Kaieteur News
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Thursday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
LGE AND VOTER APATHY
T
he Local Government Elections (LGE) are over and as expected, the PPP is gloating about its resounding victory and what it means for the general elections in 2020. The PPP leaders feel that the party is in a good position to win the next general elections. However, some in APNU have contended that the PPP victory in the LGE is not as big as the victory won by the APNU+AFC at the May 2015 general elections. They opined that the PPP should not rule out APNU+AFC in 2020 because of the LGE results. The people have spoken; 64 percent of the electorate, mostly youths did not vote. Many viewed the LGE results as a litmus test for the coalition, but the low turnout seems to be a rejection of and a wake-up call for the political parties, especially the governing coalition. While the turnout was awful, the PPP made sure that its supporters went to the polls, whereas, many of APNU supporters stayed home. The split between APNU and the AFC provided the PPP with the opportunity to reclaim the votes in West Coast Berbice and on the Corentyne which went to the AFC in the 2011 and 2015 general elections. Many believe that the AFC has lost the confidence of the people, thus leaving the door wide open for a viable, independent third party to contest the elections in 2020. The low voter turnout has brought to the fore the issue of voter apathy. It has demonstrated that real power resides with the people. But it is remarkable that it took 23 years for the PPP, which has been deemed corrupt by the public while in office, to lose the 2015 general election against six coalition parties by a mere 4,506 votes and one seat in Parliament. The race vote was disrupted. There was a sizeable turnout at the polls in 2015 but many were disillusioned and stayed away. This was compounded by the movement of people to the new party, the Alliance For Change, something that affected both of the major parties. Of interest was the belief by the PPP that it could never lose an election in Guyana. It was certain that the ethnic superiority of one race group would keep that party in office. Yet it did not take things lightly; it allowed for some sleight of hand. There were changed statements of poll and the like. Even in 2015 there was an attempt to slip fake statements of poll into the count. But for all that, it seems that APNU and the AFC are in a political trap characterized by complacency of their supporters. The PPP was in the same boat when it was defeated in the May 2015 general election. This time around more of its supporters voted in the LGE. APNU faced the disillusionment of some of its supporters was supposed to be obliterated at the polls, but its strong showing in its strongholds and in places dominated by the PPP, despite the fact that many of its supporters did not vote, proved otherwise. Some feel that since taking office in May 2015, both APNU and the AFC have not only abandoned many of their supporters, but have also lost contact with them. They did not fulfill most of their promises or provided good governance. There was the accusation that they were not as accountable and as transparent as promised. With the general elections less than two years away, it is up to APNU+AFC the coalition can still deliver on most of its promises. The 2019 budget seems to have set the tone for the new direction of the coalition.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Leroy Smith and his unrelenting attack on this police commander Dear Editor, Eighteenth century Irish-born politician, Edmund Burke was famous for pointing out that beyond the three traditional branches of government, there is another- the free press. Burke reportedly said that “there were three Estates … but in the Reporters Gallery yonder, there sat a fourth Estate more important far than they all.” Burke’s recognition of the role of reporters even back then cannot be lost in the present day context.
The value of the Fourth Estate, and such media houses like Kaieteur News which valiantly led the fight against the administration of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and now the Coalition Government for a better Guyana must be lauded.We have advanced because of the doggedness of Kaieteur News.It is a huge responsibility- to be the voice of the people; to stand bravely against the state and take them on. We have seen over time the abuse of the state and its newspaper.
I have been an avid follower of the online news and social media to keep abreast of what is transpiring in Guyana. Recently, there has been subtle, growing attack on the offices of the Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman, by social media person, Leroy Smith.The ‘Big Smith’ as he calls himself, has been working at different news outfits, gathering knowledge and attaching himself to the police force as the correspondent of this beat. It is what any good journalist would do.In fact, (Continued on page 5)
The oil company does benefit by inflating costs DEAR EDITOR, I write in relation to a letter included in the Kaieteur News on 29-Nov2018 with the title “A flawed conclusion from flawed information”, authored by a Mr Clement Smith. The letter in question makes a number of inaccurate points and I attempt to address these below. In summary, the oil company does benefit by inflating costs. 1.Claim: Mr Smith claims the USD 4.4 Billion Exxon cost estimate and technical aspects for the Liza 1 project were adequately reviewed by the Government in late 2016/early 2017. Response: This is an incorrect claim by Mr. Smith. The review by the Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) of the Field Development Plan (FDP) submitted by Exxon for the Liza 1 Project was inadequate because: 1a. The review of the cost estimate and of the geology/reservoir were NOT even part of the scope of work of the company hired to perform the review. Please see extract below from report submitted by Intecsea (the company hired by MNR to review the FDP): “…. Aspects of the Liza Development plan that were not reviewed are: - Assessment of future phases of development - Assessment of reservoir depletion plan and reservoir management - Evaluation of project cost, schedule and economics ….” So how could the cost
estimate have been reviewed if the company responsible for the review did not even look at the costs? 1b.The company hired to review the FDP was a small engineering firm which was completely out of its depth as it did not have the experience to review a complete FDP for a country. It was not WorleyParsons as claimed by Mr Smith, but it was Intecsea. This small engineering company is part of the WorleyParsons group of companies. Even the parent company WorleyParsons would have no business reviewing a complete FDP for a country. Not only was Intecsea out of its depth technically, but they did not review Exxon’s cost estimate (see 1a above). 2.Claim: The letter by Mr Clement Smith claims the Exxon cost
estimate of USD 4.4 Billion need not be reviewed because it is only a “best guess” and not a final cost. Response: No Oil & Gas (O&G) company proposes a USD 4.4 Billion estimate for a project based on a “best guess”. This would be insane, and none of the major oil companies are insane. Far from it. As someone who has worked for a major oil company, and has been directly responsible for a project budget of about USD 500 Million, I know oil companies do not make these types of billion-dollar financial commitments based on “best guesses”. And secondly, the review of cost estimates is standard practice around the world with Production Sharing Agreements like the (Continued on page 6)
Friday November 30, 2018
A perfect opportunity was missed for our athletes to socialize with their peers DEAR EDITOR, I would like to express thanks to the department of education of Region One for affording me the opportunity to accompany the swimming team as coach at this year’s National Schools’ Championships held at the National Aquatic Centre. The athletes performed to the best of their ability and are very proud of their achievement in competing against some of Guyana’s most talented and best swimmers in the various age categories. For some, it was a first time experience and a very challenging one too, as the results would show. However, it was very sad and disappointing when the athletes were told that they had to travel back to the region the very next day (Tuesday) after a hard and gruelling day in the pool. The children were crestfallen and rightly so, for it is at events like these that students of the interior commu-
nities have a chance of a lifetime to socialize with their peers, have fun, and above all, witness the cream of Guyana’s future athletes and stars compete for supremacy. The team manager was contacted for reasons for such an unfair and unconscionable decision towards the swimming team. The answer was that the budget catered for the swimmers to return to the region the next day after the swim meet. Other officials were contacted and strong pleas were made for the team to remain for the rest of the championships, but the decision remained unchanged. Last year this same scenario and nonsense occurred, and officials were advised to budget so that the swimming team could remain until the end of the championships. This seems to have fallen on deaf ears for 2018. The athletes (swimmers) of region one deserve better treatment, as they are our
young ambassadors in sports, who gave it their all for the sake of themselves and more so for the region. This is a blatant disregard to these athletes of our region and it should not be allowed to continue in the future. The learned planners must realize that they owe it to these children for shattering their social and emotional well-being, which will not be repaired in a hurry. I saw tears from team members on our way travelling back, but words of encouragement that there may be improvements for next year, was a bit of consolation. The swimming team is hurting from the treatment meted out to them at such a prestigious event. In region one, millions of taxpayers’ dollars were overpaid to contractor(s) for works (sometimes sub-standard and incomplete) which are not beneficial to the region. Would twenty-two athletes accumulate one million dollars (Continued on page 28)
Leroy Smith and his unrelenting attack ... From page 4 Smith was attaching himself to former ‘A’ Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, while he was there. Recently, Smith was reportedly in the news after he was arrested with an air gun. That matter is reportedly under investigation. Smith went on the offensive. From wanting to name his dog, Marlon, to hinting that an unfortunate, deadly accident with a Christmas tree at Houston this week could be blamed on ‘A’ Division, the ‘Big Smith’ focused his attention on a rank who was accused of illegally escorting a vehicle from the airport. He even spoke about
“Marlon’s poor performance in that position”, a clear reference to the ‘A’ Division Commander.There were other online Facebook posts, too, clear hin t s to the Commander. I always saw Mr. Smith as an up and coming reporter who could hold his own. However, it would not be far out to wonder if Mr. Smith’s close association with a number of other police officers could not have sparked such a trend which is clearly an attack of the Commander and the ‘A’ Division. I am heavily disappointed that there has been silence while what appears to be a sustained campaign is being waged against such a critical
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division within the police force. Mind you, I would never advocate for the stifling of the media corps. Rather, this Fourth Estate must be jealously guarded. Mr Smith must know that he has a responsibility to be fair and write in good taste. The question to ask is who protects us when the Fourth Estate abuses the privileges which people have died for? Mike Singh Sr
A huge budget without good governance results in lots of money being wasted DEAR EDITOR, Our National Budget continues to grow and with each year the masses embrace great expectations only to be disappointed, as Finance Minister rambles on to the end of his budget speech. The 2019 Budget is humongous - $300.7 billion! However, the vulnerable citizenry - the youths, the pensioners, the impoverished in need of public assistance, the hordes of dismissed sugar workers - saw no light at the end of that five-hour long speech filled with repetitions, a plethora of dream-selling statements and an overabundance of platitudes. We hear about huge increases of budgetary allocations in various ministries and government agencies, but the old age pensioners could only be rewarded $1,000 increase as they near the end of their earthly existence! However, they must thank their masters, since in 2018 they were given the princely sum of $500 and now it’s a 100% increase. The impoverished and the disabled met the same fate. Public assistance was given a paltry increase of $1,000 which will burden the Coalition Government by an additional $800 million. Can you imagine the callous, unconscionable and uncaring nature of this Government? And yet they have the temerity to brag and boast about ‘Transforming the Economy, Empowering People, Building Sustainable Communities for Good Life’.
This is absurdity to the extreme, when we look at the massive squandering, mismanagement and outright thievery of public funds by the various Government agencies. This government needs to give the ‘significant’ increases as promised and restore the water and electricity to the old age pensioners and those who deserve public assistance should be ‘assisted’ in a more significant manner. Moreover, the education budgetary allocation has jumped to $52.6 billion, yet this Government is unable to reinstate the cash grant given to students. This is especially worrying for parents, since the rise in cost of living makes it increasingly burdensome to send children to school. Under the previous administration this grant would have been around $40,000 per student by now. Why not ensure that students are in school? The five B’s initiative alone cannot ensure that students are in school to receive the benefits of the $52.6 billion. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), unemployment among youths in Guyana is around 26.33 percent. Yet the programs for youths only target certain areas. The allocation of $1.7 billion will be administrated and disbursed through
the Government Ministries such as the Ministry of Social Cohesion and the Ministry of Business, and it is only known too well who will be the beneficiaries to the loans, grants and subsidies. Furthermore, an allocation of $176 million to the HEYS program is inadequate. Can the Finance Minister say how many of these young ‘entrepreneurs’ trained are actually making a living off it? Are we getting value for money? Unfortunately the huge 2019 Budget will only provide fodder for greater corruption, mismanagement and thievery, since the Minister of Finance has done nothing to ensure that the financial laws of this Nation are adhered to. Moreover, it is clear from the Auditor General’s Report 2017 that value for money is seriously compromised. An analysis of the Auditor’s Report 2017 will show that a huge chunk of the budgetary allocations, probably conservatively estimated at 25%, does not benefit the recipients intended. The Audit Act 2004 Section 24(3) states that, ‘…a (Continued on page 6)
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The Ministry of Education has continued to ignore my pleas DEAR EDITOR, In July 2018, I complained through your letter section about victimization that I have faced at my workplace. It was quite detailed and I highlighted instances where I felt that I was treated unfairly. My letter was titled, ‘‘I am a distraught teacher who has been mistreated, but who can I turn to for help?’’ Although, the Department of Education (Region Four-Triumph, ECD) was aware of my issue and my missive was published, I was never contacted by any official from the Ministry/Department of Education regarding my concerns. I wrote of being humiliated by an official at the Department of Education when I requested a transfer. That person was the Secondary officer then. I was left in tears after she embarrassed me in
the presence of others over the ‘tightness’ of my skirt. She didn’t like my reasons for requesting a transfer and so turned the focus on my outfit. My appointment letter states that after serving a period of four years in a coastland school I can request a transfer. It does not state that my reasons should be restricted, and I was never shown any document at my workplace that addresses the ‘tightness’ of teachers’ attire. I was never told that I was required to wear loose clothing which hides the outline of my body. After this incident, my relationship with the department personnel soured and my request was denied. On one occasion I was told that I could only be transferred out of the region.
After many months and other unpleasant incidents, my plight has worsened, and I feel that all avenues that should be opened to me as a Teacher have been closed off. The last time I visited the Ministry of Education I spoke extensively to an official about my situation and left various documents. I was promised a ‘call’, three months later, I am still waiting on the ‘call’. I continue to face difficulties at my workplace. Last school term I requested a letter from the Headmistress stating that I was employed at the school, for a Teachers’ training programme. My request was denied, although I have been working at the school for almost seven years and my appointment letter stated that I was to commence (Continued on page 28)
Friday November 30, 2018
A huge budget without good governance... From page 5 public entity is applying its resources and carrying out its activities economically, efficiently, and effectively and with due regard to ensuring effective internal management control’. Mr Deodat Sharma has bemoaned the fact that there is a lack of internal auditing units at the various budget agencies. This law is seriously breached. The Finance Minister, Mr Winston had agreed that even though the Financial Laws of Guyana impose on every budget agency to have strong auditing systems, only a few budget agencies, if any at al l , c a n b o a s t a proper system of internal auditing that meets the test of competence. H e a d m i t t e d that there was an immediate and ur-
gent need to improve transparency and accountability. He said that, ‘a project will be launched to review the needs and capacity of each budget agency or cluster of budget agencies, so as to implement a proper system of internal auditing’. He also acknowledged that the Audit Office needs more human and technological resources, since the lack thereof has greatly hindered the work of this Statutory body, and had promised to rectify this. It is clear then that the budgetary allocations for the various government agencies are not accurate, since a huge percentage of the monies ‘spent’ were for goods and services never received or provided. Therefore, what is th ere to stop a repeat of
the same in 2019? With proper control measures in place, more monies would have been available for the old age pensioners, the poor and disabled, and the students and youths of this country. In conclusion, I wish to exhort the Honorable Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan to implement the measures he spoke about, so that we can finally get value for our money. And he needs to seriously review his Budget 2019 to ensure that those who deserve the ‘good life’ are adequately addressed. A huge budget without transparency, accountability and good governance is money wasted. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor-Region 6
The oil company does benefit by inflating costs From page 4 agreement between Exxon and Guyana for the Stabroek Block. All countries that competently manage their O&G industries place importance on reviewing estimates and allocate resources towards these reviews. It is not just the cost that has to be reviewed, it is also the scope of work. The interests of oil companies and the interests of countries diverge in a number of areas. For example, oil companies are driven to produce oil as fast as possible (which usually means leaving significant amounts of oil in the ground), because they value immediate returns on their investments. Conversely, countries tend to be driven by maximising the ultimate amount of oil extracted from the ground, even if it takes a much longer time, as countries with sound national development strategies think generations ahead, and not just towards the next election. 3.Claim: Mr. Smith makes an analogy to the construction of a home where he suggests home owners should ignore the builder ’s estimate because it is only an estimate. Response: His analogy is too simplistic and even disproves his point. A project to construct a simple home is very different from a USD 4.4 Billion O&G project. But if we indulge Mr. Smith’s analogy, even his own analogy disproves the point he is trying to make. No sensible home owner would hire a builder without first reviewing the builder’s estimate.
Please also see my response No. 2 above regarding “best guesses”. 4.Claim: Mr. Smith claims Exxon would never inflate costs as Exxon has no reason to inflate costs. He further states that Mr. Mangal makes foolish claims by calling for Governments to scrutinise the cost estimates made by oil companies. Response: A significant part of the cost estimate submitted by Exxon will include the cost for services provided by Exxon itself, and not just those of its contractors. It is likely Exxon also will be charging the people of Guyana for the interest on loans it has taken out from itself. These costs have to be closely scrutinised by Guyana as Exxon will be inclined to pad all of its own costs. One cannot just wait for the final bill, but one has to scrutinise the estimate and challenge the estimate where necessary. This increases the chance that the final bill will be reasonable and acceptable to Guyana. I will give a couple examples from my own experience when I worked for Chevron in the Philippines. Every year the operator Shell (the equivalent of Exxon) would propose a budget to its partners, Chevron and the government (Philippine National Oil Company). The partners were sometimes able to get the estimate down by 20% or more. Once the operator said it needed a completely new office building for itself, and we rejected it. Another time the operator claimed it
needed a new enterprise software system, and we rejected it. These were all multi-million USD line items. By reviewing the operator’s estimates we could verify if the contracts the operator wanted to sign with its contractors were reasonable (for drilling deepwater wells, fabricating offshore platforms, etc), and these estimates were in the hundreds of millions of USD. 5.Claim: Mr. Smith implies oil companies and their contractors operate in an environment driven purely by market forces where contracts are always awarded to the most able at the lowest price, and that Guyana should sit back, relax and not worry itself about checking the contracts Exxon is signing with its contractors such as SBM. Response:The environment of international O&G billion-dollar projects and investments is not an environment driven purely by market forces. The O&G world is probably only second to the international arms trade world when it comes to the presence of hidden drivers affecting high stakes multibillion-dollar decisions, and when it comes to the presence of illegal payments being made to influence decision makers. Guyana cannot sit back and assume market forces are acting in its favour. The world of oil companies and their contractors is one of longterm relationships and back scratching. One where they all move about the globe together and act in cohort. This is not a vibrant open market place.
I believe Exxon hired SBM for all of its boats in Angola (FPSOs, i.e. floating oil production facilities), and will probably do the same in Guyana and Brazil. There are other contractors who compete with SBM, but Exxon continues to always hire SBM. Guyana needs to verify that the contracts between Exxon and SBM are reasonable. There also is a risk of oil companies using their contractors to influence government officials. The major oil companies which believe they have reputations to maintain will refrain from inappropriate behaviour, but they may have an interest in turning a blind eye to their contractors indulging in unethical and illegal behaviour. Please note, SBM was recently fined about USD 200 Million by the Brazilian government. 6.Claim: Mr. Smith implies Mr. Mangal is misleading the people of Guyana, and is not acting in the best interests of the people of Guyana. Response: I believe Guyana has a bright future with O&G and also with Exxon and other companies, but we have to work very hard to increase the chance that the future will be bright for the majority of the people. If we sit back, then the only ones to benefit will be the businesses (both foreign and local), corrupt government officials, and the property owners in Guyana. The poor people of Guyana, i.e. the majority, will not benefit, and will likely become poorer due to inflation.
Every piece of advice I provided to the government was to increase the chance of a bright future for the poor people. I recommended the contract with Exxon for the Stabroek Block be released. All the ministers I met were against this recommendation, but the President recognised the critical importance of transparency and the President took the decision to release the contract. I recommended that no more blocks be awarded by one-on-one closed door negotiations (which have a high risk of corruption), and instead be awarded by transparent auctions. I identified the unacceptable sloth and inaction on O&G matters in the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the President took the decision to setup a new entity for managing O&G (i.e. the new Department of Energy). My last deliverable to the Inter-American Development Bank and the President was the implementation plan for the new Department of Energy. There were many other issues on which I believe I advised the President so as to protect the interests of the poor people of Guyana (e.g. inappropriateness of using taxpayers’ dollars to develop Crab Island, need for a comprehensive and independent study of the natural gas opportunity considering impacts of sealevel rise and long-term national development, etc, etc). My last focus was to get a fair deal for Guyana on the Stabroek Block, and I highlighted the need for a re-
negotiation of the contract. I also highlighted the need for an investigation of the highly anomalous awards of O&G blocks under the previous government (PPP) just prior to the last election. No country awards blocks like happened just prior to the last election, and these awards mean Guyana lost Billions of USD. The people of Guyana need to protect what is theirs and they have an interest in this matter being properly investigated. Although I may come across as being negative about oil and negative about elements in the current government, let me stress the following. Firstly, I believe in the oil industry, but it will only work in our favour if we pursue it in a particular way. Secondly, I believe Guyana is very lucky to have President Granger in place at this critical phase. The country would be worse off with respect to O&G if the behaviours exhibited under the previous government were being exhibited now. Although there are numerous rotten apples in the current government, the President is a stabilising force. But I worry he is the only one who has grasped the magnitude of the opportunity before Guyana, and grasped the challenges/risks. I worry about his recent illness because the O&G situation would quickly deteriorate if President Granger is no longer at the helm. Some of those around him are frankly dangerous to Guyana, as were elements in the previous government. Faithfully, Dr. Jan Mangal
Friday November 30, 2018
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Govt. promises stronger institutions to protect oil money By Kiana Wilburg One of the most important public financial management tools at Government’s disposal is the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), for which a Bill was laid, recently, in the National Assembly. But this tool can only be effective if the relevant institutions that would be using it are strengthened. Otherwise, there would be wastage of the nation’s oil money. This was noted by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, during the reading of his 2019 budget speech on Monday. Jordan said, “As we anticipate additional resources being made available within the National Budget, it is imperative that we be careful in our planning, thoughtful in our decision-making and understanding in our expectations. “We must, therefore, approach, with urgency, the strengthening of our institutions so as to prevent the wastage of these scarce and finite resources.” The Finance Minister recalled that it was late in 2016, that the Government began crafting legislation to establish a sovereign wealth fund, recognizing the need to have the requisite systems in place, prior to petroleum production. “The Government received extensive expert advice and technical support. It undertook in-house consultations during this process. At the request of President David Granger, a green paper was prepared, published and laid in the National Assembly to encourage public consultation and feedback, to inform the drafting of the Natural Resource Fund Bill – one of the most important pieces of legislation in our nation‘s history.” The Finance Minister said that the Bill, as presented to the National Assembly, provides for a Fund that directly meets 21 of the 24 heralded Santiago Principles, with the other three being met upon implementation of the Fund. He said that these Principles refer to the international generally accepted principles and practices of Sovereign Wealth Funds, which speak to transparency, good governance, accountability and prudent investment practices. The economist said that Petroleum revenues will form part of the national patrimony, and given the importance, Government has proposed to establish a Public Accountability and Oversight Committee, consisting of representatives of a broad cross section of the nation. He noted that the Committee will be mandated to report on the Fund, including the investment of petroleum revenues as well as the utilization of withdrawals from the
Fund, which are to be invested through the National Budget. Additionally, the Natural Resource Fund Bill notes that the Oversight Committee will consist of 22 members who are nominated in accordance with Part Three of the Bill and appointed by the President. The Committee will include a representative from civil society organizations and community based organizations, a nominee to represent women with the said person being nominated by civil society organizations, a nominee of the Bar Association of Guyana, a representative of the Guyana Consumer’s Association, a nominee of the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a nominee of TIGI, a nominee of the Guyana Press Association, a nominee of most representative associations of trade unions, a nominee of the Private Sector Commission, one nominee from each of the 10 Regional Democratic Councils and a nominee from academia who is nominated by the governing council of the University of Guyana. The Bill is silent on there being a seat at the Oversight table for a member of the political opposition. Furthermore, the Bill points out that a person shall not be eligible for appointment if he or she is a Parliamentarian, an employee of the Ministry, an employee or owner of an organization who is engaged by the Minister or Governor of the Bank to assist with the management of the Fund, is a member of the Investment Committee established under Section 13 of the Bill or the Macroeconomic Committee that is established under Section 20 of the Bill. One is also not eligible to be on the committee if he or she is insolvent or is, or has been declared bankrupt, is of unsound mind or otherwise
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan medically unfit, or has been convicted of any offence not minor in nature. The draft legislation notes that the President may terminate the services of any Committee member for a number of reasons, two of which include incompetence and misconduct. Additionally, the Government has paved the way for the Committee to have financial resources to carry out its functions. It is also expected to publish bi-annual reports of its activities on its website and that of Parliament’s. These reports will also be provided to the National Assembly as well as the President. CRUCIAL ROLE OF OVERSIGHT BODIES Whether or not rules are
in place, independent oversight bodies have important roles to play in holding governments to account for the management of Natural Resource Funds.This was recently endorsed by Chatham House, a non-governmental organization based in London whose mission is to analyze and promote the understanding of major international issues and current affairs. Chatham House explained that in many countries, the courts are explicitly mandated to determine the constitutionality of legislation and ensure government compliance with laws, including those governing natural resource fund management. Where the courts are free from political interference, Chatham House said that ju-
dicial review is a strong form of independent oversight insofar as courts are able to enforce their decisions on the government. Chatham House said, “Some countries are not brave enough to embrace this type of independent oversight. But the evidence is overwhelming to prove that this is an extremely powerful form of ensuring transparency and accountability in the operations of the NRF. In 2008, the Timor-Leste Appeals Court found that a US$290.7 million withdrawal from the Petroleum Fund by the Government was illegal. The rationale was that it violated the 2005 Petroleum Fund Law requirements that the government provide a detailed explanation for the withdrawal and that petroleum revenues be managed for the benefit of current and future generations. The Court was able to order that the money be returned to the Fund.” Turning its attention to the importance of MultiStakeholder Groups, Chatham
House said that some countries have established formal forms of these oversight bodies to reinforce and support the work of traditional bodies such as Parliament and the Judiciary or to provide an additional source of regulation. Chatham House said that in Chad, Ghana, and TimorLeste, civil society persons such as Chartered Accountants, trade unionists, traditional leaders, and central bankers, form formal oversight committees for their country’s NRFs. The transparency body said, “Ghana’s Public Interest and Accountability Committee, for example, is mandated by law to monitor the management of petroleum revenues as outlined in the Petroleum Revenue Management Act. Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund Consultative Council, which consists of various civil society persons is mandated to advise Parliament on how the country views the operations of the fund as well as recommendations for improvement…”
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Jagdeo says.. By Kiana Wilburg
O
pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo does not believe that Guyana’s regulators should grant approval for Republic Bank to take over Scotia Bank’s operations here. At a press conference, yesterday, Jagdeo said that “this could very well be illegal.” He said, “I remember when I was Minister of Finance, we ensured that in the Financial Institutions Act and other regulatory legislation that we built in safety for concentration. “And from what I have seen, the figures I have read about is that the merged entity could control more than 50 percent of our total assets in the banking sector and more than 50 percent of total deposits.” The Opposition Leader said that this is unhealthy and therefore, he will support the nation’s regulators in upholding the law to avoid undue concentration in a single entity which puts the entire financial system at risk. CENTRAL BANK WORRIED Republic Bank’s recent announcement that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Scotia bank’s operations in Guyana and eight other Caribbean territories has left officials at Central Bank worried about the troubling ramifications of this move. Kaieteur News was informed by several Central Bank officials that Republic Bank cannot purchase
Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Republic Bank takeover of Scotia unhealthy, could very well be illegal Scotia’s banking operations without its approval. They insisted that this business decision by Republic Bank is one that warrants a thorough due diligence process since the domino effect will be far reaching. Kaieteur News was also informed by Central Bank Executives that Republic Bank has not submitted an application for approval regarding its move to acquire Scotia’s operations here. Up to yesterday afternoon, Republic Bank had only issued the Central Bank with a letter which highlights that its Board has approved of the acquisition of Scotia in the Caribbean and Guyana. Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, said that when Republic Bank makes its application, several processes will have to be implemented to ensure that the financial institution abides by the requirements and criteria set out in the Financial Institutions Act. Dr. Ganga told Kaieteur News, “In addition to that, we will be looking to see to what extent this move by Republic bank would interfere with fair competition in the banking sector. “We will be looking at whether or not Republic Bank has the wherewithal because they are now acquiring a larger share of the banking system, not only in Guyana but elsewhere… Remember, they would becoming too big, they would be acquiring control of a little more than half of the banking sector.” The Governor added, “And so we have to check for
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo wherewithal. You can’t have a bank that doesn’t have the wherewithal to resist any situation that may arise (acquiring such a large share of the market)…One would have to check on their ability with capital and other things like management in terms of the governance that is required in
this field…we have to look clearly at the implications of this acquisition from all sides…” Dr. Ganga stressed that the Central Bank will have to examine this matter from a prudential basis. He said that everything will be done to ensure that Guyana’s banking
sector remains strong, sound and profitable. Further to this, the Central Bank head said that he will be engaging his counterparts in the other regions which Republic Bank would be acquiring the banking assets of Scotia Bank. “This is a big move so we have to be extremely careful.” REPUBLIC BANK ANNOUNCEMENT In a statement to the media, Republic Bank announced on Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Scotia Bank’s banking operations in Guyana, St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Republic Bank said that the agreement, executed Tuesday as well, signaled the commencement of a transaction that is subject to all regulatory and other customary approvals and conditions.
Ronald Harford, Chairman of Republic Bank said, “This acquisition represents another major milestone for the Republic Group. As we grow and acquire significant positions in our existing markets, it is important that we continue to broaden our footprint, regionally and internationally. “This agreement, which is subject to all regulatory approvals, affords us the opportunity to reach more clients in the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana, two markets we are familiar with, and build new relationships in St. Maarten...” The Republic Group’s total asset base as at September 30, 2018 stood at US$10.5 billion, with equity at US$ 1.5 billion and profits attributable to shareholders for the year ended September 30, 2018 of US$ 198 million. The acquisition of Scotia’s operations will increase the Group’s asset size by approximately US$2.5 billion.
Criminal charges recommended against top City Hall officials
A report by a Commission of Inquiry into alleged mismanagement by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council is likely to be completed next week. Chief among the recommendations is that some City Hall officials be criminally charged. This is because evidence seen by the Commission seems to suggest that certain high officials misused sums in the performance of their duties, a source told Kaieteur News yesterday. Kaieteur News understands that this recommendation, among others, is contained in a draft report that has been prepared by the Commission, which is chaired by Retired Justice Cecil Kennard. The final draft is likely to be completed early next week. It will be handed over to the Local Government Commission, (LGC), which ordered the CoI after complaints of mismanagement. However, the sources were reluctant to name the officials who the Commission will recommend to face charges. Kaieteur News was told that it will be up to the
-COI to hand over findings next week
Embattled Town Clerk, Royston King Local Government Commission, which is headed by Mortimer Mingo, to act on the recommendations. Mingo had told Kaieteur News that mismanagement
and corruption were at the top of the agenda of the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the operations at City Hall. He had said that the Commission had received numerous complaints of corruption at City Hall for several months. These included complaints against Town Clerk, Royston King, for mismanagement of funds, and abuse of his authority. “There are complaints about contracts being
awarded to friends and family, that procurement rules being bypassed, failure to remit to the Credit Union contributions deducted from workers’ salaries in keeping with financial regulations and so on,” Mingo had said. Royston King was sent on leave to facilitate the investigation. King and Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green were grilled repeatedly about the complaints about corruption. Several individuals also testified against King and others. Among other things, King is said to have been implicated in a highly suspicious deal where he reportedly collected $6.8M from Brian and Ingrid Chase Mining and Trucking for the sale of lands identified as Government reserve. He is accused of diverting the monies from the land deal through his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) and then attempting to cover his tracks by issuing a backdated lease for the property when he became Town Clerk. The land is located along Aubrey Barker Road, North Ruimveldt. Payment started in 2013 while King was serving as the Public Relations Officer of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC).
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Pesticides, tobacco and social cohesion More people die each year in Guyana from pesticide and weedicide poisoning each year than from the effects of cigarette smoking. This is why despite the increased incidence of respiratory cancers, the country has one of the world’s highest rates of suicide. In this context, one has to ask just what the Minister of Finance is hoping to achieve in his 2019 Budget by increasing the taxes on cigarettes and granting a tax exemption on pesticides. It was one of the surprising measures announced in the 2019 Budget One can appreciate the government’s efforts to reduce cigarette smoking. Guyana has enjoined itself to global efforts to reduce cigarette smoking. It is commendable public policy to institute measures
to reduce smoking. But the same should apply to pesticide usage. One would have thought that in order to better control the importance of pesticides and reduce its smuggling, that the Minister would have increased the taxes on deadly poisons. The support that this particular tax measure will provide is negligible, saving the treasury a mere $4 million per year. On the other hand, the Minister is being unduly harsh against smokers. The VAT on cigarettes is 14%; the import tax is 100%, plus every smoker will be faced with an additional $2.50 for every cigarette purchased. A new tobacco law has been passed and when implemented fully will curtail smoking in public places. The cigarette company is required to
stamp cigarettes. Such a measure could have easily been applied to the importation of pesticides as a means of reducing smuggling and controlling its use. Pesticides are no friends of farmers. On the very day that the Minister of Finance presented his long-winded Budget speech, reports out of South Africa were pointing fingers at pesticides for the deaths of millions of honey bees. And reports out of India have long suggested that pesticides result in the deaths of scores of farmers each year. It is estimated that globally almost 800,000 farmers die each year from pesticide poisoning. The government should be moving to ban the importation of pesticides or to more strictly control its use, not
OPR recommends release of man wrongfully imprisoned for armed robbery
R
elief appears to be in sight for Desmond Junior Lewis, the 36-year-old man who was mistakenly jailed for six years on armed robbery charges in the place of a teen who has a similar name. A senior police official disclosed, yesterday, that the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has completed its investigation and has recommended that Mr. Lewis be released from prison. But before this happens, police have to send a report to either the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) or the Police Legal Advisor. Information suggests that the Lewis family will be taking legal action. He has already been incarcerated for almost two months at the Lusignan Prison. Desmond Junior Lewis was jailed on October 18, last, after police arrested him in Sophia during a series of police raids dubbed “Operation Restore Order.” A police release had stated that when profiled, “Lewis was found to have been sentenced in absentia to six years on two counts of armed robbery committed in ‘A’ Division.” Mr. Lewis was reportedly taken straight to prison following his arrest. But police sources said that an OPR investigation revealed that the real robbery accused is 19-year-old Junior Lewis of Pike Street, Kitty. He was charged in November 2017, for two armed robberies, which were allegedly committed on a couple who were near the seawall. On November 4, 2017, the unemployed teen robbed
- victim has already served almost two months of six-year sentence
WRONGLULLY JAILED: Desmond Junior Lewis Davina Persaud in Kingston, of one Samsung Galaxy mobile phone. On the same date, in Kingston, Junior Lewis allegedly also robbed Vishal Mohan of a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone and $2,000 cash. The teen pleaded not guilty and was remanded. However, police sources said that he subsequently managed to secure bail, but never returned to court to face the charges. He was later jailed in his absence. The teen is still at large. Police said the blunder came to light, recently, and that the mother of Desmond Junior
Lewis, who was living overseas, filed a complaint with the Police Office of Professional Responsibility. One of the ranks who arrested the teen last year reportedly said that the man presently in jail, does not fit the age, nor does he resemble the individual, Junior Lewis. ”I can say beyond a reasonable doubt that the man in jail (Desmond Junior Lewis) is not Junior Lewis (the accused),” a source said. A source also said that the mistake occurred because no attempt was made to confirm that the correct man had been arrested.
fiddle with the tax regime by exempting it from taxes. But that is the strange logic which underlies many of the measures in the 2019 Budget. Another major anomaly in Budget 2019 is the sum of G$480 M which is allocated to the Department of Social Cohesion. When one considers the tight-fistedness of the government towards the teachers – who were initially offered a mere G$700m to cover increases for wages and salaries dating back to 2016 - this enormous sum granted for social cohesion raises suspicions as to why this huge outlay for conduct-
ing outreaches and training. In 2017, when the then Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, was moved to the Ministry of Social Cohesion – now the Department of Social Cohesion – he noted that he was moving from a Ministry with a Budget of G$23B to one which had a Budget of G$9M. It is now, according to the Budget speech about to receive G$480M. Very interesting indeed! The Golden Jubilee of Republican status will be celebrated in February 2020. But monies are already being allocated for 2019 to kick start those celebrations. In fact,
$350M is being allocated to commence preparations for the Golden Jubilee. This represents 50% of the initial offer which made to teachers during their negotiations. The priorities of the government, as outlined in Budget 2019, are lopsided. While everything cannot be done at the same time, the priorities are what matters, and quite simply the government’s priorities are also mixed up.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
An oxymoronic exchange with Sam Hinds in the park
W
hen I read that PPP underlings, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn are interested in democracy in the functions of GECOM, my skin got goosebumps. From sixteen years old up to this moment, I have not seen anyone in any political party that had or has power that has produced the equivalent of Bibi Shadick. I spent a few years with Shadick on the Council of the University of Guyana and there is no one I have seen in politics that is so disdainful of even the elementary principles of accountable, democratic functionalism. That the PPP could put this woman as the Pro-Chancellor of UG and the constitutional position of GECOM Commissioner makes this party unfit to ever rule this nation again. This country faces a most disgraceful future if the PPP wins again and the likes of Shadick are invested with some form of state authority. Shadick and Benn want to deny the Chairman of GECOM the legal authority he possesses. The chairman has made the decision to have the PRO present at statutory
meetings of the Commission. The three PPP commissioners walked out because he refused to accede to their request to rescind his decision. What undermining or vitiating or negative role could the PRO play at these meetings? Basically the PRO’s role would be to sit, listen and make notes. Why would any commissioner have a problem with that? Certainly not Bibi Shadick. Shadick will not allow the PRO to get in even one word because that is Shadick’s style. Well, the world is certainly changing. People like Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick who once had state authority and were considered bullies in the long rule of the PPP are now intimidated by the presence of GECOM’s PRO at meetings. But more importantly, Benn and Shadick are interested in democracy. Just three years ago, they didn’t know what the word meant. These PPP apparatchiks are simply barefaced humans. They will not acknowledge any perverted, twisted, sick mistake they made while they ruled Guyana for 23 years. I ran into Sam Hinds in the National Park last week. I was
leaving as he drove in. The first conspicuous sign around his immediate surrounding was the two assistants who came out the car with him. Sam Hinds was Prime Minister for twenty three years and I never saw Hinds in public without nine assistants of which one was the driver, another his notetaker and the remaining seven, his bodyguards. Yes seven! Really! Who wanted to harm Hinds during the long reign of the PPP? Life’s ever changing forms are really fascinating. I was in a protest group demonstrating in the compound of the Prime Minister’s office against the Chinese company not employing local labour in the construction of the Marriott. It was a rainy day but we were all under a large shed in the compound. Hinds was leaving and decided to engage us. One of his bodyguards steadily held an umbrella over Hinds’s head and there was absolutely no rain. This is the second occasion I have written about this and I may do it again. I was so disgusted that I demanded that Hinds stop the guard from doing that menial chore. Now here is Hinds in 2018,
an ordinary man, driving in the park with two assistants. No school of bodyguard, no sirens, no entourage, no umbrella, no fanfare - just Sam, two assistants and one car. What do you call that? The dialectics of life or just life itself? Whenever Sam and I encounter each other, the conversation is always friendly. Hinds is one of the most pleasant persons politics has produced in the history of this country. For me it was an oxymoronic conversation; pleasant yet horrible. I was curious about his reply to an important question. I asked if there were any
regrets about any mistake. Sam with his inimitable smile said, none. My mind went back to my interview with Hamilton Green. The interview is in the issue of Monday, October 16, 2017 of KN. I asked Green the same question. Green said, none. I persisted with Sam. I brought up the assassination of Courtney CrumEwing. He said if the government had any evidence of involvement by the PPP, it would have acted weeks after it got into power. I spoke of the assassination of Ronald Waddell. He said I know more about the illegal things Waddell did than the
Frederick Kissoon PPP Government. My last question was on the treason charge of husband and wife, Bruce and Carol- Anne Munroe. Sam said what the PPP government did was based on the circumstances of the time and there isn’t anything to regret.
DEM BOYS SEH
De Bridge people half slip showing
De private people who got li’l money invest in de Berbice Bridge and collecting fat, fat interest on dem money, now running to de court. De private people sue because de Govt ketch dem bobbing and weaving or as some people seh, dem half slip was showing. Imagine fuh eleven years dem was collecting and sharing de money, Wild West. De Govt wha invest de hog of de money in de Bridge was getting little or nutten. All those years, all Guyana hearing from these vampires was de bridge not mekking profit. According to dem things was suh bad dem never even repair one pontoon or change a bolt and
nut pun de Bridge. But de Govt believe de Bridge was mekking money and de private people was cacking de nation. That’s how de Gov’t decide to tek control, not take over de Bridge as dem private people want de nation to believe. All de Govt want is to run de Bridge to see how much money de Bridge really raking in. Dem boys believe de private people cards gun skin up suh dem decide to run to court to block de Govt from running de Bridge. In a nutshell, dem boys seh is like you family, a driver and a conductor buy a minibus. De bus cost $4M. You family put $3M, de bus driver
and de conductor put de odda $1M. De driver and de conductor was given de bus to work. De two of dem wuk de bus fuh two years and every month all you hear is de bus not mekking money. But you believe you getting kak. You seeing this bus passing whole day in front you house full, full. You decide to tek you bus and run it youself. De next thing you hear is de driver and conductor going to court to stop you when you got de hag of de money in de bus. That is exactly de scenario wid de Berbice Bridge. Talk half and throw dem private people off de Berbice Bridge.
Friday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Guyanese places himself on US radar after complaining to K/News about wanted bulletin A Guyanese man wanted for a number of alleged crimes in the US and who attempted to clear his name via the local media has landed himself back in the limelight. Federal authorities want the public’s help to track the man, Oudit Narain Seenarain, 43, accused of straw purchasing dozens of guns destined for Guyana. Seenarain allegedly skipped a court hearing in April 2006 — nearly a year after a grand jury in Georgia indicted him on five counts of firearms trafficking. Seenarain allegedly bought 34 handguns from dealers during a two-week period in June 2005, according to court documents, during which time he told employees he planned to send the weapons to Guyana —
his home country. Seenarain faces a separate indictment in Henry County, Georgia, for strong-armed rape, intent to distribute controlled substances — including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy — and receiving stolen property in July and November of 2003. He told Kaieteur News, last year, he petitioned Interpol to remove him from their own most wanted list after U.S. law enforcement determined some of the alleged victim’s statements to be false. He said last year March that he was “unaware” of the ATF’s Most Wanted List and believed the charges stemmed from the since-removed information contained in Interpol’s database. Guns.com had reached out to
the ATF for clarification and have not yet heard back. Seenarain stands 5-foot-5 and weighs about 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has two distinctive tattoos: a crown on the right side of his chest and a scorpion on the right bicep. Authorities believe he fled to Georgetown, Guyana where he may be armed and dangerous, guns.com reported. In March 2017, Seenarain in an interview with Kaieteur News claimed that this name was removed from the list. How it appeared there in the first place, he explained, stemmed from allegations that were made by an individual who had accused him of kidnapping and assaulting another. The alleged victim was
taken into questioning and provided statements to the law enforcement officials in the US. That individual was later charged with providing false statements. Seenarain claimed, then, that after he had got wind that he was a part of Interpol’s most-wanted list, he immediately assembled a team of foreign attorneys and contested the accusations made by Interpol. Legal documents were submitted to the agency dated July 18, 2016 and a reply was obtained from Interpol by letter on August 1, 2016. Seenarain was informed by Interpol that his request was admissible and that it was being processed. Interpol on September 12, 2016, informed the businessman that he had been removed from the list, Seenarain claimed. Expressing relief in March last year, Seenarain said that he can move freely without looking over his shoulder. Kaieteur News had
Wanted by ATF: Oudit Seenarain checked the Interpol’s most wanted list and found that Seenarain name was indeed taken off.However, additional checks to other site showed that he is still on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm (ATF) and Explosives Most Wanted list. The AFT stated that, “On or about June 2005, Seenarain was arrested for federal firearms trafficking. Seenarain failed to appear for his court hearing and the Northern Dis-
trict of Georgia Magistrate Judge issued another arrest warrant for him.” Seenarain is also wanted by the Sheriff’s Office in Henry County, Georgia for a series of other offences. The businessman said that he is unaware of that list and suggested that the information might have been got from Interpol’s database. Seenarain said that he will have to make additional moves to address this matter.
G/T Mayoral elections set for today
Patricia Chase-Green A new City Mayor is expected to be installed today following an election by the Georgetown Mayor and City Councillors (M&CC). The selection of the Chief Citizen will take place following a vote by constituency representatives starting at 10:00 am today. In the wake of the 2016 Local Government Elections, the Georgetown M&CC operated under the stewardship of Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. Over the past two years Chase-Green‘s management of the APNU-dominated City Council attracted sharp criticisms from citizens. As such, well-placed sources have indicated that Chase-Green is not likely to return as Mayor. Instead, sources have indicated that the ruling party will be shaking things up by taking a more fresh and youthful approach to local governance.
Pandit Ubraj Narine
As part of the strategy, the source explained that party is looking for a new Mayor who will have to be someone to represent that. The source noted, too, that although she will not return as Mayor, Chase-Green remains a strong member of the party and she will have a big role at the Council. “However the two top positions must represent a new start,” a source added. Meanwhile Kaieteur News understands that first past the post winner for Constituency #1 in the Georgetown Local Government area, Pandit Ubraj Narine, is among the possible candidates being considered as a replacement for Patricia Chase-Green for City Mayor. The new Mayoral Candidate, Pandit Narine is the grandson of PNC/ R Member of Parliament for the People’s National Congress, Preetam Singh.
Another candidate being considered for the top post in the Council is first time candidate who contested under the APNU, Denroy Tudor. Following the recently held elections, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) regained control of Georgetown, despite losing ground to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at the Local Government Elections (LGE). Party chairperson and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, noted that the PNC/R, the largest party in the APNU, secured 21 seats on the 30-member council; PPP, seven seats; and Alliance for Change (AFC), two seats. Lawrence had noted that there are no formal discussions on whether the party has plans to have ChaseGreen, who won her Constituency comprehensively, reelected Mayor.
Friday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Millions of dollars in textbooks poorly stored at Book Distribution Unit
In 2016, more than $500M was allocated to the Ministry of Education for the acquisition of textbooks for nursery, primary and secondary schools. A recently-released Audit Office of Guyana-conducted a Compliance Audit Report Procurement of Textbooks by the Ministry of Education by the Audit Office of Guyana- it unearthed several worrying procurement breaches. One of the areas that the state auditors examined was the Book Distribution Unit, located in Evans Street, Charlestown. A physical inspection of the unit’s bond revealed what auditors said was worrying. Textbooks were found on the floor. The racks and shelves were dusty, posing a clear health hazard. With the Charlestown area prone to flooding, auditors said that the bottom flat of the bond is at the same level as the yard, posing a problem. “This is a breach of the Book Policy, which states that
“adequate and appropriate facilities should be in place to ensure safe and secure storage of books. This may include a repository with book racks/shelves and pallets to prevent ground moisture and destruction,” the audit report said. The report also disclosed that the Coordinator of the Book Distribution Unit was not familiar with the procurement documents. “Further, the Book Distribution Unit was not aware of the supply requirements of the contracts. Moreover, the unit was not aware of the quantities of books it should be receiving against any particular contract. In addition, the manner and environment in which textbooks were stored presented a health and safety hazard.” It would mean that auditors were unable to determine whether all the books ordered were delivered. According to the report,
The Evans Street, Charlestown-based Book Distribution Unit. the ministry did not offer contracts for a number of payments and there was little evidence that suppliers of textbooks even submitted security bonds which are needed in case there are problems and the ministry need to claim costs. There was also evidence of overpayments and even prices doubled on some contracts.
Criminal charges will not impact selection of Presidential Candidate – Jagdeo The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said the criminal charges being brought against their senior party members will not play a role in the selection of a presidential candidate to contest the 2020 elections. The disclosure was made yesterday by the party’s General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, a day after 38-yearold former Minister of Housing, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was hauled before the court where he was slapped with 19 fraud charges. “These or other charges will not impact because we see a pattern of behaviour,” Jagdeo stated. The former minister is accused of defrauding Government of over $174M, by selling several plots of State lands, below the market value, to former ministers of the then PPP/C government. Ali has been touted as a potential presidential candidate for the PPP. The charges were laid as the party prepares to embark on the internal process to select the presidential candidate. The party had announced doing so by the end of the month. “We will ensure that whoever that candidate is, that that candidate fulfills every promise that we are making to the people of this country to reverse a lot of these hardship policies; to chart a course forward that involves everyone. People of every race and every political persuasion even if you vote against us; that they must be
… Says Irfaan Ali will remain head of Public Accounts Committee
Former Minister of Housing, Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Georgetown Magistrate Court. included in our vision,” Jagdeo stated. Ali is the Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which scrutinizes expenditure and has been critical and at times harsh on public officers appearing before the committee. There are concerns that Ali being before the courts on fraud charges would send the wrong message to public officers who have to account for taxpayer monies. Jagdeo said, yesterday, that Ali will remain as the PAC Chairman as the party could face another dilemma of
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fielding MPs who are not before the court. “He [Ali] will remain there because if we only succumb to any of these issues we wouldn’t have people in parliament. We would have had to take out four or five of our MPs already. That’s the plan of APNU (A Partnership for National Unity). I heard they even tried to influence our selection of candidates, but it is not APNU who is going to select the candidates or anyone else. It’s the PPP who would select the candidate. It’s not APNU,” Jagdeo noted.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Gifford Marshall re-elected Mayor of Bartica - Council to push to achieve model Green Town status Sitting at the helm of the Bartica Town Council, newly re-elected Mayor Gifford Marshall, will be pushing to ensure that Government’s plan to make Bartica a model Green Town is realized. In a recent interview with Kaieteur News, Marshall highlighted the need for programmes which will aid in sensitizing residents on the direction the Council towards achieving this goal. The government has been pushing for Bartica to become the model Green Town under the Transitioning to National Energy Security (TNES) project. The project is designed to gather important data on energy use in Bartica, which will be used to inform evidencebased decision-making for the future implementation of projects and programmes. Bartica is expected to be the blueprint for other towns and countries to replicate. Mayor Marshall has said that Bartica is committed to its role as a model green town. “The municipality of Bartica is committed to, not only establishing ‘green’ projects and ‘green’ ideas and moving the concept forward
the township so it’s important that the people understand the role of the Council and their role in the development of the community.” Mayor Marshall noted the need for capacity building training for new councilors, from the 2016 elections, only four persons returned to the Council. “So we have almost an entirely new Council. A number of persons would have benefited from capacity training and have a better understanding of the local government system. So going forward, we anticipate that we
Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall within the township, but we are also committed to sharing our ideas and ideals with the rest of Guyana,” he said. “This project will lay the foundation for right decisions going forward… Bartica is one of the most beautiful towns in Guyana and we need to preserve that environment. “We want to set the pace. We want to ensure that what-
ever is done there is done in an environmentally friendly matter,” Marshall told a recent forum on Green Energy. To achieve this objective, the Mayor noted however that there must be a number of sensitization programmes. “Our objective is ensuring that residents of Bartica understand their role in making us the model Green Town. Also Bartica is quite new to
will see increased development in Bartica.” Additionally, over the last two years we have learned a lot and of course we didn’t make all the right decisions; but this time around we are in a much better position to government,” Marshall added Following the Local Government Elections, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) secured 12 seats, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) –five seats, and the Alliance For Change (AFC) – one seat. Moving forward, the Mayor stressed the impor-
tance of co-operation in making the work of the Council easier and more successful. “At the Bartica Council, we should not see each other as opponents but as individual representing the people in the various constituencies.” “We believe that the development of the country starts with the people at the local level and I commend Minister Bulkan and his government for ensuring these elections is held. It will only serve to strengthen our democracy and make us a better nation,” Marshall added.
Intoxicated mother arrested for abandoning nine-month-old baby boy A 23-year-old mother is in police custody assisting with investigation after she showed up to collect her ninemonth-old baby, who was found abandoned in front of a police station. The young child was discovered wrapped in a blanket without any clothing by Constable 21282 Kevin Morgan, upon opening the Baramita Police Station door yesterday. “The unusual discovery by the hinterland policeman, caused him to promptly take the smiling child into his arms, cuddled it and after a warm bath the beautiful baby slept for a while,” a recent press release by police stated. The Subordinate Officer-inCharge of the Station, Corporal 15421 Jennifer Griffith, and other ranks reportedly pooled their resources and purchased clothing and pampers for the “miracle baby.” The baby was then taken for medical examination at the Baramita Health Centre, where he remains at this time, in good condition. It was reported that officers joined with concerned residents in an attempt to locate the parents of the child, however, this proved futile. However, police reported that around 13:15 hrs, a 23year-old Central Baramita resident showed up at the Station and explained to the peace officers that she left her child in the care of someone on Wednesday night last because she ( the mother) was intoxicated. The young mother told ranks that she cannot recall who the person was to whom she entrusted with her young child. The young lady reportedly first went to the Health Centre and saw her child before going to the police Station. She remains in police custody assisting with the investigation.
Constable Kevin Morgan holding the baby
Subordinate Officer-in-charge of the Station, Corporal Jennifer Griffith
Friday November 30, 2018
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Kaieteur News
PPC CONCLUDES CONSULTATIONS ON DRAFT SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT REGULATIONS The Public Procurement Commission (PPC), in keeping with its responsibility under the Procurement Act, for the adjudicating of Suspension and Debarment proceedings, held its sixth and final consultation with Regional Executive Officers (REOs) from the ten Administrative Regions. The forum was held on November 22, last. The technical staff involved in procurement within the Regional Democratic Councils also attended the session. A panel, including the Commissioners, facilitated the consultation where the participants were reminded that no action has been taken over the years to formally debar errant contractors or suppliers because the required regulations for the debarment process have not yet been approved. The ensuing discussions proved very engaging and informative, but the REOs were generally concerned that the proposed debarment period of a maximum of five years should be extended in view of the high cost to Government to correct mistakes made by contractors. The comments and recommendations made on the proposed Regulations were
noted for inclusion in the final report on the series of consultations held by the PPC. Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Carol Corbin, took the opportunity to discuss with the REOs and their
technical staff the process for preparation of detailed Procurement Plans and the need for them to effectively manage their procurement programmes. In response, the REOs indicated that the ma-
Arrindel re-elected as Linden’s Mayor Wanneka Arrindel was on Wednesday reelected Mayor of Linden to thunderous applause and shouts from supporters of “Who God Bless No man curse”. The voting took place at the Linden Mayor and Town Council Conference room which was packed to capacity. The nominations were done by secret ballot, after a motion was moved by Councillor Fern McCoy, and seconded by a few other Councillors. Arrindel secured nine of the sixteen votes cast. She later cast the deciding ballot, which gave Wainwright Bethune the opportunity to return as her Deputy, after there was a tie with another APNU Councillor, Monica Hackshaw, who was also contending for the position. The Mayor said that it was a privilege to serve again. She expressed gratitude on her reelection. She pointed out that the first statutory meeting for the new Council will take place in February. Several hailed the reelection as a step in the right direction, and expressed optimism that development will continue with the two at the helm of the Linden Mayor and Town Council. The Mayor heads a 16-
Mayor Arrindel being congratulated by her deputy Waynewright Bethune member Council who were sworn in shortly before her reelection. Among those in attendance were Minister within the Ministry of Housing Valerie Adams- Yearwood, Regional Chairman Rennis Morian, former Mayors Stanley Smith and Carwyn Holland and Commander of E Division, Linden Lord. Most expressed satisfaction with the results. They contended that the Mayor needed another term to ac-
complish some of the projects undertaken and those still to be put on stream. RDC Councillor Charles Sampson said that he is happy that both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were reelected. They bring ‘balance’ to the Town Council being female and male, and with one being from the West Bank (Wismar) and the other from the East Bank (Mackenzie). “I like that kind of balance. (Continued on page 30)
jor issue affecting implementation and reporting was the critical shortage of staff to execute the procurement functions. Mrs. Corbin further encouraged the REOs to fol-
low up with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Communities and the Public Service Ministry, to ensure that this particular concern is urgently ad-
dressed. She noted that adequate staffing will improve efficiency in public procurement and assist the REOs in meeting statutory reporting requirements.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Murder of Black Bush father, son, brother…
Five men to stand trial The five men who were on trial at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court for the murder of Pawan Chandradeo, his 15-year-old son, Jaikarran Chandradeo, and his brother-in-law Naresh Rooplall, are set to face a judge and jury at the Berbice High Court after the matter was committed by the Magistrate Charlyne Artiga, yesterday. They were all represented by Attorney-at-law Mursalene Bacchus. Prosecuting the case was Inspector Phillip Sheriff. The men, Catchew Chetram, 63; Rakesh Karamchand, 40; of Lot 2 Sheet Anchor, New Amsterdam, Berbice; Carlton Chetram, 38; his son Jairam Chetram, 18 ; a n d w i t h Tameshwar Jagmohan, 26, all farmers of Mahaicony where dragged before the court after they were ar-
rested for the murder of the two men and the teenager. Chandradeo, his son and Rooplall were discovered at Cookrit Savannah, B l a c k Bush Polder by a farmer with gunshot wounds to the head on July 22, 2016. They had set out the previous day to fish. Chandradeo had taken his other son who was 11-years-old at the time with them. They however left the young Chandradeo some distance away near a hut while they ventured out to fish. The child reportedly heard gunshots some time after but was unaware that it was his father, brother and uncle were the ones that were shot. The Major Crimes Unit with the support of ranks of B Division cracked the case and apprehended the suspects at the time.
Investigations revealed that the victims witnessed the accused stealing fuel from a rice farmer in the backlands.
Trio found with illegal guns, ammo in car granted bail Days after three men were arrested after allegedly trailing a businesswoman from the Ogle Airport and robbing her of a package before shooting at her vehicle, three men were yesterday arranged before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Casey Chapman, 27, a taxi driver, of 77 South Sophia; Sheldon Andrews, 24, also a taxi driver, of 306 West Ruimveldt and Adam McDonald, 30, block maker of Amelia’s Ward Linden, all appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a series of firearm, ammunition and armed robbery offences. The first allegation against the three men stated that on November 26, last at High and Princes Streets, while being in the company of each other, they had in their possession one .32 Taurus pistol without being holders of firearm licenses. The second charge stated that on the same day and at the same location, the men had in their possession one 9 mm Glock pistol without being holders of firearm licenses. It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location they had in their possession 12 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition without being holders of firearm licenses. The last charge against the trio stated that on the
From front to back charge Adam McDonald, Sheldon Andrews and Casey Chapman same day and at the same location, they had in their possession seven .32 ammunition when they were not licensed firearm holders. It was further alleged that Chapman on July 5,2017, at Grove, Access Road, East Bank Demerara, while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, he robbed Marcia Maria Martin of a cellular phone worth $70,000, four ounce raw gold worth $600,000, some $700,000 cash and other articles totalling $1.4 M, prop-
erty of Martin. The men all denied the allegations after they were read to them by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Chapman was represented by Attorney-at-law Dave DaSilva who in a bail application for his client told the court that on the day in question; his client was merely the driver of the intercepted car and at the time was transporting passengers. The lawyer went on to tell the court that the vehicle in (Continued on page 29)
This led to them being brutally murdered. An autopsy revealed that Pawan Chandradeo sus-
tained a laceration to his head, resulting in a fractured skull and he subsequently died of shock and haemorrhage. His
son, Jaikarran, and his brother-in-law, Rooplall, also died of shock and haemorrhage.
3,000+ GuySuCo sugar workers to get remaining severance today More than 3,000 redundant GuySuco workers are set to receive the remainder of their severance payment today. According to Prime M i n i s t e r, Moses Nagamootoo, speaking about the recently tabled $300.7Billion budget, the government will pay the final tranche of severance payments due to the more than 3,000 workers, before the year ends; thereby keeping its promise. The payment follows the government’s approach to the National Assembly’s unanimous approval of almost $2.5Billion to cater for the remaining severance to 4,723 sugar workers, in early November. In addition, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said that those workers from Wales, previously prevented from receiving severance because of a court action filed by the PPP-aligned General Agricultural Worke r s ’ U n i o n (GAWU) are now cleared and will receive their severance package. He also said the government will respect the ruling of the courts and pay interests between four and six per cent on the outstanding amounts. “Of course, we recognise that there is an order from the court which says we pay interest on the amount due and so we will be paying the interest
which comes up to about $85Million. We are not there to deny the sugar workers… We had to be able to ensure that we have the money and not dig a deeper hole,” the Prime Minister explained. GuySuCo has, for several years, been heavily subsidized by the previous administration. On assuming office, the Coalition government, faced with the challenge of right-sizing the industry, conducted a forensic audit of the bankrupt GuySuCo and decided to close all but three sugar estates. Earlier this year, sugar workers whose severance packages were $500,000 or less, were paid in full, under a supplementary budgetary provision of $1.931Billion. A Commission of Inquiry (COI) found all of the corporation’s earnings were being spent on wages and salaries, a situation which could not be sustained by government bailouts. “When the government came to power in May 2015, it didn’t realise the extent to which GuySuCo was in trouble. GuySuCo was being bailed out by the previous administration for years. We had to find, in the first six months, $16Billion just to keep GuySuCo going, paying wages and salaries,” Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder had explained in January. The minister also said
the findings from the inquiry also revealed that GuySuCo employees were among the highest paid in the country with their wages averaging about $200,000 per month. “But all the money that GuySuCo is earning, about US$90Billion per year, was not sufficient to pay the wages and salaries, they were short by over $1Billion to meet that requirement,” Minister Holder had explained. Further, he said the decision to restructure GuySuCo stemmed from several factors, including the financial challenges presented by high production costs and low world market prices following the removal of preferential sugar prices to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries by the European Union (EU). The government, back in early 2017, had announced that with the rightsizing of the sugar industry, it would keep the estates; Blairmont ( o n t h e We s t B a n k Berbice), Albion (Corentyne) and Uitvlugt ( o n t h e We s t C o a s t o f Demerara), opened. Redundant workers have been and are continuously being re-skilled through the Alternative Livelihood Programme established through the Small Business Bureau and GuySuCo. Others are now employed under various arms of the Ministry of Agriculture.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
Deutsche Bank headquarters raided over money laundering
Germany (BBC) - The Frankfurt headquarters of Deutsche Bank has been raided by prosecutors in a money laundering investigation. Germany’s public prosecutor alleged that two staff members have helped clients launder money from criminal activities. Police cars were seen outside the tower blocks that house the headquarters of Germany’s biggest bank. Five other Deutsche offices in the city were searched in an operation involving about 170 police and officials. Prosecutors are looking into whether Deutsche Bank staff helped clients set up offshore accounts to “transfer money from criminal activities”. The investigation, which began in August, focuses on activities between 2013 and the start of 2018. In 2016 alone, more than 900 customers were served by a Deutsche Bank subsidiary registered in the British Virgin Islands, generating a volume of
€311m, the prosecutors allege. The investigation was sparked by revelations in the 2016 “Panama Papers” - an enormous amount of information leaked from a Panamanian law firm called Mossack Fonseca. Other banks have been fined as a result of information contained in the Panama Papers. Deutsche shares fell 3% after news of the raid emerged. The bank confirmed that police had raided several locations in Germany and that it was co-operating fully with the probe. Paperwork and electronic documents were seized by officials during the raids on the bank’s properties. Deutsche has been connected with another huge money laundering scandal at Denmark’s Danske Bank. Earlier this month, Deutsche confirmed that it was involved in processing payments for the Danish bank in Estonia. An internal investigation by Danske found that about
€200bn (£177bn) of payments were funnelled through its Estonian branch. The Danish bank said many of those payments were suspicious. Deutsche said it had terminated its relationship with
Danske in 2015 after “identifying suspicious activity”. Deutsche Bank has been sanctioned in the past for failing to tackle money laundering. In September, Germany’s financial regulator ordered the bank to take further action to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. It also appointed an independent auditor to monitor Deutsche Bank’s efforts over three years.
In 2017, Deutsche Bank was fined $630m (£504m) by US and UK regulators in connection with a Russian money laundering plan. Under the scheme, clients illegally moved $10bn out of Russia via shares bought and sold through the bank’s Moscow, London and New York offices. The trouble with authorities comes at a time when Deutsche continued to face problems with its business. Pre-
tax profits for the three months to September fell 45% to €506m compared with the same period last year. Chief executive Christian Sewing, who took over in April, has been shedding jobs and making other cost cuts in an attempt to revive the bank’s performance. However, investors have yet to be been won over by his efforts and Deutsche shares have halved this year.
Friday November 30, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Berbice Bridge goes to court to reverse Govt.’s control Government’s control of the Berbice Bridge Company is heading for a courtroom showdown. The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) has gone to court asking for a decision to reverse the decision of Government to take control of the facility. According to the company yesterday, on Wednesday it served notice on Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and the Attorney General on November 28, 2018, that legal proceedings has commenced in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The application for the hearing, an oral one, on December 5, is asking for an order directing the minister to provide to the company, within 14 days, a statement outlining the decision for the Government to take over the maintenance and operation of the Berbice River Bridge. The company, in released court documents said that November 1, 2018, Minister Patterson caused to be issued and advertised in the Official Gazette the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018 No. 42 of 2018, made under section 11(b)(i) of the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap 51:06 ordering that the functions of the concessionaire, namely the claimant, to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government. The Official Gazette also said that the first named de-
fendant having determined that the exercise of those functions by the Government is necessary and expedient in the interests of the public during the period 5th November, 2018, to the date, the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety. It also said that the tolls will be levied and collected and any exemptions shall be the same as those levied, collected and exempted immediately before the coming into operation of the said order. According to the bridge company, by a Concession Agreement dated June 12, 2006, entered into between the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, on behalf of the Government of Guyana and the company, it is made clear that the “Concessionaire” (BBCI) shall be obliged at its own expense to operate and maintain the Toll Bridge...” The company said that Berbice River Bridge Act also provides that it has the right to specify different toll amounts in relation to the use of the bridge by reference to such circumstances or combination of circumstances as the Concessionaire may, after consultation with the Minister, determine. The bridge company argued that in a public statement on July 10, 2018, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Suresh Persaud, announced that a toll adjustment was an essential requirement to ensure that it can con-
tinue to execute its mandate. In fact, it had applied to the Government for an adjustment on three occasionsMarch 2015, August 2015 and January 2016, but had received no replies and further that the claimant has now accumulated a loss of $2.8B and now faces bankruptcy. The Chairman said that discussions with the minister had not achieved any success in achieving any adjustment to the tolls and it was then announced by the Chairman that such adjustment would take place. On October 11, the bridge company announced increased upwards of 365 percent. In the court documents, the bridge company acknowledged that a function exercisable by the BBCI may be exercised by the Government if the Minister determines that its exercise is necessary or expedient in the interests of public safety.” On November 2018, the minister advertised in the Official Gazette the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018 No. 42 of 2018, ordering that the functions of the BBCI to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by the Government. According to the court papers, an increase in tolls by the claimant is not a threat to public safety. The bridge company said it wrote the minister on November 6 asking for details that would have helped those
Army dodges questions about $17M payment for non-existent works Among the many issues highlighted in the Auditor General’s Report 2017 was the fact that “GDF prepared, certified and paid a contractor $17.830M for works which had not yet commenced on the site.” The project was reportedly a $52.6M project for the construction of a timber wharf, approach and floating raft at the Guyana Defence Force Coastal Battalion, New Amsterdam and was awarded by the National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board (NPTAB) to the lowest and most responsive of three bidders. The Engineer’s Estimate was $54.508M. In earlier reports, Kaieteur News detailed that according to the contract, the duration for completion of the works was six months from signing. However, “at the time of reporting, a total of nine months had elapsed and the works were incomplete; and no performance bond or advance payment bond was seen in the documents exam-
ined; as such it is unclear if there was a valid bond at the time of reporting.” The state auditors also reported: “It is unclear if the advance payment was recovered” and in addition, it could not be determined from Payment Voucher examined who certified the works. However, physical verification by the auditors, of the works revealed that the contractor was overpaid the sum of $17.830M. In the report, GDF provided a response which stated that “The Head of Budget Agency indicated that the force is working to recover the overpayment by September 24, 2018 in t h a t t h e contractor will present a cheque for the overpayment in the name of the Finance Officer, GDF. The GDF Engineer will monitor the works more closely to ensure that the pace of work is increased, in keeping with the payments made.” Kaieteur News has been attempting to garner a response from the army.
Recently, Kaieteur News spoke to an official who claimed he was the “media operative”. The “operative” made it clear that he is not in a position to answer the questions presented by this publication and referred them to the Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West. As a result, several calls were made to the Chief-ofStaff’s office. The reporter was told a repetitive list of excuses such as “The chief is not here”, “The chief is in a meeting”, “Call back tomorrow”, “The chief can’t speak to you now,” among others. However, in a call to the Chief of Staff’s office yesterday, this publication spoke to the Chief’s secretary who made it clear that “GDF would deal with the relevant people and that does not include Kaieteur News.” The Secretary further stated that “the chief would not speak to Kaieteur News on that issue” and to question why reporters would want to speak with the chief.
Minister David Patterson
findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision. The bridge company noted that Section 15 of the
Judicial Review Act provides as follows: “It is the duty of any person or body making administrative decisions, if
requested in accordance with this section by any person adversely affected by the decision, to supply that person with a statement setting out the findings on material questions of facts, referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision.” The bridge company was launched in the latter half of the 2000s by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration helping to reduce traffic woes from the sloth of the ferry service across the river. What Guyana did not know was the financial structure of the company allowed a few of Jagdeo’s friends to take control of the bridge just investing a few millions. This was despite the fact that the majority of money came from the state and the National Insurance Scheme.
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Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
8 wells drilled by Brazilian army in Region Nine From page 20 communities.“I think this is the most important celebration of the 50th anniversary of our bilateral ties. I congratulate the Officers and soldiers. We are friends, we are brothers and we are neighbours,” he said.Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which is the coordinating agency; Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig said Guyana has embraced the concept of comprehensive disaster risk management while pointing to climate change and the effects thereof. “The central focus of which is to place greater emphasis on the impacts of climate change, to incorporate more prevention and mitigation measures and to inculcate its components into the national risk management agenda. “This project, apart from providing potable water to residents is an effective risk reduction initiative aimed at minimising the effects of
droughts as experienced annually in the targeted communities,” Craig stated. Regional Chairman, Mr. Brian Allicock thanked the Governments of Guyana and Brazil for the work done on the wells while noting that the nine wells will provide significant relief to the residents of the South Rupununi. Commanding Officer Sixth BEC, Brazilian Army, Lieutenant Colonel, Vandir Pereira Soares, who provided an overview of the project said the well in Aishalton is 80 meters deep with a flow rate of 5,000 litres per hour; Karaudarnau is 80 meters deep with a flow rate of 4,500 litres per hour, Awarewaunau has been drilled to 100 meters with a flow rate 4,000 litres per hour and Chukrikednau was drilled to 80 meters and boasts of a flow rate of 6,000 litres per hour.Maruranau's well was drilled to a depth of 80 meters and has a flow rate of 3,500 litres per hour, Shea was
drilled to a depth of 100 meters and has a 4,000 litres per hour flow rate while Achiwuib is 60 meters deep with a flow rate of 6,000 litres per hour and Bashaidrun was drilled to an 80 meters depth with a flow rate of 6,000 litres per hour. Aside from the drilling and setting up of the wells, the road network in the South Rupununi as well as capacity building of members of the GDF, Guyana Water Incorporated, Hydrometereological Office and officials from the communities were also improved through the project. Through the training and capacity building, the Guyanese team was able to drill the last two wells. Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Toshao of Aishalton Village, Mr. Michael Thomas said the wells will benefit residents of the eight communities tremendously. “First of all, I would like to thank the Government for the initiative placed in our re-
RALPH RAMKARRAN RESPONDS TO RICKFORD BURKE and vote against the Appro-
DEAR EDITOR, At the beginning of every Sitting of the National Assembly, the beneficence of the Almighty is invoked by Prayer to deliver wisdom to Parliamentarians in their deliberations. The Prayer does not contain a request to ensure the loyalty of members or for predictions as to whether that loyalty will be sustained. I don’t have a line to the Almighty, but I doubt that he/ she will, even if asked, convey a prevision to the Government that a member plans to defect to the Opposition
priation Bill. If the Government has no foreknowledge, then once the vote is taken, the deed is done. The Government cannot “instantly recall and replace” the member during the vote or after the vote is taken as Mr. Rickford Burke, in his letter published yesterday, triumphantly suggests. It will be too late. If the Government has foreknowledge before the debate, it can cause the removal and replacement of the member. This process will take several
weeks. If I am “subversive” and “ridiculously dishonest,” as Mr. Rickford Burke hyperbolically alleges, then so must be Vice President Carl Greenidge. Only a few days before my views were published by SN, VP Greenidge publicly said much the same thing. He thought that if the Opposition had the votes, they didn’t have to wait on a no confidence motion. He said they could vote against the Appropriations Bill and bring down the Government. Ralph Ramkarran
A perfect opportunity was missed for ... From page 5 for a proper and nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner for one week? As one of my good friends would say “I doubt duh”. I doubt that the other districts sent back their athletes to their respective regions the day after the swimming. They are with their team giving support to their athletes cheering them on in their events. Being present and witnessing the national championships will definitely motivate these athletes to be more
participative. This is what the swimmers of region one were deprived of and this is unforgivable. This is not the best practice in sports. This is neither social cohesion as it relates to a team, it is just the opposite and must discontinue. I am calling on the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union to see and ensure that there is not a repetition of the treatment experienced by the swimmers of Region One. I am also recommending
that workshops be held in Sports Psychology for persons who are designated to handle sports in the region. Our planners need to be more organized and knowledgeable about sports and the welfare of athletes. I have no bones to crush with anyone, but this is the ‘marrow’ of the matter. Let’s get real! Steve La Rose Swimming Coach Silver Gliders Sports Club Moruca, Region One
Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl Greenidge (right) and Brazilian Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Lineu Pupo de Paula (left) cut the ribbon to formally commission the artesian well at Aishalton Village, Region Nine. gion and our sub-district and in our villages. We are glad for the eight wells that will be drilled in our villages. We are going to benefit tremendously and the residents are already excited to access the water. “We have been suffering for a very long time in the Rupununi where we have to
divert to creeks in the dry season but after a time, that runs out of water too, so this initiative is going to benefit us,” he said. The project follows President David Granger's State visit to Brazil in December 2017, where the Complementary Agreement to the Basic
Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region Nine was inked.
We have inflationary growth DEAR EDITOR, Having read the Editorial “A Numbers Budget: Tough Debate Ahead” (KN, 29th November 2018), I wondered if the writer of the Editorial considered why, if Guyana’s Public Debt and Foreign Debt are rising, its currency slowly depreciating, and its Current Account Deficit of 12.9% of GDP, this budget really is a budget to shout about or just a Numbers Game? There is also a $44B shortfall in Government Revenue to contend with. That is, the Government is spending $44B more than
it collects in Revenues. This can only be financed by loans or printing money.I say this because with the relative political, social and economic stability, we do not have growth in Guyana. What we do have is inflation. There has been no major investment into Guyana with huge job creation. As well as, Remittance has dropped.We have not got real organic economic growth in Guyana; we have inflationary growth. Yours Faithfully Sean Ori
The Ministry of Education has continued... From page 6 a Teachers’ training course within two years. I did not pursue training earlier because of feeling very uncomfortable at my workplace and demotivated to pursue training, I thought of leaving my job several times. Last week an ordinary conversation with the Deputy Headteacher regarding discipline of students escalated into an argument. The administrative staff has not implemented any effective measures to deal with indisciplined behaviour, which severely affects classroom teaching and the overall performance of the students. During the argument I was threatened with bodily harm in the presence of students and teachers. The Deputy Headteacher threatened to slap me and deal with me in such a manner that I would regret ever entering the school. I am fearful and have considered reporting this matter to the Police. Due to the Education officials’ unwillingness to listen to my concerns and treat me fairly, I am left feeling depressed and frustrated. I would like someone to listen to my concerns, that is all that
I am asking of the Ministry of Education, but due to favouritism and unprofessionalism, even that
seems like asking for too much. Yours faithfully, Frustrated Teacher
What exactly is Minister Lawrence trying to convey to the Guyanese people? DEAR EDITOR, If what is reported in the media is correct, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence has some explaining to do, as to what exactly she is trying to convey to the Guyanese people, the majority of whom are not members or supporters of the PNC. To say that ‘only PNC members are her friends’ and on the basis of that friendship are eligible for employment in the government service is not only disingenuous, but an affront to all Guyanese.Minister Lawrence is not only the Chairman of the ruling PNC, but she is also a Minister of Government, and whatever she says cannot be taken lightly. Is the Minister implying that we are going back to those dreadful years of party paramountcy when membership of the PNC was one of the criteria for employment in the public sector and for access to Statecontrolled goods and services? Statements such as those reportedly emanating from the mouth of a senior government and party functionary do not bode well for peace and national reconciliation. Moreover, it flies in the face of the concept of social cohesion which the government claims to embrace, but which from all appearances it is drifting further and further away.The Minister has a responsibility to the nation to offer an explanation if only to allay fears of ethnic and political discrimination, which her comments could engender in the minds of the Guyanese public. The Minister of Social Cohesion Ms. Amna Ally should also issue a statement on the issue given the implications such statements can have on the issue of social cohesion. Hydar Ally
Friday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Govt. moving to close more loopholes in public procurement …forges ahead with debarment procedures for shoddy contractors The Government said it has prioritised the modernisation of the public procurement process and plans to effect several changes in the coming months to ensure improved accountability and effectiveness. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has said that the revision of the public procurement legal framework was completed, recently. The next step is to undertake the legal drafting. He said that while this is being awaited, amendments to the existing law and regulations will be pursued, in 2019, to give recognition to the Government’s intention to provide 20 percent of procurement going to small businesses. Jordan noted that debarment procedures for contractors who do shoddy work will also be pursued along with mandatory procurement plans, clarifying bidders’ registration data and amending thresholds for restrictive tendering and the quotation method.
He explained that Guyana is expected to commence utilising the CARICOM Public Procurement Notice Board for all public procurement. “This will allow entities to advertise on a regional site while registered local bidders will have free access to the advertisements,” Jordan stated. He noted that in keeping with the technological advancements in procurement, the strategy for the longawaited e-procurement will be completed in 2019, with implementation envisaged to commence in 2020. The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has launched consultations to familiarise public authorities on proposed regulations which would make it easier to debar contractors who do substandard work. There is already Draft Debarment and Suspension Regulations. The Public Procurement Act, makes references in the Procurement Act to the suspension and debarment of errant contractors, but
the required regulations for the debarment process were not included. Guyana’s procurement entities are responsible for the management of over $110B. Last year ’s Auditor General’s report said that a consultancy firm was hired to draft regulations under the Procurement Act, outlining the procedures to be followed by the Public Procurement Commission or NPTAB, in adjudicating debarment proceedings.The firm examined and made recommendations on revisions to the regulations, with a view to increasing government’s threshold limits, in light of current prices and the fact that the last increase in limits was in November 2004. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board provided a copy of the draft Debarment and Suspension Regulations to the commission for its review. Once the process of consultations is completed, the draft document will be presented in the National Assembly.
Trio found with illegal guns, ammo... From page 16 which his client was driving was intercepted by a party of police officers and the suspected guns and ammunitions were found under a seat. Attorney-at-Law Paul Fung-a-fat in a bail application for Andrews told the court that his client was outside the vehicle speaking to the driver. Fung-at-fat added that a search was conducted on his client and nothing was found in his possession. An unrepresented McDonald in addressing the court pleaded with the Magistrate to grant him bail citing that he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. McDonald stated that he was in Georgetown visiting a sick relative when he got a call from his cousin requesting to meet him at High and Princes Streets. McDonald added that when he got to the location, a party of policemen ap-
proach him from behind and lifted him 60 feet from where he was and placed him next to a vehicle. At the vehicle he said he was told to lie next to Chapman and Andrews. However, Police Prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail being granted to the defendants citing the serious nature of the offence and the fact that weapons and ammunition were discovered in the vehicle. The Prosecutor stated that on November 26, last, police acting on information went to High and Princes Streets, where they were on the look out for the suspected bandits. The Prosecutor added that shortly after the police arrival at the location, they saw the defendants sitting in a vehicle acting suspiciously. The court heard that the officers approached the vehicle where they identified themselves. A search was car-
ried out on the men and the vehicle and the articles listed in the charge were discovered under the driver seat. The trio were then arrested and taken into custody, hence charge for the offences. In relation to the robbery matter involving Chapman, the Prosecutor told the court that an identification parade was held last Wednesday and Chapman was positively identified by the victim. The Chief Magistrate after listening to both sides granted the trio bail in the sum of $200,000 each. However, she remanded Chapman to prison on the robbery under arms charge. A condition of the bail is that the men report every Friday at the Ruimveldt Police Station until the hearing and determination of the trial. They were instructed to make their next court appearance on December 12, 2018.
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Friday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kildonan farmer committed for allegedly burning father to death FOR RENT
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Toyota Spacio. Tel#639-9553 2005 Toyota Tacoma Ext cab 4x4 $2.6 Negotiable Tel#6901894 Nissan Laurel Executive car, Nissan Pathfinder Jeep, Well kept. Hot Bargains now Call: 660-3415/609-7766 PROPERTY FOR SALE 3 storey commercial building. Location- Lot 1486 Plot B Herstelling (2 Bridge) EBD. Suitable for school/ apartments. Contact #6093777/686-0522
One 2 bedroom apartment located at North East La Penitence. Contact#668-3259/ 621-3762 Mini excavator $8,800 per hour, also Bobcat service available. Tel#623-0290
PEN PAL Indian Male from England seeks female Age 29/32 with good personality. Call or Text #690-6639
Manager to work at 704 Sport bar, must have experience. Contact #223-5273 /2235274 Demerara Bakery Inc. is looking for Distributors, Wholesalers & Retailers. Call us on 266-5847 or email: sales@demerarabakery.com Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Office clerk, Senior/Junior CXC English/Mathematics, Computer knowledge an asset. Call: 223-7500 We buy land in Eccles, Herstelling, Farm, Parfaite Harmonie, Uivlugt, Zeelugt, Providence & Dairy Tel# 6117223/651-1969 1 Professional cook, 1 Professional Domestic worker for small family, Ages 30-45 for more info contact #687-1880/ 227-8614 One handyman & one watchman to work in Georgetown. Please call: 2310363 between Mon-Fri 8:30am4:30pm
1 & 2 Bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom house. Can be used for storage also ECD. Contact Mr. Khan #695-6550/656-9313
One experienced soup cook. Mon-Sat.Good pay Tel#2256927. Ask for Tonya, serious enquiries only.
LAND FOR SALE
One Nanny, must be able to speak Spanish & English. Please make contact with Paul @ 227-8682/227-3681/2253682 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Parfaite $1.2M $2.2M $2.3M Farm $5.5M Providence $4M $3.5M Herstelling (3rd Bridge) Double Lot $$5.5M (2nd Bridge) $3.5M Call: 666-2326 35 acres land at Yarrowkabra, situated next to the Soesdyke Linden Highway. Tel#2612553 Farm (East Bank) $3.2M Eccles $7M Herstelling $4M & $5M Schnoord $2.8M Dairy $1.6M & $2.6M Tel#656-0701/6481635 Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109
Unfinished Property for sale, Eccles #682-8236 3-Bedrooms spacious colonial house @ Versailles Public road. Huge yard, Fruit trees, all amenities, parking. Price Negotiable Tel#609-7766/2258427
WANTED
Buying Wamara Whatsapp: 664-5150
Logs.
1 Female domestic worker, preferably live-in, honest and reliable from age 40 and up. Tel#227-2321 Need Male and Female to work in the interior $80,000 #674-1767 ACCOMMODATION Air conditioned room $3000 daily, Fully furnished apts $6000 daily. Tele#223-0994/ 678-5827 ENTERTAINMENT
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
Big G Sounds is available for small events. (Wedding, Small BBQ, Birthday parties etc) Contact numbers #661-9931/ 622-5713/672-9293 VACANCY
FOR SALE/RENT American Pool table. Tel#2770578
Security officers wanted age between 30-50. Call: 231-8169 for an arranged interview.
A 51-year-old farmer’s fate will be determined before a judge and jury at the Berbice High Court after he was committed yesterday by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Mibicuri Magistrate Court for manslaughter. Collin Ross is accused of burning his 84-yearold father to death in their home at Kildonan Village. He was represented by legal aid Attorney Sasha Roberts. The case was prosecuted by Inspector Phillip Sheriff. According to initial reports, Rudolph Ross, a pensioner of lot 14 Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was burnt to death in his home on April 10, 2017. The inferno which reportedly started in the kitchen quickly engulfed to the two-storey concrete structure while the senior Ross was still trapped inside. It was while he was fighting to escape the blaze through a heavily grilled front window leading to his veranda, that he succumbed to the smoke and
VACANCY One party store attendant. Tel# 691-7123 General Domestic, must know to cook. Apply KeyFood McDoom EBD. Waiter/Waitress and a Chef, preferably carnegie trained. Call: 225-7933, or visit 173 Sheriff Street. Vacancy exist for Experienced Pharmacy assistants to work @ reputable pharmacy in Georgetown. Call: 696-5098/ 628-8811 between 8am-4pm Atlas Security Service IncNow Hiring: Armed Officers, Unarmed Officers, Salary $85,000-$100,000 monthly. Call: 231-4960/653-1265 One female accounts clerk, apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda 1 Experienced cook wanted. #623-8654 Hick’s Ville HotelReceptionist. #231-0951/2277 7 1 4 / 2 2 3 - 3 4 4 8 info@vgiworld.com Vegetarian Garden- Driver/ salesman # 227-7714/223-3448 info@vgiworld.com 2 Grillmen (Driver's license a plus) to grill burgers. 1 live in help from Berbice/Essequibo. Contact X's Grill & Cuisine.#695-6550/656-9313
heat. A kerosene bottle was found at the scene, and this was reportedly an indication that it was the substance that was used to set the house alight. Collin Ross, Rudolph Ross’s son and former member of the Guyana Police Force, who had re-migrated to Guyana some time ago, was residing with his father in the three-bedroom house. He was arrested the very next day and questioned. In the beginning the accused had an alibi, but upon checking into the alibi given investigators found that the man’s explanations were not “adding up”. He reportedly continued to give authorities conflicting reports, and investigators in Berbice with the help of the Force’s Major Crimes Unit gathered what they determined was enough evidence to institute charges.
Arrindel re-elected... From page 15 I am also satisfied that the process was one of secret balloting... There were a few glitches but they were sorted out,” Sampson declared. Norris King said, “I think it is a step in the right direction, to give these two young people, who would have been working over the past seven months to be given the opportunity to serve a full term now. “It would have been unfair to have these two persons that would have served as Mayor and Deputy and without any indictment against them be pushed in a corner and place somebody else there. “It shows that Lindeners are prepared to support continuity in the political arena, and that as a people we are united and firm.” Hugh Stephens said, “I think it was very good what happened today. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are two young people and we have been talking of empowering youths, and they have only served about six months. For most of that time they were taken up with local Government Elections, so I think we should give them some time so that they can succeed. “I think if they had been removed, it would have been very hurtful and embarrassing to them. I think they will work and serve the community well.” Overseas based Lindener, Keith Semple also expressed satisfaction that the two officials were returned “to continue the great work that they had started.”
Friday November 30, 2018
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Man, wife among four committed for Tain domestic worker murder
Oliver and Nazeema Permaul The four persons who were charged and placed before the court for the murder of Tain Domestic Worker murder, Leelawattie Mohamed, were all committed to stand trial in Berbice High Court yesterday by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga. Oliver Permaul and his wife, Nazeema Permaul, were both represented by Attorney-at-law Mursalene Bacchus; Andre James was represented by Attorney Bernard De Santos; and Rohan Johnson called “Jamakie” was represented by Attorney Motie Singh. They were committed after a prima facie case was
made out against them on September 25, last. On that said date, the woman who was accused of being the mastermind of the murder, Indira Outar, had her case discharged after her attorney Bacchus stated that there was no evidence to support that she was involved in Mohamed’s death. Sabiki Thompson Alert, the girlfriend of Rohan Johnson of Rose Hall Town who was also charged for the murder was also discharged. On the evening of February 7, 2017, three men, one armed with a loaded gun, stormed the home of Leelawattie Mohamed who
was 45 years old at the time. She lived with her two children in a small two-bedroom wooden house at Tain Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The men were clad in black clothing and reportedly demanded cash from her. Her son, Ashad Ishack, told Kaieteur News that he was at home with his mother and sister when he heard someone kicking on the front door, in a matter of minutes the men had kicked open the very door and barged in. They ordered them to lie on the floor, Ishack recounted. He said that one of the men held his mother by
her hair and asked, “Where the money deh”. She told them that she had no money. The armed man then pointed the gun to his mother’s throat and shot her. The killers escaped through the front door they kicked open, fired a shot in the air, scaled the fence and ran to the Tain backlands. The then Commander of the Division, Ian Amsterdam, who was actively involved in bringing justice to the family of Mohamed, had told this publication that based on their investigations, the Domestic Worker was executed by a Jamaican and his
Guyanese associate. They were allegedly hired by the businesswoman who was furious that Mohamed and her husband were allegedly having an affair. Initial reports had stated that the businesswoman had found out about her husband’s extra marital affair with Mohamed and in a fit of rage and jealousy, conjured up a plan with the help of Oliver Permaul, his wife Nazeema Permaul, Andre James, Rohan Johnson (the Jamaican) and allegedly Shabiki Thompson Alert to kill her. The Jamaican had admitted to investigators then that
he was the one that pulled the trigger and a hefty sum of $4 Million was promised by the businesswoman to execute the killing. However, only $400,000 was reportedly advanced to him and the Permauls. The former Commander had relayed that there was surveillance footage showing the businesswoman meeting with some of the accused at a hotel. An autopsy that was done revealed that Mohamed died from shock and haemorrhage due to a gunshot wound, laceration to the brain and a fractured skull.
PAHO launches campaign to prevent cervical cancer A campaign has been l a u n c h e d b y G u y a n a ’s technical partner, the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] to prevent cervical cancer which has become notorious for killing more than 34,000 women each year in the Americas. Cervical cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death in women in 23 countries of the Region. “It is Time to End Cervical Cancer” is the title of the communication campaign designed to inform health providers and empower women and girls with health information on how to prevent this disease, which is diagnosed in some 72,000 women each year. This online and social media campaign is an additional instrument in PAHO’s toolkit to help
PAHO’s Dr. Anselm Hennis. reach the goal of ending cervical cancer. With the slogan, “Don’t let cervical cancer stop you,” the campaign provides materials (poster/video), information and stories about the vaccine against huma n papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer
and about cervical cancer screening methods, to encourage women to have regular examinations for the early detection of precancerous lesions. The ultimate goal of the campaign is to mobilize health providers, women and girls to seek preventive care and stop cervical cancer from keeping women from reaching their maximum potential in life. “By being informed about cervical cancer and how to prevent it, we can help to ensure that women lead healthy, productive lives,” observed Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the PAHO Department of Non-communicable Diseases [NCDs] and Mental Health. “We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer from being a threat to the health and well-being of women, their families, and communities,” Hennis added.
Cervical cancer can be prevented with HPV vaccination and with screening. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged nine to 14 and is available in 35 countries and territories of the Region, including Guyana. However, in the majority of countries, the HPV vaccine coverage rate with the recommended two doses, has not yet reached 80 percent of the target population. In addition to providing information about cervical cancer vaccination, the campaign also aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer screening, which is recommended primarily for women aged 30 to 49 years. An estimated 32 million women in the Region are eligible for cervical cancer screening, which, when coupled with treatment, can save lives. The web-based campaign has a section for health pro-
fessionals that contains guides, factsheets, answers to frequently asked questions, and a free online course, all aimed at building knowledge of the issue and improving HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. In September 2018, the Ministers of Health of the Americas, at the PAHO Directing Council meeting, agreed on a plan to reduce
cervical cancer by a third in the Region by 2030. To accomplish this, the plan aims to strengthen primary prevention through information and education and HPV vaccination, as well as improve cervical cancer screening and treatment of precancerous lesions, and strengthen access to cancer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
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Friday November 30, 2018
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Friday November 30, 2018
Changes taking place in public service landscape - Min. Harmon Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, yesterday said there are a number of changes occurring within the public service. He urged the major players in the sector to fully understand their roles and functions. The minister was delivering a presentation to the second graduating class of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service yesterday morning. “The new public service, therefore, has to be able to deliver in an administratively neutral way and has to be established firmly on the basis of merit and political impartiality.” The minister’s presentation formed part of a five-day lecture series organised by the college for cadets who are soon to graduate from the nine-month training programme. Minister Harmon told the cadets that the quality of the public servant must be impeccable. “When someone goes to your office to require service, you say this is what you have to do, that is what they must
Cadets at the lecture series yesterday do. They must not be told to ‘pass a raise’ and it will be expedited for them. You’re in the wrong place if you are doing that.” Minister Harmon said the process of modernising the public service must make it more responsive, fair, efficient
and effective. For that to be achieved, he said, there must be a concerted effort to enhance the management capacity administrative efficiency and skills level of all public servants. Earlier last week, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
delivered a lecture to the cadets where he called on them to perform the duties as future public servants with integrity. “I believe that once you do your work faithfully, as a public servant, your advice, your contribution would be
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon of worth. It would be of value to society…Your duty is to your country... It is a patriotic duty and, in my book, the call to duty as a patriot is perhaps the greatest blessing we have,” the Prime Minister said. The Bertram Collins Col-
lege of the Public Service will be graduating its second batch of cadets in December. The institution, a brainchild of President David Granger, is committed to instilling integrity, impartiality, and objectivity in the next generation of public servants.
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Motor racing: More than 100 women apply for $1.5 million ‘W Series’ London (Reuters) More than 100 applicants from around the world have sought to join a new all-female motor racing series aimed at getting them into Formula One, where no woman has competed since 1976. Organisers on Wednesday issued a long list of 55 for the W Series, which is set to launch in May with 18 drivers racing 1.8 liter Formula Three cars for a $1.5 million prize fund. The drivers, whose ages range from 17 to 33 and include some familiar names to fans who follow the various junior series, now face on and off-track tests with former grand prix
racers David Coulthard and A l e x Wu r z a m o n g t h e judges. Spain’s ex-Lotus and Renault Formula One development driver Carmen Jorda, a 30-year-old who also sits on the governing FIA’s women’s commission, was one of those to go on to the next phase. Amna al-Qubaisi, 18, the first female racing driver from the United Arab Emirates who has competed in Italian Formula Four and will test a Formula E car in Saudi Arabia next month, was another. So too was Britain’s Jamie Chadwick, 20, who in 2015 became the first female driver to win a British GT
championship and this year became the first woman to win a round of the British Formula Three series, finishing eighth overall. Indian racers Mira Erda, 18, and Sneha Sharma, 28, also made the long list. The W Series organizers say they hope to provide a platform for women to develop their skills before taking on male drivers further up the motorsport ladder. The first race is scheduled for Hockenheim, Germany, on May 3 and the overall series winner will c o l l e c t $ 5 0 0 , 0 0 0, with prize money down to 18th place.
Friday November 30, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will probably want everyone to know how you feel today. You won't be shy about expressing your emotions. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Put your foot down today, Taurus. Don't let others push you around. It could be that you're used to letting people have their way in order to keep the peace. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) For goodness' sake, make a decision today, Gemini. The more you flounder about which way to go, the likelier it is that you will miss the boat altogether. CANCER(June21–July22) Mentally, you're apt to do very well today. You will find that you can tackle just about any cerebral challenge that comes along. The most difficult aspect of the day will be dealing with your emotions. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your heart is in the right place today, Leo, so feel free to share your good mood with others. Keep things simple and straightforward. Try not to complicate issues with unnecessary garble. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may find it hard to get rolling today, Virgo. It's likely that you're caught in a gridlock between your mind and heart. Be careful about letting this tension build. The most important thing for you today is to relax.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're apt to be spurred into action by strong forces that don't want you to take a break, Libra. Keep in mind that the more you resist, the more you will be pushed and pulled by outside sources SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Feel free to let it all out today, Scorpio. It's finally your turn to stand up and say what you feel. Don't let others push you into places you don't want to be. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Emotionally speaking, you're probably doing quite well today, Sagittarius. You have extra selfconfidence to draw on to tackle your projects. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You might be in a bit of a jam today, Capricorn, when one person or situation doesn't work well with what you're thinking, and another doesn't fit well with what you're feeling. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today is a good day for you to follow through. Normally you're much better at tagging along or simply going with the flow of the situation. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Have sympathy for those who need to vent today, Pisces. Don't be surprised if people line up outside your door for a chance to bend your ear for an hour or two. Your mind is sharp.
Friday November 30, 2018
Greater consistency needed from Scorpion bowlers: Samuels Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – Head coach of the Jamaica Scorpions Robert Samuels believes his team can deliver a much better showing in this year’s Regional Four-Day Competition, once his fast bowlers deliver more consistent performances. The Scorpions, who placed fourth in last year’s competition will play their first match against Barbados at Kensington Oval on December 13. Samuels said with the exception of Derval Green, who took 27 wickets in the last tournament, none of the other fast bowlers bowled well. ”Last season we fell short in the fast bowling department. Only one bowler got 27 wickets
and no other bowler got more than five, so that department is very concerning and it is something that we are looking at and are trying to fix before the start of the new season. We need to fix our fast bowling as we need our bowlers to step up and get more wickets,” Samuels told The Gleaner. ”Out of season we have been working with our fast bowlers, so hopefully this time they will have more knowledge and be more skillful. But if we can get another fast bowler getting 25 wickets, we will finish up the standings. ”So the main concern is the fast bowling department, which
was a little wobbly, but with the work we have been doing out of season with them, we expect them to get better,” he added. Samuels too criticised his batsmen for their approach in the 2017 competition, but said he was also expecting a better performance from them this time around. ”The batting has been a little inconsistent. We are getting high scores, but we are also getting very low scores, especially in the first innings. “If we can get 150 to 200 for the first inning, we will be in this competition, so I am hoping the batting will be more consistent… the head coach said.
Haynes and Rawlins land gold in U-20... From page 40 18.42 seconds while Cordel Charles of District 12 placed second in 4.24:64 and Rajan Ramdeholl of District 10 third in 4.27:59. Shaquka Tyrell of District 10 claimed the 1500m Girls U16 in 5.10:10 ahead of Adriel
Austin of District 11 in 5.11:00 and Leah Harris of District 1 in 5.22:60. The 1500m Boys U14 was taken by Matrim Martin of District 9 Rupununi; Jonathan Seedath of District 4 placed second and Samuel Henry of District 5, third.
Attoya Harvey of District 3 captured the 1500m Girls U14 title while Vanita Francis of District 9 finished second and Michelle Robinson of District 10, third. Joshua Toppell of District 4 set a new record in the Shot Putt Boys U18 with 12.67m, erasing the old record of 12.29m. Tiana Springer of District 12 leaped to a new record in the Long Jump Girls U12 clearing 4.18m; the previous best was 4.12m. Marvin Williams of District 10 inked his name in the record books in the long jump boys U12 as he leaped 4.59m, erasing the old record of 4.55m. Dewan Grant of District 4 set a new record in the High Jump Boys U12 achieving 141m; the previous best was 1.39m. District 10 took a sizeable lead as they chalked up 357 points so far followed by District 3 on 249 and District 4 on 228.5. The championships conclude today.
T&T, Brazil... From page 36 placed play-off and the final will be contested on the last day. Haywood said this was ExxonMobil’s second collaboration with football for the year adding that when ExxonMobil received the letter from the Kashif and Shanghai Promotion Group, the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and Gas Company had no hesitation in approving the sponsorship due to the work done in promoting football by that Group. The champions will collect $1.2 million, a Trophy and Medals while the losing finalist will receive $500,000. Third and fourth place finishers will take home $300,000 and $100,000 respectively.
Friday November 30, 2018
LA Lakers superstar LeBron James reveals his game day diet MailOnline - LeBron James continues to defy logic, he is still at the peak of his powers at the age of 33 and there are no signs that will change any time soon. In a recent interview, he recalled advice he was given by a friend when he was just 13 years old: work hard, play hard and stretch. James firmly believes this is one of the main reasons he is still able to keep his body in the best physical condition. Another reason, however, is how rigidly he sticks to his in-season diet. The Lakers star is a firm believer that if he puts the very best into his body, it will allow him to get the best out. ‘I’ve been very consistent throughout this process,’ LeBron said on The Time Ferris Show. ‘I’ve been very clean because I’ve always wanted to have a long career. ’We haven’t had artificial drinks, sugars and fried foods. We stay away from fried food during the season. ‘We want to keep it as natural sugars and foods as much as possible.’ So, on any given game day, then, what does a fourtime MVP eat to fuel his 6ft 8ins, 18-stone frame 252lb? ’For breakfast I had an egg white omelette with smoked salmon and glutenfree pancakes with berries,’ he added. ‘For lunch I had whole
LeBron James wheat pasta, salmon and vegetables and right before the (Orlando Magic) game I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. ’At half time I had sliced apples with almond butter on top. Right after the game Mike (Mancias, James’s trainer) gave me a protein shake, I downed that right after the game. ‘Then, for dinner, I had chicken parm with a rocket salad and a wonderful glass of Cabernet.’ The small forward has certainly developed a penchant for red wine over the years — he joked that he considers
himself something of a sommelier — and gave an insight into some of his favourites. ’I’m a huge Bordeaux fan,’ James said. ‘There are some Cab’s I love as well. We get to the higher level as well like Screaming Eagle, Quintarelli, Rothschild, Latour, there’s so many different wines I love. ‘We would be sitting here all day if I give you a list of my full cellar back home.’ It’s fitting, then, that James’s career appears to be ageing just like one of those fine wines of which he speaks so fondly.
At 106, tireless French cyclist hops back in the saddle Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France (Reuters) - Centenarian cyclist Robert Marchand donned his lycra shorts again on Friday and rode cautiously around France’s indoor Velodrome National, becoming by far the oldest person to take a spin on the circuit. Marchand, who in 2012 set a world record for a 100-year-old when he cycled 15 miles (24 kilometers) in an hour, turns 107 next month and was supposed to have retired in January. But after more than 90 years in the saddle he insisted on hopping on his bike again, despite medical concerns about the potential strain on his heart. Decked out in bright yellow-and-purple lycra shorts with a matching crash-helmet and dark sunglasses, Marchand needed some help getting on the bike, struggling to lift his leg over the saddle. But once seated he was away, trundling around the track at a slow but smooth pace, followed closely by a support rider. “Even at this age, you can do something,” he said afterwards, enjoying the congratulations of friends. ”I try to do a little bit of exercise every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes,” said the slight figure, who stands just 4 foot 11 inches (150cm) tall. ”One mustn’t let oneself go soft. The day you just sit in your armchair and stop moving, you’re screwed.” After completing a few more circuits, Marchand was given a gold
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Mexico cop Canada to reach Under-17 World Cup Final
Alison Gonzalez (left # 10) congratulates Nicole Perez after scoring the penalty kick that gave Mexico the win over Canada. Photo Courtesy of FIFA Montevideo, Uruguay – Mexico will play for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup title after defeating Canada 1-0 in the semifinals on Wednesday night at the Estadio Charrua in Montevideo, Uruguay. With the victory, Mexico becomes just the second team from Concacaf to play in a FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup Final, (United States, 2008). A Nicole Perez penalty conversion in the 25’
would prove to be the difference between the two sides in what was the first ever allConcacaf semifinal at a FIFA women’s youth tournament. Mexico FW Alison Gonzalez was fouled in the Canada penalty area, earning El Tricolor the spot kick which Perez coolly scored for the 10 advantage. Mexico was not content to just sit on a one-goal lead, and it nearly made it two in the 53’, only for Silvana Flores
to hit the crossbar with a longrange effort. Canada looked to mount a comeback in hopes of pulling level, but Mexico stayed strong defensively and kept the Canadians at bay to secure its spot in the Final. Mexico will take on Spain in the Final tomorrow at the Estadio Charrua in Montevideo, while Canada will face New Zealand in the Third-Place match prior to the Final.
Shenzhen Half Marathon: Traffic cameras catch cheats taking shortcut
The annual half marathon in Shenzhen attracts about 16,000 runners - there is no suggestion that any of the runners pictured was involved in cheating.
Robert Marchand medal and a commemorative jersey. Asked for the secret of his longevity, he was to the point: “Use everything and abuse nothing,” he said.
BBCsport - Almost 250 runners in a half marathon were caught cheating when traffic cameras captured them taking shortcuts through bushes. Organisers of the race in Shenzhen, China, also discovered 18 runners wearing fake bibs and three runners they described as “imposters”. All who cheated are now facing bans. ”Marathon running is not simply exercise, it is a metaphor for life, and every runner is responsible for him or herself,” organisers said.
Footage captured by Shenzhen police traffic cameras showed runners cutting through bushes to an adjacent carriageway, instead of continuing along the road and making a U-turn. Organisers said the 237 people caught cheating would have run two or three kilometres less than the full 21-kilometre (13.1-mile) distance. The annual race in China’s fourth largest city typically attracts about 16,000 runners. News of the cheating led
to the People’s Daily newspaper - one of China’s biggest publications - to urge runners to “respect the marathon and respect sporting spirit” in an editorial. Last year, organisers of the Beijing Half Marathon introduced a facial recognition system to stop runners using ringers to run on their behalf. China has held 1,072 marathons and other road races this year, up from 22 in 2011, according to figures from the Chinese Athletics Association.
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Women will be eventually Ivan Madray/BCB 100 Ball Mem. 1st incorporated into CPL, says Russell Div. Tournament Starts on Sunday
Female cricketers St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Chief Operations Officer of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Pete Russell says he expects that women will eventually be integrated into the “Biggest Party in Sport”. His comments have come following a recent plea by West Indies’ batsman Britney Cooper at the conclusion of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup, for the CPL to reject cricket as being just a “gentleman’s game” and incorporate women into the annual tournament. The West Indies, who were defending champions, crashed out at the semi-final stage to eventual winners Australia. The regional side was wildly inconsistent with the bat throughout the tournament and claimed they were at a disadvantage to their Australian, English and Indian counterparts who play much more cricket year-
round. Russell told the Newsday that the CPL had taken notice of the successful staging of the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean which attracted large crowds at Providence Stadium (Guyana), Darren Sammy Cricket Ground (St Lucia) and Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (Antigua). He said women’s cricket being part of CPL had been discussed before and said it would happen eventually. “We have already discussed the feasibility of a women’s tournament with Cricket West Indies (CWI) or a women’s exhibition match, after the 2017 tournament, and have been discussing how we can make it work since then. ”Any cricket tournament is a huge logistical challenge to arrange and there are a lot of questions that would need to be answered before we could commit to going ahead.
But it is something that we are keen to have as part of the CPL programme, it is not question of ‘if’ it is a question of ‘when’,” Russell declared. ”Yes, we think this is a feasible option. We have seen with the Women’s Big Bash in Australia, the Super League in England and in the recently completed ICC Women’s World T20 that the women’s game is on the rise and needs to be taken very seriously. The quality of the women’s game has risen massively over the last few years and the Windies women’s team have been at the forefront of this. Having won the 2016 tournament and made the semi-final in this year’s event, the talent is clearly there for a fantastic women’s tournament in the region, but all decisions in this regard have to be discussed and agreed with our partners, CWI.”
BCB President Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from Chandradat Chintamani. Another historic competition has been unveiled by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), it’s a 100-ball memorial knockout tournament for First Division teams. The BCB on Tuesday last joined hands with the family of the late John Madray to bring off the t o u r n a m e n t ; M a d r a y, a product of Port Mourant CC was the third Berbician to play Test Cricket. Madray had followed the footsteps of John Trim and Rohan Kanhai, also from Port Mourant Cricket Club to play Test cricket at the time. The cost of sponsorship is to the tune of
T&T, Brazil and Suriname among eight teams to battle for $1.2M - International Fustal Festival launched by GFF By Sean Devers The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday at their Headquarters launched the inaugural eight-team International Fustal Football Festival 2018 which was attended by GFF, representatives, Coordinator of the Event Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, ExxonMobil’s Nicolas Haywood, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sports Dr George Norton and members of the Media. Coordinated by the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, the ExxonMobil-sponsored International Futsal Festival
will be staged at two venues from December 27-30. The Fustal Festival will see participation from Trinidad and Tobago’s Morvant Caledonia United, a Soa Paulo selection from Brazil and ZV All-Stars of Suriname which is expected to include some guest players to strengthen their club side. East Coast All-Stars, Linden All-Stars, Georgetown All-Stars and West Demerara All-Stars are the four local Association teams which will match skills with a Guyana team. Although the Festival is slated to be contested at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) and National Park Tarmac, GFF’s Director
of Competitions Ian Alves disclosed that the GFF has not yet confirmed if CASH will available as a venue. The NSC has moved Futsal to the National Gymnasium since the newly laid ‘mat’ on the floor of CASH being used for Hockey would be damaged by Footballers. When pressed for clarification on the availability of the venue, Dr Norton said he could not make a comment on that issue without knowing all the facts since the NSC is responsible for Government owned Sports Facilities. The Sports Minister expressed delight at being in the company of those who had a passion for the sport and foot-
ball ran in their blood. “I am glad that football is spread all across Guyana but a bit disappointed that more football is not organised in the hinterland where many indigenous people are good at football,” added Dr Norton. GFF President Wayne Forde informed that this is one of two key year-end events that should happen every year. The other is the Super-16 which was launched a week ago and scheduled to commence on December 14. ExxonMobil is the title sponsor with Stag Beer and I-Cool Water also sponsoring the event where the third (Continued on page 34)
$330,000 and is being taken care of by the Madray and Chintamani families; action will get underway on Sunday, weather permitting with some 9 clubs p a r t i c i p a t i n g , n a m e l y, West Berbice, Blairmont Community Centre, Police, Tucber Park, Young Wa r r i o r s , R o s e H a l l Canje, Albion Community Centre, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets and Port Mourant. Skeldon CC has been suspended from Berbice cricket for the rest of the year while teams in the Upper Corentyne are focusing on completing the New Building Society 40overs tournament. BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the tournament as another red letter day in the development of the sport. Foster proudly stated that the rest of Guyana collectively does not play the amount that Berbice has organised in 2018. The tournament, Foster stated is extra special as it would be honouring one of Berbice’ legends and one of the county’s best role models, who died over a decade ago. Madray, is one of the seven Test players produced by the Port Mourant Cricket Club and after retirement, migrated to England where he became a successful businessman and was heavily involved in Charity work. The tournament would involve both teams facing
14 six-ball overs and 2 eight-ball overs. The Power Play shall be six overs where a maximum of two fielders would be allowed out of the 30 yards circle. M r. Chandradat Chintamani, a nephew of Madray, stated that his uncle was a positive role model and hero to his entire family. Chintamani, who hails from the No. 55 Village in the Upper Corentyne is the Senior Vice President of Larparkan. He expressed delight at being able to pay respect to his Uncle and to be associated with Berbice cricket which over the last few months have been setting high standards. He also stated that he was confident that the tournament would be a great success and it was his intention to make it an annual event if everything goes to plan. Foster and Chintamani had an extensive discussion on plans for the development of the sport of which the BCB President expressed confidence that the talks would bear fruits early in 2019 to benefit over 80 clubs and numerous young players. Special thanks were expressed to the Madray and Chintamani families for the sponsorship. Ivan Madray was born on the 2nd July, 1934, and died on the 23rd April, 2009. He made his Test Debut for the West Indies on the 5th February, 1958, playing two Test Matches.
Friday November 30, 2018
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Kaieteur News
26-athletes including six females to battle on Sunday at GAPLF Seniors on Sunday With the Best Lifter Accolade to be decided based on the highest Wilks total regardless of division for both male and female athletes, Sunday’s Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) Senior Nationals is anticipated to be a mouth watering spectacle at Saints Stanislaus College Auditorium, Brickdam.
Of the confirmed 26 athletes confirmed, six (6) are females and they will all be battling in the First Flight (A) which will be from 10:00hrs following the weigh-in which will commence at 08:30hrs. The weigh-in for Flight B competitors will start at 11:30hrs. See full list of athletes, division below.
JAAA sets new date for 2019 National Championships
Warren Blake Kingston, Jamaica, CMC – In a move to have the 2019 National Championships held closer to the 2019 IAAF World Championships, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has changed the date of next year’s championships. With the World Championships slated to begin on September 29, the National Senior Championships which are usually held in June, have been pushed back by one month and will now take place at the National Stadium from July 25 to 28, 2019. The 2019 World Championships start in Doha, Qatar, weeks later than the last day of any previous edition. The details were presented earlier this week as part of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association’s (JAAA) schedule for the upcoming season. ”We’ve decided on the end of July, and it’s really to put it as close to the World Championships as possible,” JAAA president Dr Warren Blake explained. The move was also made to prevent the Nationals being held too far before the World Championships and to be an accurate guide for team selection. However, the new date for
EBF A/R alph Green U -11 EBFA/R A/Ralph U-11 League W eekend F ixtures Weekend Fixtures The third annual East Bank Football Association (EBFA) / Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League will continue tomorrow at the Diamond Community Center Ground with six more matches. Following are the fixtures: Day 6 – November 30th Mt# Team Team Time Venue 32. Diamond Upsettersv Diamond United 09:00hrs DCCG 33. Mocha Champs v Friendship All Stars 09:45hrs “ 34. Swan FC v Kuru Kururu Warriors 10:30hrs “ 35. Timehri Panthers v Herstelling Raiders 11:15hrs “ 36. Hauraruni Eagles v Samatta Point/Kaneville 12:00hrs “ 37. Grove Hi Tech v Agricola Red Triangle 12:45hrs “
the National Championships comes close to the schedule for the 18th Pan-American Games, which start in Lima, Peru, on July 26, with athletics starting on August 6. As a result, the JAAA will be staging more meets at home to give athletes competition as well as a pre-Championships camp. While the details on the pre-World Championships camp aren’t settled yet, AllComers meets will be held on May 11, 18 and 25, as well as June 1 to keep locally based athletes sharp for the National Senior Championships. Notable dates on the schedule include Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, set for March 26-30, the Jamaica Invitational on May 4, the renowned Penn Relays, April 24-27 in Philadelphia, the IAAF World Relays in Yokohama, Japan, May 10-11, and the Racers Grand Prix on June 22. With the Easter holidays arriving in late April, the Carifta Trials will be contested a week after Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, on April 5-7. The Carifta Games are back again in the Cayman Islands from April 20-22, after being hosted there in 1995 and 2010.
DSSC applaud members for... From page 39 Freestyle (2:42.60) and the 200m IM (2:30.94). Ethan Gonsalves also set an age group Top Time in the 100m Breaststroke with 2:57.62, erasing the 11 year old mark of 3:07.02 set by Ronaldo Rodrigues.Excellent performances were also registered by Zara Crane in the Girls’ 9-10 age group as she took the titles in the 100m Butterfly (1:39.28); 100m Backstroke (1:33.41); 200m Freestyle (2:56.49) and the 200m IM (3:17.52). Donna Carter and
Safiya Foster also copped medals in the Girls 13-14 and 15-17 age groups respectively with the former winning the 50m, 100m and 200m Backstroke as well as the 100m Freestyle and the latter taking the 50m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle; 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke titles. The DSSC swimmers also made a clean sweep in the 11-12 Boys 400m IM exhibition event with Raekwon Noel finishing first in a time of 5:16.59, Ethan Gonsalves second (5:18.32), Vladimir
Woodroffe third (5:51.45) and Elliot Gonsalves fourth (5:52.50). Monique Watson was the only female to contest the gruelling event, finishing in a time of 6:10.09. The next event for the swimmers is the FINA-sanctioned Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad & Tobago (ASATT) Invitational from December 13-16, next. There they will splash off their Long-Course season competing against some of the top swimmers in the Caribbean and even further afield.
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Friday November 30, 2018
Kaieteur News
Second Jaguars 3-day practice match
Johnson’s unbeaten 56 leave his team in control on day-two
Leon Johnson looks back as he is dropped at slip first ball off Romario Shepherd before he and non-striker Tage Chanderpaul added 92 in an unbeaten 2nd wicket stand. Ramaal Lewis National Captain Leon Johnson stroked an unbeaten 56 and added 92 for the second wicket with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (41) as his team reached 104-1 in reply to Vishual Singh’s 153 all out when stumps were drawn on the second day of their rain affected final three-day practice match at Providence yesterday. Johnson has so far hit nine fours in his innings while fellow left hander Chanderpaul reached the boundary three times and cleared it once. Romario Shepherd took the only wicket to fall in a lively spell for Singh’s X1 which began yesterday on 12 without loss. Robin Bacchus, batting with an injured hand did not added to his first day 11 when he was removed by pacer Keon Joseph at 12-1 but only Rajendra Chandrika (29) of the top order batsmen reached 20
as Anthony Bramble (19) a n d Te v i n I m l a c h ( 1 3 ) failed to build on good s t a r t s a s S i n g h ’s X 1 slumped to 84-7 before a late order rally from Jamaican Ramaal Lewis hit six fours and two sixes in his 48 not out carried them past 150. Chris Barnwell had three wickets while Berbician pacer Clinton Pestano and Essequibo’s left-arm spinner Anthony Adams picked up two wickets each for Johnson’s X1 who lost Trevon Griffith (9) when he played no shot to Shepherd and was bowled at 11-1 Johnson was dropped at slip first ball by Singh off Shepherd before he had scored and both he and Chanderpaul were kept in check by impressive seam bowling in sweltering heat on a track with some ‘carry’ to the keeper by the new ball pair of left-arm pacer Andre Stoll, who bowled in
excellent areas and the lively Shepherd. Recently back in cricket after a self imposed break from the game, Stoll in his fifth and final over bowled full and wide twice and Johnson broke the shackles with a couple of imperious cover-driven boundaries before Chanderpaul, who was finding it difficult t o s c o r e f r e e l y, b a c k e d away and slapped left-arm spinner Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul past point for four. Johnson, gaining in confidence as his innings progressed, pulled Permaul for four and whipped him off his legs for another boundary in the over as the partnership began to flourish. Chanderpaul topedged a quick short ball from Raun Johnson and Richie Looknauth failed to hold a very difficult catch at long-leg as the ball went for six before Johnson cut off-spinner Looknauth which raced across the
GT Beer and Candy Boss 8-a-side Football continues today in Berbice The second edition of the GT Beer/Candy Boss and Antics Promotion 8-a-side Football Invitational Tourna-
ment will continue today with two more matches under lights at the All Saints Scott Church ground, Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The opening match today will see Mahaicony taking on Golden Stars followed by a clash between Cougars and Soccer City Football Club. Thirty-two teams from Berbice,
Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and West Demerara are battling for supremacy and a chance to win cash prizes and trophies in excess of $1.2 million. Among the sponsors are Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Fly Jamaica, Regional Health Services, Foot-Soul, Bobb and Sons, National Sports Commission and Integrated Security.
lush green outfield to post his 50. Today is the final day
and four-time defending Champions Jaguars will travel to St Lucia for their
first match against Windwards Volcanoes from December 6-9.
Brian Ramphal Double Wicket Competition
Tucber Park’s Nial Smith and Mark Barker advance to semis The busy cricket Season in the Ancient County of Berbice continued last weekend with the Tucber Park pair of Mark Barker and Nial Smith advancing to the semi-finals of the historic Brian Ramphal Double Wicket Competition for First Division Clubs. They defeated the Albion Community Centre ‘B’ pair of Gudakesh Motie and Karran Arjpaul at the Albion Community Centre where the home boys batted first and reached 48-1 from their allotted four overs. Motie raced to 37 (5x4 2x6) as he took a special liking to the offspin of the burly Barker. Smith bowled with pace and aggression, his two overs costing a mere 3 runs. In reply, Smith tore into Motie as 20 runs flowed from the first over and then took another sixteen off him in the 3rd over to race to 50 without loss off 3.1 overs. Smith was unbeaten on 36 while Barker struck a huge six and a boundary in his 12 not out; the duo have advanced to the semifinals where they would clash with the Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets ‘A’ pair of Clinton Pestano and Kevin Sinclair. The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets pair de-
Nial Smith and Mark Barker feated the Blairmont Community Centre pair of Seon Glasgow and Derick Lalsa by 18 runs. Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets ‘A’ amassed 50-2 from their four overs with Pestano hitting an attractive 42 (3x4 4x6). The Blairmont pair was restricted to 32 all out in 3.1 overs as Glasgow scored 24. The Albion Community Centre ‘A’ pair of Jonathan Foo and Kevin Umroa have advanced to the final. The Tournament involves each pair batting four overs
while each player would bowl two overs each. Each of the pair was supported in the field by six of their club mates. The Double Wicket Tournament, the first of its kind to be organised by the Berbice Cricket Board is being sponsored by overseas based Guyanese Brian Rampha who earlier this year donated $1M and later over $200,000 in gear to the BCB. The winning pair would receive $75 000, the 2nd place $40,000 and the 3rd place, $20,000.
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Friday November 30, 2018
DSSC applaud members for performances at just concluded GASA Short Course C/ships Dorado Speed Swim Club’s (DSSC) athletes have continued the tradition of excellence at the justconcluded Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) National Short Course Championships held at the National Aquatic Centre. The Meet saw several of the club’s swimmers registering top times in their respective age groups while numerous Personal Best Times were also set over the four day competition (Nov. 15-18). Among the top performers was Daniel Scott in the Boys 15-17 age group who, apart from winning all ten (10) of his events, also set age group Top Times in the 400m and 800m freestyle lowering the times set by Hannibal Gaskin of 4:23.67 and 9:21.44 to 4:23.28 and 9:14.22. Scott also lowered the previous Top Time held by
Henk Lowe in the 1500m freestyle from 19:10.01 to 18:10.65 and ended the championship on a strong note on the final day by lowering Ronaldo Rodrigues’ 400m Individual Medley (IM) time of 5:27.88 to 5:14.39.The 1112 age group saw DSSC’s swimmers taking an almost complete stranglehold on the top spot for all the Boys events with exception coming in the 50m Breaststroke which was won by Nathan Jackson of Orca Swim Club. The boys shared honours with Raekwon Noel taking the titles in the 50m and 100m Backstroke; the 400m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle; the 50m and 100m Butterfly as well as the 200m Individual Medley. Ethan Gonsalves took the titles for the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle; 100m and 200m Breaststroke as well as the 200m Butterfly. Vladimir Woodroffe won the 200m Backstroke with a time of
2:46.89 while Elliot Gonsalves placed second in a time of 2:58.42. For the females, Monique Watson took the titles for the 200m Backstroke (2:45.08); the 200m Butterfly (3:21.22) and the 200m Breaststroke (3:14.34) events. Monique also registered Age Group Top Times with her victories in the 200m Breaststroke and Backstroke events, lowering the previous times set by Athena Gaskin of 3:22.01 and Soroya Simmons of 2:51.48 respectively. Raekwon Noel erased the Boys 11-12 1500m Freestyle To p Ti m e w h i c h w a s previously held by Travis Henry of Dolphin Speed Swim Club of 21:43.64 with a new mark of 19:46.06. The previous mark had stood for 9 years. Noel also registered Top Times in the 50m (31.50) and 100m Backstroke (1:10.00); the 400m (Continued on page 37)
Daniel Scott
Jasmine Allen
Monique Watson
Safiya Foster
Zara Crane
Vladimir Woodroffe
Ethan Gonsalves
Elliot Gonsalves
Donna Carter
Kaieteur News
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Friday November 30, 2018
National Schools’ Track and Field C/ships
Haynes and Rawlins land gold in U-20 200m; Roberts, Skeete win U-18; District 10 leading
Story and photos by Zaheer Mohamed Shane Haynes and Tonya Rawlins proved their worth once again in the sprints as they both grabbed gold medals in the Boys and Girls U20 200m when the National Schools’ Track and Field Championships continued yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Haynes of District 10 Upper Demerara Kwakwani who won the Boys U20 1 0 0 m o n We d n e s d a y, overpowered his rivals once again to take another gold in the 200m while Alwyn Prince of District 4 - East Coast Demerara took the silver and Anthony Griffith of District 11 - North Georgetown claimed silver. Having won the Girls U20 100m on Wednesday, Rawlins of District 3 Essequibo Islands/West Demerara blazed the track to win the 200m ahead of Analissa Redmond of
District 13 - South Georgetown and Leona James of District 10, in that order. Derron Roberts of District 13 added another gold medal to his collection clocking 22.36 seconds to win the Boys U18 200m; he also won the 100m. Gladwin Humphrey of District 5 West Coast Berbice finished second and Daniel Benjamin of District 11, third. Dishana Skeete of District 10 who also won the 100m, sprinted to glory yet again as she crossed the finish line in the Girls U18 200m ahead of Aaliyah Kelman of District 14 - East Bank Demerara and Bika Joseph of District 3, respectively. The 200m Boys U16 was taken by Osrick Pellew of District 4 - East Coast Demerara while Tyndall Wesley of District 11 placed second and Richard Blake of District three, third. Brianna Charles of District 11 took
Attoya Harvey of Essequibo Islands West Demerara comfortably wins the 1500m girls U-14.
Matrim Martin of Rupununi takes gold in the 1500m Boys U-14 race. the top podium spot in the 200m Girls U16 event while Keliza Smith of District 3 took the silver and Princess Browne of District 12 - East Georgetown claimed the
bronze. The 200m Boys U14 was won by David Higgins of District 12; Shaquan Nelson of District 3 took second place and Shane Calistro of
District one North West was third. Odessa France of District 14 won the Girls equivalent while Putrina Sullivan of District 6 Corentyne finished second
and Donna Lowe of District 13 South Georgetown, third. Matthew Gordon of District 5 won the 1500m Boys U16 race in 4 minutes (Continued on page 34)
Kaieteur News
Friday November 30, 2018
PAGE 41
DMW Hockey Festival
GCC Vintage and GBTI maintain perfect record; T&T clubs make first appearances By Calvin Chapman Day two of the Diamond Mineral Water (DMW) International Hockey Festival saw some of the visiting clubs from Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) taking to the plastic-tile court at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) for the first time while the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) hockey teams of Vintage (Over-35) and GBTI (women) maintained their 100% record after winning their second consecutive matches. Yesterday’s opening game was an Over-35 Veteran’s clash in which Old Fort defeated T&T’s Carib Hockey Club 4-0. John Abrahams led his side with a
continued in this five-day tournament after losing to Old Fort 3-1 on the opening night, they went down 0-5 to GBTI GCC last night. GCC’s skipper Sonia Jardine and striker Gabriella Jardine both netted braces while current Sportswoman of the Year, Marzana Fiedtkou, added the fifth. Alan Fernandes bagged a hat-trick in Vintage’s second Veteran’s group win where they got past Antonio’s Hickers 6-0. National Female Coach Dwayne Scott proved that he can both do the practical and theoretical with a brace in the win, Kevin Spencer added the sixth. T&T’s Venture Hockey
Magnolia's goal scorer Chelsea Dey (right) being pressed by Saints' Tekeisha DeLeon
hat-trick while Dwain Chan scored the other goal during the rout. The Shandy Carib sponsored Magnolia avenged the twin-island republic loss with a sound 61 thrashing of Saints Hockey Club (SHC). Savannah Defreitas netted a hat-trick for Magnolia while her teammates Britney Hingh, Chelsea Dey and Shaniah DeFreitas scored one goal each. Reigning national champions, Woodpecker Hikers women, dismal form
GGC’s Vinatge Alan Fernandes who scored a brace in the team’s Over-35 division 6-0 win over Antonio’s Hickers last night.
Club came from a goal down to defeat Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) 4-1. After going up early in the first half through Romichelle Brummel, OFHC defended resolutely with keeper Julia Gouviea pulling off some fantastic saves to keep the score at 1-0 at half-time. However, Old Fort banged in four unanswered goals through Kristin Thompson with a brace, Amanda George and Jade Piper. In the Open Men’s division, Bounty GCC found success second time round
after buckling to Hikers 5-4 in their opening clash on Wednesday. Last evening, they needled the youthful unit of SHC through a Kareem MacKenzie field goal in the 10th minute. The tournament continues today and tomorrow with more round-robin matches; the semifinals and final are set for Sunday at the same venue.
Bounty GCC's hero Kareem McKenzie who scored the lone goal during their win over Saints being pressed by Oshazay Savoury (right) on the touchline at CASH last night
t r o Sp National Schools’ Track and Field C/ships
Shane Haynes (1048) adds to his collection of medals as he crosses the finish line in 200m Boys 20 ahead of Alwyn Prince (456) and Anthony Griffith (1160).
Tonya Rawlins (362) proved too much for her rivals as she takes gold in the 200m girls U20.
Haynes and Rawlins land gold in U-20 200m; Roberts, Skeetewin U-18; District 10 leading
T&T, Brazil and Suriname among eight teams to battle for $1.2M At yesterday’s launch from left, Aubrey Shangi, ExxomMobil’s Nicolas Haywood, Sports Minister Dr Geoege Norton, GFF President Wayne Forde and Director of competitions Ian Alves.
- International Fustal Festival launched by GFF Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.