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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 20, 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 The plight of the Third World Troy Resources now stands as the latest poster child of rapacious foreign investment presences in Guyana. Like Exxon in the nascent oil sector, as in actual production, Troy Resources has taken its place in the still developing gold industry, as just another big swinging corporate dic(tator) that holds this country to ransom, while it has its way with local riches; and for starters three hundred local workers.Troy occupies the untouchable space of a golden child, another one promising so much and delivering so little. It takes away the gems of the Guyanese soil: its rick metals reaped to the satisfaction of the Australians. The company from Down Under is not alone, for there are the Russians (through Rusal) in the bauxite segment, and the Americans (in the mighty embodiment of ExxonMobil) perched contentedly atop the oil floods readying to rain.Whether gold or bauxite or oil, it has been the same story, of suitors holding all the cards and an impoverished host country, lacking in the basics, but abundant in the endowments that make up the mineral textures and contours of its physical geography. Thus, the hills and valleys and rivers of Guyana are courted and conquered, dredged and drained, and with its lavish, exquisite beauties ravished and deformed. What does it have to show for it? Jobs (now gone), some meager taxes paid in a haphazard and belated manner, some monies paid to some causes (some of them human, some of them not so well declared). And all the while the cunning, seducing Troy(s) that creep into Guyana’s political realm first, and then its social consciousness next, spirit away one lush, local Helen after another in their clawing, calculating embrace. One government after another has assumed the reins of office, with the kind of swashbuckling rhetoric that would make Genghis Khan think twice and reset his marauding navigation system for another destination. And still they come, the outsiders with a measly dollar in extended hand, and many billions intended to be taken away in their hearts. These are the kind of investors, the type of partners who, when they located a cow, would find a way to extract every last drop of its milk, every last microgram of its flesh, and every last potential of its lifeblood for profit, which may be marketed somehow and somewhere to someone from the global sticks. The Troy(s) and Rusal(s) and ExxonMobil(s) that now run the cash cow that is Guyana, would capture and capitalize on its very essence, up to and including its moo. Truth be told, successive governments here had their backs to the wall. There was the legacy of a good place to do business, as in the presence of influential politicians and cooperating senior bureaucrats. There was the awareness that the skills and technology and finances were just not present to any material degree, to make the field of negotiating a shade less unbalanced. This country’s economic ideology has never been fully or clearly committed to the free and open, and that brought its own sensitivities, as to foreign investment’s welcome and longevity. In turn, these factors, when taken either individually or in sum (and there are so many left unmentioned), rendered this country hungry for any investment deal. The people coming with their gifts knew this and they, also, knew not only how to deal, but those whom they were dealing with across the table at the local level. The foreign investment community does not operate in uncommunicative silos, and word does get around of the real investment climate in the tropics. In most instances, this made for good business arrangements with the good people, who wring their hands and cry to the heavens, from their opposing political pews, as to who sins today, and who did so in the days gone by.Regardless of which side is accurate (or innocent -and there is none), Guyanese governments were caught between a rock and a hard place: pony up the prizes or come up empty. It was that stark and final. Today, we lick our losses and rage at the unfairness of it all. It is the plight of poor Third World entities. Take it or leave it.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
What can David Granger tell anyone about oil? DEAR EDITOR, When caretaker President Granger addresses the attendees at the opening of GIPEX, they should know a bit about his track record with oil to put his speech into context. The Golden Jubilee celebration was the priority for David Granger’s first year in office. Even though the breakthrough news of the discovery of oil in commercial quantity was made ten days into his administration, it (oil) was not treated as a matter of great importance or requiring urgent attention. The Treasury had USD 968 Million; the economy was recording growth seemingly on auto-pilot, the debt-to-GPP ratio was under 50%. To Granger and his cohorts, Oil simply meant there was no need for prudence and thrift anymore, Oil would flow soon enough and fill all holes in the treasury; the ‘Good life’ had begun. So far, so good, but it is now the end of 2019, the Treasury is empty, the oil will only trickle for the next two years, it cannot sustain, much less refill the holes created. To add insult to
injury, Granger neglected to prepare the nation for oil production. This failure has become all too real as the barrels are being made ready for when the taps turn on in approximately six weeks. Granger’s failure to learn about oil, its production and industry resulted in him leaving the responsibility for the sector with Raphael Tr o t m a n , a w o e f u l l y inadequate choice given what followed. Trotman led a team dubbed the ‘Quintet+1’ by Granger to conduct negotiations on behalf of the government of Guyana with ExxonMobil; the team collectively failed to understand what Exxon wanted during the renegotiation of the oil contract in 2016. The Quintet+1 accepted a US$18 Million bonus in exchange for a four-year extension of the exploration rights in the 6.6 Million-acre Stabroek block. Relinquishment provisions were not brought into effect and ExxonMobil continues to race against the clock to explore as many prospects as possible before the next renegotiation/relinquishmen t becomes due in November 2020.
The aforementioned US$18M caused many disturbances locally when its very existence was denied. Granger eventually took the blame for the non-revelation of the bonus and also assumed responsibility for the ministerial oil portfolio, which became his first and only during his entire administration. Granger left the sector dormant until 1st August 2018, when he announced the creation of a (DoE) Department of Energy “to effectively manage the hydrocarbon resources of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”. The Department is a study in abject failure. It has failed to deliver on any aspect of its mandate, most notably, a Local Content Policy; however other important areas such as development of industry audit capabilities and a production monitoring system/unit have not been serviced. The entity has developed an IDB consultant-dependency, seeking the services of highpriced consultants via loans from the IDB. Consultants rewrite the same reports in endless
variations for those too lazy to do their thinking or possess feeble minds. We see our officials more comfortable in classroom settings where they can pontificate to schoolchildren without fear of hard questions or contradiction. We see clear examples of Bernard Shaw’s “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”. The failure lies not with those in the Department of Energy, but squarely with David Granger. Guyana needed someone who could grasp the issues and build a team to provide solutions; no such person or team has emerged. What can David Granger tell anyone about oil? Going forward, Guyanese will soon have to choose between staying with the Granger model of governance or Irfaan Ali’s team-based approach, where professionals with a proven track record of project management, timely delivery, and intellectual capability can deliver solutions for the benefit of all Guyanese. Elections are on the 2nd of March 2020. Respectfully Robin Singh
Clearly, Mr. Kwayana, too, has become an apologist for the PNC… How tragic. DEAR EDITOR, In the November 16, 2019, issue of the Stabroek News, Mr. Kwayana made some remarks of the Rodney Commission’s work that need a response. He was critical of me for not seeking to have a consensus with the PNC/APNU and WPA as to the ‘Terms of Reference’ of the Commission. I felt then, and still do now, that if I had sought the consensus, the Commission would have never gotten off the ground. Not only did I not consult APNU and the WPA, but I did not raise this matter with the PPP either. I took that decision to work with the family, who suffered long, and the most, by the tragedy of June 1980. The Terms of Reference (ToR) were worked out between the Attorney General, then Mr. Anil Nandlall, and the Rodney family. The term ‘Intellectual Author’ that Mr. Kwayana commented on cynically, in the ToR, if
copied from Fidel Castro as Mr. Kwayana noted, is not important. Most important was that Walter Rodney’s family agreed with it and it captured an important aspect of the investigation. I should point out that to the best of my knowledge it was the first time that the family was directly involved in the process. All previous attempts to establish such a Commission, the WPA said it was representing the family. In speaking to the family, I found out that no member of the family ever asked that an Inquiry not be held, as was told to President Jagdeo by Dr. Roopnaraine, when he (President Jagdeo) was about to establish such a Commission in 2005. I wish, also, to say that when myself and Mrs. Rodney spoke of the matter, I was not seeking any political gains, contrary to Mr. K w a y a n a ’s b e l i e f s . Uppermost in my mind was her request to bring the issue to closure.Indeed, in the
process of our conversation, I said to Mrs. Rodney that I wanted her to go into the Inquiry with her eyes wide open. I asked her if she was aware that many of her late husband’s closest comrades had migrated into the PNC, and may not be willing to fully cooperate. She said she was aware, but still wanted to proceed. I, too, who lived through that period, was anxious to have this done. The only reason that I did not initiate it immediately on taking office was because of my mistaken belief that the family did not want it.So, Mr. Kwayana, that is simply the fact. The other issue I want to clarify is the question of Donald Rodney’s charges. When this matter was raised with me, I immediately agreed to wipe out the charges. However, the Attorney General at the time told me that Donald Rodney was charged and convicted in his absence. Therefore, I could not just
wipe out those charges. He recommended that the next best way available to me, was to pardon Donald Rodney. That is what I did. I understand that the family is not happy with that. I understand their feelings on this matter. But that was the advice I got and I acted in accordance with that advice. Mr. Kwayana also said that “…..notably absent from the ToR was any reference, direct or indirect, to redress for the losses imposed on the Rodney family with its very young children…” He is right. However, he went on to say that “….the consideration of redress could not be absent from the President’s mind”. He is wrong here. This matter was never raised with me until late in the Inquiry, that is, sometime in 2015. My attitude then was let the Inquiry conclude and we would deal with it immediately after. I am of the view that the (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday November 20, 2019
An appeal to the GECOM Chair to protect the rights of Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, GECOM can’t be trusted. GECOM is a troubled agency. GECOM is heavily influenced. GECOM will never be able to deliver fair elections without the oversight of electoral observers. Therefore, this is an appeal to the GECOM Chair to protect the rights of Guyanese, by immediately allowing the observers from UNDP and various entities into her agency. GECOM needs to be reasonable. Guyanese know that the UNDP has offered to oversee the elections, but GECOM is deliberately denying this. This is unfair and cruel. Guyanese are worried that GECOM is shutting out key electoral observers at a criti-
cal time when the voters’ list is being compiled. There is pure lawlessness within GECOM. Local observers have also been complaining that GECOM is failing to engage them. Guyanese cannot trust GECOM and it is the moral obligation of the GECOM Chairperson to immediately engage the UNDP and others. During this election season, Guyanese have already witnessed how the shortsighted PNC representatives have been attempting to disenfranchise voters perceived to be PPP supporters. Just this past week, the PNC has attempted to disenfranchise 13,000 voters from region 5 and elsewhere. Also, the PNC has at-
tempted to disenfranchise nearly all of the voters from the small Amerindian Village near the upper Mahaicony River because they traditionally vote PPP. The GECOM chairperson needs to report the fraudsters who are tampering with the elections to the police. These people are crying out for help. We will follow this situation to see what actions the GECOM Chair will take in this matter. The GECOM Chair desperately needs to be in control of her agency. She needs to accept critical help from the UNDP as soon as possible, because the elections are about our lives. Sincerely, Dr. Annie Baliram
DIRECT CASH TRANSFER WILL BE A MAJOR CAMPAIGN ISSUE DEAR EDITOR, On the topic of Direct Cash Transfer, in addition to what I wrote in a recent letter, I would like to respond to all those who are saying that poor people do not know how to spend money; will waste the money in “sporting” and will end up back to square one after a few days. To those people, I will say you do not know what you are talking about. People who are living in poverty are the best economists in this country, who know how to stretch a dollar to make ends meet, and if any remains, to save for rainy days. Do not insult the intelligence of poor people. All they need is some help to lift them out of poverty. Every day we see billions and billions of dollars being wasted and squandered on projects that are of no value to poor people, but when it is
suggested that some money be spent on the poor to lift them out of poverty, that’s a big problem in this country. And this brings me to the question of who owns the oil, the gold, the diamonds, the bauxite and the timber of this country…the politicians or the people? What gives the politicians the right to decide what the people want? If the politicians want to know what the people think about Direct Cash Transfer, let them do a survey or a referendum. They would be shocked at the findings.Our coming oil wealth is our best chance of lifting our people out of poverty and to offer them the good life that our politicians and the elite are enjoying in this country. I would like to take this opportunity to call on President David Granger, Dr. Irfaan Ali, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Mr.
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Robert Badal and Mr. Lenox Shuman to state clearly their position on Direct Cash Transfer so, as I mentioned in my last letter, the silent majority, the poor, the needy, the elderly and the pensioners of this country, will know how to vote at the next elections. I submit this issue will define the March 2020 elections. Yours Faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus
The University of Guyana is in a comatose and apathetic state DEAR EDITOR, The University of Guyana (UG) is in a comatose and apathetic state. On October 29, I submitted an online application to receive a transcript and replacement certificate in order to apply to a doctoral program in the United States. No online option was available to make the processing payment to UG; instead, I had to send someone physically to make the payment since I’m currently overseas. Mind you, the university has alumni all over the world, who from time to time would require transcripts and certificates, and one would have expected online payment options to accommodate those
alumni. The payment was made on November 1, and I was informed that the processing time would be two weeks. Even though this seemed to be a long wait for the requested documents, I nonetheless shrugged it off and was prepared to wait. On November 19, I had someone visit the university to pick up the documents, only for the person to be told that they were not ready and the processing would require another two weeks! The reasons cited were that my degree was completed in 2004 and will take longer to process, and that the university just held a graduation ceremony and was not pro-
cessing transcripts and certificates during the period. What a travesty! Compare this experience to my two postgraduate universities where I also had to apply for transcripts and certificates; I received from the University of the West Indies in one week and one day from Columbia University in New York City. The University of Guyana has to do better. The administration has to ensure that these processes are more streamlined and efficient, and focus should be on delivering the highest customer service to its students and alumni. Clinton Urling
Try contacting anyone at the Ministry of Social Protection…What an experience! DEAR EDITOR, I am inviting you to try to contact the Ministerial Advisor or any staffer at the Ministry of Social Protection. On their facebook page, their number is listed as 225-4186. When you dial that number, you get a Welcome message that invites you to dial the extension of any party if you know their extension. I have not been able to find a listing of extensions on any public site. You are also invited to dial 0 to get the operator.
For weeks and weeks of trying, the 0 option has never been answered. It goes to a series of beeps then cuts off. After the invite to dial 0, there are other options given - dial 3 for Accounts, 4 for Personnel, 5 for Probation and Welfare and 6 for Microcredit. Once, I got the extension 5 to answer and was directed to a number that rang out endlessly, without being returned to an operator. Try to visit the Ministry and ask to speak to personnel. You are greeted by a re-
ceptionist/telephone operator at the bottom of the stairs whose primary focus seems to be to ensure that the staffers of the Ministry are not disturbed. One has to have supreme skills of charm to get past this desk. It has been my experience that if one tries to get help for the destitute in this country at any Government Ministry, the Office of the First Lady or any Agency, one is directed to the Ministry of Social Protection as the Agency with the (Continued on page 6)
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Tackling the global sanitation crisis DEAR EDITOR, Today, over 2 billion people, many of whom are Indigenous, still do not have basic sanitation facilities such as toilets or latrines. Article 21 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, makes specific reference to adequate sanitation for Indigenous Peoples, but on a global scale, much of the world’s population are without proper ablution facilities. World Toilet Day is a day that is commemorated annually on November 19th to tackle the global sanitation crisis. This year’s aim is to deliver on Sustainable Development Goal 6,
which promises clean water and adequate sanitation for all by the year 2030. Indigenous Peoples are among the most marginalized people in the world. Article 21 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: ”Indigenous Peoples have the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including, inter alia, in the areas of education, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health and social security. Y o u r s , Rooplall Dudhnath
Coalition Members are encouraged to disband and form strong third party alliances for 2020 DEAR EDITOR, We urge the members of APNU to reflect that they did not sign on to oppress the people of Guyana with patently incompetent economic management enforced by rigged elections. They, along with the AFC, should consider that any negotiations with the PNCR would be equivalent to making a pact with the devil in light of the PNC’s history and its current treatment of PPP supporters, who are Guyanese and equally deserving of fair treatment within our national economic framework, but are not benefiting from such under the current administration. Government under the PNC-led coalition is guaranteed to fail, because of its inherent predisposition of marginalization of PPP supporters. APNU members are therefore urged to withdraw their support from the coalition and form third party alliances to offer Guyanese come March 2020. The government of the coalition has long ended its official existence, and lacks any basis whatsoever of making any policy decisions on behalf of Guyanese. We are all urged to strengthen third party alliances to offer ourselves something better than the PNC and the PPP come 2020. Craig Sylvester, Parry Leader, Democratic National Congress
Try contacting anyone at ... From page 5 resources and mandate to help the poor and homeless. However, the poor and homeless have no access to this Ministry, and this Ministry says it has no financial resources to help the poor. We can only hope that the staffers of this Ministry enjoy their Christmas Party, for which I am sure they will find resources. No member of the public should even try to get any assistance from now to the end of the year. The Ministry is busy and broke. What are we really doing in this country? Only God knows. Yours sincerely, S. Khan
Wednesday November 20, 2019
CAPPING PUBLIC SERVICE SALARIES DEAR EDITOR, In 2016 the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service observed the following: “4.1.1.1 Public Service Structure 186. The Public Service has a diverse workforce of approximately 14,466 employees inclusive of 4,471 employed on contract. These employees are spread over 1,037 different job titles and are classified in the following five categories: - Administrative - Senior Technical - Other Technical and Craft Skilled - Clerical and Office Support - Semi-Skilled Operatives and Unskilled 187. We draw attention to the following observations: Job Classifications cut across almost all Grades. The most alarming are Grades under the respective classifications: ‘Administrative’ and Support Technical’, starting from GS2 and con-
Readers can work out for themselves the percentage of under-skilled to total staffing and conclude whether taxpayers are receiving value for money. But the more critical imbalance in job values arises when the foregoing categories of under-skilled are regarded as greater than those in the teaching profession who are not on contract and who are required to achieve targets of usually positive results in productive human resources. How come teachers are left ‘un-capped’, particularly when most did not benefit from the de-bunching exercise of 2018? Just see below the comparabilities in value of teaching jobs with those in
tinuing to GS4 – GS14 (the Annual National Estimates, highest of the Job Grades). the position of Regional ExA Job Classification sys- ecutive Officer (which is tem cannot be used for posi- never shown in the Estimates) tions which do not match in appears to be encumbered by terms of their duties and re- persons who have the sponsibilities. Instead it is sapiential authority to grade used to group positions that employees of the respective have similar duties and re- Regional Administrations. sponsibilities, require same or It was the Commission of similar qualifications, experi- Inquiry of 2016 who again ence and training as relevant”. commented on the palpable The consequent irregularity of recruitment of recommendation for reclassi- persons on contract to fill fication, which was roundly regular Public Service posiignored as was the whole Re- tions, and who benefit from port, was as follows: monthly gratuities calculated -Non-management – at 22.5% of salary, while their Grade 1 – 5 permanent counterparts had -Supervisory- Grade 6 – 9 to await retirement to earn a -Management – Grade 10 pension. – 14 Once again, one is forced What was not mentioned to enquire about the compenwas that the current classifi- sation provision in the concation system was introduced tracts of employment, their since the 1980’s and contin- periodicity, whether there is ues to exist – in the absence an applicable salary scale, of any identified team of ex- with performance merit inpertise who could evaluate creases built in. types and levels of skills If so, why should conacross the Public Service. tracted employees further However, according to the benefit from across-the-board Table 1 – 2019 Public Service
increases? For, according to the COI, contracted employees are simply not Public Servants. So that when it is announced in SN of November 11, “that ‘Impending Public Service Salary hike will cap increases at 75% in four years”, one is forced to ask: are contracted employees eligible ‘Public Servants’? What is even more disconcerting is that they proliferate almost throughout all the job grades, so that one is uncertain of the range skills, if any, being paid for. Which brings us to the more fundamental issue of the proportion of underskilled Public Servants who are being capped at 75% over four years, with up to 9% increase for 2019. The accompanying Tables 1 & 2 should speak for themselves. Omitted are the a) Administrative, b) Senior Technical, and c) Other Technical and Craft Skilled categories.
the very Ministry of Education. Why is there this insistence to ‘under-cap’ the value of these certifiably qualified human resources? E.B. John
Clearly, Mr. Kwayana too has become an apologist for the PNC… How tragic. From page 4 family should be compensated. The report, even though truncated, has justified that. Mr. Kwayana then joined with his colleagues in the WPA to excuse the PNC for terminating the Inquiry immediately after taking power. He wrote; “…. President Granger …. new to the political arena, was in a difficult situation….The Party he led apparently began to press for the immediate closure of the Inquiry…”. This, of course, is sheer speculation. Since Mr. Kwayana resorted to speculate to defend the PNC, allow me to speculate also. I believe that Mr. Granger could have been afraid of what could be exposed.
The statement by Mr. Kwayana that Granger was new to the political arena is not correct either. Mr. Granger himself recently revealed that he was a member of the PNC for about fifty years. There are other points he made that I would respond to some other time, not to divert too far. However, I must say how sad I felt on reading his letter, for clearly, he too has become an apologist for the PNC. How tragic. To conclude, I honestly believe that had I taken a different course in establishing the Inquiry, it would have never gotten off the ground. It would have been bogged down in the development of the ToR.
After all the WPA was and is now taking leadership from the PNC, and they are now in a situation where they have to defend and protect the PNC. That is why Roopnaraine made the statement that Rodney was accumulating arms. That statement was to justify the PNC’s assassination of Rodney. It also allowed himself and many others in the WPA to cover themselves with that fig leaf. This has now ended in the betrayal of Walter Rodney. Kwayana’s letter has only served to reinforce that view. Donald Ramotar Former President
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Cabinet blasts Troy Resources over dismissal of workers -Subcommittee launched to find alternative Guyana’s Cabinet has expressed their displeasure in the move taken by Australian gold mining company, Troy Resources on Monday to sack over 300 employees. In a press statement released yesterday, Cabinet views the action taken by Troy Resources as “distressing” and considers the workers’ dismissal as “drastic and unconscionable, particularly at this time when we are heading into the Christmas season”. The move taken by the mining company came without “reasonable notice” being given to the workers, the union or the respective ministries, the government noted. An internal memo was circulated on Monday by the company’s Chief Execu-
tive Officer, Ken Nilsson. It 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 300 workers with the aim of rehiring workers at some point in the future. Ken Nilsson went on to say in the internal memo to employees that “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. Despite its operation being shut down, Troy Resources was up to this past weekend still conducting additional exploration activities. The company had been (Continued on page 28)
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Opposition Leader meets with GECOM Chair Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, met with the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Claudette Singh, yesterday, at the Commissions Kingston Headquarters. Joined by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, Jagdeo endeavored to make several pitches to Justice Claudette Singh about the Secretariats election preparations. The foremost issue is that of the use of the House-toHouse data. The party has continued to dispute the validity of the data, since PPP scrutineers did not accompany the process. He had told the press that he would make a case to the Chair and hope that she sees reason. Thus far, the GECOM Chairs position on the Houseto-House data is that it is legal and valid. She had said as much during multiple engagements with the press corp. There are many new vot-
ers registered during the House-to-House exercise, and they were instructed not to participate in the Claims and Objections exercise which followed, and is now over. If the House-to-House data is disregarded, those new registrants would be off the Revised List of Electors (RLE) and wouldnt be able to vote unless GECOM comes up with some mechanism to have them registered again. During his most recent press conference, Jagdeo was posed that question and he responded that GECOM should have heeded his warning much sooner. A source at GECOM told this publication that Justice Singh will raise this matter with the full Commission during todays statutory meeting. The usual Tuesday meeting was postponed. Kaieteur News understands that the Opposition Leader was also seeking to find out the legal basis for the Chairs decision to have a supplemental list accompany
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and GECOM Chair Claudette Singh the Official List of Electors (OLE) for unverified registrants. Commissioners
aligned with the Opposition have also uttered this concern.
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Wednesday November 20, 2019
Absence of police investigator causes case Smith Memorial Congregational Church for four-year-old’s death to be thrown out will be 176 on Sunday Smith Memorial Heeranand Boodhram, 24, of Sachi Bazaar, Prashad Nagar; Georgetown yesterday learnt that the charge against him for the death of four-year-old Ambeka Providence was dismissed. Providence was in an accident on September 10, 2016. The defendant was on trial in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. It was alleged that Boodhram while being the driver of motorcar pick-up GPP 3500 drove in a manner dangerous to the public at the intersection of Sheriff and Garnett Streets, Georgetown, thereby causing the death of Ambeka Providence. Yesterday at the ruling of the case, the magistrate dismissed it as a result of insufficient evidence by the prosecution. This was based on the absence of the Investigating Rank (IR) of the case who had to testify in relation to the investigations he carried out. According to information, shortly after the matter was filed with the court the IR resigned from the Force and took up residence overseas. Further information revealed that the court lost contact with the individual and was unable to even have his evidence done by Skype. Boodhram was represented by Attorney Glenn Hanoman. He had pleaded not guilty to the offence and was released on $400,000 bail. On the first occasion that the matter was called the court heard that the accident occurred at around 22:00hrs. Another driver Derek Bailey, who was also charged separately for the offence, was the driver of motor car PMM 1426. He reportedly left a parking lot at Royal Castle located at Sheriff and Garnett Streets, proceeding westward.
Congregational Church
Reverend John Smith (Photo Credit: Missionaries of the world)
Heeranand Boodhram According to information Boodhram was heading north along Sheriff Street in the pickup after being given the green traffic light signal, when Bailey suddenly drove across. The vehicles collided at the intersection of Sheriff and Garnett Streets. Reports indicated that Providence, her mother Abiola Trotman, and a relative were returning home by car after visiting the Giftland Mall when the tragedy struck. It was reported that a pick-up slammed into the side the side of their motorcar. Based on reports, Providence and her family were in the back seat of the car. The four-year-old girl was flung through the window of the vehicle and onto the roadway. She died on the spot.
This Sunday will mark 176 years since the Smith Memorial Congregational Church opened its doors for worship. The occasion will be celebrated by an anniversary service on Sunday, November 24, at 09:00 hrs at the churchs Brickdam location. According to a statement by the Pastor, retired Judge Oslen Small, the church was erected as a tribute to the memory of Reverend John Smith. Its north to south construction was intended to eb a protest in support of Rev. Smith. Smith was a London Missionary Society Minister, who was sentenced to die by
hanging for the role he allegedly played in the notorious East Coast Demerara Slave Insurrection of 1823. Smith died as a prisoner on February 6, 1824. He subsequently came to be known as the Demerara Martyr as a result of the circumstances surrounding his death.He had arrived in Demerara in 1817 to succeed the Reverend John Wray, pioneer, missionary
Society at Bethel Chapel at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Like his predecessor Wray, Smith gave instructions to the slaves. They taught them to read the Bible and Catechism. Smith, as in the case of John Wray, did much to lay the foundation of schooling and education for their congregation.Quamina, a (Continued on page 28)
Wednesday November 20, 2019
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Civic and democratic duty Every citizen is required to register. But no citizen is compelled to vote. One of the objectives of the political elites who dominate the political parties is to make you feel that it is in your interest to cast your ballot. The public has long been convinced that it is their civic duty to vote – to participate in electing a government of your choice. The public has also been made to accept that it is their democratic duty to vote. Even if they do not a clue about what they are voting for. These two things – one’s civic duty and one’s democratic duty – need to be examined closely. They constitute part of the farce of demo-
cratic governance. A person’s civic duty covers a wide range of obligations. It includes obeying the laws, paying one taxes, respecting the rights and beliefs of others and voting. A citizen’s democratic duty refers to a person’s right to participate in society. And political participation is said to involve belonging to a political party to vote in elections. Voting in elections is the common denominator of one’s so-called civic and democratic duties. But whose interest is served when a citizen votes? For sure, it is the interest of the political elites – the small grouping which controls and dominates politi-
cal parties and who are primary beneficiaries of the ballot. How many of the supporters of the PPPC, the PNCR, AFC or the WPA have benefitted from their vote more than the political elite does. The people are thrown crumbs while the political elite enjoys the good life. How democratic is the holding of elections every five years? How democratic it is for a person to vote in an election and then have absolutely no say in what happens afterwards? The closer therefore that one examines the civic or democratic duty to vote, the more they appear to be shams. These duties are part
Dem boys seh ...
De back pay come and de shop price gone up Yesterday was International Men’s Day. De whole world know bout International Women’s Day. That is celebrated in March. Everybody does stop and pay special attention to women; dem does pay attention to how men does brutalise de women, how women are single parents and things like that. Men start to complain how women does beat dem but not even de police des come to de rescue. Dem seh is de same thing wid Mother’s Day. When that come around all de shops full of men spending money pun everything from chocolate to ribbon. Is de same kind of complaining mek de people put on a Father’s Day. But no-
body hardly notice. Dem same fathers still had to push dem hand in dem pocket to celebrate de day.. Now dem have International Men’s Day. This is de first year dem ever had such a thing but dem boys didn’t even know. Nuff men didn’t know bout this International Men’s Day. Some people organize a forum fuh de men. It wasn’t about women trying to treat men better; it was about men mekking pledges to be better men. Dem boys seh that de best thing was de snacks that de people prepare fuh de event. Dem boys seh that although is men’s event de people didn’t even prepare some hard stuff. That is not de only thing that mek dem boys scratch
dem head. De workers and de unions clamoring fuh pay increase. Dem threatening strike action if de pay ain’t meet dem. Dem now complaining how de government giving dem de pay increase but BY Christmas is like dem ain’t collect nutten. But nobody ain’t picketing dem shop people. De people ain’t even get dem pay and suddenly de goods raise. De people don’t have sense. All dem got to do is stop buying certain things. Dem boys seh dem start watching de price dem paying fuh certain things and as soon as de price gone up dem gun stop. Dem seh dem mean to enjoy this pay increase. Talk half and watch how de back pay gun dry up.
of the charade of western liberalism deceiving the people that they matter and are doing something worthy and lofty when they cast their ballots. Since, however, there is no legal obligation to vote, a person should not be forced to vote. And every person should vote only of they feel that by voting they are serving either their own interests or that of the greater good of society. The claim about a civic duty and a democratic obligation to vote form part of the stock-of-trade of those merchants of power who wish to use your vote to pursue their own interests and that of the group which they represent. Political parties have their fair share of with charlatans, carpet baggers and conmen. Why vote for parties and persons for whom you have limited respect? Why vote at all when it is clear that there is an elite class which benefits from that vote? Why vote at all when one there is not much difference
in how the political parties operate? Why vote for parties which when they get in power demonstrate a palpable lack of ability in managing anything? None of the political parties which are likely to contest next year’s elections have attempted to define their political ideologies. They are afraid of labels. Yet, they all want people to vote for them without knowing for what they stand. At least in the past, the public used to be presented with ideological labels about which party was capitalist, socialist, liberal, conservative, communist etc. Not anymore, all that is being presented are hodge-podge of measures and these are not in any way part of any ideological orientation. So why should anyone vote for such parties? Right now there are thousands of security guards whose basic pay is far less than the $70,000 per month public service minimum wage. The government boasts that the public service minimum
wage of $70,000 is far greater than the G$44,000 private sector minimum wage. Yet, the PNCR and the PPPC would want you to believe they are working class parties. The PNCR is in power and they can more easily establish how much of a working class party they are. The basic pay of most store clerks, security guards, household domestics and handymen are under $70,000 per month. So why does the government not raise the private sector minimum wage to $70,000 so that those private security guards, domestic workers, store clerks and handymen can benefit? The PNCR will not do so. The Peeper has no respect or regard for any of the political parties who will be contesting the 2020 elections. And so the Peeper will fulfill the Peeper’s civic and democratic duty and NOT vote.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday November 20, 2019
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
The words of Carl Greenidge In giving up his British citizenship, Carl Greenidge issued a statement which contains the following words; “UK citizenship and residence enabled me to take advantage, largely free of cost to my parents, of wideranging educational opportunities which I would not have been in a position to access or finance had I remained in Guyana. “I was subsequently able to gain invaluable employment and vocational experience in the employ of UK Government agencies.” There is nothing morally questionable about the pathway Greenidge took. What Greenidge did exists in
the realm of both common sense and self-preservation. Greenidge made use of an occasion that all humans have done since time immemorial. But there is a caveat. Humans do not have equal reach in society. Some get that advantage and they throw it away. Some never get it. Those who do not get it strive within their disadvantaged situation to eke out an existence. History is replete with such success stories. I have argued for decades now in these columns that I am not in favour of a policy where Governments in Guyana invite diaspora folks for employment position
without analyzing the local situation since Guyana’s economy suffered a collapse from the 1980s onwards. When President Jagdeo took Hoyte’s Economic Recovery Programme to greater lengths in the 21st century, Guyana was still an impoverished land of severe opportunity limitations in every sphere of life. Even though the economy had opened up under Hoyte and expanded after 1992 right up to the present time, Guyana remains behind all CARICOM countries in the area of human resource. The lack of employment and education opportunities that began with the collapsed economy in the early eighties has not disappeared. Its severity has been greatly reduced but it is still there We are in the year 2019. That would be almost forty years since the economy suffered devastating deterioration. Yet on the 3rd of October in 2019, Vice Chancellor of UG, Dr. Paloma Mohamed told a public function that UG has not got the resources for attracting the kind of staff that is needed.
Here are some words from her that have to be contexualized when successive governments here overlook local talent and bring in qualified people from the diaspora. “A lot of time, people would say that ‘UG is not producing research, UG is not producing the kinds of publications that we want to see’. The reason why this is the case is because we have failed to attract and retain the kind of pedigree and the level of staff that we need. “That’s just because, again, back to resources…the current salaries paid to their staffers are incapable of financially sustaining them. There are only some instances where persons stay due to family ties or research work.” Take this statement and juxtapose it against what Greenidge said. Let’s repeat Greenidge’s echo for emphasis; “UK citizenship and residence enabled me to take advantage, largely free of cost to my parents, of wideranging educational opportunities which I would not have been in a position to access or finance had I
remained in Guyana”. Throughout my media career I have argued on this page that diaspora Guyanese benefited from glorious opportunities in foreign lands which enabled them to reach academic peaks that untold numbers in Guyana could not have accessed. But they made sacrifice and they acquired relevant skills. My ideological position is inflexible and definitive – our rulers have to recognize such grit and not give preference to diaspora people who had opportunities the locals longed for. Successive governments beginning with Desmond Hoyte in 1985 through to all PPP presidents right up to the current head of government, Mr. Granger, have chosen skills from the diaspora overlooking our local talent simply because the curriculum vitae of the foreign Guyanese was taller. As an opinion-maker, I will continue to rant against this misguided policy. Twice in this column, I rejected what I consider as inherently insulting, the act of bestowing on Adam Harris, with forty years service to
Frederick Kissoon journalism inside of Guyana and Dr. Mark Kirton, with forty years service to academia inside of Guyana, the award of Arrow of Achievement and in that same batch in the same year, a Guyanese who lived 30 consecutive years outside of Guyana was given the CCH (see my column of Saturday, June 3, 2017; “Politicians in all countries use national awards as patronage.” You do not treat people like this who stayed and gave their knowledge to other Guyanese who stayed too. I am not against expatriate Guyanese taking important jobs in Guyana; I just feel if we have local talent available, their sacrifice must be recognized. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
EPA has to rely on ExxonMobil to access offshore operations When first oil comes on stream, very few agencies will be in a position to properly regulate the sector. One key agency that will be woefully unprepared is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This stark reality came to the fore during a recent interview with EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams. On Kaieteur Radio’s Programme called Guyana’s
Oil and You, Dr. Adams admitted that the agency is facing difficulties with attracting the right human resources it needs. It is left with no choice but to scour the overseas markets to get the complement of people needed to monitor the sector. Compounding this issue is the fact that the EPA will not have its own transportation to conduct
unexpected visits at offshore operations. Dr. Adams said that the EPA would have to rely on the contractors for this. The EPA Head said, “I do believe that 24/7 oversight is necessary. It is very important and there is no question in my mind that when you have a government employee who oversees the operations d a i l y, t h i n g s a r e m u c h
better. That is where we want to go. But we are not there yet and so we are at a disadvantage...” Dr. Adams added, “They are 90 to 100 miles in the ocean and we do not have the resources to go there much less to do real time monitoring. We have to ask the contractor for transportation to go to that site. So those are some of the things we have to overcome.” Even with the resource challenges he faces, the EPA Head said that he has
some level of confidence that the operators will do all that is necessary to protect the environment as it is in their interest to prevent an oil spill from happening as well. While the discussions have given him some level of trust that the operators are committed to safety and oil spill prevention, Dr. Adams said it is crucial for the EPA to get the funding it needs to build the agency into a first class regulator for the sector.
EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams
Murder accused injured in prison fight Twenty-four-year-old Ashaka John, a block maker of 109 ‘A’ Field Sophia, Georgetown, is in prison charged with murder of Jason Bowen, a Store Manager. Over the weekend the defendant was injured by one of his fellow inmates during a fight. John did not show up to court when the matter was called on Monday. On Monday last, a police officer went to the Lusignan prison to transport prisoners to court. When he asked for John he was told by a prison officer that the said prisoner was injured and is currently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is being treated for his injuries. It is unclear about the nature of the injuries John sustained, since a medical report from
the hospital is still outstanding. John’s matter is before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. John was not required to plead to the murder charge which was made indictable. The charge alleged that on October 12, 2019, at Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, he murdered Jason Bowen, 32, a Store Manager. The court was informed by Attorney-atlaw George Thomas, who is representing the defendant, that his client is mentally unstable and he was appointed to a doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (G.P.H.C). Police prosecutor Neville Jeffers then added that the order was made by the Director Continued on page 29
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Ball marks 244th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps The U.S. Marine Security Guards marked the occasion of the 244th anniversary of the forming of the United States Marine Corps at the Guyana Marriot Hotel in Georgetown. Ambassador Sarah Ann Lynch was guest of honor while the guest speaker was retired Colonel Brian Chin. Ambassador Lynch hailed the work of the work of the Marine Security Guards for their dedication to protect U.S. Embassies around the world and their role in ensuring the safe and secure conduct of U.S. diplomacy. Currently 182 U.S. Embassies are guarded by U.S. Marines. The Ambassador read a greeting from the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, thanking the Marines for their professional integrity and service to their nation.
Ambassador Lynch and her husband, with the marines.
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Wednesday November 20, 2019
GTT pumps US$60K into GIPEX 2019 - company deems conference a gateway for networking in oil and gas industry GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd
Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Guyana’s largest telecommunications company, has tripled its sponsorship of the Guyana Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX), having deemed the annual event as a crucial forum for the country’s emerging oil and gas sector. “This high-level, international business summit will allow GTT and other thriving businesses the opportunity to connect with the influential oil and petroleum stakeholders and get insights on the latest developments in the oil and gas sector. “GTT witnessed the many benefits of the conference last year and by our repeated and elevated presence we wish to signal that we are actively supportive, already engaged in meeting the telecom needs of the sector,” Nedd said. The telecommunications company has pumped US$60,000 into the summit making it a lead sponsor. In 2018, the company supported the GIPEX conference with a US$20,500 sponsorship investment. GTT’s CEO, Justin Nedd, will speak at the business
summit, elaborating on ‘Why Guyana; the Investment opportunity of Choice’. “GTT has invested in Guyana for almost three decades; despite challenges we have made an impact as one of the largest foreign direct investment organizations in the country and have adapted with every change,” Nedd said. The CEO explained that the company hopes to strengthen its connections with companies in the oil and gas sector and forge new relations, providing the assurance that Guyana’s telecoms sector can meet international demand. GIPEX is aimed at facilitating networking and providing investment opportunities for companies across all sectors associated with the petroleum industry in Guyana. In 2018 the summit was deemed a success as it attracted global participation from over 600 delegates and 200 international and national oil and gas companies. This is the second annual oil and gas summit to be held in Guyana as scheduled to open today at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday November 20, 2019
Linden business people alarmed by spike in crime - To meet with subject Ministers today
A
group of business people in Linden are expected to meet with the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, today to address concerns over a reported spike in robberies, gang- related shootings and other serious crimes in the mining town. Kaieteur News understands that the concerns were so dire that members of the business community formed a group in a bid to collectively address the situation. The business owners also con-
cerned about the influx of Chinese businesses in Region Ten. As such, the meeting today will feature prominent Lindener, Dr Vincent Adams, and Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar. A representative of the group, who spoke to Kaieteur News last evening, explained that the group held its first meeting recently, where among other things the issue of crime was raised. “We decided that it needed the attention of the Minister because the crime
has gone out of control.” “Robbery particularly, is something that people don’t feel safe conducting business here in Linden and that will definitely affect our livelihood. “We don’t want to believe that the police in Linden are not helping but rather that they lack the resources to do so.” “Crime is not the only thing that is affecting us here, so we are hoping that as a collective body, we will be able to address those other concerns as well.”
Earlier this year the police ‘E’ division (LindenKwakwani) announced that they were closely monitoring incidences of escalating gangrelated violence in the jurisdiction Last year, the division recorded an increase in serious crimes for the period January to August 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017. According to the statistics offences such as murder, robbery, break and enter and larceny, rape and burglary have so far all recorded increases in the division for
Minister of Public Security, Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar Khemraj Ramjattan 2018. However, the stats pointed to an improvement in clear up rates (cases which were brought before the court). The comparative figures coming out of the division has indicated that, so far for the specified period in 2018, there were three cases of murder as compared to two cases in 2017, which represents a 50
per cent increase. Break and entry and larceny, which are prevalent in Linden, saw an overall increase of 15 percent. Burglary saw eight reports in 2018, with five cases being derived from this figure as opposed to four; and two respectively in 2017. There were clear up rates of 66 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Civil society groups receive training on juvenile justice diversion
A section of the gathering. The Juvenile Justice Department of the Ministry of Public Security in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Community, Family, and Youth Resilience (CYFR) programme, has trained 35 civil society core groups, non- governmental organizations and government departments, in Juvenile Justice Diversion and Alternative Sentencing (JJDAST). The Training was conducted on November 14, last, by consultant Dr. Dianne Williams, a Criminologist and Certified Criminal Justice Specialist. The objective of training was to build the capacity of participants to better implement diversion and alternative sentencing programmes. Key components of the training focused on policies and procedures related to diversion and alternative sentencing, the roles and
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Kaieteur News
functions of organizations providing diversion and alternative sentencing support, the organizational framework and related practical guidelines, and protocols and processes for the implementation of approved diversion programmes. This training is a major step in building a support cohort among civil society groups in all administrative regions of Guyana, who can provide suitable diversion programmes to a child who comes into contact or conflict with the law. The Juvenile Justice Department through the Director is mandated under section 9 of the Juvenile Justice Act to develop and maintain suitable diversion programmes and to recognize as suitable, diversion programmes offered by Government departments, nongovernmental organizations, civil society groups and the Juvenile Justice Committee.
Farmer who helps father escape from arrest, jailed Twenty-one-old farmer, Samuel Domingo, of Katunarib Village, South Rupununi will serve 12 months of imprisonment for assisting his father to escape lawful custody as a suspect for the murder of Reginald Thompson. Under the Administrative Justice Act, Domingo pleaded guilty to the offence as he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts, yesterday. It was alleged that on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 upon returning home from his farm, Samuel Domingo observed that his father, Eustace Domingo, was being arrested and was in the custody of the Village Toshao and Rural Constable. State Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, presented to the court that at that time Eustace Domingo was being arrested in relation to the murder of
Reginald Thompson. Furthermore, the court heard that Samuel Domingo at the said time of the arrest was armed with a knife, which he used to forcefully take his father out of custody. They reportedly went into nearby bushes where they hid and afterwards fled to Brazil. It was also noted that when Samuel was caught, he was told of the allegation which he admitted to. In addition, Samuel told the court, “I couldn’t watch my father go down like that.” Due to the seriousness of the offence, Samuel was sentenced to 12 months in prison by Magistrate McLennan. It was reported that Reginald Thompson, 35, who is also from Katunarib Village, South Rupununi was murdered on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. It was believed that Thompson, who was a farmer was killed by another farmer.
Based on initial investigations, the police found that Thompson and the suspect were known to each other. They were drinking alcohol at the home of the suspect around 16:00 hours. According to the police, the two men got into an argument which led to the suspect arming himself with an axe handle which he used to inflict injury on Thompson’s head. Subsequently, Thompson who was in an unconscious state was picked up and rushed to the Lethem Public Hospital. Thompson was later transferred to the Boa Vista Hospital in Brazil, where he succumbed to his injuries on Friday, March 29, 2019.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
Rapist sent to prison for 20 years, still faces murder charge
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A fisherman who was yesterday found guilty of raping a woman who was washing off her shoe along the seaside has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 20 years. Jaipaul Hitlall, 44, formerly of Sea View Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was charged with the December 29, 2016 rape of a woman who was at the time in her mid 20s. The act occurred at Cornelia Ida, WCD. Hitlall, who had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, had been on trial before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall and a jury at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara. The jury, after deliberations, returned a guilty verdict in a proportion
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Jaipaul Hitlall of 10-2. Hitlall was represented by Attorney-atLaw Maxwell McKay, while the case for the State was presented by Prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Tuanna Hardy. Kaieteur News understands that on the day in question, the woman was on her way home when she stepped in dog faeces. She then ventured out to the sea walls along Cornelia Ida to wash off her shoes when Hitlall attacked her from behind and dragged her into the waters. At the time, the waters were ankle high. They then became involved in an altercation during which she stabbed Hitlall to the shoulder and temple with a pocket knife she was carrying. But Hitlall overpowered her and had sex with her right there before dragging her by her hair to shore. There, he threw her into a boat and had sex with her again before recognizing that he knew her. He then begged her not to tell anyone about what transpired; the woman promised to do so. Hitlall followed her to the roadside from where she made her way home. The woman filed a report with the police the next day. Based on reports, Hitlall is on remand for the October 2, 2016 murder of 60-year-old Bibi Kaneece, who is believed to have been raped before she was killed. The charge against him alleges that he murdered the woman at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, during the course of a rape. Police in a release had said that at the time Hitlall was unemployed and had confessed to the crime. According to reports, Kaneece was believed to be mentally ill. She was found dead in her home in a hammock with multiple stab wounds to the chest. Investigators believed that the woman might have been raped before she was killed since her skirt was pulled up to her chest and she was without underwear. Her lifeless body was discovered by her son who went to the house to drop off food.
Wednesday November 20, 2019
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Kaieteur News
GRDB TRIAL…
Former accountant to call two auditors in his defence Former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran, is expected to call two witnesses in his defence for one of his trials. Thirty-nine-year-old Ramcharran, who is being represented by attorney-atlaw, Sase Gunraj, is facing 39 charges of fraudulent conversion and misappropriation, which allegedly took place between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to all the charges which involved tens of millions of dollars. The total is said to be over $400M. There are 17 charges of keeping fraudulent accounts, 16 for fraudulent appropriation and five for the falsification of accounts. The trial for the falsification of accounts is before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Yesterday, when the matter was recalled attorney
Gunraj stated that his client is not prepared to lead his defence as he was supposed to. The lawyer told the court that Ramcharran would like to call two auditors Dr David Hinds and Leslie Veersammy. According to the a t t o r n e y, t h e w i t n e s s e s were unable to be present at court yesterday based on other commitments and as such he asked for an adjournment of the case. He added that his client would like to save what he has to say until after these witnesses testify. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan said that she was not aware of the process of leading a defence after the defendant’s witnesses testify. However, she granted the adjournment citing that this will be the final chance for him to lead his defence another time. Therefore, on the next occasion that the matter is called whether the
Peter Ramcharran (3rd right). defendant’s witnesses are present or not he will proceed to lead his defence. The matter was adjourned until December 5. Special Prosecutor Patrice Henry, who is working for the Special Organised Crime Unit
(SOCU), is representing the state in this matter. Ramcharran, of 32 Area ‘G’ Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was brought before the court after eluding the hearings for almost two years while in Canada.
Ramcharran had first applied for refugee status. After he was turned down in December, he sought a review of his extradition process but this, too, was turned down. In 2017, the Chief Magistrate issued an arrest
warrant for him. The GRDB found itself in the spotlight after a forensic audit of that entity revealed a number of “anomalies”, such as loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes.
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Recent natural disasters testimony to climate change - COTED Chair By Kemol King Natural disasters have had devastating effects on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the past few years. For this region, consisting of many small island developing states, the threat of climate change is no longer a theory or a future to watch out for, but it is a constant and present reality. Speaking on this matter during the opening of the 49th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday last, was current Chair of the Council, and Foreign Minister of Dominica, Francine Baron. Barbados advocated for the matter of climate change to be placed on the meetings agenda, specifically with regard to the effect the rapidly changing climate has on trade in the region. It is seen as an issue that could stagnate economic growth in the region. “We all witnessed the devastating impact of the category 5 hurricanes in our region in 2017.” Baron said. The worst of those was
Hurricane Maria, regarded as one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history to affect the islands of Dominica, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Maria caused destruction on a colossal scale, amounting to billions in losses, and even claimed lives. “Dominica unfortunately can speak directly to its debilitating impact on our people, our agriculture, tourism and social sectors, the damage to our housing sector, and to public and private infrastructure etc., all of which impact economic viability.” Baron also reminded of the destruction of two Bahamian islands earlier this year by Hurricane Dorian, which left tens of thousands homeless. Some of those, Guyanese, returned home with the help of local authorities. The Bahamas is still reeling from the effects of that cyclone. The warming of the earth has caused hurricanes to become even more powerful and ruthless. Closer to home, even though Guyana is not vulnerable to hurricanes, the
The Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian (Getty Images)
warming of the earth has affected the coast in another way. The recent spring tides have left families along the coast poorer from losses theyve sustained, not just in property but in livestock. Guyana was shocked by media reports of drone footage
showing just how far the tides crept in to the land, with particularly daunting floods observed at Mahaicony and Parika. “This is no longer a theory or a future event not to be witnessed in our lifetime,” Baron told the foreign ministers at Mondays opening cer-
emony. “None of us are immune from these storms and the impact of climate change and therefore we must continue to place this issue on the agenda at every forum, and encourage and advocate for the mobilization of funds to meet this challenge.” CARICOM has under-
taken to take action to protect from climate disasters, but Baron said that the funds so far set aside are not enough. She said that the severity of this matter underscores the needs for collective action for the protection of the livelihoods of CARICOM citizens.
Waves crashing over the seawalls on the West Coast of Demerara
A village in Dominica after Hurricane Maria (Matt Cain/Samaritans Purse)
Cabinet blasts Troy Resources over... From page 7 operating under labour rules that had allowed it to stand down workers for a six-week deadline which elapsed on Monday. As such, Nilsson indicated that since the time has expired “it has triggered some decisions on the way forward.” Nilsson said, too, that those currently working will not be affected by the deci-
sion 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 retain only 137. Administrator of the People’s United and General Workers Union (PUGWU),
Smith Memorial Congregational... From page 8 slave and senior deacon at Bethel Chapel then located at Le Ressouvenir, his son Jack Gladstone, and other slaves suffered death for the role they allegedly played during the 1823 uprising, which had as its goal, the freedom of the slaves. On November 24, 1843, exactly 20 years after the date on which Reverend Smith was sentenced to death, Smith Memorial Church was opened as a tribute to the work and suffering that he had to endure on behalf of his deacons, members and other followers. The Church is situated on the south eastern shoulder of Brickdam, Georgetown. It has been deemed a heritage site since 2010 by the Guyana National Trust.
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 that the company has flagrantly breached. Troy Resources Guyana had suspended its operations close to two months now, following the death of a geologist, 33-yearold Ryan Taylor. The incident brought to the fore the unnerving working conditions endured by employees at the Region Seven Karouni concession.
CARICOM delegation discussing corresponding banking in the US BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - CMC – Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is leading a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation to the United States participating in a roundtable discussion on de-risking and correspondent banking. The discussion, which is being hosted by the US House Committee on Financial Services, will include legislators and bankers. Caribbean countries have been arguing that the threat by banks in developed countries to withdraw correspondent banking services would exclude the region from the global finance and trading system with grave consequences for maintenance of financial stability, economic growth, remittance flows and poverty alleviation. Earlier this year, Browne called for the establishment of a Caribbean bank that would allow the region to counteract the position of international banks regarding corresponding banking.Browne, who is leading the region’s response to the issue, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the region has been making “slow progress” on dealing with the matter. “But at the same time there’s still a prob-
lem. The corresponding banks continue to take this policy of risk and return, so as far as they are concerned the banks in the OECS (Organistion of Eastern Caribbean States) in particular are too small and they are in essence looking to bank larger banks within the region which then forces us to consolidate to have bigger banks. “There may even be the need for us to have a Caribbean bank, that is a bank that is owned by various indigenous banks in the Caribbean and one that could have branches in the US Diaspora, UK Diaspora (and) Canadian Diaspora in order to provide services to the Caribbean in the Diaspora,” he said then. The roundtable discussion follows a meeting in September between Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the US House Committee on Financial Services.Apart from Browne, the other members of the CARICOM delegation include St. Lucia’s Prime Minister and CARICOM chairman, Allen Chastanet, Trinidad and Tobago’s National Secirity Minister, Stuart Young and the CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque.
Wednesday November 20, 2019
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Police Constable, others remanded for Matthews Ridge $18M gold heist One week after the police apprehended four men suspected to be involved in an armed robbery at a hinterland airstrip, the suspects have since been jointly charged. Yesterday they appeared before the court and were remanded to prison. Charged is Basdeo Francis, 37, businessman, of Skull Mountain Arakaka, Region One; Kurt Nedd, 27, police constable of 1597 18th Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara; Ramesh Singh, 45, a truck driver, of Port Kaituma; and Leon Campbell, 26, a gold miner of Port Kaituma. The four defendants appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts. The charge allege that on November 11, 2019, at Matthews Ridge, North West District, while being armed with a dangerous weapon, a gun, they robbed Jose DeCosta of $95,000, cash and a quantity of gold amounting to $18M, property of Deonarine Sooklall. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Francis is being represented by attorney-at-law Jerome Khan, who highlighted that the quantity of gold that was found in his clients car belongs to his client. Khan noted that apart from Francis running his business he uses his goods in exchange for gold from miners in Port Kaituma. The attorney also stated that the amount of gold that was shown in the press is not all of the gold. Some 30.oz is allegedly missing according to Khan. Attorney-at-law George Thomas is representing police constable Nedd. He told the court after making a bail application for his client that the police apprehended Nedd some distance away from where the incident happened. Campbell is being represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson who also made a bail application for his client. Singh who is currently unrepresented explained to the court that after four months of pleading for a job with Francis when he finally got a job it ended with him in the lock-ups. “Francis called me last Fri-
Remanded: Leon Campbell
Remanded: Ramesh Singh
day and asked me if Im working and I told him no. He then asked me if I want a work and I told him yes. He then told me that I have to transport this vehicle and pick up Fine Man…this man here I dont know his right name,” Singh added while pointing to Police Constable Nedd. Police prosecutor, Seon Blackman, objected to bail being granted to all of the defendants based on the value of the articles, the punishment the offence attracts and the fact that guns were used in the gold heist. The court heard that Campbell is a close friend to the victim and that Campbell
was aware of the gold that was to be transported on the day of the incident. According to reports, the victim owns a gold mining company and made arraignments for a private plane to transport the gold from Matthews Ridge Airstrip to another airstrip in Guyana. While waiting on the plane the suspects, masked and armed with guns, arrived at the airstrip and attacked the victim. The suspects then pointed the gun towards the victim and told them to lie down on the ground. The suspects went into the ice-cooler and removed the quantity of gold and made good their escape. Police constable McGregor acted on information received and intercepted Francis in his motor car. The
Opposition Leader distances her party from Opposition Cambridge Analytica PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar has sought to distance her main opposition United National Congress (UNC) from the British based political consulting firm, Cambridge Analytica (CA) after the government formally asked the police to launch a criminal investigation into the services it provided to the People’s Partnership administration“I have already said, and I say it again – the UNC has nothing to do and has had nothing to do with that company they keep talking about Cambridge Analytica and this is just another EmailGate lie,” persad Bissessar told a UNC public meeting in Marabella, south of here on Monday night. She told supporters that “this is another attempt by the desperate and cornered regime because they know the people are fed up of them, and they have had enough of their incompetence and lies”. National Security Minister, Stuart Young, in a letter to Police Commissioner Gary Griffith last Thursday, said that “serious allegations” had been made by Christopher Wylie, the whistleblower, who in his publication, Mind f*ck, discusses his role in hijacking the profiles of Trinidad and Tobago nationals in order to target the last general election on behalf of the UNC.
Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar
In a statement, Griffith said that Wylie’s accusations would be swiftly addressed and the case will not become another Emailgate investigation, a reference to the lengthy period the police here had taken in investigating an allegation by then opposition leader, Dr. Keith Rowley that he had information regarding plans by the Persad Bissessar government to undermine the judiciary among other sectors. “At this present time, the
only person of interest in this matter is Mr. Wylie, as he is the only one who has made comments alluding to possible criminal misconduct,” said Griffith, who served as national security minister in the Persad Bissessar administration.In her speech on Monday night, Persad Bissessar, who served as prime minister here between 2010-15 said she was ‘not worried by their desperate attempts,’ adding “I am prepared, we are prepared.
Murder accused injured... From page 12 of Public Prosecution (DPP) while John was in custody. His next appointment was on October 25, 2019. According to information received, the now dead Bowen was chased by John who was trying to rob him. Bowen then ran on the bridge of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Church Street, Queenstown. The suspect and Bowen got into a scuffle, resulting in Bowen being severely beaten and strangled. The suspect after committing the crime attempted to escape. However, he was apprehended by public-spirited citizens and handed over to the police, placed into custody and later charged for the offence.
Remanded: Basdeo Francis
Remanded: Kurt Nedd
police then asked to conduct a search on the car and three gas bottles were found with a quantity of gold concealed inside. According to the police, when the gold was found Francis made an oral statement admitting to the police how he got the gold and he then accompanied the police to his home and showed him the guns and ammunitions that were in a barrel. The weapons were suspected to be used in the robbery. Francis was slapped with two other charges—possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The first charge stated that on November 11, 2019, at Skull Mountain Arakaka, North West District he had in his possession one .223 revolver and two 9mm pistols
without being a licensed firearm holder. The latter alleged that on the same date and location, he had in his possession 120 rounds of 5.56 and 25 rounds of 9mm. Francis pleaded not guilty to both charges after they were read to him. His attorney stated that his client never took the police officer to his home and showed him any gun or ammunition. After listening to the facts of the charge and what the attorneys had to say, Principal Magistrate McGusty remanded the defendants to prison. The matter was adjourned to November 26, 2019, and transferred to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.
Bolivian lawmakers, seeking to calm tensions, cancel vote on Morales LA PAZ - (Reuters) - Bolivia’s congress, controlled by lawmakers loyal to unseated leader Evo Morales, said yesterday it would cancel a contentious vote in the legislature that was expected to reject the leftist leader’s resignation. That could help defuse tensions as Morales supporters ramp up protests in the streets of La Paz and elsewhere. Mounting violence in the South American nation has seen around 20 people killed since Morales
stepped down under pressure earlier this month.The vote would be suspended “to create and contribute to an environment conducive to dialogue and peace,” the Legislative Assembly said in a statement. Morales’ Movement for Socialism (MAS) party holds a majority in the congress and could have voted to reject his resignation, potentially creating dueling claims on the country’s leadership and raising pressure on caretaker President Jeanine Anez.
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Man pronounced dead after Driver who struck down traffic cop still at large-address on licence burial and exhumation
A
head on motor cycle collision in Region Nine on Saturday has left one man seriously injured and another dead. But in a bizarre twist, the dead victim was only pronounced dead after he was buried by grieving family members and exhumed. According to information received, the incident occurred at 14:30 hrs in the Rupunau Church yard, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine. Kaieteur News understands that 25-year-old Baldwin Wilson and 31-yearold Ben Aguilar were both on their motorcycles, reportedly travelling at a fast pace in the church yard when they collided. Both riders fell and sus-
tained injures about their bodies. Baldwin Wilson was picked up by public spirited citizens and taken to the Lethem Regional Hospital where he was admitted and is said to be in a stable condition. Ben Aguilar however did not follow the same steps. Instead, family members who heard of the accident rushed to the scene and presumed that he was simply dead. His family members removed his unconscious body from the scene and took it home where they immediately began funeral arrangements. According to information received, police had not heard about the accident, but when they did, t h e y w e r e b a f f led as to
where the second victim was. When they arrived at the man’s home, police were shocked to learn that the man was already buried in the backyard. Police were then forced to exhume the body and transport it to the Lethem Regional Hospital, where it was pronounced dead on arrival. This move should have been the first step before burial arrangements. But according to the Regional Commander, Superintendent Keithon King, it is the culture of the people in the area to immediately bury the dead. The Commander disclosed that an autopsy, expected to be conducted soon, will determine what exactly caused Aguilar’s death. Investigations are ongoing.
is empty lot
Troy Peters Traffic ranks are still to apprehend the taxi driver who struck down Police Constable, Roy Shanti, on Saffon Street last Sunday. Documents the ranks obtained from the taxi service with which the individual is employed identified him as Troy Peters. The address on Peters’s licence is given as Lot 85 Red Road, Sophia.But a Traffic official said that ranks only found “an empty lot with posts”, when they visited the address. Police have also been unable to reach the driver on his cell phone. He is also reportedly not responding to calls from his employer, Green Ice
The impounded car at the Ruimveldt Police Station Taxi Service.According to sources, a contract that Peters signed with Green Ice Taxi Service indicated that he is the only individual authorized to drive Toyota Premio, HC 5257. This is the vehicle that struck Constable Shanti and was left at the scene after the driver fled. Police impounded the car, which bears a Green Ice Taxi Service logo. Constable Shanti, who is seconded to the Brickdam Police Station, said he was directing traffic near the La
Penitence Market around 09.30 hrs on Sunday, when he saw the taxi driver stop in a ‘No Parking’ area.The constable said he approached the driver and told him to park elsewhere. Shanti said that it was shortly after he issued this order that he was struck down. Eyewitnesses said that the taxi driver exited his vehicle and fled. Although knocked unconscious, the 29year-old constable only suffered minor injuries.
Wednesday November 20, 2019
Kaieteur News
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GECOM to extend Hydronie registration office The National Procurement and tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday opened 41 bids for 11 major governmental projects. One notable project was the extension of the registration office at Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo in Region Three. Other noteworthy plans included the supply and installation of two mortuary freezers in four chambers and the construction of access road to a new laboratory facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards. Ministry of Agriculture- NAREI Supply and delivery of one new motor vehicle for Mangrove Management Programme
Renovation works and functional enhancements to call centre building at Kara Kara, Linden, Region 10 (Retender)
Ministry of Communities - Supply and installation of two mortuary freezers- four chambers Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Extension of registration office at Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo, Region 3
Guyana Defense Force (GDF) Rehabilitation works, Lot 1- Warrant officers accommodations at Base Camp Stephenson (Retender)
Supply and installation of one new anesthesia (workstation) machine
Rehabilitation works at Timber Wharf Coast Guard Base, Fort Island Essequibo (Retender) Ministry of Business - Construction of access road to new laboratory facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards
Construction of HDPE RC Culvert, Agri Corps, Gardens of Eden, East Bank Demerara (Retender)
Public Utilities Commission - Employment of expert- telecommunication consultant Ministry of Public Telecommunications Supply and delivery of uninterruptible power source, surge protectors and filtering system, and additional batteries
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Coutinho stars as Brazil outclass South Korea in Abu Dhabi friendly AFP - Brazil ended a run of five games without a win by easing to a 3-0 victory over South Korea in a friendly in Abu Dhabi yesterday with Philippe Coutinho scoring the pick of the goals. Coutinho, currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Barcelona, curled a free-kick from 22 yards high into the net to put Brazil 2-0 up after 35 minutes. Before that he had played a part in the opener, producing some delightful footwork to pick out Renan Lodi, whose cross from the left was headed in from close range by AC Milan midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Atletico Madrid leftback Lodi, 21, also set up the third goal which arrived shortly after halftime, his low delivery picking out Danilo to score with a first-time drive from just outside the area. It is a first victory in six friendly outings for the Selecao since their triumph at the Copa America on home soil in July. All of those matches have been played on neutral ground, with this match coming after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina in Saudi Arabia last Friday. Five days after a 0-0 draw in Lebanon in a 2022 World Cup qualifier, South Korea were outclassed here, despite the presence of Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min in their line-up. Once again Neymar was absent for Brazil, with the world’s most expensive player having stayed behind at Paris SaintGermain to work on his fitness after suffering an injury playing for his country in a 1-1 draw with Nigeria in Singapore a month ago. Perhaps his absence helped explain why the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium was barely half full for the game. Coach Tite made five changes to his starting line-up following the Argentina defeat, with Lodi and Coutinho coming into the side along with PSG centre-back Marquinhos, Liverpool midfielder Fabinho and Everton forward Richarlison. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz was handed his debut as a late substitute in what is a reassuring victory for Brazil before they start South American World Cup qualifying next March.
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Coutinho stars as Brazil outclass South Korea in Abu Dhabi friendly.
Maradona quits as coach of Argentina’s Gimnasia: club AFP - Diego Maradona has quit as coach of Argentinian Superliga side Gimnasia, less than three months after taking over, the club announced yesterday. “Maradona is no longer the Gimnasia coach,” club president Gabriel Pellegrino said on Argentina’s Radio La Red. “He said he was here to add to things, not to divide,” was Pellegrino’s explanation for the World Cupwinner’s decision. Reports in Argentina suggested Maradona’s departure was linked to an imminent management shake-up at the club in La Plata, 50 kilometres from Buenos Aires. The 59-year-old former Argentina captain and coach took over at Gimnasia in early September, when it was bottom of the 24-club Superliga. Hailed as a hero on his return to Argentine football after years coaching abroad, Maradona had a limited impact in La Plata. Gimnasia won three of its eight matches with him in charge, all of them away from home. His team shipped five losses, four of them at home. His last match in charge was the 3-0 win over second-bottom Aldosivi last weekend which lifted Gimnasia 22nd in the 24-team league. The former Argentina coach quit Mexican second division outfit Dorados in
Maradona waves to supporters during the game against Estudiantes. (AFP/File / Alejandro Pagni) June for health reasons after just nine months in charge. Maradona’s appointment at Dorados the previous September had been a surprise, despite his inglorious coaching history since leaving the Argentine national team post following the 2010 World Cup.
Wednesday November 20, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19): The first step in obtaining more money, influence, or free time today is to precisely define what it is that you want. Get more bang for your buck by narrowing your field of vision to what is essential. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20): Appearances are not everything today, but they can factor heavily into a first impression. Claiming as much control as possible over the message you send includes both your words and your wardrobe. GEMINI (May 21–June 20): It is in your nature to offer advice or lend a hand whenever you can be helpful. But most importantly, it is your empathetic listening ear that inspires people to open their hearts today. CANCER (June 21–July 22): Knowing that your behavior matters to others can be a powerful incentive to break through the fog of procrastination and swing into motion today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22): Your subconscious mind may pick up some useful information that your ego overlooked. If your powerful intuition is nagging you to double-check plans or revisit a closed project, it can be beneficial to follow through on your hunch. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22): Have faith that the rewards you are after can make any tests of your endurance worthwhile. Practice patience and power through the rough spots today.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) : Tightening your belt in one area might free up resources in another today. Instead of almost obsessively searching for more money or time, it may be possible to simply shift around some of what is already in your possession. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21): When attention is what you want, you are masterful in its attraction. Climb up on your soapbox and let the entire world know about your ambitious plans for yourself. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21): When your own enthusiasm needs a recharge, you know exactly where you can find one. It is a balanced mix of idealism and pragmatism that creates the sweet spot from which so much can be accomplished now. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19): Your belief in the power of commitment is unwavering. Hard work done today can be a major contributor to benefits in the future. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18): Your resilient nature is a force to be admired. Demands might be heavy at work or at home today. But when the going gets tough, your instinct is to dig in and double down. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20): You may not see the point of messing with a rule that strikes you as being in place for a very good reason. But if a mischievous pal whispers in your ear long enough today, it could start to seem like there is no harm in pushing the limits.
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Man City report record revenue for 2018-19 after ‘extraordinary’ season
Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany lifts the trophy as they celebrate winning the Premier League. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)
(Reuters) - English Premier League champions Manchester City drew in record revenue of 535.2 million pounds in a fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2018-19, the club said in an annual report published yesterday. Record-breaking broadcast revenue was the main driver of City’s overall revenue growth, rising 19.7% year-on-year, largely due to the club’s Champions League participation. The club reported a profit of 10.1 million pounds and a wage/revenue ratio of 59%. It was City’s 11th straight year of revenue growth under the ownership of Abu Dhabi royal family, and they continue to close the gap on local rivals Manchester United, the Premier League’s richest club. United in September reported record revenue for 2018-19 of 627.1 million pounds. City may be able to reduce the earnings gap with their neighbours in 2019-20 thanks to payments from a reported 65 million-a-year kit deal with Puma. Meanwhile, United have said their turnover is projected to fall to between 560 million to 580 million pounds in the same period because of their
failure to qualify for the Champions League. Pep Guardiola’s men won an unprecedented domestic treble last season, while the women’s team won the FA Cup and the Women’s Super League. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak described it as an “extraordinary” season on and off the pitch. “This outcome represents not just a season, but a decade of hard work,” he said. “The organisation is now at a level of maturity that allows us to plan in multi-year cycles.” UEFA began investigating City over potential breaches of its financial fair play rules in March after German publication Der Spiegel reported that the club’s Abu Dhabi owners had inflated the value of sponsorship agreements to comply with the rules. The club have said that the accusation of financial irregularities “remains entirely false”. But the Court of Arbitration for Sport last week threw out its attempt to halt the UEFA investigation. Clubs who have breached the rules may be barred from European competition, although negotiated settlements are more common.
Paris mayor sounds alarm over Airbnb Olympics tie-up PARIS (Reuters) - The mayor of Paris, due to host the Olympics in 2024, has taken issue with a sponsorship deal between the Games and Airbnb Inc., saying the short-term rental firm pushes working people out of the housing market, French media reported yesterday. Mayor Anne Hidalgo has written a letter to International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach in response to a nine-year deal under which Airbnb will help provide accommodation for five Olympics and Paralympics events. Hidalgo told Bach she was writing to alert the IOC about the “risks and consequences” of the deal with Airbnb, according to France’s Le Monde newspaper, which cited the contents of the letter. “By taking out a significant number of properties in Paris, Airbnb is contributing to price rises for housing, and worsening the shortage of housing in the rental market, penalizing all Parisians and, in particular, the middle class,” Le Monde quoted Hidalgo as saying in her letter. Short-term rentals via Airbnb can “cause a nuisance for residents, destabilize local trade and present tough competition for the traditional hotel trade,” Hidalgo was quoted as saying in the letter. Responding to a Reuters request for comment on Hidalgo’s letter, Airbnb said on Tuesday the tie-up for the Olympics will bring real economic benefits to French communities and athletes and will leave a positive legacy. The Paris mayor’s office did not immediately respond to a request to confirm the authenticity of the letter. San Franciscoheadquartered Airbnb has grown rapidly to become one of the major players in room rental. But it has faced a backlash in some cities, where local politicians say it can push up prices and turn once-vibrant city neighborhoods into dormitories where many properties are turned over to short-term rentals. The firm is currently revamping policies to improve trust after a mass shooting in California last month at a property that was advertised on the Airbnb online listing service.
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Clarke sets new discus record
Dos Santos, Tappin, Pascall, Mc Rae, Retemiah among gold medal winners 3:33.84 while Isaiah Mullin of District two placed second in 3:34.30 and Jaime Couchman of District 10 finished third in 3:40.18. Kaidon Persaud of District 11 took the top podium spot in the boys 11 and under 1200m in 3:59.68; Joshua Mc Arthur of District four placed second in 4:06.81 and Qualon Crandon of District six was third in 4:10.65, The boys 10 000m was taken by Morvin Hamilton of District five in 34:51.63, while Calvin Williams of District 15 took the runner up spot in 36:03.24; Evander Seceendino of
By Zaheer Mohamed The 59th National Schools’ track and field championships continued yesterday at the National Track and field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara with several record-breaking performances. Among the highlights were Annastacia Clarke of District Two Essequibo Coast and Pomeroon who set a new record in the discus girls U12 event with a throw of 18.58m, erasing the old mark of 18.30m set by Tiona Lewis of District six Corentyne in 2018. Christina Lindore of District 10 Upper DemeraraKwakwani took the runner up spot with 16.81m, while Tamera Sealey of District three Essequibo Islands-West Demerara placed third with 15.57m. Osafa Dos Santos of District 15 New Amsterdam set a new record in the Shot Put male teachers U31 as he threw 13.93m, erasing his old record of 13.05m which was set last year when he represented North Georgetown. Another record was achieved in the javelin boys U20 as Joshua Tappin of District 10 threw 57.31m; the old record of 55.88m was held by Jermaine Simmons also of District 10. Leitch Encosie of District six grabbed second place with 49.01m and Daniel Trim of District Two finished third in 38.98m. Okenoko Pascall of District five West Berbice won the shot Put boys U16 with 14.25m, setting a new record in the process; the old record of 13.43m was held by Sean Lam of Cuyuni Mazaruni. Zeryssa McRae of District 10 claimed gold with a record leap of 1.48m in the high jump girls U14 event. Delmar Benjamin of District nine Rupununi won the high jump boys U10 with a leap of 1.27m, erasing the old record of 1.22m which was set by Samuel Welcome of District 15 in 2017. In another record breaking performance, Chinelle Bowen of District 11 took the top podium spot in the shot put female teachers U41 with a throw of 9.15m; she held the previous record of 8.60m which she set in 2017. 2018 Carifta Games bronze medalist Deshana Skeete of District 10 grabbed gold in the long jump girls U18 with leap of 5.30m. The 800m girls 9 and under final was won by Jolicia Heyliger of District three in a time of 2 minutes 55.34 seconds. Sophie France of District four East Coast Demerara took the runner up spot in 2:58.65, while Alicia Venture of District Two finished third in 2:58.94. Marissa Thomas of District four took gold in the girls 11 and under 1000m in a time of 3:33.57 ahead of Rholency Fredericks of District 10 who clocked 3:36.20 and Syesha
Delmar Benjamin of District nine set a new record in the high jump boys U10 with a leap of 1.27m. McPhoy of District six in 3:37.74. Tia Azore of District 10 won the girls 10 000m in 45:57.27; Judy Lannis of District nine Rupununi placed second in 46:14.50 and Odiessa George of District six took the bronze in 50:20.68. Keliza Smith of District 11 captured the girls 19 and under long jump with a leap of 5.24m; Shevon Peters of West Berbice took silver with 4.91m and Deborah Thorne of District three was third with 4.87m. Amy Grant continued from where she left off in the pool as she handed North Georgetown another gold in the girls 19 and under javelin with 28.62m. Sharissee Joseph of District 10 placed second with 22.50m and Shauana Davis of District 15 was third with 20.62m. Cevon Retemiah of District three won gold in the boys 9 and under 1000m in a time of
District nine was third in 36:33.43. Dejaun Grant of District four won the boys 13 and under high jump with a leap of 1.58m; Jarrell Robertson of District 10 placed second with 1.55m and Diago Dookram of District nine finished third after leaping 1.55m. Ryan Joseph of District 10 grabbed gold in the boys 11 and under discuss with a throw of 22.14m while Jahvonte Whynn took silver with 21.05m and Roy English of District two placed third with 20.90m. The action continues today.
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Argentina overpower Bangladesh ban Shahadat Chile in Davis Cup opener for assaulting teammate
Argentina’s Guido Pella celebrates with captain Gaston Gaudio after winning his match against Chile’s Nicolas Jarry. (REUTERS/Sergio Perez) (Reuters) - Argentina secured a unassailable 2-0 lead over Chile in their opening group stage tie of the revamped Davis Cup in Madrid yesterday, courtesy spotless performances in their singles matches. The International Tennis Federation has faced criticism for meddling with the partisan atmosphere generated by the “home and away” format and replacing it with a soccer World Cup-style format featuring 18 nations, in one city, battling over seven days to be crowned champions. But the Argentina supporters in their blue and white stripes packed the Centre Court and cheered almost every point as Guido Pella eased past Chilean Nicolas Jarry 6-4 6-3 in the opening match. Diego Schwartzman produced a ruthless display to beat Cristian Garin 6-2 6-2, ensuring the 2016 champions started the campaign with a convincing victory in Group C. “It’s the end of the season but I think I
played one of the best matches for sure of the year, maybe in my career,” said Schwartzman. “I think Guido helped me a lot to be more confident in this match and I played unreal tennis.” France, bidding to win their 11th Davis Cup title, made a bright start as the experienced Jo-Wilfried Tsonga raced to a 6-2 6-1 victory over Japan’s Yasutaka Uchiyama. Japan, who have arrived without the injured Kei Nishikori, roared back into the encounter with a surprise victory as Yoshihito Nishioka overcame Gael Monfils 7-5 6-2. The tie will be decided with a doubles match on Court 2. Kazakhstan’s Davis Cup veteran Mikhail Kukushkin produced a clinical display to beat Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 6-2. But Robin Haase dragged the Dutch team back into the contest with a clutch display in the final set tiebreak to beat Alexander Bublik 7-5 3-6 7-6(5).
AFP - The Bangladesh Cricket Board yesterday banned former national team fast bowler Shahadat Hossain for three years after he assaulted a teammate in a match. The temperamental Shahadat was reported by umpires after he was seen to slap and kick a teammate during a National Cricket League match on Sunday. The national federation imposed a five-year ban but suspended two years of the punishment. Shahadat, who admitted a charge of “physical assault”, was also fined 300,000 taka ($3,540), the board said. The 33-year-old bowler condemned the ban as “too harsh” and said it would effectively end his controversial cricket career. Shahadat attacked young bowler Arafat Sunny Jr
during a game between Dhaka and Khulna after an argument over how to shine the ball, a board official said. “Considering his past behaviour we decided to punish him for five years. The last two years of his ban will remain suspended,” said BCB technical committee chief Minhajul Abedin. Shahadat, who played 38 Tests and 51 one-day internationals for Bangladesh, spent nearly two months in detention in 2015 after he and his wife were accused of torturing an 11year-old girl they employed as a maid. The couple originally went into hiding after police raided their house in September 2015 when the girl alleged they had beaten and tortured her. Police said that one of the girl’s hands had been burnt
with a hot cooking implement. Shahadat and his wife were cleared however when the case came to trial. The bowler told AFP the showdown with his teammate “happened in the heat of the moment” and denied that he slapped or kicked Arafat. “I only pushed him, I did not hurt him. But I agree it’s a mistake. As a Test player I should not have done this. I will appeal,” Shahadat said. “A five-year ban is too harsh for me. I would have accepted a six-month ban or some fine.” “My mother is a cancer patient. She stopped eating after the news. If I am banned for five years it will take away my livelihood,” he said. Shahadat also hit the headlines in 2018 when he allegedly beat a rickshaw driver for hitting his car in Dhaka.
Shahadat is Bangladesh’s second-leading fast bowler of all-time with 72 Test wickets. (AFP/File / Munir Uz Zaman)
Wednesday November 20, 2019
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Kaieteur News
Colonial Medical Cup Super50
Record opening stand by Chanderpaul & Hemraj set up Jaguars’ win Hodge’ maiden ton goes in vain as Volcanoes lose by 22 run By Sean Devers in Trinidad In a game delayed by 45 minutes due to some showers a handful of fans watched Guyana Jaguars beat Windwards Volcanoes by 22 runs last night at Queen’s Park Oval to move to 16 points and level with West indies Emerging Players and T&T Red Force. A record opening partnership between Chanderpaul Hemraj who scored an even century from 116 balls with six fours and five sixes and Tagenarine Chanderpaul who reached the boundary four times in his 100-ball 64 spearheaded the Jaguars to 294-8 in 50 overs. A quick-fire 52 from Raymon Rifer from 33 balls with two fours and four sixes and 38 from Chris Barnwell who hit two sixes and two fours from 26 contributed to the Jaguars posting the second highest total this season following Jamaica’s 330-8 against CCC in St Kitts. Hemraj and Chanderpaul, who added 171 for the first wicket, passed the 142 by Assad Fudadin and Shimron Hetmyer against CCC at Cave Hill in 2017 which was highest opening stand for Guyana in 50-over cricket. Barnwell and Reifer then joined forces at 171-3 and put together 73 for the fourth wicket after the last three fell for no run. Pacer Ryan John had 4-56 from 7 overs and Sherman Lewis took 2-57 from 9 overs
Kaveem Hodge scored his maiden 50-overs hundred in a losing cause last night at the Oval. for the Volcanoes who reached 272-8 from 50 overs. Kaveem Hodge hit his maiden 50-over century; a brilliant 123 from 145 balls with eight fours and two sixes and added 146 for the third wicket with Alex Athanaze who made 63 from 66 balls with two fours and three sixes, but nobody else reached double figures. Ronsford Beaton had 239, Gudakesh Motie took 2-47 and Reifer followed his tenth half century with 262. When Volcanoes began their chase, Devon Smith, who made 93 against Jaguars in their previous encounter, got going with a couple of boundaries before he was
bowled by Reifer for 11 at 121 before Hodge and Desron Maloney added 65 for the second wicket. But just when the partnership was beginning to cause some concern for the Jaguars Maloney was trapped LBW to Gudakesh Motie for 37 at 77-2. Hodge replaced out of form captain Kirk Edwards as skipper after the Bajan was dropped and along with Athanaze kept the Jaguars at bay with entertaining strokeplay. Hodge reached his 50 from 70 balls with six fours before he celebrated by pulling Ramaal Lewis for two sixes as he and Athaneze kept up with the required run rate. Athaneze hit Reifer for six
More troubles for Beaton after umpires report action PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton is now set to undergo an evaluation of his action after he was reported by umpires for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing Super50 Cup. Guyanese Beaton, who is representing last year’s losing finalists, Guyana Jaguars, was reported during his side’s Group B contest against United States last Monday. “CWI (Cricket West Indies) will now arrange for an independent assessment of the bowling action of the 27-year-old Beaton, but he is permitted to continue bowling until the results of the assessment are known,” CWI said in a statement late Monday. “Video footage from the game will be sent to Loughborough University in the United Kingdom for an opinion report in accordance with the CWI Regulations for Dealing with Suspected Illegal Bowling Actions.”
Beaton has had an ordinary campaign, taking just five wickets at an average of 39 runs apiece. The controversy involving Beaton’s action is not the first. He was suspended from bowling by the International Cricket Council after being reported following a One-Day International against New Zealand two years ago. He subsequently underwent remedial work on his action and was cleared by the ICC in August, 2018 to resume bowling, following an assessment at Loughborough University in England. At the time, however, the ICC said: “Match officials are still at liberty to report Beaton if they believe he is displaying a suspect action and not reproducing the legal action from the assessment.” Beaton has played just two ODIs, both coming on the 2017 tour of New Zealand.
as he offered wonderful support to his skipper but after hitting Motie for consecutive sixes he skied the next ball to Ronsford Beaton at long-on at 232-4 in the 44th overs but after that nobody else reached double figures in another batting collapse. Hodge, reached his maiden 50-over century before he was last out; hit wicket off Reifer at 265-8 with one ball left in the innings. Earlier, Volcanoes invited Jaguars to bat on a flat track and spongy outfield and in the fifth over Hemraj lifted Shermon Lewis over extra cover for six to take the score into double figures after he and Chanderpaul were off to cautious start in bright sunshine. In the next over from John, Hemraj rocked back and slapped him past point and followed it up with a vicious straight drive for consecutive boundaries. Hemraj continued his positive approach by cutting Jordon for another boundary before Chanderpaul tugged Lewis past mid-on for four. Hemraj square-drove Lewis for four and flicked him dismissively for six, next ball to post Jaguars’ first halfcentury opening stand in the 11th over. Chanderpaul, back in the team for Kemol Savory, was content to play the supporting role but batted with more intent than in his previous innings. Hemraj soon reached his fifty from 54 balls with four fours and two sixes, while Chanderpaul hit countryman Bhaskar Yadram over mid-off for four as his confidence increased as his innings
progressed. Shane Shillingford troubled the batsmen before Hemraj stroked the Dominican over wide long-off for six to bring up the 100 in the 22nd over. Hemraj launched into Hodge and deposited him over long-off for six, while Chanderpaul continued his excellent rotation of the strike. Hemraj pulled Shillingford for six while Chanderpaul hammered the off-spinner for four to deep mid-wicket. Chanderpaul swung Larry Edwards for four to reach his second fifty from 85 balls with two fours but Jaguars lost three wickets for no run to slip to 171-3 in the 37th over. Chanderpaul’s 64 was his best 50 innings but his demise off Edwards was followed by Hemraj. Just after he brought up his second 50-over ton from 114 balls six fours and five sixes, he was taken at deep mid-wicket as Edwards struck again. Skipper Leon Johnson missed a sweep at Keron Cottoy and was LBW for a duck as Reifer joined the inform Barnwell. Reifer hit Edwards ‘miles’ over mid-wicket while Barnwell hit Yadram, who looks stronger and fitter now, back over his head for six and followed it up with the second six of the over. Barnwell with scores of 80 and 89 in the tournament, smashed Lewis to cover boundary before he was LBW for a cameo 38 in the same over to end the entertaining partnership and leave the Jaguars on 244-4. Reifer lofted Lewis for six
Chanderpaul Hemraj flicks for six during his second 50-over ton yesterday. over long-off before Johnathon Foo (9) fell to Lewis at 264-5. Reifer clobbered John for six to post his tenth 50 in this format from just 31 balls with two fours and four sixes before he fell to John at 2726. John removed Anthony Bramble (1) and Lewis (7) to leave the Jaguars on 281-8, while Veerasammy Permaul lofted John for two sixes and finished unbeaten on 15 from six balls. The Jaguars play their next match on Saturday at the Queen’s Park Oval against the Red Force.
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Kaieteur News
2019 Turbo KO Football tourney
Police and Black Pearl win opening matches Black Pearl FC and Police B were the first teams to register wins when the 2019 Turbo Football tourney kicked off at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Monday night after edging GT Panthers and Dynamic FC respectively. In the feature game, Police B narrowly got past Dynamic 3-2 in the match that had five different players etching their names on the scoresheet. Omari James (55th), Leon Rose (80th) and Ozese Halley (87th) did well to help Police come from behind to overcome the first half two-goal deficit which was achieved through the successful strikes from Kevaun
King retains Group four championship Deodass wins group three and Starlet Cup
Garnett (3rd) and Paul Collins (19th). In the opening match Black Pearl prevailed via kicks from the penalty spot after drawing with GT Panthers 2-2 after full and extra time. Julius Hamilton bagged a brace for the eventual winners in the sixth and 47th minutes. Joshua Allicock (8th) and Seon Urquhart (75th) were the scorers for GT Panthers before they were bested 3-2 via the penalty kicks. The winning team of the 2019 Turbo Knockout tournament will receive 400,000; second place will pocket $200, 000, while third and fourth will receive $100,000 and $50, 000 respectively.
Bonner half-century hands Scorpions precious win
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Nkrumah Bonner’s responsible half-century guided Jamaica Scorpions to a precious victory here Monday, as they squashed a strong challenge from Canada to pull off a three-wicket win in Group A of the Super50 Cup. Chasing 247 at Conaree, Scorpions were piloted by Bonner who stroked an unbeaten 73 from 79 deliveries while Andre McCarthy chipped in with 40 and Rovman Powell (38) and Jermaine Blackwood (30) struck important cameos. They lost opener Aldaine Thomas for a first-ball ‘duck’ to the second ball of the innings but that was the last sign of trouble for them as a series of strong partnerships saw them comfortably home with 13 balls to spare. The victory was the third in five outings for Scorpions and it pushed them to 12 points, the same number of points as second placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes, with Barbados Pride top with 20 points. Canada, meanwhile, remained fourth on four points with what was their fourth defeat in five matches, virtually ruling them out of semi-final contention. They acquitted themselves well, nevertheless, marching to 244 for nine off their 50 overs after opting to bat first, with Harsh Thaker top-scoring with 60 off 85 balls. Nitish Kumar struck 42, Rayyan Pathan got 33 while opener Jeet Metha chimed in with 32, as the North American outfit strung together an admirable effort. Pathan and Metha put on 69 for the first wicket and when three wickets perished for 23 runs in the space of 38 balls, Thaker and Kumar came together to stabilise the innings in a 56-run fourth wicket stand. Thaker, a 22-year-old right-hander, struck
Andrew King poses with his RX 7 after sweeping the group 4 races last Sunday at South Dakota.
Nkrumah Bonner … top-scored with 73 not out. four fours and a six while the 25-year-old Kumar, already with a hundred in the tournament, counted four fours in a 50-ball knock. Thaker also added 37 for the sixth wicket with Shahid Ahmadzai (12) before Shreyas Movva (21) and Kanwar Mann (11 not out) frustrated Scorpions in a 32-run ninth wicket partnership. Left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli was the best bowler with four for 40 while West Indies pacer Oshane Thomas grabbed two for 39. In reply, Blackwood and opener Assad Fudadin (24) provided the ideal response once Thomas fell cheaply, putting on a valuable 52 for the second wicket. However, Scorpions then lost three wickets for 46 runs in 49 balls to stumble to 102 for four, leaving the door open to a Canada comeback. But Bonner arrived to lash eight fours in a fluent knock, posting 85 for the fifth wicket with Powell and 41 for the sixth wicket with Denis Smith (19) to erase any doubt over the result. Scores: CANADA 244 for nine off 50 overs (Harsh Thaker 60, Nitish Kumar 42, Rayyan Pathan 33, Jeet Metha 32; Dennis Bulli 440). SCORPIONS 246 for seven off 47.5 overs (Nkrumah Bonner 73 not out, Andre McCarthy 40, Rovman Powell 38, Jermaine Blackwood 30; Rayyan Pathan 2-33).
Following the awards ceremony on Monday night at Parc Rayne, it was announced that Andrew King, the 2017 & 2018, CMRC group 4 Champion, successfully defended his group 4 crown after dominating the local circuit this year, while Matthew Vieira retained the Superstock championships. While it was team Mohamed’s Enterprise that showed the best form on Sunday, Vieira finished with one third and two fourth place finishes ensuring that the championship remained with him. Motilall Deodass was victorious in the group three and the Choke Starlet Cup. The Motor Trend sponsored Toyota Starlet was in fine form all year, being more reliable than the rest of the group to win the championship. In addition to the trophy, Deodass also received $500,000 from the group’s title sponsor CHOKE gas station. In group two action, Shan Seejattan and his K20 powered Special Auto Honda Civic picked up the overall win for this class ahead of Chet Singh and Paul Viera; but that was not without a fight on the day. Seejattan, like many others had amassed a
decent cushion heading into the final round but still walked away with podium finishes on the night. In that class, there were wins for Rameez Mohamed, Ahmed Esuf (Barbados) and Vieira. In addition to the trophy, Seejattan won a ticket to Miami compliments of Executive Travel Service. Mohamed F. Ahmad was crowned the champion of the Miracle Optical Sport Tuner group. The Honda Civic driver was on the podium for all three races of the weekend. Ahmed pocketed $500,000 dollars from series sponsor Miracle Optical for his win. Raymond Seebarran added another championship trophy to his cabinet with the Prem’s Electrical Street Tuner win. The former karting champion secured $500,000 dollars from Prem’s Electrical for is fantastic showing. Dwayne Ceasar won the Street bike class with one win and one second place finish on Sunday. The weather was not conducive to have them complete the final race of the day, but the eventual champion had already snagged the title. He pocked USD150 dollars from Cyril’s Taxi and USD $200 from Windjammer International Hotel & Cuisine.
Motilall Deodass of Team MotorTrend won the group 3 and Choke Starlet Cup.