Kaieteur News

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AIETEUR NEWS

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11-year-old five months pregnant

Wednesday Edition November 29, 2017 - Vol. 1 No. 44

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 128,762

Govt. to establish

Register of Contractors - to support Debarment process GTT, Pulse Ent. launch “Amazon Gems” Mash Band for 2018

GTT-Pulse on Saturday last, revealed their alluring costumes at the Giftland Mall parking lot.

CARICOM approves 40 % tax on Pinewood imports - Govt. proposes VAT-free lumber for sawmills to help jumpstart sector

Showdown looms GRA projected Murder trial stalls to collect as female jury between Marudi for 2017 foreman arrested miners and $47B - Menu of reforms in the Romanex Co. pipeline to improve tax system in drug bust Berbice girls trafficking probe...

Rescued teen gives - 'B' Division conflicting stories Commander

Wednesday November 29, 2017

There is no need for a state media DEAR EDITOR, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Stabroek News, Kaieteur News and Guyana Times on their journalism. While SN, for me, sets the standard for impartiality in reporting the news KN and GT (whom I deem as pro-Government and pro-Opposition, respectively) have come a long way and are being less concerned with promoting the Government or the Opposition in a positive

manner.

As the Fourth Estate, the media needs to hold both the Government and the Opposition accountable in Guyana.

Given the Government, any Government, seemingly immense resources at its disposal how can the free media compete with this propaganda-peddling behemoth via the State Media (Guyana Chronicle and NCN)?

Clearly, there is a need for a more level playing field.

And, as such the Guyana Chronicle (a pro-Government newspaper) and NCN (a proGovernment Station) need to be privatised.

Isn’t it time for Press-shy President David Granger to give serious considerations to making this possible?

We are not going to be here forever; we need to leave better institutions of state than we inherited from our predecessor.

Yours Faithfully Sean Ori

THIS BUDGET OFFERS A LOT DEAR EDITOR, Government and Finance Minister Winston Jordan were last year roasted for introducing dozens of new taxes in the 2017 budget.

These ranged from one on private education to a tax on miners.

A significant amount of rage was pointed to the Minister but from all appearances this time around, the 2018 edition might be the first indication of measures aimed at simply winning votes. After all it is mid-term and local government elections are scheduled for the coming year.

After much picketing and lobbying, the education services tax has been lifted and cabinet has also seen it fit to reduce the tributors tax by 10 percent. The mining

community has already signaled that it is happy with the reduction.

Despite what the cabinet and the Coalition might wish to say, the 2018 budget is clearly intended to win hearts and minds. For instance, delinquent taxpayers will benefit from an amnesty both for not filing any taxes at all, or by fudging the figures to pay less to the state.

Again this is an olive branch to voters, designed to bring in billions of dollars in additional revenues and to change the view, of maybe too many Guyanese, that government was simply hell bent piling on too many taxes, rules and regulations on them.

There are numerous other goodies that could be mentioned from the budget.

The PPP might find it much harder this year to hurl

criticism at this document than last year as there are so many points to which parliamentarians and government supporters can point to and defend. Even the private sector bodies immediately after the budget reading signaled their approval.

But as I often tell my friends over a vodka or two, Government is doing a horrible job in creating opportunities for youth in keeping with promised prior to 2015. This has to be addressed or the coalition might well pay dearly for this in 2020, oil or no oil.

Good job on the 2018 budget Coalition government!

Peter Joseph Nazeema Mohamed Roy Mason Patriotic Guyanese

GuySuCo can be saved DEAR EDITOR, Several sections of the media reported on Minister of State, Joseph Harmon’s statement that some seventy unsolicited expressions of interest were received by the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU) in recent times.

For 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 highlyrewarded 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.

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While heartened by the expressions received, 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. From all indications, it was not genuine and maybe intended to further the nefarious ends of certain individuals.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine

The ExxonMobil arrangement DEAR EDITOR, From media reports there seems to be a furor over which choice of Agreement with Exxon Mobil Corporation Guyana ought to find suitable for full satisfaction to all concerned.

If there is not a 50/50 deal right down the middle, then problems will arise. Going around the world to see who done what should not be our

concern. The sticking point here seems to be what should follow the occurrence of Disasters whatever the cause. It should be taken for granted that host country will not create its own disaster so we can look for actual causative factors.

Equipment failure, natural event, external disruption, could be among negative issues. A policy of insurance

coverage can point the way toward a conclusive resolution of this matter using an equally divided principle, that is all operators and host country.

Haven’t seen any mention of OPEC or other equivalents. The circle of blaming and criticizing all active partners will not be to anyone best interest.

John De Barros

A visible display of security DEAR EDITOR, Massy Providence Supermarket is one of the largest businesses in Guyana.

More so it has its own security service with modern technologies.

The security executives must have been well qualified people and should think seriously about protecting their customers as the season

of Christmas is already here.

These are my recommendations; [1] Guard huts and guards must be placed at entrances and must make entries of all vehicles number plates entering and leaving the compound either manually or electronically.

[2] A patrol vehicle must be used periodically along the

main road to the supermarket.

[3] Massy must register a Taxi service to operate only in the compound with logo on the two front doors [right and left] and a lighted taxi sign on top.

Should the above system be put in place you will see a heavy flow of customers and continuous shopping.

Yours Co-operatively, Parmanand Ram

The AFC is in a difficult position DEAR EDITOR, The Alliance for Change (AFC) has found itself, as it were, between a rock and a hard place.

On the one hand, it is forced to lend support to the government, of which it is a junior partner, on several issues that are unpopular to its base.

These include as the unilateral appointment by President Granger of a GECOM Chairman, the failure to implement constitutional reforms, and the foot-dragging on calls for a review of the Cummingsburg Accord.

And, as if these were not enough, the nominee

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

submitted by the AFC to the Guyana Elections Commission was bypassed b y President Granger in favour of the WPA nominee, Desmond Trotman.

The AFC is trying desperately to create a facade that it is ‘business as usual’ regarding the impact these embarrassing episodes are having on its membership and some elements at the leadership level. The truth, however, is that the party could suffer the same fate as the United Force which joined the PNC in a coalition government in 1964 only to be unceremoniously dumped in 1967 but not

before the PNC took full control of the electoral m a c h i n e r y, more particularly the Elections Commission.

The rest is now history.

The United Force never recovered as a political party and eventually fizzled out of the political landscape to almost nonentity status.

The AFC seems to be heading in the same direction and, unless it is prepared to stand up for stated principles, could suffer a similar fate as that of the United Force and be kicked in the dustbin of history.

Hydar Ally

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Wednesday November 29, 2017

Predators should not reign supreme Earning less than the minimum wage DEAR EDITOR, It is with a saddened heart I write this letter to show support to all the young ladies who have been preyed upon and traumatized by Mr. Coen Jackson, of the Bishops’ High School (BHS) teaching faculty.

Since this incident has been publicized, I have heard several disturbing a c c o u n t s o f h o w M r.

Jackson chose to interact with some of his students, such as sexualised lessons, sexual physical gestures, contacting them on their cell phones, inviting some of them to his home and even touching them.

This is a man who was entrusted with not only educating, but also protecting our young children. The time for ‘taking it easy’ on predators must stop and a lesson must be taught to all those who condoned such behaviour.

Other predators need to be put on notice that they will no longer be able to operate in the shadows, without consequences.

Suspected predators like Mr. Jackson should not be able to reign supreme in the education system. All teachers must be held accountable to the citizens of the nation who entrust their offspring to their daily

care for significant portion of the children’s lives.

It sickens me that this man has had many other cases of misconduct across many teaching institutions go unnoticed, casually treated or swept under the rug for so long.

The revelations that the headmistress of the BHS thought it fit to berate her students in the face of such allegations against one of her staff shows a severe lack of judgement.

Regardless of how the girls of the school behave around other males in the school, it is not right for any teacher to take advantage of these young, impressionable minds.

We expect our teachers to be held to a much higher moral standard and know right from wrong. The first reaction of the school administration should have been to encourage a safe environment for the affected young women to come forward and confirm or deny these allegations, not use intimidation tactics that would most likely force many of them to remain silent for fear of being ostracized or ridiculed.

I am calling on the Bishops’ High School Old Students Association (BHSOSA) to publicly voice their concerns over this

matter and how it was handled by the School’s Administration.

Our students need to know we have their backs and will seek justice whenever the system fails them.

Student welfare oversight is now more important than before. If the schools cannot be trusted to put their students’ wellbeing over their reputation and take action in these matters, then the Ministry of Education and Social Protection need to intervene in some way to ensure that predators in the school system are identified and removed by the power of the law.

Our girls must feel free to raise these issues with someone who will listen and investigate for the truth, not criticize and protect the alleged perpetrators without properly investigating similar accusations of sexual misconduct.

Our schools can no longer be ‘slack’ and ‘loose’ when it comes to protecting our child’s right to a fair education in a safe environment. I show my support for these young women across all the schools who have been targeted by Mr. Jackson and want justice to prevail.

Respectfully yours, Noel Goodman (BHS 2002)

Destroying a neighbour’s property DEAR EDITOR, I, Omally Wills, have been seeking justice from the To w n Clerk, concerning an issue that has been affecting me and

my family for four years now.

The people cooking dog food on David Street, Kitty (Councils land) are destroying my property. I

have complained to three members in authority at the City Council—Patricia Chase Green, Royston King and Debra Lewis.

I have also lodged complaints to several media houses i.e Channel 9 HBTV, Channel 65, NCN and EPA. And no one seems to take my plight seriously.

When I asked the proprietor of the dog food business to desist, they told me they have permission from Royston King (Town Clerk).

Yours Truly, Omally Wills

DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me space in the letter column of your highly read newspaper to highlight our grave plight and suffering as security guards.

We are employed in the private security service and working to protect Government and state properties along with their workers the public servants among whom are the maids and sweeper cleaners.

In 2013, the former PPP/C Administration had raised the national minimum wage/ salaries to the sum of $35,000 per month. This was published in the National Minimum Wages/Salaries Act. After the APNU/AFC

took over the administration of governance, it raised the national minimum wages/ salaries for public servants to $50,000 per month and again in this year it has raised the minimum wages/salaries for public servant to $60,000 per month payable from January 1, 2017.

In October 2016, as appeared in the headline on the Guyana Chronicle caption Higher Wages, Cabinet Clears new minimum wage for private sector and again on November 24, under the head line caption, New minimum Wage, it was stated that the new minimum wage/ salary to be paid to private sector workers in the sum of $40,000 payable from January

1, 2017.

It is October 21, one year since the order was made by Cabinet and we in the security service are still waiting for the increase to be honoured by the private security service.

In August, Minister Keith Scott called on the private security service at a security service conference to honour and pay to the security guards the new minimum wage for private sector workers. His call has fallen on deaf ears, and we are still suffering hoping Minster Keith Scott will follow up and see to it that we get what we deserve as we are all workers and deserve better wages.

R. Kumar Suffering security guard

IT’S EASY TO CRITICISE DEAR EDITOR, Please refer to a letter which appeared in your Kaieteur News issued Monday under the rubric: “Giving too much to the Town Clerk” by Carl Veecock, at page 5.

We sincerely thank Mr. Veecock for his interest in the work of the Council. However, it does appear that this gentleman has a personal problem with the Town Clerk.

This is seen both in the contents and tone of his article. It is quite wrong for him to use the newspapers to disguise his personal feelings as genuine interest in the development of the city.

Then again, this is a democracy country and individuals are free to express themselves even their personal feelings about anything and any one.

Interestingly, Mr. Veecock gets to see and hear what the council is doing to make Georgetown a better place. He is not involved in the management, he does not appear to understand the complexities of the dynamics affecting the operations of council so he gets to sit on the fringes and enjoy the luxury of criticizing the collective effort of the council.

It is easy to criticize but difficult to come up with workable solutions to issues, particularly in circumstances of serious resource constraints. Nevertheless, we encourage, Mr. Veecock to continue to keep writing. This could help us to improve our performance.

This particular writer has been spewing all sorts of inaccuracies against the Mayor and City Council.

However, it is easy for anyone to criticize but difficult to suggest workable solutions to the issues affecting the city.

I am not sure what qualifications this gentleman

holds or whether he has managed any organization or group and understands the complexities of management and administration.

Therefore, he has the luxury of standing on the sidelines to criticize the work of the Georgetown city Council.

Again we, at City Hall have demonstrated that it is possible to have a clean and a green city.

Carl Veecock can continue to criticize, we will continue to do our best to secure the integrity of the city.

Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer Mayor and City Council

Agri. Ministry/MMA please help Cotton Tree Village DEAR EDITOR, We the farmers of the Cotton Tree Village are pleading with authorities to put a stop to the destruction that is occurring at the Cotton Tree back dam. The entire place is being destroyed by one man who seems to be very powerful and well connected.

He is digging out all the land and destroying the entire place. He sells the land as sand on the road.

Unfortunately, he has destroyed most of the access dams and they are now

eroding. We cannot access some of our farming areas and some of the main dams have now become dangerous to drive on because he has dug out the sides, leaving trenches all over the place.

He beats up anyone or threatens us if we try to take action. We are asking for the relevant authorities to come to the back dam and see the destruction. Please save our livelihood and let him repair the damage that he has already done.

Concerned Farmers of Cotton Tree Village

Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Gender disparities in TVET takes centre stage at special workshop

TVET Educators and other stakeholders during yesterday’s workshop To address the disparities that exist with the access to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) by both genders, the Council for TVET has partnered with stakeholders to mainstream gender in workforce training and development.

This was done yesterday at the National Racquet Centre, where the Guyana TVET and Gender Policy National workshop was held.

The workshop was a collaboration between the Caribbean Education For Employment (C-EFE) programme and the Ministry of Education, led by the Guyana Council for TVET. It examined gender data and trends in TVET, and worked towards an explicit inclusion of gender in the TVET policy, supported by methods to achieve gender parity.

Attending the workshop were members of the Guyana Council for TVET, representatives of the Ministry of Education and C-EFE along with Principals of TVET institutions and TVET educators.

Chairman of the Council of TVET, Mr. Clinton Williams, welcomed the participants to the event saying that the

workshop was geared towards addressing the stigma that is associated with certain TVET programmes.

He explained that there are programmes that boys feel are specifically for girls, even though they may have an interest, and vice versa. According to Mr. Williams, skills and programmes need to be developed to attract and accommodate both genders so that students can leave their institutions equipped and ready to contribute to the development of Guyana.

The representative of the CARICOM Education for Employment Programme (C-EFE), Dr. Linda Cooke explained, that the programme was being sponsored by the government of Canada. She said that the purpose of the workshop was to discuss how TVET institutions can ensure that all persons have access to education so that they can become employed to support themselves and their families.

She said that access is bigger than just having programmes available, and saying they are open to both genders. According to Dr. Cooke, the programmes and policies need to be designed

in such a way that both genders feel comfortable to enrol in any area of TVET training that they desire.

Further, Dr. Cooke said that since the National TVET Policy will be reviewed at the workshop, it is timely to discuss how best Guyana can integrate gender in the National Policy. Meanwhile, chargé d'affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Ms. Jan Sheltinga, the Council for TVET has been a very supported partner to help in the transformation of TVET. She said that the workshop should produce measures that offer more choices to both genders so that they do not feel limited by their gender.

Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson, posited that gender equality is now at the core of the employment sector, whereby employment can be provided to both men and women. He said that the Ministry of Education is happy to partner with colleges and institutes in Canada in this effort to eliminate any disparities along gender lines that limit the access to good education.

Mr. Hutson added that

while efforts are being made to eliminate the disparities, the importance of research cannot be overemphasized.

He said that results from research conducted on this issue are important to inform the path that must be taken to best address the issue.

Such research, he said, should be disseminated at the policy level to fuel discussions so that the necessary tools and programmes can be designed to achieve the needed results.

The workshop is part of

Chargé d'affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Ms. Jan Sheltinga

Chairman of TVET Council, Mr. Clinton Williams

the C-EFE Programme which is designed to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training in 12 Caribbean countries.

The C-EFE programme supports institutions, including National Training Agencies and training providers.

Further, through partnerships with the Caribbean Association of National Training Authorities (CANTA) and the Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI), the C-EFE works at the institutional, employer, national and regional levels.

The C-EFE has supported the development of the CARICOM Regional TVET Strategy for Workforce Development and Economic Com-

petitiveness. In Guyana, it has worked with the TVET Council on a number of CANTA initiatives and supported capacity building for technical staff, preparation for the CANTA audit to award the Caribbean Vocational Qualification and the costs for the CANTA audit.

Moreover, the C-EFE has supported two institutional partnerships in Guyana, one between the Linden Technical Institute and the College of the North Atlantic to develop a Heavy Equipment Maintenance programme and one between the Government Technical Institute and Durham College to develop an Automotive Electronics Programme.

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Wednesday November 29, 2017

Berbice girls trafficking probe...

Rescued teen gives conflicting stories

The high profile case of two girls, aged 12 and 13, who were reportedly abducted, abused and starved at a camp located along the Berbice River has engaged the attention of the Ministry of Social Protection and Berbice police.

In a release issued yesterday, the Ministry of Social Protection stated that it "takes seriously any case of alleged Trafficking in Persons reported to the Ministry. The Ministry was recently contacted in regards to the allegations of TIP in the Berbice area and is in close contact with the officers in the Berbice district to ensure…the safety of those involved is taken as priority. In the interest and well being of all alleged victims, the Ministry advocates that all matters be reported to the relevant authorities to facilitate the trained officers are able to do their work effectively."

Commander of B Division, Assistant Commissioner

Lindon Alves told Kaieteur News that the police interviewed the elder girl yesterday.

"We engaged with the young lady, but she told detectives a far different story than that which was published. Based on what she said to us, we have since gone in search of a woman she implicated."

Commander Alves revealed that the teen is contradicting what was published

by Kaieteur News, and implicating a female relative of hers as the architect behind what she told the media.

"We are trying to locate the woman to have a confrontation. Our engagement with her will be able to point us in a general direction.”

He divulged that the teen is now claiming that she has no knowledge of where she was when she was abducted.

The mother of the other girl, who is still missing, is accusing the relevant authori-

- ‘B’ Division Commander ties of dragging their feet on the matter. She is questioning why after five months of going missing, her 12-year-old daughter could not be located and rescued.

She alleged that she made several futile attempts to meet the divisional commander after her daughter disappeared.

She finally contacted senior police ranks, but it still seemed as though they were not taking her case seriously.

She was eventually advised to visit the office of the Prime Minister in Region Six, where she spoke with Mr. Gobin Harbhajan, the Regional representative. She questioned how the police were able to rescue the 13year-old girl, while her daughter was left behind.

Commander Alves, commenting on her accusation that her daughter was left behind, questioned: "Does that

make any sense? Why would the police rescue one and leave the other?"

The story which was first brought to light by this publication had detailed from the point of the girls being allegedly taken against their will, to the alleged abuse and torture endured at the hands of their captors.

The girls were reportedly taken to a “ganja farm” up the Berbice River by a woman and her two adult sons.

The 13-year-old, who was rescued by police in ‘B’ Division a month later, disclosed that on June 16, 2017 she accompanied her father, a vendor, to the New Amsterdam Market to uplift some vegetables, and was told by her father to wait until he returned, since it was raining.

A woman, she said, approached her and asked if she

collected a “perfume and Vaseline,” but she responded in the negative, saying, "my mother don’t collect ting from any and all body, only clothes".

The woman then told her to accompany her to Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, to uplift money for her father, and she went along. She said they travelled by car to Kordbradt Village, East Bank Berbice, where a motorcycle was waiting with a male armed with a gun. She was then beaten and forced to mount the motorcycle.

The teenager said that they travelled further up the East Bank to the Mara Foreshore where she saw her friend lying on the ground with her hands and feet bound.

"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.

Attempts were made to escape, she said, but were unsuccessful.

The 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, the mother of the missing 12-year-old relayed that her daughter left to make a purchase at a nearby shop in her area on June 16, 2017, which was the same day the 13-year-old also disappeared.

The woman said they were “back and forth” with the police, and were not seeing any progress in locating her daughter.

Moves apace to end outsourcing of breast cancer screening Intended to boost its cancer screening capabilities, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] is currently outfitted with a mammography machine.

The machine, which is intended to advance moves towards early screening of breast cancer, was acquired a few months ago at a cost of some $86 million, and was in fact the first such machine procured for the hospital in 20 years.

But according to Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan, the capacity of the public health sector will be further boosted with the addition of yet another mammography machine in 2018.

Jordan made this pronouncement on Monday when he presented the $267.1 billion 2018 national budget.

With the notable investment, Jordan said, “screening for breast cancer no longer needs to be outsourced at great cost to patients, as capacity is being built for early diagnosis and treatment of this type of cancer.”

Guyana has long been battling to combat the scourge of cancer. Breast cancer has been recognised as the leading cancer here in Guyana, although cervical cancer has been taking the lead in terms of cancer deaths.

Minister Jordan in his presentation highlighted that the challenges faced by the public health sector are many and varied. Shortage of drugs and problems of procurement; continued stress on the Na-

- among extensive plans to improve delivery of health care tional Referral Hospital; health infrastructure deficits; and, disparities between the hinterland and coastland are but a few of them, he noted.

But in spite of the glaring challenges, Jordan disclosed that “our administration continues to make every effort to ensure that every dollar invested in the public health system is geared towards improving service delivery – quality, efficiency and effectiveness.”

According to Jordan, Government in 2018 has budgeted to spend a sum of $33.3 billion of the of the 2018 national budget to improve the delivery of health care.

“In 2018, we have allocated $2.4 billion for the upgrading, maintenance and construction of health infrastructure across the country; nearly $600 million has been budgeted for the procurement of medical equipment; and over $2.2 billion have been allocated for drugs and medical supplies,” he asserted.

The allocation for the health sector, he noted, is seven percent more than what was allocated in 2017, 12.5 percent of the 2018 budget and 4.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product [GDP].

“These statistics testify to the seriousness with which we view the sector and its significance in the attainment of the good life,” said Jordan as he

amplified that “Government has made important strides, this year, to improve the capacity for delivering specialist diagnostic health services to the public.”

Taking this financial approach, the Finance Minister said, is part of the quest to modernise and transform the sector.

As part of the efforts to boost the services offered by the public health sector, Government had this year procured a new viral load machine to improve its capacity for HIV testing, Zika screening, and other specialist tests, some of which had previously be sent overseas.

Added to this, moves will be made soon to pilot a pointof-care testing programme at the National Care and Treatment Centre, in 2018, for nonHIV sexually transmitted infections. To facilitate the mentioned interventions, Jordan said that Government will continue to deploy specialists across the regions.

Jordan noted that last year, Government had put in place an additional nine medical specialists to Regions One and Nine. However, he noted that “we recognise that more must be done to bring regional health facilities up to standard, so that our specialists can treat patients on site and not have to have them medevaced.”

Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Dismissal at one’s pleasure is a fiction The Minister of Public Security has issued a letter sending the Commissioner of Police home on special leave in the public interest, and at his pleasure.

The Minister of Public Security has no powers to send the Commissioner of Police on leave in the public interest. Neither can the Minister ‘remove’ the Commissioner at his pleasure.

Any view which is otherwise represents a cock-eyed perspective on the relevant constitutional provisions.

The offering of reasons for sending the Commissioner home in the public interest does not make lawful what is inherently unlawful. Dismissal at one's pleasure is a fiction.

The Bar Association has said nothing so far. All the groups which had railed against the actions of the President in unilaterally appointing a Chairperson of GECOM have remained silent in the face of yet another blatant assault on the Constitution. Perhaps, Guyanese are getting tired of challenging or contesting these frequent extra-constitutional excursions of the APNU+AFC administration.

What is most interesting is that the Commissioner has been asked to stay at home in

the public interest, yet he is expected to return sometime in January. What is he returning for? How can someone be deemed inimical to the public interest to the extent that he is kept off the job, yet will be allowed to return to serve until the date of his retirement?

Something is wrong here.

Why send the Commissioner on special leave only for him to return for a few weeks after? What is the message that is being sent here? If there were serious grounds for sending him on special leave in the first place, then how do those grounds suddenly no longer exist after January?

One has to question the thought process at work here.

Why send the Commissioner of Police home only for Christmas? Why not have sent him on leave until the date of his retirement? Is it that the Minister recognizes that the legal limb on which he stands is weak and cannot support whatever legal justifications he can offer.

Does the Minister really expect to get the best out of the Commissioner of Police when he returns, after the Minister would have publicly humiliated the man by sending him home on special leave?

The sending of the Commissioner of Police of Guyana

on special leave would have made headlines across the Caribbean. Imagine the embarrassment which this public officer has to face because some body feels that the reserve powers of the Crown was continued after Independence. Is this the way you treat persons who have given public service?

The APNU+AFC government is all about control and domination. They are bent on occupying and dominating the public space. The problem is that this has never, as the PPPC can tell them, allowed for success in crimefighting. The PPPC tried to do the same and failed.

You cannot build a professional police force by trying to control all public offices. This is the sure path of failure.

If the government wants to see the back of the Commissioner of Police it has an option open to it. It has a report from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into an investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate the President.

The findings of this report can be sent to a tribunal, as provided for under the Constitution, and for the tribunal to recommend whether the Commissioner should be removed from office.

The APNU+AFC govern-

DEM BOYS SEH

Bring back de money or else, one week President tell nation Thiefing has become a way of life. Jagdeo mek it suh. Dem boys ain’t saying thiefing never use to happen before. Everybody know that. But before Jagdeo, that scamp, people use to thief wid dem fingers.

Jagdeo come and raise de stake and dem boys ain’t talking ‘bout beef steak. Dem talking ‘bout from finger to de thief man whole body. He dive inside de whole barrel/ treasury.

De coalition seh it woulda go in and deal wid all dem old thieves. Two and a half years done fuh dem in office and not even two and a quarter man end up in prison or mek to payback wha dem run off wid.

De new man in Zimbabwe ain’t even done a week and

he tell all who thief that if dem know wha good fuh demself, dem family plus dem cat and dawg, dem better bring back every cent.

He tell dem he granting dem amnesty, tek it and don’t mek de long arm of de law ketch up wid dem suh dem can jail dem or hang dem.

Just yesterday a big army general didn’t wait fuh de full arm of de law to ketch him. Is only de fingertip of de law ketch him in corruption and he commit suicide.

De police only notify dem how dem want to question him in connection wid some corrupt transaction. Before day clean and de sun coulda come up, ee wife find ee dangling in de bedroom from de ceiling.

Karma is a bitch. Dem boys always believe in Karma. You

will never understand de damage you did to someone until de same thing is done to you.

Nuff people do bad things to people. Luncheon knock off people and he didn’t care if dem eat de next day.

Jordan who is de now finance minister knock off a man wrongfully and then tell people de man can go to court if he think dem wrang.

Rohee knock off nuff diplomats and didn’t even pay some of dem passage to come back home. As fuh Jagdeo, don’t talk. He is de wuss of dem all. And fuh See-all karma ketching up him already.

Talk half and dem boys waiting fuh see karma ketch up wid de rest.

ment knows, however, that the credibility of the report of that COI is under scrutiny and will not pass muster. As such, the administration cannot go the constitutional route, since the report is likely to be discredited. And so it has decided to go the extra-constitutional route, knowing full well that it makes no sense for the Commissioner of Police to chal-

lenge the unlawful ministerial order, since by the time that matter would come up for a hearing, the Commissioner would have reached the age of retirement.

Security of tenure is under threat. No public officer who is protected by constitutional commissions should feel safe, given that ministers are now taking it upon them-

selves to instruct service commissions and, arrogating to themselves Crown powers not preserved under Independence constitutions.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Int’l Companies dominate bids to supply forensic equipment Securing hundreds of millions in bids yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) from several international companies was the Ministry of Public Security. These bids were obtained for the procurement of forensic equipment. Six bids were received for this project from four overseas-based and two local companies.

Receiving bids for two projects was the Ministry of Public Health. This Ministry secured bids firstly for the supply and delivery of consumables.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Sector Development Unit (ASDU) received expressions of interest and requests of proposals for the construction of a public bridge over rehabilitated Cunha, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. Expressions were also received for the rehabilitation of a sluice outlet on the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and for the rehabilitation of a sluice at the outlet of the Cunha Canal, Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

This project received three expressions of interest.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications for the development of the Social Assistance Benefits Information System (SABIS) also received bids.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department obtained two bids for the provision of security services in 2018.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI) saw three bids for the supply and delivery of electrical materials for the Lethem Power Company Inc.

The Ministry of Public Health also received bids for the supply and delivery of medical supplies.

Eleven bids were obtained by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for the rehabilitation of the De Winkle Building (Public Service Commission), Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

Meanwhile the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) secured tenders for four projects. Three of these projects were all for the supply and delivery of vehicles, as seen below: The first project that received tenders by the GPHC was for the supply and delivery of a 15seater minibus. This project saw two bidders.

The Georgetown Public Hospital also received bids for the supply of a double cab Pickup.

Receiving bids as well was the Ministry of Agriculture in three different lots for; Lot 1 -the provision of security services at its head office in 2018 and Lot 2- the provision of security services for 2018 at the Hydrometrical Service, Brickdam, Georgetown.

>>>>> Continued on page 28 <<<<<

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Wednesday November 29, 2017

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

Murder trial stalls as female jury foreman arrested in drug bust

The contentious murder trial of Berbice businessman Winston Ragnauth has been stalled due to the absence of the forewoman in the trial.

It has subsequently been learnt that the woman was among a trio that was arrested last Sunday morning in a drug bust by Berbice police on the West Coast of Berbice.

Former policeman Elton Haynes known as “Bush Bull” and “Ton,” 25, of Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice and Carlton Akeem Bourne called “Black Boy” of Whim, Corentyne, Berbice, are on trial in the Berbice High Court for Ragnauth’s murder.

They stand before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed Jury. They are accused of murdering Ragnauth, called ‘Tony’, 57, of 2 North Whim Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice. The man’s body was discovered on November 07, 2012, at his home at Whim, Corentyne, after his grocery shop had been broken into.

The case for the prosecution is being conducted by attorney at law Tuanna Hardy.

Haynes is being represented by Attorney at Law Sasha Roberts of the Legal

Murder accused, Carlton Bourne Aid Clinic while state-appointed attorney Tanya Warren Clements is appearing for Bourne.

The matter was set to continue with addresses by both the prosecution and defence attorneys. However with Justice Barlow, the respective attorneys, the prisoners and 11 jurors in place, the forewoman was a no-show, forcing the matter to be stalled.

It was subsequently learnt that the woman, 24-year-old Tamasha Bristol, was among a trio arrested with a quantity of narcotics on Sunday last.

Bristol and two men, Jermaine Briggs, 42, and Ewarth George, 26, were re-

portedly nabbed in motor car PMM 8939 with a quantity of narcotics. They appeared before Magistrate’s Rhondell Weaver at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court on a joint charge of possession of Narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and were remanded to jail.

The High Court matter was subsequently put down for next Monday when a decision will be made.

The trial had progressed quite some way, with both the prosecution and defence closing their cases and set to address the jury.

Earlier in her opening address Prosecutor Hardy told the court that between 6th and 7th of November 2012, while in company with others, Haynes and Bourne murdered Winston Ragnauth.

During the trial the two accused caused quite a ruckus in the corridor, halls and steps of the court as they tried to proclaim their innocence. The men continuously lunged and banged at the walls while being taken from the court, forcing persons at the court and staff to take cover.

Police back up had to be called

in to assist the prison officials and the police stationed at the High Court.

A voir dire was also held following certain objections made by the defence attorneys. Before the voir dire four witnesses had testified including woman Detective Sergeant Joanne Johnson. She spoke of visiting the scene on the morning in question with other police ranks. She assisted with the investigation.

Woman Detective Corporal Debra Leitch mentioned visiting the scene where she observed the body of Ragnauth with wounds.

There were also blood stains about the house. She took a number of photographs of the scene. The photographs were tendered as evidence. A knife

and a green bag were also reportedly found at the scene.

Emmanuel Ragnauth, the victim’s son and a former policeman, told the court of visiting his father at his home on the evening of November 6, 2012, and rushing to the scene one day later, where he noticed the house ransacked and discovered his father’s dead body in a bedroom. At the time of his father’s death he was a Detective Police Officer stationed in the Berbice division. Station Sergeant P Ibaran testified to arresting Haynes at Manchester, Corentyne, Berbice, and taking him into custody. He told the court of knowing Haynes before as a former member of the police force.

Following the voir dire,

five witnesses took to the stand - Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas, Detective Corporal Chaitanand Jaisingh, Former Detective Kushdial Grant, Government Pathologist Doctor Vivikanand Brijmohan (who testified about conducting an autopsy on the body) and former Detective Constable Ragnauth.

Caution statements which were given by both accused were admitted into evidence.

They both admitted to playing parts in the crime.

The men had appeared before Magistrate Rabindranath Singh at the Whim Magistrate’s Court where a preliminary inquiry was conducted and a prima facie case was determined to have been established.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Wednesday November 29, 2017

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Key institutions to be strengthened in preparation for oil boom Many citizens are concerned about Guyana’s vulnerability to poverty and corruption when it becomes an oil-producing nation. It is often stated that oil can be a blessing and can just as easily be a curse for producing nations.

Several experts have noted that with Guyana’s frail institutions, oil may end up being a curse. The govern-

ment of Guyana has seemingly paid heed to this notion, and is now looking to increase the nation’s prosperity potential through the strengthening of key institutions. Budget 2018 caters for this forecast.

As he delivered his Budget 2018 speech on Monday, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said that literature is replete with examples of natural resource dependent-

economies being prone to greater income inequality.

“We must, as a Government, as a Parliament, and as a nation, guard against falling victim to the pitfalls that this new stream of oil resources might bring,” said Jordan.

The Minister continued, “Indeed, Government will ensure that resources are prioritized for immediate catalytic

Tax-free vacation allowance for private sector workers On Monday, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan unveiled Budget 2018 before his colleagues in the National Assembly.

One of the budget measures spoken about is taxfree vacation allowance for private sector employees.

Jordan told the House that currently, public sector employees enjoy a tax-free vacation allowance, regardless of whether they spend their vacation in Guyana or abroad.

On the other hand, he noted that private sector employees are only given the allowance to the extent of the cost of the passage to travel abroad.

“I propose to remove this anomaly, thereby allowing private sector employees to enjoy the vacation allowance tax-free and to use it as they see fit,” said Jordan.

The Minister said that as in the case of public sector employees, a tax-free vacation allowance to a private sector

employee will be allowed up to a maximum of one month of the employee's base salary.

Jordan said that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will scrutinize these allowances closely to ensure that the previous abuse of this benefit-in-kind, where employees were being paid huge vacation allowances, in lieu of salaries, does not recur.

The measure takes effect from January 1, 2018.

development needs, stabilization and intergenerational savings. Budget 2018 and going forward will see resources being allocated to strengthen systems and institutions to ensure greater accountability and transparency.”

Agencies such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are in need of strengthening, especially in the context of what is ahead for Guyana’s oil sector.

Jordan also indicated the government’s foresight to avoid the fate secured by nations who depended too much on oil.

The Minister noted that oil is non-renewable and finite. He added that the world is looking for renewables “and, one day, in the future, oil will not be the preferred source of energy.”

Jordan said that when that day approaches, Guyana must be able to look back knowing that the choices made today, and the immediate years ahead, “positioned our sectors and industries to be stronger, more diversified

and resilient. We must diversify our production and income-generating base to ensure sustainability. This must be our collective goal to which this budget is directed.”

Jordan said that Budget 2018 also contains allocations to strengthen and grow Guyana’s private sector as well as to improve the efficiency and robustness of the public sector.

The Minister said that it is only by matching the opportunity of additional resources with strong human and institutional capacity that Guyana will be able to create sustainable sources of economic and social development across the length and

breadth of this land, and avoid mismanagement that is so often associated with natural resource extraction.

“As we begin the transition to an oil-producing nation, Government must and will implement prudent structural reforms and fiscal safeguards, strengthen our institutions, prioritise the development of our human capacity, and diversify our growth portfolio. The Agenda for 2018 is a product of our reflections on our mid-term as a Government and repositioning and reprogramming, based on lessons learned, in our inexorable march to achieving the Good Life,” said Jordan.

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2017

GTUC flays Govt. over Rusal’s behaviour The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) is calling on Government to take note of the delay by Russianowned Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) to pay its workers tax-free overtime.

The union body said that the decision was taken since last year but the bauxite company, which has operations in Kurubuka and Aroaima, Region Ten, has been dragging its foot. They have now been given an ultimatum of paying up by tomorrow or face a strike.

“Bauxite workers fought for and achieved this benefit during the Desmond Hoyte

Government, but it was since taken away by the Bharrat Jagdeo Government, even though it was retained in the sugar industry. The fact that the David Granger/Moses Nagamootoo Government has agreed to returning the benefit to the bauxite workers marks a progressive step to restore equity in treatment for workers in the productive sector,” GTUC’s General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis disclosed.

More than 40 workers of BCGI recently signed a letter addressed to the management, calling for this benefit to be made payable November 30th or they would pro-

ceed on strike action. Copies of this letter were sent to the media, Ministry of Social Protection, and their union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU).

“GTUC calls on BCGI management to honour Government’s decision, and to meet with the workers' representative. Arriving from the poll held on October 3rd which saw the GB&GWU securing the workers' confidence by landslide, the union wrote management, outlining a menu of measures, and seeking engagement. GTUC has been advised no response has been had to date.”

According to Lewis, Government can make investments attractive without having to see the transgressing of citizens/workers’ rights and the violating of the Constitution and Laws of Guyana.

“GTUC calls on Government to recognise the workers’ grievance with this company, which it has part ownership of. BCGI’s contempt cuts against the grain of law and order, which Government is the custodian of. The fact that Minister (in charge of labour) Keith Scott wrote management earlier this month advising mechanisms be put in place to return taxes deducted on overtime and all premium hours worked with effect from 1st October 2016, send a strong signal that BCGI is above Government and the laws of the land.”

“Who or what is empowering BCGI management to feel it can treat workers like this? It seems as though this company has its tentacles on Guyana and what does this say for the Guyanese people.

GTUC calls on the Government to honour the Constitution that establishes sovereignty over nation and its workers, and hold BCGI accountable for its deviant industrial relations practices that continue to infringe the laws of the

GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

land.” GTUC said that there is something troubling with Guyana’s relationship with BCGI that is allowing successive governments to allow the transgressing of the rights of Guyanese labour and the violating of the laws.

“Guyanese need to take note. Next month will mark eight years of BCGI being allowed to flagrantly violate Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act by its refusal to treat with the GB&GWU, as required by law.

This has been the parent company RUSAL’s behaviour wherever it does business around the world unless the host country government stands up to it.”

In light of what Guyanese are witnessing, GTUC said it is calling for the Government of Guyana to ensure any future foreign investment has ensconced ironclad clauses that would respect workers’ rights and the laws of the land.

“What is happening with BCGI is encouraging lawlessness in our society. Lawlessness and crime are not only at the grassroots level, where this class of people will be held accountable, but when organisations and people in power and positions are allowed to break the law and transgress the rights of the workers, this is more dangerous for the well-being of the society.”

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

Bikers hold woman at gunpoint, steal car by Russian Embassy Carjackers struck again last night, making off with a woman’s Toyota Allion after holding her at gunpoint in Pere Street, Kitty, in the vicinity of the Russian Embassy.

Kaieteur News understands that the woman, who was accompanied by a friend, had just stopped in the area, at around 20:00 hrs, when two men on a CG motorcycle rode up, pointed guns at them, and ordered the occupants out of the vehicle.

One of the men then entered the car and drove off, while his accomplice fled on the motorcycle.

The stolen vehicle is a white Toyota Allion, PVV 4879.

Meanwhile, police are still trying to track down a carjacking gang which includes two women, who shot taxi driver Phillip King, and stole his car on Saturday.

The 46-year-old King, of North Ruimveldt, was parked outside Demico House when two women asked him to take

them to D’Urban Backlands.

They then told King to pick up a male friend in the area.

But when King approached the area, the ‘friend’ drew a handgun and ordered him out of his vehicle, a silver-grey Premio, HC 6296.

As King was fleeing, the gunman discharged several rounds in his direction. One of the bullets struck the driver in his upper right thigh. King was admitted to the GPHC where he underwent surgery.

Fire Service probes cause of blaze that destroyed...

(From page 18) fire. According to Tulsie Jaikarran, “on to this day, it has been a year and a month now, and we have gotten nothing. They said they would look into it and nothing has come out of it. We lost everything in our home...there were eyewitnesses who saw how the fire started from the post, run along the wire and come in the house.

The firemen took statement about that and still we got nothing,” a still upset Tulsie Jaikarran related to this publication. He too is optimistic that GPL will compensate his family for their substantial loss.

Commenting on such dilemmas was Secretary to the Public Utilities Commission [PUC], Mr. Vidiahar Persaud.

In an invited comment to this publication, he too emphasised the importance of persons receiving a ref-

erence number when they lodge complaints with GPL. In the case where no reference number is forthcoming, Persaud said that at least a name [of the GPL official taking the report] and the number called should be documented by the complainant.

He also stressed that it is important for persons to file a complaint “briskly and early”, even in the case of damaged appliances, so that the power company can investigate the claims.

He noted that the outcome of claims, which suggest that fires or damage to appliances were the fault of the GPL, will be dependent on the findings of the Fire Service or a reputable electrician.

Although a number of the La Jalousie Estate residents claimed that they received no reference number when they made their complaints, they insisted that their phone records

can show the multiple times that they called to file their complaints.

They were also able to provide this publication with the number [264-2668] that they called repeatedly over the months.

In fact the residents said that up to Monday they were forced to call the very GPL number, since the transformer was again sparking, causing them to fear that another fire could erupt.

A resident told this publication that the GPL workers turned up shortly after and removed the electrical wire attached to the transformer.

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application.

Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

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

PASSPORT, PERMANENT & VISITOR VISA APPLICATION, PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT – SABITA IMMIGRATION SERVICES. CALL: 613-3920/625-3767.

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY- $19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-2274754.

Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231 One Hilux Surf in excellent condition. Cost $2,200,000 negotiable Contact : 612-2592

(1) Flat bottom boat 35 ft. in length, 6 ft. depth with 400 lbs. catguts seine (5 inch) Tel#6766002/622-8697, 695-9860.

Barrel Clothes and other things on sale, 33 public road, Agricola. 684-6044/ 617-9018 One massive six month old male American bully/Pitbull ready to be trained. 629-7426/ 233-0570 Creole chicks, ducklings, ducks, turkey chicks, one fridge & household items.

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LAND FOR SALE 21 acres of land at Moblissa, Linden Highway. House on land (need repairs) $15M Contact: 600-6182, 604-7209.

SALON

One cornerlot for sale 50x100 in gated community @ Land Of Canaan, Canaan Gardens.

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TOLET One business space, located at 177 Charlotte & Alexander St. Kindly call: 689-3462, 6443555. Serious enquiries only.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 One Bedroom apartment.

Rent, working couple, No kids.

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1-Two bedroom apt, fully furnish, AC Room, situated in Eccles, EBD Tel: 667-2536 3 bedroom apartment at 19 Goedverwagting. East Coast Demerara. Rent$60,000 per month. Call:222-9098 or 6149516.

EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922

WANTED Experienced salesgirl @ Christine’s Variety Store on Lombard St. Contact 227-8529.

Live-in waitress wanted at Caribbean Temptation Bar W.C.D Tel: 693-0618/604-466.

Accounts Clerk- Knowledge of Payroll and QuickBooks.

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Interesting in investing your money wisely in retailing?

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Responsible Hire Car Drivers.

Call: 231-7200 Looking for a seamstress and tailor- Call: 689-5877

Grenada PM pleased with performance of local economy ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – The Grenada government says the local economy is expected to register its fifth consecutive year of growth and is predicting an estimated 4.5 per cent growth rate in 2017 as compared with a 3.7 per cent growth last year.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell presenting the EC$1.1 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) budget to Parliament on Monday, said that the improvement in economic activity in 2017 is fuelled by expansion in the construction, tourism, private education and manufacturing sectors.

In addition to the fraud charges, Boodram had appeared at the San Fernando court in south Trinidad on two charges of money laundering after she allegedly purchased a TT$629,000 EClass Mercedes-Benz and a two million dollar house using forged documents.

“Growth in 2018 is

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conservatively projected to be 3.3 per cent,” Mitchell said noting that the preliminary results of the 2017 Labour Force Survey indicate that relative to 2016, the employed labour force expanded by 1,095 persons and the unemployed labour force declined by 2,822 individuals, resulting in a reduction in the unemployment rate from 28.2 per cent in 2016 to 24 per cent this year.

Mitchell said that notwithstanding payments of over EC$17.9 million to public workers in 2017, including a three per cent increase, increments and one-off payments, and the reduction in the Personal Income Tax rate from 15 to 10 per cent for individuals earning between EC$3,000 and EC$5,000 a month, Grenada’s fiscal position continues to be strong.

He said a primary surplus of 4.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) is provisionally estimated for 2017, the third consecutive year of a primary surplus.

He told legislators that by the end of 2017, the government is expecting current revenues of EC$678.6 million, compared to target of EC$657.2 million; grants of EC$95.7 million, compared to target of EC$151.9 million while current expenditure is estimated at EC$590.8 million, compared to the targeted figure of EC$599 million.

Mitchell said public debt as a percentage of GDP has progressively declined over the period 2015-2017, moving from 86.4 per cent in 2015 to 79 per cent last year and “it is further estimated to reduce to 68.9 per cent at the end of 2017, primarily due to the successful debt restructuring engaged by Government over the period.

“I am pleased to report that as a result of this successful debt restructuring exercise, Grenada will benefit from stock reductions totalling EC$372.3 million or 12.4 per cent of GDP by the end of 2017.

Mitchell said that the “tremendous cost savings resulting from this debt restructuring means that funds are now available for investment in our nation’s health, education, social services and other critical services of public importance.”

Debate on the budget begins on Wednesday.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Companies dominate bids to supply forensic...

From page 11 The last bid that was received by GPHC was for the supply of an open back canter truck with lift.

GPHC also obtained three bids for the procurement of thoracic, neurosurgery and othorhinolaryngology (ENT) Surgical Equipment 2017.

Receiving bids for four projects yesterday was the Guyana Revenue Authority. The first project was for the supply and delivery of air conditioning units. The remaining three bids were for construction of living quarters in Regions Six and Two. Receiving tenders for five different projects was the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region Eight. The first project was for the procurement of security services. The remaining projects were for the construction of heavy duty bridges.

The first bid that was received by the Region Eight, Regional Democratic Council, for construction of a heavy duty, GH timber bridge was in Yawong.

The Guyana Revenue Authority received bids also for the construction of living quarters in Number two, Corriverton, Berbice, Region Six.

The RDC of Region Eight further secured nine bids for the construction of a heavy duty, GH timber bridge in Kawa.

For the construction of living quarters, Number two, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six the Guyana Revenue Authority also received bids.

More bids were received by the Region Eight, RDC for the construction of a heavy duty, GH timber bridge in Tuseneng.

The last project that obtained bids by GRA was for the construction of living quarters, Number two in Anna Regina, Essequibo, Region Two. This project received 11 bids.

The last project that obtained bids by the Region Eight, RDC, was for the construction of a heavy duty, GH timber bridge, Maiparu.

Continued on page 29

Wednesday November 29, 2017

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Int’l Companies dominate bids to supply forensic...

From page 28

The Ministry of Social Protection received bids for six rehabilitation and construction projects. The first project was for the rehabilitation of plumbing systems at the Palms (Blocks A, B and C and stores), Brickdam, Georgetown.

Further, bids were secured by the Ministry of Social Protection for the rehabilitation of the Palms, Block ‘A’, Geriatric home.

The final project that received bids by the Ministry of Social Protection was for the rehabilitation of the Child Care and Protection Secretariat, Princes and Smyth Streets, Georgetown. This project had seven bids.

Receiving bids also was the Ministry of Social Protection for the rehabilitation of the Palms, Block ‘C’ Wards six, seven and eight Brickdam, Georgetown.

British PM meets with leaders of British Overseas Territories

The Social Protection Ministry also received bids for the rehabilitation of the Palms, Block ‘B’, Wards 4 and five Brickdam, Georgetown.

Theresa May meets with leaders of Overseas Territories

Bids were also obtained for the construction of reinforced concrete drains in the compound of the Palms on Brickdam, Georgetown.

LONDON, CMC – Prime Minister Theresa May Tuesday held talks with the leaders of the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) according to an official statement issued here.

A Downing Street spokesperson said that May met with the leaders from 10 BOTs for the start of their annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting.

“She opened by setting out the Government’s desire to cement the enduring partnership that exists between the UK and the Overseas Territories, and the UK’s ambition to support their diverse economies and natural heritage,” the spokesperson said.

During the meeting May reiterated the United Kingdom’s commitment to long-term reconstruction efforts following the devastating consequences of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and invited the leaders of the islands worst affected – including Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos – to speak of their experiences.

As part of the UK’s continued efforts, the Prime Minister confirmed a new £70 million package of recovery and reconstruction support, supplemented by up to £300 million

of UK loan guarantees for territories that need support to access finance.

The statement said that the leaders welcomed the financial commitment, and reiterated their appreciation for the UK’s rapid response that offered support within hours of the disaster.

“The Prime Minister took the opportunity to update the leaders on the progress of our discussions with the European Union, and invited leaders to express their views so they could be properly reflected in our strategy for Brexit negotiations,’ the spokesperson said.

She also raised the issue of financial services, noting the increased focus on taxation and transparency that have come to the fore since the recently leaked Paradise Papers. May recognised that a lot of work had been done following the Panama Papers last year.

“She thanked the Territories for the leadership they have already shown, including steps they have taken to implement international standards. She asked for similar leadership to show what more can be done to make further progress on the issue,” the spokesperson added.

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Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Wednesday November 29, 2017

Businesswoman on more than 100 fraud charges escape from prison PORTOFSPAIN,Trinidad, CMC – Customs and Immigration officials were on the lookout for businesswoman, Vicky Boodram, who escaped from the women’s section of the Golden Grove Prison while awaiting trial on more than 100 fraud charges.

A statement released by the Ministry of National Security Tuesday advised that Boodram is believed to be making efforts to leave the country and as such all points of entry including ports and the airports are being closely monitored by law enforcement to prevent her escape.

Boodram is before several courts charged with defrauding people allegedly by taking money for cruises which never materialised.

“Officers are instructed that she is not to be allowed to depart.

Furthermore, if she is sighted at any port, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is to be contacted immediately” according to an alert issued by the Chief Immigration Officer on Tuesday.

Boodram is facing 109 fraud charges linked to failed cruise

Vicky Boodram ship packages offered by the company, Travel and Ship Ahoy Cruise Limited. She is a director of the company.

Her estranged husband, Ravi Arjoonsingh, was also charged with collecting millions of dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) from 109 people through fraudulent means and transferring the money to himself and the company in 2010.

In 2016, more fraud charges were laid against Boodram, including obtaining property in the sum of TT$216,000 by fraud.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Tiger Woods returns but fans and the player must not get carried away BBC Sport - This week’s golf agenda feels rather familiar. A lucrative end-ofyear shoot-out in the Bahamas between some of the world’s best players, with a returning Tiger Woods the centre of attention.

We went through this narrative a year ago when he ended a 16-month absence and optimism abounded that the game’s biggest superstar was back for keeps.

Of course, despite encouraging signs at the 2016 Hero World Challenge, it didn’t last.

He made 24 birdies in that event and set out an ambitious early 2017 schedule. But it was quickly in tatters after a missed cut at Torrey Pines and a withdrawal from February’s Dubai Desert Classic after only one round.

Subsequent sightings of the 14-time major champion have involved driving of the

reckless kind, which led to his arrest in May, and a much healthier and enthusiastic appearance as a Presidents Cup vice-captain last September.

There then followed a drip feed of progressively more encouraging news releases suggesting this will be a lasting comeback, a clear message that nearly four debilitating years of injury have finally come to an end.

“The fact I don’t have any pain in my lower back anymore compared to what I was living with for years, it’s just remarkable,” Woods said during preparations for this week’s 18-man tournament at Albany.

“It’s been a struggle for years. To finally come out on the good side of it is exciting.”

Woods is returning after undergoing an “anterior interbody lumbar fusion” on 19 April which effectively melded together spinal discs in his lower back to prevent the nerve pain that had threatened his career.

It has left him stiffer but, crucially, free of pain.

Perhaps significantly, his current comments are different to the way he spoke before his last tournament in Dubai. Then, he admitted having to adapt his golf swing to fit the demands of his troublesome back.

“Whether my swing looks classical, rhythmical or it may look unorthodox, I don’t care.

As long as I don’t feel that nerve pain,” he said at the time.

“Anyone who has ever had nerve pain in their back or anywhere in their spine, it’s like hitting your funny bone a thousand times a day; it’s just not fun.”

The signs, so far, seem encouraging. Social media posts of his swing look good, with a potent snap through the ball and Woods looking healthy and appearing enthusiastic.

Reports from last week’s friendly fourball involving President Donald Trump and world number one Dustin Johnson suggest Woods has plenty of distance off the tee too.

“I was impressed with how far he hit the ball,” said former tour player Brad Faxon, who partnered Trump against the past and present world number ones.

“Probably on the 10 holes that they were both hitting driver, Tiger hit it past Dustin half the time and Dustin hit it past Tiger half the time.”

Faxon was also impressed

by Woods’ short game - but there is a huge difference

Tiger Woods has not won a tournament since 2013.

(Getty Images) between a money match involving billionaires and the competitive circuit when titles are on the line.

“I haven’t really competed in almost two years,” Woods admitted.

“I’m looking forward to competing again and trying to find the rhythm and feel of tournament golf. Just hitting shots.

“I haven’t really had a scorecard in my hand in a while. That’s going to be different.”

Woods goes into this week’s tournament ranked 1,199 in the world. Completing all four rounds would be enough to propel him around 250 places higher.

Despite the current positive vibes, it is a very long way back to competing with the world’s best players.

Woods turns 42 on 30 December and has started only 19 events in the last three-and-a-half years.

Since then a talented young generation has taken a grip on the world game spearheaded by Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Can we, realistically, expect Woods to mix it with them at next year’s majors?

Given all he has been through - there were three unsuccessful back procedures prior to the fusion

operation - it would be a monumental achievement, one that would sit alongside anything the multiple-major champion has ever accomplished.

“He’s still got a lot going in his favour,” insists former US Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins, who benefitted from a similar back operation.

Speaking to Golfworld, Wadkins added: “Frankly, it’s amazing to me how many people almost seem like they want him to be done. Why would you want him gone?

“All he does if he comes back and plays is make our game better.

“Can you imagine if Tiger could come back and play at a really high level? Where he can win tournaments competing with these kids today? It would be some of the most exciting stuff we’ve ever seen.”

There is no question Wadkins is correct. We might just be on the threshold of something extraordinary for the game of golf.

But before getting carried away, it must be remembered we have been here before with Woods. It has to be one step at a time for all those desperate to stoke expectations and, more especially, for the player himself.

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Wednesday November 29, 2017

Kaieteur News

Race of champions horse race meet to produce major fireworks The Rising Sun Turf Club will come alive on Sunday December 3 from 1:00pm when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee stages their Race of Champions horserace Meet. Much fireworks is promised and fans are in for a treat.

Princess She’s Not, once known as the fastest USA bred filly in Guyana, returns to track for the battle of Race of Champions against Storm Bird, Just Call Me Bass and the undefeated champion in Guyana, Vera’s Finally. Owner Mr. Sheriff kept his interview very short saying that, “The Princess is returning to retrieve her crown again.”

Just Call Me Bass

returned with a massive win Sunday last at Port Mourant, 26th November. Setting some decent friction on the track for the last 400M Trainer T. Jagdeo says his “horse is fitter than ever at the moment and is going to be at the Race of Champions this Sunday.”

He also said that the distance of 1200M rather than the last run at rising Sun Turf Club which was 1600M will be a better distance for his horse this time around.

Storm Bird won by 10 clear lengths on Sunday last at Port Mourant Turf Club, blowing away the 1200M H1 and lower race with an amazing finishing time of 1:10 flat, breaking her own record of

1:11.5. It’s been over 7 years fans have seen a 1:10 at Port Mourant in Guyana. Same distance, different tracks, can she do it again? Many say that she will earn the crown this Sunday in the feature event. It’s yet to be seen.

Millions of dollars are at stake in the races and a look at the list of events show attractive prizes for all the categories.

The main event is the CClass & Lower 1200M race for a $1,000,000 purse. The second prize is $500,000, third $ 250,000, fourth $125,000 and fifth $62,500.

The other races listed on the programme are: F Class & Lower/ E -Class non-earners

Kremlin vows to defend Russian athletes after lost Sochi medals over doping MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia will take steps to defend the interests of its athletes who were disqualified and stripped of their medals from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics for doping, the Kremlin said Monday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this month annulled the results of 14 Russian athletes who competed in Sochi because of doping violations.

They were stripped of their medals and banned for life from participating in future Olympics.

The decisions followed an IOC investigation into allegations of state-backed doping among Russian competitors and sample tampering by laboratory and security officials at Sochi.

“The main thing is to persistently and energetically take all possible measures to protect our legitimate interests and the legitimate interests of our athletes together with international sports organizations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters at a conference call.

“One can hardly steal a victory that has already been won, especially a victory that will forever stay with our hero athletes,” he said.

Russia was first in the medal table at the end of the Games but the IOC decisions bring down their number of gold medals to nine, behind Canada and Norway.

The bans have so far targeted athletes in four disciplines: cross-country

FIFA will not tolerate...

From back page which will be decided in March of next year but the experience so far has been extremely positive to help the referee not to commit big mistakes which obviously as a human being he can do.”

Goal-line technology will be used during the World Cup, he added, having been used for the first time at the 2014 edition of the tournament in Brazil.

Russia is also caught up in a doping scandal, and Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko on Tuesday downplayed the issue of doping among its soccer players, saying reports on them using performance-enhancing drugs were an attempt to discredit the country.

Infantino said robust testing procedures would ensure a fair tournament.

“Obviously all players in all teams will be tested in competition and out of competition by WADA-accredited laboratories and... and fair play will reign in this respect,” he said.

skiing, skeleton, bobsleigh and speed skating.

Those banned and stripped of their medals include double gold medalist Alexander Zubkov, who also serves as president of Russia’s bobsleigh federation, and cross country skier Alexander Legkov, who won gold in the 50km freestyle and a silver medal in the 4x10km relay event.

Peskov did not spell out what measures Russia could take. But the federations governing these sports in Russia have said they will seek to contest the I O C ’s decisions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Despite calls to cooperate with international bodies to help rid Russia of doping, the Russian authorities have never acknowledged any state role in the scandal.

The IOC is re-testing all Russian athletes’ samples from the 2014 Games following revelations by Grigory Rodchenkov, the former head of Moscow’s discredited anti-doping laboratory, of a scheme to cover up home competitors’ positive samples.

The Sochi scandal is part of a broader doping affair that has led to the s u s p e n s i o n o f R u s s i a ’s anti-doping agency RUSADA, its athletics federation and Paralympic Committee.

The IOC has said it would decide during its executive board meeting next month on the participation of Russian competitors at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in February.

of 2017 covering 1200M with a first prize of $400,000 on offer, while the other top two positions will claim $200,000 and $100,000 rewards respectively.

H1 & Lower will gallop over 1200M for $300,000, $150,000 and $75,000 for the top finishers.

The 3Yrs Old Guyana Bred & Open to H class horses who have not earned in their last 2 starts & I1 &Lower horses also collide over 1200M with the top three collecting $250,000, $125,000 and $62,500 respectively.

2Yrs Old Guyana Bred & J3 who have not earned in their last 2 starts will run for 1200M with the reward being $240,000 for the winner, $120,000 for second and $60,000 for third place.

The K-Class 1200M race carries a $230,000 purse, with

$115,000 and $57,500 for the other top finishers.

The L & Lower 1200M event have $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 at stake for the top three, while the L-Class non-earners since Guyana Cup 2017 will also run over 1200M for $175,000, $87,500 and $43,750 prizes.

The Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee reserves the right to cancel / reframe any race mentioned. In the event that there are less than five (5) horses entered for any race, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money on race day after notifying the horse owners.

Five (5) horses to start or no third prize will be paid.

Seven (7) horses to start

or no fourth prize will be paid.

Twelve (12) horses to start or no fifth prize will be paid.

All races are run under the rules of The Guyana Horse Racing Authority, but also needs to meet all requirement of the Jumbo-Jet thoroughbred racing committee.

Horses are subject for reclassification pending the results of any race meeting prior to this one.

Entries closed last Saturday, 25th November.

Horse owners will pay an extra fee for any late entries.

Information can be accessed by calling: Chandu Ramkissoon: 624-9063, 608-9063, 2320633 Alan Podmore: 232-9115 Rajin (LION): 608-4050 Nikita Ross: 662-4668

Russian deputy PM downplays doping in soccer MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko downplayed yesterday the issue of doping among his country’s soccer players, saying reports on the use of performance-enhancing drugs were an attempt to discredit Russia.

The comments came three days before Russia hosts the draw for next year’s World Cup and after Russian athletes who competed at the 2014 Sochi Olympics were stripped of their medals and banned for life from the Games over doping.

A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) report last year into alleged state-backed doping in the country listed soccer as one of the sports in which drug tests were allegedly covered up.

Mutko described reports of doping among Russian soccer players as “stupidity”.

“If we play like this while doped, what would it be like without it?” R-Sport news agency quoted Mutko as saying.

Russia are the lowest-ranked team in the World Cup finals and have not made it past the group stage in their three appearances in the tournament since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this month voided the results of 19 Russian athletes who competed at the Sochi Games and banned them for life from the Olympics over doping violations.

The decisions came as a result of an investigation into allegations of widespread doping among Russians and sampletampering by laboratory and security officials at the Sochi Games.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Ravens in playoff position after topping Texans (The Sports Xchange) The Ravens executed a fake punt that led to a Javorius “Buck” Allen touchdown, and Alex Collins ran for another score in Baltimore’s 23-16 victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night.

Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs also came up with huge play, a strip-sack of Texans quarterback Tom Savage late in the fourth quarter. The fumble was recovered by Baltimore defensive tackle Willie Henry.

The Ravens (6-5) have consecutive wins for the first time since the opening two weeks of the season, and they retook the sixth and final AFC playoff spot.

Baltimore overcame a huge performance by Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who caught seven passes for 125 yards.

Baltimore is 12-1 in night games at home since coach John Harbaugh took over the team in 2008. The Ravens have also won 10 consecutive prime-time

matchups at M&T Bank Stadium, the longest streak in the NFL. Houston (4-7) pulled to within 20-16 on a 37-yard field goal by Ka‘imi Fairbairn with 8:36 remaining in the game.

The Texans were driving again on their next possession, but Suggs’ stripsack led to a 49-yard field goal

by Justin Tucker that gave Baltimore the 23-16 margin.

Ravens safety Anthony Levine sealed the win with the first interception of his career with just over two minutes

left.

Baltimore’s Joe Flacco completed 20 of 32 passes for 141 yards and had a key 25yard run on the game’s final possession.

The Ravens had three takeaways, giving them an NFL-leading 26.

Savage, filling for the injured Deshaun Watson, was 22 of 37 for 252 yards with two interceptions.

The Ravens’ defense had three penalties for 39 yards on the Texans’ opening drive.

That helped set up a four-yard touchdown run by Lamar Miller.

Baltimore got a spark when Sam Koch threw a 22yard pass to Chris Moore on a fake punt early in the second quarter. Two plays later, Allen tied the game on a 10-yard run.

An interception by safety Tony Jefferson and a 29-yard run by Collins on a fourth-and-1 set up the Ravens’ next score. Collins capped the drive with an 8yard run, and Baltimore had its first lead, 14-7, with 6:44 left in the half.

Fairbairn and Tucker traded field goals in the final two minutes, and the Ravens led 17-10 at the break.

Ravens tackle Austin Howard (77) blocks against Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the first half.

(Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports)

National Schools’ Track and Field Championships

Defending champions on top after day 2 Day two of the National Schools’ Track and Field Championships being held at the Leonora Track and Field facility on the West Coast of Demerara saw District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) close on 87 points to take the day’s honour as the battle for supremacy in the 57th edition of the games continue. The day was occupied predominantly with track heats and field events and little upsets were witnessed along with three long jump records broken.

District Four’s (East Coast Demerara) Toyan Raymond broke a fellow East Coast athlete’s 21-year-old record in the Under-20 girls long jump after leaping to 5.73m. The previous record of 5.47m set at Enmore ground in 1996 was held by Michelle Vaughn.

The boys’ Under-20 long jump record, which stood for 26 years after being set by District three’s (West Demerara) Rickford Deane in 1991 in Linden, was broken by another District Three athlete,

Three long Jump records broken Carl Williams, when he leaped 7.11m to win the event.

The other long jump record was set by CARIFTA games multiple silver medalist, and South American Youth Championships bronze medalist, Chantoba Bright of District 10, who soared an excellent 5.89m in the girls Under18 long jump final. She broke her own record of 5.40 which is set last year at the National Stadium, Providence.

West Demerara’s (District 3)Joanna Archer, who is the reigning Inter Guiana Games 800m and 1500m champion, won her Under-18 400m heat in fine style as her home crowd watched her cross the finish line in 59.63 seconds, three seconds ahead of second placed Tandika Haynes of New Amsterdam/ Canje (District 15) to move into the finals. Meanwhile, South America 400m Youth Champion Deshanna Skeete

cruised to victory in her girls’ Under-16 heat to finish in a time of 58.11 seconds to qualify for the final.

In the boys’ 400m heats, District 10’s (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) Murphy Nash won the first Under-16 preliminary race in 53.73 seconds, while World Silver medalist Daniel Williams qualified for the Under-18 final in a cruising time of 51.08 seconds.

Laurindo Prince of District 15 won the first 400m open heat in a blistering 49.2 seconds.

The competition resumes today with one of the most anticipated finals, that of the 100m which will see the stiff competition in the male and female Under-14, 16, 18 and 20 age categories being run off at Leonora. In addition, the male and female Under-14, 16, 18 and 20 age groups is anticipated to have stiff rivalry in the 800m finals today as well.

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Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association hosts 3rd Annual Karate Exam The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association hosted their 3rd annual exam on the 18th and 19th of November. The Iron Fist Karate Club held their exam on the 18th, while the Black Cobras Karate Club held theirs on the 19th.

The full list of the Exam results are: Mark Ferreira promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Shiv Ferreira promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Terrence Gonsalves promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

David Ewing Chow promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Judah Ewing Chow promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Judah Holder promoted to 9 kyu orange belt.

Ryan Bailey promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Parmeshwar Haripersaud promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Jafari Caesar promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Christian Ally promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Vikash Roopnarine promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Akash Roopnarine promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Joseph Da Silva promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Parvesh Kumar promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Jerry Melville promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Jeremy Melville promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Dominique Doodnauth promoted to 10kyu yellow belt.

Sachin Ram promoted 8kyu green belt.

Aditya Basdeo promoted 8kyu green belt.

Jamar Pile promoted to 8kyu green belt.

Kemani Douglas promoted to 8kyu green belt.

Vaughn Burnett promoted to 9kyu orange belt.

Davendra Singh promoted 7kyu green belt.

Randolph Chrisen promoted to 7kyu green belt.

Shamar Francis promoted to 7kyu green belt.

Justin Gildarie promoted to 7kyu green belt.

Darshan Diaram promoted to 6kyu blue belt.

Mohan Sahadeo promoted to 6kyu blue belt.

Altaf Singh promoted to 5kyu purple belt.

Tarish Sookhoo promoted to 5kyu purple belt.

Roman Pollard promoted to 6kyu blue belt.

Azariah Duncan promoted 7kyu green belt.

Asif Ramjohn promoted to 5kyu purple belt.

Isaiah Busby promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Chandrapaul Sukhu promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Adrian Rambarran promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Tyrese Harris promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Mahendra Gorakh promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Someshram Banasar promoted to 4kyu purple belt.

Priyanka Deolall promoted to 3kyu brown belt.

Daniel Persaud promoted to 3kyu brown belt.

Master Lloyd Ramnarine congratulated all the students of both clubs on their advancement of ranking and encouraged them to continue to train and work hard towards achieving their goals.

If anyone wishes to join any of the martial arts schools they can contact Master Lloyd Ramnarine on #698-6727 or assistant instructors on #679-3297.

BCUA OGM now set for Dec. 2 The Ordinary General Meeting of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) which was slated for Sunday last at the former Berbice Cricket Board office, Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam will now take place this Saturday commencing at 08:30hrs at the same venue.

A release from BCUA Secretary informed that the previous meeting was postponed as a result of unforeseen circumstances and will now be held on Saturday.

The agenda is as follows: Call to Order, Prayers, Minutes of BGM in between OGM, Matters arising from the Minutes, Correspondences, Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Monthly & Annual Financial Reports, President’s Remarks, Motions & Resolutions, Any other Business.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Highlights of Monday’s NBA games

Andre Drummond imposed his will on the East-leading Celtics. (AP) (The Sports Xchange) Highlights of Monday’s National Basketball Association games: Kings 110, Warriors 106 Bogdan Bogdanovic hit a driving banker over Draymond Green with 12.6 seconds remaining Monday night to break a tie and lift the Sacramento Kings to a 110-106 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Golden State, which was playing without Stephen Curry (bruised right hand) and Kevin Durant (sprained left ankle), led 106-102 before the Kings scored the game’s last eight points over the final 3:08.

Sacramento earned its first win in its past nine visits to Oracle Arena and snapped a nine-game road losing streak dating back to the first week of the season.

Willie Cauley-Stein had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the Kings.

Klay Thompson paced the Warriors with 21 points.

Pistons 118, Celtics 108 Detroit ended Boston’s eight-game home winning streak in a battle of the teams with the two top records in the Eastern Conference.

Tobias Harris scored 31 points and Andre Drummond posted 26 points, a season-high 22 rebounds and six assists as the Pistons went on a late 13-3 run to put the game away.

Detroit guard Reggie Jackson, who played his college ball at Boston College, had 20 points and seven assists in the win.

Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 23 points.

Cavaliers 113, 76ers 91 LeBron James collected

30 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as Cleveland beat Philadelphia to win its eighth straight.

Dwyane Wade added 15 points off the bench for the Cavs, who owned a 57-30 advantage in bench points and limited the Sixers to 37.5 percent shooting, including 3-for-28 3-point accuracy.

Cleveland shot 48.2 percent, including 40.5 percent (15 of 37) from beyond the arc.

Joel Embiid led Philadelphia, which saw a three-game winning streak end, with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Rookie sensation Ben Simmons was limited to 10 points and eight rebounds before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a sprained right ankle.

Rockets 117, Nets 103 James Harden produced another breathlessly efficient scoring performance and Houston rode his hot hand to a victory over Brooklyn.

The Rockets extended their winning streak to five games behind Harden, who scored 37 points on 13-for20 shooting while adding 10 rebounds and eight assists.

He poured in 20 points without a miss in the first quarter as Houston took a 21-point lead it did not relinquish.

Clint Capela added 20 points for the Rockets, Ryan Anderson scored 13 and Eric Gordon 12. Chris Paul shot just 1 for 7 but had 14 assists without a turnover, six boards and two steals.

Pacers 121, Magic 109 Victor Oladipo scored 26 points and Bojan Bogdanovic added 22 as Indiana sent Orlando to its ninth consecutive loss.

Oladipo hit 11 of 14

shots, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, and Domantas Sabonis chipped in with 19 points and eight rebounds for the Pacers.

Indiana’s Myles Turner scored 18 points, and Lance Stephenson matched his season high with 18 off the bench.

The Pacers sank 15 of 26 from three-point range while the Magic were 16 of 41 on three-pointers. Jonathon Simmons scored 21 points to lead six players in doubles figures for Orlando. Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic each had 16 points. Vucevic added a team-high 12 rebounds.

Trail Blazers 103, Knicks 91 Damian Lillard had 32 points and Pat Connaughton added 17 as Portland defeated New York.

Kristaps Porzingis returned from a one-game absence and scored 22 points to lead the Knicks, who lost their third

consecutive game. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 18 points for New York but shot just 6 of 18 from the field.

New York staged a furious rally in the fourth quarter, cutting Portland’s lead from 26 at the start of the quarter to eight with under a minute left. The Blazers scored just six points in the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter, but New York went cold and was unable to come any closer.

Spurs 115, Mavericks 108 LaMarcus Aldridge scored a season-high 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the year as San Antonio defeated Dallas.

Pau Gasol added a season-high 25 points for the Spurs. San Antonio point guard Tony Parker, who missed the first 19 games of the season because of a quad injury he sustained in the playoffs last season, returned to produce six points and four assists in 15 minutes.

Wesley Matthews and Dennis Smith Jr. led the Mavericks with 19 points apiece. J.J. Barea added 16 points, and Devin Harris and Harrison Barnes contributed 13 each for Dallas.

Clippers 120, Lakers 115 Lou Williams scored a season-high 42 points and Blake Griffin added 26 as the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was the 11th consecutive “home” victory for the Clippers over the Lakers, while the Clippers have also won 20 of the last 22 games in the matchup.

Both teams call the Staples Center home.

Kentavious CaldwellPope scored 29 points for the Lakers. It was Caldwell Pope’s third consecutive game with 20 or more points.

Sri Lanka paceman Shanaka fined for ball-tampering (Reuters) - Sri Lanka all-rounder Dasun Shanaka has been fined 75 percent of his match fee for “changing the condition of the ball” during the second day of the ongoing test against India, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said.

The 26-year-old will also receive three demerit points on his disciplinary record after he was caught on TV picking near the seam of the ball during the 50th over of India’s first innings and was charged by match officials.

“After the day’s play, Shanaka admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing,” the ICC said in a statement. Players who receive four or more demerit points within a 24-month period will be suspended under the ICC regulations.

“These are early days in Dasun’s career and I am sure this sanction will ensure he is more careful when maintaining the condition of the ball in the future,” Boon said.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Mix Up win New Amsterdam Town Week Domino competition

Hubbard guides Zeeburg B to victory over MMZ A A fine all-round performance from Malcolm Hubbard guided host Zeeburg B to a nine-wicket victory over Met-en-Meer Zorg B when play in the West Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament continued on Sunday last.

Met-en-Meer Zorg opted to bat and were bowled out for 103 in 25 overs with Vinod Ramkumar scoring 20 and Natau Chattergoon 15; Raylex Payne claimed 3-18, Mark Jeffers 3-19, Yetesh Dhanpaul 2-19 and Malcolm Hubbard 2-22.

Zeeburg B responded with 105-1 in 11.3 overs.

Hubbard struck an unbeaten

55 while Ronaldo Renee made 26 and Amrit Rai 26 not out.

Reyaz Khan had 1-26.

On Saturday at the said venue, Zeeburg U19 beat Met-en-Meer Zorg U19 in the WDCA U19 50-over tournament. Met-en-Meer Zorg U19 batted first and were bowled out for 70 in 14 overs.

Joshua Reddy made 23; Andre Seepersaud claimed 27, Ushardeva Balgobin 2-9 and Shafeek Deonarine 2-23.

Zeeburg U19 responded with 74-4 in 25 overs.

Deonarine made 24 and Rajesh Rampersaud 16. Reyaz Khan claimed 3-33 and Joshua Reddy 2-20.

Malcolm Hubbard

2017 CWI Regional 4-Day PCL The winning Mix Up Team with ASP Roberts and Inspector Parris at left and DDL Vijai Etwaroo at Right.

The Mix Up Domino team put aside their differences and quickly jelled together to win the one day Domino competition organised by the New Amsterdam Town Council as part of its Town Week Celebrations.

The team which is made up of players from in the New Amsterdam Constabulary and members of the community was a class above the rest as the easily gained championship honours.

The one day competition which was played at the New Amsterdam Town Hall was sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited.

Mix Up played smoothly to end on a runaway 87 games to whip Players who did not play well and ended on 75 games

as Terminator got extinguished, ending in the cellar with 74 games.

Survival could not survive the heat and was knocked out earlier. Woman Inspector Buma Parris took charge early as she led form in front with 17 games for Mix Up. The event which was coordinated by Assistant Superintendent Charles Roberts saw Mix Up walking away with the winning DDL trophy and cash Incentives along with a number of bottles of Five Years Old Rum. The other teams along with the outstanding players were also adequately rewarded. The presentation was done by DDL Berbice Supervisor Vijai Etwaroo.

(Samuel Whyte)

Balram Shane Memorial Competition

Port Mourant get past powerhouse Albion 4 years in succession A fine and disciplined display of batting and bowling from the Port Mourant Cricket Club players led them to another victory over the star studded Albion Cricket Club in the Annual Balram Shane Memorial Trophy match held at the Albion Community Center last Sunday 26th November.

Winning the Toss and electing to bat first, the determined batsmen of Port Mourant scored 250 runs in their 45 overs.

Top scoring for Port Mourant was National Under19 batsman Alex Algu with a belligerent 93 off 96 deliveries.

The composed and fluent Samuel Kishnasammy scored a well played 55 off 75 deliveries, while Troy Gonsalves 27, Marcus Watkins 13 and Demetri Cameron 12 not out, all provided valuable support.

Spearheading the Albion Cricket Club’s bowling was National spinner, Verasammy

Permaul who took 3 wickets in his 9 overs for 39 runs.

Balchand Baldeo 2-57 off his 8 overs, Rajiv Ivan 2-47 8 overs and Sharaaz Ramcharran 1-44 in his 9 overs were the other wicket takers.

Batting for the Albion Cricket Club, Surujnarine Kandasammy top scored with 54, Jonathon Foo 40, Adrian Sukwah 40 and David Latchaya 38 were the leading scorers. Albion Cricket Club fell for 243 in their 45 overs.

In Port Mourant’s bowling, Skipper Lloydel Lewis took 3 for 19 runs in his 5 overs, while Kelon Carmichael had figures of 3 for 40 in his 9 overs. Nial Smith and Troy Gonsalves supported with figures of 240 and 1-40 respectively. Port Mourant won by 7 runs.

Alex Algu of Port Mourant was adjudged the best batsman and man of the match for his 93 runs, w h i l e P o r t M o u r a n t ’s

Captain Lloydel Lewis copped the Best bowler’s award for his figures of 319 in 5 overs.

The Balram Shane Competition is an Annual Memorial Game sponsored by the Shane family in memory of their late father Mr. Balram Shane. The game is in its 15th edition; Port Mourant having won the competition for the last 4 consecutive years.

Mr. Deonarine Balram, at the presentation ceremony, expressed his satisfaction at the level of the competition, and the discipline of the players, and said that his father’s memory is indeed being preserved by such an occasion.

He wished the 2 teams well, especially Port Mourant for upsetting the star studded Albion for the past 4 years, and urged all the players to stay focused on their game, and stay off the bad habits.

Akshaya Persaud returns to the Jaguars Squad in Round 5 With the fifth round of the 2017/2018 CWI Digicel Regional 4-Day PCL set to commence tomorrow at Providence, Guyana Jaguars will enter the match at the top of the points table with 64.8.

The Jaguars, having played unbeaten so far will take on Barbados Pride.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes are in the second position with 44.6 and Pride in third place with 42.4 points.

Twenty-year old West Demerara batsman Akshaya Persaud, who scored 523 runs in seven matches in the 2017 GCB/Jaguars three-day League, was reinstated to the squad for this contest.

Spectators and cricket

Akshaya Persaud lovers can view matches at the Guyana National Stadium-

Providence on: · Thursday 30th November, 2017-Sunday 3rd December, 2017(Round 5) · Thursday 7th December, 2017-Sunday 10th December, 2017(Round 6) · Thursday 14th December, 2017-Sunday 17th December, 2017(Round 7) The Squad reads; Leon Johnson –Captain, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Akshaya Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Keon Joseph.

PMTC teams take top spots in Balram Shane Volleyball Competition in Berbice The Volleyball Teams of the Port Mourant Training Center (PMTC) took the top two spots when the fifth edition of the Balram Shane Senior Inter Club Volleyball Competition was played on Sunday.

The one day competition was organised by the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) and played at the Albion Community Center.

Eight males and two female teams participated in the competition.

The male teams were PMTC1, PMTC2, Rollers of New Amsterdam, GTCPM 1, GTCPM2, Port Mourant Jaguars, Police Recruits and Corriverton Jets.

The female teams were Port Mourant Females and Corriverton Jets.

The male teams were placed into two groups with the top two in one group emerging to play the top two in the other group. After some competitive volleyball in the group stages it was Port Mourant Jaguars and Corriverton Jets that emerged from group one.

While PMTC1 and PMTC 2 emerged as the top two teams from group two.

In the semifinal matches PMTC 2 defeated Port Mourant Jaguars 30- 23 in a

close encounter, while PMTC1 whipped Corriverton Jets 30-16 to book their place in the final.

The final saw PMTC2 getting the better of PMTC1 30-21 to take first place. The outstanding players were Paul Welcome and Marcellos Hector of PMTC2.

In the female encounter, the Port Mourant females defeated Corriverton Jets by a 2-0 margin, the scores being 25-19, 25-21.

The outstanding female players on show were best spiker Candacy Mentore, best setter Amisha Persaud, while Chrystal Paddy took the MVP award.

The top teams and outstanding individual players were presented with cash incentives and trophies compliments of Mr. Deonarine Balram and family of the Balram Shane General Store Rose Hall Town. Gregory Rambarran presented trophies to the top female players.

Mr Balram took the opportunity to congratulate the teams that participated in the competition, the sponsors, supporters and all others who over the years have made the tournament possible and the success it has been. (Samuel Whyte)

PAGE 38

Kaieteur News

Coach Estwick hails Ambris approach to improvement LINCOLN, New Zealand, CMC – West Indies’ latest batting recruit, Sunil Ambris, has been praised for the way he has transformed his game, in order to make the rise to the international level.

The 24-year-old has scored heavily over the last year, subsequently forcing his way into the West Indies one-day squad before being recently called up for the Test tour of New Zealand.

He sent a clear signal to tour selectors with an audacious 153 off 145 balls in the threeday tour match against New Zealand A which ended here Monday.

“Having seen Sunil at the Under-19 level – he obviously toured Australia with the West Indies in 2012 when I was coach – I know Sunil quite well,” said assistant coach Roddy Estwick.

“What he has done [since then], he’s made adjustments to his game. He doesn’t hit the ball much in the air at all, he knows where to find a single, he’s quite organised. He’s carried the good form forward.”

The right-handed Ambris was in superb form in the last first class season, amassing 608 runs at an average of 43 – including a cracking double century of 231 against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in March.

He also piled up 423 runs in the Regional Super50 to be one of the leading run-getters.

On the one-day tour of England last September, he stroked an unbeaten 38 in his only innings before returning to the Caribbean to plunder two centuries in the twomatch four-day “Test” series against Sri Lanka A. “I thought he batted well in the one game he played in England and he went to the A team and got two centuries as well, so he’s brought that confidence and that form [with

West Indies batsman Sunil Ambris him],” Estwick noted.

Last weekend’s hundred helped Ambris press his case for a spot in the starting XI in the first Test against the Black Caps bowling off December 1 in Wellington.

But Estwick said aside from Ambris’s form, what had impressed him even more was the player’s attitude to improvement.

“What I admired most about him when the fast bowlers wanted to have a workout during the first day [of the tour match],” Estwick explained.

“Sunil was the first to put his pads on and he said to me ‘I’m batting the five best fast bowlers in the region’ and the best five best fast bowlers had about an hour, hour-and-ahalf bowling at him.

“He was able to bat them and he took that knock straight out in the middle and you could see the benefits from it.”

Gayle fizzles but Riders win again

West Indies batting star, Chris Gayle.

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, CMC – Superstar opener Chris Gayle mis-fired but his Rangpur Riders did not, easing to a handsome four-wicket win over Andre Fletcher’s Sylhet Sixers in the Bangladesh Premier League here yesterday.

When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take three-minute “vacations”.

Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.

Set a challenging 174 for victory at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Riders reached their target with two balls to spare, to clinch their fifth win of the campaign.

New Zealand star Brendon McCullum finally came good with 43 from 38 balls while England’s Ravi Bopara extended his decent form with 33 off 24 deliveries.

The left-handed Gayle scored just five before perishing to the fourth ball of the innings with seven runs on the board.

However, McCullum put on 59 for the second wicket with opener Ziaur Rahman (36) and a further 29 for the third wicket with Mohammad Mithun (18) to revive the innings.

Pakistani Babar Azam had earlier topscored with 54 off 37 deliveries as Sixers, sent in, raised 173 for five off their 20 overs.

Fletcher struck a brisk 26 off 17 balls with two fours and a six.

Riders moved to 10 points, widening their gap in fourth to three points over Sixers in fifth position.

In the feature match, West Indies stars Carlos Brathwaite and Nicholas Pooran all failed as leaders Khula Titans suffered an inexplicable batting collapse to slump to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Comilla Victorians.

Opting for first knock, Titans were bundled out for 111 in the final over, with Brathwaite scoring 13, Barbadian Jofra Archer getting five and Pooran failing to score.

Medium pacer Dwayne Bravo claimed one for 29 from his four overs.

Opener Tamim Iqbal then lashed an unbeaten 64 as Victorians romped home in the 14th over.

Wednesday November 29, 2017

Lewis, Pooran smash half-centuries as Dynamites, Titans win CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, CMC – West Indies batsmen Evin Lewis and Nicholas Pooran produced cracking half-centuries to spearhead wins for their respective franchises in the Bangladesh Premier League here Monday.

Playing in the opening match of the doubleheader at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Lewis belted an astonishing 75 off 31 deliveries as Dhaka Dynamites chased down 188 to beat Chittagong Vikings by seven wickets with seven balls to spare, and storm to the top of the standings.

Pooran took the spotlight in the night’s finale, carving out a handsome 57 off 26 balls as Khulna Titans crushed Darren Sammy’s Rajshahi Kings by 68 runs.

Titans are top with 13 points, two clear of Dynamites, with Comilla Victorians third on 10 points.

Kings lie sixth in the seven-team standings on six points with Vikings rock bottom on five.

Faced with a daunting run chase, Dynamites were given a flying start by Lewis who blasted three fours and nine amazing sixes in a whirlwind innings.

The left-hander lost opening partner Shahid Afridi without scoring to the third ball of the innings with a single run on the board, but added 118 for the second wicket with England’s Joe Denly (44) to put the innings back on track.

Lewis eventually fell in the 12th over, caught at deep cover off fellow seamer and fellow Trinidadian Rayad Emrit (1-24) and Denly followed in the next over after striking five fours and a six.

But South African Cameron Delport stroked an unbeaten 43 and Shakib-al-Hasan, 22 not out, the pair sharing an unbroken fourth wicket partnership of 67, to see their side home.

West Indies opener Evin Lewis … struck an amazing half-century for Dhaka Dynamites.

Trinidad and West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine had earlier grabbed one for 11 in four miserly overs to combat half-centuries from Anamul Haque (73) and Luke Ronchi (59), as Vikings reached 187 for five off their 20 overs.

In the other match, meanwhile, Titans flexed their muscle to pile up 213 for five off their 20 overs.

The left-handed Pooran led the assault in an innings with half-dozen fours and three sixes, while Afif Hossain hit 54 not out and Nazmul Hossain, 49.

West Indies Twenty20 captain Carlos Brathwaite came at the end to lash a 14-ball 34 which included three fours and three sixes.

In reply, Sammy was dismissed perished for just one as Kings were dismissed for 145, with seamer Shafiul Islam claiming five for 26.

Ferguson drafted into Test squad to face Windies

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, CMC – Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been called into the Black Caps squad to face West Indies in the opening Test on Friday, joining wicketkeeper Tom Blundell who will replace injured first-choice gloveman, BJ Watling.

The 26-year-old Ferguson bowled with pace to trouble West Indies in the three-day

Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson

tour match which ended Monday in Lincoln, picking up a five-wicket in the first innings at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

“With Tim (Southee) awaiting the birth of his child, his availability is still uncertain at this point, so Lockie helps keep our bases covered,” selector Gavin Larsen said.

“Lockie’s been in good form domestically and showed good signs for New Zealand A as well. His extra pace brings a slightly different dimension to the attack.”

The Black Caps boast a seam attack which includes left-armers Trent Boult and Neil Wagner, along with Southee, and Ferguson’s addition will strengthen the unit.

Like Blundell, Ferguson is uncapped in Tests though he has already played seven One-Day Internationals.

The 27-year-old Blundell, meanwhile, was included after Watling failed to recover in time from a hip injury.