’s unilateral appointment of 84 year-old retired Justice, James Patterson as Chairman of Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) to replace Dr. Surijbally. A few days after the appointment, the PPP pursued legal action with the intent to squash the appointment. This was followed by the decision of former Major General, Joe Singh to publicly tender his resignation from all government posts, including his job as Special Assistant to President Granger. Seemingly angry and disappointed, the retired Chief-ofStaff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) may well be sending a message to the President that he is unhappy with his unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM. In his current role as special advisor to the president, a position for which he has had extensive training, preparation and experience, the former Chief-of-Staff perhaps did the dignified thing by resigning due to the fact that his name was on the third list submitted by the opposition leader but was not chosen because he was not deemed fit and proper by the President. However, that simply is not nearly good enough for his resignation because in the aftermath of the prison riots which led to the burning down of the Camp Street Prison, Singh had praised the President for his handling of the situation. Mr. Joe Singh did not provide any reason for his surprise decision to resign just four days after the president appointed a new Chairman of GECOM. He has served in the governments of former Presidents, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar and was retained by the Granger Administration. Even though he may have experienced some difficulties while he served in various government departments under the last two administrations, this may well be the bitterest of pills for him to swallow. But whatever the reason for his resignation, the retired army officer has served his country well for decades as the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF and in all other categories. His retirement should pave the way for the President to appoint a younger person as his special advisor. We believe the Chief Executive Officer for the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) is perhaps the best and most qualified person to replace the former Chief-of-Staff as the President’s advisor. The decision by the President has sparked a flurry of criticisms across the country and while Mr. Joe Singh has remained tight lipped about his resignation, the timing of it has added to the criticism of the appointment of GECOM Chairman. Christopher Ram, a prominent Chartered Accountant, lawyer and political commentator has followed in the footsteps of Joe Singh and has resigned from all government related positions, including his de facto leadership on the Planning Committee to establish a J.O.F. Haynes Law School. He, like Joe Singh, seems to believe that the President has snubbed them by deeming them not fit and proper to be appointed GECOM Chairman, even though Joe Singh had once served as the Chairman of GECOM. Christopher Ram did not mince words. He said that he supported the heroic and exemplary decision of Major General Joe Singh and given that the Constitution deems him fit and proper makes the President’s assessment of him of not being fit and proper of no importance. Ram is fortified in his conviction that the decision of the President is entirely wrong and unconstitutional and that it has become increasingly evident that the government is arrogant and has shown blatant disregard for the Constitution, the people, the Courts and the principles of good governance. Both Ram and Singh have made excellent contributions to the country. However, it is rather sad and unfortunate that men of such excellence have decided not to serve in government anymore. It seems that many are unhappy with the President’s unilateral appointment of the new GECOM Chairman..
Minister Amna Ally must arm herself with the facts DEAR EDITOR, In an exclusive interview with HGP Nightly News on Thursday, November 9, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally “fired back” at the Leader of the Opposition, calling him a “lawless leader” and a “reckless leader”, for saying that the PPP do not respect the Head of State. At a Press Conference the previous day, Dr. Jagdeo said, “We do respect the institution of the Office of the Presidency, but not the person who holds that office now. We’ve given him enough opportunities to comply with our constitution.” And then, in an effort to illustrate that the “PPP relies on politics for its relevance”, Minister Ally said, “And I’ll give you an example of what the PPP did only recently. Because a group of people in Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice decided that they were going to join the PNC, you know what one of their MPs did? Mr. Harry Gill went into this mandir with his shoes on, kicked down the ornaments that were in this mandir, and told the people who were worshipping, that he will shut them down.” Perhaps Minister Ally has not forgotten that in a
previous letter on Social Cohesion, I had written, “The Ministry (or Department) of Social Cohesion is headed by the wrong person. Minister, Amna Ally is too controversial, combative, arrogant and divisive to head that Ministry. Everyone knows that, including some of her own colleagues in Government, but they dare not say it publicly.” I guess this is payback for my frank and honest opinion. She was replaced shortly thereafter as Minister of Social Cohesion by Dr. George Norton. Minister Amna Ally must arm herself with the facts before putting her mouth in gear. As a Member of Parliament and also a Justice of the Peace, I make myself available to listen to people’s problems, and to help everyone in need of my services. I have done an Affidavit for this same Puja Church some time ago, and many more for known PNC/ APNU supporters from Ithaca, all without charging a fee. I do not discriminate, neither do I bear malice. So if persons are misled and are desirous of joining the PNC, that’s their Constitutional Right and the choice they would have to live
with. But this was never the reason for my visit to a bottom-house Puja Church. Over the past months, I had received numerous complaints from residents of Bath Settlement, that the loud beating of tassa drums emanating from a Puja Church in the community was unbearable, preventing school children from studying, and senior citizens from resting. I was reluctant to pursue this at first because of the religious nature of the complaint. But as more and more persons registered their outrage, I held a meeting with some of the residents with the intention of finding a way to resolve this crisis. During the meeting, I was told that this noise pollution has been ongoing for some time, but it has gotten worse over the past two years. Several complaints were made to the Fort Wellington Police Station to no avail. The police referred the complainants to the local NDC. Several more complaints were made to the Bath/ Woodley Park NDC, and this was followed up on April 4, 2017 with a petition signed by 63 persons that are affected by the loud beating of Puja drums in a residential
community on a regular basis. I then called the NDC Chairman to get a brief on the issue. He told me that he had spoken Mr Budhram Parmaul aka Anil, the owner of the Puja Church, on several occasions and expressed the concerns of the affected residents. He reported that Mr Parmaul was often uncooperative, arrogant, and determined that no one should tell him how loud to beat his drums. I was also informed that Mr. Parmaul had applied to the NDC for permission to build his Puja Church some time ago, but his plans were rejected because he lives in a residential area, too close to other homes. Despite being denied permission, Parmaul proceeded to build his church in violation of the laws and regulations of the Bath/ Woodley Park NDC. I then called Mr. Parmaul on the phone, and pleaded with him to lower the decibels of his tassa drums, but he questioned, “Why him? Why not the other mandir that is close-by?” For one who is supposed to be a religious person, his demeanor was one of defiance, with total Continued on page 6
A Cursory Examination of Alternative Systems for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, This is the first of two letters aimed at helping us to get a better insight into the ramifications of our decisions in our politics. We have for the most part developed a fair degree of apathy and cynicism where discussions on our national politics are concerned. While much of these discussions are fervent, they very often end in futility and disgust for the choices and hardships our politicians have caused us to endure, and without much resolution. I would like to suggest that we become more proactive and interested, since indifference and cynicism now are probably the worst attitudes to adopt in contemplating our future. A few observations are first made regarding America, the United Kingdom and Russia, and some distinction is drawn between capitalism and socialism/communism in respect of what they offer citizens. Finally, my proposals on the way forward for Guyana are presented for discussion and examination. We look at the successes and advanced welfare enjoyed by the developed countries, yet very rarely contemplate the struggles of these countries as they endured much internal strife
to refine their political systems and economic management to their current state. Modern America for example started with the dispatch and displacement of the American Indians the early European immigrants met on arrival there. Slavery was once embraced as part of their system of development. The American Civil War, in which a minimum estimated six hundred and twenty thousand soldiers died, was about retaining slavery as part of America’s economic system. It has been estimated that around the year 1901, one percent of Americans owned more wealth than the remaining ninety-nine percent, and America endured a large number of labour strikes to the present day as disputes continued over the distribution of the country’s wealth. Today America stands a successful nation, notwithstanding its internal issues. In the United Kingdom, although Parliament’s formation can be traced to between the 8th and 11th centuries when, then kings summoned advisory councils comprised of persons of the kings’ choosing to discuss matters relating to the state, the organ managed to secure greater autonomy from the
monarchy through revolt, war, invasion, and several dethronings through the centuries. From the Magna Carta issued by King John in 1215, to the Declaration of Rights in 1689, which was later incorporated as the Bill of Rights the United Kingdom’s control of government was often characterised by much conflict. The issuance of the latter ultimately reaffirmed civil liberties declared in Magna Carta, and ensured that the Monarchy could not act without Parliament’s consent. Russia for itself engaged in a series of conflicts through the centuries. It was governed by a series of dynasties which ended with the reign of Nicholas II in 1917 when Bolshevik revolutionaries led by Lenin assumed control. The country was caught up in a Civil War from 1918 to 1922 between the country’s Red Army and the anticommunist White Russians. Under Lenin, an ideological Marxist, Russia and the wider Soviet Union became a oneparty communist state. Lenin sought to promote socialism across Europe, and advocated a world revolution through Communist International. Opponents were crushed in the Red Terror, a violent campaign administered by the state
security services in which tens of thousands were killed or interned in concentration camps. Lenin was however noted to have encouraged economic growth through market-oriented policies with the New Economic Policy. Throughout the modern history of Russia, and during the administration of the states within the Soviet Union, tens of millions of Russians were estimated to have become victims of political repression which ensued after the Bolshevik revolution of 1917. The class struggle envisaged between workers and bourgeoisie/capitalists under Marxist thought took the form of class conflicts which was deemed to assume many different forms: direct violence, such as wars fought for resources and cheap labour; indirect violence, such as deaths from poverty, starvation, illness or unsafe working conditions; coercion, such as the threat of losing a job or the pulling of an important investment; or ideologically, such as with books and articles. (https:// www.coursehero.com/file/ 14221204/CLASSCONFLICT/) Evaluation of these countries has facilitated an introduction to the major Continued on page 6
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Sexual allegations The big and powerful always dictate to Guyana that the They are holding up a few EDITOR, A sick and sad story but propaganda sometimes go untended DEAR Guyana has always been it is all happening right here sensibilities of The People “mini drug barons” here and
DEAR EDITOR, At present, there is a reported case of alleged sexual abuse committed on a school girl from the community of St. Deny’s, Tapakuma. The horrible act that has been committed on this child should never go unchecked. Many feel however that the alleged perpetrator may again get off the hook since his relative has ‘strings all over the world’. Residents are of the view that should this matter go unchecked, the results might only lead to further trouble. There are known instances of alleged misconduct of a similar nature committed by the same resident in the past, but no justice was ever served. Editor, there is a recent case where a schoolboy was sexually abused and murdered in Berbice. This was all because, although residents reported incidents of assaults, Police were slow to act on the reports. Residents of St Deny’s are however upbeat and are of the firm view that the reported case will be investigated upon and the necessary action taken by the relevant law enforcement institution(s), to keep the criminal minded at bay, from preying on our school children, our young girls in particular. Please be assured that the matter above will reach the desk of the President, the Head of the Armed Forces of Guyana, should circumstances occasion this. With thanks. Name withheld
A Cure for Snake/ Spider Bites DEAR EDITOR, I’ve often wondered if our hospitals are equipped with the necessary anti-venom for snake bites. Apparently, they are not. A few years ago, I’ve lost a friend in Berbice who died after being bitten by a poisonous snake. He had gone to the hospital and he still died. Since then I’ve read in our newspapers about people dying of snake bites even though they were taken to hospitals. Given the location of our country in tropical South America, every hospital and health centre should be equipped with anti-venom, especially those in rural areas where people are more likely to encounter snakes. I’m not sure how anti-venom works but I doubt whether there is one antivenom only for every snake poison. However, I recently stumbled on a cheap solution. Given our lack of funds, here is a low cost solution to this problem. Apparently, it has been known for some time by missionaries to tropical countries that a strong electric shock neutralizes any snake bite. For instance, a child, bitten by a venomous snake on the arm, was shocked using a stun gun. The electrodes are normally close to each other. With a bit of improvising, the electrodes were spread and attached to metal plates which were placed on either side of the arm at the site of the snake bite, and a strong shock administered. The child was able to play again in 15 minutes. This treatment applies also to spider bites and any bite involving venomous
creatures. We (Guyanese) are excellent at improvising. The government can buy a batch of stun guns and have one of our metal shops attach metal plates on the ends. Each hospital or health centre can be equipped with two of these things. It would not take much training for medical personnel to use these to treat snake bites. For those individuals who operate deep in the interior away from a health facility, they can improvise and use the strong current from a spark plug of an engine, be it a generator or vehicle. The shock should be administered within 30 minutes of the bite. If longer the shock should be administered at the site of the bite as well as at a point farther up the arm and closer to the heart. If the government is not in favour pursuing this low cost solution to snake/spider bite poisoning, please publish this so that people would be aware of this solution. I understand a stun gun is an integral part of the equipment taken by missionaries on their tropical missions for this very reason. Malcolm Alves
a stomping ground for The Big and Powerful Colonial and neo-colonial superpowers, plagued by international interference for decades, with most of it, to the detriment of this country. As far back as our entrance into adult suffrage and selfrule the superpowers dogged our path. Our History lessons are inundated with these facts. At one time in history, our fledgling democracy was cut short by the physical removal of the elected head of government. The situation got so bad that the premier and his wife were imprisoned so as to get them out of the way and the establishment of a puppet regime that would carry out their commands. Theirs is the backward view that Guyana cannot effectively govern itself except by their dictates, their tutelage. In fact when you trace their actions under the microscope their real objective is that a certain race and or party should not, I repeat, should not govern Guyana. It is as crystal clear as that! No matter how successful that party is in government, it is not good enough for those superpowers; their preference lies in the field of puppets and people with no brains nor intelligence. Pathetic! Therefore, there is this constant meddling in our domestic affairs ad infinitum.
in Guyana. Our country never really got a head start at good and lasting governance on its own. For the above reasons, this has been our problem for a long while now, foreign interference coupled with a total breakdown of law and order. Good governance is something Guyana has been yearning for, got it for a brief period in the 1960’s then lost it to the corrupt PNC. That respite was regained in 1992 wherein we enjoyed 23 years of peace, progress and economic bliss. Then, The External Powers taught it best that a change should be effected in this country. Theirs was the erroneous view that The PPP/C was too powerful and corrupt, no real evidence to prove their case, but, based on the most spurious of claims the PPP/C became a corrupt party. So the next logical thing to do was to get them out of power. Change did come with the setup of a new regime— The Coalition. Well, it was not totally new, but, new in terms of a few new faces who crossed the floor. Nevertheless, we are snugly back into the arms of The PNC. This is our story. It was a long drawn out process starting out with the Opposition’s rumblings, then on to the poison laced propaganda by most of the local media. They fed the nation daily doses of
When criminals rob visitors DEAR SIR, I write to your newspaper about an incident in which two elderly overseas-based Guyanese gentlemen along with their elderly driver were on their way from CJI Airport when they were robbed by armed bandits. The mere fact that these people had just arrived in Guyana, and to suffer such an ordeal in the way they did, made me sick to my stomach. This behaviour by these criminals is harming Guyana, and its prospects of developing tourism because by all accounts, no visitor is safe. As for me I am a born Guyanese living overseas and I am not happy at all at what is going on. These criminals when caught ought to be removed from society for the rest of their lives. Frank Azore
became benumbed. Every day you could hear in - print and electronic media - how corrupt The PPP/C Government had become. Meantime their Big Wig Overseas Friends stepped up a campaign of their own with programmes, schemes, intrigues and downright lies which rendered the PPP/C helpless to govern this country. Ultimately, they were at the mercy of the local and foreign hounds. Well, as sure as night follows day The PPP/ C did lose the fight to the foreign forces and in came The PNC. We are cognizant of that superpower’s position, they are caught in a serious bind where their “most preferred party in government” is a colossal failure and as such they are totally embarrassed and fed up with The Granger Cabal. Economically we are at its worse, a stagnant economy with no new investment. The poverty index is rising exponentially with its consequent ills. We are doomed! The PNC led Coalition has also broken every rule in the constitution, where do we go from here is a foregone dubious conclusion. We are destined for serious economic and social disaster of epidemic proportions, more fearsome than the Burnham years. So, they have a megaproblem on their hands and that is, what can those superpowers do to stem the tide of destruction in this country? What can they do for damage control? What I see happening is a subtle way to embarrass the regime and it has come by way of exposing a few drugs persons at their ports of entry.
there in order to put them down. This may look good in the short term, but, The People of this country want long term solutions. We are looking at the bigger picture of returning to free and fair elections so that we can breathe again. Holding a few drug mules here and there will not change anything. This PNC Led Coalition would only be jolted to reality in a system that is free and fair, and I am talking about plans, policies and a system for a proper election. We are also well aware of the fact that the stage is set for rigging. Mr Patterson was set up to command a system of rigging. There is no question in our minds about that. So let us begin at the heart of the problem, let us get right back there. Elections! O yes, elections free and fair and free from fear, the reintroduction of it. That begins with the rescinding of the appointment of this old man from the post of GECOM Chairman. Not a hard task but let us get back on to the beaten path of The Carter Formula. Mr Granger had eighteen names from which to choose, and we encourage him to hurriedly get on with The Nation’s Business and do so. In my next discussion with you, I shall in a detailed way speak about the contentious Leadership and Development Programme (LEAD); I wish you quiet reading. Respectfully submitted Neil Adams
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Monday November 13, 2017
Nagamootoo’s, ‘Phantom of the Opera” makes for interesting reading DEAR EDITOR, Freddie Kissoon’s article, “Nagamootoo’s ‘Phantom of the Opera” makes for interesting reading. I grew up a few villages from Nagamootoo and I am well aware of his vigorous and zealous activism for the PPP. It was therefore very disappointing when Nagamootoo was allowed to break ranks with PPP and became part of what many persons are describing as an impotent AFC. Kissoon did a very clever analysis of Nagamootoo’s fall from grace using the play in
the title of his article as a metaphor for the Prime Minister’s political journey. Kissoon made two bold references to the actions of Nagamootoo“Moses went over to the AFC and tore down the PPP” and “Moses couldn’t get Guyana (meaning he couldn’t be President), so he gave Guyana ... to the PNC.” At first it sounds like a strong indictment of the value system of Nagamootoo but I am afraid, closer reading will prove Kisssoon to be correct. Nagamootoo is actually a
Providence man in custody for pistol, ammo…
The pistol, magazine, ammunition and rounds that were found. Police have detained a resident of Providence, East Bank Demerara, after finding him with a .9 mm Luger Pistol with magazine and four rounds of ammunition. A release stated that ranks from the Police Anti-Crime Unit patrol were conducting searches on Saturday night at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, when they made the find. On Friday last, a 52-year-old city resident was remanded to prison after denying an illegal firearm charge that was instituted against him. David Nelson, of 190 Church Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge which stated that on November 9 at Quamina Street, he had in his possession a .223 AR rifle when he was not licensed to carry such a weapon. Additionally, last month, ex-cop Kwasie Maloney was remanded to prison on three counts of illegal gun and ammunition charges, and for escaping lawful custody. It was alleged that on October 12, last, at the Route 44 Minibus Park, he had in his possession, a .9mm pistol when he was not the a licensed firearm holder. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, he had in his possession 19 rounds of 59 by .28mm of ammunition along with a component of a spent shell. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, the defendant escaped from the Brickdam Police Station, while he was in custody, pending charges of possession of illegal gun and ammunition.
victim of a bad misjudgment of the politics of the PNC. In my opinion, I feel Nagamootoo is being emasculated, that is, he is not being given enough leverage to function the way he wants to. This is disappointing considering the fact that Nagamootoo has been a veteran in the field of politics.
There is nothing like integrity and trust in politics, at least not in Guyana. One remembers an arrangement between the PPP and the PNC to the rotate the mayorship of Georgetown. Everyone who follows politics in Guyana knows what happened in that arrangement. And there are more
examples, so why would Nagamootoo think that these people would change? Power is a terrible thing. The PPP also shares some of this blame. Nagamootoo would have really been pushed to leave the party. Those responsible should have given him an opportunity to function in a position that he is most
suitable. But it is what it is. Nagamootoo may be at the end of his political career unless something dramatic happens in the next two and a half years which I doubt. To say that “the writing is on the wall” may sound redundant but so appears Nagamootoo as Prime Minister. Mahindra Persaud
Minister Amna Ally must arm herself with the... From page 4 disregard for the quality of life crisis he was creating. In the end, however, he promised not to beat the tassa drums so loudly, and invited me over to listen for myself. That very Sunday, as I was driving to Dundee, Mahaicony to attend a friend’s birthday party, I received another complaint from a resident, and decided to pass by the church. I always drive with my windows up for two reasons: To keep in the cold air from the air-conditioner, and to keep out the noise from the outside. But the moment I turned off the main public road into Bath Settlement, I could hear the drums. And the closer I got, the more unbearable the noise became. I then understood very clearly, what these people were living with for so long. This bottom-house Puja Church is not a Mandir as Minister Ally claims. It is a small structure built below the left side of a small house where Mr Parmaul lives. The rest of the bottom-house is a yard, big enough for my Toyota Tundra to drive through the gate and park-up had I lived there instead. On the bridge, I saw a sign asking for shoes to be taken off before entering. I did not comply for I had no intention of going inside the yard. I stood by the gate and because of the loud drumming, beckoned to a small group of about 6 persons sitting on benches to get their attention. Three came over, and I asked for Anil (Mr. Parmaul).
I explained that the noise level was a violation of our Environmental Protection Regulations and pleaded with them to have more consideration for his neighbours. One shouted out angrily that this is the reason the PPP was “kicked out of office.” To which I replied, “Even if you’re PPP supporters, we cannot condone lawlessness.” By then, Anil came out arrogantly demanding that I take off my shoes although I had moved onto the bridge and was about to leave. He bluntly refused to lower the decibels on the tassa drums as he had promised during our phone discussion. To alleviate his concern, I assured him that I was not there to shut him down, but only wanted him to lower the noise level in consideration of his neighbours. He said there was nothing I could do about it, and dared me to report him to the police. I then drove to the Fort Wellington Police Station and asked the police office on duty at the front desk to send a patrol to observe the noise pollution. I was very specific that he should instruct the patrol not to shut them down, but instead advised Mr. Parmaul (Anil) that this is a quality of life issue that requires consideration for others in the community. This information can easily be verified with a phone call to the front desk officer that was on duty at the Fort Wellington Police Station at 1:45 pm on Sunday, October 29, 2017. Two days later, I received a call from a freelance reporter,
Mr Clifford Stanley, advising me of the allegations made against me, and asked for a response. I have the greatest of respect for any reporter who would seek to verify the authenticity of a story before publishing same. That’s professional journalistic practice. But somehow, Minister Anna Ally parroted some of the same allegations in her exclusive interview with HGP Nightly News. I’m guessing Mr. Parmaul went to see her too. These are the facts: I never entered a mandir with my shoes on, I stood near to a gate leading into an open yard; I never threatened or hit anyone. And from where I was standing by the gate, I could not see any ornaments, much less to “kick them down.” The reason I visited the location had nothing to do with wanting these people to join the PNC, I just wanted them to observe the peace and tranquility of a residential neighbourhood. Questions must be asked, why is it that no one took photos or videos of me hitting a woman and kicking
down statues or ornaments, or even walking around the “mandir” with my shoes on? And if this really happened, why wasn’t such serious allegations being made against a Member of Parliament reported to the nearby Fort Wellington Police Station instead of a free-lance reporter hungry for dirt on a PPP/C Parliamentarian? The simple answer is that Mr Budhram Parmaul aka Anil, is so wicked, that he is prepared to lie through his teeth to slander my impeccable character with the hope of preventing more investigations into his bottom-house Puja Church. Minister Ally could have called me for an explanation, or check to see if a police report was made against me before going on national television to slander my character? A defamation lawsuit can be costly but can be avoided. I simply ask that Minister Anna Ally issue a public apology to me on the HGP Nightly News, in lieu of which, I will seek my lawyer’s advice on the way forward. Harry Gill
A Cursory Examination of... From page 4 forms of administration of economies: capitalism, which is practiced in many of the world’s economies, and socialism/communism, which are the mainstay of Russia and China. Understanding these is essential to making reasonable choices regarding which system is most
appropriate for practice in Guyana. Capitalism, for its part, advocates private ownership and control of productive resources. It is committed to production being accomplished by individuals and/or firms, or the broader private sector. Workers are engaged in the production of goods and services required by society and are paid for their labour. The role of government in capitalist economies is typically dictated by the economic views of the governments and political parties of respective countries. For example, Canada provides unemployment insurance for its unemployed and free health care benefits to its citizens. Some governments advocate more regulation of firms and markets to guard against abuses while other advocate for a freer hand by market participants. Yours Faithfully, Craig Sylvester
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Govt. allowing constitutional violations in rush for oil By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell The supreme law of Guyana is being violated for financial gains and is being done at the expense of the health and well-being of the nation’s citizens. This is what attorney at law, Christopher Ram contends. Ram thinks that the government is blindsided by its quest to ensure that oil production begins by the year of election and as a result little or no focus is being placed on important factors. His factor of focus, which he said that the government is ignoring, is the environment. Ram has had conversations with and has listened to presentations delivered by the like of Annette ArjoonMartins, Anand Goolsarran, Melinda Janki. The three recently delivered presentations at a forum held at Moray House. Arjoon is well known and respected for her work in environmental advocacy in Guyana, particularly in Region One at Shell Beach for the protection of marine turtles. Goolsarran is a former Auditor General who is versed in environmental auditing. He served the United Nations in Sierra Leone and Afghanistan. Melinda Janki is
an attorney-at-law specialising in international environmental law and indigenous and human rights. She has worked for a number of international oil companies. Based on the submissions of these three professionals, Ram formed an opinion. He was told of the poor Environmental Impact Assessment that the Environmental Protection Agency accepted from ExxonMobil. The company was granted an environmental permit based on that assessment. Ram said that the Constitution of Guyana provides protection for the environment. He stated that by not ensuring that ExxonMobil does what is necessary for the health of the environment, the government is therefore violating the constitution. “The Constitution of Guyana places great store on the environment, from Preamble to fundamental rights.” He pointed out that the Preamble of the Guyana Constitution, which is the equivalent to a company’s vision statement, acknowledges the aspirations of young people to live in a safe society which ensures a healthy environment. Further, Ram noted that Chapter II, Article 25 imposes a duty on every citizen to par-
ticipate in activities designed to improve the environment and protect the health of the nation. And, Article 36 recognises that the well-being of the nation depends upon preserving clean air, fertile soils, pure water and the rich diversity of plants, animals and eco-systems. “It gets more interesting, however, as there can be no doubt that the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms Article 40 provides that “every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right to a happy, creative and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance and want. That right includes the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual.” The attorney said that the lacuna that Article 25 imposed on every citizen to participate in activities to improve the environment but no similar duty on the State was doubly fixed by the insertion of Article 149J. He said that that article has not only unambiguously recognised the right of everyone to an environment that is not harmful to his or her health or well-being, but also imposed a duty on the State to “protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other
- Chris Ram measures designed, among other things, to prevent pollution and ecological degradation; promote conservation; and secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development….” Ram said, however that there seems to be an anomaly, since only citizens and the State have duties in respect of the environment while every person has a right to a proper environment. He said that in so far as oil exploration and production is concerned, Article 28 of the Model Petroleum Contract, which deals with the protection of the Environment, offers some measure of balance, albeit indirectly. Ram pointed to Article 28.1 of the contract which states that the Contractor (reference to the company drilling for oil) is required to obtain an environmental authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency and comply with the provisions of that EPA Act 1996; Then, Article 28.2 precludes the Contractor from initiating any activity on those areas outside (that) which the
Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram EPA determines to be sensitive or protected and article 28.3 requires the Contractor to take necessary and adequate precautions against pollution and for the protection of the environment and the living resources of the sea. However, Article 28.4 requires a Contractor who fails to comply with 28.1 to take all reasonable measures … to remedy environmental failures and their effects and to treat or disperse pollution in an environmentally acceptable manner. Ram said that the suggestion here is that such a duty only applies where there is a failure to comply with 28.1. “That seems crazy!” Ram continued to point out that Article 28.5 requires
the contractor to notify the Minister forthwith in the event of any emergency or accident and to take such action as may be prudent and necessary in such circumstances. “Another piece of craziness is contained in 28.6 which provide that if the Contractor fails to act to control or clean up any pollution under Article 28.3 within a reasonable period specified by the Minister, the Minister may take any actions which are in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice. Now, can someone say where the Minister is going to have or to find such resources? Like in so many areas in the regulatory framework for the sector, the environmental protection clauses of the petroleum regime are woefully lacking. Is first oil in 2020 worth such risk?” Many countries around the world have suffered as a result of oil spills and other hazards to the environment that came from oil drilling activities. Kaieteur News had done several stories highlighting such instances. Read: h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2017/08/06/exxonmobilmakes-no-financial-commitment-to-deal-with-responsibilities-of-possible-oil-spill/.
UG graduates urged to view nation’s diversity as strength not weakness
The Sophia Exhibition Centre overflowed with relatives, friends and well wishers of approximately 1,300 students who graduated from the University of Guyana (UG), last Saturday evening. The graduates represented were the second batch of students to be presented with certificates for their successful completion of studies from the faculties including the Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Education and Humanities and Environmental Studies. The 51st Convocation of the University of Guyana featured two ceremonies with the first batch of the students receiving their credentials earlier that day the National Cultural Centre. It was indeed a proud moment for those gathered at the auditorium as the crowd cheered and shouted as the beaming graduates were presented with their certificates for completing the various programmes. Approximately, 603 graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences; 402 from the School of Education and Humanities and 381 from the Faculty of Health Sciences. In his brief remarks to those present, Vice Chancel-
Guyana’s Ambassador to the UN, Rudolph Ten-Pow lor and Principal of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith commended the students for their hard work and achievement. According to Professor Griffith, the batch of 2,165 students is the largest to graduate from UG at the same time. “Well done, you have a lot to be proud of, “Griffith told the cheering crowd as he pointed out that this year, the youngest graduate is a 20 year -old student who completed his BSc. in Earth and Environmental Studies. The Vice Chancellor noted that UG’s Class of 2017 not only includes Guyanese students, but those from around the region. “We have students from
A section of the gathering at UG s 51st Convocation Ceremony Jamaica, Belize, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago represented here today.” Meanwhile in his feature address, Ambassador of Guyana to the United Nations, New York, Rudolph TenPow told the graduates that their climax to success from here on, depends on them. Offering guidance to the students, Ambassador TenPow noted that the world is
full of opportunities and grave challenges. “You have obviously done well so far, but I would like to leave you with some keys which I believe will help you achieve further success from here onwards.” “These keys include the ability to adapt to changes around you because the world is an ever evolving and changing place, the ability to use the power of your imagination to
bring about the changes needed and having a clear set of values which will act as guiding principles to your success. Elaborating on the points, Ambassador Ten-Pow noted that the ability to adapt, imagine and having a core set of values is not enough. “It is not enough to adapt to change, but you must be agents of changes around you… You have a life to live,
go out and live it. You also have a country to build, go out and build it,” Ten-Pow charged. “The world is full of grave challenges and exciting opportunities. The power of imagination is important, for having a dream is greater than having resources, but dreamers must be doers also. (Additionally) your core values must include integrity, (Continued on page 20)
PAGE 8
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Church of England urged to divest from ExxonMobil - oil giant accused of misleading public on climate change dangers (The Guardian)The Church of England should “show moral leadership” and immediately sell its investments in the oil giant ExxonMobil, according to a group of bishops and other clergy. ExxonMobil is accused of misleading the public for decades over the dangers of climate change – the oil company denies the allegations – and has funded climate change denial, making its presence in the church’s £7.9bn investment fund of particular concern, the group argues. Investment funds worth more than $5tn have already committed to divest from fossil fuels. Archbishop Justin Welby, the leader of the Church of England who worked for a decade in the oil industry before becoming a priest, described climate change as a “moral crisis” on Saturday. “Climate change is pushing us toward disaster,” he wrote in the New York Times. “It is not a distant danger – it is already with us. As we continue to burn fossil fuels, its effects will only grow.” The latest UN climate change negotiations began in Bonn on Monday and Welby also sent a personal message to Fijian prime minister, Frank
Bainimarama, who is overseeing the talks. Welby said the 85 million people in the worldwide Anglican communion that he leads “support your work to ensure that issues of climate change are recognised as an urgent priority requiring immediate attention”. However, the Church of England argues it should remain an ExxonMobil shareholder so it can continue to engage with the company and influence it to change. In a letter to the Guardian, also sent to the church, a group of five bishops and dozens of clergy said: “While many of us believe that the Church of England should divest from all fossil fuel companies for ethical reasons, we are especially concerned about the Church’s continued investment in US oil and gas company ExxonMobil.” They cite a recent journal paper analysing ExxonMobil’s activities from 1977-2014 that concludes: “ExxonMobil contributed to advancing climate science – by way of its scientists’ academic publications – but promoted doubt about it in advertorials. Given this discrepancy, we conclude that ExxonMobil misled the public.” The company is facing legal action in the US over the
issue. The company’s directors have also advised shareholders to vote against all resolutions on climate change since 1990, the letter’s authors said. “The Church of England is uniquely placed to show moral leadership through its investment policies,” says the letter. “Now is the time for decisive action. We call on Church of England investors to take the lead and immediately divest from ExxonMobil.” Bishop Michael Doe, one of the letter’s signatories, said: “By divesting from Exxon, the Church of England would
send a hugely positive signal at a time when a rapid shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is urgently required.” The Church of England divested in 2015 from companies involved in the extraction of coal and tar sands, the most polluting fossil fuels, but continues to hold significant oil and gas investments. “Clearly we share concerns about ExxonMobil,” said a spokesman for the Church of England. “We firmly believe however that active investors have a role to play and strategic corporate engagement is too powerful a tool to be rendered ineffective
by divesting. We remain in private engagement with the company.” The spokesman said concerns raised by the church and others led to the successful passing of a resolution at ExxonMobil’s 2017 annual general meeting that requests disclosure of its analyses of how global warming will affect the company from 2018. The church also launched a new policy on investing in extractive industries on Monday. It acknowledges the industries can make a positive contribution to development but also highlights that “extractives companies are par-
ticularly vulnerable to poor governance and ethical controversy, and harmful, longlasting impacts on communities and the environment”. The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, acting chair of the church’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group said: “Strong returns to support our beneficiaries can go hand in hand with robust and transparent ethical investment policies.” The new policy says: “As a last resort, and on a case by case basis, the [church] may disinvest from companies where engagement is rebuffed or is clearly not leading to progress.”
More help needed to mitigate impact of recent hurricanes on trade Guyana has joined sister, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States in providing assistance to countries in the region that were devastated by the recent hurricanes, but more is needed, especially given the impact on regional trade. CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, delivered this charge in remarks at the opening of the 45th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) which concluded Thursday at the Marriott Hotel. The impact of the hurricanes wrought on some CARICOM Member States and Associate Members has affected various sectors including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, housing, infrastructure, energy, and communications. The impact has also caused ripple effects across the Region, given the level of integration, the SecretaryGeneral pointed out. “The devastating climatic events of last Septem-
Flashback! Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (centre) and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (second from left) surrounded by officials from GNIC and Tropical Shipping before a shipment of relief supplies left Guyana. ber have put at risk our efforts to stimulate that growth and development. Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, housing, infrastructure, energy, and communications have been adversely affected in varying degrees in the countries battered by Hurricanes Irma and
Maria. The economic impact is not limited to the affected countries alone but extend to the wider Caribbean given our level of integration,” the Ambassador noted. He noted that it was critical for reconstruction and rebuilding to get underway so
that economies could be revived and the social needs of people could be addressed, the Secretary-General told Trade Ministers and delegates at the two-day Meeting. The Secretary-General praised the Region’s response
to the disasters, underlining the lead role of the CARICOM Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). “The Governments and People of our Member States have stood up to be counted in the hour of need of our stricken Members and Asso-
ciate Members. And now we will all have to play a part in rebuilding the countries in a manner that enhances resilience to adapt to and to mitigate the effects of climate change. We must seize this opportunity and help the countries build back better and become the first climateresilient nations in the world,” he stated. He announced that a CARICOM-United Nations Pledging Conference to be held on November 21st in New York, USA. Through that event, the Community was seeking the co-operation of international development partners, the private sector and private foundations to help rebuild the countries ravaged by the hurricanes. He said that a broader objective of the pledging conference was to assist the entire Community to improve its resilience to adapt to the effects of climate change. “We must prepare for the next catastrophic hurricane, flood or drought since climate change is the new normal,” he said.
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
New buildings will also not save Guyana. In fact, it is likely to sink it… The public bureaucracy is expanding. More and more buildings are being constructed and this will inevitably result in adding numbers to the already swollen employment roll of central government. Recently, it was announced that the Ministry of Public Health headquarters, destroyed in a fire years ago, is going to be rebuilt to the tune of $365M. Also, the Ministry of Business is expanding its offices. The contract for this was given as $88M. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently pulled down one of its small buildings which housed its Protocol Division and is now
constructing a larger building which probably will end up costing more than $200M when all the interior works are completed and the building furnished. The Ministry of the Presidency is erecting a huge fence around the Presidential Secretariat. The fence has been nicknamed, the “Great Wall”. The Ministry of Public Security has advertised for consultancies services to effect repairs to a number of police stations in Regions 9, 7 and 4. These involve major construction since consultancies services are required. In addition, the Ministry had advertised for repair works to the traffic
DEM BOYS SEH
headquarters and other police stations. What is most interesting is that the Ministry of Communities had advertised for bids to undertake repairs to the Kitty Market. The repairs to the market had begun in 2015 by the City Council of Georgetown which owns and operates the facility. Now it seems as if even without auditing that project, the Ministry is going ahead and completing it. One has to ask just what benefit is going to be derived from the increase in the square footage of government office. The Ministry of Health, Headquarters in Brickdam was destroyed in a fire years ago. The PPP/C, which loved to build also, did not rebuild
Guyana got nuff post turtle Some of de politicians dis country got is wha a farmer call post turtle. Dat is a term nobody know about but wen de farmer explain it de name mek sense. And wen dem boys look around dem does see nuff post turtle. De farmer seh dat wen people pass and deh see a turtle pun a post everybody know dat de turtle didn’t climb up deh so it had to be dat somebody put dem there. Wen de turtle deh pun de post it don’t do nutten cause it can’t do nutten. De turtle get elevated beyond its ability to function. Dem boys can call nuff name. In Guyana de post turtle does walk round and shake people hand. He or she does always smile. Sometimes dem does cut nuff ribbon. But wen de people ask dem to solve a problem is like asking a man to stop de tide from coming in. Dat is why people in Guyana
got so many problems. Dem post turtle kyaan do nutten. Don’t ask dem to sign a contract cause dem can’t read de contract much less hold a pen. Dat is why dem boys believe dat de ExxonMobil contract can’t get release yet. Is post turtle handling it. Wen Jagdeo and he kavakamites get on bad in parliament de odda day is a post turtle mek dem get away wid it. De thing dat mek dem boys really vex is dat idiots put de post turtle on top de post and you got to wonder whether dat body had any sense. Dem should see that de turtle useless, it can’t move, it can’t do nutten. In life people should realize that when dem ain’t got nutten to do dem mustn’t create post turtle. De ting is dat every election some people does always create a post turtle. Talk half and just tink bout de stupidness in Guyana.
the headquarters. It used the existing buildings within that compound and elsewhere to house the sections affected by the fire. In other words, it rationalised its available office space. Now we see the APNU+AFC government increasing the amount of square footage in many ministries. And there is no evidence that the public is going to get value for money for all the hundreds of millions that are going to be spent. Inevitably, more and larger government buildings will mean more persons will have to be employed. In other words, the public bureaucracy will expand instead of shrinking. It is already too large and the public cannot be said to be getting value for all the billions that are being spent each year on sustaining this over bloated public bureaucracy. The best way to reduce the size of the public bureaucracy and to improve efficiency is to reduce the number of buildings which are used by government. The savings are tremendous but it also forces the government to do more with less space. All around the world, this is what is happening. Major companies are reducing the amount of office space they utilise. The savings are tremendous. Overheads are also being slashed since workers are being encouraged to work from home. So instead of having to provide office space
equipped with air conditioning and lights and computers and printers and all the other things which go into an office, workers are being encouraged to work from home, as far as this is possible. In Guyana, the opposite is happening. The overheads and floor space of the public bureaucracy is being increased. Guyana is going in the opposite direction to the rest of world. Guyana does not need such a large public bureaucracy as what exists now. Money is never going to be available for a lot of things if the public bureaucracy is constantly expanding. One commentator observed recently that Guyana at present has the most costly public bureaucracy than any other period in its history. And we still cannot pay public servants or teachers a living wage. It was shocking to discover that no teacher in Guyana gets more than
US$1500 per month. Yet, there are ‘pen pushers’ in the state bureaucracy earning twice as much. No wonder taxes are so high! These taxes are being kept high because the money has to be found to support this swollen bureaucracy. The shocker though is that the government has advertised for expressions of interest in running a casino at the Marriot Hotel. Just the other day, the government was complaining about the debt with which it is burdened as a result of this hotel which the ruling parties criticised when they were in opposition. Instead of selling the hotel, they now seem keen on keeping it, despite the drain on the public purse. But they want to close sugar factories and estates! Guyana’s increasing public expenditure will lead to a crash. It did in the 1980’s when more than 30,000 workers lost their jobs under the guise of redeployment and retrenchment. What will it be called next, downsizing?
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
CoI into prison unrest finds…
Indigenous inmates mostly disadvantaged by prison system - endure far longer delays for trial Camp Street Prison
A Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into last year’s Camp Street Prison fire which resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates has found that Indigenous inmates are among the most vulnerable population in the prison system. Apart from highlighting women, mentally ill persons, substance abusers, HIV positive persons and aging persons, the CoI report pointed out that apart from the inhumane conditions in prison, Indigenous people
suffer from additional hardships. According to the reports, “They (indigenous people) are separated completely from their families and communities. Prison diet never includes food to which they are accustomed to. Indigenous people by nature are less assertive or aggressive than other population group.” It was asserted in the report that Indigenous people endure far longer delays for trial due to the unreliability of
courts in the interior regions and that their poor command of English isolates them “almost completely” from life around them. “W h e r e a s the harshness of incarceration on females and young people compared to males receives at least a token of acknowledgement, the application of this harsh system to Amerindians is almost totally ignored—by the administration of justice, the Parole Board and the political administration.”
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Govt. faces more questions over Acting Crime Chief vows… $605M emergency drug purchase “We will find Kescia Branche’s killer” The Coalition Government is still facing more questions over the decision by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to sole source emergency pharmaceutical drugs valued at $605 million from Trinidad firm, Ansa McAl. A report following an investigation by the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) established that throughout the past year and the first two months of this year, the GPHC was plagued by shortages of pharmaceuticals. This situation was linked to a combination of factors ranging from late award of contracts for 2016 to delayed launch of tender for 2017. When the National Assembly meets on Friday, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan will face a series of questions from the opposition relating to the GPHC purchase. The questions relate to GPHC’s initial decision to purchase the drugs without the approval of a waiver of the Procurement Act and proceed to make payment. Minister Jordan will be asked to provide information as to what actions, if any, has been taken by the National Tender & Procurement Administration Board (NTPAB). The questions are expected to be given orally by Opposition Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill. “The questions need to be answered,” Edghill told Kaieteur News. Once information surfaced that the GPHC had executed the multi-million dollar purchase, the Government and in particular, Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence faced a firestorm. The Minister had
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
Bishop Juan Edghill
maintained that she played no part in the procurement process, which was later supported by the PPC’s report. The PPC in its report was able to highlight that former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Allan Johnson, was at the centre of the Procurement Act breaches. According to the report, the actions of the former CEO to write to suppliers informing them of awards made for them to supply pharmaceuticals to a total value of $631 million without obtaining the requisite review of the NPTAB and ‘no objection’ from Cabinet was in breach of Sections 17 [1] and 25 [2] of the Procurement Act. It was outlined that the CEO was very much aware that he had breached the Act since he subsequently sought to obtain retroactive approval of his actions even as the GPHC started receiving the supplies ordered. At the same time, the PPC noted in the report that it was not presented with any information which indicated that the Minister instructed the GPHC to breach the Procurement Act. While the Minister
urged GPHC to fast track the purchase, the PPC held the view that this was not a directive to bypass the NPTAB. In order to prevent future breaches of the Procurement Act, the PPC in its report has recommended that the GPHC, among other things, execute all procurement transactions in accordance with the Procurement Act. The GPHC has been urged to “establish appropriate systems to avoid recurrences of breaches such as contract splitting and use of procurement methods which are not supported by the Act.” The PPC has proposed that the Board of the GPHC should work assiduously to develop and approve a Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual. The PPC recommended that GPHC plan its procuring activities more effectively, including at minimum preparation of an annual procurement plan, which should be effectively executed and monitored. This tactic, according to the PPC, would serve to also reduce the need to engage in small purchases as well as emergency procurements.
Acting Crime Chief, Paul Williams last night vowed that his team of investigators will track down the individual who murdered Kescia Branche. But he is meanwhile appealing to her relatives, friends, and the public for patience and co-operation, as the probe into the petite 22year-old teacher’s death entered its seventh day. “We will break this. Definitely we will solve this,” Williams told Kaieteur News during a brief phone interview. “All we are asking for is time, and patience from relatives, friends, and the co-operation of the public, and any assistance, but we will solve this. “The Guyana Police Force will solve the murder of Keisha Branche.” Williams gave the assurance even as it was revealed that investigators continue to focus on one individual, who appears to be their prime suspect. Kaieteur News was told that detectives have released the slain teacher’s male friend, who was allegedly found with one of her cellphones, and who, police had said, had been in constant contact with Branche, “on several occasions via cellphone, in the early hours of that morning, prior to her being discovered.” An official also said that police had found no evidence that a vehicle that was impounded was linked to the case. A source had said that the postmortem indicated that Branche’s injuries appeared to be consistent with those inflicted by the impact of a vehicle. A postmortem revealed that Branche suc-
- as investigators say ‘child father’ was with victim on fateful night
Kescia Branche cumbed to brain haemorrhage, caused by blunt trauma to the head. And in what may be a key development, the police official stated that investigators have established that Branche, and the father of her child, were together prior to her sustaining her fatal injuries. They were reportedly “in the same area”, prior to her allegedly leaving in the company of two police ranks. “Could she have been trailed?” the source queried. The ‘child father’, and two police ranks remain in custody. Police are likely to approach the courts today in a bid to detain them further. Acting Crime Chief Williams also revealed that, on his instructions, detectives again interviewed “two main witnesses.” “We did back interviews with them. There are certain questions that we needed answers for.” One is a constable who claimed that he had transported the teacher to Prashad Nagar on his motorcycle and
dropped her off there. Two other policemen claimed that they had spoken to Branche in Kitty, after seeing her standing near a night club waiting for a taxi. They alleged that they accompanied her to a Mandela Avenue night spot. One rank alleged that he went home to use a washroom, and when he returned, the teacher and his colleague were gone. Branche, of First Street, Cummings Lodge, was found unconscious at around 05:00 hrs on Sunday on the parapet at the corner of Princess Street and Louisa Row. Her left leg was broken and she sustained multiple head injuries. She died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation on Tuesday. The callous nature of Branche’s killer(s) has caused some to liken the case to the 1993 murder of 20-year-old security guard, Monica Reece, whose body was dumped, or fell out of a pickup, after she was subjected to a brutal beating that left her with a broken jaw and other injuries. At a press conference, Police Commissioner, Laurie Lewis had vowed that the police would “solve this crime.” The case was re-opened last year, with a senior police official indicating to the media that individuals had tampered with the investigation back then. Though evidence now points to one “high society” individual as Reece’s killer, the case remains unsolved.
Upgraded IFMAS system to be fully implemented in 2018 An upgraded version of the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System, (IFMAS) is expected to be fully implemented in 2018. This is according to the Ministry of Finance. This significant move was also documented by Auditor General, Deodat Sharma in his recent report. Sharma reminded that in modernising the public administration sector and improving public financial management and accountability, the Government of Guyana introduced the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System in January 2004. He explained that IFMAS is an electronic financial application software suite developed by Free Balance in 1984. The IFMAS project was funded by the Canadian International Development
- Finance Ministry Agency (CIDA), the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With the introduction of IFMAS, the Financial Management and Accounting Systems of all Government agencies were integrated and a standard system configuration activated a new Chart of Accounts (COA) divided into funds, organisations, programmes, projects, locations, and objects. Also, the Smart Stream application used to process payroll from all the agencies was interfaced with IFMAS to automate the processing of cheques and enhance the security of printing. The IFMAS also operates a single Bank Account which was recon-
ciled for the period under review. Eight modules were acquired but only six have been implemented. Details of the modules are as follows: The Finance Ministry noted that it is currently engaged in an intensive training programme conducted by the software company, Free Balance. The training is as a result of the current Modules being upgraded to that of a Version 7. The unutilised Assets and Inventory Module as well as the Purchasing Module of the previous version are expected to be operationalised in 2018. The Audit Office nonetheless recommended that the Ministry continues its efforts to have these modules in operation in 2018.
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Occupants ordered out in fight over Berbice Orphanage
The Berbice Orphanage which was subject to a court matter. The ownership of the Berbice Anjuman Orphanage situated at Lot 30 Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam Berbice has changed hands following a High Court decision handed down in the Berbice High Court by Justice Navendra Singh. The matter was heard during the months of August and September 2017. The dispute over the ownership of the orphanage between family members began in 2013. The plaintiff, Abdool Jabor Rahim, sought and got judgment from the defendants, his brother, Abu Bakre Mandal, who was the occupant, and his father, Abdool Rahim. In fact, his father Abdool Rahim subsequently joined him (Abdool Jabor Rahim) in seeking judgment for the property. He was eventually ejected by Mandal. The plaintiff was represented by prominent Attorney-at-law, Mursalene Bacchus. Attorney-at-law, Kumar Doorsami appeared for the defendants. The matter was first filed in the High Court on 22nd July, 2013. Both the plaintiff and the defendants reside overseas and in Guyana. The plaintiff claimed that he was always the owner of the property, but decided to go to court after his elder brother claimed that he was the owner. He said that he assumed possession of the land in 1981. In 1988, the construction of the Orphanage began and was completed in 1989. Orphans began living there in 1990. The defendants through their attorney Kumar Doorsami, made a number of counter claims. They stated that the plaintiff (Abdool Jabor Rahim) was never in possession of the land, but it was the first named defendant (Abdool Rahim) who owns the land.
They also claimed that it was Abdool Rahim and not Abdool Jabor Rahim who constructed the orphanage. Another contention was that the plaintiff’s name is Abdool Jabor Rahim and not Abdool Rahim and that Abdool Rahim is the father of both the plaintiff and the second defendant. They also contended that lease No A16004 was made out in the name of Abdool Rahim and not Abdool Jaboor Rahim and that the lease was transferred to Abu Bakre Mandal. They claimed that the plaintiff is an imposter who wants to dispossess his father and brother of the property and his claims are fraud and should be dismissed with cost. However, during the trial, the elder Rahim sided with his younger son. He testified against his elder son and stated that he does not know much about Mandal counter claims. At the conclusion of the case, Justice Singh ordered that judgment be awarded to the plaintiff. He ordered that the plaintiff holds a lease (No. A 16004) for and is entitled to possession of plot ‘X’ being a portion of Lot 30 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice. It was furthered ordered that the transfer of the lease on 15th July 2013, is hereby recalled, revoked, and cancelled. The judge also ordered that a permanent injunction be granted, restraining the second named defendant his servants and or agents from entering and or remaining in the property. They were also ordered to pay cost in the sum of $100,000. A memorandum was also ordered that pursuant to or-
der 35, rule 5 of the rules of the High Court Act, Chapter 3.02 “If you the within named defendants’ neglect to obey this order by the time herein limited to will be liable”. During the trial, the plaintiff through their attorney Mursalene Bacchus had amended their statement of claim. This was because during the trial, it was stated by the defendants that the lease was cancelled by the Lands and Survey and issued to Mandal. The lease, No 2335 was shown on a plan deposited with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission dated the 31st day of August 1990. The Guyana Lands and Survey Commission which issued a provisional lease to the plaintiff on the 24th February 1981 was subsequently bought in as an added defendant. The plaintiff contended that the Lands and Survey Commission had no authority to transfer the lease. He claimed that the unauthorised and unlawful transfer of the lease resulted in the loss of the entire property at the value of $50M. The Lands and Survey Commission was thus sued for $50M. Prior to the issuing of the provisional lease, he was given permission to occupy the land and construct a building to house an orphanage. He was still in possession of the property in 2003 when he was given the Lease, No. A16004. All was well until 2011. He was overseas when he discovered that the defendants had taken control of the property. This forced him to return home and sought legal advice and commenced legal proceedings.
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Graduates at Nations urged to develop Guyana’s Resources The Nations School of Business and Management held its first joint graduation ceremony on Saturday at Parc Rayne, Rahaman Park, Houston, East Bank Demerara. It was here that the 54 graduates in five different courses were urged to develop Guyana’s resources by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mings Products and Services Limited, Stanley Ming. Ming encouraged the graduates to not become complacent with what they have accomplished, but rather seek to strive for more achievements. He told the graduates that Guyana currently has the best resources that are still buried. The CEO explained his statement by giving the graduates ideas of becoming entrepreneurs through the production of what Guyana does not produce which includes pineapple juice and coconut water among others. Meanwhile, among the graduates was valedictorian, Nicholas Dawalat, who secured 11 distinctions and a ‘high distinction’ in the Australian Master of Business Programme. The graduate explained that the ‘high distinction’ is a place that is awarded to students who attain between 7584.5 percent. He revealed that he was informed by officials of the institution that he is the first student to have graduated with an overall distinction. Dawalat, a 23-year old of Rose Hall, Berbice, during his valedictory speech said his greatest challenge was being supported financially during the period. The graduate, who is presently an employee at the Guyana Water Incorporated as a Revenue Manager under the Customs Service Department in Region Six said, “Six years ago if someone had approached me and told me I
Valedictorian, Nicholas Dawalat receives his award would be an MBA grad, you would be manager, I would have looked at that person, like appalled.” He said growing up for him was hard, but with the help of his supportive parents, he was able to reach to the stage he is at. He noted that his passion was to attain a Master’s Degree in Environment and Sustainable Development. However, he was unable to do the programme due to his limited financial resources. The graduate went on to say that he did face some difficulties in becoming a student but was eventually accepted and became a student in January 2016. Despite ‘the hiccups’ he faced that caused him to want to give up, he said he did have some supportive friends he now considers as family. The programme, he said, taught him a lot. One of the greatest things he learnt was time management, according to him. He explained that his work environment affected his studies, but he however managed to study for at least five hours a day. He said he appreciates the programme a lot because, “It gives students a ‘birds-eye view’ of situations in order to
make rational, strategic decisions. Also in Guyana, there are many positive changes
Some of the graduates that we as MBA graduates can implement with the knowledge learnt.” He thanked his many
friends, tutors, family and His Divine help in closing and went on to encourage his fellow graduates to take Guyana
to a “different dimension” through the knowledge they acquired by developing the country’s resources.
Women lawyers lend support to tackle violence against women and children The recent killing of 22year-old school teacher, Kescia Branche; the murder of Berbice teenager, Leonard Archibald and Police Constable, Clement Cockfield shooting his girlfriend, Police Constable, Shanice Fraser, before killing himself, have seen various organisations lobbying for the elimination of violence against women and children. One such organisation is the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) which stands ready to provide support to any initiatives which would help to address this disturbing trend. Although the GAWL recognises the efforts of the authorities to control crime, inter-personal violence remains unacceptably high and its symptoms must be addressed, the organisation said. “We urge our fellow
Guyanese citizens to be more vigilant and caring about the other person. Be aware of issues which may be affecting children as it is incumbent on the adults to protect them.” In keeping with its motto of “Women Supporting Justice and Equality”, GAWL said it is eager to assist in being part of the solution and will continue its programmes in educating the public as it has been doing for the past 30 years. “It is important that there be decisive action. We all have to see what part that we as individuals can play to reduce this disturbing trend which is taking hold of our society. It seems to be no longer the exception but rather the norm to several times a week be apprised of violence being experienced and perpetrated on persons in most dramatic and heinous ways,” GAWL said in a missive. “Some members of our society appear to have be-
MURDERED: Kescia Branche was found in an unconscious state on the roadway and later died. come so intemperate towards each other as if intending to outdo each other to paint as terrible an image as possible and inflict maximum pain on the victim. The apparent increase in such a trend suggests that there may be an awakening or
MURDERED: Leonard Archibald’s decomposed body was fished out of the Berbice River days after he went missing existence of a disturbing psyche that no longer values human life nor cares to have one’s behaviour checked by the fear and likelihood of being caught and prosecuted.”
Police Constable, Clement Cockfield shot his girlfriend, Shanice Fraser, before committing suicide. Fraser remains a patient of the ICU.
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 19
Kaieteur News
Cultural Organisation in Suicide Awareness and Prevention For some time now there has been a worrying trend in our society, whereby for various reasons people have been resorting to taking their lives. Guyana has been reported to have the highest suicidal rate in the Caribbean, and in some quarters has even been referred to as the suicide capital of the world. When an individual decides to take their life by whatever means, they are hardly ever aware of the pain they cause relatives and friends when they suddenly plunge those people into sorrow and grief brought about by the passing of that loved one. Very often, it is after the passing of that loved one, after that individual would have taken matters into their hands by ending their life that people become aware that there were indications that the individual may have been crying out for help, or may have been displaying suicidal tendencies which were not noticed nor heeded. Hence the need in our society for heightened suicidal awareness which can lead to a reduction of the suicidal rate in our society. GROLAWAGT, Golden Grove – Lovely Lass – Onverwagt, culture and drama organization on the West Coast of Berbice has been making quite an effort to be counted among the groups which would have sought to promote suicidal awareness and prevention among young
people, and on Monday November 6, with the blessings of the Education Department Region Five, was able to host a number of secondary school students at the Latchmansingh Primary School Annex. The participants were privileged to have presentations by Chief Probation Officer in the Ministry of Social Protection, Mrs. Oslyn Smith, and Psychologist within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi. During the discourse, participants were told that each individual is precious in the sight of the Creator, and that whenever an individual decides to take their life they kill whatever dreams or aspirations they would have had since one cannot realize their aspirations after death. They were also told that each person was created for a purpose, and that there is a hero in each individual, therefore it would be worthwhile realizing ones potential rather than to give in to pressures which may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. The participants were told that they could help persons who may be experiencing difficulties by asking questions if they realize that such persons have begun to display strange behavior like becoming withdrawn, or they may be making statements which may turn out to be a hint that they may be considering suicide. For example, a young
person, contemplating suicide may tell a friend that they are making their will, or that they have completed making a will. In some cases it may be advisable to get other people involved by reporting unusual behavior to an adult, or anyone who may be able to help the individual. When people commit suicide, especially the young, they are depleting valuable resources of the nation, since they would have brought to a premature end a life that if lived to full capacity, could make a significant contribution to the society in some form. Therefore, heightened suicidal awareness in the society would have become necessary since there is a need to reduce the alarming suicide rate in the society. The Golden Grove, Lovely Lass, Onvertwagt, GROLAWAGT, Culture and
Psychologist with the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Balogun Osunbiyi , in discourse with students
Chief Probation Officer within the Ministry of Social Protection, Mrs. Oslyn Smith, addressing students.
Drama Organization mainly through Ismay Dalrymple, one of the founders of the group, has been seeking to heighten suicide awareness and pre-
vention, having recognized that there have been a number of cases in the district over the years, and they are of the view that the effort would
yield greater results if the focus is on the young people since they are the future of the country, henceforth targeting secondary school students.
Guyana’s own Saiku Andrews (From page 18) impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible) in mind, Saiku began reminding himself of what he knows was possible for him to achieve with God. He reflected on how at the age of just nine years old, he began hitting on an old car while putting words together to make music. According to him, there was a great passion for music ever since. From there, the star got together with his friends to write songs and even sang on stereo sound systems around a few neighbourhoods. After this, Andrews entered a singing competition with his friends at the Sports Hall. Here, he wrote songs for his friends that got ahead of him in the competition. He was not miserable about their success, although he did not make it, but rather wrote and performed songs wherever he went. After he became a Christian, he permitted his friends to use the lyrics of his songs.
One such song was ‘How are we gonna survive’, this song became popular through the Guyanese group, First Born in 2010. Saiku entered the Assembly of God (AOG) Youth Convention in 2000 where he secured second place. This position might have seemed insignificant but played a vital role in young man’s life. He was offered to record a song that would be featured on the AOG compilation disc in 2001. The singer said he refers to that experience as his recording debut. He has since functioned as a background vocal for both Kester Deane and Eddie Neblett. Saiku eventually became the lead singer for the band, “2nd Coming” where he performed at local concerts that featured international artistes such as Cece Winans and Israel Houghton. The exposure presented to Saiku several opportunities to go abroad and record music. However, he felt in his
spirit that he was not ready and did not take the opportunities. He spent the time focusing on having a balanced life as it relates to his earnings and building his family while keeping his passion for music alive. In the year 2001, the vocalist at 25-years old decided to get married. He is currently married to the woman of his dreams and has three children, two girls and boy. “My wife is my strength. It’s her sacrifice and ability to hold things together that allows me the space to pursue this life-long dream. She is my biggest critic and my biggest supporter. I am big on family. My desire is to ensure that I leave a legacy of great value for family for generations to follow”. The vocalist eventually met with Jamaican artiste, Calvin Whilby, who is known as Prodigal Son, while Whilby was in Guyana for a performance. The two developed a friendship in 2016 which grew over time.
The Jamaican introduced Andrews to a producer, Danny Brownie. Saiku after doing a demo, was invited to record with Browne in Jamaica. “The initial plan was to release a single, then an EP (Extended Play) but The Team was so confident about the product that we decided on releasing the album, ‘YOU’.” This inspirational man of God said it is his dream, “to inspire people, especially young men and women through my music and the telling of my story. GTT, on the other hand, had expressed a desire to connect & impact communities & the country by extension in a very positive way, so this partnership is perfect for that reason. GTT and I are working to create, identify and capitalise on opportunities to impact and inspire Guyanese to become warriors. I had to summon that warrior in me to be able to be at this place in my life and will continue to be a warrior as I seek to advance myself. Also, I take it as an opportunity to
showcase, to corporate Guyana that there is value in partnership with positive local talent, something I think is woefully absent in the corporate space”. Saiku is being sponsored and supported by GTT as part of their partnership. He is also one of the company’s three brand ambassadors. While passionate about what he does, he said he is currently working on new music. Saiku Andrews said while some may think he has a life that is not challenging, it is actually the opposite of this. He said that he tries hard to stand firm on who he is and who he has to be, despite the weaknesses. Meanwhile, he did not hesitate to state the most amazing moment of his career. Saiku noted, “The most amazing moment was experiencing the love and support of Guyana on May 20, 2016 at the Album Launch. It was special because the evidence pointed in the direction that Guyanese don’t support their own, but
my team and I believed different and we saw that Guyana was and remains willing to give love and support. For that I say, Thank you Guyana”. The album is titled ‘You’. What many do not know is that ‘YOU’ has a double meaning on this album. It refers to Saiku in a personal way, so the songs capture a number of moments and experiences in the writer’s life that would have been hidden. Being able to be at this place where he is living his dreams, given all he went through and where he came from, ‘YOU’ refers to God who by his grace and mercy has caused him to triumph. “The conclusion of the matter for me is that Jesus is the way,” Saiku said.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Berbice Scrap metal dealer on $300,000 bail for $64.4 million theft Bheem Sewsankar, a scrap metal dealer, of Port Mourant, has been charged with simple larceny in connection with the alleged theft of $64.4 M The 51-year-old appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh. The charge read that Sewsankar, with another person, between October 29 and 2 November at Bank Road Springlands, Berbice, stole one complete five ton forklift valued $5M, three diesel tanks valued $2M, one incomplete Cummins engine in a wooden box valued $200,000, one automatic steel rod bender valued $750,000, one incomplete TCM 2.5 ton forklift valued $500,000, side walls and floor of a trailer valued $300,000, aluminum flooring of a Stalwart amphibious vehicle valued $200,000, a quantity of conveyors, elevator ducting and cyclones valued $1M, one 560 foot roll flat rubber belt valued $2.2M, a quantity of roller belts valued $3M, a quantity of steel framing value $2M, a quantity of spare sheets valued $300,000, a quantity of trailers with industrial wheels valued $12M, a quantity of incomplete Cummins engines valued $1.5M, four
generators heads value $2M, a quantity of motors valued $1M, one ISUZU dump truck tray with cylinders valued $850,000, a quantity of hubs valued $2M, one Antiek Axle DAF truck valued $7M, a quantity of steel beams valued $1.5M, two generators valued $7M, a quantity of power cable valued $800,000, one blower fan valued $500,000 and one blower feed mill valued $2M, a total value of $64.4M property of Turhan Doerga. Sewsankar was not required to plead to the charge and was placed on $300,000 bail. He will return to court on 15th November. Information gathered by this publication, details that on the 2nd November, 2017 the Director of the milling complex, owned by Black Bush Milling Company/ Raghubar Rice Industry located at lot 1 Bank Road, Corriverton Berbice; received a call from the Manager, Laksmi Kumar who operates from Ruimzeight WCD. Kumar informed the Director that upon one of her visits to the complex she noticed all of the equipment from several bonds in the complex was missing. The caretakers, Zakeer and his wife Pooja were workers/caretakers at
the Bank Road property. They also lived in one of the buildings but were nowhere to be found. Kumar then proceeded to the Springlands Police Station to lodge a report of the theft. On Tuesday, the Director told investigators that Sewsankar stopped him while he was on his way in the street and was told by the man that “if I know plenty things move out about a week ago from the premises”. He stated that he told Sewsankar yes and also told him that a reward is offered to anyone with information on the matter. After giving Sewsankar a cash incentive and inquiring about the missing equipment, Sewsankar allegedly relayed to him that he bought some of the equipment from ‘Zakeer’, the caretaker, which reportedly cost him over $2 Million and weighed 60 tons. Sewsanker had allegedly told the Director and the manager that he bought it from ‘Zakeer’. Sewsanker when asked for receipts showing the purchase he could not provide them. Some of the most valued items include an antique double axle DAF truck, built in 1958.
Nandlall files appeal over dismissed AG libel suit Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall has filed an appeal in the case in which he failed to secure a court judgment against Attorney General, Basil Williams for alleged statements of libel made against him regarding his acquisition of the Commonwealth Law Reports. Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry had dismissed a $125M lawsuit filed by Nandlall, a former Attorney General, against his successor, Basil Williams in relation to libelous utterances Williams allegedly made in relation to Law Reports of the Commonwealth. In grounds for dismissing the matter, the Judge cited non-compliance with the new Civil Procedure Rules (CPRs). In the court action, Nandlall sought compensation to the tune of $125M. Nandlall sued for $25M for slander at a press conference, hosted at the National Communications Network Inc. on March 24, last, and a further $25M for utterances at the very press conference. Another $25M was called for because of libel published in the Guyana Times. There was a demand for a further $25M for slander published during an outreach programme in Berbice, and
Attorney-at-law, Anil Nandlall $25M for libel published by Demerara Waves. Nandlall also sought to have an injunction granted stopping Williams from repeating the “harmful” statements. He is on trial before Senior Magistrate, Fabayo Azore for allegedly stealing some $2M in LexisNexis Law Reports of the Commonwealth from the state. Obviously dissatisfied with the recent determination of the Court, Nandlall filed an appeal asking that the decision be set aside and wholly reversed. In his grounds for appeal, Nandlall claimed that the Judge erred and misdirected
herself in law when she dismissed and/or struck out the proceeding on the basis that the he (Nandlall) failed to comply with a case management timetable. The attorney said further that it is his view that the Judge erred and misdirected herself in law when she failed to give effect or incorrectly applied the overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), which is to enable the Court to deal with cases justly. The Judge erred and misdirected herself, in the exercise of her discretion, resorted to the ultimate and irreversible sanction of dismissal of the proceedings, rather than impose other sanctions available under the Civil Procedure Rules and which could have been appropriately imposed in the circumstances. In his list of grounds, Nandlall noted that the decision of the Judge in dismissing the Appellant’s/ Claimant’s Proceeding is erroneous, unlawful, oppressive , contrary to the rules of natural justice and violative of Article 144 (8) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, illegal, null, void and of no effect and bad in law.
PAGE 21
PAGE 22
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVE MARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767. Weeding, cleaning, trimming, cutting down of trees especially coconut trees. Call: Lewis 697-3852 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600
WANTED
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.- CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
General maintenance man. Age 25-50 Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Rd, Lacytown.
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D- $1200US. Call 647-1773 2 Bedroom apartment to rent. Caneville, Grove E.B.D. $35,000. Tel#653-3328
Land to buy in Parafaite Harmonie or anywhere on the West Coast. Tel: 642-1252
3 bedroom apartment in Diamond 3rd Avenue. Tel# 666-6503, 684-7599,695-7427
1. Cat 320 BL Excavator, 1. Cat 215 B Excavator, 1. Cat 428 Back- Hoe, 1. Leyland Daft Truck, 1. 8CU.YD. Mack Cement Mixer Truck. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 683-7225
Rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-9223 2 bedroom apartment in Industry, E.C.D. For more information, Call: 623-7500, 614-3278 Self contained rooms in South Riumveldt Park at $32,000 monthly Contact no: 660-9007
Male operators to work shift and one cleaner to work at Del Ice Co.,Meadow Bank. Call : 231-1408,642-9191
1. Double Steel Wheeled Road Roller, 1. 9-Wheeled Pneumatic Roller, 1. 450GLNS. Bitumen Spray Kettle, 1. Honda 450ATV Bike. Contact: 275-0367, 275-0538/ 683-7225 Creole chicks, ducklings, ducks, turkey chicks & one fridge. Contact: 610-0901 1 Mitsubishi canter, long base good condition. Contact# 698-8820.
5 bedroom house for rent furnished & unfurnished. Tel: 627-6480 One bedroom apartment for working couple $30,000 monthly. Light and water included. Call:638-8858
1-Twinsteer Double Axle DAF and 4 Flatbed Leyland DAF, 1-620-240 DAF engine. Excellent condition. Owner migrating 649-8449,228-5655 1 Leyland Daf Cement mixer, 1 caterpillar skid steer 236B. 7 mining blocks (North West) Contact# 650-0402
SALON
Qualified Hairdresser & nail technician. At least 1 year experience must be able to work without supervision. Call: 227-1125, 626-6450
FOR RENT
Loving homes for playful kittens. For enquiries, please call 676-1148 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, Able-bodied. KeyFood McDoom Village.
1 pool table, 2 freezers, 1 music set, tables and chairs. Call: 627-5607
- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
PEN PAL Overseas male seeks female. Age 29-32. Call or text 6643119
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Patentia, 2 storey building. Quiet neighbourhood. 8.5 Neg. Owner leaving country. #661-8700/671-2689
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922
Drivers. Call: 698-7807 Waitress for bar. Tel#612-2522 Experienced Curry cook, Roti/ Puri cook, Cleaners. Apply Hack Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Live in & live out Babysitter. Preferably from EBD. Call: 6471773 Soup Cooks wanted. Mon-Sat 7am-3pm. Relaxed Environment. Call#659-6107 Female Maid (Domestic) at Vreed-en-Hoop $3,000 daily. 682-5230, 615-4414 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt 1st Street- $2.5M ParafaiteHarmonie- $1.8 Million, $1.5 Million. Tel# 6421252
Deskstaff Age 25-40. Tel# 225-0198 or visit South Road, Lacytown. Confidential Cabs. Vacancy exist for one experienced dispatcher. Tel#231-5784 6951961. Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call: 618-2020 General handy man to work at hotel. 225-9211 Cashier/ Sales Clerk. Apply in person with written application @ Nirva Supermarket 49 Sheriff& Craig Street, C/ville. 227-5771 Experienced cleaners, Call between 7am and 9am. Tel: 225-8572 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 6247087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email: husainsaphier@ yahoo.com Account support specialist, Customer service representative, Office clerk with driver’s license. Apply to Zip Logistics @ hr@ziplogistics.com
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501
Wanted- One real estate staff agent. Stipend and commission. Contact: 6187483.
1-Caterpillar skid steer loader 236B $3.8M. Contact # 6500-402 Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm 1-AT192 Carina. Excellent condition Call: 662-9378. Fielder wagon and 19 seater pitbull. Never worked passenger. Both excellent condition. Tel: 664-0802 Pickup Truck from Canada2005 Tacoma $2.3M, Ford F150 Sport $1.5M FordRanger Sport $1.4M #682-5230/ 6154414 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 $1.7M, MF-135 - $1M, MF-265 -$1.9M, 165 Loader tractor $2.2M. Call: 682-5230/ 6154414 Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.6M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.2M. Call: 617-5536
At UN, US warns of potential security threat from Venezuela
Chef and assistant chef. Please call 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St.
We need you, males 18-30 years to work in Garden Maintenance, Georgetown. Tel:648-1821.
CAR RENTAL
PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale by owner. Lot 46, Long Dam Vergenoegen E.B.Essequibo $4,000,000 Neg. Tel: 628-9390
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
TOLET One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St- Kindly call: 689-3462 or 644-3555. Serious enquiries only. Commercial: One bottom flat. 23ft x 60ft. Cornelia Ida Public Road. Tel: 693-3340 Residential: One bedroom house. Cornelia Ida Public Road $25,000 per month. Tel: 693-3340 Furnished one and two bedroom apartment in Nandy Park.Parking available. Call 619-4824 (for further information) Advertise in Kaieteur News Classified Ads and get fast results.
Nikki Haley United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The United States hopes that a meeting next week at the United Nations on Venezuela will pave the way to international action to prevent the crisis from turning into a security threat, according to a US document sent to the Security Council weekend. US Ambassador Nikki Haley will chair the informal council meeting today held as Venezuela, already reeling from political and economic crises, teeters on the brink of default. “The international community needs to work collectively to address the unfolding crisis and its humanitarian impact in Venezuela and beyond before it worsens and potentially develops into a threat to international peace and security,” the US mission said in the document obtained by AFP. Venezuela has been in turmoil since antigovernment protests in April left more than 100 dead and worsening shortages of food and medicine. On Friday, the country was headed for a formal debt default, owing about $150 billion. Over the past six months, over 500,000 Venezuelans have fled to Colombia and countries in the region, said the US document. Neighboring countries are struggling to take in the Venezuelans who are becoming more vulnerable to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, it said.
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Former intelligence officials say Forty Conservative MPs ready Trump is being manipulated by Putin to oust May - Sunday Times LONDON (Reuters) Forty members of parliament from Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative Party have agreed to sign a letter of no-confidence in her, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. That is eight short of the number needed to trigger a party leadership contest, the mechanism through which May could be forced from office and replaced by another Conservative. May has been struggling to maintain her authority over her party since a snap election on June 8 which she called thinking she would win by a wide margin but instead resulted in her losing her parliamentary majority. Divided over how to extricate Britain from the European Union and hit by multiple scandals involving
Theresa May ministers, May’s government has failed to assert control over a chaotic political situation that is weakening London’s hand in Brexit talks. An earlier attempt to unseat May in the wake of her
disastrous speech at the annual party conference fizzled out, but many Conservatives remain unhappy with the prime minister’s performance and talk of a leadership contest has not gone away. May has lost two cabinet ministers in as many weeks: Michael Fallon stepped down as defence secretary after becoming implicated in a wider scandal about sexual misconduct in parliament, while Priti Patel resigned as aid minister after she was found to have had secret meetings with top Israeli officials. In the event of a leadership contest, if a challenger defeated May he or she would take over as Conservative leader and as prime minister. A national election is not necessary for that to happen.
Hariri says he will return to Lebanon soon, leaves doubt about resignation BEIRUT (Reuters) - Saad al-Hariri said yesterday he would return to Lebanon from Saudi Arabia in two or three days to affirm that he had quit as prime minister, and also hinted that he could take back his resignation. In an interview with a television station that he owns, the Saudi-allied Hariri, Lebanon’s most influential Sunni Muslim politician, gave his first public comments since he read out his resignation on television from Riyadh eight days ago. He said Lebanon was at risk of Arab economic sanctions because of what he described as interventions in Yemen and Bahrain by the powerful, Iran-backed
Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is part of the coalition government Hariri has led. Hariri, who has not returned to Lebanon since he declared his shock resignation, said he stepped down for the sake of the Lebanese national interest, repeatedly saying the country must stick by a policy of “disassociation” from regional conflict. “I am freely in the Kingdom, and if I want to travel tomorrow, I will travel. I have a family, and it is my right to protect them,” Hariri said of his presence in Saudi Arabia. When he resigned on Nov. 4, he said he feared assassination. His father, a
WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Two former top U.S. intelligence officials said yesterday they fear President Donald Trump is being manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Trump said he believed Putin was sincere in denying Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Former CIA Director John Brennan and ex-National Intelligence Director James Clapper both said Trump was mishandling Moscow ties even as a special counsel investigates possible collusion between Trump’s campaign team and Russia. “I think Mr. Trump is, for whatever reason, either intimidated by Mr. Putin, afraid of what he could do, or what might come out as a result of these investigations... It’s either naiveté, ignorance or fear in terms of what Mr. Trump is doing vis-à-vis the Russians,” Brennan said in an appearance with Clapper on CNN’s “State of the Union.” Clapper added that foreign leaders who roll out the red carpet for Trump are able to manipulate Trump. “I do think both the Chinese and the Russians think they can play him,” Clapper said. Their comments came after Trump told reporters over the weekend that he had spoken with Putin again over allegations of Russian meddling in the presidential election and that the Russian president again denied any involvement. “I really believe that, when he tells me that, he means it,” Trump told reporters. “I think he is very insulted by it, which is not a good thing for our country.”
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk before a session of the APEC summit in Danang, Vietnam Saturday. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/ Kremlin via REUTERS Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on the same show that the criticism levelled against Trump’s management of relations with Russia and China was “ridiculous.” “President Trump is not getting played by anybody,” Mnuchin said. Trump also took a swipe at Obama-era intelligence officials Brennan, Clapper and former FBI Director James Comey, calling them “political hacks” and questioning the findings of a U.S. intelligence report that concluded that Russians sought to tilt the election in Trump’s favour. Facing sharp criticism, Trump walked back from some
of those comments on Sunday, saying he has faith in the intelligence leaders he has hired. Brennan yesterday called Trump’s criticism of him a “badge of honour,” and Clapper suggested said Trump’s denial of Russian interference in the election “poses a peril to the country.” When asked, Brennan declined to say whether he knows of any intelligence to suggest that the Russians have compromising or damaging information on Trump. A dossier penned by a former British spy contains unverified claims that Russia does have embarrassing information on Trump.
Quake strikes Iran’s border towns with Iraq, several killed – TV Spanish PM, in Catalonia, calls for big Saad al-Hariri
long-serving former prime minister, was killed by a bomb in 2005.
turnout at December election BARCELONA - Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy urged Catalans to turn out in force in a December election to “restore normality” to a region buffeted by attempts to split from Spain. In his first visit to Barcelona since Madrid imposed direct rule on Catalonia and sacked its separatist leaders, Rajoy said the Dec. 21 election would safeguard the economy and stop companies moving out of the economically important region. “We want a massive turnout to begin a new political era of tranquility, normality, coexistence and respect,” Rajoy told the Catalan wing of his
conservative People’s Party (PP). “We must urgently bring back normality to Catalonia ... to reduce social tension and stop damage to the economy.” Despite opposition to the early election imposed by Madrid as a way to resolve the impasse, the two leading pro-independence parties, PDeCAT of deposed leader Carles Puigdemont, and the ERC, have said they will participate. However, they failed to agree to run on a united ticket, potentially harming the separatist camp’s chances of winning a majority in the regional parliament. The far-left proindependence CUP party,
whose support was key to Puigdemont’s government, decided yesterday, to run in the upcoming election. Madrid’s imposition of direct rule on Catalonia has widened a rift between political parties both in regional politics and at the municipal level. Yesterday, the party of Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau voted to break its pact to govern with the Catalan Socialist Party (PSC), citing the latter’s support for the application of direct rule. Some 54 percent of Spaniards evaluate positively Madrid’s handling of the Catalan crisis, but only 28 percent of Catalans share this view, according to a poll for
Mariano Rajoy newspaper El Pais. On Saturday, 750,000 people marched in Barcelona to call for the release of separatist leaders from pretrial detention.
ANKARA (Reuters) - Several people were killed and many others were injured in border areas of Iran when an earthquake of magnitude 7.3 struck neighbouring Iraq yesterday, Iran’s state TV reported. “The quake was felt in several Iranian provinces bordering Iraq ... Eight villages were damaged ... Electricity has been cut in some villages and rescue teams have been dispatched to those areas,” TV reported. Iranian media gave contradictory figures on the number of people killed in the quake. Semi-official Fars news agency and state news agency IRNA said at least six people were killed and many others injured in the border town of Qasr-e Shirin. But governor of Qasr-e Shirin Faramarz Akbari said only two people had died in the town and 25 others were injured. Semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted an emergency services official as saying there were fears that casualties in villages and small towns could be high. People were staying out on the streets in towns in the Western Kermanshah province because of the threat from aftershocks, a local Red Crescent official told TV. Many houses in rural parts of the province are made of mud bricks and are known to crumble easily in quake-prone Iran. Local people said in media reports and on Twitter they had felt several aftershocks. TV said schools were closed in the Kermanshah and Ilam provinces today.
PAGE 24
Kaieteur News
Monday November 13, 2017
Opposition Leader says Joint Select Committee should examine ID Bill
Senator K.D. Knight The Gleaner - People’s National Party’s (PNP) President, Dr Peter Phillips, says the midnight amendments to the National Identification System Bill further underscore the need for it to be sent before a Joint Select Committee where all the contentious issues can be hammered out.
A release from the PNP yesterday morning said Phillips, who had urged the government during the debate in the lower house to send the Bill to a select committee when it was first piloted, stands with Opposition senators and Jamaicans from churches and civic organisations who raised their voices in protection of the rights of the people. Senator K.D. Knight led the Opposition team on insisting that public consultations need to be held prior to any passage and signing-off of the Bill. According to the PNP, other Opposition senators were forthright in their stance that the speed and process to the passing of this Bill, which will require every Jamaican to surrender much personal information, was not in the best interest of Parliamentary democracy, nor the interest of all Jamaicans. The debate continues tomorrow.
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Subraj Family Foundation distributes 700 glasses to Region Two The George Subraj Family Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, yesterday donated some 700 glasses to the residents of Region Two through a Vision Outreach Programme. The outreach which was facilitated at the Anna Regina Mandir, included free reading and prescription eyeglasses along with eye drops to treat eye diseases such as glaucoma were distributed. While the targeted number of persons to be treated was merely 300; 700 persons supported the outreach by means of their participation. Over the years, the George Subraj Foundation was instrumental in philanthropy works in Guyana and as such, the vision outreach was aimed at providing free eye care services to those who are suffering from eye diseases and also to the less fortunate. Tony Subraj, who is both President of the foundation and son of the late George Subraj, told the media that the foundation has been working along with the Ophthalmology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital as the foundation sees a great need for eye care services in Guyana. Subraj added, “Today we brought with us 700 pairs of readers and prescription eyeglasses for distribution and the Georgetown Public Hospital provided us with
two doctors from the hospital to conduct eye testing and to look for other eye diseases. Today, our goal is to reach out to 700 persons; since eye care is important and we’ve decided to do this vision outreach, since it was the next logical thing to do since we know by treating some of these things like glaucoma in the early stage can prevent blindness. Not only are we giving the glasses out, but we have eye drops as well for distribution.” Subraj noted that it is his desire is to see members of the foundation continue the charitable works, in the step of his father. “Basically, my dad’s vision was always in health, education, and medical missions and it started out with the Guyana Watch many years ago doing kidney transplants. Since then the legacy of his foundation has evolved in doing cornea transplants. We did 61 cornea transplants and 27 kidney transplants and 8 major heart surgeries. For the kidney transplants, we provide all the expertise. We bring the transplant doctors from Washington D.C and those doctors work side by side with the Guyanese doctors to provide quality services and this is something we will continue.” It is expected that the George Subraj Family Foundation will soon conduct a similar Vision Outreach on the Leguan Island on November 17.
T&T food bill still high…
Govt. blames citizens’ taste for foreign things Trinidad Guardian - This country imported $32.7 billion in food — mainly fruits and vegetables, cereals, dairy and meat — between 2011 and 2016. The high food import bill, which has been identified as a problem by successive governments, crossed $5 billion in 2012 and has stayed at around $5.6 billion in the past two years, despite economic challenges and complaints about access to foreign exchange. While on multiple occasions Government has blamed citizens’ taste for foreign things for the high figure, citizens have expressed feelings that range from confusion over differentiating between local and foreign food products, and a complete apathy toward locally produced food because of what some described as “poor quality”. At the same time, farmers said that over the past four years there has not been any clear direction on a policy by the Government to increase public consumption of local goods within the agriculture sector. Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat, in his few direct comments about the high import bill, noted that $669 million of the 2016 food import bill was from the importation of alcohol. However, while Rambharat stated the 2016 figure was $669 million, the Central Statistical Office (CSO) website lists the figure as $351 million. The figure for 2015 was listed as $390 million and $369 million for 2014.
Clarence Rambharat During the Senate debate of the fiscal 2018 Budget, Rambharat distanced himself from the high figure, stating that while media and citizens continued to raise questions about the food import bill, he was not the one bringing
alcohol into the country. Data compiled by the CSO showed that in 2016, vegetables and fruits accounted for approximately $1 billion of the food import bill. Cereal and cereal preparations also accounted for approximately $900 million during that same period. For several years, governments have pushed a number of “buy local” campaigns, with the latest being the farm-to-table approach encouraged by the Ministry of Agriculture and facilitated through farmer’s markets set up around the country. Even though citizens are actively encouraged to purchase local food items, the food import bill rose from $4.7 billion in 2011 to $5.6 billion in 2015. Rambharat did not answer emailed questions regarding the food import bill and did not acknowledge or respond to multiple text messages.
Minor earthquake rocks British Virgin Islands TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands - CMC – A relatively minor earthquake, measuring 4.26 was felt in sections of the British Virgin Islands on Saturday. The Puerto Rico Seismic Network reports that the tremor was located approximately 13 miles north of Virgin Gorda. The earthquake that occurred shortly after 10am (local time), was pinpointed at latitude 18.82 and longitude-64.34, with a depth of approximately 30 kilometers. There were no reports of injuries or damage. Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) reminded residents that the territory is located in a seismically active zone and urged them to remain calm in the event of future earthquakes.
PAGE 25
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Monday November 13, 2017
CAC Qualifiers
Guyana’s Women is top Caribbean seed; Men settle as runners-up Having already qualified in both Male and Female divisions for the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Hockey tournament in Jamaica next year by reaching their respective finals of that tournament qualifiers being held in Jamaica, the Guyanese ladies went all the way to come out as the top seeded team after needling the hosts. Latacia Chung smashed the women to victory with a powerfully taken penalty corner during the second half of the game in the 48th minute to ensure her side’s unbeaten streak but more importantly, ending as the number one seeded nation. Meanwhile, technical difficulties caused the lighting at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus Outdoor Hockey Turf to malfunction twenty (20) minutes into the Men’s Final between Guyana and Jamaica with the score locked at 0-0. As time expired, a decision was made to award Jamaica the victory since they had defeated the Guyanese men 3-2 during their round-robin clash on Saturday. This result was described as very disappointing by Team Manager, Philip Fernandes, who believed that a very competitive game was being played before the lighting problem which was not resolved, ended the showdown prematurely.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team rush to fly home after robbery at gunpoint in Brazil Several of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team brought forward their travel plans by a day to leave Sao Paulo after a terrifying hold-up at gunpoint. The F1 community has been on edge after four alarming incidents over the weekend, the most shocking of which befell eight members of Hamilton’s crew — mostly mechanics — at around 10pm on Friday. One had a gun pointed at his head while the group had laptops, wallets and passports stolen when held up in dense traffic on their journey from Interlagos to their hotel. Since then, police convoys have escorted teams to and from the track. Organisers also issued advice on not wearing kit or passes that would identify travellers as F1 personnel. Hamilton has been an outspoken critic of the sport’s powers-that-be for not doing enough to combat a threat that has been a regular feature of the Sao Paulo race. Jenson Button escaped an attempted mugging here in 2010, when world champion. ‘I was horrified to hear
what happened,’ said Hamilton. ‘The frustrating thing is I have been in F1 for 10 years and every year that has happened to someone in the paddock. Things should be in place to keep everyone safe. And it’s for the people at the top to take action to keep everyone safe. ‘It’s no good just the bosses or myself having security; everyone else needs to be looked after.’ Officials from the FIA, motorsport’s governing b o d y, w e r e t a rg e t e d b y hooded youths who tapped a gun at the window of their car. However, the windows were bullet-proof and the muggers could not get inside. Williams staff also witnessed a robbery ahead of them in traffic. Though most of the F1 circus will have left Brazil by lastnight, some McLaren staff are staying for a tyre test involving Lando Norris, the ‘New Lewis Hamilton’ who turns 18 on today. A spokesman for Liberty Media, the sport’s owners, said it was up to the circuit and local authorities to ensure safety this week. (MailOnline)
Guyana’s Male Hockey Team poses with their second place trophy.
10th Darcy Beckles Classic 2017
Campbell and Cipriani places 2nd in Mr. Physique Short and Tall Classes
Team Guyana after the10th Darcy Beckles Classic on Saturday night. Emerson Campbell and Caerus Cipriani were Guyana’s best athletes ending second in the respective Short and Tall Classes of the Men’s Physique at the 10th Darcy Beckles Bodybuilding Invitational Classic, Bikini and Body Fitness Classics on Saturday night in the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados.
Yannick Grimes, the reigning Guyanese Men’s Physique champion could only muster 4th place in the Short Class. Alisha Fortune managed 5th place in the Miss Body Fitness; Ebo Orford ended 6th in the Open King competition while Chaitram Nagessar did not make the top six.
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
CMRC Final Leg
Team Mohamed’s a class above the rest; Jeffrey dominates Group 4
Team Mohamed’s superbike trio of (from left) Matthew Truelove, Bryce Prince and Jason Aguilar. As Expected, Team Mohamed’s trio of Jason Agulair, Bryce Prince and Matthew Truelove blew away the competition in the Superbike Class and they were competing amongst themselves yesterday at the South Dakota Circuit for the top podium finish when the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Final Leg hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club,
ended. Starting in Pole 1, Agulair, who hails from California, on debut at the South Dakota Circuit, had the bulk of successes amongst his teammates and did the honour lap with the chequered flag twice. American Bryce Prince who won all of his previous races this in the championship season coming into the final leg in Guyana won the third
Supersport Class A motorcycle race. Although Englishman, Truelove, didn’t win any races he was happy for the overall success of Team Mohamed’s, powered by their Yamaha R6 (600cc) motorcycles. In Group Four action, defending Champion, 2016 Guyana Sportsman of the year, Kristian Jeffrey ate up his competition in two of the three races with his
Kristian Jeffrey poses in front his Mitsubishi EVO. Mitsubishi Evolution. It was a bumpy day for him after a terrible collision with Bajan driver Roger Mayers’ Ford Focus which resulted in both cars being unable to finish the initial race. Jeffrey, after starting second to last on the grid in the second Group Four race, revved superbly to come from behind and gap his competitors for the win. And, after showing the power of his
Mitsubishi in Race two, along with the fact that he broke the Track Record in qualifying, he blew away the competition in the final race, while some drivers had to deal with the embarrassment of being lapped. Noteable performances were recorded by Vishok Persaud’s Savagery in the Group Three Class after completely dominating all opponents in his Lotus to
sweep the three races. Meanwhile, Rameez Mohamed won both of the Starlet Cup races that sped off yesterday; a good response to Anand Ramchand who pipped him to win the solitary Starlet Cup race on Saturday. The official times, group standings and respective standings in the local and CMRC calendar will be feature in tomorrow’s edition. (Calvin Chapman)
Croatia book their place at Russia 2018 Croatia have qualified for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup™ after a goalless draw in Greece last evening secured a 4-1 aggregate victory. It is also a record fifth time that the Croatians have qualified for a major tournament through a play-off. An emphatic 4-1 victory in the first leg in Zagreb on Thursday was more than enough for the Balkan nation to book their place in the global finals in Russia next year. Needing to overturn a three-goal deficit, Greece pressed forward to find an opening goal at the Karaiskaki Stadium. However, early efforts from Anastasios Bakasetas and Sokratis Papastathopoulos failed to test Croatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic. In fact, it was the visitors that went closest to scoring before the break, as Ivan Perisic drilled a longrange shot off the post before the ball bounced away to safety. Greece kept pushing for goals, but their efforts were unable to pull them back into this play-off tie. Konstantinos Mitroglou had an early chance after the break, while substitute Dimitrios Pelkas found the back of the Croatia net, but the goal was called back for offside. It was Croatia that celebrated qualification to Russia 2018 in Piraeus at the final whistle, with their
An elated Croatia side celebrate. first-leg result proving to be the difference, in the end. Croatia have now qualified for five World Cup finals, having finished third in their maiden appearance at France 1998. They also appeared at Korea/Japan 2002, Germany 2006, and Brazil 2014. Switzerland qualify for fourth
consecutive World Cup Switzerland hung on to their 1-0 first-leg lead over Northern Ireland and played out a goalless draw in the play-off second leg in Basel to book their ticket to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. Both teams created chances
throughout the match playing in tough, rainy conditions. Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill will be pleased his side saw more of the ball than they did in the first leg. However, they were not able to score the all-important goal to force the tie into extra time.
Within three minutes Chris Brunt attempted a shot on target from almost 30 yards out and forced Yann Sommer into making a diving save. A couple of minutes later Xherdan Shaqiri sent in a dangerous cross to the back post for Haris Seferovic, but the Benfica man was unable to direct his header on target from close range. Switzerland continued to ask questions of Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern from chances by Blerim Dzemaili, Shaqiri and Steven Zuber, but McGovern was up to each challenge, making a string of crucial saves. Chances were few and far between in the second half. Goalscorer from the first leg Ricardo Rodriguez drove a long-range shot a foot wide of goal early in the interval, while Northern Ireland’s Conor Washington missed a header from about ten yards out. Rodriguez cleared a header from Jonny Evans off the goalline in stoppage time, and Switzerland had completed their mission to book their ticket to Russia 2018. The Swiss are heading to their 11th World Cup and their fourth consecutive world finals, their best run of appearances since stringing four together between 1934-54. (FIFA)
PAGE 28
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Fed Cup final
PSL 2018 Draft
The make-up of PSL 2018 squads United States beat Belarus to win first title since 2000
The drafting procedure for the third edition of Pakistan Super League, set to be played in 2018, was held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore yesterday. This edition will have six teams, with the addition of a new franchise called Multan Sultans. S h o a i b M a l i k a n d To m Moody were announced as the captain and the coach of the side respectively. The five incumbent teams were allowed to retain nine players each. The newest franchise, Multan Sultans, were allowed to pick, without any riders, their nine predraft players from the pool of players released by other franchises in the lead up to the draft yesterday. A total of 501 players (308 foreign and 193 local)
Manzoor, Ravi Bopara, Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Shahid Afridi. Draft picks: Colin Ingram, Mitchell Johnson, Luke Wright, David Wiese, Tabish Khan, Mohammad Irfan Jr, Hasan Mohsin, Colin Munro (#), Eoin Morgan (#), Saifullah Bangash (#). Tr a n s f e r ( s ) : S h a h i d Afridi was brought in from Peshawar Zalmi. As a deal, Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi exchanged their draft pick orders in the gold and silver categories, meaning Peshawar were able to pick ahead of Karachi in those two categories in exchange of Afridi. According to the rules, since Peshawar Zalmi were the winners of the last edition, they were
Ashraf, Sam Billings, Zafar Gohar, Sahibzada Farhan, Hussain Talat, Alex Hales ( # ) , D a v i d Wi l l e y ( # ) , Mohammad Hasan (#), Mohammad Hasnain (#). Tr a n s f e r ( s ) : Iftikhar Ahmed was brought in from Peshawar Zalmi in exchange for their supplementary picking order in the second round of draft. Quetta Gladiators Retained players: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Kevin Pietersen, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Nawaz, Anwar Ali, Mahmudullah, Umar Amin, Mir Hamza, Asad Shafiq Draft picks: Shane Watson, Carlos Brathwaite, Rahat Ali, Rameez Raja Jr, Saad Ali, Saud Shakeel, Hassan Khan, Jason Roy (#), Rashid Khan (#), Moin
Darren Sammy
were a part of the draft. Franchises were allowed to pick one player each from Platinum, Diamond and Gold categories, while selecting two each from the Silver and Emerging Players list to stack up their squad with a maximum of 20 players. Each team had a purse of USD 1.2 million. Platinum category players will earn between $140,000 and $200,000. Diamond category players had a minimum price of $70,000 whereas the Gold category players had a minimum price of $50,000. The minimum cap for Silver category players and Emerging Category players was kept at $22,000 and $10,000 respectively. Below is how the teams look after the end of today’s draft. Players with (#) after their names are Supplementary Players, who will be partially available during the season. Karachi Kings Retained players: Imad Wasim (captain), Usman Khan, Usama Mir, Khurram
supposed to get the last pick each round. In addition to Afridi, Karachi Kings brought in Mohammad Rizwan from Lahore Qalandars in exchange for Sohail Khan. Lahore Qalandars Retained players: Brendon McCullum (captain), Umar Akmal, Sunil Narine, Fakhar Zaman, Yasir Shah, Cameron Delport, Aamer Ya m i n , B i l a w a l B h a t t i , Sohail Khan. Draft picks: Chris Lynn, Mustafizur Rehman, Bilal Asif, Raza Hasan, Sohail Akhtar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ghulam Mudassar, Angelo Mathews (#), Mitchell McClenaghan (#), Gulraiz Sadaf (#). Transfer(s): They traded Mohammad Rizwan, to Karachi Kings, for Sohail Khan. Islamabad United Retained players: Misbahul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Sami, Andre Russell, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, , Samuel Badree, Iftikhar Ahmed, Amad Butt, Asif Ali. Draft picks: JP Duminy, Luke Ronchi, Faheem
Khan (jr.) (#), Faraz Ahmed (#). Transfer(s): None Peshawar Zalmi Retained players: Darren Sammy (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Shakib al Hasan, Kamran Akmal, Hasan Ali, Haris Sohail, Chris Jordan, Mohammad Asghar. Draft picks: Dwayne Bravo, Tamim Iqbal, Hammad Azam, Saad Nasim, Taimoor Sultan, Sameen Gul, Sameen Gul, Andre Fletcher (#), Evin Lewis (#), Khalid Usman (#), Muhammad Arif (#). Transfer(s): Gave away Iftikhar Ahmed for a supplementary pick in the second round of draft. Multan Sultans - Predraft players: Shoaib Malik (captain), Kieron Pollard, Kumar Sangakkara, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Irfan Khan, Kashif Bhatti. Draft picks: Imran Tahir, Darren Bravo, Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Abbas, Nicholas Pooran, Abdullah Shafique, Saif Badar, Hardus Viljoen (#), Umar Gul (#), Umar Siddiq (#), Ross Whiteley (#). (Cricbuzz)
The US have won the Fed Cup for a record 18th time. The United States won the Fed Cup for the first time in 17 years with a dramatic victory over Belarus in Minsk. Coco Vandeweghe and Shelby Rogers beat Aryna Sabalenka and Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in the deciding doubles rubber to give the visitors a 3-2 win in the best-of-five tie. Sasnovich had earlier beaten US Open champion Sloane Stephens 4-6 6-1 8-6 in a thrilling match to force a decider. Stephens has now lost all six matches since winning the title in New York. Belarus were playing in their first Fed Cup final, and were without their leading player as two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka is unwilling to travel during a custody battle over her son. Vandeweghe, the world number 10, put the US into a 2-1 lead with a 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 win over Sabalenka, ranked 78th, in Sunday’s opening singles rubber. However, the 87th-ranked Sasnovich then came back from 5-2 down in the final set to upset world number 13 Stephens and set up a doubles decider. The class of the American squad, missing
Serena and Venus Williams, eventually told as Vandeweghe and Rogers came from behind in the second set to win in straight sets. It is the first US victory since the team of Lisa Raymond, Lindsay Davenport, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati in 2000. They have now won the Fed Cup 18 times, extending their lead over the Czech Republic/ Czechoslovakia, who have 10 titles. “I’m just really thrilled for all four players,” said US captain Kathy Rinaldi. “CoCo came out and just played unbelievable, Shelby stepped up, and Sloane - my heart was broken for her, but she battled this whole weekend, she battled all the way to the end. I’m so proud of all four of them.” Vandeweghe, 25, is the first player to win eight Fed Cup rubbers in a year since the current format was introduced in 2005. “It was a lot of work and a lot of dedication to the Fed Cup, in each and every round,” said Vandeweghe. “To dedicate my time and energy through my season to be able to perform the best I could for Team USA.” (BBCsport)
Valencia Moto GP
Marc Marquez wins fourth title
Marquez went off at turn one but managed to stay on his bike to finish. Marc Marquez claimed his fourth MotoGP title in five years after finishing third at the season-ending Valencia race in his native Spain. The 24-year-old Honda rider, who needed to finish in the top 11 to beat Andrea Dovizioso to the crown, is the youngest rider
to win four titles in the class. Dovizioso was frustratingly held up by Ducati team-mate Jorge Lorenzo before both crashed out in separate incidents. Honda’s Dani Pedrosa won the race, with Yamaha rookie Johann Zarco in second. Marquez had started the race from pole position and led after the start before being passed by Zarco on lap three. He stayed behind the Frenchman until the latter stages before suffering a scare when Marquez passed Zarco to re-take the lead only to go off the track at turn one on lap 23. However, Marquez skilfully managed to stay on his bike and rejoined in fifth behind Spaniard Lorenzo and Italian Dovizioso, who both crashed out to promote him to third. “It is an amazing feeling,” Marquez said. “In the race I tried to be calm and control the situation. In turn one I lost concentration on the braking point. “I would like to congratulate Dovi and the Ducati team.” Lorenzo seemed to be getting messages from his garage to let Dovizioso pass but refused to do so until he went off. Dovizioso, though, went off himself moments later and Marquez’s title victory was confirmed. (BBCsport)
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 29
Kaieteur News
Highlights of Saturday’s NBA games West Indies to tour Pakistan The Sports Xchange Highlights from National Basketball Association games on Saturday: Bucks 98, Lakers 90 Rookie Lonzo Ball became the youngest player in NBA history to record a tripledouble, finishing with 19 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as the Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a 98-90 loss by the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Ball, who is 20 years, 15 days old, completed the triple-double by getting his 10th rebound early in the fourth. He had 13 points and 11 assists at the time. Ball eclipsed the mark set by LeBron James, who was 20 years, 20 days old when he recorded a triple-double Jan. 19, 2005 for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points to lead the Bucks, who also got 16 off the bench from Malcolm Brogdon. Khris Middleton added 13 points while Eric Bledsoe contributed 11 in his home debut for Milwaukee. Knicks 118, Kings 91 Kristaps Porzingis scored 34 points on 21 shots as New York routed Sacramento. Porzingis made 11 of 21 shots, including four 3-pointers and grabbed nine rebounds. Courtney Lee added 20 while Enes Kanter posted a doubledouble of 17 points and 13 rebounds. Skal Labissiere scored 19 points and Buddy Hield added 17 for the Kings, whose starting lineup totaled 31 points. Warriors 135, 76ers 114 Kevin Durant scored 29 points as Golden State beat Philadelphia and notched its
sixth straight win. Klay Thompson added 23 points and Stephen Curry contributed 22 as Golden State shot 57.7 percent and made 53.8 percent of its 3-pointers. J.J. Redick scored 17 points for Philadelphia. Cavaliers 111, Mavericks 104 Kevin Love recorded his ninth double-double with 29 points and 15 rebounds as Cleveland beat Dallas. LeBron James and J.R. Smith added 17 points apiece for Cleveland. James also grabbed 10 rebounds. Harrison Barnes led Dallas with 23 points. Rockets 111, Grizzlies 96 James Harden scored 38 points as Houston beat Memphis. Harden made 11 of 25 shots, including six 3pointers. Eric Gordon also hit six 3-pointers and added 26 points for the Rockets. Reserve Tyreke Evans led the Grizzlies with 22 points. Marc Gasol added 15 while Mike Conley was held to 12 points. Pelicans 111, Clippers 103 DeMarcus Cousins totaled 35 points and 15 rebounds as New Orleans beat Los Angeles. Anthony Davis added 25 and 10 rebounds for the Pelicans, who shot 53.8 percent. E‘Twaun Moore added 18 points for New Orleans. Blake Griffin scored 26 points for the Clippers, who lost for the seventh time in eight games. Austin Rivers added 19 points for Los Angeles. Wizards 113, Hawks 94 Bradley Beal scored 19 points as Washington cruised by Atlanta. Markieff Morris and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 18 points for the
Wizards. John Wall scored 13 after missing the morning shoot around with an illness. Taurean Prince led the Hawks with 19 points. Spurs 133, Bulls 94 Pau Gasol led eight players in double figures as San Antonio shot 60 percent and routed Chicago. Dejounte Murray added 17 points while Rudy Gay and Brandon Paul contributed 15 points apiece. Robin Lopez and Bobby Portis scored 17 points apiece for Chicago. Nuggets 125, Magic 107 Jamal Murray scored a career-high 32 points and Will Barton added 21 as Denver beat Orlando. Murray made 12 of 21 shots and six 3-pointers as Denver placed six in double figures. Marreese Speights led Orlando with 19 points. Suns 118, Timberwolves 110 Devin Booker and T.J. Warren scored 35 points apiece as Phoenix beat Minnesota. Booker and Warren helped the Suns stop a five-game losing streak by making a combined 28 of 44 shots. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points for Minnesota and Jimmy Butler added 25. Jazz 114, Nets 106 Rookie Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and Utah beat Brooklyn. Derrick Favors added 24 points and 12 rebounds while starting at center in place of Rudy Gobert (knee) for Utah. Joe Ingles contributed 17 points while Ricky Rubio totaled 10 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals. D‘Angelo Russell led the Nets with 26 points while Rondae-Hollis Jefferson added 19.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) goes to the basket for a slam dunk. Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
in March for T20 series
Sarfraz Ahmed took an excellent catch to remove Jason Mohammed. (AFP) ESPNcricinfo - A full-strength West Indies team is expected to land in Lahore next March for a three-match Twenty20 series after Cricket West Indies (CWI) “committed” to tour Pakistan next year. The tour was meant to be played this November, but logistical challenges forced the tour to be postponed. At an impromptu media conference in Lahore yesterday, PCB chairman Najam Sethi confirmed the schedule for West Indies’ tour with the three matches to be played on March 29, 31 and April 1. Sethi also stated that both PCB and CWI agreed to play a series of Twenty20 matches annually over the next five years both in Pakistan and the USA subject to availability of dates. “There were talks to play the series in November, but due to unforeseen weather, we didn’t take a risk so we will start our first series from March next year followed by the one in the USA,” Sethi said in Lahore. “From then onwards, they will keep coming to Pakistan for the next five years and we will reciprocate by playing in the USA. But the series we will play in the USA will be a tri-series with the third team to be decided later.” Both CWI and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) gave their approval for the tour subject to the security situation in Pakistan remaining the same as it was during the World XI series and the solitary T20 Sri Lanka played in Lahore recently. “We have not had time to get through procedures and processes to get the tour scheduled in time, but we are still committed to support Pakistan cricket. Our intention is to return in March,” CWI chief executive officer Johnny Grave told ESPNcricinfo. After hosting the World XI and Sri Lanka T20s successfully, the PCB was confident and keen to host West Indies too. However, Sethi had admitted to ESPNcricinfo recently that scheduling remained a concern for CWI. Before they could finalise the schedule, both CWI and WIPA were waiting for an updated security and risk assessment report from Eastern Star International (ESI), an independent security firm owned by security expert Reg Dickason. ESI sent its updated report to CWI on November 3 and the WIPA had its meeting this week before intimating its decision to Grave. After deliberations among its members which includes players, the WIPA was assured that the threat levels had not “materially changed” since the World XI games. “Therefore, they said they would have no objection based on security,” Grave said. “They legitimately raised concerns around trying to do these things quickly without the necessary time to review the security plans. And they also had concerns about our ability to inform and communicate those plans to all
the players. Also, addressing any questions and concerns of the players and team management over the scheduling of the proposed T20 series in Lahore has been a real challenge as most of our squad is either playing in our domestic cricket across the region or playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. And with all the team management in Zimbabwe, we and WIPA needed time before making a final decision.” The PCB and the Punjab government (Lahore being the capital) assured that the same level of security would be afforded to the West Indies team as was to the World XI and Sri Lankan contingents. But with time running out, the logistical challenges were growing. CWI is understood to have communicated the same to the PCB during a conference call on November 6. During the call, Grave and Roland Holder, CWI’s cricket operations manager, informed PCB officials that even as they awaited the WIPA’s decision (the WIPA called an emergency meeting on November 7), the biggest challenge would be sorting the visas and the travel plans of the T20 squad which was scattered between the Caribbean and Bangladesh, where some players are participating in the BPL. With West Indies playing New Zealand in a limited-overs series following the Tests in December, the same players had submitted their passports at the New Zealand embassies in New Delhi and Washington. So even with the WIPA nod, arranging Pakistan visas within a short span of time was nearly impossible. Both boards tried to find a solution and CWI checked if they could tour late November or early December so the West Indies T20 squad could fly from Pakistan en route to New Zealand. However, the foggy conditions in winter in Lahore was the big hurdle, the PCB informed. According to Grave, West Indies will fly to Lahore after the World Cup Qualifiers in March in Zimbabwe. However, that trip will get a final nod based on an updated security report closer to the tour. “We will now focus our attention on playing in the final week of March, which is after the World Cup Qualifiers and before the IPL,” Grave said. “We are now working on an operational deadline. In order for us to be arriving in Lahore end of March, we need to have booked the flights and confirmed the names by mid-February. In order to do that, we would need to have selected the squad by early February and we will need a security assessment [in the] first week of January and also have to get WIPA approval and have a discussion face-to-face with the players. This timeline is not formalised, but that is the broad framework.”
PAGE 30
Berbice Cricket Board Second Division competition
Port Mourant, Fort Canje, #77, # 70 CC & # 70 MYO record wins The Berbice Cricket Board Second Division competition gained momentum over the last weekend, and spread its arms in every corner of the county, as teams vie to qualify for the quarter final rounds. At the Port Mourant Community Center on the Corentyne, Port Mourant defeated Big Stars by 218 runs in their 40 over affair. Batting first, Port Mourant Community Center Cricket Club scored 274 with Andy Mohan 96, M. Hemraj 50, and V. Senwasane on 32 not out. Mahendra Gorindan contributed 24 while under-17 player Dorasammi Mahadeo was left on 10 not out. Bowling for Big Stars, Keron Hooper took 3 for 38, while M. Tyndall, J. Velloza and Keon Hooper took 1 each. In their batting innings, the Stars were all bowled out for 56. N. Hunte was the only batsman to reach double figures with 20 runs. At the Lochaber ground, Fort Canje defeated Mount Sinai by 79 runs. Batting first, the Fort Canje Eagles scored 259 with J. De Freitas scoring 73, N. De Jonge 53, A. Seenarine 29 and K. Ramsarran 22. Bowling for Mount Sinai, R. Mohammed took 3 for 56 in his 6 overs, J. Gansham took 2 for 27 while A. Bugjith and R. Victor took 1 each. Mount Sinai replied with 180 in their allotted overs with M. Mickle on 25, E. Schultz 53, K. Mickle 33 and W. Edoo 24 not out. Fort Canje’s bowling was spearheaded by K. Ramsarran who took 3 for 29 in his 5 overs, while M. Barker took 2 for 38 in 6 overs. Gregory Crandon and M. Singh took one wicket each. In the Upper Corentyne Zone, # 77 Sports Club defeated # 72 Cut & Load by 3 wickets in their 40 overs match. Batting first, # 72 Cut & Load scored a total of 197 with C. Beresford on 48, C.
Monday November 13, 2017
Kaieteur News
Laljit 26, D. Chatterpaul 37 and R. Joseph 21. Bowling for # 77 Sports Club, A. Singh had figures of 3 for 25 in 6.1 overs, while W. Garnett, G. Ramnarine and K. Rogers took 2 wickets each for 40, 38 and 27 respectively. In # 77’s batting reply, they managed to achieve the target in 28 overs. T. Ramdass scored a blistering 120, while G. Ramnarine scored 56. Bowling for # 72 Cut & Load, D. Chatterpaul took 2 for 40 in 7.1 overs, while M. Singh took 1 for 41 in his 8 overs. At the # 70 Cricket Ground, hosts # 7o defeated # 71 CC by 75 runs. Batting first # 70 scored 222 as their batsmen T Ramoutar 41, Viendra Gooniah 36, Chris Bollers 26 and Ryan Yacoob 17 all showed resistance to the # 71 bowlers. Bowling for # 71 CC, M. McIntosh took 3 for 45 in 7 overs, S. Khan 3 for 39 in 5 while D. Doodharry and D. Ramdat took 1 wicket each. Replying to the 222 set by # 70 CC, # 71 CC were bowled out for 147. Batsmen Budram Sookdeo scored 25, N. Mohammed 29, and D. Doodharry 16. Bowling for # 70 CC, Omesh Khemraj took 5 for 30 in 7 overs, while Viendra Gooniah took 2 for 34 in 7 overs. At the # 70 MYO Ground, # 70 MYO defeated Bomb Squad by 89 runs. Batting first, MYO scored 184 with Alim Haniff 78, and J. Assad 32. Bowling for Bomb Squad, R. Mohabir took 4 for 15 in his 7 overs, Satesh Toolsie 3 for 34 in his 7 overs. In their reply, Bomb Squad were dismissed for 96 runs in 18 overs. Batsmen R. Mohabir, and A. Pooran each scored 25, while the others failed to reach double figures. Bowling for # 70 MYO, N. Khan took 4 for 18 in his 4 overs, while J. Assad and A. Khan took 2 each. The competition continues today, November 12, at venues across the county.
EBFA/Ralph Green U-11 League
Grove through to semis; battle still on for final 3 slots Grove Hi Tech survived a spirited attack from the Diamond Upsetters side to earn an equal share of the points in their final group match when the second annual Ralph Green sponsored East Bank Football Association Under11 league/knock-out tournament continued on Saturday last at the Grove Playfield. Contesting the feature match of the morning, the high riding Grove team was kept on the back foot for
most of the encounter and couldn’t even convert either of two penalties awarded to them towards the end of the 30-minute match. Diamond Upsetters, one of two new clubs in the competition came close to scoring on two occasions but were denied in a gem that they dominated; the match ended 0-0. Herstelling Raiders were needled by Friendship All Stars, the latter scoring in the penultimate minute of the
Latest Points Table Team Grove Hi Tech Herstelling Raiders Diamond United Mocha Champs Samatta Point/Kane. Agricola Diamond Upsetters Friendship
P 7 6 6 7 6 5 4 5
W 4 3 3 2 2 2 1 1
L 1 3 3 2 2 3 1 3
match through Tyree Thuesdee’s goal. The other match of the day was another 0-0 stalemate between Samatta Point Kaneville and Mocha Champs. The battle for the final three spots in the final four will heat up over the next f e w S a t u r d a y ’s . M o c h a Champs have completed their quota of seven (7) matches and have 9 points the same as Herstelling Raiders and Diamond United which both have a game in hand. D 2 0 0 3 2 0 2 1
GF 19 9 5 10 4 13 2 3
GA 5 14 9 10 8 6 3 11
Tyree Thuesdee – Friendship All Stars GD +14 -5 -4 0 -4 +7 -1 -8
Points 14 9 9 9 8 6 5 4
Diamond Upsetters and Grove Hi Tech battling on Saturday November 11 at the Grove Playfield.
Nepal upset India in Under-19 Asia Cup Nepal stunned defending champions India on the third day of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur. Playing a key role in the 19-run win was the captain Dipendra Singh Airee. First he made 88 in Nepal’s modest 185 for 8. Then he took 4 for 39 to wrestle India down from 91 for 1 to 166 all out. There were several points in the match when the eventual result looked quite unlikely. Like when Himanshu Rana got the chase off to a
brisk start, smacking seven fours and a six in his 38-ball 46. Though he fell to Kamal Singh Airee, India seemed to have things well in hand. At one point, they only needed 96 runs in about 27 overs with nine wickets in hand. The game turned when Dipendra dismissed Atharva Taide. Pawan Sarraf (2-24) and Shalab Alam (2-11) also chipped in with a couple of wickets to ensure India’s middle and lower order felt the
pressure of the chase. And eventually the quarterfinalists in the last Under-19 World Cup secured victory. It was perhaps the situation Dipendra had hoped for when he was batting earlier in the day, doing his best to repair the innings after the loss of both openers inside 10 overs. He added 49 for the third wicket with Jitendra Singh, before taking charge with an innings that included six fours and two sixes. Having faced 101
deliveries, he was dismissed only in the penultimate over. Nepal, who were beaten by Bangladesh by two wickets in their tournament opener, play Malaysia next on Tuesday, while India, winners by 202 runs against Malaysia, take on Bangladesh. Scores: Nepal U-19 185 for 8 (Dipendra Singh Airee 88, Jitendra Singh 36) beat India U-19 166 (Himanshu Rana 36, Manjot Kalra 35, Dipendra Singh Airee 4-39) by 19 runs. (ESPNCricinfo)
Monday November 13, 2017
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
RAN 7s Championships and 2018 Qualifier MVP Kanhai stars as Jets retain Brusche B’ball C/ship clipping Ravens GRFU shortlist Male and Female squads Colts bolt past Royals for third Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai was at his sublime best, orchestrating a third quarter 20-6 run that effectively put the game beyond Ravens as his successfully retained the Brusche Basketball Foundation Classic Championship on Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club, Hard Court. The sixth edition of the tournament was witnessed by a fair sized crowd and after a hesitant first quarter which saw the Ravens nudge ahead 14-12 and were still leading 28-25, Kanhai was the floor general that put the game in perspective for the Jets to be
the first side to repeat. As was the case in 2015, Kanhai, who was later named the Most Valuable Player, was able to fashion his side’s march and opened the game with his artistry, allowing his teammates to gain some easy baskets. After being behind 25-28, Kanhai went to the basket scoring seven third quarter points which saw the Jets gaining the edge 31-30 before they stretched that to a 45-34 lead. From there on it was no turning back for the defending champions.
Kanhai had a 17 point game but was able to grab 11 rebounds and swatted away three shots and stole the ball three times in a fine all-round performance. Adrian Webster was also effective inside with 10 points and 16 boards as Neil Simon marked his return with an 11 points game. Meantime, in the third place playoff, Colts scored an easy win against Royals with a 90-75 victory, Shelroy Thomas top scoring with 33 points for the winners. Harold Adams was the top player for Royals with 23 points.
Jets won $300,000, second place Ravens collected $200,000 and Colts $100,000 for the win over Royals. President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation Nigel Hinds, Secretary of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association Joseph Chapman and Table Official and Referee Dennis Clarke were honoured with plaques by the Brusche Basketball Foundation while also honoured were South American Youth Championship Gold Medalist De Shanna Skeete and CARIFTA Games 100m Gold Medalist Compton Caesar.
GCF 2017 Awards
Jamal John, Briton John and David Hicks are cyclists of the year; James Joseph also rewarded
REWARDED! From left, Hassan Mohamed, James Joseph, Jamal John, Briton John, David Hicks, Junior Niles, Warren Mc Kay, Franklin Wilson and Maria Leung. The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) on Saturday night last at the Windjammer International Hotel and Cuisine, Queen Street, Kitty recognized its outstanding cyclists of the year for a job well done. The federation also took the opportunity to recognise the historic performance of New York based Masters cyclist James Joseph (60-64 age group) who just over one month ago set a new Flying 200m world record (11:042s) at the UCI World Masters Championships, California. The previous in this event was 11:743s which was set in 2002. At the event, Joseph who returned to Guyana to accept the GCF award, expressed gratitude to GCF head Horace
Burrowes who he commended for staying the course amid many challenges. Joseph also said that he was happy to see the young and talented cyclists holding their own noting that with the correct guidance and a level of stability administratively, Guyana has a bright future. The proud Guyanese cyclist was also re-united with his long time Coach Hassan Mohamed recounting that the indefatigable Mohamed who was also recognized by the GCF was his Coach some 40-years ago when he attended a UCI Track Championship in Venezuela. Joseph’s attendance at recent UCI Meets have seen Guyana accumulating points
and regaining recognition at the highest level of the sport in the world. Assistant Racing Secretary of the federation Joseph Briton who chaired the proceedings along with GCF Secretary Maria Leung, stated that the federation is very proud of Joseph not only for placing Guyana on the world map for being a positive role model and standard setter for the young locals. At the recent World Masters event, Joseph also captured a silver medal in eth Scratch race while he raked in a bronze in the 500m Individual Pursuit. He is the first Guyanese to set a world record at a UCI championship. Jamal John was the best
senior cyclist in the four Points Races that the federation held this year with Briton John taking the Junior class while David Hicks was the top Juvenile with Jonathan Ramshichit as the runner-up. The Veteran cyclist of the year award went to Junior Niles. Dwayne Gibbs and Warren ‘Forty’ Mac Kay were recognized as Role Model Cyclists; Hassan Mohamed and Joseph Briton for Long and Dedicated Service; The Guyana Police Force – Traffic Department for their continued Committed Service to the sport. The Kaieteur News and Guyana Times Sports departments were also recognised for their support during the year.
Dwayne Schroeder
Collette Hope
The Selection Committee of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has shortlisted respective Men and Women squads that will be further trimmed to represent Guyana at the upcoming RAN 7s Championships and 2018 Qualifier events in Mexico City, November 25 – 26, next. The final 12-members teams will be decided this Friday and will depart these shores next Monday and Tuesday, respectively pending the release of funds from the Government of Guyana, The GFRU disclosed. Guyana is the top ranked defending men champions with the women ranked at No. 4 behind Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and Jamaica. Men’s Squad - Dwayne Schroeder (Captain), Avery Corbin, Patrick King, Richard
Staglon, Ronald Mayers, Dominic Lespierre, Claudius Butts, Lance Adonis, Rondell Mc Arthur, Jamal Angus, Rickford Cummings, Peabo Hamilton, Ryan Gonsalves, Godfrey Broomes, Vallon Adams. Officials - John Lewis (Manager), Laurence Adonis (Coach), Phillip Browne (Physio), Angus Thompson (Analyst/Assistant CoachAustralia based). Women’s Squad - Collette Hope (Captain), Latoya Cordis, Alisha Mentore, Cleotta Dublin, Helen Jervis, Sabola Gray, Cindy Fraser, Tricia Munroe, Sasha James, Shonette Mc Farlane, Abioce Heywood, Natasha Andrews, M. Browne, Kean Andrews, Mandy Browne. Officials - Petal Adams (Manager), Theodore Henry (Coach), Abiola James (Physio).
Molino goal gives T&T draw with Grenada in friendly
Couva, Trinidad & Tobago – Trinidad & Tobago staged a furious late rally to collect a 2-2 draw with visiting Grenada in an international friendly on Saturday at Ato Boldon Stadium. The host returned to the pitch for the first time it beat the United States, 2-1, in the last game of CONCACAF qualifying for 2018 FIFA World Cup on October 10, 2017 - at the same venue – and ending the Americans’ hopes of booking a ticket to Russia. After Grenada took a 2-0 lead on goals by Shandon Baptiste (48’) and Ricky Modeste (71’), the Soca Warriors got on the scoreboard with two minutes remaining in normal time. Jamille Boatswain halved the deficit by racing onto a Curtis Gonzales feed, before beating goalkeeper Jason Belfon. Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Trinidad completed the comeback as Gonzales found Kevin Molino for an emphatic finish. It was the sides’ second meeting this year, with Grenada hosting another 2-2 stalemate on April 27. (CONCACAF)
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Monday November 13, 2017
Narayan Ramdhani CWI Digicel Regional 4-day C/Ships strikes gold in Canada Shiv roars to 77th ton as Jaguars stay on top with draw against Hurricanes
Narayan Ramdhani won gold in the Under-23 Men’s Singles at the 2017 VRC Remembrance Day Open Badminton tournament in Vancouver, Canada contested at the Vancouver Racquets Club, this past weekend. R e p r e s e n t i n g ShuttleSport and No., Ramdhani defeated Zijian (John) Zhang 21-15, 21-7. He then went on to play and beat the No. 2 Seeded player Jarin Allan Davison of North Central Badminton Academy: 25-23, 21-7. In the first match the game was set to 20-20 and Ramdhani pulled through to win the first game at 25-23 and went on to win the next game at 21-7. In a press release, the Guyana Badminton
Association through its President Gokarn Ramdhani said they are very pleased with his great achievement in just over one year in a Scholarship Programme at ShuttleSport Badminton Academy. “We do hope he will get the necessary support from the relevant sport authorities as he is definitely a strong candidate to make the Olympics one day with his continuous upward achievements throughout the years,” Ramdhani stated. The senior Ramdhani also informed that Narayan is hoping to attend the 2017 Yonex K&D Graphics International Challenge tournament in Orange County, California, USA from December 19-22.
Narayan Ramdhani
Lewis Hamilton battles... From page 33 best grid position since joining McLaren-Honda in 2015, and moved into fifth on the first lap past Perez. But the safety car gave Massa an opportunity to use the superior power of his Mercedes engine to blast past Alonso at the restart and the Spaniard then had a frustrating afternoon staring at the Williams’ gearbox but unable to pass because of his lack of straight-line speed. Alonso spent the last few laps less than a second behind Massa and was right on his tail on the last lap but just failed to get past, while also managing to hold off the resurgent Perez. (BBCsport)
Anthony Bramble turns Louis for runs during his unbeaten 57 yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)
By Sean Devers in St Kitts In association with Vnet Communications & Connections Travel The Leeward Hurricanes’ effort to win a game that they controlled for most of their CWI Digicel Regional fourday match against the Guyana Jaguars were thwarted on the final by an entertaining century from the experienced Shiv ‘Tiger’ Chanderpaul as their third round encounter ended in a draw at Warner Park yesterday despite a Man-ofthe-Match performance by rookie off-spinner Terrence Warde. The Hurricanes huffed and puffed but could blow the Jaguars away as the 43-year Chanderpaul built a strong Hurricane shelter to bat the Jaguars to safety by the time play was called off at the start of the final hour with Jaguars, following-on, 305-7, a lead of 99 runs. The Tiger reached the boundary 10 times and cleared it twice in his 153-ball and 173-minute 109, his 77th First-Class century and 20th at Regional level. Chanderpaul was built for crises situations and yesterday when he arrived at the crease with his team on 79-4 needing 206 to avoid an innings defeat a crises was brewing. Skipper Leon Johnson had just departed for 41 from 147 balls and 205 minutes and Chanderpaul shared in halfcentury partnerships with Vishaul Singh, who faced 93 balls, batted for 105 minutes and hit two for in 34 and Anthony Bramble whose unbeaten 57 lasted 87 balls and was decorated with four fours and three sixes. Sherfane Rutherford chipped in with an undefeated 22 from 43 balls with four boundaries in his unfinished
30-run stand with Bramble to see their team to safety to keep the three-time defending Champions in the lead. Off-spinning all-rounder Warde followed up his 4-47 in the first innings with 4-48 while Jeremiah Louis had 252 to take his tally to 18 while Skipper Rakeem Cornwall supported with 2-62. Jaguars resumed on 53-2, still 151 runs from avoiding an innings defeat, and night watchman Veerasammy Permaul and Johnson batted for 25 minutes before Permaul was LBW to Louis for 9 at 60-3. Johnson was well caught at slip by Cornwell off Warde at 80-4 after hitting six fours in his fighting innings to bring Chanderpaul and Singh together as Chanderpaul began with a positive mind set; stroking his first ball for four. He and Singh, who made an unbeaten 97 in the first innings, batted beautifully with Singh playing the supporting role. Under sunny skies and on a pitch which began to play with variable bounce and still good for batting, Chanderpaul, a veteran of 164 Tests, danced into Warde hitting him back over his head for six and also cover drove Louis gloriously for four as the partnership took shape. Singh battled hard against disconcerting bounce from Cornwall and survived a raucous appeal for caught at short leg when he missed a sweep at Cornwall and was struck on his body. The little left-handed West Indies ‘A’ team batsman played some lovely drives; when Cornwall bowled short he pulled him disdainfully for four to bring up 100 in the 62nd over. Chanderpaul, only behind Devon Smith’s 25 Regional First-Class hundreds, used his feet to counter the spin
and got easy runs by working the ball into the gaps on the on-side, by Lunch the Jaguars were 129-4 with both batsmen on 27. After the interval Singh was LBW to Cornwall at 1435 before Bramble, who fell for 90 in St Lucia and Chanderpaul who reached his 140th half-century at this level from 97 balls and 101 minutes, fashioned a match saving partnership. Back-to-back boundaries off Louis brought up Chanderpaul’s fifty and he celebrated by opening the face for a third boundary in the over while Bramble dumped Cornwall for a four and a six off consecutive balls Chanderpaul was especially severe on debut pacer Stanny Simon back cutting for consecutive fours, pulling him for two doubles before dabbing the rookie pacer for another boundary. He eventually reached his ton from 138 balls, 160
minutes with 10 fours and two sixes while Bramble punished Cornwall by hitting the burly off-spinner for a straight four and a thunderous six before clobbering him for back-toback sixes. At Tea, the Jaguars were 261-5 with Bramble on 47 and Chanderpaul on 100 but just after the break Chanderpaul soon pulled Warde high to mid-wicket where Nkrumah Bonner took a running catch to leave Jaguars on 268-6 to break the partnership with Hurricanes still in the game. When Kemo Paul was bowled by Warde for duck at 275-7, the handful of Hurricane fans were still hopeful but Bramble, who reached his eighth fifty from 67 and 109 minutes with four fours and three sixes was there at the end with Rutherford. The Jaguars travel to Trinidad for the next game against the host in a day/ night affair from Thursday.
SCOREBOARD HURRICANES 1st Innings 412-9 decl. JAGUARS 1st Innings 206 JAGUARS 2nd Innings (following on) (overnight 53 for two) T Chanderpaul lbw b Bonner C Hemraj c Hughes b Matthew *L Johnson c Cornwall b Bonner V Permaul lbw b Louis Vishaul Singh lbw b Cornwall S Chanderpaul c Bonner b Ward +A Bramble not out K Paul b Ward S Rutherford not out Extras (b13, lb3, nb2) TOTAL (7 wkts, 116 overs)
16 0 41 8 34 109 57 0 22 18 305
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-35, 3-60, 4-79, 5-143, 6-268, 7-275 Bowling: Louis 24-10-39-1, Matthew 15-8-16-1, Cornwall 31-7-94-0, Simon 8-1-44-0, Ward 21-8-43-2, Bonner 14-452-2, Carty 3-2-1-0. Result: Match drawn. Toss: Jaguars. Umpires: C Tuckett, C Taylor.