Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

The other face of domestic violence; the MALE DEAR EDITOR, After prolonged and deliberate, though somewhat protracted, consideration I have been forced to dismount my equine steed, and relegate myself to the role of enquirer. With no preconceived notion(s), gender misidentification, malice or rancor aforethought, kindly permit me to voice my unwavering concern. October was the official Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and rightfully speaking the precursory signs, evils as well as the victims of domestic abuse were all recognized and highlighted. It was a period of reflection as we were once again sadly reminded of an all too familiar manner in which spouses, cohorts and consorts settle their romantic differences in present day Guyana. Strikingly absent from the picture or the intended message were the battered men.

If in essence and reality the intended objective of Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to bring public attention to the cause at hand, then it should not be reduced to a single gender. So often, if not in every case, women are highlighted as the victims, which clearly give one sex the edge over the other. Such action could be interpreted as being indicative of gender bias. Needless to say as we continue to wrangle, tangle, inspect and dissect the blatant evils of this social phenomenon, we must intersect and confront the stark realization that the topic is not only about women and children. The battered men have been omitted and their voice muffled in the media. Point in question surrounds the recent death of Sherwin Johnson who was fatally wounded by his reputed wife Alexis Tappin. Who speaks for him and

the other battered men such as Mark Anthony Moses and Roshini Mohan to name a few? Lest we forget! There are far too many battered men who fail to speak up and out, because the stigma of being a man and a victim is a sharp contradiction of the public’s notion of masculinity, the fear of not being believed, fear of having to explain themselves to friends and family, lack of support from loved ones all work towards forcing the issue farther and farther away from public consciousness. Do not for a nano of a second labour under the misapprehension that I am diminishing the predicament of women who have suffered domestic violence. In no way, shape or form! However, during the month of Domestic Violence Awareness and always thereafter, we must realize that both men and women are human beings, and that the safety of one in-

dividual in the home should never be esteemed over that of another. We have long dwelt in a society where men are viewed as the epitome of strength and masculinity, and are considered to be less than a man if they take a beating from a woman. I once witnessed an incident where in the heat of an argument, the woman involved threw a few punches in the face of the male with whom she was arguing. It was apparent that she did not see him as a victim because he was a man. She was also seemingly and succinctly bolstered by the fact that if he dared to defend himself in like or whatever manner seemed fit at the moment, the police would arrest him regardless of the fact that she fired the first salvo. The common and accepted rule of thinking is that the law is on the woman’s side no matter what, and lying in Continued on page 6

What is the name of the firm that did the Skeldon audit? DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article “US$200M Skeldon Factory falling to pieces - GuySuCo” and wish to make the following comments: As a follow-up on the closure of Wales, GuySuCo is now building a case to sell Skeldon for a few dollars or simply end sugar in Skeldon. The company is using the findings of an audit by an “international firm” to justify or give credence to its decision as it tries to sell its divestment proposal to the public. It is astonishing to learn of a proposal to sell Skeldon’s at a time when performance has been improving steadily since its commissioning. Additionally, Skeldon is delivering its best performances at a time when the Chairman is saying that the factory is on a verge of collapse. Certainly, the present performance and the Chairman’s assessment do not corroborate. (See table below) for Skeldon’s individual perfor-

mance and its contribution to industry production. In GuySuCo’s 2015 annual report, the company boasted that Skeldon achieved its highest cane crushing rate of 260 t/hr. and highest sugar recovery of 75.24% since its commissioning. Why sell a plant when it is beginning to give better performances? In fact, how can a factory that is falling apart deliver such performances? Any sugar factory in operating mode will have deteriorating equipment and must therefore have a robust maintenance programme. The condition of equipment at Skeldon as described by auditors is as a result of a limited maintenance programmes in place. The auditors alluded to the fact that lack of spares prevented crucial repairs in certain aspects. On the issues pointed out in the audit, the following should be noted: Insulation missing on plant’s diffuser- This is prob-

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

ably a case were the insulation material on the diffuser body was removed to conduct routine repair works and was never replaced by the factory maintenance team. Is this justification to sell an entire factory? Frequency converter on boiler feeder motors missing - This is a unit that controls motor speeds. These units are easily replaceable. Is this justification to sell an entire factory? Conveyor feeder junction box & connection in bad condition – This is an indication that these components are not routinely maintained by operating staff. Should we sell a factory because of this? Exhaust gas leakages occur due to wrong furnace pressure - Furnace pressure is a condition that is managed by air being forced into and air that is extracted from furnaces. Therefore, any leak in the system affects furnace pressure. If a furnace is not sealed properly or air heaters

have leaks, furnace pressure will fluctuate. The boiler station in any factory often goes through significant stresses due to very high temperatures, variations in temperature and variation in quality of fuel. Undue stresses will cause material & equipment failures. If a steady state of boilers through continuous operations is not maintained, frequency of failures will be greater. The obvious result is needed to have a massive routine maintenance programme. Oil burners were demolished and pose a fire hazard. Oil burners are equipment that burn alternative fuel (heavy fuel oil) in furnaces to maintain steam production when bagasse fuel is unavailable. Depending on burner usage and maintenance, burners have a life span. If usage is high & maintenance is low, burners will deteriorate Continued on page 6

Lamentation on the terrible attitude of taxi-drivers DEAR EDITOR, This subject I am here about to address has been simmering within me for a very long time. I have tried time and time again to overlook it, but it has only grown progressively worse. And I’m still not sure if it would have made much difference had it been raised earlier, since those who are guilty care not a pint of parrot liquid anyway. Now where the Town/Community of Linden-Region 10 is concerned, it is my opinion that we have more than our fair share of uncouth, banal and boorish taxi drivers. Harsh as this may sound, it is not an inaccurate statement/description; just move around and see, talk with commuters, take a poll and you will agree with me. This sad conclusion was arrived at overtime from careful and critical observation and empirical evidence. No doubt there are a few exceptions which I have to acknowledge – discipline and well-mannered ones who are known to the public and of whom the public speak well of. Like the “mini-bus” culture that has demeaned the fabric of our society, created a negative impact in a number of ways, so too along this path have many taxi drivers gone. The rapid rise of this negative behaviour that has become the norm seemed to have happened almost overnight - like “Jack and the Bean Stalk” with 80% of these drivers being young men ages 20 – 35 with no respect for God nor man – then what next. As can be seen Taxi Service accounts for a substantial part of employment, not only is it ubiquitous but also at times seems to be bursting at the seams – thus the heavy competitiveness as is often witnessed. So then, are these legitimate reasons for young men to conduct themselves in such an uncaring manner? Commuters, both young and old

complain to the point of disgust about what they endure daily: coarse language, lewd stories, vulgar jokes loaded with expletives, dirty blaring music most unbecoming, it matters not who is being transported, not to mention the rude unmeasured response to someone making a request in which they aren’t “up to”. Some would say in the most disrespectful manner: “this is me charr (car) you can’t tell me whafuh do” even though you are paying for the service, if you insist on admonishing them, they become nastily loud and abusive. And I certainly would be remiss if I fail to mention how unprincipled and unreasonable some can be, basic manners and respect are not fused into their character – some are so disgustingly impolite. But those things don’t bother them none, they won’t lose sleep on any on those, and worst of all this ugly mannerism makes them feel large and on top of the world. Is this the type of service we want to give to tourists and expect them to accept? You call for a Taxi and matters not the occasion/destination: wedding, church, concert, cocktail, government function, conference, funeral, they care not a toss, they “pull up” dressed in any old way – pants down to their derriere, under-pants puffing over, belt swinging, most unkempt and ill-mannered and of course going hand in hand complementing this mental ordeal, is their reckless manner of driving, sometimes conversing on cell-phone with your life in their hands, and except for this one traffic infringement there is nothing that the police can do about all the other undesirables mentioned above. Dear reader this is the behaviour we see regularly displayed by many of our young taxi drivers. So sad! Frank Fyffe

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

A story associated with Jonestown

DEAR EDITOR, For me, Saturday 18th, November 1978, started out as a normal Flight Duty Day. According to my log book, my Guyana Airways flight programme for that day on the Twin Otter with Co-Pilot Anthony Brazao was as follows :(1)Timehri /Bartica / Timehri 08:00. (2) Timehri / Mabaruma / Timehri 09:30 (3) Timehri / Imbaimadai / Kamarang /Timehri 13:00. (4) Timehri / Bartica / Timehri 16:30. Without any unusual delays, I should have been back home by 18:30. However, when I returned to Timehri from Bartica that afternoon, the Chief Pilot approached me and said that there was an emergency at Port Kaituma, but the runway was partially blocked by a disabled aircraft. He was therefore assigning my crew to do an emergency flight to Matthew’s Ridge to transport GDF soldiers. I consulted with my copilot and we agreed to do the flight. I called my family and told them of the situation, then retired to the crew-room to await developments. I subsequently learned that the other Twin Otter flown by Capt. Spence and Astill Paul, had earlier in the day landed at Port Kaituma. The mission was to bring out US Congressman Leo Ryan and his party who had visited Jonestown. However, during boarding, the aircraft was riddled with bullets at the airstrip and the Congressman and some

members of the party were killed. It was a long wait at Timehri that night. The troops did not arrive until 1:00 a.m. The Twin Otter carries 20 persons. The party led by Major Ranny Johnson consisted of 22 soldiers with battle gear! Worse yet, at that hour of the morning, I could not get an updated weather report from Matthew’s Ridge. According to my log, we launched into the dark Northwest skies at 2:00 am on the 19th. Nov, and climbed to 8000ft. In those days, GPS and Flight Tracking systems were unheard of. Beyond 80 miles from Timehri, the only Navigational Aid was an unreliable NonDirectional Beacon (NDB). Knowledge of the country was what counted. During our descent into Matthew’s Ridge, the weather deteriorated, and most of the descent was conducted in broken cumulus and stratocumulus clouds with light continuous rain. I decided to position the aircraft for the bad weather approach into Matthew’s Ridge. In that case I navigated the aircraft to what I called “the outer marker” which is a ground position 10 miles from the Ridge where the River, the Road and the Railway track intersect. From that point, I would fly a predetermined heading, at a predetermined speed, for a predetermined time, descending to a predetermined altitude. This manoeuvre

An appeal to criminals during the visit of Prince Harry DEAR EDITOR, 50 years ago Queen Elizabeth II and husband graced us with their presence during the transition period of British Guiana to Guyana/Independence hand over. 50 years after, Prince Harry, son of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles, grandson of Queen Elizabeth and great, great, great, great, great grandson of Queen Victoria will grace us with his presence on behalf of the grandmother in December 2016. I make a special appeal to the persons terrorising the public at large with criminal activities to refrain from such actions and behaviour as we are in the last stage of preparations for the Royal visit. T. Pemberton

would place the aircraft on a shallow base leg for Runway 27 well clear of the high ground to the right. However, during the approach we encountered a thick fog bank and had to abandon the approach with a climbing left turn, since we were losing visual contact with the ground. A second attempt yielded the same result. I decided to climb to 3000ft and think through the situation. I determined that the fog was coming in waves, so I decided to hold for 10 minutes, before conducting another approach. I calculated that after holding, we had fuel for one more approach before we began to eat into our reserves which demanded that there must be at least one hour’s fuel in the tanks when we complete the approach at Timehri on the return leg. During the approach, I told Tony to keep a sharp lookout for the flares on the runway, and shortly afterwards he announced that he can see something. I looked out and saw the flares at the threshold dimly flickering through the light rain and fog. Having identified the runway environment I continued the approach. As I neared the threshold, I noticed that there were only three flares on either side of the runway, so I anticipated that the roll out after touchdown would be in the dark. I employed the short field landing procedure and that wonderful aircraft, the De. Havilland Twin Otter responded nicely. When the aircraft came to a stop, Major Johnson and the troops disembarked and disappeared into the darkness and drizzle to locate the trail for their walk to Port Kaituma. According to my log book we departed Matthew’s Ridge at 3:38 a.m. and landed at Timehri at 4:40 a.m. I finally got home at 6:30 a.m. Sunday 19th November. Lloyd H Marshall Former Senior Captain Guyana Airways Corporation (defunct)

Thursday November 17, 2016

The other face of domestic...

From page 5 wait is a myriad of women that have been battered that will provide expeditious emotional succor. Not to be overlooked is the fact that there are many women who are capable of delivering a punch or a jab comparable to Sonny Liston in his heyday, while contrastingly there are some men who are not as elusive as Cassius Clay in dodging the impact. The story is told of a Guyanese man going to a rural outpost to report physical and verbal abuse at the hands of his female partner. At the desk, while recounting the incident, he started to show the clinical evidence of the abuse he had

suffered, when the reporting police officer looked over his shoulder and beckoned to his comrade saying in a jocular manner,” Come listen to this”. It is imperative that a clear message be sent that domestic violence is genderless and not a female (women) specific issue and that the celebration of Domestic Awareness Month, is not just about conceding the issue, but also about advancing the probability to conquer it. No longer must domestic violence against men disappear under the radar. Let us now come forward with renewed sensitivity, viewing the other face of domestic violence and abuse through clearer and under-

standing lens. The assumption that domestic violence is abuse enacted primarily by men, against women has even guided policies. Even if the numbers prove that women fall victim more often, it does not negate the fact that the victimization of men is just as damaging. I am calling on the diaspora at large to convoke our humanity for all - not just the women. The efforts to end domestic violence must be endless for the issue is genderless. Remember we must also teach our youth the truth that must never pale regarding how to appropriately deal with any female. There is no excuse for domestic abuse. Yvonne Sam

What is the name of the firm... From page 5 quickly. This is more than likely the situation with these units at Skeldon. Typically, factories replace burners as required. Insulators for boilers pose a health risk. If insulation is removed to conduct maintenance and repair works and not properly replaced or secured, it will pose a health risk. This a simple factory management issue. Should we sell a factory because of this? Boiler platform corroded. Where steel is allowed to be exposed to high temperatures, and moisture, corrosion will occur. Insulation and preven-

tion of moisture contact is key to controlling corrosion. Furnace wall tube needs replacement and superheat tubes were damaged. It will not take much to damage boiler tubes. Poor quality boiler water, erratic operations and high ash in cane are major factors that contribute to tube damage. The issue of tube damage at Skeldon is more than likely caused by operations and not by design or quality. The Chairman claims that the factory was badly designed and poorly constructed. He needs to talk with his current CEO of

GuySuCo, Mr. Errol Hanoman since he was Regional Director for the company that designed and managed the construction of Skeldon. The issues highlighted at Skeldon are in no way difficult to be addressed. The Chairman seems to be focused on the effect of problems rather than addressing causes or maybe there is just a lack of “know-how” of what to do hence position to sell. GuySuCo needs to reveal to the public, the name of the “international firm” that conducted the audit at Skeldon and its relationship with power generation in Guyana. Fredrick Yuvraj

People must speak out on what... From page 4 arrogant and non-repentant – ”I have nothing to say” – “Speak to my attorney”. Since then we have had a long missive from his lawyer in what is not yet a legal matter but a religious and moral issue. This attorney’s involvement in the matter at this juncture strikes at the integrity of the profession. Is money the only thing that matters to members of the profession? If the self-proclaimed man of God was facing criminal charges, my position would be different since he is entitled to a legal defense in a court of law. His trial in the public domain is legitimate and morally correct. After all he is a public person who doesn’t confine his preachings to the walls of his church. In disseminating information and in his quest

to institutionalise his image as Guyana’s supreme religious leader, London has made use of the electronic media and the television on several occasions. The reference by his council that his behaviour is a matter for his church and not the public is hogwash and, dishonesty. And shows the lengths he and his council are prepared to go to in order to deceive the flock. When I read in the newspaper the defense of the “immoral Pope” by women of his congregation I asked myself How ridiculous are some of the “faithfu”? Their behavior raises a number of questions which I will not get into here. One defender invoked the “Biblical” scriptures; “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone”. It is time African Chris-

tians return to the sense of “Balance” we had before our enslavement. In the Mother Land, before foreign domination, we understood scriptural matters differently. I am also concerned that to date not one African cultural organization has come out denouncing the “socalled Pope” and his demeaning behavior. I repeat this is a matter of African dignity, respect for our women and our collective sense of decency. London’s shame is our shame. We must condemn his abomination. African Leaders I call on you to “Break the silence and end this Cultural Heresy”. London’s recent apology on face book was far from convincing and should in no way sidetrack us from condemning him. Tacuma Ogunseye

Thursday November 17, 2016

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Appalling state of Skeldon factory, failing industry…

Jagdeo, Ramotar trying to confuse the nation with trickery …should be ashamed to blame others - GuySuCo Chairman

By Kiana Wilburg Top officials within the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) are maintaining that the appalling state of the multibillion-dollar Skeldon Sugar Factory and the overall poor performance of the sugar industry, are just two of the highlights of PPP’s disgraceful track record in governing and managing key sectors. Specifically, GuySuCo Chairman Dr. Clive Thomas made this assertion during an interview with this newspaper. Dr. Thomas said that the US$200 million Skeldon Sugar Factory which was promised by the PPP to produce some 100,000 tonnes of cane is yet to do so. He noted, too, that the factory, based on an audit done by Wartsila Company, has been found to be in such a shocking state that the auditors said it would simply be pointless repairing it. Dr. Thomas stressed that factory in the first place, was poorly constructed. The economist said that this is what the current administration inherited from the former regime. He emphasized, “We are trying to salvage what is left. I have said it before and I will say it again, the PPP unquestionably ran this sector into the ground. They had 23 years and given what we inherited, the PPP should be ashamed to face the nation; they should be ashamed to say the words: sugar industry” However, in light of recent reports and images exposing the state of the US$200M factory which was commissioned in 2009, former President Donald Ramotar has come out strongly denying that his

GuySuCo Chairman, Dr. Clive Thomas regime should be held responsible. In fact, Ramotar did not hesitate to throw the blame at the feet of the current administration. The former President has a theory that the Government is out to sabotage the factory. Also speaking recently on the matter was former President, Bharrat Jagdeo. The Opposition Leader at a press conference yesterday did not blame the coalition administration for the prevailing conditions at Skeldon. Instead, he said that it was the fault of UK-based company, Booker Tate Limited and that of the “incompetent” officials at GuySuCo. Noting the comments made by the two former Presidents, Dr. Thomas said that he is taken aback, to say the least, that the duo would even have the audacity to try to “confuse the nation with such trickery.” The GuySuCo Chairman said, “I have every confidence that the nation would see through the downright nasty and wicked tales being

GuySuCo’s Head of Diversification, Tony Vieira told by these two individuals. They really ought to be ashamed of themselves to be passing the blame to anyone else, when they sat at the helm of the sugar industry and watched it decline to such an appalling extent.” “No one but the PPP is completely responsible for the state of the Skeldon Factory and that of the sugar industry. And trying to convince the nation that it is this government’s fault is perhaps the most dishonourable and distasteful excuse they could try to put together. In the eyes of the nation, both Ramotar and Jagdeo emerge looking extremely desperate and clutching at anything possible to save face, even if that means clutching to untruths. This is the Opposition doing what they do best, trying to hoodwink the nation,” expressed the economist. Also in support of Dr. Thomas’ position was head of GuySuCo’s Diversification Unit, Tony Vieira. Vieira categorically stated

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Former President, Donald Ramotar

that the US$200m Skeldon Factory cannot depreciate to such an extent in 17 months. He said, “Ramotar and Jagdeo are just being plain wicked with their comments. When we took over Skeldon it was only producing 20,000 tonnes of sugar. That is what we inherited. When they brought Skeldon into being, they promised that it would produce 100,000 and that is yet to be seen.” Vieira also made the point that Skeldon is the youngest of all the estates and it is the only one in such a horrendous condition. He said, “Just imagine, it is the youngest of all the factories, and factories that are 17 and 18 years older are in far better condition. Skeldon could collapse on us at any minute. Given the state of affairs at Skeldon, it makes me

question whether they really paid US$200M for that factory. If so, then how can such a young factory be in such a horrifying condition in less than eight years?” Additionally, the infrastructural problems plaguing the Skeldon Factory have left some viewing it as a ticking time bomb that will detonate soon, unless tough but necessary decisions are taken. Sharing this opinion was Dr. Thomas. “Skeldon needs to be divested. We thought it would have been saved or salvaged by a mechanization project and that was not helpful. Then to get the costs down to competitive levels, moves were made to involve private cane farmers in supplying cane to Skeldon. “That, too, did not work.

The reality before us is that the factory has lots of faults; it is badly designed and poorly constructed. The factory is deteriorating. New steel is needed; some of the furnaces don’t work, some of the boilers don’t work… The factory is just not properly built. The cost for the repairs needed is about US$60M ($12B). It is that big of a disaster.” “The auditors have said that that serious action has to be taken where Skeldon is concerned. The team, too, suggested that it has to be divested if not, the whole thing will eventually collapse on our hands and we won’t be able to produce any sugar. We have to make a decision. We either divest or watch it collapse. “The PPP just wrecked the sector from top to bottom and we are trying to salvage what we can,” Dr. Thomas asserted. “We are trying to find a way out but that is like trying to find a way out of a minefield. That is what the PPP left us with. Everything is in a nerve-wracking state. The sugar industry is a minefield and a crumbling edifice. “But it must be made known that we don’t want to put people on the breadline. The Skeldon factory alone employs 1,789 workers. Hence we are working on finding the best possible solution to turning the factory and the sector around.”

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

RUSAL a no show at labour talks with Ministry, Union …absence described as disrespectful Representatives from the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated, controlled by Russian Aluminium Company (RUSAL) operating in Guyana, failed to appear at a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Social Protection Labour Department yesterday at the ministry’s Brickdam office. The meeting was organised by the ministry to discuss the outstanding labour-related issues between the company and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU). According to Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott, the meeting was an effort for the Ministry to finally put to rest the problems that have existed between the union and the bauxite company since the suspension of 67 workers and the dismissal of 57 between 2009 and 2010. “This matter in our opinion has been going on far too long and it has seen a course of action that involved the courts, involved strikes, involved the union relentlessly pursuing the cause of the workers of a period of time.” Scott said that he and Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence are upset and

annoyed with RUSAL’s omission to show up for the meeting. “We summoned the bauxite company here to speak with us and the union; we’re upset that this company has shown contempt to us as a ministry, to us as a government, in that they have arbitrarily determined what is right and what is wrong. They cannot make a decision for the union or for us, and their absence today we view very seriously.” He said that his ministry is now totally concerned at the lack of respect by the company. Scott said that this type of behaviour will not be encouraged by any company, whether local or foreign, or from any union. “We will not accept this any longer, I don’t know what went on in the past with any other government, but this government over the last 17 months has made every effort to see a peaceful and amicable resolution of the outstanding issues.” Scott said that his ministry had received a correspondence from the company which contains several inaccuracies which when researched, and they (at the ministry) have been able to say with authority that the

Ministers Keith Scott (left) and Volda Lawrence (2nd left) with representatives of the Union, Leslie Gonsalves (right) and Lincoln Lewis highlighted issues were wrongly conceived. He said that his government will ensure that workers’ rights are respected and that Guyana is given the respect due to it as an independent nation, without compromise. “We wish to let it be known of our extreme anger at the behaviour of RUSAL towards us. We will not accept that.” Representative of the GB&GWU Lincoln Lewis, who was there to represent the workers, said that the trade union community was not surprised at RUSAL/ BCGI’s refusal to turn up at the meeting. He said the issue has reached a point where the sovereignty of the state is being challenged. “When the ministers can write the company and invite them to a meeting with the recognised union and they decide that they are not going to come, they have constantly decided that they are not going to talk to the ministry in the presence of the union.” Lewis said that it has

reached the point where Guyanese have to search for common ground to see how the nation is going to deal with a group of people who have decided that regardless of how their presence is seen, they are going to treat workers anyhow. He said that the company has to either respect the law or an alternative has to be found. When asked what will be the next move in getting the company to obey the laws and respect the ministry and union, Minister Scott said that the matter will be taken to a higher level. He said, “The government is more than the Ministry of Social Protection and our colleagues can be involved in charting the way forward in terms of how we deal with this union specifically and this involves our legal team as well.” The company along with ministry officials had met in August of this year to discuss over 30 grievances which workers expressed to ministry representatives when they visited the

company’s mining sites. Additionally, in that same month the GB&GWU had condemned the government for meeting with the bauxite company in the absence of complying with the 2012 High Court decision to reissue letters for the start of arbitration. The Union had said that the move by government signalled the state’s complicity with a foreign management to disrespect the nation’s judiciary and rights of Guyanese

labour. The company was also reprimanded for hiring employees on a written contract which stood to rob the country’s treasury of national insurance and income tax deductions. Consultant to the Labour Department Francis Carryl had promised that steps would be taken to ensure that the company complies with the rules since workers stand to lose in case of injury on the job.

Orealla residents sends signed petition to President to change Council

A petition signed by more than 100 residents of the Amerindian villages of Orealla and Siparuta was yesterday taken to the Ministry of the Presidency for the attention of President David Granger. The petition is one that sees the residents appealing for the President to decree an urgent change of the Orealla Village Council in light of its inability to account for millions of dollars it was entrusted with. According to concerned resident, Mr. Carl Peneux, who was yesterday tasked with delivering the petition to the Ministry of the Presidency, residents for some time now had concerns with the operation of the Council. Among the concerns is that the Toshao and Deputy Toshao are still to account for millions of dollars that should have been spent towards developmental projects. The concerns of the residents have been substantiated by an audit completed by the Audit Office of Guyana which was forwarded to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs for the attention and necessary action(s) of its Minister, Mr Sydney Allicock. The audit, which was conducted in July of last year, examined the financial and inventory records of the Council for the period May 2012 June 2015. According to the Audit Office, the main objectives of

Orealla Resident Carl Peneux the audit were to obtain reasonable assurance that: the resources of the Village Council have been managed in accordance with the Amerindian Act; that the financial statements and records fairly present the results of operation and financial position for the years audited for the Village Council; that full values were received for monies expended and that assets acquired by the Council were properly recorded and physically verified as property of the village and all revenues were properly accounted for in accordance with the Act. Based on Section 31 (1-2) of the Amerindian Act the Council is required to maintain a Bank Account at a licensed financial institution. However, when an Continued on page 18

Thursday November 17, 2016

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The cost of closing GuySuCo will be too high to bear It is difficult to comprehend why the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) would have a problem with the views of a letter writer who argued that the government should continue to invest in the sugar industry to improve production and productivity and to save jobs. The sugar company would seem to have an interest in supporting such views rather than attempting to discredit them. The sugar industry as a sustainable, resilient and profitable entity makes for nice sound bites. But transforming the sugar company into a profitable, sustainable and resilient agricultural entity cannot be done without the industry being supported by government. The historical contribution to Guyana must form the basis of such support, because such contributions

highlight the economic social value of state enterprises. State-owned enterprises are not solely about profits. They have never been about profit alone. State-owned companies were created primarily for the economic and social functions they performed. State-owned companies also perform social functions. They are established when private capital is not profitable for private capital to be expended in certain areas. They are supported and created because of the jobs they create. It makes sense for governments to have stateowned enterprises, so as to reduce unemployment. The sugar corporation has always been important to the economy of Guyana. It supported the other sectors of the economy. When it used to turn a profit, the bulk of this profit was carved out and given to the other sectors of

the economy in the form of a levy. The industry was shortchanged. The workers did not receive their fair share of profit-sharing due to the levy. The industry was also shortchanged because the funds which should have been devoted to mechanization of the industry were not ploughed back into the industry, but were channeled to support public expenditure. The sugar corporation, despite running at a loss, was still, up to a few years ago, the largest foreign exchange earner and largest employer of labour in Guyana. Its social importance is judged by its significance to supporting rural development. Guyana cannot bear the social costs associated with the loss of labour which will arise if GuySuCo has to be closed. The argument therefore about a business model is rhetorical. The fact of the

Dem boys seh...

Pot tell ee mattie ee bottam black Dr Nutten call in de police to question dem nurse who write de exams de other day. He tell de press that he believe de Nursing Council had something to do wid de skullduggery. When dem boys read de story dem had to laugh because dem remember he right away. He was involved in a much bigger duggery than that skullduggery. When Soulja Bai go to call de police some thief man in Soulja Bai Cabinet beg fuh him. If people didn’t know bout de skullduggery wid de bottom house drugs bond that he rent in Albouystown and got Guyana paying $12.5 million a month dem woulda think he was a priest or even a young pope in de making. Then you got de other one, Jagdeo, that unmatchable scamp. He too had a press conference, yesterday and guess what? He now throwing blame on two people fuh all de skullduggery that involve de US$200 million he seh he spend on de corn factory at Skeldon. All two of dem people he blame name Booker. One dead and Jagdeo took de other one to court. Imagine de court rule against Jagdeo. De

court tell Jagdeo he is de one to be blamed yet nine years after de plant commission, he want to tell Guyana that he not involve. Dem boys seh that if dem allow him to talk a little more he would tell de nation that he was never president of Guyana and that how all de skullduggery happen under Donald Dumb. That is a case of trying to pull wool over people eye just like how GWI trying to pull wool over people eye wid that water treatment plant contract. Jagdeo also seh at ee press conference that he don’t know how de ex-Minister son and he padnah, who is Brassington padnah in business and Jagdeo number one padnah in govt, get de BMW 2007 contract. Dem boys seh he nah lie, just that eh talking to heself. Dem boys know, if a pin got to buy when he was president of Guyana he had to know who getting de contract, wheh de merchandise coming from buying, how much it cost and who and who got to get de kickback from de deal. Talk half and hope Jagdeo start talking de truth.

matter is that GuySuCo is not simply about business. It is about the survival of large numbers of persons and their communities. If GuySuCo takes a business decision to close estates, for example, there are social costs involved. GuySuCo needs the support of the government if it is to retool the industry. Developmental support such as that provided by the European Union will disappear unless the government is prepared to support the industry. The funding for mechanization of the industry will not be available unless GuySuCo can be tidied over its present difficulties. There are some persons who feel that the sugar corporation should not be bailed out. It should be run as a business. This is another way of saying that the sugar workers should be punished by closing the industry down, since this is the only implication of removing any form of government support. It is not sentimental or emotional to speak about the historic contribution of sugar to Guyana. Without sugar, Guyana would have folded a long time ago. The sugar industry still provides critical drainage services to coastal

communities. The sugar corporation is providing electricity to the national grid. This aspect of its operation is not loss-making. Yet sugar workers do not enjoy subsidized electricity. They also do not enjoy tax-free overtime. The sugar industry has provided land at below market values for housing development. If these lands were sold at market rates, the sugar company would have been turning a healthy profit for years to come. It would not have been heavily indebted. We read persons in high office speaking about the subvention that is given to GuySuCo hemorrhaging the treasury, and how that money could have been better spent. Well, how much is being spent to keep the military going each year, and could that money also not be better

spent? How much is spent on keeping an inefficient public bureaucracy going and could those sums not be better spent in the productive sectors? You don’t ever hear such arguments, because it is assumed that there is no hemorrhaging or waste of funds when it comes to the bureaucracy. It is easy to pen rhetoric about transforming GuySuCo into a profitable agricultural corporation. It sounds nice to speak about diversification which has been a failure in the industry. The reality, however, is that no such plans can be advanced without critical government support for the industry. The cost of not supporting GuySuCo will be higher in the long run.

PAGE 10

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Naked UG graduates on stage in a country that doesn’t “wear” clothes It doesn’t matter what type of person you are; living in this country will cause every citizen at some moment or the other to question its very existence. What takes place here simply has no rational explanation in psychology, philosophy and science. These things force you to ask yourself; can Guyana ever succeed as a county and is it not going to go under one of these days? The University of Guyana has a brand new Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor in turn has greatly expanded the senior staff at UG. He has also introduced some money-raising schemes. UG now has along with the Vice-Chancellor, three

Deputy Vice-Chancellors, a Chief of Staff in the vice-chancellery, a Chief Strategic Officer in the vice-chancellery. But have the services improved? The answer is a reverberating no. My daughter and her friend each spent four hours trying to collect their stuff including certificates, awards etc., from the 2014 graduation year. I will not detail the hassles involved. But here is what will now shock you. The new Vice-Chancellor has imposed a $10,000 graduation requirement. In his justification, he said other universities have it. What the new Vice-Chancellor mentions is the fact that these universities offer top class

services to their staff and students. The Vice-Chancellor worked at a few American universities, he must know about the quality of service there. Over a hundred graduates were told the day before the big event in their lives that the university did not have graduation gowns, caps and hats. There is a sad letter in the press (KN) from a mother who couldn’t control her anger. Imagine how that student and her parents felt. But there is a dimension of the disaster that will get you angry. They had to pay $10,000. And since some of them weren’t on the stage, will they get a refund? If the answer is yes, will they

get that refund before they die? Read what the mother wrote in her denunciatory letter; “It is very much unfair especially to those students who live away from the city and had to sacrifice the expense of flying to the city from the interior, pay boarding and lodging during this time again, with great expectations and high hopes only to have them shattered with this gross disrespect and disappointment. I think it is really unfair that they have to incur such injustice…but I suppose Guyana is what it is.” But surely the university had to know how many students were graduating. Not one student is going to sue the university, so the rut at UG and in Guyana will continue. The question, then, is what are all these administrators doing at UG? But let’s reflect on the

mother’s statement – “Guyana is what it is.” What is Guyana? Why can’t we get at least a few things right? Why must this country remain such a sickening, hopeless piece of mudflat? You thought with a new Vice-Chancellor and his massive new team, UG would have turned the corner. Can we get anything right? Why do we have to be so morbidly incompetent? Why does public service to the citizens of this nation have to be so abysmal? I sat next to Leonard Gildarie, assistant editor at Kaieteur News, and I made the point to him that even if I had a few bucks and wanted to start a little business, the spirit is so broken that I would not even think about it. I went on to say to Leonard Gildarie that we must admire the people who invest in this country. The most courageous humans on Planet Earth are Guyanese businessmen. The super-rich family, the Beharrys, told the media that for more than six months their licence to open the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise was

Frederick Kissoon held up by the City Council. These are the Beharrys that can call up any of the powerful bigwigs in the corridors of power; what then happens to the ordinary man who has no contacts with the Granger/ Nagamootoo team and wants to start a little business drying his banga mary? Only the Almighty Lord, if he exists, can save him. Actually, I didn’t tell Leonard Gildarie the whole truth. I have opened up a little business with some money I borrowed from Mr. Glenn Lall of this newspaper. I have started a business to patch bicycle tubes at the place that symbolizes the Golden Jubilee – Durban Park. But last week it was closed down to make way for expansion of the Durban Park pavilions for next year’s Independence celebration.

Thursday November 17, 2016

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

GTU calls for TSC to be professional in teachers’ promotion task - appeals for swift re-assessment of applications Having won a recent court matter against the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to have the 2015 teachers’ promotion lists reviewed, and to ensure that an unbiased approach to the process is maintained, the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) is hopeful that professionalism can prevail. This is in light of the fact that since the ruling on the matter last week Thursday, the GTU has been reaching out to the TSC, to no avail. This is according to GTU General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald. Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards last week ruled in favour of the GTU, thereby demanding that the TSC review its preliminary teachers’ promotion list for 2015. The stalled 2015 promotions had resulted in no teachers’ promotions this year. McDonald, who was speaking at a press conference held at the union’s Woolford Avenue, Georgetown headquarters yesterday, said that since the ruling “we have not been able to meet with our counterparts at the Teaching Service Commission...they are either out in the field or they are unavailable to take our calls”. But according to the General Secretary, “the GTU, like the organisation we are, we still have that olive branch that we are willing to extend to the members of the Teach-

ing Service Commission. We recognise that this is not about the GTU and this is not about the Commission, this is about being a responsible stakeholder and working towards the benefit of the teachers of this country which would boil down to the interest of the children we are placed in charge of”. “It is not anything about one person or one organisation, we are about the business of education and unless our teachers are comfortable they cannot give of their best, and even if they decide to do that, it will not be done to the level that we expect it to be done,” McDonald asserted yesterday. The GTU in 2015 filed an injunction to prevent the TSC and the Schools Board Secretariat from preparing their final lists of teachers’ promotion, since there were some concerns that the process to select teachers for promotion was not fair. While the Schools Board Secretariat had expressed its willingness to adhere to the union’s call for a review, the TSC had opted to fight the matter out in court. It was, moreover, anticipated that with the court ruling, the Secretariat would have immediately proceeded with its review process. But McDonald yesterday expressed concern that although the Board has some

GTU members at yesterday’s press conference. From left: Jacqueline Douglas, Mark Lyte and Coretta McDonald level of autonomy, it is essentially governed by the TSC. She explained that while the TSC had a couple of years ago given authority to the Secretariat to do promotions, appointments and recommend and institute disciplinary actions against teachers, since the ruling on Thursday this authority was revoked. Describing this development as strange, McDonald related that “the Schools Board Secretariat had written to the TSC, seeking to have this same authority vested in them to continue to do the promotions and appointments, and this was received with what we did not expect from the TSC, where they said to them blatantly that they will not be able, at that time, to give that sort of authority to the Schools Board, which will have our teachers in the School Board schools being placed on the same level as the teachers from the non-

board schools.” This therefore means that the Schools Board Secretariat can only proceed with its review and ultimate promotion at the behest of the TSC. But the GTU is hoping that the TSC will be able to fast track the review, so that teachers could be appointed by January of next year. According to GTU President, Mark Lyte, the ruling of the court has essentially confirmed the union’s suspicion that the TSC and the Secretariat were not acting in a fair way in relation to teachers who applied for senior promotions. The ruling essentially quashed the preliminary lists that were completed by both the TSC and the Secretariat, and made clear that the very lists were unlawful, irrational, unreasonable, in excess of jurisdiction, null and void and of no legal effect. “The Chief Justice agreed

that the lists were flawed...the lists that were produced should not be used to facilitate 2015 promotions. She instructed and compelled the TSC and the Schools Board Secretariat to assess all applications for promotions afresh,” Lyte disclosed. Lyte said that he is concerned that there has been no word that the two entities have commenced the ordered re-assessment, thus the GTU is appealing to the two bodies to “utilise their resources to ensure that the teachers who were due their promotions since September 2015 could enjoy their promotions as of January 2017.” The GTU president is convinced that the process will not be a tedious one, since the two entities are already in possession of the applications to be re-assessed. He anticipates that the process could be completed within

two or three weeks at the most. “We are calling on the powers that be to ensure that the Commission acts and settles, once and for all, this matter that has placed the careers and the future of many of our teachers on hold,” said Lyte, as he added that “this is a good opportunity for President (David) Granger to take some affirmative action to fix the Teaching Service Commission, because the ruling has confirmed that the Commission has not been acting over the last 20 years or so in the interest of our teachers.” However, the GTU executive members have acknowledged that the Union will more than likely have to abide with the current Commission which is slated to be dissolved during the last quarter of next year. Though solicited, no comment was forthcoming from the TSC yesterday.

PAGE 12

2008 Bartica Massacre trial… Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Luis Golden yesterday told the court that he stood a mere 62 feet away from the Bartica Police Station, the night it came under attack by gunmen. Golden was the Officer in Charge of the station at the time of the incident. He recalled the night, in which twelve persons including ranks of the station, died at the hands of a group of vicious gunmen, who went on a rampage in Bartica. The policeman‘s testimony followed the evidence of ranks who survived the deadly ordeal. The officers testified in the trial of Dennis Williams, called ‘Anaconda’; Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Durant’; and Roger Anthony Simon, called ‘Goat Man,’ who are all accused of the mass murder. The men are facing a trial before Justice Roxanne George and a mixed twelvemember jury. Yesterday, ASP Golden was called to the stand by State Prosecutors, Stacy Goodings and Diana Kaulesar. He recalled that he met an Amerindian woman as he stood 62 feet away from the

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Another cop survivor recounts night of terror station at around 9:00 pm on the day in question. The woman, the witness recalled, told him something. As a result, the policeman said that he hid himself at a safe place for about 20 minutes. He said that while there he heard what sounded like gunshots before peeping out to get a glimpse of a police vehicle speeding off towards the direction of the Bartica Stelling. Under cross examination by Attorney Saphier Husain, the witness told the court that he did not recognize any of the men in the police vehicle; they were not policemen. He however told the court that by the time he arrived at the station, the bodies of badly injured ranks were on the kitchen floor and barrack area of the station. Golden also spoke of seeing the bodies of five persons at the Bartica Stelling. The bodies, he said, were later transported to the hospital mortuary. On Tuesday, Superintendent of Police, Michael Sutton took the stand. He told the court that he was the second Officer in Charge of the Bartica Police Station when it came under

Mark Royden Williams attack by gunmen. In giving his evidence, Sutton recounted that he was an Inspector of Police, attached to the station, at the time of the shooting. According to the witness, after completing some work at around 19:30 hours, he left his office at the station and headed for his living quarters - situated in the same compound as the station. Officer Sutton said that while in his room, he turned on the television and began to view the broadcast of a 20/

Roger Anthony Simon

20 cricket match between Guyana and Antigua. He recalled that after awhile, he left his quarters and went to the washroom. “This was around 20:20 hours.” The witness recalled walking past Lance Corporal Zakir, Officers Fredericks, Hendricks and Paul; they were sitting on the beds and chairs in the barracks. The washroom, he said, was situated in the barracks. The witness recalled that he went back to his room and continued watching cricket.

However sometime later he heard what sounded like explosions, gunshots and a hitting sound, “coming from the bottom flat” of the station. Sutton said that he armed himself with his licenced firearm and was about to leave his room, when he heard sounds coming from the barrack room. He said that he heard what sounded like gunshots. According to the policeman, there were voices which said “kill them.” He said that

Dennis Williams he turned off the lights in his quarters and stayed in his room. Sutton further informed the court that he heard the said voices, saying ‘there are more rooms out there’ before hearing what sounded like gunshots ringing out. Sutton said that he lay on the floor as the shots pierced the walls and shattered the (fragments of the wall); the fragments hit him in the face and body. He said that he later heard Continued on page 24

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Bob Marley’s Youngest Son Converts Jail Into Cannabis Farm

Marley Ganja Plot

CALIFORNIA, United States,– Bob Marley’s youngest son has created a poetic metaphor and multi-milliondollar business model in one. Damian Marley, in partnership with Ocean Grown Extracts, is converting a former 77,000-square foot California State prison into a cannabis grow space that will cultivate medical marijuana for state dispensaries. “Many people sacrificed so much for the herb over the years who got locked up,” says Marley, 38, noting the poetic justice of turning a prison that once

housed non-violent drug offenders into a cannabis cultivation facility. “If this [venture] helps people and it’s used for medicinal purposes and inspires people, it’s a success.” By that measure, the prison-to-pot farm initiative is already a triumph. With their purchase of the Claremont Custody Center in Coalinga, California for US$4.1 million, Marley and his partners instantly relieved the economically-challenged Central Valley town of its roughly US$3.3 million debt. The venture will also gener-

ate 100 jobs – in an economically stagnant region plagued by an ongoing, historic drought and descending oil prices, both of which have damaged the region’s traditional farming and oil industries – and will generate an estimated million dollars in annual tax revenues for Coalinga. The new business began “in a very organic way,” says Dan Dalton, Marley’s longtime manager. “Cannabis is something that’s around Damian every day with friends, family and with his Rastafarian faith.

Fight against Zika virus a ‘marathon’ PAHO warns ATLANTA, CMC – Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Dr. Carissa F. Etienne has warned that the fight against the Zika virus will be a “marathon.” It is “not a hundredmeter race,” she said. In delivering the keynote address at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene here, Etienne said the fight is “a marathon in which science and public health need to work hand in hand.” “There is a still long way to go on Zika,” she told delegates. “The development of affordable new tools by the scientific community, including diagnostic tests and a vaccine against Zika, as well as innovation in vector control, is an urgent priority. Our health systems will need to be prepared to ensure such new tools are introduced and that their benefits reach everyone, not merely a few,” she added. Etienne recounted Zika’s sudden “apparition” in Brazil in May 2015 and its rapid spread throughout the Ameri-

cas, including the Caribbean. “No one could have imagined two years ago that our children would be affected by microcephaly as a result of this once-dormant villain,” she said. “Regardless of the cause, a child with microcephaly means a complete family catastrophe.” Etienne said in the Region of the Americas, “Zika was first confirmed while we were preparing for Ebola and responding to chikungunya.” “It was astute front-line healthcare workers who first realized that they were detecting something unusual,” she said. “Indeed, our Zika experience proves once again that good clinical judgment and awareness of atypical events are crucial for the timely detection of emerging diseases. “It also points to the importance of investing in the health workforce as the first line of defense against emerging disease threats,” she added. PAHO says approximately 500 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean live in areas at risk for transmission of Zika virus. “It is clear that the impact of this virus could be significant and could place an im-

portant burden on health services, especially in the treatment of serious complications associated with infection,” warned Etienne, while recognizing the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene “for its determined efforts to advocate for the prioritization of infectious diseases in the public health agenda, including neglected infectious diseases, malaria, and Zika.” She said recent outbreaks “have shown clearly why it is so crucial to strengthen and maintain essential public health capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, regardless of their source.” “We commend the Government of the United States for its pledge to invest over one billion dollars in assisting countries throughout the world in reaching their core capacity requirements through its Global Health Security Agenda,” the PAHO head said. She said PAHO is committed to expediting the “catalytic role” of the Global Health Security Agenda to achieving and sustaining the core capacities in the Region of the Americas.

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Property @ East Bank Public Road: Triple lot/storage/ warehouse space, owners migrating. Call: 638-0595 (great deal)

INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

HEALTH Learn how you can benefit from iridology Mon, Dec 5th - Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136

EDUCATIONAL

Live in/ out maid. One trainee person to work in Fiber glass workshop- Call:6035416, 644-9802

One experienced general domestic to work in G/Town, must know to cook all Indian dishes. Pleasant & trustworthy. Call: 656-6388 FOR RENT

Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)678-8683; 613-9181

Bodywork men. Call: 660-3004

Live in waitress. Call: 6439007

Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785

WANTED Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellvile (Best Buy Food Supplies)

VACANCY For male factory workers between the ages 18 and over. Must have police clearanceCall:223-0090 Porter, rip saw, re-saw and moulder operator @ Eccles Industrial Site, EBDCall:609-7675, 674-1705,2332614 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 One salesman to work in parts store contact 2235273/4 One cashier contact 2235273/4

2 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 227-5194 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 227-4377/ 227-0613/ 6246013 Apartment self contained in Tuschen. Call: 669-1448

Work in Trinidad, 5yrs experienced welder/mason. E m a i l : clinttrintent@gmail.com (great salary)

Suitable space for Storage Bonds or Office Space in Charlotte Street, Georgetown. Please Call: 638 – 5303

Experience domestic worker must know to cook and handyman for G/Town Tel 231-0363 Camp assistant for interior location. Job involves dishwashing, cleaning etc.Call: 618-2020 One Field supervisor to work in Georgetown. Must have a motorcycle license- Call:2271717

Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954 One (1) Bedroom Residential Apartment at Houston, East Bank Demerara. For more information. Contact: 6031602 2 Bedrooms upper flat (furnished) in Diamond, EBDTel:216-0644, 668-8403

TO LET

CXC Classes: day & evening classes, personal tutor, Grade 4 to 6, Form 15 Maths. Call Sir Jarvis: 690-5008/ 693-4588/ 6382359 Study and work in Canada/ US. VISA processing centre Parika 260-4850. All vistors VISA professionally done.

1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished Eccles. Call: 667-2536 2 Bedroom furnished Apartment in exclusive residential area, close to Ogle Airport , with modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725. SERVICES

Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt $2, Tuschen School Street -$2M (terms available). Call: 604-6724

Pre-Xmas computer package, diplomas 9 courses $40,000, 4 courses- computerized accounting $30,000- Micrographics: Vreed-En-Hoop 264-3057, Parika 260-4850

Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 6626045

Diamond 21st Street, can transfer $3.5M. Schoonard, WBD $2.5M, Land Of Canaan $5M per acreContact Shawn 231-2199, 618-7483

LAND FOR SALE House lot in Uitvlugt -$3M. Call: 676-4051

Thursday November 17, 2016

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RD5 Honda CRV, immaculate condition, TV, reverse camera, CD, mags, alarm, etc, price -$2.850M. Call: 626-2884 1 New & unregistered Toyota Allion $2.4M, 1 Allion PVV series $2.150M negotiable, low mileage, TV, camera, etc. Call: 649-0956

Dredge mining operation: excavator, dredge, camp, truck, ATV bike, welding set with gas bottle. Call: 676-7943

Not working Vehicles: 1 Surf, 2 Pathfinders, 1 Bobcat, 3 Toyota Cars, 1 Canter, 1 Fiber glass boat. Call: 227-4377/ 6246013

Mitsubishi Galant 1996 Model. Body in good condition. Sold as parts. Price negotiable. Tel: 216 1079 /616 8027

White RAV4 PRR 2523 with music set, red Rav4 PMM 1631. Call: 613-2150/ 673-7522

One 45feet complete, cabin cruiser, trout seines, excellent condition. Call: 657-0044/ 648-6815

Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust.

Toyota Vigo pick-up, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep, excellent condition. Call: 609-7766

Experienced dispatcher to do shift work @ Gem’s Taxi. Call: 225-5075/ 622-6413/667-9013

Unregistered Axela 2011, fully loaded $2.750M negotiable, Corolla Fielder 2002, dark interior, rims $1.950M. Call: 617-5536

Live in maid wanted between ages 45 and older @ Robb Street home. Call: 226-0450/ 627-3205 Interior workers needed, salary $80,000. Call: 6741767/ 659-2708 Live in/Live out domestic/ babysitter. Call: 223-7500 Mon-Fri 8:15-4:15pm Live in domestic must know to cook & bake, salary $80,000-$90,000 monthly 3050yrs, boarding & lodging free. Call: 222-4890 1 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 One driver for office in EcclesCall: 233-2783 Straight stitch, over edge machine operators, portersCall 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

One (1) Nissan Escudo, good condition, owner leaving the country. Price $1.6M negotiable. Contact: 6683312/ 627-3609 SALE! SALE!- 2010 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS $2.6M, 2 TON CANTER $2.4MCALL:642-7295 Timber Jack 450B skidder each excellent condition & never used in Guyana- Call Richard:609-7675, 6741705,233-2614 Honda Civic (04) stick shift from Singapore. Rims, deck. In immaculate condition $1.150M negotiable- call: 618-4257

Trinidad: Columbia 16 Block plant, fully automated, production 12,000 blocks per day-$600,000USD. Email: clinttrintent@gmail.com 1-30 feet aluminum jet boat with spares. Call: 642-7898 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Cargo trawler- call:682-8724, 616-5954 Store mannequins $10,000 & $15,000- Call Simone 6265317,671-6777 Sale on leotards, tights, dance shoes & costumes @ Roxie’s Fashion 301 Church St. Call: 622-4386/ 227-8538 PEN PAL Overseas based male seeks working female 30-33 years. Must be intelligent- call:6643119 (No Texts)

Driver needed for car- Call Miss London- 699-6715 One salon assistant must know to do hair & nails- Contact: 625-3899/ 264-0034 Raymond building Vreed-EnHoop Junction Person to work bar at nightsCall: 223-4778, 626-0189 Handy boy, age 17- @ Lombard street, Werk-EnRust- call: 227-8529, 233-7356 1 Kitchen assistant needed to work in restaurant at Mahdia- Tel: 684-1718 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). TOURS Suriname Tours Return: Shopping, sightseeing, dolphins, casino, clubbing, Nov 24-27. Call: 665-5171/ 639-2663/658-3758/ 223-7589

Thursday November 17, 2016

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Prime suspect in Albouystown Victim was likely beaten to fatal shooting arrested Berbice carpenter’s demise…

death; staged to look like hit-and-run - police source

The investigation into the death of 36-year-old Faiyaz Narinedatt, whose body was found on the Number 70 Village Public Road almost a month ago, took a surprising twist yesterday with a key witness revealing to investigators that the carpenter was killed and his death was staged to look like an accident. This was the latest development since ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) took over the case early this week. Initially, it was being reported that the father of two was killed in a hit-and-run around 04:00 hrs on November 1st. However, the injuries on the dead man’s body were not consistent with an accident, since there were black and blue marks, suggesting that he might have been beaten. Also, there was nothing to indicate that an accident had occurred there. What is alarming too is the fact that Narinedatt’s bloody shirt and bloodstains were discovered about two corners from where his body was found—this is where the eyewitness claimed that he was beaten and killed. Since MCU ranks took over the case, seven persons were arrested—inclusive of four individuals who reportedly beat the carpenter to death. One of the persons, who at first gave ranks a misleading statement, was said to be the person who washed the blood from the car that was used to dispose of the body Two vehicles are impounded at the station. An overseas-based Guyanese who allegedly ordered the beating has left Guyana for New York.

According to a police source, a key witness has come forward and told police that on the day of the murder, the overseas-based Guyanese had a party at his home and the victim, the eyewitness and a few other persons were present. It is being reported that while the party was going on, the father of two went to the back of the yard to urinate after which the overseasbased Guyanese allegedly went behind him and started “feeling him up”. “He (witness) said that Narinedatt slapped him and went back in front, but he (overseas-based Guyanese) walked up and told his friends to kill him and he said that he will take care of it,” the police source said. The eyewitness’ statement is consistent with more than a dozen other reports that the family received from persons around the area who called them anonymously. The victim’s wife only delivered their second child five months ago in the US. He did not get to see his baby. His relatives are calling on the police to carry out a thorough investigation.

From page 19 instructed to return to court on November 24, for statements before Magistrate Annette Singh. Back in 2013, Harding had accused two police ranks stationed at the Timehri Police Station of raping him with a baton. Constables Devin Singh and Roselle Tilbury-Douglas

were accused of assaulting Harding between November 1 and 13, 2013, at the Timehri Police Station, so as to cause him actual bodily harm. However, the matter was dismissed by Magistrate Leron Daly, who was at the time presiding over the Providence Magistrate's Court, earlier this year.

Faiyaz Narinedatt

Colwyn Harding, alleged...

After managing to evade the police for four days, the prime suspect in the murder of 27-year-old Michael Junior Payne, has been captured. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a press release yesterday said that the suspect was arrested around 20:30 hrs on Tuesday in Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown. Payne, a father of one, was gunned down last Friday in Albouystown, when he went to collect a bicycle from the suspect, with whom he was involved in an argument the previous night at Ketley Street, Charlestown.

According to information received, Payne and the suspect were involved in a bitter dispute last Thursday, during which Payne left and went into his shop. The suspect allegedly picked up Payne’s bicycle and rode away. The following morning, Payne, along with a cousin, went to the suspect’s home at La Penitence Street, Albouystown, to collect the bicycle. Reports are that Payne and his cousin called out for the suspect, but after receiving no response, they decided to bang on the door a

Dead: Michael Junior Payne couple of times. Kaieteur News was told that it was while banging on the door that neighbours heard several gunshots coming

from the suspect’s home. Payne sustained three gunshot wounds, while his cousin managed to escape without injuries.

PAGE 24

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Accused New York bomber indicted on new federal charges (Reuters) The man accused of injuring more than two dozen people in September bomb attacks in New York and New Jersey was indicted on Wednesday, as federal prosecutors in Manhattan added new charges that could result in a mandatory life prison sentence. Ahmad Khan Rahimi, 28, was charged in an indictment filed in Manhattan federal court with eight counts, including using a weapon of mass destruction in an explosion in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood that injured 30 people. The Sept. 17 attack came hours after prosecutors contend a pipe bomb planted

by Rahimi went off along the course of a charity road race by the New Jersey shore, without injuring anyone. While the indictment included no new factual allegations, it included two counts accusing Rahimi of using a destructive device during and in furtherance of a crime, charges that carry with them potential mandatory life prison terms. “Now indicted by a grand jury, Rahimi will face justice in a federal court for his alleged violent acts of terrorism,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said in a statement. Rahimi, an Afghan-born

naturalized U.S. citizen, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on Thursday afternoon. His lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rahimi, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, was arrested two days after the bombing following a gunfight with police, who found him sleeping in the doorway of a bar in Linden, New Jersey. In addition to the bombs that went off, prosecutors accuse Rahimi of planting another pressure-cooker bomb in Chelsea that did not go off and leaving several devices at a train station in Elizabeth in New Jersey.

Iraqi forces recapture key air base near Mosul

An Iraqi fighter takes a prayer break in Mosul (CNN)Iraqi paramilitary forces have recaptured a strategic airbase outside the northern city of Tal Afar, a spokesman for the Popular Mobilization Forces said. Ahmed al Assadi acknowledged that militia forces have yet to extinguish some pockets of ISIS resistance inside the airbase, however, saying Wednesday night that mopping-up operations will continue for the next few hours. Iraq’s Joint Operations Command put out a similar statement. The base will serve as a staging area for Iraqi Security Forces in their battle with ISIS west of Mosul, authorities said. Tal Afar is a predominantly Sunni city that used to be divided between Sunni and Shia Turkmens before ISIS captured it in 2014. It is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mosul. Mosul, Iraq’s secondmost populous city, is ISIS’

last major stronghold in Iraq and the terror group is well entrenched there. An ISIS attack on a Mosul neighborhood previously declared “liberated” from the militants killed at least two civilians and wounded at least seven more people, including children, Iraqi army officials told CNN on Wednesday. The officials said at least four mortars landed in the eastern Mosul neighborhood of al Zahraa, which was declared under the full control of Iraqi security forces nearly a week ago. Witnesses also told CNN there had been civilian deaths and injuries from the attacks. Video of the aftermath broadcast by local Kurdish TV station Rudaw showed several of the injured, including children with bloody wounds. The Iraq Joint Military Operations Command declared six days ago that its se-

curity forces had taken full control of al Zahraa as well as two other eastern neighborhoods — al Samah and al Malayeen. Attacks by ISIS in areas previously cleared by Iraqi forces are frequent. Iraqi forces have encountered fierce resistance as they battle their way into Mosul. While the ISIS presence has started to wane in parts of the northern city, a number of residents told CNN they are disappointed with the pace of Mosul’s liberation. They said people are increasingly fearful because of what they see as slow advances by Iraqi forces. ISIS has fortified its positions and regrouped after the Iraqi forces’ initial push on Mosul, which was faster than current progress, residents said. The Mosul offensive began almost one month ago. (CNN)

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Confusion over Trump’s first talks with foreign leader (Reuters) One day before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s first meeting with a foreign leader, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japanese officials said they had not finalized when or where in New York it would take place, who would be invited, or in some cases whom to call for answers. Uncertainty over the talks shows the difficulties in turning Trump from a freewheeling businessman into a sitting president with a watertight schedule and a fully functioning administration by his inauguration on January 20. Japanese and U.S. officials said on Wednesday the State Department had not been involved in planning the meeting, leaving the logistical and protocol details that normally would be settled far in advance still to be determined. “There has been a lot of confusion,” said one Japa-

nese official. The meeting was only agreed to last week and Trump and his advisers have been busy in meetings at his headquarters in Manhattan’s Trump Tower in recent days to work out who gets which job in the new administration. While world leaders sometimes hold loosely planned bilateral meetings at regional summits, it is unusual for foreign leaders to hold high-level diplomatic talks in the United States without detailed planning. Abe is on his way to an Asia-Pacific summit in Peru. State Department spokesman John Kirby said that to his knowledge, Trump’s transition team had not been in contact with the department either to discuss the transition of government or to seek information ahead of his meetings with foreign leaders. Trump is expected to use the Abe meeting to reassure Japan and other Asian allies

rattled by his campaign rhetoric, advisers to Trump said. But Trump, a brash outsider with no diplomatic or government experience, and Abe, a veteran lawmaker, have differences on policy issues such as free trade. Several Trump aides did not immediately answer requests on Wednesday for comment about the Abe visit or contact between the transition team and the State Department. Speculation about top appointments to the Trump administration has intensified since the head of the team overseeing the transition, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, was removed last week. Trump on Wednesday denounced reports of disorganization in the team, singling out the New York Times for saying world leaders have had trouble getting in touch with him.

Another cop survivor recounts... From page 12 someone yell “let’s go,” before hearing the sound of a vehicle start. After surmising that the area was safe, Sutton said that he left his room and went into the kitchen where he discovered officers Fredericks and Zakir with apparent gunshot wounds about their bodies; they were motionless. Officer Osborne’s body, he said, was discovered clad in police uniform; he was lying down and holding onto the back gate with what appeared to be gunshot wounds in his back. The witness also recalled that the strong box and force’s security box were breached, and cash, as well as guns and ammunition, were missing. Retired Police Sergeant Cheryl Hill recounted a similar story. However she noted that she was not at the station when the act was carried out. She had left to attend a “curry-que” at the Bartica Pavilion which is located two blocks away from the Station. While at the Pavilion, the officer said she received a call. But Hill said that she did not leave the Pavilion. Under questioning from Defense Attorney, Roger Yearwood, the witness admitted that there were certain Standard Operating Procedures that should have guided her decision, but she did not know why she did not leave the Pavilion to check on her colleagues. “I was hearing the gun-

shots from the pavilion … I don’t know what to tell you,” the witness said in response to the questions raised by the lawyer. The police officer said she later visited the station later that morning. There, she recalled seeing the bodies of her colleagues lying motionless in what appeared to be bloody water. “There were apparent bullet holes in the eastern wall of the Bartica Police Station, “she recalled. She told the court that she had checked off some money, firearms and ammunition and secured them in the Station’s strong box, before leaving for the Pavilion. But when she returned that morning, Officer Hill said that the boxes were broken into and the items had been

removed. Officer Hill’s testimony was followed by Police Sergeant Gavin Marshall. Marshall told the court that he was the Subordinate Officer in charge of the Station. He recalled that he was out of the district when the shooting occurred. The officer said he took an aircraft from Ogle to Baganara Island and then a boat across the river to Bartica after hearing the tragic news. After arriving in Bartica he said that he saw the bodies of the murdered policemen and some civilians. The officer also spoke of firearms and ammunition along with about $60,000 and other monies which were secured in the boxes. Some of the items, he said, went missing during the attack.

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

Regional governments look to establish asset recovery interagency network BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC- Chief Justice of Barbados Marston Gibson says countries in the region are on the way to establishing an Asset Recovery Interagency Network . Gibson in an address at the opening of the two day Caribbean Regional Meeting of Asset Recovery Practitioners on Tuesday, said in this area, the region is at a cross roads. “One road leads to losing all that we have gained to transnational crime which can easily come to our shores on a flight, a fishing trip or a Caribbean cruise. “The next road…is the road we are about to take today towards establishing a regional initiative towards collaring what is referred to as unexplained wealth.” Noting that the idea of collaring or making criminals disgorge unexplained wealth was not new, Sir Marston said Barbados was making significant strides in the area, with the laying of the Criminal Finances Bill in Parliament and the first and second readings being conducted on October 15 and 25 respectively.mHowever, he cautioned that the road ahead would not be an easy one. “You are going to meet naysayers; you will meet objectors, but we must not be distracted from what we are

Chief Justice of Barbados Sir Marston Gibson setting out to do. It is important that we remove from criminals the incentive to continue criminal activity. It is important to remove the incentive from younger West Indians that crime pays.” The Chief Justice said that while criminal asset forfeiture had its strong points, it also had as a weakness the fact that there was no one to testify against the “kingpins”. As a result, he said there was a need to seriously consider gathering evidence to be used in court for the purpose of showing that the gains being collared were obtained through ill-gotten means. Warning courts generally did not like to move in that direction, Sir Marston stressed that civil asset forfeiture was the only way to

get to the bottom of the crime problem throughout the Caribbean. Director of Public Prosecutions, Charles Leacock, also noted that Barbados would be moving soon to implement its Civil Forfeiture Legislation now in draft, thereby allowing lawmakers to go after the proceeds of crime even in cases where there was no conviction. “All over the world, the disgorgement of the proceeds of crime has had some limited success. It provides a great incentive to government, those in law enforcement and in prosecution, to deprive criminals of their illgotten proceeds, so that money can be put into use by other socially beneficial and acceptable projects.” However, Leacock called for a changing of the mindset of law enforcement officials, whom he said were “extremely good” at investigating crimes such as murder, robbery and fraud, but were “not so good” at running parallel investigations to go after the money. “That is how you address the crime problem in a country; you go after the money.” He explained that sending criminals to prison may be considered as part of the price for doing business, but stripping them of illegally obtained money addressed the crime problem.

Torrential Rains Creating Crisis In Dominican Republic

A flooded section SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic,– The Dominican Republic is facing a massive repair bill as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc across the country. At least eight of the country’s 31 provinces are under a state of emergency declared by President Danilo Medina, as his government grapples to cope with the unfolding crisis. According to disaster official Jose Manuel Mendez,

more than 20,000 people on the country’s north coast have already been displaced, amid the heavy rains that have pounded the country for more than two weeks. “More than 130 rural towns in that region were cut off by heavy rains that destroyed 50 homes and severely damaged 62 others,” he told the Associated Press. “No one should cross rivers by car, on foot, and much less swim across them.”

Thousands of people along the hard hit north coast have been evacuated, including 700 inmates in Santiago. The military also rescued more than a dozen people who were left stranded in Los Naranjos, in the north east of the country. Relief efforts were underway to dispatch emergency supplies to affected families, but were being hampered by the continuing rainfall.

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

Thursday November 17, 2016

Lionel Messi: Argentina forward leads media boycott over Lavezzi marijuana claims BBC Sport - Lionel Messi has led the Argentina squad in a media boycott following “grave” press reports about the team and their recent form. The 29-year-old announced the ban after scoring in the side’s 3-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Colombia. A radio report alleged that forward Ezequiel Lavezzi smoked marijuana after a training session, which he denies. “We’ve received many accusations, a lot of lack of respect and we never said anything,” Messi said. Messi and the 25-man squad walked out of the news

conference following the Colombia game. It was also announced that Lavezzi is taking the radio reporter to court over the accusations. “We know there are lots of you who are not in the game of not showing us respect, but getting into one’s personal life is very grave,” Messi added. Argentina were criticised following their 3-0 defeat by Brazil on Friday but their win over Colombia moved them up to fifth place and back into qualifying contention. T h e t o p f o u r i n the South America group move

straight into the finals, while fifth place qualifies for an intercontinental play-off. Elsewhere in the group, Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Chile beat Uruguay 3-1 to stay third. Chile had been warned by Arsene Wenger that it would be “suicidal” to play Sanchez unless he was fully fit after he injured a muscle in training. H o w e v e r, Sanchez played 85 minutes and looks set to be fit for Arsenal’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Thursday November 17, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Your changing attitudes may be causing concern for your partner. Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Satisfy your passionate mood. Unexpected bills may set you back. Make changes that will heighten your appeal.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Look into ways that you can make extra cash. Your partner will be emotionally unable to cope.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may want to put everyone to work on a project that will keep them all too busy to complain. Any renovation or decorating to your home should include the whole family.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You can make money if you are careful not to let it trickle through your fingers. Opportunities to meet new lovers will evolve through your interaction with groups or fundraising functions. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Your ability to talk circles around your colleagues will help you forge ahead in the workforce. It may be a disappointing day emotionally. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Depression may result if you don't get to do things your own way. You may be tired of working for someone else. Focus your efforts on your work. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Make changes that will enhance your appearance. Your business sense will be leading you in a direction that indicates more travel and communication.

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You will have to watch out for minor health problems related to stress. You may be tempted to spend too much on entertainment or luxury items. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will have a problem sorting out your true feelings when it comes to your relationship. If you haven't already, consider starting your own business. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You can bet that someone in a higher position is watching to see how busy you are. Question your mate if you must. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You should put your efforts into creative projects. Don't let the moods of those you live with get you down. Use your charm, but don't be phony.

GFF Grassroots Festival launched By Zaheer Mohamed As part of its developmental curriculum the Guyana Football Federation yesterday launched its inaugural Grassroots Festival at its head office in Section K Campbellville. The objectives of the festival, which will commence on November 19, are to promote and increase participation at Grassroots level of both male and female, to introduce family members to the beautiful game in a positive environment and to act as a catalyst for GFF 2017 Grassroots Coaching Programme. One festival will be held in each of the nine associations starting with the East Coast FA at Golden Grove on November 19, East Bank FA on November 26 at Diamond, Essequibo FA on November 26 at Queenstown, West Demerara on December 3 at Leonora, Berbice FA on December 3 at Scottsburg Community ground, Upper Demerara FA on December 6 at a venue to be announced, Georgetown FA on December 10 at Eve Leary, Bartica FA on December 10 at Bartica Community Centre ground and Rupununi FA on December 17 at St. Ignatius. Speaking at the launching, Technical Director of the GFF Ian Greenwood said it’s the start of a long term grassroots plan which will kick off at the end of January 2017. “The idea of the festival is to design a programme for the youths between the ages of 5-12 years old. What we really want to do at the GFF is to get a new group of players into the football fraternity so the idea is to try to bring out as many new boys and girls as possible, what we are looking to do as well is to get as many parents, relatives and friends to come on board,” he added. Greenwood related that a Grassroots Coaching Programme for 5-12 years old will be launched in 2017 where they will have structured ses-

DCUSA AMG to be held on January 15 The Annual General Meeting of the Demerara Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (DCUSA) has been fixed for January 15, 2017 at 10:00hrs at the Mayor and City Council’s Union Hall Building, Woolford Avenue. Members are asked to make a special effort to attend.

sions from February until April. “The Grassroots programme is one of the key areas for the growth of the game and among the activities are fundamental warm ups, dribbling techniques, passing techniques and head tennis,” he said. Greenwood feels that schools programme is essential for the growth of the game. “We have had some positive meetings with the relevant authorities and we are looking to have the school programme up and running next year. At the moment we are designing a football calendar which will have the school programme running from the end of September to December, he stated, adding that Digicel’s tournament is a fantastic one. The Technical Director indicated that the football cal-

endar will be distributed to all the key stakeholders and the staging of several juniors male and female tournaments are in the pipeline. He informed that an academy programme in each of the nine associations for various age groups and a national programme will be held next year. “The idea of the Academy is to make sure we get the best players on board and one of the problems is that we do not have enough qualified coaches and referees and this is an area we will be looking to place much emphasis on,” he posited. The vision of the Grassroots Festival is to produce Grassroots growth in Guyana, increase participation levels and opportunity and increase the diversity of the football family.

PAGE 30

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

Third straight defeat leaves Windies Women sweating VIJAYAWADA, India, CMC – West Indies Women were left sweating on automatic qualification for next year’s ICC 50-overs World Cup in England, after crashing to a 15-run defeat to India Women in their must-win final OneDay International of the t h r ee-match series here yesterday. Set 200 for victory at the Mulapadu Cricket Stadium, the Caribbean girls were dismissed for 184 at the start of the final over, to concede the series 3-0 and further endanger their chances of an automatic berth at the ODI showpiece.

They appeared on course at 166 for four in the 45th over but shockingly lost their last six wickets for just 18 runs to fall apart down the stretch. Kycia Knight struck form with a top score of 55 and teenaged opener Hayley Matthews stroked a breezy 44 from 53 deliveries. But of the remaining specialist batsmen, only former captain Merissa Aguilleira with 22 managed to pass 20, as the Windies Women’s batting let them down yet again. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the main bowler for the hosts with four for 34, and was es-

pecially instrumental at the death taking three of the six wickets to tumble. The defeat was the Windies Women’s last chance to secure the two ICC Championship points required to seal a top four position in the standings and gain automatic World Cup qualification. They lie fourth on 22 points but can be overtaken by either by India Women who are fifth with 19 points with three games left to play, or by South Africa Women who are sixth on 17 points also with three games remaining. They were definitely in the hunt early on when they reduced India Women to 52 for three in the 21st over but Veda Krishnamurthy turned it around for the hosts with a brilliant 71 off 79 balls. She stroked ten fours and anchored two half-century stands which all but deflated the Windies women. First, Krishnamurthy put on 51 for the fourth wicket with H a r m a n p r e e t K a u r who made 19 and then added a further 57 for the fifth wicket with

Career Opportunity Sueria Manufacturing Inc invites suitable qualified individuals to fill the full-time position of an

Experienced Salesman Responsibilities t t

t t t

"DIJFWF HSPXUI BOE TBMFT UBSHFUT CZ TVDDFTTGVMMZ QSPNPUJOH BOE NBOBHJOH DVTUPNFST %FTJHO BOE JNQMFNFOU B TUSBUFHJD TBMFT QMBO UIBU FYQBOET DPNQBOZ T DVTUPNFS CBTF BOE FOTVSF TUSPOH QSFTFODF JO SFTQFDUJWF SPVUF #VJME BOE QSPNPUF TUSPOH MPOH MBTUJOH DVTUPNFS SFMBUJPOTIJQT CZ QBSUOFSJOH XJUI UIFN BOE VOEFSTUBOEJOH UIFJS OFFET 1SFTFOU TBMFT SFQPSU BOE SFBMJTUJD GPSFDBTUT UP UIF NBOBHFNFOU UFBN *EFOUJGZ FNFSHJOH NBSLFUT BOE NBSLFU TIJGUT XIJMF CFJOH GVMMZ BXBSF PG OFX QSPEVDUT BOE DPNQFUJUJPO TUBUVT

Qualification and Experience t t t t t t

1PUFOUJBM 4BMBSZ PG L QMVT &YQFSJFODF JO TBMF PG 'PPE BOE #FWFSBHFT XPVME CF BO BTTFU .VTU CF BCMF UP XPSL JOEFQFOEFOUMZ &YDFMMFOU JOUFSQFSTPOBM TLJMMT .VTU CF B UFBN QMBZFS .VTU IBWF UIFJS PXO WFIJDMF BOE B WBMJE %SJWFS T -JDFOTF $BS 7BO NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted APPLICATION CLOSES 10th November, 2016 1MFBTF DBMM CFUXFFO IST UP IST UP TFU VQ BO BQQPJOUNFOU PS NBJM BQQMJDBUJPOT UP

Sueria Manufacturing Inc 70 Industrial site, Eccles, East Bank Demerara. or E-mail: sueriamanufacturinginc@gmail.com

Devika Vaidya who hit an unbeaten 32 from 45 balls. Even when she perished in the 45th over becoming the second of Chedean Nation’s two wickets, Vaida and Jhulan Goswami (18 not out) dished out more torment in a 39run, sixth wicket partnership off just 24 balls. We s t I n d i e s Wo m e n then got a great start from Matthews who inspired a 49run opening partnership with Shaquana Quintyne who made 18.

The right-hander, who faced 53 balls and counted nine fours, put on another 20 for the second wicket with Knight before she was second out, lbw to Gayakwad in the 19th over. Knight put on 27 for the third wicket with captain Stafanie Taylor whose run of poor form continued when she was dismissed for 14. And when Deandra Dottin followed soon afterwards for 14 at 120 for four the Windies were stuttering

but Knight and Aguilleira combined in a 46-run, fifth wicket partnership to raise the visitors’ hopes. Knight faced 94 balls and struck five fours while Aguilleira produced a cameo which included three fours and a six off 26 deliveries. The momentum seemed to lie with the Windies Women with 34 runs required from 33 balls but Aguilleira’s run out in the 45th over, triggered the sharp decline.

Thursday November 17, 2016

ICC reviewing Du Plessis lolly footage

South Africa’s Vernon Philander (L) watches as team captain Faf du Plessis shakes Australia’s captain Steve Smith’s hand after the match. (REUTERS/David Gray) (Reuters) Footage showing South Africa captain Faf du Plessis applying saliva to the ball with a lolly in his mouth is being reviewed by the International Cricket Council to see if he has breached the governing body’s code of conduct. A day after South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the test series in Australia by winning in Hobart, footage emerged showing Du Plessis with a white lolly in his mouth, licking his finger before shining the ball. Applying an artificial substance to alter the condition of the ball contravenes the ICC’s code of conduct. “The ICC has been alerted to the footage and is currently reviewing the incident from

the perspective of it being a possible breach of the ICC Code of Conduct,” an ICC spokesman said in a statement. The world governing body has five days from the close of play on Tuesday to charge the South Africa skipper after the match referee’s report did not mention the incident. In 2013, Du Plessis was fined 50 percent of his match fee for ball tampering in the second test against Pakistan. He was caught on camera rubbing the ball against a zip on his pocket on the third day of the match in Dubai, leading umpires Ian Gould and Rod Tucker to penalise South Africa five runs and change the ball. Du Plessis did not contest the charge.

U.S. in soccer World Cup trouble after losing 4-0 to Costa Rica (Reuters) The United States face an uphill battle to qualify for their eighth consecutive World Cup Finals after being demolished 4-0 by a rampant Costa Rica in San Jose on Tuesday. Four days after losing at home to Mexico, the U.S. were beaten again, leaving Jurgen Klinsmann’s side anchored at the bottom of the qualifying table without a point from two matches. Costa Rica took the lead two minutes before half time when Johan Venegas rose unchallenged to glance home a Christian Bolanos cross. The home side gunned for goals after the break and did not have to try too hard against a team that looked all at sea in an atrocious second half. Bolanos scored after 69 minutes when he got on the end of a lovely curling cross from Bryan Ruiz and five minutes later substitute Joel Campbell wrapped up the three points with a nice solo goal. The Arsenal striker on loan to Sporting Lisbon rubbed salt into the U.S. wound when he added a fourth three minutes later.

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

New Diamond Grove, Xenon Academy triumph

Jonathan Looknarine

David Richards

New Diamond Grove Primary School and Xenon Academy Primary registered victories when the East Bank Demerara zone of the Guyana Cricket Board Scotiabank kiddy progression one cricket tournament continued recently at Thirst Park. New Diamond Grove Primary (NDG) defeated Peter’s Hall Primary by 31 runs. Batting first, NDG Primary made 127-5 off their allotted 14 overs. Ray Richard scored 59; Mickel Stephen had 2-7 and Levianna Kelly 2-5. Peter’s Hall were bowled out for 96 in 13.5 overs in reply. Edward Scott got 36. Xenon Academy beat Diamond Primary by 10 runs. Xenon Academy took first strike and scored 128-3 with David Richards hitting 43,

Rajin Dhanraj 38, Lloyd Barker 28 and Anthony Green 23. Diamond responded with 1189. Jonathan Looknarine got 45; Latisha Thompson took 21. NDG overcame Timehri Primary by 39 runs. Batting first, NDG managed 185-4. Deonarine Dindial got 58, while Jonathan Chandra hit 53; Prince Lord and Markus Songster took two wickets apiece. Timehri Primary responded with 138-7. Wazim Mohamed struck 51 and Shane Arinda 33. Lakeram Shivlall had 3-1. NDG got the better of Xenon Academy. Xenon Academy took first turn at the crease and got 127 all out in 14 overs. Lloyd Barker made 46 as Jonathan Chandra snared 3-0. NDG replied with

Jonathan Chandra

Wazim Mohamed 128 in 13.5 overs. David Richards and Ray Richards made 29 and Ronaldo Adams 23. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Tucber Park Cricket Club congratulates Romario Shepherd

Cristian Bolanos of Costa Rica celebrates after scoring against the U.S. (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate) The result leaves Klinsmann’s U.S. bottom of the six-team group alongside Trinidad and Tobago. Costa Rica, meanwhile, top the so-called Hexagonal, the only side to win both their opening games. The top three teams after the 10 home-andaway matches qualify automatically for Russia 2018, while the fourth-placed side goes into a play-off with a team from Asia. Mexico, who drew 0-0 with Panama in a dull

match in the isthmus, have four points, the same as Panama. In the evening’s earlier game, Honduras got their first points with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago. Romell Quioto and Emilio Izaguirre put Honduras in the driving seat with early goals and although Carlyle Mitchell pulled one back for the visitors after half-time, Eddie Hernandez scored a third for Honduras with 10 minutes remaining.

The executives and members of Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) are extending congratulations to Romario Shepherd on his call up for the WICB PCL 4 day tournament. He was selected to replace Eon Hooper in the Guyana Jaguars squad to play against Leeward Island and Windward Island in the second and third round of the PCL. Shepherd, who represented Guyana at the Under15 and Under-19 levels, became the second player (Anthony D’Andrade represented UWI Vice Chancellor’s eleven versus the Touring Zimbabwe team in 2010) from TPCC to play List ‘A’ when he made his debut earlier this year against Leeward Islands. He was named man of the match in his only limited overs game, claiming 3/37. Shepherd now has the chance to become the second player from

TPCC to play First Class cricket after former national pacer Jeremy Gordon played in 2006/07. Once again TPCC would like to congratulate Shepherd and wish him all the best as he continues to make his family, the club, Berbice and Guyana proud.

Romario Shepherd

PAGE 32

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

Sri Lanka v West Indies, tri-nation series, Harare

Bir thda y ffifty ifty ffor or Car ter as Windies win opener Birthda thday Carter HARARE, Zimbabwe, CMC – West Indies recovered from a batting collapse to mount a clinical bowling effort, and beat Sri Lanka by 62 runs in their opening game of the Tri-Nations Series yesterday. Sent in at the Harare Sports Club, West Indies were well poised at 172 for four in the 42nd over before losing their last six wickets for 55 runs, to be all out for a disappointing 227 off 49.2 overs. Left-hander Jonathan Carter top-scored with 54 on his 29th birthday while wicketkeeper Shai Hope stroked 47 and fellow debutant Rovman Powell, a typically enterprising 44 off just 29 balls. In reply, Sri Lanka slumped to 16 for three in the sixth over, recovered to reach 139 for six in the 26th before crumbling to 165 all out off 43.1 overs – losing their last four wickets for 26 runs. The architects of Sri Lanka’s demise were fast bowler Shannon Gabriel (331) and off-spinner Ashley Nurse (3-46) who picked up

three wickets apiece, while captain and seamer Jason Holder claimed two for 16 from eight superb overs. Sachith Pathirana, batting at number eight, top-scored with 45 from 40 balls while Shehan Jayasuriya made 31 and Niroshan Dickwella, 28. With the victory, West Indies moved to the top of the table on five points, ahead on net run rate of Sri Lanka also on five points, with Zimbabwe yet to register a point. The Caribbean side’s start was less than impressive, however, as they lost both openers Johnson Charles (2) and Kraigg Brathwaite (14) cheaply to stumble to 27 for two in the tenth over. Charles was taken at third man off seamer Suranga Lakmal essaying a big hit in the fourth over and Brathwaite was unfortunately run out by Nuwan Kulasekara’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end as he went through for a quick single. Hope and Carter then featured in key partnerships which put the West Indies

innings back on track. The right-handed Hope first added 49 for the third wicket with the left-handed Evin Lewis, whose 27 came from 50 balls and included a single four. When Lewis was caught at the wicket off left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana in the 24th over, Hope put on a further 53 or the fourth wicket with Carter, to take West Indies past triple figures. Hope faced 81 deliveries and struck four fours and a six while the left-handed Carter’s second ODI half-century came from 62 balls and included two fours and two sixes. Hope had just cleared the ropes at long on with slow medium Asela Gunaratne and was eyeing a half-century when he was deceived and bowled four deliveries later by the same bowler, at 129 for four in the 35th over. Carter and Powell kept the momentum going in a busy 43run, fifth wicket stand off 41 deliveries, with Carter reaching his landmark in the 41st

over with a couple to fine leg. He perished in the next over when he flicked seamer Kulasekara into the lap of deep square leg and it was left to Powell to blast two fours and three sixes, to get West Indies up to a competitive total. Man-of-the-Match Holder then struck early for West Indies, having Dhananjaya de Silva caught behind off an inside edge for three at seven for one in the fourth over. Kusal Perera fell in the next over for four via the run out route with one run added, failing to beat Charles’s throw to the non-striker’s end from square leg, as he advanced down for a single. When Holder induced a drive from Kusal Mendis and had the right-hander caught high at second slip by Nurse for four, Sri Lanka were declining quickly. Dickwella revived the innings briefly in a 35-run, fourth wicket stand with Upul Tharanga (12) before guiding a short ball from Gabriel to Sulieman Benn at third man, and his dismissal triggered another slide which saw three wickets tumble for 28 runs. Tottering on 79 for six in the 26th over, Sri Lanka regained their balance thanks to Pathirana and Jayasuriya who posted 60 for the seventh wicket. Pathirana was the aggressor, hammering five fours and two sixes and once he holed out to Lewis at long-off off Nurse in the 38th over, the innings collapsed.

GCB NSSCL 2016...

Gootiprasad’s 98 powers Patentia …West Demerara enjoy to victory Parmanand Gootiprasad’s narrowly missed out on a century (98) which helped Patentia Secondary register a crushing victory over Endeavour Secondary, while West Demerara Secondary walloped I’fluenture Secondary as the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) continued. Playing at Belle Vue ground in a West Bank Demerara zone fixture, Patentia batted first and amassed an imposing 193/7 in just 20 overs. Parmanand Gootiprasad fell two runs

big win over I’fluenture short of a century when he was dismissed for 98. Hemraj Persaud was the other main scorer making 30. Bowling for Endeavour, Jairam Parasram took 2/33 and Alex Raul 1/26. Endeavour Secondary could only muster 78 in their reply off 10 overs. Calvin Durgh top scored with 26. Bowling for Patentia, Wazim Rohaman claimed 3/21 and Satesh Basdeo 2/10. In another match at Belle Vue, West Demerara Secondary walloped I’fluenture Secondary by 178 runs to book a

place in the semi-final of the West Bank Demerara zone. Batting first, West Demerara amassed 223/7 in 30 overs with Mark Wong scoring 37 and Daneshwar Kowlessar chipping in with 33. Bowling for I’fluenture, Aron Singh and Rajkumar Ramroop had 2/ 6 and 2/45 respectively. The West Demerara bowlers completed the one sided match by dismissing I’fluenture for 45 in 11.3 overs. Souran Moonsammy was the only batter to reach double figures with 11. Aftab Basir claimed 4/9, while Jason Camacho took 2/12 bowling for West Demerara. The NSSCL was set to continue yesterday.

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

GRDB overcome GSA by eight wickets

The victorious GRDB team with minister of Agriculture Noel Holder display their accolade

G u y a n a R i c e Development Board defeated Guyana School of Agriculture by eight wickets to win the final of the Ministry of Agriculture inter agency softball cricket competition which was played recently at National Park. GSA, who drew the bye to the final, batted first and

scored 88-7 with A. Narine getting 16, S. Franklyn 14 and C. Fraser 12. Nimron Bahadur took two wickets. GRDB responded with 89-2 in 6.4 overs. Travis Fung scored 36 and Tyrone English made 22 not out. In the other disciplines, Hydromet defeated GSA in the football final; Head Office

won the domino competition; and GSA got the better of GRDB in the volleyball and basketball finals. The cards competition was won by GLDA, while the March Past was won by Fisheries. There were also several novelty competitions, including Lime and Spoon,

Tug-of-War, Buns Eating, Beer Drinking and a Heads of Department race. The winners of these events were all presented with hampers, compliments of New GMC. On hand to help in the distribution of prizes were Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder and Permanent

Secretary George Jarvis. The Ministry of Agriculture would like to thank all and sundry who participated in some way to make the activity a success. Special mention is being made of the New GMC and GLDA for donating extra prizes Gratitude is also being expressed to NAREI, MMA, Pesticides, GSA, Hydromet,

NDIA, Fisheries, GRDB, GuySuCo for their involvement in this year’s activity. The sport finals brought the curtains down on Agriculture Month 2016, which was held under the theme: “Exploring new production frontiers: in pursuit of climate resilience.”

4R to challenge Floodlights tomorrow evening “Guyana Softball Cup 6” Masters champion Floodlights have been challenged by business entity 4R of Duncan Street, in a softball 20/20 match to be played under lights at the DCC Ground tomorrow, starting at 6:30 pm. Included in the 4R squad are local USA baseball

player Eric Pluemer and William Pluemer who are confident in converting their skills and compete in a softball cricket match against the softball champions of the Americas. This match is also held in honour of Richard Persaud, who is celebrating his birthday. The two squads

will come from: 4R Squad: Richie Deonarain Capt., Romeo Deonarain, Eric Pluemer, William Pluemer, Kevin Narine, Rabindra Singh, Mark Harold, Arjune Badal, Anil Beharry, Khalid Baksh, Ricky Deonarain, Unos Yusuf, Imtiaz Mohamed. Floodlights Squad:

Ramesh Sunich Capt, Reyaz Hussein, Ramo Malone, Mike Singh, Wayne Jones, Steve Naraine, Jailall Deodass, Pithamber Maharaj, Ramchand Ragbeer, Clyde Canterbury, Dharam Persaud, Surendra Nauth, Richard Persaud, Lalta Gainda, Patrick Khan, Richard Persaud.

William Pluemer (left) and Erik Pluemer, Richie Deonarain

Thursday November 17, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

South Georgetown yearning for first National Schools’ title

South Georgetown athletes during the March Past in 2014 at the Base Camp Ayangana Ground, Thomas Lands. S o u t h G e o rg e t o w n , District 13, have put their perspective on claiming their first National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championship title since 1980 when Georgetown were divided into three parts. The road to the title next week will be a tough one for South Georgetown to travel, especially since North Georgetown (District 11) and Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District 10) have shared the Championship title between them since 1991.

Leon Bishop is of the belief that his District that finished joint fourth with Essequibo Islands/West Demerara in last year’s Championship can finish among the top three with the hope of upsetting the two titans for the top prize. “I am really confident in my swimmers, who I am banking on, and the cycling as well as the Teacher’s; the team is in high spirits and I believe once we can win swimming a n d t h e Te a c h e r ’s Championships, we will be in

the top three,” the District Coordinator said. “I can afford to safely say we can even challenge for the top spot,” Bishop added, before further highlighting one of the weak areas in the 2016 edition of the South Georgetown squad, which he noted has kept the District from being successful. “Our downfall in the District is simply our students don’t get to be a part of the clubs, especially for the swimmers because of financial constraints; that was

a big thing for us in the past and to some extent the cycling and athletics,” he said. “Now we have put some systems in place and over the years we have continuously improved,” he continued. Bishop indicated that the team will be coming strong and focused on performance to achieve their main goal of winning the Championship. “The morale for the team is high; our swimmers are improving. We lost the Teacher’s contest by seven points and we are out here

working to help win that and I think the kids have seen that and are motivated to put in the work,” he informed. “We are ready and raring to go in all the Championships... we finished 11th last year in track and field and was out of the top three by one point (overall), so I believe once we can hold our own we will be inside of the top three for sure,” Bishop added. Before Georgetown were separated into three Districts at the National Schools’ Championships, North, South

and East Georgetown, as a team won the event 12 times dating back to the first recorded Championships in 1959. A win for South Georgetown would make them the only other Georgetown team outside of North to win a Championship title. The National School Championships begin on Monday with the Cycling and Swimming Competitions and continue on November 22 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Nalico Nafico supports Mohamed’s 'Enterprise New Era Futsal tourney Vickash Persaud, Senior Representative and Marlon Hendricks, Agency Manager of Nalico Nafico yesterday made a presentation of the Female 1st Place Trophy for the Mohamed’s Enterprise New Era Futsal tournament to Aubrey Major Jnr., New Era Director. The tournament will commence on November 25

with action set for the Mackenzie Hard Court in Linden and running for nine nights and concludes on December 26. Keen competition is anticipated with many of the leading Futsal teams and players expected to be in action. Insurance Company, Nalico Nafico, agreed to

support the event after being approached providing the winner’s trophy for the female segment of the event. Game nights are set for November 25 with the opening, followed by action on November 26, December 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, 23 and 26 the grand finale. The first prize is $400,000 along with trophies and replicas. The second placed team will claim $150,000 and trophy, third $75,000 and trophy and fourth place will collect a trophy. Other prizes are on offer for the MVP, Best goalkeeper and Best young player. Exhibition contests featuring Promoters versus the Referees, Taxi Drivers against Mini Bus drivers and a specially arranged Media contest is also on the cards. Other sponsors include main sponsor, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Ansa McAl, Cell Smart, Sankar’s Auto Works and Bumper to Bumper Auto Services.

Vickash Persaud (left) Senior Rep and Marlon Hendricks (right) Agency Manager of Nalico Nafico, present the Female 1st Place Trophy to Aubrey Major Jnr., New Era Director.

Kaieteur News

Thursday November 17, 2016

PAGE 31

Neighbours St. Angela’s and St. Agnes promise riveting finale

St. Angela’s in action against St. Pius during the semis will look to do as they did in this game and win. By Rawle Welch Now that the dust has settled and the two finalists decided, all connected to the two combatants, defending champion St. Angela’s and neighbours St. Agnes could brace themselves for a riveting conclusion to this year’s Courts Pee Wee Schools Football Competition on Sunday, at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. However, before their mouth watering clash, 2013 champion St. Pius will battle the luckless West Ruimveldt in a third place playoff, an encounter that also promises to be full of action. In the championship game, the two teams made it to this juncture after recording similar 1-0 victories against their respective opponents in hard fought encounters so right away one could see that they are battle tested sides that are difficult to breakdown. They also possess players with exceptional individual talent who could turn a game on its side, but this view should not take away from the fact that what has made them so hard to beat is that they play very good team ball and usually stick to game strategy. The defending champion St. Angela’s have rightly been installed as favourites to win the title once again and if they do, it will mark the first time that any school in the competition’s short history has done so. This team have shown a

propensity to make full use of the calibre of players it has at its disposal and many teams throughout the competition have felt the full brunt of their attacking prowess, while their defensive tenacity that was on full display in their semifinal clash against a spirited St. Pius unit is just as potent. Once again Seon Cato, who has fired in ten goals to date will no doubt be the main focus of their attack, while Antwoine Vincent, Antonio McArthur and Omarie Nelson are just as lethal in the attacking third. On the other hand, St. Agnes have shown that they are just as resilient on both ends of the field and while their margin of victory over a tough West Ruimveldt unit in their semi-final showdown was a slim one, edging them 1-0, they too demonstrated that they could shut shop when necessary. They’ve already gained the attention of many teams after knocking off quite a few traditional powerhouses and underestimating them could prove perilous for the reigning champs. It is no secret that their strength lies in their defence, having conceded just one goal so far and that occurred in the group stages so one could see immediately that piercing their backline is easier said than done. David Xavier and Nikhail Carter has been the architects of most of their wins as evidenced when the latter rose high in the air to

St. Agnes beat West Ruimveldt in the semis and will also be gunning to stop St. Angela’s in the final. h e a d p a s t t h e We s t Ruimveldt custodian for the decider. What is certain is that both teams are very good defensively, while St. Angela’s hold the edge in attack, but with the championship and bragging rights on the line both teams will believe that no one holds the advantage. The third place playoff is significant for both teams who must be feeling

disappointed after losing close encounters and this emotion could provide the impetus for an enthralling confrontation. Both teams are from the South Ward and it is widely known that a number of the country’s best footballers reside in the various communities that make up the location so expect a showcase of skills. St. Pius is a school that has experienced the joy of

lifting the championship trophy and while they will not be playing for such would still like to end the journey on a positive note. Dwayne Baptiste and Kaden Wellington are the players on whose shoulders the burden will be to engineer a win. On the other hand, West Ruimveldt, a team that have reached to this stage in almost every edition must be determined more than ever

to gain some respectability after faltering at the penultimate hurdle once again. Kevin Mentis, Tafrel McAllister, Tyrese Jeffrey and Kenneth Gordon will be in charge of their quest to set up a victory. The third place starts at 14:00 hrs, while final is set for one hour later. Before these two games, action for the minor positions will commence from 11:00 hrs.

t r o Sp Sri Lanka v West Indies, tri-nation series, Harare

Birthday fifty for Carter as Windies win opener P.28

Jason Holder leads West Indies off the field after their 62-run win, Sri Lanka v West Indies, Zimbabwe tri-series, Harare, ©AFP

GFF Grassroots Festival launched

Jonathan Carter tries to run one down to third man, Sri Lanka v West Indies, Zimbabwe tri-series, Harare, ©AFP

Third straight defeat leaves Windies Women sweating P.28

P.25

GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood speaks to the media, while Technical Development officer Lyndon France (left) and Communication and Public Relations Officer Debra Francis listen.

Kycia Knight … struck form with a top score of 55.

Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210