Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR

A lesson for Guyana... Tuesday Edition

Trinidad has become a NEWS captive state; companies do what they want and get away with it

November 19, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 48

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

- Local content Expert, Anthony Paul

Online readership yesterday 103,365

Guyana to repay its single

largest debt in history ($10B) in two years

…as Hess brags on financial returns from Stabroek Block post-2022

Troy Resources sacks over 300 employees …union mulls court action

p.

11

Despite its operation being shut down, Troy Resources was last weekend still conducting additional exploration activities. Inset is CEO, Ken Nilsson

Bicycle bandits Sheriff St./ IDB suspends CANU rank Mandela shot during stab Venezuelan Ave. project… payments to anti-smuggling man to death Chinese contractor operation during robbery - badly executed project posed significant safety risks - Minister Patterson at Mahaica

Some CARICOM countries want amendment to Common External Tariff for certain products

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Man gets life sentence for beheading uncle - shouts “freedom is a must” while leaving courtroom

E

ven though 28year-old Dwayne Ta p p i n w a s sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 40 years, he shouted, “Freedom is a must” as he was being escorted out of a courtroom to begin serving the jail time.

The sentence was imposed by Justice Sandil Kissoon yesterday at the High Court in Demerara where Tappin had been on trial for the murder of his 51year-old uncle, Randolph Seenauth. Tappin chopped off his uncle's head with a cutlass.

According to the indictment presented by State Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore, Tappin murdered his uncle on August 6, 2017, at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

Tappin had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge and even after he was found guilty, he maintained his innocence. Shortly after the murder had occurred, Police

Sentenced to life: Dwayne Tappin

Commander Calvin Brutus had told reporters at the scene that Seenauth and his nephew lived in separate apartments on the plot of land.

He said that around

04:30hrs neighbours heard a loud commotion coming from one of the apartments at 125 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. The place was silent for a few minutes, which led them to suspect

that something was amiss.

Neighbours then called out for Seenauth but got no response.

They later contacted the Sparendaam Police Station.

Police ranks arrived shortly after and upon pushing the front door to Seenauth's apartment, found his head lying in a passageway between the living room and kitchen. Further checks were made in the apartment and the rest of the man's body was discovered on a mattress in the bedroom.

Furthermore, in a caution statement, Tappin told detectives: “Sir this is what happen. Me guh at me uncle at Lot 125 South Better Hope, where meh mother use to live, but me mother move out and I get a key for the house…Every time I go there, he [Seenauth] always attacking me when I go there. When I go there this morning, he attack me with a cutlass after I open the door with me key…

“I suspect he was drunk

Death

Announcement The death is announced of the late Former Chief Justice

Ian Chang who died on Saturday Nov 16, 2019

Husband of Penny; Brother of Roy, Joan, Trevor, Wendy, Andrew and the late Ivor.

The funeral for our beloved Ian Chang will be held at The Brickdam Cathedral today, Tuesday November 19th.

Viewing will commence at 1pm, followed by the service at 2pm.

so I tek way the cutlass from he and fire three chops…I then throw way the cutlass in the cane field at the back of Better Hope.”

At his sentencing hearing yesterday, a Probation Officer told the court that Tappin expressed that he is saddened by the passing of his uncle.

It was revealed in a probation report that Tappin dropped out of school in fourth form to pursue his passion of cattle rearing. He later enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force but was dismissed as he was occasionally absent without permission. According to the Probation Officer,

neighbours described Tappin as a pleasant, hardworking and caring man.

However, the Probation Officer added that neighbours also complained that there was a constant battle between Tappin and his uncle, especially when they were intoxicated. The probation report noted that Tappin has no previous convictions.

The Probation Officer further said that from interactions with Tappin, she is confident that he can be rehabilitated. Justice Kissoon ordered that the murder convict be exposed to rehabilitative programs during incarceration.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 03

Some CARICOM countries want amendment to Common External Tariff for certain products

T

he Council for Trade and E c o n o m i c Development (COTED) has been receiving a concerning number of requests for the suspension of the region's common external tariff (CET) for certain products.

This is according to the Chair of the 49th meeting of the Council, Francine Baron.

Baron, who is Dominica's Minister of Foreign and CARICOM affairs, addressed the opening of the two-day meeting yesterday, at the Pegasus Hotel.

She warned that the community must consider, with care, the number of requests being made for the CET suspensions, between meetings of COTED as well as during the meeting itself.

She said that the requests are especially concerning because they are “premised on the inability of the region to supply.”

During the workshop, the foreign ministers representing all the CARICOM states are expected to focus on the

ability of certain member states to satisfy regional demand of certain products, particularly Grenada and Dominica, Baron told the opening ceremony.

She said that the supplication of sufficient quantity to meet the consumption needs of the region should be applauded and encouraged.

There is a need to examine critically the implications of those requests, and to let them guide the region's development of policies related to investmen t in regional productivity and manufacturing, Baron told her fellow foreign ministers.

One implication of the requests has recently been raised by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI): the effect of a waiver on competition.

Former GCCI President, Deodat Indar told the press during a meeting last week that the element of the CET has a significant impact on the cost of goods.

For instance, Trinidad and

Appeal Court overturns child rape conviction

A

retrial has been ordered for 60year-old Kevin Jordan whose rape conviction and 18 years jail sentence were overturned by the Court of Appeal yesterday. In 2015, Jordan faced a High Court trial for allegedly sodomizing a seven-year-old boy on November 2, 2007 at his High and Broad Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown business place.

He was found guilty by a jury and subsequently sentenced to time behind bars by Justice Dawn Gregory.

Dissatisfied with the High Court judgment, Jordan through his lawyer, Dexter Todd, moved to the Court of Appeal where he argued for the conviction and sentence to be set aside on the ground that the jury's verdict was not given within the time frame prescribed in statute. Todd argued that the jury had to deliberate for at least two hours, but in Jordan's case, only did so for some one hour and 20 minutes.

In this regard, the lawyer submitted that a grave error was committed, as there is uncertainty if the jury

Kevin Jordan adequately deliberated on the facts of the case. Senior State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings conceded with Todd's contention. The Court of Appeal consisting of Chief Justice Roxane George, Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud and additional Judge of the High Court were in agreement with this ground.

In the circumstances, the appeal was allowed: Jordan's conviction and sentence were overturned and his case was remitted to the High Court for a retrial at the next session of the Demerara assizes. Jordan is currently out on $1M bail.

Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dominica, Francine Baron, is chair of the 49th COTED meeting Tobago has reportedly requested that the CETs be removed from safety equipment. If the CETs are removed from that

equipment, with nothing telling companies that they should give local businesses first preference, it is likely that local suppliers would

run to Trinidad to buy their equipment, because they'll see an opportunity to save money. Indar said that “everything the Trinidad government asked for in terms of CET or any item, whether it is manufactured goods or tradable goods, Guyana will be asking for likewise treatment, because if their cost is going to reduce, Guyanese cost has to reduce…”

COTED is set to consider proposals for the strengthening of the implementation of a feature of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas which deals with provisions for disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors. That aspect of the treaty is meant to establish a regime to ensure fairness within the community.

This is just one of several sore issues that have to be examined by COTED. Baron said that issues pertaining to trading goods will be discussed.

COTED is particularly expected to make important policy decisions on the trade of animals and animal products, the issue of the substitutability of plantation white sugar for refined sugar in manufactured goods produced in the region. Baron told the gathering that the forum will discuss seeking administrative and legislative amendments concerning the movement of persons, particularly those who are skilled, throughout the region.

She also said that the issue of climate change and its effect on trade has been placed on the agenda, thanks to Barbados.

Murdered gold miner case…

Eight defendants further remanded

S

ome statements have been served to the eight persons charged in relation to the murder of prominent gold miner, Deon 'Mow' Stoll. Four were charged with murder while the others, who all appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, were charged with accessory to murder.

Charged with murder in the course or furtherance of a robbery committed on Deon Stoll, are Shane “Demon” Morgan called 'Delon Morgan', Roberto Sankar, Wayne St. Hill and Steve Rollox.

The incident took place on October 14, last at Da

Silva Street Newtown Kitty.

Odessa St. Hill, called 'Baby', Dr. Alanzo De Santos, Duncan Vanvield called 'Blackboy' and Keith McKenzie, were charged with accessory after the fact.

After being served with their statements all were once again remanded to prison until later this month.

The brazen attack on Stoll occurred shortly after 10:00 hrs in front of El Dorado Trading, a gold dealer. Security videos showed a Toyota 212, later determined to be a vehicle in which Stoll was seated, pull into the driveway of El Dorado. Another car following closely behind pulled up and two masked men ran out.

They converged on Stoll's car - one to the passenger side where the businessman was seated and the other to the driver's side.

The driver was seen getting out of the car and wrestling with one of the masked men.

On the other side, Stoll and the other bandit started to shoot at each other. The gunman was seen falling twice while retreating to the getaway car.

Both he and the other bandit abandoned their attempts. The video later showed the wounded Stoll clutching his side. Police subsequently impounded the alleged getaway car at Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara.

In relation to Dr. De

Santos, the police claimed to have video evidence in which the defendant admitted to assisting Morgan with a gunshot injury.

Also it was noted that Odessa St Hill, the cousin of the defendants, had taken the doctor from his home to treat her cousin.

The alleged getaway driver, Steve Rollox, was reportedly arrested gambling at the Princess Casino, Providence. The police had issued wanted bulletins for Lennox Estwick, 23, from Linden, and Morgan.

Morgan was captured at a roadblock at Cove and John, East Coast of Demerara. He was believed to have been making a dash for neighbouring Suriname.

PAGE 4

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

An extension of office would be in order Mayor Ubraj Narine is up for internal consideration in less than a month’s time, for continuation or otherwise in his office as leader of the municipality and capital city of Georgetown. Barring any December surprise (there was one last year), the incumbent mayor looks tipped to enjoy an extension of office.

From the perch of this publication, Mayor Narine has had a few hiccups and missteps, which come from several factors. He was thrust into an environment that is as old as sin, and maybe even more scarlet. The mere mention of thinking of addressing, by way of changing the established ways of doing things, of serving the longsuffering ratepayers and residents of the city, raises alarms, leads to rigid resistance. The resistances can be open and defiant, or crafty and behind-the-back, but they are always present, whether subtle or sullenly in-the-face. And for emphasis, this is simply the thinking of approaching things and responsibilities differently. For that is war.

Thus, His Worship has had a steep and difficult learning curve in his introductory days, through an apprenticeship that was unsparing. The astonishing newspaper reports relay only part of the tale. But, as most likely many citizens will agree, the young mayor - in age and experience - has conducted himself satisfactorily on a number of fronts. It is admitted that this is a guarded recognition, a sparse word, of the yeoman effort that he has put in on a daily basis. That he has done so without flinching before the forces arrayed is a testimony to his resolve to serve honourably, to deliver commendably.For the forces lined up against the mayor, and by extension any whispers of changing the ways things are done, of moving matters to a different plain, includes more than the internal dinosaurs and bureaucratic relics of the continuing Guyanese Stone Age of indifference and visionary destitution and strategic negating. Why contemplate and then introduce change when it could be costly? Don’t go anywhere near such draining obligations; draining, but fair and due, chronically overdue.This is the contention of those on the outside, who are part of the commercial and residential architecture of the capital, which is this contradiction of high rises and high eyesores, lowlifes with the lowest of intentions.

As evidence, there is the record of those, who are in arrears, but have no issue with denouncing the standards that prevail for drainage and garbage collection and street cleaning and market security. Those with unzipped lips, who form a loud part of the chorus of critics, conveniently neglect to remember that they owe. They owe the city monies due, lots of monies, as in tens of millions, which when added together could go a far way to making this once Garden City a better place, if not actually aspire and return to some semblance of its once pristine beauty and tranquility.Mayor Narine has made a start, a spirited one it has been, despite the odds, despite the bickering and squabbling, despite the threadbare treasury, despite the efforts of those who like things just the way they are, since they are so personally enriching. It is the handiwork of the unscrupulous and uncooperative and unsavory.

They may withhold (money or documents), they may pretend (at memory lapse or poor business returns), they may prevaricate (foot dragging and stonewalling). But when a man is determined to overcome, he usually does, and when there is a nucleus of spiritual and philosophical brethren within, admittedly still small, then both the will is found and a way out of the morass is carved out.

The mayor has a solid deputy, who has been content, from all public observances, to support robustly, and should be retained in that capacity. The same may be said of a few of the pivotal committees, which have conducted the internal refinements as to standards and values that must be brought to bear and then made to become the very culture of the organization that is incorporated under the broad, all-purpose umbrella of City Hall. Perhaps a reconfiguring here and there, especially of audit oversight would be timely and should be given serious weight.

Mayor Narine and most of his team should be returned on December 12.

Roopnarine’s silence on role of quashing the 2005 was agreed that, yes, we Guyana have accused the ployed. This should be corRodney CoI itwould have a Commission of WPA of betrayal, suggesting rected as he was not unemDEAR EDITOR, Mrs Patricia Rodneys recent call for the Government of Guyana to make public the COI report into Walter Rodney’s death has led to a flurry of letters in the Guyana media, a few from the WPA. One issue that came up in Mrs Rodneys London speech concerns events surrounding the government in 2005 agreeing to have an inquiry into Walters death.

Mrs Rodney was in Guyana in 2005 for the 25th anniversary of Walters assassination.

This is what she said in her London speech: “I was in Guyana attending an international conference on Walter,

Inquiry; by the time I got back to Atlanta, I dont know what happened, but it was quashed.”

Mrs Rodney in her usual dignified manner did not point a finger or mention names. But it is public knowledge that Rupert Roopnaraine, a leading WPA member, was tasked with developing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the inquiry.

It is well known that the WPA was consistent in its call from 1980 for an inquiry in Walters death. The burning questing is why did Dr. Roopnaraine not carry out this vital task; why was the intended inquiry quashed?

Various commentators in

that the inquiry in 2005 was deliberately sabotaged by the WPA. The reason suggested for this betrayal of Rodney was the WPAs desire, at the time, to form an alliance with the PNCR. This is a very serious accusation that, to our knowledge, was never seriously dealt with by the WPA. If the WPA is serious in its contention that it remains a Rodneyite party, it needs to properly address this issue.

We also note that Mrs. Rodney made some other demands in her London speech, which need to be reinforced: Walters death certificate states that he was unem-

ployed at the time of his assassination.

The fraudulent inquest in 1988 held by the Hoyte government concluded that Walter died of misadventure.

We know from the 2014 COI that his death was a state-sponsored killing.

This too should be corrected.The conviction of Donald Rodney, which still stands, should be removed.

There should be compensation for Rodneys immediate family, including Donald Rodney.

Leland De Cambra and Anne Braithwaite Founding members, former WPA Support Group UK

Conflicting views from Govt. on GuySuCo DEAR EDITOR, The GAWU saw reports appearing recently in the media regarding responses of officials from the PNCR and the AFC with regards to questions posed by the media about the wage freeze imposed on sugar workers since the Coalition took office in 2015.

While the responses by the leading officials are not identical they are very similar.

If a person was reading about the state of the sugar industry for the first time, they would no doubt believe, the caretaker Government was an angel and had clean hands.

This, of course, we know is really far from the truth.

According to one report, AFC Treasurer, Dominic Gaskin, said Government should not be held responsible for the withholding of the pay rises to sugar workers. He is quoted as saying “GuySuCo is governed by a board of directors and if that Board of Directors decided that they can give a raise in pay that is entirely within their remit to do so.”

But, it was correctly pointed out that the Board is appointed by the Government and, therefore, a creature of the administration, it will be guided, obviously, by the instructions and guidance of the Government.

Whats interesting is that the GuySuCo board apparently has leeway to grant increases but other state agencies which can afford to offer pay increases in excess of what is approved for public servants must swallow hook, line and sinker the Government-imposed increases.

Why two different yardsticks we wonder? Moreover, we do not believe that the Government, if it is really concerned about the plight of sugar workers who are their employees, would not engage the Board and other

GuySuCo officials in finding a way to provide the workers a pay rise.

The apparent fact that this hasnt been done only confirms further that the Government really doesnt care about sugar workers and their valid and varied troubles.

Mr Gaskin, we did recognize to have said that he felt “…we can all do with a raise in pay but I do not know what sugar workers earn”.

Certainly, in our view sugar workers are more than deserving and require a rise in pay. It is sad to know that Mr Gaskin, who occupied a high-ranking Government post, is unaware of what sugar workers earnings look like.We hasten to point out such information he can probably get by one call to his colleague Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder.According to the PNCRs Chairperson, Volda Lawrence, “…all the

workers of GuySuCo… theyve never been left behind…”

It appears the PNC Chairperson did not understand the question as her sentiment is in direct and clear contrast to what the media posed.

The reality is that we are at the threshold of 2020 but sugar workers wages are stuck in 2014. Using Lawrences term, the sugar workers have been left behind and far behind for that matter.

The Chairperson went on to say: “Im certain that the Board of Directors would have indicated to all management who have the responsibility to speak with the workers within their domain or under their supervision about the future of GuySuCo and what theyre doing presently…”

It seems that Volda Lawrence has not been keenly following the news, though as a high ranking

state official she ought to be.

Was she in sync with the news, her certainty as she put it, would have been withheld as a meeting to discuss the industrys long and short term strategies was abandoned when the sugar unions used the opportunity to express strongly and forthrightly the crying plight of the sugar workers.

She would also know that the GAWU has been lamenting in the media for many months that its effort to engage the GuySuCo on its future direction has not seen a reciprocal response from the Corporation.

While that is important and the union is still eagerly anticipating it would meet GuySuCo on its direction, it does not negate that sugar workers need a pay rise now and in the future as well. How does Ms Lawrence and clique (Continued on page 5)

Hypocrisy with the private sector?

DEAR EDITOR, I read with shock and disdain, recent comments from Nicholas Boyer, President of the city Chamber of Commerce, regarding land allocation in Guyana by the current Government.

Mr. Boyer and his colleagues at the chamber appeared to be very upset that Unicon, a Guyanese-led company with previous stints in the agriculture sector right here in Guyana was able to get a lease for 700 acres at Wales.

Implied in his comments to reporters also, were some very false facts pertaining to a Mr. Kirk Hollingsworths alleged award of several thousand acres in the Ruimveldt district and areas south and east of Ruimveldt. As we all know, that story or allocation proved to be a massive falsehood but it was the speed with which the chamber called

for transparency and fair play in land allocation that obviously caught my attention.

To me Mr. Editor, Mr. Boyer and his associates at that august body should be the last to speak about transparency in land allocation.

Members of the chamber and its sister organizations making up the Private Sector Commission, were mum and obviously gagged themselves into quietude when the Jagdeo and Ramotar administrations had dished out large acreages of prime seaside lands to persons right in the PSC.It is ironic who is complaining now.

Neither the chamber nor the PSC said anything when Jagdeo dished out large plots of land. In my research on the topic, I came across a Kaieteur News piece dated January 27, 2016.

In that article, top officials

at GuySuCo complained bitterly that the corporation in one instance, lost out on a whooping US$20M deal to sell off lands because top officials back then had intervened, blocked the sale of the land and awarded them to close associates.

GuySuCo said that it could have been in a much better financial position had it been allowed to freely dispose of its lands by public tender but this was not to be as the bigger boys in power back then moved against it.

The rest is history and Guyanese should remind the chamber and its friends in no uncertain manner that the only people who had c o m p l a i n e d a b o u t l and sales back then were the media and the opposition, not the chamber or the PSC. What a tangled web these folks weave today.

Winston Mars

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Shameless PNCR false claims show made by the Coalitions Deputy Chief rigging intent Scrutineer in the region, Carol Joseph, who DEAR EDITOR, The PNCR has no shame as rigging is in its DNA. The PNCR has always believed in staying in power by any means necessary. President David Granger and the PNCR owe the nation an explanation why they filed so many thousands of improper objections to names on the list, and the media must hold them accountable. The PNCRs attempts to remove 13,000 names of largely PPP supporters in Region 5, a PPP stronghold, show what has been its strategy all along - to remove valid PPP names from the Voters List - knowing it cannot win a fair and free election.

The House-to-House registration authorized by illegally appointed Chairman of GECOM, James Patterson, and hastened by the elections chief who was in a slumber since December 2018 and did nothing to continuously update the Elections List, was a smokescreen to mess with the list. The same with wanting to remove names of those who did not collect their ID cards.

Luckily, with strong PPP agitation (the newbie “paper” parties were nowhere to be seen), the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has rejected objections to a total of over 13,000 names being on the voters list in Region Five.

Now, calls are being sounded for those making the false objections to be charged.

It is reported that these objections were

failed to show up at the hearing.

She was also an APNU+AFC councilor who, it was disclosed, was acquiring excessive pain-killing medication from the clinics.

Instead of being praised for her action, the whistleblower nurse was transferred.

Knowing that it has lost support as seen by the PPP trashing them at the 2016 and 2018 Local Government elections by 25,000 and 45,000 votes respectively, the PNC knows it must use all tricks to disenfranchise PPP voters. It is using its commissioners at GECOM to help in this quest, but hopefully, the Chair would put an end to these tricks.

The PPP must be prepared for many elections day gimmicks meant to deny its supporters the right to vote. It must be organized with attorneys and party officials in every region to deal with elections day irregularities, and secure solid arrangements from GECOM to have elections day problems addressed speedily.

The PPP must agitate for many international and local elections day observers. This is the PPPs burden to do as the new “paper” parties are clueless about these things.

It is clear the PNCR hopes to rig the elections and they must be stopped at all costs.

They have rigged an extra 15 moths of extension in government after being defeated in the No Confidence Vote, but their day of reckoning is coming on March 2, 2020.

Jerry Singh

PLEASE DISSOLVE PARLIAMENT DEAR EDITOR, Dissolving Parliament must not be held at ransom at the whims and fancies of a caretaker President.

I read with utter disgust the words of former Minister of State and now DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency saying that, “the President has not yet signaled when he plans to issue a proclamation in this regard” i.e. to dissolve Parliament.

Well Mr. Director-General, the time to dissolve Parliament was since December 2018 and your caretaker government has the temerity to tell the Guyanese people after one year that the caretaker President would dissolve parliament at his time of choosing, supposedly of eventualities and neither pontification of any merit.

Well, for your information, and just to reiterate the indefatigable fact that 49.4% of the

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

electorates in the 2015 general elections (of course that percentage was according to GECOMs final results which is still questionable until the PPP elections petition case is heard) have been very patient thus far and exercising restraint towards your illegal and undemocratic government.

Further, you people need to be reminded that the PNCR/APNU-led coalition government assumed office in May 2015 by a 0.6% (4,506) of the votes lacking a simple majority of 51% (compliments of GECOM a new meaning; Giving Enormous Conclusions On Mediocracy) and won Administrative Region 8 by one vote at the National Elections which saved the APNU+AFC coalition government from being a minority in the National Assembly when there are countless spoiled votes for the PPP

which were never recounted and even though the PPP won the regional elections to take control of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).

For edificatory purposes, it should be known as a caretaker under any conditions, you dont own something when it belongs to somebody else- likewise a government dont own a country, so the PNCR and its functionaries should not attempt to impose and pose as the rightful owner of Guyana.

Accordingly, let good sense and political maturity prevail at this time and as such, the caretaker President must dissolve parliament by proclamation on or before December 4, 2019 allowing 90 days up to March 2, 2020 for holding of General Elections and let the Guyanese people choose a new government.

Paul Ramrattan

DO MORE? DEAR EDITOR, GT&Ts pronounced motto is: DO MORE. An aspiration that is substantively honoured in the breach. For certainly, it delivers less in recent months in terms of billing.

The latest version defies customers expectations of being able to verify that individual charges are indeed correct. GT&T does even more the name of the customer is deleted from the bill, and he/ she becomes an automated (if not robotic) account number without reference to the variations of charges.

The message is that the customer is as nameless as GT&Ts customer service is impersonal and unidentifiable.

It becomes an irony that the Communications section of a Telecommunications service barely provides for human connection, even though

the recording pretends that you are an important customer, but you will have to wait for a response for an indefinite period.

No provision so made for the fact that a significant percentage of customers (particularly senior citizens) who have to stand in interminable lines, because they are not online, without accommodation for the physically indisposed.

Why does one harbour the impression that there exists an official commitment to address and correct this environment of a monopoly?Why do the customers, whose payments of undisclosed charges sustain this very organisation, have to suffer its arrogance?

Why is it being ignored that, in addition to being customers, we are also citizens who have legal (constitutional) rights?

It could not be that corpo-

rate entities, and public sector agencies, are also treated as numbered accounts?

One wonders whether there is an explicit degree of accountability by GT&T to the Public Utilities Commission, and for that matter, what progress is being made by the PUC in deconstructing the monopoly framework?

Interestingly enough, there is a Ministry of Public Telecommunications, when in fact the service providers are private agencies; with Government understood to having miniscule shareholding in GT&T. That does not say that the former should not be eligible to be part of the policy-making of an entity which is yet to be transitioned.

On behalf of customers and citizens who deserve to be appropriately respected, Please Do More E.B. John

Conflicting views from Govt. on GuySuCo From page 4 expect them and their families to survive when they do not enjoy the cushy benefits that she and her colleagues, in the state, receive.

While the statements by the Coalition officials are recognized and noted, they must be seen for what they really are. Rather than seeking to right the wrong and to bring justice to the sugar workers, they have found a scapegoat in the GuySuCo Board which they had a hand in appointing. Its an unconvincing excuse coming from two senior political officials in the administration. Do they really expect sugar workers to accept that excuse?

If they are then they must really think the workers are idiots.The Government and the Coalition parties should not behave like they are unspoilt. They have had a major hand in the state of the sugar industry.

They have ignored their own Commission of Inquiry report to not close estates.

They have closed their minds to the real possibilities for the industrys successful turnaround.

They have, without any credible examination, put 7,000 workers on the

breadline. They have disregarded the workers right to severance- an injustice corrected after the Courts intervention. They have borrowed billions in the name of the industry without a real plan and have mortgaged the Guyanese people assets to secure the loan.

So today, to seek to convince that they really had the sugar workers in heart and in mind is simply to add insult to injury.

Seepaul Narine General Secretary of the GAWU

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

GIPEX IS A FESTIVAL OF GREED DEAR EDITOR, Hordes of ‘Carpetbaggers’ will gather at the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition” (GIPEX-2019) to feast on Guyana’s oil economy.

On Wednesday 20th 10:25 hrs - 10:40 hrs, they will be welcomed and feted during the opening address by His Excellency, Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Granger will forego the shame of his ‘caretaker’ status to seek to be the center of attention. Granger should know that this is not a gathering of benevolent businessmen.

This is a gathering of predators, foreign and domestic, that will use every word he utters to their advantage.

A caretaker president cannot offer any policy direction or enter any binding agreements, should Granger offer any loopholes or incentives in his speech or subsequent interaction with GIPEX participants, Guyanese will have to

enter massive legal battles to extricate ourselves and no doubt face a hefty legal bill to so do.

Granger’s hubris; his love of pomp, ceremony, and attention will cost us all our future well-being.

Granger should be aware by now that GIPEX 2019 has been organized by a shell company with ties to a minister, instead of the Department of Events within the Ministry of the Presidency. Granger cannot claim to ‘not know’ of this instance of corruption as he has with the countless previous incidents.

The question of if David Granger comes to this event with clean hands must be asked.

Despite being dubbed an official Government of Guyana event, GIPEX’s primary purpose is to expose opportunities available for those looking to invest in our oil sector; it should not be organized by a private company.

GIPEX is not an expo, it is a festival of greed with those in attendance all looking out

for self-interest, this is networking love-fest designed share the spoils of oil and divvy up the Guyanese patrimony.Even the biggest critics of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, understand that it would never allow the wholesale exploitation of our patrimony that is taking place before our eyes.

The PPP would not participate in an event inimical to Guyanese interests.

That said, citizens should not wait on any political party to organize protests of this odious event; we must take back our rights from the Granger cabal.

They have already signed away billions in royalties for a mere US$18M bonus which they then tried to steal.

We cannot trust them an inch- Guyanese have to represent themselves.

We know the time and place of the transgression- we need to stand up to this sellout of our fledgling oil economy before it is fully formed.

Robin Singh

PPPs hypocrisy is now on open display DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the Peoples Progressive Partys (PPP) claim that the APNU+AFC Coalition administration is attempting to disenfranchise Guyanese voters.

The dishonest and deliberately untruthful assertion was made by that partys General Secretary during his weekly rant that the PPP tries to pass off as a press conference.

Editor, I am confident that Guyanese know better than to

accept or believe such lies.

After all, the PPPs record of deceit, dishonesty, misinformation, and attempts at division speaks volumes about that partys total lack of credibility.

Editor, all things considered, one simply expects the PPP to lie.Editor, with regard to disenfranchisement, may I remind that it is the PPP that encouraged its supporters to boycott the registration process.

That boycott may have

disenfranchised many young voters. Further, the PPP, by insisting on an election based on a flawed list, is clearly attempting to get into power by dishonest means.

Evidently, one cannot have credible elections if the list on which the entire process is based is flawed.

The PPPs hypocrisy is now on open display. The PPP is accusing the Coalition of something of which that dishonest party is clearly guilty.

Editor, I need not say more; the evidence is right in front of the eyes of every Guyanese. I am sure that my Guyanese brothers and sisters can see right through the untrustworthy PPP. Mark DaCosta

Tuesday November 19, 2019

FITUG condemns Boliva coup, happy with deeply disappointed to of the media and the backLulas release fore, learn that President Morales, ward section of the military

DEAR EDITOR, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) continues to keep a keen eye on developments on our continent recognizing their implications for our people and indeed all peoples of the world.

Latin America and the Caribbean, we have recognised, has been a central arena in the ongoing global pursuits for dominance and hegemony.

While the entire region was once subjugated by imperial forces and their allies, in recent times, we have seen sustained efforts to break free from the chains of domination and exploitation and to create a world based on justice and equality, respect and fairness.

These victories, while laudable, have not been without hitch and we have borne witness to various intrigues and machinations to undermine the several people-centered advancements that have been scored.One such bastion of progress has been Bolivia.

Following the election of Evo Morales in 2006 as President, several noteworthy advancements were recorded.

Under Morales, the country has made great strides in economic development, safe guarding national sovereignty, womens and indigenous rights, respect for the environment, improvement in the peoples standard of living, the improvement in education, and health care.

The countrys economy has grown on average by five per cent per annum since 2006 as compared to 2.6 per cent between 1951 and 2005 and has seen some two million Bolivians escaping poverty.

Even the World Bank has recognized the country as world champion in income growth for the poorest 40 per cent of its population.

The FITUG was, there-

like other like-minded leaders of the region, has been removed from office by what are clearly undemocratic means.

The removal of a democratically elected leader other than by the free will and expression of the people cannot withstand any litmus test.

The use of local reactionary forces, aided and abetted by external actors, to unleash violence and intimidation to remove a progressive, proworking people government cannot be condoned. The Federation strongly condemns the coup in Bolivia and expresses its solidarity with Evo Morales and his party the Movement for Socialism (MAS).While disheartened by the obviously backward turn of events in Bolivia, the FITUG, on the other hand is heartened by the release from incarceration of former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva.

His release after a year-and-ahalf in confinement represents a significant victory for the Brazilian downtrodden and dispossessed who scored several gains during the rule of Lulas Workers Party. Like Morales, Lula distanced Brazil from the failed neo-liberal policies and championed policies which promoted equality, poverty reduction and social improvement.Brazils success under Lula was widely celebrated but earned for himself the chagrin of the ruling classes and their external backers who have become accustomed to their exploitative practices and ways. It was incredulous, and for us unbelievable, that Lula, who commands such great respect and much admiration by not only millions of his countrymen and women but the downtrodden and democratic forces across the world, has been brazenly hounded by the economic interests, both local and foreign, several sections

establishment to achieve their economic and political aims which they cannot secure from the ballot box. The FITUG saw those attempts as an ignoble attempt to tarnish and besmirch the proud legacy of President Lula whose Government and Party implemented policies has lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty, provided land to the landless and improved his countrys image on the world stage.We need to recall that the historic developments in South America whereby an anti-imperialist and pro-socialist movement emerged in the early years of the 21st century, and that by the year 2012 several outstanding progressive nationalist leaders had been elected to Government by the South American masses throughout the Region: Hugo Chavez in Venezuela; Evo Morales in Bolivia; Rafael Correa in Ecuador; Nestor and Cristina Kirchner in Argentina; Fernando Lugo Mendez in Paraguay; Lula in Brazil; Jose “Pepe” Mujica in Uruguay; Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua; and, of course, our own Cheddi Jagan in Guyana.

These victories, in several ways, supplemented Fidel Castros revolutionary Cuba, which had been carrying the banner of internationalism and socialist principles in the Americas and the Caribbean since 1959!For our region, this was a truly historic development which was an impetus for the steady transformation of the oppressive, exploitative societies foisted on us by the early colonial powers.

This indeed, was a tremendous breakthrough in the progressive, working-class movement for a new social order. The impressive results were there for all to see the millions of people who were lifted out of poverty and the hundreds of new socially uplifting programs and institutions that were birthed in virtually all of the countries in question, but especially in Venezuela, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua.Current development, especially in Bolivia, indicate that local reaction in partnership with international forces, are carrying out a counter offensive individual Countries. But, their victory can only be a tentative one.

The peoples will and the democratic forces will prevail.

They have history on their side.FITUG expresses solidarity with President Evo Morales and the democratic forces of Boliva even as we condemn forthwith the coup.

FITUG also expresses its satisfaction its joy and welcomes the release of iconic Latin American/Brazilian leader, Cde Lula da Silva.

FITUG

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Berbice farmers in race against time, as region runs out of cash The regional administration of Region Six says there is not a cent available to assist rice farmers in the region.

This was revealed by the Regional Chairman David Armogan yesterday during a telephone interview.

According to Armogan, while he had previously stated that the region would assist with ten million dollars together with ten million that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had pledged, that will not be the case.

He told Kaieteur News that “the REO spoke to me this morning (yesterday) and she has since indicated that there is no money available.

The budget had expired, but I had asked her to look to see if there is any other area where we could find the ten million.

She said she searched and she can’t find any, but these people are playing games with the livelihood of persons”.

Armogan is now predicting that NDIA’s ten million dollars will only last for a week and a half, and if there is no rain, then the rice farmers who have already invested will collide head-on with a major agriculture crisis.

Noting that this is the first time such has occurred, the Regional Chairman said that there are many contributing factors to the current situation that persons in authority are turning a blind eye to. He added that although there was a huge chunk chopped from the budget, there should have been money still available in emergency cases such as the current one.

“You see although there was a lot cut from the budget.

A lot of money was pushed into doing work in some of the traditional PNC areas like Sandvoort and certain parts on the East Bank Berbice, and those are new projects. I am not saying that work should not be done to develop, but

given that there was a huge cut in the budget already, and then there were instances where fuel had to be provided for buses to go Georgetown for some event last year for an entire month… all of that was not budgeted for, but money was found to do that”, he added.

Armogan further mentioned that there is a new system where fuel is put in “jars” from gas stations, and he had asked the Regional Executive Officer to provide a report every month as to how the fuel is being used, that he said has never been done.

Meanwhile, the Rice Producers Association is calling out Prime Minister (PM)’s representative Gobin Harbhajan and MP Barbara Pilgrim for their statements that the advice given to farmers to hold back on planting is “political”.

President of the RPA and large scale Berbice rice farmermiller Lekka Rambridge is asking “Harbhajan and Barbara Pilgrim will compensate farmers when they lose?”

Rambridge responding to the comments made in a recent article, told Kaieteur News that Harbhajan is being far from realistic. He added that “farmers are in anticipation that there would not be enough fuel. Why would I go and invest my money into a crop? Would Harbhajan pay me for the crop if I lose it? This is the question that needs to be asked. The Regional Chairman said it clear… ten million dollars will last for 10 days.

Who is going to pump the rest of water? But now the region says they have no money, so it is only ten million farmers will get from NDIA. How long you think that will last?”

According to the RPA President, persons would not idly make it their duty to tell farmers not to plant if there was no risk involved. He

stressed that it has been widely publicized that there is not enough fuel “now if we as farmers anticipate that there would not be enough money to buy fuel, how do we go into a crop with an uncertain mind if there would be enough water to finish the crop”. Rambridge is contending that farmers will lose millions, and he asked what guarantee the PM’s representative and the MP have that water would be supplied. The RPA is therefore advising farmers to be careful.

Rambridge further stated that while they are only giving advice to farmers, it is their choice whether they may want to continue and plant.

“We are not demanding anyone do anything, it is merely advice, and farmers have a right to take the advice or not, this has nothing to do with politics at our end”. He agreed with the Regional Chairman that if there is a dry spell, the monies that NDIA promised to assist with, along with what the region provides, could be used up in a short period of time.

Meanwhile, former Magistrate Krisendatt Persaud,

Regional 6 chairman, David Armogan who is also a large-scale miller on the Corentyne, has agreed with the RPA, and stated that farmers making the decision to plant would be”taking a risk”. He underscored that, “it is only fair what the RPA is advising, since there is no guarantee and farmers are not certain”. Persaud noted that

while Harbhajan tries, “he must not pronounce on things he has very little knowledge about”.

Another farmer who plants rice in the Number 5274 area, Ramlaghan Singh, who is also a member of the RPA, opined that while farmers are heading into planting

with a risk “the government have to provide adequate drainage and irrigation, because they collect a lot of taxes from rice farmers”. Singh stated that he has already expended one hundred thousand dollars on 50 acres of his land.

The Regional Chairman David Armogan had stated that NDIA has pledged to assist with ten million dollars for the purchase of fuel to work the pumps. He disclosed that it was announced at a board meeting held last Thursday.

However, Armogan had pointed out that “the region does not have sufficient funds to last till the end of the year, and if the weather continues to be dry from now until December, we don’t have sufficient money to buy fuel”. He had expressed concerns that if there is an extended dry weather period, farmers could stand the risk of losing millions, since it is expected that there would not be fuel to work the pumps for the remaining two weeks in December.

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

17 years for man who killed brother

Tuesday November 19, 2019

A lesson for Guyana...

Trinidad has become a captive state, companies do what they want and get away with it – Local content Expert, Anthony Paul

Killed: Dexter Jules

Convicted: Orin Jules

Orin Jules, 31, was yesterday sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for killing his brother, Dexter Jules, on June 18, 2016 at their Lot 634 “D” Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

Late last month, Orin Jules was arraigned before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Demerara. State Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore had presented a murder indictment against him. He, however, opted to plead

guilty to the lesser offence manslaughter.

According to reports, on the day in question, Orin Jules and his 23-year-old brother were involved in a heated argument over him entering a shop owned by the family. It was reported that he ran his brother down with a knife and stabbed him several times to the chest. The injured man was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

By Kiana Wilburg Despite their flashy promises, oil companies in Trinidad and Tobago have not been fully committed to developing local industries. Not only have they ignored the requirement for the participation of nationals, but they used several mechanisms to avoid the payment of billions of dollars in taxes. This was the bleak picture Trinidad and Tobagos Energy Minister; Franklin Khan painted to his countrymen and women at a forum titled “Spotlight in Energy.”

That was said in March 2018. But since then, things have only gone downhill, says Trinidadian Local Content Expert, Anthony Paul. During an interview on Kaieteur Radios Programme called, “Guyanas Oil and You” Paul said that Trinidads Energy story is one that holds several lessons for Guyana.

According to Paul, Trinidad has become a cap-

tive state; a place where the oil companies do as they please and get away with in the absence of consequences for those who do not institute the law.

Paul said, “To tell you the truth, I am saddened by the state of Trinidad. In fact, the Spotlight on Energy conference was called to bring tax avoidance by oil companies under the microscope. The Prime Minister and Ministers of Energy and Finance found that the companies were not paying their fair share of taxes and they were finding mechanisms to avoid it.”

T h e E n e rg y A d v i s o r added that the government even brought in international consultants to prove its case of tax avoidance by the companies.

But the most important point for Paul is why Trinidad even found itself in that position to begin with.

In this regard, the Chatham House Advisor highlighted that there is legislation as well as a mechanism in place to prevent tax avoidance by oil companies. He noted that there is a special committee that is meant to oversee that tax collection, but it has not functioned for over 15 years.

Even on the issue of local content, which speaks to the use of indigenous goods, skills and services,

TT Expert, Anthony Paul Paul pointed out that there is a failure to implement robust policies and regulations.

Paul said, “The Minister (Franklin Khan) talks about local content (requirements not being adhered to by oil companies).

But the truth is that we have strong local content regulations in place and if they were followed, we would have prevented that from happening. But the Ministries of Finance and Energy have not been implementing the legislation.”

He added, “So even though you want to put policy and legislation in place, if the regulator isnt accountable, and there is no consequence for inaction, then you are wasting time and the companies know that. I describe Trinidad as a captive state,

the companies can do what they want and get away with it, because that was last year March. Things have only gone downhill since then.”

Considering the foregoing, Paul stressed that it is in Guyanas interest to really examine the TT energy story from all angles, specifically as it relates to was done right, what did not work and why.

Providing more words of wisdom for Guyana, which is on the cusp of becoming a petro-state, Paul said it is essential for mechanisms to be put in place to ensure the process of decision making is transparent. He stressed that those making decisions must be held accountable while reiterating that there must be consequences for noncompliance with best practices.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

DO NOT PUNISH THE WORKERS Nothing depresses a person more than the humiliation of not being able to provide for his or her family. Ten years ago, a sugar worker was reduced to tears on Boxing Day because he could not buy toys for his children.

It is terrible thing for a man who is capable of work, to not be able to find work, especially at Christmas time. This is the season when a few extra bucks are needed to ensure that your family can have a nice Christmas.

Everyone looks forward to a nice Christmas. This often just involves people having a few dollars to prepare a sumptuous Christmas luncheon – a traditional Christmas pastime.

It is going to be a bleak Christmas for thousands of workers. A Chinese construction firm has been forced to terminate the services of its workers because of what it claims are problems with payments from its main client In the gold mining sector, Troy Resources is reportedly terminating the services of

more than 300 workers. The layoff is said to have resulted from financial difficulties being experienced by the company.

The downsizing of the company will have implications for gold production.

This is not a good sign, since other companies in the mining sector have been experiencing shortfalls in production. It may be a bad year for gold.

In the meantime, thousands of sugar workers have been told that they need to speak to Guysuco about a possible increase in salaries.

Guysuco is running low on funds and by referring them to their employers, the government is clearly shunning the sugar workers. The government is not interested in helping them, yet it will go and seek their votes in March next year.

For all of these workers, there will be no Santa Claus this year. For the sugar workers at Skeldon, Wales, Enmore and Canje, this will be a Christmas which they will

not want to recall.

And to think that if the government really wanted to help them, it could have done so. This is unkindest cut of all.

Nine years ago, the country faced a similar situation as what Troy Resources is facing at the moment. Barama, a forestry company, was forced to lay off some 274 workers after a boiler exploded.

The government at the time was concerned about the impact of the closure on workers. The then President Bharrat Jagdeo put together a special package for those sent home, including paying them $25,000 each per month, plus a training grant to allow them to retrain.

These little things mean a lot to workers. It helped many of them to rally over a difficult period. The same can now be done for the sugar workers who were terminated and who were punished further by having to wait on the terminal benefits.

Troy Resources is a private company as was Barama.

Dem boys seh ...

De cameras missing nuff things Dem have cameras all over de city. These cameras should allow de police to see everything wha happening.

If something happen in Water Street and de car drive to West Back Road dem have nuff cameras that bound to see de car when it passing.

Right away de police should get an idea wheh de car deh. But sometimes dem boys does wonder if dem cameras is not a big bluff.

Yesterday somebody do something and get away.

Dem boys hear a radio broadcast alerting every station and every patrol to look out fuh a PYY car. It suppose to be a black car.

Now if dem cameras wukking de police should be in a position to seh which

part de car pass and wheh it heading. Is either de cameras not wukking or nobody ain’t monitoring dem. And is not three cents cameras in de city.

Almost every house or business place got a set.

Cameras is a nice thing.

Dem don’t miss nutten. Once dem see something dem don’t close dem eyes. Dem ketch nuff crooks but only when private people use dem cameras. Of course, dem boys know bout dem cameras that deh in dem traffic lights. Dem ketch nuff people who jump de traffic light by calling dem in de police station and showing dem de video.

Is strange how most of de criminals does avoid de cameras. Dem does cover dem face wid cloth. Some does

wear hoodie. But dem have some things dem can’t hide.

Some of dem same criminals does stand out like a onefoot man in a ballroom competition.

Anodda thing that got dem boys wondering is how some people does escape de cameras. Dem see something pun social media that look like if people always deh round when these things happening. Dem video people robbing odda people; dem video people killing odda people but dem don’t video certain things like people selling drugs.

It got to be that de cameras selective.

Talk half and find out wha happen wid dem cameras.

If Jagdeo could have helped these workers there is no reason why the present government should not be helping those who will be on the breadline this Christmas because of closures of companies.

There is the ‘fiscal space’ to do something for those workers who will not be earning an income this Christmas.

As was explained earlier in this column, first oil is expected a full three months ahead of schedule. This means that the government will earn about G$60B which it did not cater for.

The government can ad-

vance the monies now from future oil revenues. There is enough to pay these sugar workers a tidy sum, since they have been carrying a reduced industry for the entirety of this year.

Last year, teachers had reached an agreement for wage increases dating from 2016 to 2018. It is not clear whether there were any negotiations for increases for this year or whether teachers will enjoy the same 9% as public servants.

In February of this year, teachers were calling for a 25% increase in salaries.

Teachers deserve a good deal

this year; they have fallen far behind their colleagues in the Caribbean. There is the fiscal space to do so.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

PAGE 10

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Correcting or educating or disagreeing with Eusi Kwayana About 25 years ago, I asked former prominent Permanent Secretary, historian and UG lecturer, Pat Dyal, if he could offer me an explanation why Kwayana writes in such a persistently cryptic manner. Kwayana’s style is one that uses simple language, but the sentence structures are designed (and I believe deliberately so) to be recondite. Pat went into a long discussion which should not detain us here.

In his mid-nineties now, I don’t believe Kwayana will change his approach. But it is one that is unfriendly to history. Kwayana is virtually a dictionary of Guyanese politics, except for the last sixteen years when he would have lost his presence in the nuanced politics of Guyana.

Kwayana’s writings are essential for Guyanese histori-

ography. But the enrichment is partially lost because of his enigmatic use of language and his willingness to allow certain omissions.

In a long letter in the KN and SN over the weekend, he adopts two stances that are bewildering to the historian.

The first concerns Rupert Roopnaraine. Kwayana wrote; “I question in passing two things that she (Walter Rodney’s wife) said. She claims that the Working People’s Alliance had said that it was accumulating arms.

Up to now, this statement has been reported as coming from Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, a coleader of the Working People’s Alliance, and not from the WPA. Her language is not an error of words, but it seems to me by choice” I am not going to search for a motive for Kwayana’s

distinction, but the distinction has no intrinsic value, and the historian should pay no attention to it. The only purpose Kwayana’s differentiation serves is a legal one.

Roopnaraine said it; it was not an official WPA statement. Roopnaraine was the co-leader of the WPA during the years of Walter Rodney’s energetic campaign against President Burnham. Every major policy of and every major direction the WPA went into, Roopnaraine would have known. And even though the WPA had an executive, Roopnaraine was privy to information that Rodney chose to share with him alone.

Here is a quote from Roopnaraine; “We had to get him (Walter Rodney) from here to Zimbabwe. The decision was taken and it was kept to a very tight group …Pat, Eusi and myself” (source “Walter Rodney: A Promise of Revolution” by Clairmont Chung, page 110). Here then, is plausible evidence of Roopnaraine’s importance to

the WPA’s leadership. Is Kwayana telling the present generation that the WPA was not stockpiling arms because the WPA has never admitted to that, just Roopnaraine?

I am surprised a learned man like Kwayana can find comfort in that kind of questionable methodology. A perfect hypothetical example would be the foreign minister of a country telling the press that he was sorry his government secretly arranged an asylum flight for a guerrilla leader from a neighbouring nation, but the president’s wife then told the press, the foreign minister said so, not my husband, as president.

The president had to know that his government was receiving a high-powered guest. As a trained historian, I would categorically record history as having the WPA involved in arms acquisition based on who said it – the second most important leader in the movement.

The second stance relates to Kwayana’s reluctance to enrich history by naming

names that are already in the public domain. This is more than bewildering. It is strange and mysterious. During the Walter Rodney Commission, Shaun Samaroo, former journalist, was covering the inquiry for the Stabroek News.

His reporting was very questionable because he was slanting his journalism in a pro-PPP manner. Samaroo was exposed as working for the Ramotar Government whose task was to write a book on the commission’s work.

No doubt this was a conspiracy by the PPP government. Samaroo’s book was designed to be propaganda material for the PPP. The Stabroek News then parted company with Samaroo. All of this information is in the public domain which a Google search will reveal. Kwayana goes at length to describe the PPP’s relation with Samaroo, but is stingy with history, because in all the paragraphs, he referred to the person only once and used his last name, “Samaroo.”

Frederick Kissoon When we write, we have to understand that generations of Guyanese will naturally want to know what their country was like 60 years ago; who were the movers and shakers, who were the key actors, who did what to whom, when and how. The story of WPA’s role in the confrontation with President Burnham is yet to be told. We owe it to future generations to record what we know. I support Walter in what I believe he was trying to do overthrow President Burnham. I know this for a fact.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Troy Resources sacks over 300 employees …union mulls court action

Troy Resources Guyanas CEO, Ken Nilsson Troy Resources Guyana has taken a decision to terminate the employment of hundreds of Guyanese workers, weeks before the Christmas holidays, in keeping with a decision by the Board of Directors on Sunday last.

The move however, is being seen as a flagrant breach of Guyanas Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, which speaks to payment of employees in lieu of notice and in dealings with unionized workers.

An internal memo was circulated yesterday by the companys Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ken Nilsson, in which it was stated Troy Resources was unable to secure financial support for its venture, and as such, the company would require more time for completion.

The decision was taken to sack the workers with the aim of rehiring workers at some point in the future.

Nilsson, in the aforementioned memo seen by this publication and addressed to employees said, “the return to profitability is paramount for the longer term success and as stated earlier, we need to have a clear path and positive economics to achieve our goal.

The company had been operating under labour rules that had allowed it to stand down workers for a six-week deadline which elapsed yesterday. As such, Nilsson indicated that since the time has expired “it has triggered some decisions on the way forward.”

He told workers, “the board has thus decided that all personnel currently stood down will be terminated from this week.”

It was indicated too that while the decision was taken reluctantly, the company is willing to assist employees by providing a termination payout.

According to Nilsson, “it is expected that Troy will go back to rehiring employees as needed for a start up in the near future.

Nilsson said too that those currently working will not be affected by the decision and that the company is looking to make its severance payout no later than Friday.

The Company, which boasted 512 employees with 21 expatriates and 86 contracted workers, has since decided to only retain 137.

Administrator of the People’s United and General Workers Union (PUGWU), Lincoln Lewis, last evening confirmed that the memo had indeed been sent by Nilsson.

He was adamant, however, that the move by Troy Resources is in breach of the Termination and Severance Pay Act. According to Lewis, the company by law is required to notify the union of its intention to lay off the workers and to provide that body with a list of those persons to be laid off.

He told Kaieteur News, this is in addition to certain other requirements to which the union has flagrantly breached.

Lewis said that he did not expect any amicable talks with the union given its history of employee and union relations, and that the union officials “are right now (last evening) discussing the issue about this afternoon (internal memo) and taking legal action.”

Troy Resources Guyana

Despite its operation being shut down, Troy Resources was up to this past weekend still conducting additional exploration activities had suspended its operations close to two months now, following the death of a geologist, 33-year-old Ryan Taylor.

The incident brought to the fore the unnerving working conditions endured by employees at the Region Seven Karouni concession.

The operation in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region has come under increasing fire, over its operations and the cost/benefit to the country.

Troy obtained the Karouni project by acquiring Azimuth Resources Limited which was in operation at the time.

Kaieteur News has since learnt that the US$100M deal, involved mostly paper transactions involving shares, and only saw an actual cash transfer for the company at about US$10M. For this, Troy Resources obtained 94 Small Scale Tenements, 220 Medium Scale and 6 Large Scale Tenements, in addition to another three recent claims.

According to Nilsson, during 2015 the company began construction of its processing plant at a cost of some $75M, and commenced production the following year.

According to its principals, however, the company has never been able to meet its production targets.

Nilsson told media operatives that its last month of steady cash flow was US$6M. He said that the operation

requires about US$5M to continue with its operations saying, “normally we need to produce a minimum of four thousand ounces a month.”

Speaking to the debacle facing Troy Resources Guyana, Nilsson told media operatives over the weekend

that the mining and processing operations are currently shut down. He explained that with no mining there is no ore to process.

He did confirm that the company is still in the process of undertaking its exploration activities.

According to Nilsson, the company was working under the rules that allow it, for business purposes, to stand down a number of employees that being the aforementioned 137. The remaining employees have since been fired and not just stood down.

PAGE 12

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sheriff St./Mandela Ave. project…

IDB suspends payments to Chinese contractor - badly executed project posed significant safety risks Minister Patterson

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, last evening disclosed that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) has stopped payments to the Chinese contractor for several infringements.

Yesterday, the contractor, Sinohydro Corporation Limited, started laying off staffers, claiming that it has

A section of Sheriff Street where work is ongoing (KN File photo) not been paid in three months. However, the minister indicated that the IDB was unhappy over several issues with the US$30M-plus project.

Residents and drivers alike have been blasting the

company over the project.

The project is supposed to upgrade one of the most critical road links in the country - one that connects the East Bank to the East Coast.

Yesterday, letters started

surfacing where Sinohydro begun sending home their workers.

It said that the ministry has not paid them in the past three months.

A letter to a worker said that “as MPI has not paid our company for the construction of the project in recent last three months...our company has encountered several difficulties in production and operation, necessitating the workforce reduction...and suspend (sic) or terminate the construction contract with MPI”.

The company was awarded the US$31.03M Inter-American Bank (IDB)

project for the Sheriff StreetMandela Avenue expansion in December 2017.

Due to the host of major businesses located on the Sheriff Street thoroughfare, over time, the road could not complement the volume of traffic.

It was reported that the total distance of roadway to be constructed is seven kilometres and would involve road widening, reconstruction of failed sections and asphalt overlay.

The initial plan had also indicated that from that point, to the Mandela AvenueHunter Street junction, there were going to be provisions

to cater for four lanes of traffic.

But in September of this year, the company was hauled before the Ministry and warned due to several infractions.

Government was also on the verge of terminating the contract.

According to reports received, Kaieteur News was told then that construction was delayed due to the failure of the contractor to honour obligations.

There were several issues with the improper management of the project, when it came to traffic, (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 13

APNU touts continued coalition …but insists on Constitution being guide

A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the largest faction of the governing coalition, has indicated that its negotiations with the Alliance for Change (AFC) will continue, with the Constitution as a yardstick.

This comes despite yesterday being the last day that the AFC said it would negotiate with its partner.

The smaller party has promised that if the talks with

the APNU coalition do not yield favourable results, it would go into the upcoming General and Regional Elections alone.

Its lead negotiator is its General Secretary, David Patterson. AFC was formed in the mid-2000s gathering momentum, and after entering into a coalition in 2015, was given seven ministerial seats.

APNU in a statement yesterday that the talks would

be guided by the Constitution – quite similar to the argument the party reportedly used to dispute the AFC's right to name the coalition's Prime Ministerial Candidate.

APNU had contended that the President reserves the sole Constitutional right to appoint a Prime Minister, despite AFC saying that its right to name AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan as the PM candidate is a nonnegotiable tenet of its accord

Bicycle bandits stab Venezuelan man to death during robbery

A

2 2 - y e a r- o l d Ve n e z u e l a n National was stabbed to death in the wee hours yesterday as two knife-wielding bandits on bicycles attempted to relieve him of his belongings.

Dead is Woillian Fores of Post Office Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara. The incident reportedly occurred at around 1am on the Grove Public Road, two streets from the Police Station.

Regional Commander Kurleigh Simon disclosed to Kaieteur News that police after receiving word of the incident, rushed to the scene just five minutes after.

According to information received, the

young man was sitting on the western side of the public road when he was approached by the men who demanded that he hand over his valuables. The man resisted and a scuffle ensued which resulted in him being stabbed twice to the abdomen. The men escaped and Fores was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by public-spirited citizens. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

This now brings the current murder figure to 116.

According to Commander Simon, the police already have a lead on one of the suspects and are currently on the hunt.

Investigations are ongoing.

with APNU. The 2015 agreement expires early next year.

The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), the largest party in APNU, has posted and, in doing so, essentially co-signed epithets labeling the AFC's “political posturing” as “concerning” and “spoiltchildness”.

During the most recent press conference by the AFC, its Treasurer, Dominic Gaskin, said that the two parties are yet to sort out the formula for the allocation of local government, parliamentary and ministerial appointments.

A source said that APNU is not interested in conceding to the AFC as many seats as it did the first time around.

Lead APNU negotiator, Volda Lawrence, has said that she does not think negotiations with AFC should be put on public trial. That explains why APNU has been more mum than AFC on the details of the negotiations.

What is clear is that APNU has already sorted out the formula for the allocation of

APNU Negotiator, Volda Lawrence

AFC Negotiator, David Patterson

seats to its constituents.

In a press statement made yesterday, the party said that its Executive Committee met with all parties being represented. The Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP), the National Front Alliance (NFA), the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Working People's A l l i a n c e ( W PA ) w e r e reportedly involved in a meeting chaired by President David Granger.

Elections, sparked by the December 21, 2018 noconfidence motion, are slated to be held on March 2, 2020.

The party said that its negotiation team briefed the constituents on the Cummingsburg Accord, and an approach was recommended for the continuation of negotiations with the AFC, even though the smaller party has indicated its adamancy to contest the election solo if it did not have its way by yesterday.

APNU stated that it intends to make sure there is an end to 'winner-take-all' politics in Guyana, and contest the 2020 elections as a coalition.

Up to press time, there was no word from the AFC on how it will contest the election.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday November 19, 2019

High Court strikes out SARA's case to recover $224M from GBTI H

By Feona Morrison

igh Court Judge Franklin Holder on Friday struck out an application by the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARA) in which the entity was seeking to recover $224M from the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

The monies have to do with a property at Lot 9 Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown, that houses the bank's headquarters which SARA contends was purchased for $224M less than the most recent evaluation of the property at that time.

A c c o r d i n g t o privatization documents found by SARA, the bank had submitted the fourth highest of 14 bids in a tendering process. On September 6, SARA announced that it filed legal proceedings to recover the millions of dollars. GBTI later filed an application to strike out SARA's claim.

The GBTI property at Lot 9 Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown

High Court Judge: Franklin Holder

In a judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Holder ruled that SARA had no lawfully appointed Director who could institute legal proceedings against the bank.

GBTI's lawyers Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran, Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo, Senior Counsel Stephen Fraser and Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan had argued that the only

authority under the SARA Act to bring such proceedings against the bank was its Director.

The lawyers contended that under the aforesaid Act, the Director is appointed as a Corporation sole, with corporate authority. The lawyer, therefore, argued that SARA, itself, was not a corporate body, and as such is not authorized to file such proceedings against the bank.

GBTI argued that the

SARA Act provides for its Director to be appointed by the National Assembly on the recommendation of the appointment committee of the National Assembly.

However, no such procedure ever took place and SARA's Director was not appointed pursuant to a decision made by the National Assembly, the bank pointed out in its submission to the court.

Justice Holder agreed with the submissions proffered by GBTI and

dismissed the application filed by SARA as it disclosed no reasonable cause of action. In the circumstances, SARA was ordered to pay $200,000 in costs to GBTI. Among other things, the State Assets Recovery Act (SARA) mandates the agency to recover, through civil proceedings, State property unlawfully acquired by a public official or any other person. The Act provides for investigations leading to the granting by the High Court of Restraint and Civil Recovery Orders in respect of unlawfully acquired property.

The State Assets Recovery Act is part of the government's efforts to fight corruption. The SARA Act was passed in Parliament on April 13, 2017 and assented to by President David Granger on May 4, 2017.

JHI/AmCham Guyana host public lecture today on 'First Oil '

J

HI yesterday announced that the company will be hosting a public lecture t o d a y, c o - h o s t e d b y AmCham Guyana.

The lecture, titled 'How did we arrive at First Oil in Guyana: A JHI Perspective', will be delivered by Richard Boyce, Executive Vice President and a Co-Founder of JHI Associates, Inc. Mr. Boyce will focus on his experience from a 40year career as an exploration geologist and geophysicist, working for companies large and small.

He will discuss the basics of oil and gas formation, how to make and read topographical maps from sub-sea seismic data, and how to identify potential oil fields on that seismic data.

Other presenters from JHI will explain their roles within the organization, including legal, finance, and

Executive VP and Co-Founderof JHI Associates, Inc., Richard Boyce investor relations, demonstrating the need for a variety of disciplines within the oil industry.

A release from JHI

explained that First Oil is about more than turning on the taps.

“Hard work from a lot of people with varying backgrounds and disciplines is required to find, produce, and market oil and natural gas. Practical videos, highlighting each phase of the exploration process, will be used throughout the presentations”.

“The goal of the presentation is to use handson demonstrations to explain how oil and gas are formed, and the modern techniques companies like JHI are using to find oil and gas offshore Guyana.

It will also outline how students may get involved in the oil exploration business.”

The public lecture will be presented this evening, from 4:30 to 7:00PM at Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Lawyers make no case submission in murder conspiracy PI

Chatterpaul Singh

A

s the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) draws to a close for the owner of Rockies International Hotel on Light Street, Georgetown, and his alleged co-conspirator, their lawyers have made no case submissions on the defendants' behalf. The two men are charged for conspiring to commit murder.

Businessman Mark Grimmond, 57, of 320 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; and Chatterpaul Singh, 36, a miner, of 1 First Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, are out on High Court bail as their matter is being conducted.

Attorney-at-law Bernard

Mark Grimmond DaSilva is representing Grimmond while attorney-atlaw Glenn Hanoman stands for Singh.

The PI is being conducted

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Following the submissions of the lawyers, Prosecutor Neville Jeffers is expected to respond to it on November 25.

Grimmond and Singh were not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that between April 1, 2018 and June 7, 2019, at Georgetown, they conspired with each other, and persons unknown, to murder Dwayne Grant, a businessman from Lethem.

Miner stabs boss over pay

A

n 18-year-old miner is charged for allegedly stabbing his boss over nonpayment for building a shop he was contracted to construct. The teen, Denzil Chance, of Bartica, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts to answer to the offence.

A not guilty plea was entered by the defendant after the charge was read to him, that on November 12, 2019, at Quartz Stone Backdam, Cuyuni River, Essequibo District, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trevor Semple with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause actual bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield made no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, given that he has no antecedents. Prosecutor Mansfield asked that bail be substantial, citing the seriousness of the offence and that conditions be attached to bail. According to

Charged: Denzil Chance information received, the defendant is known to Semple, who contracted him to build a shop. There was reportedly an agreement that the defendant would have to wait a while to be paid for his labour.

However, on the day in question the defendant contacted Semple and told him that he needed the money and Semple allegedly refused to pay.

The court heard the two had an argument over the payment for the work done, and at that time the defendant had a knife in his possession.

The argument then turned (continued on page 17)

PAGE 15

Taxi driver to stand trial for rape of girl, 12

A

32-year-old taxi driver of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl, whom he was tasked with transporting to and from school.

Neville Thomas was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. He was not required to plead to the charge which stated that

between April 01 and April 30, 2019, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with a child under 16 years.

After the conclusion of a Paper Committal, the Magistrate ruled that there was sufficient evidence against Thomas for him to stand trial before a judge and jury.

Thomas is scheduled to go on trial at the next session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

The matter was held in-

For High Court trial: Neville Thomas

camera. According to information, the alleged victim is known to the defendant as he was her daily chauffeur.

D u r i n g t h e aforementioned period, it is alleged that Thomas picked up the girl from school and took her to a hotel in Diamond where he reportedly committed the act.

The girl later went home and told her parents what had transpired. They then took her to the police station where a report was made.

Thomas was later arrested and charged.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Guyana to repay its single largest debt in history ($10B) in two years

T

he operators of the Stabroek block offshore Guyana are looking to collect in excess of $10B from Guyana in the course of two years, in order to pay off for the Liza 1 and 2 field Developments, including the cost of two Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

This, in order to see a healthy return on its cash flows, as confirmed by 30 per cent stakeholder in the Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Hess confirmed this during the recently concluded 2019 Global Energy Conference that was held in Miami, Florida.

Hess was at the time speaking to any changes in the company's proposed investments in the coming years. He told the confab any upward revision to the projected Capital Expenditure for Hess Corporation would be had from 2022, at which point in time the company is looking to begin seeing positive returns on investment in Guyana.

According to Hess, once the second ship comes on in 2022 and in Guyana, Hess will be producing over 100,000 barrels a day which will recoup “all our cost from first ship and second ship” He told investors that the company is looking at 2022 and beyond as the time when the company will be generating significant free cash flow.

Lauding the decision by Hess' Board of Directors, he pointed out that the

…as Hess brags on financial returns from Stabroek Block post-2022 investment in Guyana was made at a time when industry leaders were not investing in the offshore sector.

According to Hess, the company managed to purchase a 30 per cent stake in ExxonMobil's Stabroek Block for US$30M and has since seen the discovery of more than six billion barrels of oil.

He told investors that investments in the Permian did not give the desired returns that the company was looking for and that blocks were being returned in the Gulf of Mexico. Hess said “we looked at the Permian and were all about returns and we looked at where the return would be best.”

He explained that companies had been paying as much as US$40,000 for an acre which could only give a 10 per cent return on the investment, calculated at a price of US$60 a barrel.

According to Hess, offshore opportunities were being deserted.

He said the company was looking to secure substantial growth not only in production but in cash flow, something it achieved in Guyana. Speaking to upward changes in the Capital Expenditure plans for the company, he said that this will be determined by the post-2022 returns.

Hess divulged that the company, with its Guyana investment is looking to see a 10 per cent growth in production while receiving a 20 per cent growth in cash

Miner stabs boss...

From page 15 into a scuffle and Semple received stab injuries.

Semple was rushed to the hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated for the injuries he sustained, and was discharged yesterday morning. After the facts of the charge were read, Chance asked the Magistrate to explain what happened.

He said that it wasn't his fault that Semple was stabbed, since Semple was the one who attacked him with a scissors and he (Chance) had a knife.

“I sit down with the knife in my hand and after he see me with the knife he pick up a scissors and come up to me and

stare me down, and the knife that I had jook him to his belly. I didn't intent to stab him and there is a lot of witnesses who can testify to that,” Chance said.

After listening to Chance's explanation Chief Magistrate McLennangrantthedefendantbail to the tune of $70,000, with the conditions attached that he must stay 50ft away from Semple, and report to Bartica Police Station every Monday at 08:00hrs until the matter is finished.

The defendant was also asked not to make contact with witnesses in the matter or cause anyone to make contact with the witnesses. The matter was adjourned to November 29, and transferred to Bartica Magistrate's Court.

flow returns.

This, he said, is a unique value position that has a rate of change that is competitive anywhere, “The best rocks for best returns…at end of the day we are on track for that.”

According to Hess, the company is looking at a $3B

a year investment primarily in its operations in the Bakken and Guyana, an outlook that will change come 2022 when the company expects a surge in cash flow as a result of the recouping of investments in the first two field developments.

CEO of Hess Corporation, John Hess (Photo credit: bloomberg.com)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Floating library 'Logos Hope' returns eye care services to Guyana next month - free also being offered

T

he world's largest floating library returns to Guyana. The ship which was built in 1973 and operated by German Christian Charitable Organization GBA (Good Books for All) Ships, featuring a bookstore, as part of an international Christian outreach movement, to bring knowledge, help and hope.

The ship's crew members include those of 60 different nationalities.

In an interview yesterday, Project Manager Mar Rutgers disclosed that the ship is currently in Brazil and will be in Guyana from December 2-8, at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation Wharf, La Penitence, and open to the public from 6pm- 9pm.

She stated that after every two years crew members are changed, the Logos Hope generally visits harbours for two years and is continuously sailing from

port to port year round.

During their visit here they will be doing eye testing and allocating spectacles to persons with defective vision. Their primary aim during the time here would be to educate individuals, especially students, about Human Trafficking, HIV/AIDS and other health programs.

Entrance fee is $200 for persons between age 12- 65, persons below 12 and above 65 will be free.

The books, snacks and beverages will be at affordable prices, the visitors' deck will be completely open and there will be a tour and other events for persons who wish to be on board.

The story line is the same “The Lost Sun�, with four containers of books, categories ranging from Recipes to Health. The Project Manager hopes to attract at least 5000 visitors on this trip.

Logos Hope docked in Guyana during the last trip (Kaieteur News/file Photo)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 19

Rice Producers Association petitions High Court to quash appointment of RAC Chairman

T

he Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) is petitioning the High Court to have the appointment of the Chairman of the Rice Assessment Committee (RAC) of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Omadatt Chandan, deemed unlawful and quashed.

According to documents filed by Attorney Anil Nandlall, the GRPA is asking the Court to find that Chandan's appointment is contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, violates the provisions of the Rice Farmers (Security of Tenure Act) Chapter 69:02, an abuse of power, in breach of the Constitution, in breach of the principles of natural justice, illegal, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect.

The Rice Producers Association is also seeking an order quashing the appointment which was made by the Minister of Agriculture, on the grounds that the said appointment is contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, violates the provisions of the Rice

Farmers (Security of Tenure Act) Chapter 69:02, is an abuse of power.

The Plaintiffs are asking the court to overturn all the decisions/orders made by Chandan, by declaring that those decisions/orders in proceedings instituted by the Mahaica/Mahaicony/AbaryAgricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) are illegal, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect..

The MMA/ADA is also named as a third party in the court action. The GRPA n o t e d t h a t a l l decisions/orders made by Chandan in proceedings instituted by the MMA/ADA u n d e r t h e R i c e Farmers(Security of Tenure) Act, Chapter 69:02, against members of the Applicant should be deemed in excess of jurisdiction, violate the provisions of the Rice Farmers(Security of Tenure Act) Chapter 69:02, are an abuse of power, are in breach of the Constitution of Guyana, are in breach of the principles of natural justice, are illegal, ultra vires, null, void and of no effect.

The action was against

Attorney Anil Nandlall flanked by rice farmers at the Mahaicony Magistrate's Court last month.

2 0 G R PA m e m b e r s consisting of: Rameshwar Ramdatt, Arjune Persaud, Inshan Bacchus, Ahmad Subhan, Samad Rahim, Afraz Chintaman, Harripaul Baldeo, Rajesh Bissoon, Satyanand Persaud, Anirhu Rachpaul, Gewanram Khaderu, Bibi Salima Raffoodeen, Gopichand

Street light complaints are gross exaggerations - Public Infrastructure Ministry

F

or the past week, s e v e r a l complaints have been leveled against the Public Infrastructure Ministry regarding several non-functioning traffic and street lights.

The Ministry has responded, citing that some of the complaints being made are 'gross exaggerations'.

Columnist Freddie Kissoon in his November 17 publication claimed that street lights above the traffic signals at the Rupert Craig Highway and UG Road have not been functioning for four years.

It was also highlighted that a similar situation existed on the Railway Embankment from UG Road to Sheriff Street where only four lights are functioning.

But according to the Ministry's Public Relations Officer, this is not accurate.

“These are gross exaggerations; however, the Ministry has taken note of the complaints in addition to their own observations and

wishes to acknowledge that these deficiencies are engaging the attention of the responsible technical teams as they seek to resolve the various technical and logistical challenges that have caused a delay in their responses,” the Ministry said.

Further, concerns were raised in a November 18 news article where residents of Christiansburg, Wismar, Linden, complained of the lack of street lights.

In the article, it stated “while the Government is placing emphasis on installing street light along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, residents in the mining town are complaining bitterly about insufficient street light in their communities.

The Linden Highway has been pitch-black for several years which resulted in several horrific accidents and is a direct responsibility of the Ministry.”

They explained that “support was granted in the donation of over 200 street

lights to Linden earlier this year to brighten up their communities, even though community lights are the responsibility of the Linden Town Council and not the Ministry”.

Ramjit, Lakeram Persaud, Rahaman Sherreiff, Seznarine, Ramdharie Girdharie, Albert Subhan, Ameer Ullah and Dhansew Sewsankar, all of whom are named in proceedings filed against Chandan, the RAC , and MMA/ADA. The case against GRPA is currently at the Mahaicony Magistrate's Court.

As such, the GRPA is asking the Court to issue a declaration that all proceedings filed in Magistrate Court by Chandan /the MMA-ADA u n d e r t h e R i c e Farmers(Security of Tenure) Act, Chapter 69:02, against its members are contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, violate the provisions of the Rice Farmers(Security of Tenure Act).

The High Court action is

a follow -up lawsuit to a case filed in the Magistrate Court.

Last month, some 50 rice farmers appeared before the Region's RAC sitting at the Mahaicony Magistrate's Court to answer claims filed against them by MMA-ADA totalling millions of dollars.

These charge increases were levied in 2017 and purported raised land rent from $1000 to $7000 and $2500 to $8000 for drainage and irrigation, per acre, annually.

The RAC had summoned the farmers for increases in land rents and drainage and irrigation charges.

At that time, their lawyer (Nandlall) noted that not only is the committee illegal, but the new rents are astronomical.

“On the one hand, while floodwaters continue to

ravage their homes, their farms/rice crops and their livelihood without any assistance from the Government, on the other hand, the Government, through the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), hauled some 50 rice farmers before the Rice Assessment Committee, at the Mahaicony Magistrate's Court for the non-payment of illegally imposed astronomical increases in land rents and drainage and irrigation charges.”

He said he appeared for the rice farmers and made the preliminary objection that the Rice Assessment Committee is illegal, and therefore has no jurisdiction to determine the applications filed by the MMA/ADA.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday November 19, 2019

ExxonMobil geo-scientists hold workshop with UG students

E

xxonMobil has staged a two-day workshop on South America Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Systems with geology students at the University of Guyana, for a third time.

Led by Global Geosci e n c e R e c r u i t i n g A d v i s o r , O r l a McLaughlin, the team also included Guyanese geoscientist, Ashlika Persaud.

McLaughlin stated that this is a usual practice of ExxonMobil wherever it operates around the world.

“This is something I've done in the UK, Australia,

Students who participated in the workshop pose with their certificates and now that we are building an office in Guyana, we are trying to teach the students here about the type of work we do and to try and get them interested in the kind of work they might want to do when they graduate,” she explained.

During the two days, the second year geology students were exposed to hydrocarbon systems, Sequence Stratigraphy and

Paleogeography of South America, among other topics.

For Persaud, it was a great experience. “This is one of the things I've wanted to do when I pursued a career in g e o l o g y a nd s t a r t e d working with ExxonMobil.

I really want to give back to the country and the students and hopefully inspire them.”

Persaud was instrumental in the discovery and naming

of Tilapia earlier this year.

Meanwhile, several of the students were enthused about the opportunity, particularly because of the absence of a specific component on oil and gas in the existing curriculum.

“I was a bit nervous with the practical because it is something new we are doing, but I came with the expectation of learning and being informed about oil

$12M electricity system for Waramuri - 350 residents to benefit

and how everything works,” expressed Rianna Cobis.

Her colleague, Keith Da Silva indicated that “This is a

Bicycle bandit stabs man in head for cell phone

Rollin Williams

W

A resident prepares to cut the ribbon during the commissioning ceremony

M

oruca River's Indigenous community Waramuri - is the recipient of a brand-new $12M electricity distribution system. The system, which will provide power to 350 residents of the Moruca subdistrict village, was officially handed over and commissioned last Saturday

by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

It will supply power to the village's school, health facility and police station, and will complement the LED streetlights the community has already

received.

With provisions made in the 2019 budget for the system's procurement and installation, Minister Trotman assured that this represents the government's commitment to ensuring all Guyanese have access to an improved standard of living.

“We have a president and a Cabinet who want to make a difference in your life,” Minister Trotman said. He further added that Guyanese in every corner of the country are now better off than they were citing development in education, infrastructure and public security.

Also, at the community engagement was Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington, who reminded residents about the many successes of the Coalition Government. Speaking on the developments made, Carrington pointed out that hinterland communities now benefit from an increasingly robust and honest police force, a welcome development by the residents.

Waramuri is a small thriving Indigenous village in the Barima-Waini Region boasting a population of 1,400 headed by Toshao Leamond Emanuel. The

residents raised concerns about involvement in oil and gas and access to drugs from the health centre, all of which were addressed satisfactorily by Minister Trotman.

The minister also visited the health centre and inspected areas of interest highlighted by residents.

M i n i s t e r Tr o t m a n ' s meeting in the village came on the heels of several ministerial visits to communities across Guyana.

Over the last few days, ministers of government have met with and listened to concerns of residents of Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

very good initiative since our country is new to oil, so educating a lot of persons will be very beneficial in time to come.”

hile on his way to work e a r l y yesterday morning, 20-yearold Rollin Williams was attacked by a group of bicycle bandits who attempted to rob him of his cellular phone. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Marriott hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

Williams said that he was sending a message on his phone when a young man rode up to him on a bicycle and snatched the device from his hands.

In an immediate reaction, Rollin turned and ran behind the man, grabbed him and retrieved the phone.

Afterwards, he decided to run, but soon stumbled and fell. This allowed the bandit along with the others to attack him again.

However, in the bandit's next attempt, he hopped of his bicycle, choked Williams and dealt him several stabs to

the head with a scissors, while the others punched him about the body. In the process, the victim fell on the same cellular phone the bandits were after, causing the screen to shatter.

Realizing the phone was damaged, the men aborted their mission and fled the scene. Williams gathered strength and ran a short distance before collapsing directly in front of Marriott.

Onlookers soon gathered around the man and luckily, one of his co workers recognised him and immediately summoned a taxi. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he received medical attention and was later sent home. His mother was given strict instructions by doctors to monitor his condition closely for the next 48 hours.

A report was lodged at the Brickdam Police Station and police are now on the lookout for the suspects.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

VACANCY

SERVICES

FOR SALE

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040

1 CAT 215 Excavator, 1 CAT 428 Backhoe, 1 Mack concrete mixer 8 CU YDS. Tel# 275-0367/ 683-7225

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 HOUSE PLAN TO DRAW OR YOU JUST ESTIMATE. CALL: 216-0671/692-8464.

WHATSAPP #622-0267

1 Double Steel wheel roller, 19 Wheel Pneumatic roller, 2 Bitumen kettle. Tel# 275-0367/ 683-7225 Purebred German Shepherd 2 months fully vaccinated & dewormed, parents available for viewing. #622-0015/2208559 German Shepherd pups.

Riumzeight Gardens, WCD #269-0671/688-1656 Li Hong Fa Aluminium CoDoors, Glass cases, Shutters, automatic doors, stainless works. 26 Public Road, Bagotstown. #669-1516/6599999

Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 Installation, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing Machine, Stove etc. Call Nick 630-1600, 627-3206 Jacob’s Jewellry and pawnshop, friendly money lenders. 16 Pike Street Kitty, Georgetown. Tel#227-8748/ 622-4970 Power tool repairs. #648-1326 REPAIRS AT LOW COST: FRIDGES, AIR CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale at 15A Craig Village EBD, house 3 bedroom (1) self contain house #6177691/718-213-6496 Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 666-8052 Business place for sale Mon Repos ECD Double Lot. Tel# 653-0490

WANTED

2 bedroom house with large garage space, hot & cold shower in Blankenburg gated community WCD. Contact# 650-5345 $350US

Handyman- Contact #2235273/223-5274

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Fully furnished apts, one bedroom, 2 bedroom, 3 bedrooms in Providence & Diamond Call: 672-1906/2162299 One bottom flat two bedroom, 173D Eccles old road. Tel#6604330 Apartments for rent at Nandy Park #641-3318 2 bedroom flat apartment @ Diamond Housing Scheme $65,000 monthly.

Contact#643-9286 One bedroom apartment for couple, Middle Rd La Penitence #686-4564 2 Bedroom Apartment overhead tank & Parking $45,000 Call#626-5846.

LAND FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 Allion, Premio, Fieldwagon, Raum, Bluebird, Sienta, Spacio, Rz, 212 Carina, Pitbull bus. #650-7501 1 Mitsubishi Canter, 1 Hatchback Tiida for more info.

Call: 622-5428

We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 6105846 or 661-8158

FOR RENT

CAR RENTAL DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Tables. Tel #651-9039

Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M, $2.2M, $2.5M Schoonard Main Road $4M.Provience $5M, Tuchen with Foundation $3.3M, Herstelling $4.5M.Call:666-2326.

TO LET 1 bedroom apartment for working couple/single person $35,000 monthly, light & water included. 2 months security.

Tel#623-0076

1 live-in maid. Call: 625-4080.

Send photo & info via whatsapp Need one house to rent. Three bedroom, Georgetown.

Preferably in South. Call: 6750689 Admin/Accounts Clerk, Cashier,Cook, Counter Server, Driver, must be able to work shift. Call: 225-6255/226-9000 Tyre repairs technician to work in Georgetown. Call: 2271717 Email: andre@cevons.com EDUCATION

1 Live in or Live out maid.

Salary $60,000. Call: 677-2659 Cook to work in Interior. Age above 30. Phone #223-5180

One experienced lorry driver.

Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Data Entry/Accounts ClerkKnowledge of Accounting & Quickbooks- Apply in person - Wieting & Richter, Water Street Georgetown.

Experienced person to assemble bicycle, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St

VACANCY Security Officers to work, preferably ex army,police or disciplined services. Age 2440. Contact #223-4172/6396648 Sales Representative, 5 subjects CXC, Good communication skills, Experience. Mima Decor, 8 Sheriff Street #226-0176, mimadecor06@gmail.com

Accounts Clerk, General Labourers, Security Guards, Handyman. Preferably from EBD. Tel#647-4427

One female driver/expediter with experience & valid license. Call: 226-9492

Vacancy for Porter- apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St

N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square. Affordable package.

Call: 644-5166/691-2561/6812808

1 General Mechanic needed, must be familiar with bikes.

Contact# 645-5760 Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

Experienced shop workers & handyman for interior location. #231-0363

Vacancy exist for Experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in G/ town. Interested persons call # 696-5098 between 8am-4pm

LEARN TO DRIVE

WANTED

1 In house broker needed, must have license. Contact# 645-5760 Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

Driver Expediter. Contact# 223-5273/ 223-5274

Vacancy- Sales Clerk, please send application to G&I Sawmill and Logging. Lot 27 Pouderoyen West Bank Demerara

Care for elderly, care for children. First Aid & CPR. #227-4881

Office assistant, Excel Proficient, 2 years experience, knowledge of NIS/PAYE/ Payroll. Mima Decor #2260 1 7 6 , mimadecor06@gmail.com

1 Security Guard, Waiter, Waitresses, Servers. Apply at Herdmanston, Anira & Peter Rose Sts, Queenstown Tel#225-0808 Ex-100

VACANCY

Immediate Vacancy exists for one female cashier to work @ Del Ice Co, must have Maths + English. Call: 231-1408/6429191 Desk Staff, Room Attendant 25-45 yrs, 233 South Road Lacytown/225-2304 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown.

Tel#227-8748/622-4970 Plumber, must have certificates & handyman/ security guard, fit & healthy, willing to gardening & others.

Tel# 223-4159 Licensed Broker. Contact# 223-5273 / 223-5274

Vegetarian Gardens: Delivery driver #227-7714/223-3448 info@vgiworld.com Cook for interior, must be able to make pastries & 2 labourers for shop. Tel#660-9093/6877638/674-1767 One experienced tutor who love to read and work with a 4 year old kid. Call: 623-1615 Hick’s Ville Hotel: Receptionist/Hotel attendant. #231-0951-5/223-3448 Vacancy for a Cleaner, Apply in person at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 6843757/600-8457 Cashiers/Supermarket helpers at Nirva Superstore.Apply with written application 49 Sherrif Str.Tel#227-5771.

One (1) Clerk for TSI Eccles Industrial Site Office. English -1, Mathematics-2, Quickbooks. Call: 615-9132

CANU rank shot during anti-smuggling operation at Mahaica An officer of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) was last evening shot while on an anti-smuggling operation.

Sources said that officer was shot after 20:00h (8pm) while on a joint exercise with the police and Customs.

They were in the Mahaica area when men said to be working with a well-known smuggler opened fire.

The officer was hit in the shoulder.

Minutes earlier the team had intercepted a boatload of suspected contraband.

Kaieteur News was told the sources were tipped off that the goods were to be picked up by the smuggler and his men.

The Mahaica area is a known drop-off spot for smugglers.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Trinidad-based ICON initiates LNG deliveries into Guyana for Dual Fuel Power Generation Trinidad based ICON LNG, as of last month end commenced deliveries of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into Guyana using intermodal ISO containers, marking the first LNG imports into the country.

Working closely with one of Guyana’s leading companies, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), ICON is delivering the LNG under a multi-year contract as a fuel source for power generation and process heating at DDL’s industrial compound located in Plantation Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

DDL also contracted with ICON to convert two Cummins diesel generators to dual fuel, running on a blend of diesel and natural gas, and to design and install Guyana’s first LNG regasification terminal specifically for LNG ISO containers.

“We are extremely pleased with the start-up of dual fuel operations and LNG deliveries to DDL’smanufacturing facility in Guyana”, remarked Stephen Scoon, Chairman of ICON LNG. “Our ability to provide customers a complete LNG equipment and supply solution sets us apart in the market and allows smaller customers access to LNG, an environmentally friendly and affordable fuel, without having to make significant investments in new power generation equipment.”

LNG, or natural gas in its frozen form, is currently the world’s fastest growing fuel given its lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to existing petroleum based fuels such as diesel and heavy fuel oil (HFO).

When used for power generation, heating or for transporta-

4 ICON LNG Intermodal ISO containers at Demerara Distillers Limited, Diamond tion, natural gas emits significantly less carbon dioxide (CO2), less sulphur and nitrogen oxides, and almost zero particulate matter, making it the cleanest available fossil fuel.

Freezing natural gas into LNG allows it to be shipped almost anywhere using existing methods at competitive prices.

Under the fuel supply contract with DDL, ICON will deliver approximately 80 LNG tanks per year and grow to over 100 LNG tanks per year by the second half of 2020 with the addition of a gas fired boiler to DDL’s production lines. By substituting diesel with natural gas, DDL will achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission from its power generation and industrial production operations.

“We are very excited to be the first Guyanese company to use LNG for our energy needs,” said Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Vasudeo Singh.

IDB suspends payments to...

From page 12 environment and meeting d e a d l i n e s .

Yesterday, Minister Patterson in a Facebook post said that his attention was drawn to a post in which the contractor which is executing the Sheriff/ Mandela road expansion project, issued an employee a dismissal letter.

“The reason given for the termination was that the Ministry of Public Infrastucture (MoPI) has not paid them (the contractor) for the last three months.

This road expansion contract is an IDB funded contract which is subject to performance audits by the bank. The IDB has suspended disbursement to the project because of the numerous serious health and safety infractions as well as traffic management failures by the contractor.”

Patterson disclosed that Sinohydro was warned on several occasions to rectify these issues but unfortunately, to date, the majority of failures identified have remained outstanding.

“I have been on record on several occasions raising the issue about this contractors performance, so the suspending of disbursements by the IDB does not come as a surprise. MoPI has already commenced actions to address the defaulting issues, since some of these failures pose serious safety risks to the general public.”

Patterson said that while the dismissal of any employee is regrettable, the contractor should not seek to blame any other entity for the clear disregard of contractual obligations.

A full statement is expected to be issued today..

“As part of our efforts to diversify our fuel supply to cleaner alternatives we studied the options and concluded that LNG is a safe and proven fuel globally as well as here in the Caribbean region where it is already being used in operations similar to ours. We are pleased to partner

with ICON LNG who provided us turnkey equipment and a supply solution for regular LNG deliveries that will reduce both our annual fuel expenditures as well as our emissions output.”

ICON is the exclusive distributor throughout the Southern Caribbean region of dual fuel

systems manufactured by Heinzmann GmbH & Co. based in Schönau, Germany. With over 100 years of history designing and manufacturing engine and turbine management systems, Heinzmann’s dual fuel equipment is a cost effective solution for customers to

maintain their existing diesel generators while accessing the benefits of natural gas, such as cost savings, emissions reductions and multi-fuel security. Low and high speed reciprocating engines from 1MW to 10MW can benefit from Heinzmann’s dual fuel technology.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Royalty has failed Epstein’s accusers, says lawyer (BBC) The Duke of York should apologise for his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a lawyer for the convicted sex offender’s accusers has said.

Spencer Kuvin, who represents several unnamed alleged victims, said “royalty has failed them”.

He called Prince Andrew’s interview with BBC Newsnight on Saturday “sad” and “depressing”.

The prince has stood by his decision to take part, despite critics describing it as a “car crash”.

Amid the backlash, Prince Andrew is now facing renewed calls to tell US authorities about his friendship with US financier Epstein - who, at the age of 66, took his own life while awaiting trial on sex-

trafficking charges in the US. The duke has been facing questions over his ties to Epstein for several years.

On Monday, Mr Kuvin told the Today programme: “It was depressing that he [Prince Andrew] really did not acknowledge the breadth of his friendship with this despicable man and apologise.

“The mere fact that he was friends with a convicted sex offender and chose to continue his relationship with him - it just shows a lack of acknowledgement of the breadth of what this man [Epstein] did to these girls.”

In the interview with Newsnight, Prince Andrew the Queen’s third child - said he never suspected Epstein’s criminal behaviour during visits to his three homes.

But Mr Kuvin said he did “not think there was any way” the prince could have avoided seeing what was going on, “with young girls being shuttled in and out of those homes”.

Mr Kuvin said the focus of Epstein’s accusers had now turned to potential coconspirators.

It has led to questions about the role Epstein’s former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, may have played in procuring underage girls for the financier.

Ms Maxwell denies any wrongdoing.

Lawyer Lisa Bloom - who represents five other Epstein accusers - joined the calls for Prince Andrew to be interviewed by US authorities following his BBC interview.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

House investigating whether Trump lied to Mueller Washington (CNN)The House of Representatives is investigating whether President Donald Trump lied to special counsel Robert Mueller in written answers he provided in the Russia investigation, the House’s general counsel said in federal court Monday. “Did the President lie? Was the President not truthful in his responses to the Mueller investigation?”

House general counsel Douglas Letter told the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit about why the House now needs access to grand jury material Mueller collected in his investigation.

The House’s arguments Monday draw new focus to whether Trump lied to Mueller, following public revelations at Roger Stone’s trial this month.

Former Trump deputy campaign chairman Rick Gates testified that Trump and Stone had talked about information that was coming that could help the campaign in mid-2016, at a time when Stone was attempting to get secret details about stolen Democratic documents WikiLeaks had.

Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort also apparently told the Mueller grand jury what Trump’s approach to WikiLeaks had been in 2016, according to the Mueller report.

But Trump told Mueller in his written statements he didn’t recall discussing WikiLeaks with Stone.

The Gates testimony adds further significance to Congress’ desire to see the redacted material.

The question of whether Trump obstructed justice, including potentially lying to Mueller, has for months been

a part of the House Judiciary Committee’s wider review of potential obstruction in the wake of the Mueller report.

The House previously reviewed most of what Mueller had written in his final report, including parts kept from the public. But the House hasn’t been able to see what Manafort told the grand jury, which Mueller apparently described in his report. In the Mueller report, grand jury details are redacted related to a sentence describing Manafort speaking with Trump after WikiLeaks’ first release, in July 2016.

Manafort’s “situation shows so clearly that there is evidence, very sadly, that the President might have provided untruthful answers and this is a key part of the impeachment inquiry,” Letter said Monday in the last words of his arguments to the three-judge appellate panel.

Judge Judith Rogers on Monday expressed skepticism about the Justice Department’s reasoning for withholding the Manafort information from the House now. “Why wouldn’t the department favor giving this information because arguably it would show he did nothing wrong? The House would not want to return a charge where the evidence didn’t support it,” she said about the impeachment inquiry.

Rogers questioned the Justice Department attorney Mark Freeman in court harshly, at times even openly arguing with points he made.

Another judge on the panel, Thomas Griffith, also pelted Freeman with questions, reminding him how the courts have released grand jury information related to the President during past im-

peachment probes. But he then pressed the House too on exactly why it needed grand jury information. The third judge, Neomi Rao, whom Trump appointed, asked far fewer questions and at times focused on whether the courts should be involved in releasing information to the House that could influence an impeachment investigation.

In her first question for Freeman, Rao asked whether it would be inappropriate for the courts to take action, by releasing information to the House that could “interfere with impeachment.” The impeachment inquiry “changes our involvement in this dispute,” she said.

Griffith and Rao also expressed concern that the House could make public secret grand jury details it got.

“Recent history suggests some norms are not in place that were in place then,” Griffith told the House general counsel, after the lawyer pointed out how Congress hadn’t made public secret grand jury information it got during Watergate.

The court case revolves around what federal investigative information the House should be able to access during impeachment proceedings and what federal courts may do in a dispute between the House and the executive branch. Trump said Monday that he would consider giving investigators written answers a second time, in the impeachment probe. In tweets about the Democrats’ suggestion that he testify, Trump wrote that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi “said I could do it in writing” and that he would “strongly consider it!”

California to stop buying GM, Toyota and Fiat Chrysler vehicles over emissions fight WASHINGTON (Reuters) - California said on Monday it will halt all purchases of new vehicles for state government fleets from GM,

Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and other automakers backing U.S. President Donald Trump in a battle to strip the state of authority to regulate tailpipe emissions.

Between 2016 and 2018, California purchased $58.6 million in vehicles from General Motors Co (GM.N), $55.8 million from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCHA.MI), $10.6 million from Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) and $9 million from Nissan Motor Co (7201.T).

Last month, GM, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and members of the Global Automakers trade association backed the Trump administration’s effort to bar Cali-

fornia from setting its own emission standards, which are significantly stricter than the Trump Administration proposal’s preferred option.

GM spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan said in a statement it was unfortunate that California will stop buying its electric Bolt.

“Removing vehicles like the Chevy Bolt and prohibiting GM and other manufacturers from consideration will reduce California’s choices for affordable,American-made electric vehicles and limit its ability to reach its goal of minimizing the state government’s carbon footprint, a goal that GM shares.”

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Airbnb teams up with the IOC to provide Games accommodation LONDON (Reuters) Short-term home rental company Airbnb Inc has joined the ranks of leading sponsors of the Olympic Games with a nine year deal to help provide accommodation for the worlds biggest sporting event and cut the cost for host cities.

Airbnb said yesterday the partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would run from the Tokyo games next year until 2028 and cover five Olympics and Paralympics events. Financial details were not disclosed.That period will include the summer Games in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles in 2028, as well as the winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022 and one centered on Milan four years later.The move, which sees Airbnb joining other major sponsors includ-

The Airbnb logo is seen on a little mini pyramid under the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris, France, March 12, 2019. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau) ing Coca-Cola, Panasonic, Samsung, Alibaba, Visa and Toyota, highlights the companys rapid growth to become one of the major players in room rental.It is currently revamping policies to improve trust after a mass shooting at a property in California last month.IOC Presi-

dent Thomas Bach said the partnership would not replace the traditional Olympic village where athletes stay but would be based on a guarantee of accommodation for visitors, families of athletes, and officials.The IOC requires candidate cities to guarantee 40,000 rooms, and Bach said

Tuesday November 19, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) An old friend you haven't seen in a long time could suddenly reappear. You'll be surprised by this person's achievements. This meeting or the circumstances surrounding it could mark a turning point for you.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A sudden but fortunate change of job circumstances could take place today. Perhaps you suddenly get promoted or transferred.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A close friend or your partner could propose an impromptu trip and you might decide to go. You're restless for adventure.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) An unexpected sum of money could cause chaos in your home, but it's an exciting, pleasant sort of pandemonium! Perhaps this makes it possible for you to make some necessary changes or buy some new equipment, furniture, or appliances.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Someone who may be something of a local celebrity might suddenly be attracted to you, although at this point neither one of you may be inclined to pursue it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Information received today might make it possible for you to change your job, residence, or at least the way you think or operate.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you aren't romantically involved, expect that status to change today. You could meet more than one attractive person!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Idealism and some intriguing mystical revelations could make you want to spread your ideas. You may want to invite some friends over to talk.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The hopes and goals of a group with which you're associated inspire you. You might make personal sacrifices in order to assure their success.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Sudden, unexpected success could result in an equally unexpected raise.

Friends may have pointed you in the direction that put you in the right place at the right time.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) rush of optimism and enthusiasm could propel you into a more positive frame of mind, and you could accomplish wonders. Your circumstances may be turned upside down.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Sudden insights and revelations could enable you to make some longdesired changes. A lucky break might bring an unexpected sum of money your way. Unusual dreams could amuse you during the night.

A woman wearing the yukata, or casual summer kimono, walks past Olympic rings displayed at Nihonbashi district in Tokyo, Japan August 5, 2019. Picture taken August 5, 2019. (REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo) it would help host cities save and make the games more feasible and sustainable.

“Now these cities can build in the potential of Airbnb, and do not need to promise to build new hotels or accommodation, they can (instead) refer to the number of hosts Airbnb is offering,” he told Reuters.

The likes of Paris and Los Angeles already have plenty of hotels and well-developed Airbnb host communities already.But the IOC hopes the

agreement will help local residents to enjoy more of the benefits of hosting Olympics and reduce the resistance that has seen a number of cities pull out of the bidding process for Games in recent years.

Locals staged protests at the last summer games in Rio de Janeiro because of the cost of hosting the event when Brazil was mired in recession.

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia said he hoped the partnership would help leave a “positive legacy for athletes

and host communities,” as well as give benefits for the company, such as integrated booking of accommodation with online ticket purchases.

BIG INVESTMENT YEARS The partnership also allows athletes to make money by hosting “experiences” through Airbnb, and the IOC will make $28 million worth of accommodation available to athletes to help them train and compete over the nine years.

Founded in 2008, Airbnb has shifted from disrupting the hotel sector to increasingly being one of the leaders in the accommodation sector.

Gebbia said the deal represented another step in the company moving towards being an establishment player, though he declined to comment on its plans to go public next year.The company has moved to tighten its policies, banning party houses and aiming to make all listings verified by December 2020 after a Halloween shooting at a party at a rental home.

Airbnb Head of Policy Chris Lehane said the policy changes had been planned before the incident.

“We look at 2019, 2020 as big investment years for us, and the announcements that we made a week or so ago are major components of that big investment,” he told Reuters.

“We have more money in the bank than we have actually raised, and our economic model allows us ... (to) continue to invest.”

Brazil claim...

From page 30 Islands. They then required penalties to dispatch Netherlands in the semi-finals and will be gutted to have let a lead slip so late against Brazil in the decider. Dutch striker Sontje Hansen ended the World Cup with the golden boot for his six goals, while Selecao star Gabriel Veron was voted the best player of the tournament. France claimed bronze in Brazil after beating Netherlands 3-1 in their third-place match with Arnaud KalimuendoMuinga netting a hat-trick for the victors. England, who won the U-17 World Cup in 2017, failed to qualify for the tournament after being eliminated in the group stages of the U-17 European Championship earlier this year. Peru, who last competed in the U17 World Cup in 2007, are set to host the next tournament in two years time with 24 nations to compete across six cities. While they now have a record fifth World Cup in their sights, Brazil will be focused on simply qualifying for the tournament with the past two winners failing to do so.

PAGE 28

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

Ball tampering: Pooran ‘will learn from his mistake’ - Steven Smith ESPNcricinfo - Steven Smith believes his former CPL team-mate Nicholas Pooran will learn a lot from his recent suspension for ball tampering, while revealing how much the Newlands scandal had helped him to understand his own mental limits and the need for regular breaks to enhance his decision-making.

Pooran became the latest player to be found guilty of ball tampering - the second after Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal following that Cape Town Test - and was suspended for four T20I matches.

Smith had previously played alongside Smith for Barbados Tridents, and the former Australia captain said that 24-year-old Pooran

would gain plenty from the introspection forced by the offence and its penalty.

“Everyone is different, every board is different, and the way they deal with certain issues.

For me, I copped it on the chin... it is what it is. I know Nicholas, I’ve played a bit of cricket with him and he’s a talented player and someone with a bright future,” Smith said. “I think he’ll learn from his mistake and move past it.

“I don’t feel hard done by.

It was a long time ago now.

I’ve moved past it and I’m focusing on the present. I played with him in the Caribbean league at Barbados. I think he’s going to be an exceptional player in white-ball cricket.”

Reflecting on how the scandal had influenced him, Smith said he was now far better at recognising where he was at mentally and whether he needed a break from time to time. Entering the fateful Cape Town Test of 2018, Smith had actually admitted “maybe now my mind is not in as good a space as it was”, yet was compelled to push on through the fatigue accumulated over a summer where he did not get much time to rest.

He is now optimistic that he and others will benefit from the painful lessons that followed.

“I’m able to I think catch my mind, where that’s going and the decisions I’m making are a lot more clear with what

Ottley hundred puts Pride on verge of semis BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC Kjorn Ottley hit his maiden Super50 Cup century as Barbados Pride put one foot in the semi-finals with a comfortable four-wicket win over reigning champions CCC Marooners here Sunday.

The in-form Pride chased down an uncomplicated target of 208 at Warner Park, with the left-handed Ottley leading the way with an unbeaten 101 off 127 balls.

For Pride, it was their fifth win in six outings and it put them on 20 points, helping them to open up a significant eight-point gap on second placed hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the top of Group A. The loss for Marooners, meanwhile, was the fourth in fifth matches and it virtually ruled them out of a place in the semi-finals.

They got half-centuries from Akshaya Persaud (55) and Sadique Henry (54) to reach 207 for nine off their 50 overs, after choosing to bat.

With the innings slumping at 96 for six in the 28th over, Persaud and Henry came together in a 76-run, seventh wicket stand to rescue their side.

Persaud, a 22-year-old left-hander in only his fifth List A match, struck four fours and a six in a 91-ball knock to complete his second half-century of the tournament, while Henry faced 69 deliveries and counted five fours and a six.

Much of the damage was done by West Indies fast bowler Miguel Cummins who snatched three early wickets to finish with four for 29 while off-spinner Ashley Nurse supported with two for 32.

In reply, Pride were given a handy start by Ottley who put on 74 for the first wicket

Kjorn Ottley celebrates reaching his maiden List A hundred on Sunday. with Leniko Boucher who made 25 from 44 balls with four boundaries.

Bouncer was looking set when he fished at a widish delivery from seamer and captain Carlos Brathwaite and was taken behind by wicketkeeper Gian Benjamin, diving to his right in the 15th over.

Nicholas Kirton (10) and captain Jonathan Carter (7) then fell cheaply as Pride stumbled, losing three wickets for 28 runs to be 102 for three in the 22nd over.

Ottley, however, stabilised the run chase, adding 33 for the fourth wicket with the in-form Kyle Mayers (19) before putting on a further 45 for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott who made a busy 25 from 28 balls with four fours.

All told, Ottley struck 10 fours and two sixes, reaching triple figures in the 45th over with a driven single to deep cover off Brathwaite.

Scores from the matches played: Group A At Warner Park: Pride won by four wickets.

CCC MAROONERS 207

for nine off 50 overs (Akshaya Persaud 55, Sadique Henry 54; Miguel Cummins 4-29).

BARBADOS PRIDE 211 for six off 45.2 overs (Kjorn Ottley 101 not out, Leniko Boucher, Tevyn Walcott 25; Carlos Brathwaite 3-37).

Group B At Brian Lara Stadium: Red Force won by two runs.

T&T RED FORCE 179 off 28.3 overs (Jason Mohammed 69, Darren Bravo 58; Bhaskar Yadram 4-22).

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 177 off 28.3 overs (Kavem Hodge 46, Ryan John 38 not out, Emmanuel Stewart 31; Yannick Ottley 5-36).

At Queens Park Oval: Emerging Players won by one run (DLS).

WI EMERGING PLAYERS 167 for eight off 30 overs (Justin Greaves 53, Joshua DaSilva 39; Chandrapaul Hemraj 3-18, Ramaal Lewis 322).

GUYANA JAGUARS 178 for eight off 30 overs (Jonathan Foo 67, Ramaal Lewis 40, Chris Barnwell 24; Jermaine Levy 3-40).

Nicholas Pooran will learn from his mistake and move past it, feels Steven Smith. (Getty Images) I’m trying to do,” Smith said.

“Every decision you make has got an outcome, good, bad and ugly, whatever, I’m able to think of how it’s going to look before I make that decision a lot of the time.

“Of course, I’ll still make mistakes, I’m a human being, we all do. But being able to catch yourself and the way you’re thinking is something I’ve learnt and something I’ll continue to work on and continue and get better at.”

While at pains to ensure it did not sound like he was making excuses for what transpired at Newlands, Smith said the current discussion around mental health, following the decisions of Glenn Maxwell, Nic Maddinson and Will Pucovski to take leave from the game, reflected a growing understanding of how important it was to have a good idea day to day of where cricketers, and particularly their captains, were sitting in terms of their personal wellness.

“I think that’s something that we’re getting a lot better at,” he said. “Communication with the coach, relevant people that are involved where we can have those honest conversations with

Video footage showed Nicholas Pooran scratching the ball with his thumbnail. (Getty Images)

about how we’re tracking. It is a pretty hectic schedule nowadays. It’s bloody tough to sustain it for long periods of time, particularly I think for the fast bowlers.

It’s extremely difficult what they put themselves through.

It’s great that those conversations are happening and we’re trying to keep guys as mentally and physically fresh as they can be.“Don’t get me wrong, that’s no excuse on my behalf. No excuses there.

But I think it’s great those conversations are happening.

We fill out daily how we’re feeling, how we slept... the sleep gets a big red every now and again. We fill out a wellness thing every day.

The coach and psych and head of team performance look at our markers daily and it’s upon us to be honest in the way we go about that as well.

“They can see how we’re tracking and if there’s a change in behaviour, if you’re feeling ill or not sleeping well or feeling a bit off, they’re aware of it.

That can sort of start a conversation. Why is your sleep bad? What’s going on?

Why are you feeling a bit off

today? It’s good that they do that. It’s good for guys’ mental health and wellbeing as well.”

The Gabba Test will mark another milestone for Smith on his road back from Newlands, being his first Test match at home since his ban.

He will be seeking to maintain the stunning performances he reeled off in England to help Australia retain the Ashes, while also beginning a summer in which he is likely to return to South Africa for the first time since the scandal as part of the limitedovers team.

“I’m pretty chilled about everything at the moment,” he said. “I’ve obviously been back playing for Australia for a little while now and even my first Test back in England I didn’t think too much of it. I was just playing a game and doing what I love.

“It’s great to be playing my first Test back in Australia, I’m excited about that. I’ve had some success personally at the Gabba and we usually play pretty well as a team here.

I’m excited about getting back out there. Hopefully we can have a really successful summer.”

Alex Marquez joins brother Marc at Honda for 2020 season BBC Sport - Repsol Honda have confirmed that Moto2 champion Alex Marquez has signed a oneyear deal to join his brother Marc as Jorge Lorenzo’s replacement for 2020.

Alex Marquez, 23, took the Moto2 title in his fifth season in the division, having previously won Moto3 in 2014.

Lorenzo announced his retirement before Sunday’s final race of the year in Spain, having won three MotoGP titles.

Marc Marquez, 26, won his sixth MotoGP title this year, sealing his 12th win of the season in the Valencia finale.

Alex and Marc Marquez are the first world champion brothers. (EPA)

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

North Georgetown retain MOE/GTU nationals swimming title

By Zaheer Mohamed District 11, North Georgetown, successfully defended their swimming title at the 59th Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers Union National Schools’ Championship which was held yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre, Lilliendaal.

North Georgetown chalked up 446 points to win the title ahead of Upper Demerara -Kwakwani with 311 points, while East Georgetown occupied the third position on 250 points.

South Georgetown managed fourth place with 152 points followed by Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon on 139, Bartica 137, North West 129, East Bank Demerara 85, West Demerara and East Coast Demerara on 67 each, Rupununi 58, West Coast Berbice 34, Pitaro -Siparuni 20 and New Amsterdam on 17.

North Georgetown proved too good for their opponents in the boys 200m freestyle relay, winning the event in one minute 47.90 seconds; East Georgetown took the runner up spot in 1: 50.87 while Upper DemeraraKwakwani placed third in 1:56.66. North Georgetown were again in winners lane as they clocked two minutes 02.19 seconds to win the girls 200m freestyle relay ahead of East Georgetown in 2:06.52 and Upper Demerara Kwakwani in 2:23. 06.

Giselle Crane of Disctict 11 North Georgetown won the girls 16 and under 100m backstroke in a time of one minute 22.22 seconds ahead of Alianna Charles of District one North West in 1:41.20 and Michella Henry of Discrict seven Bartica in 1:56:20 respectively. Crane also carted off the girls 16 and under 50m breaststroke in 42.97 seconds.

Noel Raekwon of East Georgetown won the boys 16 and under 100m backstroke in 1 minute 05.84 seconds, while Ethan Gonsalves of North Georgetown placed second in 1:11.18 and Travis Smith of North West finished third in 1:29.68. Raekwon grabbed another gold in the boys 16 and under 50m breaststroke in 34.22 seconds.

Donna Carter of South Georgetown took gold in the girls 18 and under 100m backstroke in 1:14.78 while Amber DeGoaes of North Georgetown took silver in 1:21.34 and Nikita Peters of East Georgetown finished third in 1: 24.41. The boys 18 and under 100m backstroke was taken by Sekhel Tzeseq of East Georgetown in 1:09.34; Stephon Ramkellawan of North Georgetown was second in 1:19.40 and Collin Stephen of Rupununi was

Noel Raekwon (left) and Aleka Persaud. third in 1:25.22. Monique Watson of North Georgetown won the girls 18 and under 100m backstroke in 1:16.40 ahead of Colen DaSilva of Upper Demerara -Kwakwani in 1:42.75 and Alicia George of District two Essequibo Coast and Poneroon in 1:51.73 respectively.

Shamal Bryan of North Georgetown grabbed gold in the boys 18 and under 100m backstroke in 1:25.34 while Guin Peters of North West took second spot in 1:30.06 and Recardo Davis of Upper Demerara-Kwakwani was third in 1:31.16. Megan Scott of District 14 East Bank Demerara won the girls 10 and under 50m freestyle in 39.63 seconds, while Jessica Sookram of North Georgetown placed second in 41.83 and Akeela Fortune of East Georgetown was third in 45.90.

Recardo Spencer of Upper Demerara-Kwakwani won the boys 10 and under 50m freestyle in 35.88 seconds, while Joash Smith of Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon took the runner up spot in 41.86 and Joash Headley of Bartica finished third in 43.46. Kyra Soares of North Georgetown took the top podium spot in the girls 12 and under 50m freestyle in 33.49 seconds, while Andica Vieira of EBD placed second in 35.56 and Unecia Fredericks of Upper DemeraraKwakwani took third position in 39.40.

The boys 12 and under 50m freestyle was won by Aarav Singh of North Georgetown in 34.86 while Damion Lucas of North West took silver in 36.01 and Romario Daw of Upper Demerara -Kwakwani finished third in 36.31.

Aleka Persaud of East Georgetown bagged gold in the girls 14 and under 50m freestyle in 28.04 seconds; Patrice Mahaica of North Georgetown placed second in 29.54 and Sarah Ramsammy of South Georgetown finished

third in 35.61. Persaud grabbed another gold as she clocked 33.25 seconds in the girls 14 and under 50m breasstroke. Paul Mahaica handed North Georgetown another gold with victory in the boys 14 and under 50m backstroke in 33.98 seconds, while Leon Seaton also of North Georgetown won the boys 16 and under 5pm backstroke in 30. 48 seconds.

Elliott Gonsalves of East Georgetown grabbed the boys 14 and under 50m freestyle title in 28.44 seconds, while Paul Mahaica of North Georgetown won silver in 28.53 and Dvon Spencer of Upper Demerara-Kwakwani finished third in 31.19. Maiya Francois-Ifill of North Georgetown won the girls 16 and under 50m freestyle in 29.22 seconds; Shenessa Cornelius of Upper Demerara -Kwakwani placed second in 33.69 and Tatiana Albert of Essequibo Coast-Pomeroon took bronze in 37.29.

Leon Seaton of North Georgetown won gold in the boys 16 and under 50m freestyle in 25.31 seconds while Daniel Claxton of West Demerara took the runner up spot in 26.55 and Triston Lyckerish of Upper DemeraraKwakwani finished third in 28.79. Lathisha Blair handed South Georgetown gold in the girls 18 and under 50m freestyle in 30.00 seconds, while Coleen Stephen of East Coast Demerara placed second in 33.25 and Brittany Quamina of East Georgetown was third in 33.60. Blair also won the girls 18 and under 50m breaststroke in 41.93 seconds. The boys 18 and under 50m freestyle was taken by Andew Skeete of East Coast Demerara in 26.78 seconds while Sion Jeffers of took silver in 27.59 and Stephon Ramkellawan of North Georgetown placed third in 29.32.

Amy Grant of North Georgetown dominated her rivals to win the girls open

Leon Seaton 50m freestyle in 30.51 seconds; Safiyah Foster of East Georgetown took silver in 35.18 and Coleen DaSilva of Upper Demerara-Kwakwani won the bronze in 36.58. Grant chalked another gold as she won the 100m girls open freestyle in 1:10.40 while De Andra Wilson won the boys 100m freestyle in 1:06.52. Alicia George of Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon won the girls 18 and over 50m freestyle in 38.22 seconds; Atiba Jeffrey of East Bank Demerara took second place in 40.21 and Nikisha Moses of PotaroSiparuni finished third in 40.55. Telford George of North Georgetown won the boys 18 and over 50m freestyle in 28.22 seconds ahead of David Scott of East Georgetown in

Ricardo Spencer 29.07 and De Andra Wilson of Upper DemeraraKwakwani in 29. 23 seconds in that order. Jessica Sookram of South Georgetown Jonathan Sookram of North Georgetown won the boys 18 and under 100m freestyle in 1:03.92. Jessica Sookram of North Georgetown placed second in the girls 10 and under 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke. Andica Vieira of District 14 placed second in the girls 12 and under 50m freestyle while Sarah Ramsammy of District 13 South Georgetown placed third in the girls 14 and under 50m freestyle.

Sion Jeffers of District 13 South Georgetown won the boys 18 and under 50m breasstroke in 34.98 seconds,

Amy Grant Monique Watson grabbed gold in the girls 18 and under 50m breasstroke in 40.13 while Patrick Thompson of South Georgetown won the boys open 50m breasstroke in 39.66 seconds.

The champion athletes in the respective category were; Meagan Scott girls 10 and under, Ricardo Spencer boys 10 and under, Kyra Soares girls 12 and under, Aarav Singh boys 12 and under, Aleka Persaud girls 14 and under, Paul Mahaica boys 14 and under, Giselle Crane girls 16 and under, Noel Raekwon boys 16 and under, Lathisha Blair girls 18 and under, Jonathan Sookram boys 18 and under, Monique Watson girls open and De Andra Wilson boys open.

Jaguars draw with Jamaica as goalkeeper Roberts stood out The Guyana Golden Jaguars played out a 1-1 draw with Jamaica Reggae Boyz last night in Kingston, Jamaica. The match was the return fixture between the two top placed sides in the Concacaf Nations League Group B action.

In the first outing Jamaica had defeated the Jaguars 4-0 at the Leonora Track and Field facility.Needing a win or better yet a draw to advance, the Jaguars eventually made the breakthrough compliments of the talented Emery Welshman on the stroke of 45 minutes.

Withstanding a torrid early period the Guyanese held their own with goalkeeper Quillan Roberts having to make several saves, including two crucial ones either side of the break, the last an excellent effort to deny Ja-

maica a possible winner. Keanu Marsh-Brown sent a flighted ball and Welshman turned as he anticipated his marker would miss clearing the pass, latched onto it and fired a scud missile into the back of the net.

Leading 1-0 at the break, the Jaguars came out to the fire that the home team unleashed and held their own. However, Jamaica were able to level the scores in the 50th minute through Javon East during a goalmouth scramble.Jamaica continued to press while Guyana made a few runs and the contest eventually petered out to a draw but not before Roberts made the save of the game to deny Jamaica a winner. Jamaica (16) remain on top of the points standing with Guyana (10) in tow in the second spot.

Concacaf Nations League WILLEMSTAD, Curacao Antigua and Barbuda defeated Aruba by a score of 3-2 in Group C of League B action in the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League last night at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao.

Josua John gave Aruba the 1-0 lead in the 20th minute, but Junior Benjamin would level the score for Antigua and Barbuda in the 36th minute. Aruba were down to 10 men after Nickenson Paul was shown a red card in the 63rd minute.Despite being a man down, Noah Harms recovered the ball on the left wing and drove it into the box to regain the lead for Aruba

in the 76th minute.

The joy would be temporary, as Harms would be caught on the wrong end of an attacking play and credited with an own goal in the 83rd minute.The momentum stayed with the Benna Boys and Daniel Bowry scored his first CNL goal shortly after to put Antigua and Barbuda up 3-2 in the 84th minute.

Antigua and Barbuda finish the group stage with nine points and a 3-0-3 mark, and based on the result of the Guyana versus Jamaica match (1-1 draw) they finished in third place.Aruba ends the tournament with a 0-0-6 record and are relegated to League C.

Antigua and Barbuda rally to top Aruba

PAGE 30

Colonial Medical Super50 Cup

Jaguars face Volcanoes in rematch today

By Sean Devers in Trinidad Each of their last three games are virtually knock-out matches for Jaguars starting with todays encounter against Windwards Volcanoes from 13:30 hrs in their rematch at the Queens Park Oval.

The Jaguars are third in Group B with 12 points from five matches with wins over the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) and the United States of America (USA) and losses against T&Ts Red Force and WIEP in their rematch in their last game.

The Emerging Players have played excellent cricket so far and sit at the top of the points table with 16 points from four wins and their lone loss against the Jaguars in the opening game.

Each team play each other twice in a round robin format before the top two teams from the two groups advance the semi-finals in Trinidad.

The Red Force, who lost to the Emerging Players on Wednesday are second in group B on 16 points from four wins and a loss to WIEP. The Windwards have 4 points from their win over the USA but have lost all four of their other games.

The selectors might be having regrets about not picking Trevon Griffith, who scored a century in franchise league which was used to pick this team, since all three openers selected have failed to live up expectations.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was dropped for scoring too slowly and not getting big

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

scores, while Kemol Savory made 71 in the first game but only has 14 runs from his next four innings.

The Jaguars could toy with the idea of opening with Keeper Anthony Bramble and Chanderpaul Hemraj who has not been having the best time with the bat here.

Guyana needs to score quicker to get their net run rate higher and Skipper Leon Johnson must bat with intent but with responsibility.

Johnsons demise; pulling a full toss was reckless, while Raymond Reifer is doing a good job with bat and ball but will hope for more consistency since on Sunday his dismissal was a soft one.

This has been Jaguars biggest worry since the tournament commenced.

Chris Barnwell has batted with confidence and has 253 runs with fifties at SR 96.19 and only Kerion Powell (327) and Daren Bravo (269) has more runs than him.

Jonathon Foo is the only other Jaguars batsman with 150 runs, scoring 187 from five innings at a strike rate of 106.98.

The pair will both be depended on to build on good starts and get hundreds since, while Hemraj and Johnson registered centuries last year, no Jaguar batsman has reached a three-figure in this years tournament.

Ramaal Lewis has showed vast improvement in his batting and his off-spin bowling continues to be steady.

With Permaul, Motie and Hemraj and Lewis all expected to play today, the Jaguars could attack with spin.

Only Powell and Bravo has more runs Chris Barnwell despite him not getting a century as yet.

Ronsford Beaton, Raymond Reifer and Barnwell, if required will provide the pace.

Devon Smith made 93 the last time these teams in this tournament and is his threat at this level that 38-year-old left hander who has eight List A hundreds, seems to single out Guyana for punishment even when he is out of form.

Skipper Kirk Edwards is also woefully short of runs and the burden of getting a 200 plus could be left to their leading run scorer Kaveem Hodge, D e s r o n Maloney, Keron Cottoy and Shane Shillingford who are all capable with the bat.

Emmanuel Stewart, Test pacer Shermon Lewis, Ray Jordon and Bhaskar Yadram.

The Volcanoes spinners are led by Shillingford who struggled with what has been a below par perform from fourtimes Champions.

Leg spinner Keron Cottoy, Left-arm spinner Larry Edwards and off-spinner Alex Athanaze provide the Volcanos with plenty of spin op-

Jonathon Foo’s come back has been a good one so far.

Devon Smith made 93 in the first match against Jaguars and could spoil their hopes of reaching the Semis. tions.

Guyana won the last of their nine titles (2 shared) in

Raymon Refier has been the Jaguar best all rounder and is their only with a 5-wk haul in this tournament.

2005 at Bourda when Shiv Chanderpaul, who is the Assistant Coach here, was the

Captain. Crandon also played in that game against Barbados.

Brazil claim U-17 World Cup title with dramatic win over Mexico Yahoo Sports - Brazil have clinched their fourth Under17 World Cup trophy in thrilling and controversial circumstances against Mexico.

World Cup hosts Brazil triumphed 2-1 thanks to Lazaro Vinicius Marques’ 93rd-minute winner on Sunday at the Bezerrao.

Mexico winners of the showpiece tournament in 2005 and 2011 looked on track to add a third title to their collection when Bryan Alonso Gonzalez Olivan headed home the opener in the 66th minute.

But Brazil, playing in front of legends Ronaldo and Cafu, rallied courtesy of Kaio Jorge’s questionable penalty with six minutes of regulation

time remaining.Brazil then completed the comeback deep into stoppage time when Lazaro volleyed home a last-gasp winner.The victory added to Brazil’s successes in 1997, 1999 and 2003 as they moved within one of Nigeria’s record of five championships.The Selecao won all eight of their games at the tournament with Kaio Jorge the side’s top goal scorer with five strikes to his name. Mexico meanwhile, who recently won the U-17 Concacaf tournament, drew their opening match against Paraguay before ending the group stages with an emphatic 8-0 win over Solomon (Continued on page 29 )

A 93rd-minute goal secured more Under-17 glory for the Selecao on Sunday.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

District 6 stays unbeaten at National Schools Cycling Championships The National Park was abuzz yesterday when the National Schools Championships Cycling leg sped off with Upper Corentyne (District 6) successfully defending the title that they have held for the recent years.

Among the top performers for the champions were Rosheka Crawford of Corentyne Comprehensive high school who won three races yesterday in the girls under-16 40om, 800m and 1000m. Meanwhile, Kevin Ross was unstoppable in the boys’ open with victory in 1000m and 800m, while Ajay Gopilall continued his excellence on the cycle with victory in the 2000m boys open, edging his team mate Donavan Fraser in a photo finish.

Defending overall champions, District 10, ensured that they picked up some valuable points as they set out to retain their overall championships with Mary Lyken of Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School triumphing in the girls under-14 400m and 800m races.

District 6s representative, Karl Vanier shared with Kaieteur Sport that, “We have a very good cycling programme in Berbice that have assisted us in performing so well over the years.

This year our team is even stronger for the cycling and there is much rivalry between our squad. 2005 was the year we came closest to winning the overall championship but Swimming has always been our Achilles heel. If we have the National Sports Commission (NSC) to do an outreach programme in berbice, I think it will help us do perform better overall.”

Vanier further posited that this championship, District 6 have some good track & field athletes with Melon Lowenfield being one who is on the cusp of his tongue. He shared that the high jumper who has the record in the boys under-16 divisions will be looking to leave his mark in the under-18 age group this year and with the heights he has been clearing in training, the fans can expect him to deliver.

District 6’s Karl Vanier Teacher.

According to unofficial results, the top five districts after yesterdays cycling event are District 6 with 288 points, occupying second are the defending overall champions District 10 that registered a good showing today with 237 points. In third is District 15 with 150 points, while District 7 finished fourth with 148 points and district 11 enjoyed fifth with 101 points.

(Calvin Chapman story and photos)

Mario Washington won the boys’ under-16 1500m race with a gap of at least 100m.

District 10’s Mary Lyken of CWSS won the 400m and 800m girls’ under 14 races.

Jamaul John takes Guyana Beverage Company Oasis water cycle road race Formula One yet to settle on in Berbice future Brazilian GP location

SAO PAULO (Reuters) Formula One wants to keep the Brazilian Grand Prix on the calendar but where South Americas only race will be held after 2020, when the contract with Sao Paulo ends, remains uncertain.Formula One chairman Chase Carey, who represents U.S.-based commercial rights holders Liberty Media Corp, told reporters at last weekends race at Interlagos that all options were being evaluated.

“We have interests, we have multiple partners that are interested,” Carey said. “It is certainly our goal to continue to race in Brazil for a long time.”“Generally, there isnt a specific deadline. Our general practice has been to announce the schedule for the next season around the summer,” he added.Interlagos is confirmed for 2020, but Rio de Janeiro is a candidate for the year after.Sao Paulo wants to keep the race and state governor Joao Doria said there will be a meeting with Liberty in the first week of December, when a formal proposal will be presented by the city.

Sao Paulo currently pays no fee to Formula One, unlike others around the world who pay as much as 60 million euros ($66.35 million) for their races, but Doria said that would change.

“We are going to pay the fee in the next contract, we will have private money coming

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action at the start of the race Brazilian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Interlagos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

(REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes) in, private investments as well,” said the governor.

Local paper O Estado de S. Paulo reported that the city, the home of late triple world champion Ayrton Senna, was willing to pay $20 million as a fee. There were reports that Rio had offered more.

“Our agreements have multiple aspects about them, they are not only about the fee, we have many elements that go into an agreement, they are quite complex,” said Carey.The city of Sao Paulo, governed by Dorias ally Bruno Covas, is set to sell the rights to manage Interlagos for 33 years to the private sector on Jan. 8.The plan is to have activitis all year round in the circuits area, as well as

to build a hotel, exposition area and possibly a shopping mall.There were talks during the weekend about other locations, in smaller cities outside the Rio-Sao Paulo axis.

Carey declined to give any more details regarding the multiple partners that have shown interest in hosting the event.The area around Interlagos has grown a lot in the last years and traffic is a major issue. Security has also been a problem, although that has improved.The proposed Rio location is very far from the city center, in a region lacking hotels and transport infrastructure. It is also a forested area and will need an environmental license before any construction can start.

Jamaul John continues his rich vein of form when he rode away with the Guyana Beverage Company sponsored annual 50 miles cycle road race which was held under the Oasis water brand on Sunday along the East Coast Berbice and Corentyne Highway.

The event, which was organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC), saw John, who has been in good form this season, stopping the clock at one hour 55 minutes and 12 seconds. He won in a close and tense three way battle from Berbician Andre Padlock Green, second and Christopher Chicken Legs Griffith third.

The race was intense throughout as the cyclists made many breaks to get the advantage, but none was able to sustain the lead for long as they were soon roped in. As the race wound down, the three were able to lead the way as the gain the advantage from the rest of the pack. The second bunch had their own battle with defending champion Paul DeNobrega fourth and Balram Narine fifth.

The other top finishers were Kemuel Moses s i x t h , D e e r a j Gharbharan seventh, Marcus Keiler eight, the ever green Junior Niles ninth with Walter Grant-Stuart rounding out the top 10.

A total of 26 riders were sent on their way by Region 6 Regional Chairman David

Jamaul John winning from Andre Green and Christopher Griffith.

Armogan and Guyana Beverage Company Berbice Sales Manager Albert Boodhoo.

The riders raced off from in front of the Guyana Beverage Company Berbice Office at Palmyra East Coast Berbice before pedaling to the front of the Nand Persaud Business Complex at No 36 Village Corentyne before turning back to finish at its place of origin.

Niles was the winner in the veterans category with Sybourue Fernandes riding in second and Desmond Pattinson third. Among the 12-14 riders the top riders were Shazam Yacoob and Raj Mootoo. They rode from Benjamin Sports Store at No1 Road to the finish line.

The prime point prizes

were shared by Griffith, Niles and Green with two each, while Andrew Hicks and John copped one each.

Coordinator and Cycling Coach, Randolph Roberts, was high in praise for the Guyana Beverage Company and Albert Boodhoo for their continued support in sponsoring the annual cycling event. He also had praise for the ranks of the Guyana Police Force for a job well done.

Budhoo thanked Roberts and The FACC for organising the race. He thanked the cyclists for participating in the event and congratulated the winners. Budhoo also said the event is part of the companys way of giving back to the society from where it garners its support.

PAGE 32

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

ISKF-Guyana 2019 National Tourney concludes with grand medal Special trophies won by Chaves, Rodrigues & Katchay ceremony

Participants and officials take time out for a photograph after the event.

International Shotokan Karate Federation Guyana (ISKF-Guyana) concluded its 2019 National Karate Tournament with a grand medal ceremony at its HQ Studio (Dojo) last Friday evening last.

Scores of parents and participants eagerly anticipated the medal presentation done by Chief Instructor & Country Manager Christopher Chaves. Special Trophies for top performances this year went to the teenage trio Kristalia Chaves, Alex Rodrigues and Tempest Katchay.

The award ceremony followed the National Tournament that was held on November 2nd, 2019 at the Marian Academy Auditorium on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. At the tournament, opening speech and welcome was done by Sensei Marlon George who encouraged participants to compete to their best and moreover with camaraderie.

Christopher Chand delivered the Competitors oath before the tournament kicked off.

75 participants from the HQ dojo, National Park, Thomas Lands and the Georgetown International Academy Dojo competed at this years tournament.

Those who officiated were Sensei Christopher Chaves as Chief Judge and Neville Holder, Marvin Singh, Marlon George, Shermon Best and Christina Chaves as Judges.

The success of this years tournament accelerates ISKF-Guyana activities as they are in preparation mode to attend the ISKF 4thShotocup World Karate Tournament to be held in London in August 2020. To culminate the year, November 30th will be the final major

activity.

The committee extends special thanks to the participants, parents, supporters, officials, Sister Marie Harper, and sponsors especially the main sponsors of medals the Alfro Alphonso & Sons Enterprises and Special trophies donated by Hand-in Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

Crandon disappointed withwhatloss against WIEP on... we can and that is to

From page 33 in twenty overs we were always asking for trouble and was always behind.

I thought Foo and Lewis partnership was a good example of how good the pitch was for batting and how easy scoring was,” said the 37-year-old Crandon.

Foo scored his maiden fifty and along with Lewis, who was run out off of the last ball, made a brisk 40 in a record seventh wicket partnership.Looking ahead to the last three matches to what is required to reach the semifinals, Crandon was matter of factual.“We can only control

win our remaining matches and the same time improve our net run rate, which maybe a deciding factor at the conclusion of the preliminary stage.

We have got to bring our A game to all the teams now and minimize the unforced errors

and do the good things for longer period of time. It calls for individuals playing their roles and taking responsibility for their performances,” the Berbician concluded. The team had to day off yesterday to relax and reflect on what went wrong on Sunday night.

Tuesday November 19, 2019

Kaieteur News

Crandon disappointed with loss against WIEP on Sunday Foo will hope continue his excellent form today.

Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon.

By Sean Devers in Trinidad As Guyana Jaguars head into a must win game today, Head Coach Esuan Crandon is very disappointed with the loss against the Emerging players on Sunday and said Jaguars did not play smart cricket.

Led by an 89-run third wicket stand between Justin Greaves who made 53 and Joshua DaSilva (39) the Emerging players slumped from 101-2 to 135-7.

But Dominic Drakes smashed 18 from eight balls with two sixes and a four, while Camarie Boyce hit three boundaries in an

unbeaten 18 from 10 balls to take them to 1678 from 30 overs.“We were very ordinary in the field again conceding extra runs and our bowlers didn’t execute well in the death overs.

I felt we allowed them to score fifteen to twenty runs extra,” lamented Crandon.Chasing a revised target of 180 from 30 over Jaguars slumped to 45-4 with Hemraj (5), Savory (0), Johnson (17) and Reifer (3) all dismissed. “Our batsmen didn’t do the team any good up front due to poor shot selection and situation awareness. Losing six wickets (Continued on page 32)

PAGE 33

Woodpecker Products continues sponsorship support to the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation

W

oodpecker Products located at Lot 40, Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, is undoubtedly an invaluable entity in the sporting world.

Owner and Managing D i r e c t o r, M r s . L u a n a Fernandes, was highly commended for once again generously donating to the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation.

At a recent Meeting at the familiar sporting store, Director of the Foundation, Mr. Andrew Phang, received from representative of Woodpecker products, Ms. Maria Samaroo a cheque and expressed thanks for the s u p p o r t Wo o d p e c k e r Products has given to local sport shooting.

Also present was Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon who thanked Mrs. Fernandes and her supportive family members who have all excelled in various sporting disciplines and recognise what it takes for sports to move forward in Guyana.

From left: G.S.S.Fs Secretary Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, G.S.S.F.s Asst. Secretary /Treasurer, Mr. Andrew Phang and Woodpecker Products representative, Ms. Maria Samaroo at the presentation.

Vidushi commended the Family and spoke highly of the encouragement and support for sport Mrs. Fernandes continuously

gives and is hopeful that other businesses in Guyana will emulate Woodpecker Products by making similar contributions to sports.

North Georgetown rt o p S retain MOE/GTU nationals swimming title

The victorious North Georgetown team.

District Six’s Kevin Ross who won the boys’ open 1000m and 800m.

District six’s Ajay Gopilall (left) piped his teammate Donovan Fraser in the boys’ open 2000m.

Rosheka Crawford of Corentyne Comprehensive won three races yesterday in the girls under-16 400m, 800m and 1000m.

District 6 stays unbeaten at National Schools Cycling Championships Jaguars draw with Jamaica as goalkeeper Roberts stood out Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8452, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.