Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris A.A. Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

ZIMBABWE: A NEW BEGINNING When Robert Mugabe took his oath of office in 1980, he was seen as a hero and a towering figure in the eyes of Zimbabweans. But he never lived-up to his promise to be faithful and bear true allegiance to democracy in Zimbabwe. Consumed with the belief of absolute power, Mugabe in 1987; changed the constitution to make himself president for life. Today, he is no longer a hero. He was placed under house arrest in a bloodless coup by the army. This political development can be traced to the 20th century philosopher, George Santayana’s famous words: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” These words continue to capture public imagination because they speak to an abiding truth. Santayana’s warning takes on a stronger relevance in Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, which is on the threshold of a new era under its new interim President, Emmerson Mnangagwa. History has taught us that smart political leaders have the insight to know when their time is up and would make a dignified exit in order to secure a favorable legacy. They are aware that today’s hero can easily become tomorrow’s villain, based on the tragic fate that befell many leaders before. They overstayed their welcome. This seemed to be the case with Mugabe. Amidst a lifeless economy, hyper-inflation and a 90 percent unemployment rate that has brought increasing hardship for Zimbabweans, it seemed that the tenure of 93year-old Mugabe was near. A man of great learning, yet he somehow foolishly ignored the lessons of history. With seven earned academic degrees, he was reportedly Africa and probably the world’s most educated leader. But the colloquial saying that ‘book sense ain’t common sense’ appears true in this case. Mugabe’s firing of Vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa was hislast mistake. He wanted his despised and ambitious wife, Grace, be officially anointed as his heirapparent. In 2014, Mugabe fired a Vice President at the behest of his much younger wife. He got away with it then, but this time, he clearly miscalculated the public support of Mnangagwa who has strong support among the military, even though he is considered just as ruthless or more than Mugabe. Despite being revered by the masses as a legendary hero who fought white minority rule and gained independence for the country, Mugabe lost significant public support. Besides the economic hardships, another factor was the lavish lifestyle of his wife, nicknamed “Gucci Grace” because of her desire for splurging on high-end brand goods. Mugabe’s exit was staged by the army in what is considered a soft coup. He was placed under house arrest and was given an opportunity to negotiate his exit. However, his defiance forced his ZANU-PF party officials to strip him of his title as leader and was bluntly told to resign or face impeachment. He chose the former. Given our allotted time on earth of three score and ten, based on the Bible, why would the 93-year-old Mugabe who should be enjoying his twilight years, want to stay in office, especially after having served 37 years as President of Zimbabwe. Perhaps, the answer lies in the nature of power itself, which according to Lord Acton, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The truth is power tends to give leaders a delusional sense of invincibility, infallibility, and indispensability. Mugabe contrasts sharply with another revered freedom fighter from South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela. After serving 27 years in prison for leading the struggle against white minority rule, Mandela opted to retire after one term.

Tuesday November 28, 2017

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.

APNU should treat seriously the calls for collective decision-making in the coalition DEAR EDITOR, Not for the first time, but probably more ominous than before, a small party in the coalition government is calling for its decisionmaking to be both collective and structured. It brings to the fore an analysis I published in the newspaper in 2015, six months into the coalition government, in which I drew two conclusions: (i) that most of the expected structures, procedures and practices that are common to coalition governance worldwide are absent or undeveloped in the APNU+AFC alliance; and (ii) the coalition is developing a single-party governing mentality (Letters to the Editor, SN 19-112015). The following Sunday’s SN pursued the matter through an interview with AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan, who asserted that all was well with the decisionmaking in the coalition’s

hierarchy and no need therefore existed to activate the dispute resolution mechanism, as agreed to in the Cummingsburg Accord. Signs, however, have emerged since then that unilateralism within the multi-party entity was producing periodic strain. That the seams remained intact could be explained by, as I suggested in the 2015 l e t t e r, “ t h e p e r s o n a l chemistry or friendships among the main leaders and ministers across party lines; the consequential high trust among parties; the similarities of ideology and policy outlooks of the parties; and the strong desire that the coalition must stay together in the fight against a powerful political opposition”. Latest events, however, have shown that good coalition politics requires more than good chemistry and a common enemy. It demands, as now hits home, good decision-making

structures and processes. APNU should respond to these calls positively and robustly. The political dividends from a well-functioning multi-party alliance with diverse and separate voting blocs are starkly obvious. That said, APNU will have to deploy greater political skills devoid of any tone deafness. So, what are some of the decision-making structures and processes common to coalition governments that the APNU+AFC can adopt? I had mentioned three possibilities in my 2015 letter: (i) a strong cabinet committee system, with each committee composed of ministers and senior leaders from the participating parties. For one, an effective cabinet committee system prevents the destabilizing silo effect, whereby particular portfolios become the sole and guarded preserve of one minister and his party; (ii) a system of so-

called watchdog junior or associate ministers, whereby in key, if not all, portfolios, a junior minister is appointed from a party different from that of the senior minister. The presence of junior appointees in the boardrooms of ministries allows for prompt communication of their party’s views and ensures parties can access information and documents first-hand; and (iii) rules and principles on decisionmaking and communication, including good-faith and no-surprise rules (to set the dividing line between decisions that could be taken unilaterally and those that require consultations); rules on handling agree-to-disagree situations (can a party, for example, criticise a decision publicly?); and veto powers to delay or block decisions that any party considers adverse to its core Continued on page 6

Ultimately, we only want what’s best for the students at Bishops’ High School DEAR EDITOR, As a follow-up to our previous statement regarding the allegations of sexual abuse at Bishops’ High School, and centered around a teacher abusing young students sexually, we are aware that this matter has been referred to the police. We commend the Ministry of Education for their swift actions and continue to follow this investigation very carefully to make sure that it is prosecuted vigorously by the law. Our immediate and overriding concern however, is to the current student body of the school who have all in some manner been traumatized (and stigmatized) by this matter. Our message to them is this: We are here for you and we will do whatever is within our power to ensure that you are provided with the necessary tools to prevent predatory behavior of any sort, including avenues to report any such conduct to the relevant authorities. Our alumni associations in conjunction with concerned members with expertise in psychology, child welfare, social work

and law, are actively working to ensure that this never happens again. We h a v e m a d e recommendations with regard to Harassment, Sexual Abuse and Bullying that are being coordinated with others in Guyana with the hope that these measures are adopted by the school. The outpouring of emotion that this incident has evoked from the alumni body and other concerned citizens, has been truly inspiring. It shows that we all want to do what’s right for the students – the very nature of

being your brother’s/sister’s keeper and the ethos of what our alumni association stands for. Though there are varying and sometimes heated opinions on how we get there, the message is clear: We want this to end now; those responsible prosecuted; and this to never happen again. It cannot be stressed enough that we do not feel confident that the children who have been made to feel unsafe or traumatized, will now come forward and report these incidences in their current environment. It

is troubling that the students did not feel comfortable confiding in any of the teachers at BHS. That is why we would like to see the headmistress placed on administrative leave and a thorough and independent investigation of this matter concluded before a decision is made about her return. We quite simply do not think that the Ministry of Education has gone far enough. Ultimately, we only want what’s best for the students at Bishops’ High School. Chapter Presidents of BHS Alumni Association

Customs in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, It was with what may be regarded as “perverse delight” that I read your recent letter which stated that “Trinidadians did not like Guyanese”. I have heard the same said of EVERY Caribbean island. In the past, when I took annual cruises on American ships, stopping daily at various Caribbean ports, at every stop, I always introduced myself as

Guyanese by birth, followed by “I know you don’t like us but...” This ALWAYS produced a hearty laugh all round. I then invited them to choose a wrapped ‘sweetie’ from the paper bag I carried around with me. The ice was immediately broken. Foreigners, even native Americans, always seem to appreciate anything British. Children ‘pounced’ on sweets whenever I mentioned they were “all the

way from London, England”. It was a joy to see their faces light up. In later years, it was a bit sad to learn that some children were warned not to accept sweets from any stranger. Instead I refrained altogether. From then on, I offered some to adults where I stayed, brought the rest back and handed them to my sweetie-loving husband! They disappeared pronto. Geralda D.

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A praiseworthy exercise, Recent Parliamentary Behaviour in but pertinent questions Guyana - The Worst Version of our people need to be answered I am to again allude to the Question Day, or other, such lessons to all shades of young DEAR EDITOR, DEAR EDITOR, On Tuesday 21st November, 2017, a group of Mayor and Council workers led by Kurt Clarke, a Treasurer’s Department staffer, informed regular and potential vendors that the Council has authorised vending on the Eastern side of the road, in front of Stabroek Market (the no-no area) and on Regent Street. Interested vendors were required to submit their names and were told that the Council will be collecting weekly rates, but such rates will vary, depending on the type of goods being sold. However, they did not indicate when such a Council revenueearner will commence. The Guyana Market Vendors Union is of the view that the Council’s compassion for these wage-earners is commendable, whereby vendors operating on a small scale are being given an opportunity to ply their trade in an orderly manner. Surprisingly, last Friday evening, another group of Council workers - led by the same Kurt Clarke - which included Revenue and Security personnel, were collecting moneys from vendors in varying amounts, ranging from $1500 to as much as $5000 three days after selling the

idea. Questions for City Hall:1) Did the Market and Public Health Committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Mayor, initiate this Christmas season road-selling exercise that traditionally commences around the 15th December each year? 2) Is it a road sale opening exercise or a permanent arrangement? 3) Who set the rates in the form as it was collected on Friday and why? 4) Are the spots being rented to vendors or do the rates collected represent a cleaning fee? The Guyana Market Vendors Union is of the view that it would have been more appropriate if a standard fee was charged for each spot instead of what was witnessed on Friday last. Also, if the ongoing exercise was not hatched and proposed by the Market and Public Health Committee then endorsed by full Council, then by whose fiat was it implemented? Finally, it is the Union’s opinion that even though this City Council exercise appears to have been done in good faith, implementing same contrary to the Councils Standard Operational Procedure, is a recipe for corruption. Eon Andrews President, Guyana Market Vendors Union

Govt. should re-evaluate advice from GuySuCo DEAR EDITOR, Several sections of the media reported on Minister of State, Joseph Harmon’s statement that some 70 unsolicited expressions of interest were received by the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU) in recent times. For the GAWU, it is not surprising that such a large number of expressions have been received, as it serves, no less, to indicate that our Union’s view that all the estates can be made viable and sustainable, was realistic and possible.But, the Minister’s admission undoubtedly casts a dark light on the advice that the Administration has been receiving from what we understand is a highly-rewarded GuySuCo IMC. We wonder if the Government does find it strange that

so many are advising that they can make the estates viable, but GuySuCo is saying it cannot, more so when the Corporation possesses so much institutional knowledge and experience. Clearly, an objective, rational person would see there is something that doesn’t meet the eye. While heartened by the expressions received, the GAWU strongly believes that the industry could be saved, as currently structured, though a different approach is required. We urge the Government to re-examine the advice it has received since, from all indications, it was not genuine and may be intended to further the nefarious ends of certain individuals. Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

The activities in Parliament of Guyana have engaged my attention since during the heyday of H.N Critchlow and the time when two of my pedagogues Messrs. AP Alleyne and R. Cheeks were involved in the deliberations of that austere forum. I recently sought to compare the rumbustious behaviour of a section of the members in that somewhat hallowed Chamber on 1st November, 2017, and that with the atmosphere which obtained during the tenure of Sir Donald Jackson’s speakership. It was like cheese to chalk, in that body, known for its excellence in oratory. The reason, Editor, for the recent display of descent into decadence in the Chamber one that resembled a mixture of the most smelly trench mud with fresh green animal manure - is not lost on a decreased and aging citizenry who are aware of better times. Such displays are a direct result of the failure of statesmen to advocate the highest ideals of etiquette, social graces and decorum on the part of our people. Editor, in the House of Commons during Members

vulgar behaviour would not have raised its ugly head in an attempt to interrupt Prime Minister May’s answers to Members questions – much less would such a display been seen during an address to Parliament by the Head of State, Her Majesty the Queen. I keep reminding my close friends and offspring that there was a time in Guyanawhen we had a functioning riding school. There were equestrians, resplendent in their riding habits, seen astride their groomed mounts on the verges of certain streets in Georgetown in early mornings and afternoons. There was a time when a knighted Head of State in Guyana could have participated in a vocal duet and be received with acclaim at any prestigious concert hall when members of the Diplomatic Corps stationed in Georgetown felt comfortable enough to participate in theatrical plays at a venue like the Kingston Theatre Guild. When Margaret ‘Mata’ Johnson, the wife of an ordinary policeman stationed at No. 8 Village, West Coast Berbice, 60 miles from Georgetown, offered piano

people in the adjoining areas. Her wards included the offspring of an estate driver who sought exposure to the classics for his children, outside of the traditional rustic lifestyle present in the estate environment. These youths would eventually wend their way to Georgetown to be examined by musical examiners from the United Kingdom. I doubt today if you could find anyone thus exposed from that area still residing in Guyana. They left for pastures which offered a better standard or quality of life - when there were reputable piano repair shops at the northwest corner of Regent and Camp Streets and in Durban Street, Wortmanville. Where can you find any such facility in today’s Guyana? How many Guyanese are there who have the letters LRSM behind their names? An absence of such genteel activities in my book speaks volumes. An accumulation of perceived opulence by individuals does not to my mind, reflect elegance and good breeding.

speech made by Governor Matt Bevin of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in an address early this year to the House. He advocated that the people of Kentucky should be the best version of themselves so that Kentucky could be the best version of itself. The recent exhibition in Parliament epitomized the worst version of the Guyanese people. My dear mother who was a stickler for propriety would have described such unbridled conduct therein as ‘lawlessness’ and the guilty as in need of being sanded with coarse sandpaper. Isn’t it any wonder that for years on end the endemic disorder continues unabated at the Stabroek Square and adjoining area - a stone’s throw from the renowned Parliament Building? Finally, Editor, it is no surprise that 60 years of ministerial government in Guyana could have passed without some occasion with pomp and ceremony held to mark the occasion. Aubrey Alexander Deputy Director of Civil Aviation (Ret’d)

I never thought I would ever witness this! DEAR EDITOR, I have been a Canadian citizen for forty-three years, but I was born in Guyana, and I love my Guyanese heritage. My husband was born in Trinidad and he is also a Canadian citizen. We always travel together with Canadian passports. I have been visiting Trinidad – a country I love – every three to four months for a maximum of ten to twelve days for the past twenty-four years with no problems. On my most recent visit, I was interviewed by an immigration officer after my arrival at the airport. The officer

questioned me about my visit, but focused on the fact that I am a Guyanese. The officer said to me, “You are supposed to have a visa to enter Trinidad.” My husband asked her, “Why a visa?” The officer answered with what seemed to be a scornful attitude, “But she is a Guyanese. I will let her go this time, but remember, next time she will have to have a visa.” I felt as though I was discriminated against. The officer should have known that Canadians do not need a visa to enter TT. I have many Trinidadian

family and friends. We love each other. We get along great. Before this interview with the officer, I used to hear whispers that Trinidadians did not like Guyanese and vice versa. I never thought I would ever witness it. This kind of abuse has to stop now! I would like the officer to know that Guyanese are people too. We are humans that deserve to be treated with

compassion and respect just like everybody else. We are not of a lower class. We all should be so proud of our heritage. I feel angry, embarrassed and humiliated by this negative experience that I will never forget. I strongly recommend that this officer undergoes proper immigration training to improve her conduct. Angry and Disappointed

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How about trying with gardening before we jump to agriculture? DEAR EDITOR, Yesterday’s Editorial in the Kaieteur News rightly bemoaned the unfortunate lack of interest in agriculture in Guyana, “a land of abundant agricultural resources”. Such lamentations are not new, and it would not be surprising to see it repeated ad nauseam, as we somehow seem to forever fail to generate the necessary interest and action at all levels of our apparently deaf, blind and blighted nation. Nevertheless, the editorial sent me back to my Primary School days at Blairmont Estate when ‘School Gardening’ was a compulsory subject (both theoretical and practical). I still vividly recall with much pride and satisfaction, the first tomato I reaped from my little plot at the school garden. Since then I have never missed any opportunity to plant my own ‘kitchen garden’

and I can now boast that for as long as I lived in Guyana, I have always been virtually self-sufficient with vegetables from my own kitchen garden. (As a matter of fact, when I was a poor school teacher in New Amsterdam, I earned more from the tomatoes I planted around the residence I rented at 45 Stanleytown and sold to the then Wreford’s supermarket in New Amsterdam, than I earned as a school teacher!....and even as I progressed up the economic ladder as a Human Resource Management professional, I have always planted my own kitchen garden). I therefore commend the editorial’s call on government “to create an enabling environment….starting at primary school…so that students can see it as a viable career option”. Nowrang Persaud

I support the PPP/C, but what are its leaders doing for the Guyanese people? DEAR EDITOR, I would like to take this opportunity to ask as a supporter of the PPP/C: What exactly are the Leaders of the PPP/C doing for the Guyanese people? What are the policies and programmes that the PPP/C promulgated? How are the voters supposed to make an informed choice when they do not even know what the PPP/C stands for? While the PPP/C may benefit from the AFC’s dwindling support, and lack of credibility with the populace, the PPP/C cannot/should not realistically expect to win the next General Election due in 2020 just by relying on these swing voters. The PPP/C needs to realistically evaluate the chances of winning the next General Election with Bharrat Jagdeo in charge. The electorate shunned the PPP/C because it was felt that the PPP/C was not practicing good governance, being transparent, and was not accountable. How can the PPP/C convince the majority of Guyanese

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Kaieteur News

that Bharrat Jagdeo is good for Guyana when so many ordinary Guyanese believe the opposite? Isn’t it time for Bharrat Jagdeo to leave the PPP so that the party can regenerate before the next General Election? I am also advocating that the PPP changes the way it elects/ selects its Leaders to make the process more democratic, as the Party Leaders are seen as being hypocrites when they preach socialism to the masses yet pursue capitalistic wealth themselves. The vast majority of APNU+AFC supporters are not going to turn around and vote for the PPP/C because of the PNC-ledAPNU+AFC Coalition’s dismal performance in Government. It did not happen in 1992. It will not happen in 2020. Small changes can make a big difference: the PPP/C must be more democratic, practice good governance, be transparent and be more accountable for it to win the 2020 General Election. Sean Ori

The Bishops’ High Sexual Saga The Principal or the Principle? DEAR EDITOR, Although teaching is a fulfilling occupation that has its rewards and challenges, in schools today teachers face more than educational challenges . Teachers are in an exclusive position of trust, care, authority and influence with their students which means that there is an implicit power imbalance between teacher and students. When a teacher misuses this power imbalance in a manner that compromises the welfare of a student then professional boundaries have been breached. As most teachers will recognize, some conduct will clearly breach those boundaries, and their actions will be measured against a higher standard than that of other individuals. Now that Guyana is facing her own homemade Weinbergesque-type saga, in the form of accusations of grooming and inappropriate sexual behaviour against Bishops’ High School teacher Coen Jackson, it is blatantly apparent that both the school principal Winifred Ellis and the school principles are not in synch. How aware was she of his professional comportment, especially his manner of interaction with the students? Who was responsible for evaluating the teacher? Were there any previous complaints made against him? Of what nature and how were

they handled? Accusations state that over the last ten years, the said teacher has been grooming female students who were in his classes, and then moving in for the sexual kill once they had attained the age of 18 years, which is the age of consent in Guyana. The Sexual Offences Act 2010 of Guyana states that “any person who is in a position of trust in an educational institution (Section 19, 1(c)) and engages in penetrative sex with a child under the age of 18 (Section 18, 1) is liable under 18, 3 (a) to “on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.” This Act amended by Act 2 of 2013 strengthened the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03 by including the act of grooming of children for sexual activity. The teacher is accused of converting the hallowed halls of one of the most prestigious secondary institutions into his base of operations, and carrying out a decade of unhindered, undisturbed and unnoticed wreaking of sexual havoc. As if to add further insult to injury, and with flagrant disregard for existing emotions in possible victims of sex crime, the Headmistress in a diatribe during assembly, is quoted as calling the female students slack and loose. She has also reportedly castigated female students for not defending the teacher against

the sex accusations, even in the face of current institutional understaffing. Such an approach not only smacks of insensitivity and utter complicity, but also promotes the type of culture that is so prevalent today, where the majority of victims of sex crimes are reluctant to come forward to seek justice against the perpetrators. The Principal should be held equally responsible in this situation as she failed to protect those in her care. On a somewhat dissimilar note, but nevertheless pertinent to the welfare of minors, a now- retired Queens College Principal on October 29, 2010 received a letter from the then Permanent Secretary informing her of the results of the Neesa Gopaul inquiry. The mangled body of 16year-old Neesa Gopaul, student of Queens College was found stuffed in a suitcase at the now abandoned resort on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. The letter read thus: “…it is concluded that (in) your conduct as Headmistress of the Queen’s College, you failed to take the necessary actions expected of a Senior Manager with the responsibility for children’s welfare. As such, you are guilty of dereliction of duty and your tenure as Head of a Senior Secondary School comes to an end with immediate effect, Friday, October 29, 2010.” In the letter which formed part of her affidavit, she was

also advised that under the PC Act of 1990 she was demoted to Graduate Deputy Headmistress Grade (A). According to Dr. Melissa Ifill, the former President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) the predatory behaviour and inappropriate mannerisms of the embattled Bishops’ High teacher was also brought to her attention, via a concerned mother. She even advised that the School Administration be made immediately aware, but further stated that no action was ever taken against the teacher. Seemingly no one was interested in ensuring a follow-up? Was the crime not worth the time? Or the fact did not support the act? The teacher had previously taught at The Business School, School of the Nations, Government Technical Institute, Leonora Technical Institute, and Mae’s.” Could the behaviour for which he now stands accused be corroborated by either Staff or pupils at these schools? I remain a firm believer in sitting back and allowing justice to run its course, and that in the eyes of the law an individual is innocent until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, along the way, certain issues beggar careful scrutiny, as in this case principles were trampled on and disregarded, by principled people in principal positions. If the accusations are eventually proven to be true, then the teacher had his way, the principal had her say, and the females were made to pay. Yvonne Sam

Taking advantage of Four Miles villagers DEAR EDITOR, Residents of Port Kaituma, Matarkai sub-region, region 1 (Barima-Waini) are alleging that a Member of Parliament (MP) is authorizing residents to take sand from the Four Miles Amerindian titled village without the permission of the village council. If true, the MP must know that this is unlawful and a violation of the Amerindian Act 2006. For any MP to be doing such an illegality is an embarrassment to parliamentarians, and that individual should be

asked by the people of Guyana to submit their resignation or be put before the police. The residents of Four Miles have alleged that the MP and an associate are forcefully trying to form a Community Development Council (CDC) in the village and the people strongly opposed. The regional chairman was contacted on this matter, and it was stated that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) would not recognize any CDC formed in Four Miles. This is very good to hear. The Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock should make a similar comment, but we are not hearing from him. Residents have also alleged that another official is engaged in the marking off of house lots. This is also an illegal and corrupt act. When contact was made with this individual, it was emphasised that he is authorized by the Guyana

Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), his employer. If this is so, then the GLSC may be engaged in an illegal act which must be immediately stopped. Residents have alleged that when land plots are marked off for a fee, others are claiming the said land plots.

I am respectfully calling on GLSC Commissioner Mr. Trevor Benn to launch urgent investigations into this matter by consulting with the aggrieved residents of Port Kaituma and to apply corrective actions where necessary. Peter Persaud

APNU should treat seriously... From page 4 values or interests. A silver lining nonetheless hovers over the present dilemma. The pendulum on the coalition-oneness/party-distinctiveness spectrum will shift towards distinctiveness. The more assertive and distinctive each coalition partner is (while maintaining group stability and coordination), the more likely it can maintain its bloc of core

supporters. Or put differently, the more fused the parties, the less likely supporters of each can relate to it. In the Guyana context, where voter cross-over between the AFC and APNU is not a bankable assumption, party indistinctiveness (or too much mutual resemblance) can have fatal electoral consequences. Sherwood Lowe

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Kaieteur News

GPL is a hard paymaster

A family living at La Jalousie is now homeless because of a fire which destroyed their home over the weekend. The cause of the fire is suspected to be electrical in origin and purportedly stemmed from a faulty transformer which residents claimed they reported but which the Guyana Power and Light allegedly did nothing about. Residents complained that the transformer was constantly sparking and oozing out a flammable substance. It was not replaced by the GPL, or so says the residents. Anyone who has lived near to a sparking transformer knows about the fears of fire. They know that a fire can break out at any time. The residents said that they saw the fire running along the line from the pole to the house. It ignited the house and burnt it to the ground. It is not the first time that this has happened. Homes have been destroyed in similar fashion by fire running along the electrical wires leading to the house.

Multimillion-dollar businesses have been destroyed this way. A few years ago, a business was destroyed on Regent Street. Another businessman operating a store opposite saw the wires sparking and eventually igniting the businesses. GPL could not arrive on time. The sparking wires were photographed and placed on Facebook. Hundreds of millions of dollars went up in flames. And yet some people still could accuse the owner of “building and burning.” This is the type of society in which we live. That business was insured. But what about the dozens of other buildings that have been victims of ‘electrical’ fires but were not insured. The vast majority of buildings in Guyana are uninsured. Guyanese do not believe in insurance. They see it as a con and therefore many of them do not insure their properties. Another reason for not insuring buildings has to do with how some of these buildings are constructed.

Many persons, particularly those in the countryside, build their homes piece by piece. As the owner gets money, he does work on the building. He might build a shed today, a fence the next year and then painting the following before putting up an extension. “One, one dutty does end up building dam.” But it means that many buildings are not insured and when fire strikes the loss to the family is devastating. The losses which the family suffered at the fire this past weekend in La Jalousie is believed to be in excess of US$150,000. This sum can buy a decent house and land in Florida. All of this worth was reduced to rubble. If the owners do not have insurance, as is most likely the case, they have to start from scratch. Years upon years of hard work has gone down the drain because of what is alleged to be a fire caused by a defective transformer. Forget about the idea of approaching GPL for compensation. GPL is a hard paymaster. It will find a million excuses not to pay compensation. It knows that if it

Dem boys seh ...

Top Cop to get next letter fuh Mash Yesterday was budget and de con man read it. He tek nearly four hours fuh read it. He use to wuk wid Jagdeo; he use to help prepare de budget and even write Jagdeo budget speech. Now he writing he own speech and delivering he own budget in front Jagdeo. Is funny how a man can be good one day and do de same thing de next day and it bad. Dem boys seh if yesterday budget was Jagdeo own, it woulda been de best budget. Because is not he own, is de worse. He use de same words and phrase he use to describe de 2015 budget, de 2016 budget, de 2017 budget and now de 2018 budget. When 2019 come is de exact words and phrase he gun use to describe dat budget.

Jagdeo is a man people can never satisfy because dem boys seh ee too greedy. He suh greedy dat he rob de people of de country fuh build he mansions at Pradoville One and Pradoville2. Just look at de size of de house he build fuh he alone live. De valuator visit yesterday fuh mek he and de others pay de rightful price. Dem boys hear Soulja Bai want send him to jail fuh thiefing. And dem suspect dat is de reason why de Top Cop get send home back. According to Ram Jattan, Jagdeo and See-all are too much personal friends and he doubt whether See-all would want to arrest Jagdeo. He did refuse to arrest de Chat-3 when he threaten de Waterfalls paper. Instead,

See-all send he ranks and arrest de reporter who mek de complaint. Dem try to intimidate de reporter. Dem even mek de reporter believe that is he commit a crime. He never arrest Kwame McCoy and that is a man who do de gods. He beat a big belly woman, he shoot up through he window; he bruck up Mark Benschop vehicle and he never see one day in de lockups when See-all was Top Cop. Is all dem things dem people got in dem mind mek Ram Jattan send he back home. Dem boys hear through de grapevine, last night at Parliament, come Mashramani he getting another letter to go back home in de interest of de region. Talk half and hope he move to de court, quickly.

Highlights of $267.1B budget: From page 3 to be 4.6 percent. He said that the Government anticipates that growth across all sectors, with the exception of sugar, will allow this target to be realized. Jordan said that growth in the agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector will be driven by the expected expansion in the various subsectors, except sugar. Building on the solid performance in 2017, he said that the rice industry is expected to expand to 617,353 tonnes, an increase of 2.5 percent.

The forestry subsector is expected to grow by eight percent to 320,760 cubic metres, as the reallocation of concessions continue, new concessionaires establish operations, and stimulus measures are put in place in 2018. The livestock and fishing subsectors are projected to grow by two percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, driven by consumer demand. On the other hand, sugar production is expected to contract by 24 percent to 115,447 tonnes.

The mining and quarrying sector is projected to rebound in 2018, expanding by 5 percent. This growth will be driven by the bauxite, gold, and quarrying industries. Despite the expectation that rice and other manufacturing will expand in 2018, by 2.5 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively, Jordan said that the decline of the sugar industry will depress the overall growth of the manufacturing sector, which is expected to remain virtually the same.

has to compensate home owners for the destruction of their properties by fire caused which are electrical in origin, it will end up bankrupt. GPL is like the taxman. It does not pay for compensation easily but is quick to come after you when you owe him. One time, the Peeper had a power surge. The Peeper’s TV and fridge got damaged. The Peeper called in the GPL. They had a look but did not admit liability. They asked the Peeper for the receipt for the TV. The Peeper said that the TV was a gift from overseas

relatives. The Peeper had that TV for ten years and GPL still wanted to see a receipt. Where would the Peeper have found a ten-year-old receipt? The Peeper ended up having to buy a new TV and a new fridge. Years later while doing some spring cleaning; the Peeper stumbled upon the receipt which has been sent with the TV when it was posted. He took it in to GPL since he had kept a copy of his claim file. The clerk looked at the receipt and said it had the serial number of the TV but not the

PAGE 9

model number. The claim could not be honoured. That was the end of the matter. Somebody needs to take the GPL to court over these fires that are electrical in origin. Unless this happens, GPL is going to be evasive when it comes to compensating persons for the destruction of property and tardy when it comes to fixing sparking transformers.

Govt. loses $342M reversing VAT on educational services Under immense public pressure, Government is proposing to reverse the 14 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on educational services, which was implemented at the start of year. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, during the 2018 budget presentation yesterday, told the House of Assembly that in Budget 2017, as part of efforts to widen the tax base, services provided by private educational institutions were standard rated, while educational supplies previously zerorated were exempted from the payment of the VAT. “In view of the representations made, I propose to remove the VAT on the provision of all educational services, with effect from January 1, 2018,” Minister Jordan told the House. He said the potential

revenue loss is $342 million. According to the Minister, at the same time, efforts will continue by the Guyana Revenue Authority to ensure that these institutions become tax compliant. Government had insisted on imposing the VAT on educational services in spite of protest action and a petition against it since it directly increased private school tuition fees Despite the many concerns, Government is reportedly not prepared to reverse this decision. According to information disseminated by Government, the majority of the 50-odd private educational institutions in operation have over the years failed to pay taxes and Government had expressed a willingness to waive the 14 percent VAT on the tuition fee if the private

schools decide to comply with taxation laws. Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan had related that while Government was desirous of lowering the 14 percent VAT implemented by the previous administration it was forced to institute the VAT on education in order to widen the tax base. Up until December, the imposition of the VAT on private tuition fees falls on the payer (that is the parents of students attending these institutions) rather than the payee (the owners of the educational institution). As of 2016, there were 54 private education institutions registered with the Guyana Revenue Authority, and according to Minister Jordan, few of these “were tax compliant, including submission of yearly income and corporate tax returns.”

PAGE 10

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Fiscal space on an expensive billboard There are moments you regret that the political side to Burnham was visionless because his economics was visionary. Burnham’s essential contribution to post-colonial development was the creation of indigenous, self-reliant pathways. I did National Service while as a UG student but there was a political ugliness in National Service as opposed to its phenomenal, developmental side. It was no other a person than President Granger

himself who said that National Service was laudable but it was the way it was implemented. Students who paid to attend UG (in those days it was expensive; I couldn’t afford it; people helped me) found out that in their last year of studies they had to do National Service or leave. The state cannot treat people like this. If National Service was about hinterland development and in exchange for participation in such an innovative pathway, UG education would be free then

you have to phase it in, giving people a choice. National Service, introduced in 1976, remains the impeccable example of the irony of the leadership of President Burnham. Inside his mind were transformational values that Guyana needed but inside his mind was the simultaneous irony that his pioneering visions were not accompanied by respect for freedom and choice. I am getting on in age and I will never, I mean never, change my analysis of

Burnham – he was good and he was bad. The good in him is what we need in Guyana today – the desire to alleviate poverty and give lower economic classes an opportunity to share in the country’s wealth. This is missing in the Granger/Nagamootoo combination. It will not happen once the ANPU+AFC formation as we know it today continues in office. We have a firm neoliberal regime in power in Guyana and the signs are ubiquitous that there will be no change of direction. I continue to say that I mean nothing personal but the largest expression of this neoliberal bandwagon could be observed at the way the UG administration spends money. The statement by the Minister of Finance that there is no fiscal space to give a bonus in the 2018 budget to public servants, tells the story of a government that does not have a Burnhamite perspective on developmental economics. Minister Jordan used the phrase,” fiscal space” to explain why that bonus could not be paid. I will come back

to that term and apply it to the billboard near my home with Minister Jordan’s face on it but some simple economic thinking first. A government is like a private individual. It gets an income and it spends it. A teacher has a mortgage, children at school, an aging car, water tanks that haven’t been cleaned for ages, bills to pay etc. One weekend he goes on a big splurge and spends a huge sum. Simple economics come in here. Could he have afforded that weekend abandonment? Every cent he wasted could have gone to making family life better by spending it where it was more needed. No one knows the pitfalls of this budget waywardness more than Frederick Kissoon. I saw my dad waste his small income where it could have gone into a family of seven children and a wife. My dad drank heavily but didn’t have money to buy at least one GCE textbook for me. He never gave me even a cent towards my UG fees. Let us return to the Minister’s statement of fiscal space. Guyana is a poor country. No oil money will get us rich even in decades and decades to come. It has to be careful how it spends money because Guyana needs modern science, modern technology, modern infrastructure, modern

Frederick Kissoon medicine, modern income levels. So we don’t have fiscal space to pay public servants an end of year bonus. No problem! The money isn’t there; citizens should not get angry. But the government found money to put up a number of billboards around the country extolling the virtues of the 2018 budget. These are large edifices in colour with the gargantuan image of the Finance Minister. These structures have to be removed after the 2018 budget is passed in two weeks’ time. I am assuming the project cost a few million dollars. That sum could have gone into toilet renovation in a few schools or public lavatories at police stations or upgrading the lunchrooms at some ministries or spent at some cottage hospital in far flung areas. We have money to create fiscal space it is just that we don’t know how to utilize in proper ways that fiscal space.

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Jamaica hosting major global tourism conference

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (CMC) – A three-day international tourism conference began here yesterday with delegates hoping to craft a global agenda that seeks to design collaborative approaches to mitigate shared tourism risks and strengthen resilience as well as build consensus around the strategies necessary to further position global tourism as a catalyst for promoting inclusive economic growth. The event, which is being held under the theme “Jobs and Inclusive Growth: Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism’, is being hosted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO), the World Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and

the Jamaica government. It is being attended by more than 1,300 delegates and Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett said that “it is indeed a great honour and tremendous privilege to be opening this very monumental UNWTO international tourism conference, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean”. “…this conference welcomes global policymakers and leaders in tourism from over 157 countries, several international agencies of the United Nations, as well as large delegation of local stakeholders to the beautiful city of Montego Bay for three days of fruitful engagement and discussion about the future of global tourism,” said Bartlett, who is hoping that at the end of the deliberations on Wednesday, a global agenda will be crafted aimed

at collaborative approaches to mitigate shared tourism risks and strengthen resilience as well as build consensus. “At the end of this conference I am very optimistic that we will be able to craft a global agenda that seeks to design collaborative approaches to mitigate shared tourism risks and strengthen resilience as well as build consensus around the strategies necessary to further position global tourism as a catalyst for promoting inclusive economic growth, sustainable livelihoods, environmental sustainability and social development,” he told the opening ceremony. UNWTO Secretary General Taleb D Rifai had earlier said that Jamaica’s hosting of the conference was “a sign of confidence and absolute trust”. The conference aims at identifying successful models and future initiatives of publicprivate partnerships that will contribute to sustainable tourism development globally. It will also serve as a platform for leaders from the tourism sector, along with governments, donors and development and finance organizations, to put in place an international road map to promote inclusive economic and social development through tourism.

Kamla easily retains leadership of opposition party PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar predictably won the leadership of the United National Congress (UNC) here on Sunday after Vasant Bharat, considered her main challenger had earlier this month announced that he was no longer contesting the leadership if the party. According to the preliminary results released yesterday by the party’s election management committee, Persad Bissessar, who sought a fresh mandate from the party supporters even though she still had at least one year on her position as party leader, received 20, 328 votes. She easily defeated legislator and former government minister Christine Newallo Hosein, who polled 114 votes, while Chanda Bhaggan received a mere 45 votes. Bharat had withdrawn from the race after telling a news conference that the election process was flawed and because of the illegality of the election any UNC

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar member can challenge the results in a court of law. The former minister in the Persad Bissessar coalition People’s Partnership government had also called for the resignation of the UNC’s Elections Management Committee, accusing the members of showing open bias towards the former prime minister. Another opposition legislator, Ganga Singh, had also questioned whether Persad Bissessar was in breach of the UNC’s constitution by seeking re-

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

election ahead of time. UNC founder and former leader Basdeo Panday had also criticised Persad Bissessar saying she is breaching the UNC’s constitution. Persad Bissessar, who was at the helm of the UNC when it lost the 2015 general election to the People’s National Movement (PNM) said she felt confident that her team of new faces and those with experience will be able to come to put the party on a road to victory.

TT Chief Justice dismisses call for meeting to discuss media reports PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Chief Justice Ivor Archie has dismissed a call for a meeting with judges to discuss what one judge described as “very serious and scandalous allegations” in the media in recent weeks. High Court judge Carol Gobin had earlier this month called for the meeting to discuss “these sordid allegations” in the media adding that if they “are without any foundation or truth, then I believe we are duty bound to forcefully defend the office of Chief Justice and the judiciary”. The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) had also called on Chief Justice Archie to publicly address allegations in the local media that he discussed security arrangements for judges with a personal friend. “The article reports a meeting between the Chief Justice and his fellow Supreme Court judges at which he suggested the retention of a private security firm, but that he did not identify any particular firm. “It also reports that he raised an issue concerning security arrangements with National Security personnel which was forwarded to the Special Branch and the acting Commissioner of Police, but that he did not suggest the retention of private security.” LATT secretary Elena Araujo said in a statement following an LATT council meeting.

TT Chief Justice Ivor Archie But in an email response to Justice Gobin, the Chief Justice said that he had “given deep consideration to the ‘request’ for a meeting and unfortunately must decline.” In the email response, which several media houses here said they had received a copy, Justice Archie said that he too shared the judge’s concern that discussions at judicial meetings were “ending up in the public domain” in particular the media. “For this reason, I recoil at the very idea of placing the bench in such a position again,” he said, adding that these meetings have “too often” been the subject of media gossip and scrutiny. The Chief Justice noted that the judge’s emails have also ended up in the media “almost as night follows day. “I am reasonably certain that Carol would not be the

person leaking her own correspondence to the media as such regularity of pattern would surely throw a light on her as the person with definitive links to the media for all things which should be private among us. “I, therefore, take this opportunity to ask whoever is going to the media with our private correspondence and reports of our discussions to please stop immediately,” the Chief Justice said, adding that the leaking of information puts all judicial officers at risk and tarnished their reputations. Archie, however, reminded judges his door was always open to them, and called on whoever was responsible for leaking information to the media to find the nerve and strength of conviction to name themselves to all the judges and say why they did so.

Hoteliers fear insurance rates could increase by as much as 40 per cent MIAMI (CMC) - The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) says regional hoteliers should plan now for an increase in insurance premiums following the passage of passage of two Category 5 hurricanes in September. Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused widespread destruction and death when they hit the Lesser Antilles, particularly the islands of Barbuda, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Martin and Anguilla. The damage has been estimated at billions of US dollars. The CHTA said that the new rates could be as low as 10 per cent and high as 40 per cent. It said that at a recent webinar it hosted, Scott Stollmeyer, the managing director, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean for CGM Gallagher advised that now is the time to review coverage

to ensure it is adequate to insure against possible future damages. He said hoteliers should also look at ways to minimize the expected premium increases. Stollmeyer said for the past eight years the Caribbean has enjoyed reduced insurance rates but that will now change. He said following the hurricanes, insurance companies have begun reaching out to their clients informing them of the increases that will occur in their next renewal cycle for inland and beach properties, adding this will lead to a “hardening” market. “We are going to be in for some challenging times in the next few years,” the insurance official predicted, saying the increase will affect the entire region, not only those islands that were struck by the hurricanes. “The Caribbean is … lumped into one general region … it’s where the

reinsurance markets are looking at the Caribbean as a general region. Everybody is going to be impacted,” Stollmeyer reported. Certified Public Accountant and Licensed Adjuster with Smith Orloff & A s s o c i a t e s , St a n l e y Smith, advised hotel owners and managers to be proactive and be their own advocates when handling insurance claims. “It pays to know your policy well before a disaster strikes. First, making sure you’re adequately insured, understanding what’s covered and what’s not, and keeping good records are fundamentals which hoteliers should adhere to.” He provided examples of the claims process and how, because of inadequate planning or not fully understanding their policy, many hoteliers fail to fully recover insurable losses through their claim.

PAGE 22

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Kaieteur News

GuySuCo continues to...

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Unions appeal court's denial... From page 16 said they are fortified in their determination to protect the workers who will be affected by the plans for sugar. “We believe that we should use every available option in our efforts to safeguard the workers, their families and their communities, who are seemingly, at this time, can be said to be up the river without a paddle. “Clearly, it is our strongly held view, that there are no real

From page 20 faith suggested that a center be setup to tackle suicide. One Pastor added, “With the centre we will be able to meet persons in various areas who are affected by suicide. Schools can be targeted so as to sensitize and enforce counselling sessions with affected youths”. Suicide affects people of

or workable alternatives for the displaced sugar workers and they, their families and their communities will suffer tremendously from the coldhearted approach to the industry.” Government said that it will hold on to Blairmont, Albion and Uitvlugt estates but place Enmore, Rose Hall and under-performing, new factory at Skeldon up for privatisation and divestment.

every ethnic group. As such, the fight against suicide is the best way to promote Cohesion since it is everyone's interest. Residents also made an appeal to the Ministry for a Cultural Centre to be setup in the Region. Many believe that as Essequibians, they have been robbed of the opportunity, to have their culture freely expressed. Miss Patterson assured stakeholders that the Minister will be consulted on the matter of setting up a Cultural Centre in the Region. Patterson explained that the Ministry is relatively young. She added, “Social CoheVACANCY sion is a process, if you are We need you males 18-30 looking for immediate results years of work in Garden you are not gonna see it. We Maintenance, Georgetown. have to wait to see behaviour change before we can meaTel: 648-1821. sure our effectiveness.” Physically fit persons 18-25 [Romario Blair] years, know to read & write apply @ #1 Plant Shop, Sheriff Street, Campbellville. Tel: 648-1821. Vacancies exist for Security and operators to work @ Del Ice Company, Meadowbank. Call: 231-1408/642-9191.

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on a financially sustainable path. Significantly, during their analysis of Guyana's financial systems and budgets, they observed that planned budget transfers have been substantially reduced for 2016. The IMF team said that they were also pleased to learn from authorities here that budget transfers are expected to steadily decline and eventually cease over the medium term.

Ministry of Social Cohesion wraps...

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From page 17 (IMF) said that it is pleased that the coalition administration is committed to restructuring public enterprises to reduce their reliance on government support. With particular reference to GuySuCo, executive members of the IMF said that the re-engineering of the state entity to a new business model aims to reduce inefficiencies and place operations

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Teen girls kidnapped, trafficked in Berbice River -abused, starved and sexually assaulted at camp Two teenage girls who were reportedly kidnapped by a female New Amsterdam market vendor in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam Market, have finally engaged the attention of the Ministry of Social Protection after five months. The girls, age 12 and 13 were taken to a “ganja farm” up the Berbice River by a woman and her two adult sons. One of the teens who was rescued by police in ‘B’ Division a month after she went missing, relayed the harrowing details of torture and illtreatment that she and her 12-year-old friend endured at the hands of the two brothers and their mother. She disclosed that on June 16, 2017 she accompanied her father, a vendor, to the New Amsterdam Market to uplift some vegetables. “I go with me father to the market and it was raining so he told me stand up and he go in the market and this lady come up to me and ask me if I get the perfume and vaseline fuh my mother so I tell she my mother don’t collect ting from anybody only clothes. “Then she tell me go with her to Stanleytown to collect money for my father and I go”, the teenager said. She recounted that the car took her and the woman to a lonely spot at Kordbradt Village, East Bank Berbice and stopped. “It had a motorbike waiting with a boy on it and he had a gun. “She start to slap me up and tell me jump on pon the bike and I go because I was frighten.” The teenager said that herself, the woman and her son travelled further up the East Bank to the Mara Foreshore when she saw her friend lying on the ground bound by the hands and feet. She had on a short dress. Dem carry the two ah we in the boat to a camp and the lady other son meet we and dem start beat we fuh come out the boat because both ah dem had gun. Me school friend was crying”. She stated that they were kept at the camp by the brothers and were sexually abused, beaten and even starved while the mother of the boys visited on Sunday’s to ensure that her sons were doing well. Attempts were made to escape she said but

were unsuccessful. “We use to try to get away with the boat dem does got deh when dem sleeping but the other girl couldn’t paddle. “Dem ain’t use to feed we till afternoon. When dem do give we food is tennis roll till in the afternoon, no breakfast and lunch”. The tortured 13-year-old told this publication that it was weeks after that police rescued her but failed to rescue her friend. “Dem come and rescue me but dem ain’t get she because the boy grab she and run and go in the bush”. Meanwhile, mother of the teenage girl still in captivity by her alleged kidnappers relayed that her daughter left to make a purchase at a nearby shop in her area on June 16, 2017, the said day the other teen was nabbed. “She seh she goin and buy icicle at the shop so I tell she go by her grandmother when she finish”, the mother said. She said that it was not until the teen’s grandmother contacted her later that evening telling her to send the teen home, that she realised her daughter was missing. According to her, with the help of friends, family and neighbours, flyers and posters were printed and circulated across Berbice with her daughter’s picture in the hope of someone with information comes forward about her whereabouts. She stated that she reported the matter to the police. It was during one of their searches that someone told her that another teen who is friends with her daughter went missing the said day. She was given directions to the teens’ home. By that time, the teen was already rescued and told her where her daughter was being kept. The woman told this publication that they were back and forth with the police and were not seeing any progress in locating her daughter. Desperate for her daughter’s safe return, she is pleading with the relevant authorities to intervene. Persons expressed their concern that even after five months brandishing the teen’s face across Berbice, the matter had not engaged the Ministry or social workers within the region.

Guyanese convicted of kidnapping among 55 arrested in New York NEW YORK – A Guyanese national convicted of assault, criminal possession of a weapon and kidnapping is among the 55 foreign nationals arrested during a recently concluded six-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). ERO deportation officers in New York targeted at-large criminal aliens, illegal reentrants, and immigration fugitives during the operation which ran from Monday, November 13 to Monday, November 20. Of those arrested, ICE had lodged detainers on 42 of the foreign nationals when they were in local law enforcement custody, and they were all released without the detainers being honoured. Ten were immigration fugitives or were previously removed from the U.S. Some of the individuals arrested during the enforcement action will be presented for federal prosecution for re-entry after deportation, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Those not being criminally prosecuted will be processed for removal from the country. Individuals who have outstanding orders of deportation, or who returned to the United States illegally after being deported, are subject to immediate removal from the country. The Guyanese man

is identified as Dane John, 35, a Guyanese citizen, who was arrested by the NYPD June 9, 2017, on local charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Brooklyn Central Booking. On June 10, 2017, John was released from NYPD custody without the detainer being honoured and without notification to ICE. On October 16, 2017, the NYPD arrested John again on local charges. On that same date, ERO deportation officers lodged an immigration detainer with the NYPD’s Queens Central Booking. John was later released from NYPD custody without the detainer being honoured and without notification to ICE. John has an extensive criminal history, with prior convictions for kidnapping in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (loaded firearm), and assault in the second degree (intent to cause physical injury with a weapon), for which he served seven years in prison. On November 14, ERO deportation officers arrested John in Brooklyn, New York, on immigration violations, and he was issued an administrative removal order. He is currently detained in ICE custody, pending a removal to Guyana.

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Two critical over $60 lemonade

The shop where the stabbing occurred Two Albouystown, Georgetown residents are in critical conditions at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after attacking each other over a bottle of lemonade worth $60. The lemonade was taken on credit on Sunday. Shop owner, Lester DeYoung was stabbed to the chest and right thigh with an ice-pick while Terrence Bastiani was stabbed to the left back, neck and both legs. Both men underwent surgery yesterday afternoon. A third individual, Bastiani’s younger sibling, Colin is on the run. The stabbing occurred shortly after 09:30 hrs yesterday at DeYoung’s shop located at the junction of Hunter Street and Independence Boulevard, Albouystown. According to information received, on Sunday night, Colin Bastiani went to DeYoung’s shop and took a bottle of lemonade on credit. He promised to pay the following day (yesterday). Kaieteur News was told that yesterday, Colin Bastiani returned to the shop with $200 to purchase a bottle of small soda. “Lester tell he (Colin) that he gon take out the $60 that he owed him but Colin grabbed back the money and tell him that he ain’t owe nobody any money and then he run away,” an eyewitness explained yesterday. The eyewitness further added that after

Colin Bastiani ran away, the shop owner ran behind him and started pelting bottles at him. “Like Colin went home and tell his brother that Lester run he and pelt him with bottles without telling his brother what he had done,” the eyewitness said. He added that shortly after the young Bastiani ran away, he returned with a cutlass and started firing chops at persons who were at the shop. “He didn’t chop anyone but he was just firing chops like a mad man and Lester come out and start pelt he down again with bottles and then Terrence come with bottles, an ice pick and a knife and started firing stabs at Lester,” the eyewitness indicated. According to information, the shop owner managed to overpower Terrence Bastiani and stabbed him a number of times. Colin Bastiani, upon seeing this, ran away—leaving his brother behind him. Persons in the area were allegedly scared to come between the two men since one person claimed that they seemed determined to kill each other. Reports are that when the stabbing became too much, Terrence Bastiani attempted to run away but collapsed near the scene. The shop owner himself collapsed. They were both taken to the hospital in the same vehicle. Investigation is ongoing.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 21, 2017

Pradoville Two probe…Assessor moves in to value properties Investigators are close to wrapping up some loose ends in the Pradoville Two case. Yesterday, a valuator was in that Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara exclusive seaside area to conduct work. With him were officials from the police Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). He has been retained to value the plots of lands that were purchased by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, several ex-ministers and a number of high ranking, former government officials and their relatives. An independent valuation was ordered by the Police Legal Advisor (PLA) to complete the file. Earlier this year, several officials, including Jagdeo, were hauled in for questioning by SOCU over the land deals which were alleged to have been sold under market prices and under questionable circumstance. Two officials who bought lands at the controversial Pradoville 2 scheme have since indicated that they are now amenable to paying the market value for those lands. Previously, former Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, said that he is ready to pay the market value. The issue of the land price at Pradoville Two was galling by reports that sugar workers bought lands for $500 per square foot whilst lands at Pradoville 2 were sold at $114 per square foot. The transaction happened under Jagdeo, shortly before he ended his two-term in office, in late 2011. While criminal charges are looming, beneficiaries of the housing lands at Pradoville Two are likely to be given an option to pay the market price. To date, SOCU has questioned General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Lisaveta Ramotar, daughter of former President Donald Ramotar; former Chairman of the

An official who was part SOCU team in the Pradoville Two area yesterday. Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; former deputy head of National Investment and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and Dr Gansham Singh, the son of former Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul; former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; former Minister of Housing, Irfaan Ali; former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; former Minister of Tourism, Shaik Baskh; former Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul, former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and Taslim Baskh, former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

Two remanded for robbing pastor after trailing him from bank Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman yesterday remanded two men to prison after they allegedly trailed a pastor from a bank and robbed him at gunpoint. Renahart Khan, 31, fish vendor , of Lot 430 La Parfaite Harmonie, and Alexandra LaCruz, 25, a mason, both denied the charge which alleged that on November 22, last, at Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, while armed with guns, robbed Eldon Anderson of $1.8M in cash. Khan was represented by

Attorney-at-law, Tiffany Jeffrey. The lawyer asked that her client be placed on reasonable bail since he was placed on an identification parade and was not pointed out. LaCruz was represented by Attorney-at-law, George Thomas, who asked that his client be releas ed on reasonable bail citing that he is the sole breadwinner for his family. P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail being granted to the

defendants based on the serious nature of the offence. The penalty the charge attracts and the fact that a gun was used to commit the offence. The Prosecutor added that if bail is granted to the defendants they would not returned to court for the trial. Both men were instructed to make their next court appearance on December 11. According to reports the defendants who were in a car robbed the 66-year-old pastor at gunpoint, after trailing him from the bank. The victim, of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, was lured out of his car after a Silver Toyota Spacio struck his vehicle from behind. When he stepped out to investigate, two armed men exited the Spacio and held him at gunpoint and relieved him of the cash before making good their escape.

Investigators were questioning how the beneficiaries learnt of the land sale and whether it was advertised. A transmitter tower at Sparendaam, belonging to the National Communications Network, was removed, costing taxpayers $100M, to make way for Pradoville Two. It is also believed that state funds were used to develop the scheme. There have also reportedly been some claims that the lands are ancestral ones. Earlier this year, SOCU’s investigators recommended that 12 persons be charged. Among the 12 recommended for charges are former Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; and former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington. Brassington now lives in Miami, Florida and Singh is said to be working in Washington. Brassington was at the helm at NICIL when the controversial Pradoville 2 Scheme was conceptualised.

There are also no details of whether the recipients were owners of properties at the time. If they were, they would have been barred from buying the lands under regulations of the Central Housing and Planning Authority. There are several other investigations, spurred by other forensic audits, and conducted by SOCU, that are ongoing. Some other former government officials are currently facing the courts. According to details of the Pradoville 2 allocations, Jagdeo received two parcels equivalent to two acres. On it, he built an imposing mansion, complete with swimming pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. He paid a total of $9.8M. He had already owned a property along the Ogle Airport Road in the community that was known as ‘Pradoville One’. However, he is claiming that he sold that property to Trinidadian advertising executive, Ernie Ross

Bus parks removal, no-park streets... From page 19 urgent need to create new traffic routes, a better traffic signal plan and improved infrastructure, and the need to implement restrictive parking. To efficiently use the city roads, there will be a need to move the bus parks, monitor and enforce business activities and sidewalks, introduce more pedestrian crossings, improve lights and build cycle paths and lanes. Among some of the key areas that LOGIT found to be trouble spots are the Kitty seawall area, by the pump station; the Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue intersection near the Ministry of the Presidency; the Stabroek and Bourda Market areas; Mandela Avenue and Hunter Street intersection and the bottleneck at Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road area. At the Kitty seawall area, the roundabout that is under construction is ideal. There is a need to widen the approach at Vlissengen Road and Princes Streets. Not too far away at the intersection of

D'Urban Street and Vlissengen Road, there should be improvements to the traffic light situation. LOGIT is recommending that there should be bus stops or terminals at 300-400 meters apart, to reduce minibuses stopping anywhere as is the case now. There should be some changes in direction to streets around the Stabroek Market area. An increase in police presence would also be ideal around the bus parks and business places to control vending and the behaviour and conduct of drivers and conductors. LOGIT is also recommending paid parking on some streets and even parking restrictions in some streets. With regards to cargo deliveries, there should be designated areas for these and with defined parking spots. Ways will have to be found to make certain areas off-limits to vehicles and walking and the use of bicycles encouraged. In as much as possible, parking in other designated streets should be encouraged to reduce congestion, LOGIT said.

Tuesday November 28, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Merkel heads to EU-Africa summit with eye on migrant issue at home BERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will focus on expanding business ties and trying to regulate migration with Africa during an EU-Africa summit in Abidjan this week, as she comes under pressure at home to make progress faster on both fronts. Merkel is taking a break from her more than monthlong drive to form a new government to attend the summit, keen to demonstrate Germany’s continued ability to act on the foreign policy front, and to underscore her commitment to Africa. She will join with French President Emmanuel Macron at the summit to focus on education, investment in youth and economic development to prevent refugees and economic migrants from attempting the treacherous journey across the Mediterranean. Libya is now the main departure point for mostly African migrants trying to cross to Europe. Smugglers usually pack them into flimsy inflatable boats that often break down or sink. The chancellor told a conservative event on Saturday that she would press for expanded trade ties and invest-

ment, while urging African leaders in bilateral talks to accept the return of their citizens who had no right to stay in Europe. The trip is important for the German leader amid widespread criticism of her 2015 decision to allow in over a million migrants, then mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan. She is under pressure at home to avert another migration crisis after losing support to the far right in the Sept. 24 election. Germany is likely to adopt an immigration law of some kind in the aftermath of election losses for mainstream parties. Experts say the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party could see further gains in any new election next year if Merkel fails to convince the Social Democrats to renew the “grand coalition” that ruled for the last four years. A year after Merkel made Africa a cornerstone of Germany’s presidency of the G20 industrialized nations, illegal migration from Africa remains a concern, with rights groups blasting the EU’s failure to address conditions in migrant camps in Libya and elsewhere.

Merkel has also faced criticism from German companies,

who say they risk losing out in the face of burgeoning in-

terest in the region from rivals in France, China, the United

States, Britain, India and Turkey.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Milestone man Ashwin spins India to massive win (Reuters) - Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin polished off Sri Lanka’s tail in the second test to help India equal their biggest victory and go 1-0 up in the threematch series in Nagpur yesterday. The hosts bundled out Sri Lanka for 166 shortly after fourth day’s lunch to prevail by an innings and 239 runs, the margin equalling their 2007 triumph against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Ashwin finished with 463 in the second innings, overtaking former Australian paceman Dennis Lillee as the fastest to 300 test wickets in the process. Lillee took 56 matches to reach the mark while the 31year-old Ashwin achieved the feat in his 54th. The tourists lost seven wickets in an extended morn-

ing session and India returned after lunch to complete the formalities. Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal hit a defiant 61 and added 58 with Suranga Lakmal, who remained unbeaten on 31, to stretch the contest to the second session. Paceman Umesh Yadav ended the partnership after the interval when Chandimal pulled one straight to Ashwin at fine leg. India defeated the islanders by a 9-0 margin across formats earlier this year and after the draw in the rain-affected opening test in Kolkata, things were back to normal for the world’s top-ranked test side. After resuming on 21-1, Sri Lanka kept India’s bowlers at bay for six overs before Dimuth Karunaratne was out on 18 to a freakish dismissal off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

Lahiru Thirimanne played an irresponsible shot to a wide delivery from paceman Umesh Yadav to be caught at point for 23 in a further blow to Sri Lanka’s chances of resisting India. Ashwin dismissed Dasun Shanaka, Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath before lunch and then bowled Lahiru Gamage to enter the record books. India captain Virat Kohli, who was named player of the match for his 213 in the first innings, said the comprehensive win will boost his side’s confidence ahead of the tough tour of South Africa early next year. Scores: India 610 for 6 dec. (Kohli 213, Pujara 143, Vijay 128, Rohit 102*) beat Sri Lanka 205 (Chandimal 57, Karunaratne 51, Ashwin 4-67, Ishant 3-37, Jadeja 356) and 166 (Chandimal 61, Ashwin 4-63) by an innings and 239 runs.

Tuesday November 28, 2017 Aries: Mar 21 - Apr 19 You're especially attuned to the feelings of others. This gift is more blessing than curse, yet there are times when it's hard not to take on the troubles of others.

Libra: Sep 23 - Oct 22 You've achieved a tremendous amount in the last few days. You've earned some time off. Call in sick and go see a movie in the middle of the day.

Taurus: Apr 20 - May 20 You feel as though you're spending the day stuck in a revolving door, whirling around but getting nowhere. Take heart and do your best to get through with some of your humor intact. Chocolate helps. Tomorrow will be better!

Scorpio: Oct 23 - Nov 21 Flowers and fresh plants can perk up your mood as well as your home. You may feel your abode is looking a bit shabby. Simple tricks to improve its appearance will do wonders for your outlook.

Gemini: May 21 - Jun 20 The bubble you've been living in for a long time may burst today. Try not to let this get you down. Keep the big picture in mind as best you can. Cancer: Jun 21 - Jul 22 This is a day to be directed inward rather than outward. It's a good thing, too, because the outer world isn't too pleasant. Nothing seems to be going right. Leo: Jul 23 - Aug 22 You've allowed money issues to become too prominent. It's true that your financial picture isn't as rosy as you'd like it to be, but whose is? Try to put your troubles in perspective. Virgo: Aug 23 - Sep 22 Your body, which usually runs at warp speed, is telling you to slow down. On the contrary, such an indulgence may leave you feeling refreshed and even giddy. Why not try it?

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Kaieteur News

Sagit: Nov 22 - Dec 21 You're in a spiritual state of mind today. Your dreams are vivid and you're sure they're trying to tell you something specific. It's hard to dispel the urge to travel. Capri: Dec 22 - Jan 19 It's important to confront your troubles head on, but not at the expense of putting your life on hold. An important person, someone who acted as your touchstone, no longer figures prominently in your life. Aquar.: Jan 20 - Feb 18 Looking good is the best revenge. If you're trying to get over a failed relationship, the best way to pull yourself out of a depression is to look your very best. Pisces: Feb 19 - Mar 20 As much as you enjoy being out with people, tonight is a good evening for rest. If you can, try taking the afternoon off.

Australia rout England by 10 wickets in Ashes opener BRISBANE (Reuters) Australia sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory over England before lunch on day five of the series-opening Ashes test yesterday, having chased 170 runs without loss in a blow to the tourists’ pride. Steve Smith’s team will head to the second test starting in Adelaide on Saturday brimming with confidence after decisively breaking England’s resistance at the Gabba. Openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, having driven Australia to 114 at stumps on day four, needed only 56 runs to complete the win and rarely looked in danger. Vice-captain Warner finished unbeaten on 87, with Bancroft 82 not out after enjoying a maiden half-century in his test debut. The pair’s 173-run stand set a record for an unbroken opening partnership in a successful run chase in tests, eclipsing the 172 set by Archie Jackson and Bill Ponsford against West Indies in Adelaide in 1930. Debutant Bancroft clinched the match in style, smashing all-rounder Chris Woakes to the long-off fence twice to spark a roar from the modest Monday crowd of 6,154. “It was good fun obviously, to share a good partnership was nice and to get the win in the end was good,” said Bancroft, who later cleared up reports that he had been “headbutted” by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow at a Perth bar in the leadup to the series. “I got into a very amicable conversation with Jonny and he just greeted me with a headbutt, kind of thing. I was expecting a handshake.” Four years after thrashing Alastair Cook’s England by 386 runs at the Gabba on the way to a 5-0 whitewash in 2013/14, Australia extended their unbeaten record at the venue against their old foes to 31 years. With Mike Gatting’s team the last English side to win at the Gabba in 1986, captain Joe Root had said his team were about due for a breakthrough. And at the end of day three, with the match still in the balance, paceman Stuart Broad said they were the bestpositioned they had been in 30 years to win at the ground. It all smacked of bravado after lunch on day four, however, as England lost 5-40 during a fierce pace assault to be skittled for 195 in their second innings. Warner and Bancroft then batted superbly after tea to

drive Australia to 114 without loss. Smith was named manof-the-match for his epic, unbeaten 143 on day three, having pulled his team out of danger at 76 for four in the first innings. That drove Australia 26 runs past England’s first innings 302 and helped ensure they could still push for the win. “We performed really well in this game after a shaky start,” Smith told reporters. “But I think this team has

the potential to do some really good things and we’ll have to continue to play really good cricket.” The game had enthralled for three days as Australia’s fast bowlers struggled to exploit their edge in pace on a surprisingly slow and tepid Gabba pitch. Scores: Australia 328 (Smith 141*, Marsh 51) and 0 for 173 (Warner 87*, Bancroft 82*) beat England 302 and 195 (Root 51, Bairstow 42) by 10 wickets.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday November 28, 2017

Turbo KO Football

Police tipped to add another title to bulging cabinet; face Camptown Sunday in finale Come this Sunday, the Guyana Police Force Football Club (GPFFC) will be aiming to continue their rise like the phoenix - having dominated second division football in the city - in the inaugural edition of the Turbo knockout football tournament at the Ministry of Education Ground. The Eve Leary based side has been one of the most dominant teams outside of the Guyana Football Federation Elite League for the past year with impressive consistency. Winning their first major title in 2016 was the beginning of a fantastic reign of success which has seen them reaching six straight finals which has cemented them as one of the best in Georgetown and by extension, Guyana. Police’ only blemish since then has been their defeat to archrivals Western Tigers in the Georgetown Football Association GT Beer tournament and the Limacol competition, earlier this year. Western Tigers have been their strongest opponent in their quest to be the best in the City and it has been a ding-dong battle every time the two gladiators collide. Charting the course - Coach Dwayne Bobb Coach Dwayne Bobb, who has been a guiding light to Police FC’s dominance in clearing one hurdle after another, led them to their first title against Western Tigers in the Mayor’s Cup at Tucville ground. Bobb then suffered a setback when Western Tigers rebounded to take the GT Beer championship when they defeated the Lawmen. However, Bobb’s resilience has

Dwayne Bobb - GPFFC Coach proved that he’s no one hit wonder, as the officers have surged ahead to take the Corona Beer tournaments after losing the Limacol championship. Police FC have not let up in their pursuit to add more hardware to their cabinet, reaching the Turbo knockout final on Friday last before storming Linden on Sunday to reach the Mayor’s Cup championship match after whipping Soesdyke Falcons which allows them the chance to defend their Mayor’s Cup title. Speaking ahead of their clash with Camptown FC in the Turbo Cup final on Sunday, Coach Bobb says that dedication has been his mantra ever since he was handed the top tactical job at the GPFFC; this is a value he constantly in-still’s in his charges.

Rain ruins latest round of matches in GCB/CGI 50-over league Rain prevented any play in the latest round of matches in the Guyana Cricket Board/Cricket Guyana Inc Jaguars 50-over franchise league yesterday. West Demerara were set to play Lower Corentyne at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, but following a final inspection after the lunch interval, the umpires decided that no play was possible on the venue which was left waterlogged. East Bank Demerara and Upper Corentyne were set to battle at Everest. Following is the points standings to date.

Dwayne Jacobs – GPFFC Captain Bobb also notes that, “The ability of the players to quickly understand and adapt has been instrumental to their achievements and that formula will not change now in the Turbo finals.” He was quick to point out that ‘while the talent has always been there, in order to nurture it and make that jump from third place to first’, he has had to have a heavy hand on players to develop self discipline, so as to have the entire team working in harmony for continued success.’ Bobb posited that the captaincy of Golden Jaguar Dwayne Jacobs cannot be underestimated because his experience and the calmness he brings to the team ensure that they remain settled while executing his plans for victory.

The coach mentioned that because of the inexperience and bouts of indiscipline within the ranks, it’s important to have a marshal in mid-field that controls and manages player anxiety on the field to be able to capitalise on opportunities when they arise to win matches. Jacobs’ command of his troop has been unmatched and he would be eager to continue in this vein having just returned from national duties with the Golden Jaguars in Indonesia and Trinidad and Tobago. However, it’s been his ability to finish when needed most that has been partly responsible for his team’s ascension to the top. An example of that was the Corona Beer final against the Georgetown Football Club where he scored a triple to dispose of the former Elite League side, GFC. Jacobs and the policemen will be looking to replicate such a performance against Camptown Football Club. In their passage to the final, Police hammered Eagles FC of Linden 6-0, Rawle Haynes tucking in a hattrick. They then went on to needle Kuru Kururu Warriors before comfortably defeating Grove Hi Tech 3-1to reach the final. The Police’s secret weapon has been their custodian Darius Frank, who has only conceded one goal thus far in the tournament. Rawle Haynes, who is the tournament’s leading goal scorer with five, will be another player that Police will rely on to provide that ‘wow factor’ to come out victors. The two teams will battle for a purse of half a million dollars and the bragging rights as the first Turbo Cup knockout football champs.

Tuschen ground staff-Ground staff taking the covers onto the pitch at Tuschen after rain threatens.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Berbice Cricket Board First Division 50 overs competition

Upper Corentyne defeat Skeldon Community Center in thriller The Berbice Cricket Board’s 50 overs first division competition resumed last weekend at the # 73 Cricket Club Ground in the Upper Corentyne Region with an intensive matchup between Skeldon Community Center and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association teams. Batting first under glorious sunshine, Upper Corentyne scored 198 all out in 37.1 overs in the match which was reduced to 45 overs. Lakeram Latchman top scored with 57, Somdat Singh 37, while Rishi Persaud and T. Ramotar contributed with 23 and 20 respectively. Bowling for Skeldon Community Center, S. Rasheed took 2-24, Jermaine Reid 3-48 in 8 overs, Sherwin Murray 2-50 in 9 overs, and A. Applesammy 1-45 in his 7 overs. In their reply, Skeldon Community Center fell short of the total by 2 runs in a nail biting finish; Skeldon scored 196 in 38.4 overs. Batsman Jermaine Reid scored 50, Christopher Jaundoo 37 and T. Ramdass 34. Sherwin Murray made 27. In their bowling, L. Latchman had figures of 2-29, Balram Persaud 2-27, T. Ramotar 1-20 and A. Hemchand 1-20. First Division action continues at venues across the county on Sunday December 3.

ASK-Guyana host successful examination in Berbice Berbice based karatekas who were unable to attend recent examinations at the YMCA in the city were given the opportunity when a special examination was held in Berbice led by Sensei Amir Khouri 7th Dan who was assisted by Sensei Clinton Moriah 6th Dan and Sensei Hazrat Ali 5th Dan. Meanwhile, following the largest gathering of Karatekas for a grading at the YMCA on November 12, ASK-G held a certificates presentation at the YMCA Thomas Lands on Friday last for those participants.

Albert’s century hands Enterprise A huge win

Bisram Samaroo

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Students displaying their certificates in the presence of Sensi Amir Khouri 7th Dan.

Vivian Albert

Vivian Albert struck a fine century as host Enterprise ‘A’ defeated Golden Grove by 240 runs when the East Coast Cricket Committee SPR Enterprise 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. Albert clobbered two sixes and 16 fours in a brisk 132 before he retired out as Enterprise ‘A’ posted 268-4 off their reduced quota of 25 overs. Arif Habib slammed eight fours in scoring 52 while Parmanand Dindyal made 24 not out. H. Harrichand, O. King and S. Burges took one wicket each. Golden Grove who fielded 10 players, responded with 28-7; innings closed after 8.3 overs. Medium pacer Bisram Samaroo grabbed 4-14 and Rajah Amit Pooran 2-14.

Sensei’s Amir Khouri 7th Dan, Clinton Moriah 6th Dan and Sensei Hazrat Ali 5th Dan (standing L-R), with the students in Berbice.

Police and Winners Connection to clash for Hamilton Green Cup championship Police FC are in yet another final, this time the Hamilton Green Knockout Cup, after completing a come from behind victory against East Bank’s Soesdyke Falcons. Police won their semifinal clash at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden on Sunday night 5-1 and although

they were down first through Soesdyke’s Colin McLean 28 minute strike, two minutes later the policemen leveled the encounter. Sharma Fraser made it 1-1 in the 30 minute before four other players etched their names in the score sheets. Quincy Holder scored in the 47 minute, Rawle Haynes th

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took the score to 3-1 in the 66 minute and Stephan Ramsay 80 and Philbert Moffat 89 minutes closed off the scoring. In the other semifinal match, a Linden Derby affair, Winners Connection defeated favourites and Guyana Football Federation Elite team Milerock 3-1 to book

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their place in the final with Police FC. Keon Sears led Winners’ charge by scoring a brace in the 21 and 35 minutes before Derrol Dainty tripled the lead in the 64 minute. Kester Randolph managed a consolation in the 71 minute for the losers Milerock. The final will be played on st

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Thursday in Linden at the MSC ground. The champions will pocket $500,000 while the runner up team will receive $250,000, 3 place $150,000 while the loser of the third place playoff will receive $100,000 to round off the $1 Million total prize purse. rd

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 28, 2017

Guinness 'Greatest of the Streets' BVTU jumps to 3rd place with Georgetown Zone continues tonight 7-0 swamping of Plaisance GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – East Demerara

The Burnham Basketball Tarmac will come alive tonight, when the Guinness 'Greatest of the Streets' Georgetown Zone continues with nine group matches. According to an official release from tournament coordinators Three Peat Promotions, “The event is off to a fantastic start, large crowds have swarmed the venues and we are expecting another mammoth viewership tonight.” The document added, “At this rate we are expecting record turnouts for the remainder of the event given the response during the second day held at the Albouystown tarmac. It has clearly justified the decision to take the event back into the communities, which is the foundation of the Championship.” At 19:00hrs, Gaza Squad will oppose Ol Skool Ballers, while Albouystown-A battle GTI Ballers at 19:15hrs and Leopold Street tackle BadA-Yard from 19:30hrs. The fourth fixture will pit Rising Stars against Back Circle at 19:45hrs, while Bent Street matches skills with Tucville from 20:00hrs and Broad Street engage Queen Street Tiger Bay at 20:15hrs. In the final three matches, North East La Penitence tackle New Market Street at 20:30hrs, Future Stars battle Alexander Village from 20:45hrs, and AlbouystownB tackle Trap Squad from 21:00hrs. Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs. The runner-up, third and fourth placed finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The event is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Marksmen from left! Omari Glasgow, Tyrice Dennis, Samuel Garnett and Shaquan Harris. Captain Omari Glasgow netted a hat-trick and crafted a solid 7-0 win for BV Triumph United against Plaisance Panthers when play in the East Demerara FA leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued on Sunday last at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara. Glasgow found able support from Thrice Dennis who tucked in a double, Samuel Garnett and Shaquan Harris with one apiece as the BV boys tamed the Panthers. From the opening minute it was clear that BV, now third in the points table with their ninth win in 14 matches, were in to make it a torrid day for Plaisance and that they did for the entire 90 minutes of combat. Dennis opened the scoring in the first minute of the match and completed his brace in the 27th minute. Glasgow took matters into his own hands with goals in the 15th, 29th and 65th minute to add further pressure on the Panthers which were not allowed to penetrate the BV final

Chess federation vows ‘huge effort’ to include Israelis in Saudi-hosted match ATHENS (Reuters) - The World Chess Federation (FIDE) is undertaking a “huge effort” to include Israeli players in a speed chess championship hosted by Saudi Arabia next month, the federation said yesterday. Seven Israeli players hoping to attend the championship on Dec. 26-30 have submitted visa requests, FIDE Deputy President Georgios Makropoulos told Reuters. Should their visas be granted, it would mark the first time Saudi Arabia has publicly hosted Israelis. Saudi Arabia does not recognise Israel and there are no

formal ties between the two countries.“We have sent their documents to the organizers and the visa status is currently pending,” Makropoulos said. “The same applies for many other chess players who are waiting for their visa invitation letters. We are making a huge effort to ensure that all players get their visas.” Saudi Arabia and Israel both view Iran as a main threat to the Middle East and increased tension between Tehran and Riyadh has fuelled speculation that shared interests are bringing Israel and the Saudis closer.

third. Garnett tucked in his goal in the 40th minute. Meanwhile, two walk overs were recorded on the day; Ann’s Grove United pocketed full points since their opponent, Bachelors Adventure Paradise Sports Club did not show up, while Buxton Stars also took full points without expending any energy. Their opponent, Mahaica Determinators, were not able to show up as a result of a vehicular accident which involved the team. Six matches would be contested on Friday and Sunday respectively with triple headers on both days at the same venue. On Friday from 11:00hrs, BA/Paradise will take on Plaisance Panthers to be followed by a clash between Golden Stars and Ann’s Grove United from 13:00hrs, the main attraction pits Buxton Stars against fellow village team, Buxton United from 15:00hrs. On Sunday, Buxton United will open against Ann’s Grove from 11:00hrs, Plaisance Panthers tackle Buxton Stars from 13:00hrs to be followed by Golden Stars against Mahaica Determinators.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 28, 2017

PAGE 31

MOE/GTU Nat swimming C/Ships

NORTH GT DOMINATE IN THE POOL Leon Seaton

Aleka Persaud

District 11, North Georgetown, captured championship honours when the poorly organised Ministry of Education, Guyana Teachers Union National Swimming Championship concluded yesterday at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara. Watched by a fair sized gathering who braved the uncomfortable heat in an uncovered stand at Guyana’s only International Swimming facility, 15year-old Amy Grant, Paul Mahaica, Lien Winter, Andrica Vieira, Sekhel Tzedeq, Sion Jeffers, 13-year-old Leon Seaton, eight-year-old Jeremy Sookram and 11year-old Aleka Persaud, who won gold in U-12 girls 1,000 meters race at Lenora on Sunday, all won two Gold medals yesterday. St Roses High students Grant and Seaton captured three gold medals each, while Seaton broke Nicholas Fraser’s 22year-old U-14 50 meters Free Style record of 24. 4 seconds. Up to press time, more than three hours after the final race, no official results were released to the media.

Seaton breaks 22-year-old record

15-year-old Amy Grant (3rd from right) gets a head start to one of her Girls U-18 events. (Sean Devers photo)

Regal Masters thump Floodlights, Wellman overcome Sunrisers in Masters Semis By Zaheer Mohamed Regal Masters, Mike’s Wellman, Speedboat and Success have secured their places in the final of the Mike’s Pharmacy, Nauth Motor Spares and Trophy Stall softball tournament which continued on Sunday at DCC. In the Masters’ category, Regal Masters defeated Floodlights by 76 runs in their encounter. Led by a robust 75 from opener Mahase Chunilall, Regal Masters posted 159-6 off their allotted 20 overs, batting first. Chunilall struck five fours and six sixes in his innings which spanned 50 balls and got support from Eric Thomas who made 24 off 15 balls with three fours. Clyde Canterbury claimed 3-19 and Imtiaz Mohamed 2-24. Floodlights were sent packing for 83 in 19.2 overs in reply. Amarnauth Lutchman made 36 with two fours and three sixes as Laurie Singh captured 4-23 and David Harper 3-27. Mike’s Wellman beat Sunrisers by 61 runs. Mike’s Wellman batted first and rattled up 186 all out in 19.5 overs. Jagdesh Persaud made 35, Nadram Samlall 25, Eon Lovell 21 and Wayne Jones 19. Mike Lakeram Singh picked 3-7, Manoj Arjune 331 and M. Ifill 2-32. Sunrisers were bowled out for 125 in 14.5 overs in reply. I. Sanichara stroked 71 including four fours and seven sixes while Ishwar Singh made 18. Sheldon Perch bagged 5-18 off four overs; Samlall had 2-13 and Latchman Kallicharran 2-14.

Hussain guides Speedboat to victory over Regal All stars

Mahase Chunilall In the Open segment, Speedboat got the better of Regal All stars by 34 runs. Speedboat managed 174 all out in 15 overs, batting first. Wazir Hussain slammed two fours and 10 maximums in a top score of 73 as Amir Nizamudeen snared 3-31 and Richard Latif 2-20. Regal All stars were restricted for 140-8 in reply. Latif made 44 with two fours and four sixes while Saheed Mohamed got 36 which contained four fours and two sixes. I. Ivan claimed 3-21 and A. Dhaniram 2-17. Success All stars gained a walk over from

Sheldon Perch

Laurie Singh

Farm. Meanwhile, Davindra Deosarran of Success All stars lost a bat valued $14,000 prior to his team scheduled semi final game. Should any individual recover the bat they can make contact with Deosarran on 669 6818 or Rafman Ali on 654 2233. The competition will conclude on Sunday at the said venue. The female semi-finals, Trophy Stall Angels will face Blue Divas while Well woman will take on 4R Lioness. Following the female final, Regal Masters and Mike’s Wellman will battle for the

masters’ title before Speedboat take on Success in the open final. The female winners will take home a trophy and $50,000, while the runner up will receive a trophy and $25,000. The Masters’ and Open champions will each take home a trophy and $100,000 and the runners up a trophy and $25,000. Floodlights and Regal Masters will face each other in a specially arranged hardball T20 fixture when the DCC host its club night on Friday.

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Tuesday November 28, 2017

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival

Queens Park and Pizza Hut GCC victorious The climax of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival saw another outstanding display of hockey skills by Queens Park in the men’s final and a nailbiting finish in the women’s competition between six-time champs Pizza Hut GCC and 2016 runners-up the Woodpecker Hikers. The Carib veteran’s category also saw Queens Park edge arch-rivals Vintage GCC to reverse the result of the two sides which last met in Trinidad 10 months ago. The men’s final would see a predictable matchup based on pool round performances and a repeat of last year’s final between the Pepsi Hikers and Queens Park CC. With Queens Park enjoying an 8-3 victory in the pool round, they entered this year’s final as underdogs seeking to win their first ever festival. While both sides played a good brand of hockey, the superiority of Queens Park was evident as they tightened the reins on the match and were up by 4-1 by half time. MVP Jordan Vieira of Queens Park and Trinidadian international Akim Toussaint produced a duo that was too much for the Hikers defence to handle. Queens Park would repeat their first half feat with four more goals in the second half, while tournament top-scorer Aroydy Branford managed just two for his side to leave the final score at 8-3. In the ladies final, Guyana national champs Pizza Hut GCC would have their hands full against a determined Woodpecker Hikers side bolstered by the addition of two Trinidadian internationals in Alana Lewis and Brittany Hing. The Hikers had soundly beaten GCC by 4-1 in the pool round and were poised to lift the trophy for the first time this year. The fast-paced game however saw a more determined GCC who enjoyed the greater possession and winning several penalty corners in the early minutes. With the halftime score remaining at 0-0, the teams continued an even battle in the second half but the Hikers managed to get more

The victorious Queens Park team. production out of their forwards and pressed GCC back into their defensive area as the game wore on. Time would expire on both sides however as they remained scoreless and would have to rely on a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Most Valuable goalkeeper of the tournament chose this moment to shine as she successfully blocked all three Hikers attempts by the two Trinidadians, Lewis and Hing as well as Maria Munroe. Tournament MVP Gabriella Xavier’s opening shootout goal for GCC was all the team needed to secure the victory for the Pizza Hut ladies. Top-scorer of the Carib beer veterans’ competition, Raphael Gouveia, managed to score three of his eleven goals in the final match against Vintage GCC. Left back Jerazeno ‘Skillaxe’ Bell was in fine form orchestrating the attack and making

several penetrating passes into the GCC scoring area to set his team in good stead to score. MVP GCC’s Dwayne Scott was first to score through a penalty corner in the 3rd minute but Gouveia equalized three minutes later. This was the case twice more in the first half as every time GCC found a way through the Queens Park defence to score, the Trinidadians would respond with a goal of their own. Queens Park would surge ahead in the second half with three unanswered goals and just as the match seemed out of reach for the Bourda side, GCC managed to pull two goals back with but with less than one minute remaining. Time would be the enemy for Vintage GCC as the final buzzer saw Queens Park

pulling off the 6-5 victory. Jordan Vieira of Queens Park received the Most Valuable Player award for the men’s competition, while Reiza Hosein also of Queens Park received the Best Goalkeeper. Aroydy Branford of the Pepsi Hikers scored the most goals of the competition. Pizza Hut GCC swept the individual awards in the ladies competition with Gabriella Xavier picking up the Most Valuable Player award, Briawna Gordon the Best goalkeeper and Kerensa Fernandes the most goals. Dwayne Scott was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the Carib Veterans competition while Bryan Lee Chow of Queens Park received Best Goalkeeper. Raphael Gouveia of Queens Park and Dwight Sullivan of Old Fort shared the Most Goals scored award.

Brathwaite among runs in tame draw LINCOLN, New Zealand, CMC – Leading West Indies batsman Kraigg Brathwaite warmed up for next weekend’s first Test with a half-century, as the Caribbean side earned a tame draw against New Zealand A in their three-day match here yesterday. Having failed in the first innings, the right-hander carved out 88 in the second on the final day of the contest at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, to find form ahead of the twoTest series against the Black Caps. West Indies, resuming from 53 for two overnight, were dismissed for 186, with wicketkeeker Shane Dowrich chipping in with 47 to follow up his first innings 35. Worryingly, however, there was another failure for Jermaine Blackwood who fell without scoring after making just four in the first innings. Hamish Bennett led New Zealand A with three for 50 while fellow seamers Jimmy Neesham (2-16), Lockie Ferguson (2-24) and Logan van Beek (2-46) all finished with two wickets each. The hosts then rattled up 72 without loss

as the match petered out into a predictable draw, with West Indies affording their bowlers decent spells in preparation for the first Test. Jeet Raval stroked an unbeaten 32 and captain Tom Latham, 28 not out, both players using the game to also get in tune for the Test series. Resuming the day hoping for another productive batting display, West Indies were rocked early when Roston Chase added two to his overnight four before perishing and Blackwood followed soon afterwards. On 72 for four, West Indies were bailed out by Brathwaite who put on 29 for the fifth wicket with Raymon Reifer (12) and a further 70 for the sixth wicket with Dowrich. All told, Brathwaite faced 124 deliveries in 3-1/2 hours and counted 12 fours while Dowrich struck five fours and a six in a 71ball knock. The prolific Barbadian is expected to lead West Indies’ batting in the Test series as the visitors chased their first series win on New Zealand soil in 22 years. Brathwaite’s retirement, however, led to a lower order slide with the last five wickets

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite.

going down for 15 runs. The first Test gets underway at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 1. Scores: WEST INDIES 451 for nine decl. (Sunil Ambris 153, Shai Hope 110, Roston Chase 49, Shane Dowrich 35, Jason Holder 31; Lockie Ferguson 5-67, Logan van Beek 2-60) and 186 (Kraigg Brathwaite 88,

Shane Dowrich 47; Hamish Bennett 3-50, Jimmy Neesham 2-16, Lockie Ferguson 2-24, Logan van Beek 2-46). NEW ZEALAND A 237 (Todd Astle 68, Tom Bruce 46, Neil Broom 27, Tom Latham 24; Roston Chase 2-7, Raymon Reifer 2-27) and 72 without loss (Jeet Raval 32 not out, Tom Latham 28 not out).

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Tuesday November 28, 2017

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District Six ride away with National School Cycling Championship Jonathan Ramsuchit, who represented Guyana at the Caribbean Junior Road Cycling championships earlier in the month, won Gold in the Boys’ under-16, 2000m and 3000m, while he had to settle for silver in the 1500m which was good enough to help District 6 (Corentyne) win the Cycling Championships.

District 6 that finished on 229 points, piped the defending overall champions District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) that finished on 222 by a meager seven points. District four (East Coast) finished with 122 points, while district three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) was the other district to finish above 100 points.

District 6’s Shineka Texeira of Corentyne Comprehensive finishes way ahead of the competition in the girls open 2000m.

Cyanna Retemiah (district 3) shows she is a class above the competition in Under-14 2000m after finishing without even a trail of competitors.

District 10’s Christopher Joseph silences the spectators as he finishes ahead of District 11’s Andrew Holder of Guyana Industrial Training Centre in the boys open 2000m.

Jonathan Ramsuchit (District 6) of Tutorial Academy (Berbice) finishes ahead of Tyrique Clement (District 3) of Patentia Seconday in the boys under-16 2000m.

GBA Terrence Alli National Open punches off tonight at Gymnasium The Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Terrence Alli National Open boxing tournament, which serves as the qualifying tournament for local fighters to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Championships in St. Lucia this December, punches off tonight at the National Gymnasium following yesterday’s weigh-in at the venue. The first bell will be rung at 19:00hrs this evening and boxing fans are set to be thrilled with a projected 14 bouts each evening of the three-night event that concludes on Thursday. The Guyana Defence Force gym are the defending champions but stiff competition from the Republican, Forgotten Youth Foundation and Guyana Police Force gyms are anticipated. According to head of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, this tournament will give the national selectors the ideal forum for examining abilities and a National team will go into camp soon after. “We have registered to send a

GDF gym has been the dominant force in amateur boxing of recent. team of 13 boxers to St Lucia. Last year we sent a team of 11 and returned home with 10 gold medals

and one silver. My hope is that this year we can better our gold medal haul,” the GBA president added.

Meanwhile, the boxing contingent from Suriname that were set to bring an international flavor to the

National Open tournament will not be part of the action due to unforeseen circumstances.

rt o p S MOE/GTU Nat swimming C/Ships

NORTH GT DOMINATE IN THE POOL Seaton breaks 22-year-old record

Swimming Champs District 11 dominated in the pool. (Sean Devers photo)

Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival

Queens Park and Pizza Hut GCC victorious

Pizza Hut GCC ladies being presented with their championship trophy from DDL representative Larry Wills.

GBA Terrence Alli National Open punches off tonight at Gymnasium Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.