Friday November 16, 2018
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Kaieteur News
MAKING A MOCKERY OF OUR CONSTITUTIONAL LAW DEAR EDITOR, In the good Book it is written: “No one can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). With his pantomime with politics, it is that biblical injunction that Anil Nandlall (in his quandary of serving two masters – the law and politics) ignores to his embarrassment. With obdurate incredulity, he makes a mockery of our constitutional law. He writes that “the Minister’s takeover of the Berbice Bridge is wholly unconstitutional” (KN, Sunday November 11 “This entire episode is a staged artifice designed to excite political sympathies”. SN Sunday November 11 “I maintain Minister’s takeover of bridge is wholly unconstitutional and an artifice”). He is wrong. Counsel’s understanding of article 142 is extravagant nonsense, seemingly induced by his obsession to be politically
correct, convenient or expedient. FIRST, even as one recognizes the rule of generous interpretation, article 142 of our Constitution does not end with the words”: “… payment of prompt compensation.” Relevantly, there is the rest of article 142 that Counsel appears to have completely ignored or disregarded, in his loyalty to “politics”. Relevantly, article 142(2) provides: “Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of the preceding Paragraph” – {i.e. paragraph 142 (1) which ends with the above quoted words – “ prompt payment of compensation”]” (a) to the extent that the law in question makes provision for the taking of possession or acquisition of any property – (iii) as an INCIDENT of a … CONTRACT, grant, permission, or licence;”. And article 142(3)(iii) rel-
We pray for our President to get better DEAR EDITOR, The Private Sector Commission is deeply saddened by the news that His Excellency President David Granger has been diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s lymphoma. We are, however, confident that given his fighting spirit, and the infinite care of his doctors, he will recover fully. President Granger is not just the leader of Guyana, he is also as human as any of us. We pray for our President to get better and for the affairs of the State to return to normal. The Executive and
Membership of the Private Sector Commission express the hope that President Granger will be speedily restored to good health, and that God will bring him back to us safe and sound so that he will be strong enough to continue the leadership of our country.We also extend our good wishes to the First Lady and the rest of his family and pray for fortitude and strength for them. We are hoping that he will be back with us in time to share in the festivities of the Christmas season. The Private Sector Commission
evantly provides thus: “Nothing in this article” [i.e. article 142 as a whole] “shall be construed as affecting the making or operation of any law – (iii) for the compulsory taking of possession in the PUBLIC INTEREST of any property or… any interest in or right over property where that property, interest or right is held by a BODY CORPORATE established directly by law for public purposes in which moneys provided by parliament… HAVE BEEN INVESTED”. It is an unarguable fact that the BBCI was established (i.e. incorporated under the provisions of the companies Act, Cap 89:01) for the construction and operation of the Berbice River Bridge (BRB) for the public purpose of providing public transportation facility on a commercial basis; and that moneys provided by Parliament have been invested (Government part equity financing; and N.I.S over time has been the recipient of money provided from the Consolidated Fund) in its construction. So, invoking and applying article 142(3)(iii), the making and operation of the Minster’s takeover Order, cannot, in the events which have happened in this matter, be unconstitutional. The making and operation of that Order fails squarely within article 142(3)(iii). Nandlall’s arguments completely ignore this “constitutional truth”. Turning to article 142(2)(a)(iii). Is there “any law”, “law in question” as a
fact? Yes – the Berbice River Bridge Act, Cap. 51:06. (BRBA). Does the BRBA (given its presumption of constitutionality) “makes provision for the taking of possession or the acquisition of any property”? yes – section 11. Is there as a fact some relevant contract between the Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI)? Yes – this is an undisputed fact (the “Concession Agreement”). Is the taking of control of the operations on the Berbice River Bridge (BRB) an “incident” of that contract within the purview of article 142(2)(a)(iii)? I submit yes. Taking “possession” (assuming without conceding that the function of maintain and control operations of the BRB is “property”) by exercising BBCI’s functions of maintenance and control over the BRB is [quite apart from a statutory right and duty performed by order made under section 11 of BRBA], also a legal consequence that flows from the very fact that government is a party to that contract and there are certain obvious constitutional responsibilities and duties which inheres in any Government (which our constitutional law or jurisprudence embraces) to take Executive action (preemptive or ex post facto) as are necessary in the public interest, for public safety, or order, and the “necessities of Government” (AG of Guyana V. Caterpillar Americas Co. (2000) 62 WIR125 - Court of Appeal – Minister’s Order
under the Public Corporations Act, 1988 temporarily depriving the company of its contractual right to moneys due and owed to it by state entity, not unconstitutional). I place heavy reliance on this Caterpillar Americas case. Self evidently, it is for the Government–of–the–day (and not BBCI) to decide the existence of such public interest necessities. And as any student of constitutional law knows, the public interest [in terms of article 142(3)(iii)] is paramount and overrides any private interest or right (such as the nongovernment shareholders in BBCI have). And for the benefit of the layman reader, this is what the phrase “incident of a contract” in terms of article 142(2)(a)(iii) means: it is not an express term of the contract, it is a legal consequence which flows from the existence of the contract; even though neither party may have considered that legal consequence when making the contract. (the learned reader is referred to the analogous case of Ooi Boon Leong V. City Bank NA(1985) LRC (Comm) 336 (PC). This constitutional overriding public interest right, where Government is a party to a contract, is well established by decided cases such as Commissioners of Crown Lands V. Page (1960) 2QD 274
which most probably influenced the draftsman drafting article 142(2)(a)(iii)], and 142(3)(iii). So, the takeover or “seizure” (Nandlall’s word) falls squarely within article 142 (2) (a) (iii); and 142(3)(iii) and on this ground alone it is plain that it is not “wholly unconstitutional”. There is nothing that is unconstitutional about the making or the operation of the Gazetted “Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order, 2018 (what Nandlall calls the “compulsory acquisition”, even in spite of its manifest temporary intendment). “Public Safety” is but a variant of “Public interest”. Public Safety is not a homogenous/monolithic constitutional conception. It embraces in its generality, myriad connotations and particularities, amounting to safety considerations. SECOND, the BBCI has no vested, absolute right to increase tolls as it sees/thinks fit; nor does it have some vested right to some MINIMUM toll which is above the present toll it charges. So, in this regard, it can have no property protected by article 142 (1) not to be deprived of the toll increase it desires; nor the contingent/conditional contract right to control operations.This is the crux of (Contiued on page 6)
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Promises, promises…were they kept? DEAR EDITOR, As stated in a previous letter published on 13th November, I wish to further examine the promises of the APNU/AFC Government against their actual performance. The following two promises were made:1. Create a new economy that will stimulate rapid development through Guyana’s transformation from a raw material producer to a Manufacturer of Value Added Goods According to the latest data by the UN, within the first year in office, 2015-16, value added within the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector declined by more than US$67M. In fact, within the manufacturing sector, value added declined by more than US$18M, with wholesale, retail and trade, by another US$5M. At the local level, in 2017, lending to the manufacturing sector contracted by more than $4.2 billion or 14.6%, when compared to 2015. According to the latest available data, in mid-2018 the manufacturing sector contracted by another 5.7% to $26.0 billion. Specifically, credit to the beverages, food and tobacco industry and for other construction and engineering decreased by $2.6 billion (39%) and $1.8 billion (15 %), respectively. The decline, however, is
of grave economic concern given Guyana’s future role as an oil-producing country. According to economic pundits, manufacturing has been proven to be the quintessential escalator for developing countries, given its unmatched capacity to absorb low-skilled workers. In a developing country like Guyana, the development of our manufacturing sector is crucial for us to avoid any negative exogenous shock that accompanies oil prices volatility. 2. Macroeconomic Stability There is no doubt that our economy is quickly receding. Public enterprises, commercial banks, even the Bank of Guyana, are showing signs of great financial difficulties. Overall, according to the 2017 Bank of Guyana annual report, non-performing loans (NPL) from 2014-17 increased from 7% to 13.2%. Specifically, NPL in the business enterprise and household sector increased by more than 58% or $7.1 billion and 65% or $3.1 billion respectively. In the commercial banking sector, return on equity for the six major commercial banks fell from an average of 22.3% in 2014 to 2.9% in 2017. Moreover, in 2018, the debt to GDP ratio is expected to reach 54.2%, the highest in four years. At the central government
level, fiscal deficit increased from $9.3B in 2015 to $34B or 277% in 2017 and is expected to further increase by $9B by the end of 2018, to a total of $43 billion. Moreover, public enterprises moved from producing a surplus of $8B in 2015, to a deficit of $12.8B in of 2017. In 2018, it is anticipated to further increase by another $10 billion, to 22.8 billion. To fund this deficit, central government has become increasingly reliant on domestic credit, thus, in the process outstripping credit to the private sector. From 2013 to 2017, domestic borrowing to help fund budget deficit increased from $11.3 billion to $23 billion, an increase of 110%. Notably, in 2018, this sum is expected to increase by another $11 billion, to $34 billion. As it relates to International Reserves, the Bank of Guyana recorded a decline of US$130 million to US$454 million, the lowest in 10 years. The ramification of such could be detrimental to our economy and even raises scepticism surrounding our 2018 projected import bill of US$1.6 billion. In the coming weeks, I will continue the examination of all the broken manifesto promises. The readers can determine whether the promises were kept and where the Government is with their manifesto. Mohamed Irfaan Ali
How do we spell SECURITY in Guyana? DEAR EDITOR, Quite recently I tried to make an important inquiry from the Ministry of Public Security via their Internet address, only to receive no response. This was a horrible failure. This is a picture of a nation with no sense of emergency and the fullness of the extreme responsibilities to the enlarged economy coming on our heads. There are obviously no emergency management systems, due to the absence of Environmental and Geophysical catastrophic events occurring in other countries. Everything is taken for granted here until we get a rude awakening. A majority of the population have fallen into a false sense of
security that it is now time to sleep on a bed of oil with great riches and others will serve the needs of the Nation.If this oil reality was present in any of these small islands, the world would hear their celebratory noises; not so with Guyanese. We don’t sell ourselves well at all.Lack of understanding of Guyana’s real and true wealth distorts our thinking.Every ministry and Government agency ought to be furnished with no less than six lines for 24-hour contact service. Government must be seriously faulted on this score. I maintain there is nothing wrong in my Great Guyana that the Pen and Pencil can’t fix in the right hands. John De Barros
Friday November 16, 2018
Guyana is ready for change DEAR EDITOR, Economies comprise three major groups: households, firms and government. One of the principal ideas in economics is that of ownership of resources by households. Households own and control all of a country’s resources. They exercise control of natural resources through government. Households own land, capital/money, and the spectrum of businesses, ranging from banks and insurance companies to manufacturing and retail companies, to the small shops on the corner. Households also ‘own,’ or are responsible for their governments. They form governments through the creation of political parties who compete for the seat of government. The governments formed must serve the will of the people by adopting policies which respond to their needs, be it jobs, welfare services, the creation of laws and regulations for new markets, or more
effective government services. When governments and political parties fail, households have to produce other political parties which can deliver government to better serve their needs and address their welfare issues. Households are ultimately responsible for the governments which administer their affairs. They will continue to suffer from bad government until they can produce better. And this I submit is the predicament which confronts Guyanese. We have had in excess of fifty years of bad government by our major political parties. Some smaller parties were even formed, and merged with these major parties to lend credibility to them when the country had suffered enough under one or the other. One conclusion that can be drawn from the voter turnout of the recently concluded local government election is
that Guyanese have had enough of the administration of their affairs of government by those who have managed our affairs over the last fifty years. I have consistently reiterated this point and the recent elections is a clear indication, if any, that we are ready for change. With the next general elections due in the first half of 2020, we have approximately 18 months, billions of dollars in financial resources, land, and all the labour and professional capital at our disposal to produce better government. We have suffered enough. Our children, many of whom are now adults, have suffered enough. It is time for change. A nation that fails to defend its democracy, justifies and consents to the abuses of its government. It is time we put an end to the abuses of our governments of the last fifty years. Respectfully, Craig Sylvester
Making a mockery of our constitutional... From page 5 this matter in its constitutional aspects (about it being some political “artifice” I care not, and expresses no opinion). The BBCI has no right to toll increase but what the Minister permits it (under the BRBA) to charge. Article 142 does not protect such a non vested right or expectation, or hope (The learned reader is referred to the Barbados constitutional case of (Gladwyn) King V. AG (1993) 45 WIR 50 PC). So, even if article 142(1) stood alone (i.e. without article 142(2) and 142(3), Nandlall’s argument would fail. It is perfunctory, unmeritorious and untenable. It is against the weight of case law such as King. THIRD, (here I am merely stirring and not necessarily relying on this ground) the novelty of the issue of pure constitutional law, or mixed fact and law, of whether a co-venture is amenable to allegations of a breach of article 142 by a joint venture party (in this case Government). Can the Government party, in both fact and law, deprive itself of its own property even as a part owner? What is it, in evidential, ascertainable fact that is contractually owned by the BBCI (even as the “concessionaire”) to the exclusion of the Government, and of which the Minister’s Order has deprived BBCI and/or private shareholders? Is not the
“property” (i.e. the BRB and its operations), one and indivisible as among the co-venturers? I consider it is, in any public – private joint venture as the BRB is. (The reader is referred to an interesting and informative letter by Rudolph Singh (KN Friday November 9, 2018 “Battle for the Bridge – the majority wants the Government to win this one”). Let us be unequivocally clear about this: the Minister’s Order does NOT touch or concern shareholding in BBCI, or shareholder’s rights, individually, such as dividend rights etc. I end with this: Nandlall is plainly right when he writes as regards the Minister: “… only he is authorized by law to implement tolls”.
Such statutory authority cannot be, and is not the “property” of BBCI. Nandlall having referred to the Caterpillar Americas case in his letter (albeit just en passant) and that Caterpillar case being decisively and soundly against his arguments, it is nothing but deception of a gullible layman readership, and intellectual dishonesty for Counsel to argue that the “takeover” is “wholly unconstitutional”. Counsel must know that Caterpillar Americas cannot be departed from, or overruled by even the present Court of Appeal. Only the CCJ can overrule Caterpillar Americas. Will it? Yours, Maxwell E. Edwards
Will Lethem see progress? Dear Editor, The people of Lethem have spoken through the Local Government Election 2018.However, my question to the citizens of Lethem is would you see progress continue in the border town of Lethem under the PPP/C-controlled Town Council or will you see slow progress or no progress at all. We will just have to sit and wait. God bless the people of Lethem. Concerned citizen
The AFC and the curse ...
From page 4 councilor by the AFC. This was followed by an unceremonious expulsion. But I persevered and knew that one day the truth would come to light, and it has. Mahatma Gandhi once said that, ‘First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win’. The curse of the ‘fisherman’s wife’ is now complete! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Friday November 16, 2018
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Texas investors propose to establish oil refinery in eighteen months
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team of investors from Texas, USA, yesterday met with important stakeholders from Region Ten in the Regional Development Council boardroom. They are proposing to establish an oil refinery in Linden in the next 18 months. The meeting was initiated by Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, who met with the investors in Texas, recently. “Here we have a team from Texas who with its own oil rig and its own funding, is proposing to set up an oil refinery here. The team was influenced to come to Linden, because two Guyanese in the group said that Linden is the best place!” Morian said that after meeting with the team there was another meeting with the Department of Energy and the issuing of visas for their visit here was fast tracked. He however alluded to statements made during the meeting that he considered an “effrontery” to the people of Linden. “One of the statements according to Morian was ‘This oil belongs to Exxon and why are you coming here to look after oil when the country is going green?’” Morian added that everything that was said to the investors by the individual with links to Exxon, was to discourage investment. “So we have on our hands a real battle, because this is what is being done all over the world. These people come in your country and dominate.” I am calling on us as it relates to the development of this Region, that we have to remain militant and we have to stand together and send a message that this Region is managed by the Chairman and Council with support from the people.”
The Team includes, Quincy Sintin from Ghana. He is a Petroleum Engineer, and CEO of the first African Oil and Gas Company in Ghana,”Lushun Etermit.” There is also Alfred Fafali Adagbedu, CEO of Seaweld Engineering of Ghana and fifteen other countries; and a Marine Engineer and Entrepreneur and Chemical Engineer Solomon Dadebo. Others on the team include Brentnol Mentore and his wife Sherita, a Lindener; and Shirley Sintin, wife of Quincy Sintin. Mr Sintin, reflecting on his initial venture into oil and gas, spoke of how major emphasis was placed on training. “We put together a team of Ghanians and trained them. We started by training different sectors within the industry. “We started with the Chief who brought about 20 persons and said that they had no experience and I said I have a job for them.” With six weeks training, he said that they were ready to work. Sintin said that his team plans to come in (to Linden) and train people in various skills related to the oil and gas sector and to build a refinery. He said that his team is looking for partners to build an industrial Complex in Guyana. According to Sintin, his team of consultants possesses over one hundred years of accumulated experience and is prepared to support and deliver excellent results. Colleague, Alfred Fafali, said that after oil is found the “big boys” come and tell the locals “you don’t know anything and you can’t do anything.” That strategy is used to justify the bringing of expatriate labour, who are paid huge sums of money, even
though locals can do ‘the very basic things’ that they do,” he pointed out. Fafali detailed that the team has done a lot of training in other countries, and posited that a training Center like the one in Ghana will be replicated here. Training in the areas of oil and gas is one of the opportunities that should be accessible to all Guyanese, he added. “In every country you only get what you bargain for, but if you are qualified and you tell them that you can do it, then you’ll be given the opportunity.”Fafali related. Shelly Sintin, wife of CEO
Quincy Sintin declared, “If our people could only understand the wealth that is here in Guyana it will blow your minds!” Mrs Sintin said that being Guyanese, she felt that it was only right to come to her Homeland, and along with her team help fellow citizens, to take advantage of the opportunities that will become available through oil and gas. “The reason we are here is to fight for Linden...We will fight for Linden...I’m here to fight with you Guys. We like to train people. If we are to build a refinery here, it’s not just to run a plant it is to run it well... efficiently!”
RDC Councillor, Gordon Callender, applauded the team for coming to Region Ten, and the Regional Chairman for initiating the visit. Pointing out that Linden possesses a lot of skilled persons, Callender said that there is need for a training school for oil and gas. He expressed the hope that the oil refinery would be established in Linden, Region Ten. Another suggestion was that some of the training for oil and Gas can be done at the Linden Technical Institute. Morian said that that was a very powerful input. CEO Sintin said that his
Company will be willing to partner with the Linden Technical Institute. A Representative of the Board of Directors of the Institution welcomed such an initiative. Regional Chairman Morian opined that Exxon and Team want to dominate oil...”So we have to remain militant. “We all have agreed today that we want to see an oil Refinery in this Region and we will work assiduously to ensure that this happens. Deputy REO, Maylene Stephens, thanked the team for choosing and visiting Linden.
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Public Security Ministry grants contractor project with blank bill of quantities… contract has no liability period or completion date During his review of the Ministry of Public Security’s 2017 expenditure, Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, found that there have been clear breaches of the Public Procurement Act. Sharma highlighted that the Ministry granted a contractor a project in spite of the fact that a blank bill of quantities was submitted and no liability period or completion date was provided. In giving an account of this issue, Sharma noted that the Ministerial Tender Board awarded a contract for the tiling of dormitories at Timehri Prison in the sum of $3.254M. The contract was signed on October 31, 2017. However, the start date, completion date and defects liability period were not stated. In spite of this, the sum of $3.189M was paid to the contractor. Physical verification of the works revealed that the contractor was also overpaid the sum of $212,875. The Auditor General also expressed disappointment that the contractor was awarded the project even though he submitted a blank bill of quantities, instead of the priced contractors bid;
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma and b) the contract duration was not stated in the Special Condition of Contract (SCC). Further, it was discovered that the actual works completed, according to the payment valuation, is different from the blank bill of quantity which was in the contract document. Sharma noted too that no variations to change the scope of the works were noted in the documents exam-
ined. In response to the aforementioned, the Public Security Ministry said that there were no variations. However, the Ministry said that efforts are being made by the Ministry to locate the “right” Bill of Quantity. The Auditor General still recommended that the Ministry take steps to immediately recover the overpayment and put systems in place to prevent recurrence
Friday November 16, 2018
Delegation heads to UK on Greenheart import ban
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Ministry of Natu ral Resources high-level delegation led by Minister Raphael Trotman will be travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) from November 19 to facilitate discussions on the complete lifting of the procurement ban on greenheart from Guyana to the UK. The delegation will include Guyana Forestry Commission’s (GFC) Board Chairman, Jocelyn Dow, European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU-FLEGT) Secretariat Head, Kenny David and GFC Deputy Commissioner, Gavin Agard among others, The ban which was introduced by the Environmental Agency (EA) in the UK in 2015 claimed that proof of sustainable sourcing of the forest product was inadequate; this has since resulted in a drastic decrease in export of the product to the UK. Also, it has also seen several concerns being raised from members of the Forest Producers Association and the public noting that the banned product is vital to Guyana’s history and economy and the long-term effect of the ban can be damaging to Guyana’s export of greenheart as well as its credibility internationally. Greenheart represents over 18 percent of Guyana’s logging industry production,
Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman of which timber is a major export earner, thus, it was agreed that the Government of Guyana will engage talks at the diplomatic level, among other things to ensure this is sorted. Yesterday, the Ministry of Natural Resources said that Guyana’s systems of monitoring and verification to ensure logging is done in a sustainable and legal manner and has been tested and proven overtime; particularly, through its agreement with the Kingdom of Norway. A missive from the Ministry noted that in December 2016, after being advised that a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification was awarded to Iwokrama, the EA relaxed the ban on greenheart. “This meant that the UK began to accept Category A FSC 100% Greenheart only from Iwokrama but continued to refuse Category B timber.” Further, the Ministry of Natural Resources stated that
in 2017, the UK agreed to reopen dialogue. “Guyana sees this opening as an opportunity to fully ventilate the issue and Guyana’s position with regards to the UK and make a case for completely lifting the ban on greenheart imports. Guyana will therefore take advantage of the opportunity for dialogue toward the resolution of the matter to restart the smooth export of Greenheart to the UK and strengthen the relationship between Guyana and the UK,” the Ministry stated. The Ministry said that it believes that Guyana has met and maintained all international standards and criteria for the production and export of timber products of all species. “This again is evidenced by the successful implementation of the Partnership Agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, and by the successful conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union, under the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade regime, which is to be signed in on 23rd November 2018 in Brussels, Belgium.” The Natural Resource Ministry said that while in the UK, the delegation will deliver a presentation in support of Guyana’s case for lifting of the ban and hold discussions with senior officials in the UK regarding lifting of the ban on greenheart imports from Guyana. It is anticipated that the discussions will be fruitful and rewarding. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing support for the delegation.
Friday November 16, 2018
Back in the day when you passed your school-leaving examinations, you could count on becoming a good clerk with one of the small companies they had around… that is if you knew somebody inside. For back in the day, it did not matter whether you pass or you failed the school leaving, you catching your tail unless you knew somebody who was either somebody or knew somebody that could get you a good job. They had some fellows who used to have things easy. They weren’t rich but they came from the right family, the sort of family that knew people who could open doors, narrow as they were. Some of these same fellows became big ones but not on merit because when they see bright boys who used to cut dem tail in school, they turn away because they know that them bright boys deserve the job that the fellows have and they deserve to be scrounging like so many others. But so is life eh! Some men become real big because they born into the right connections. Some poor guys study hard and found that whatever doors were opened for them, they had to push first with their knees. Many poor people used this as the excuse. They say that how the system against them. How the system discriminate against them. They claim how they fail school leaving because the system did not want them to go and get clerk work. But when it comes to exam, the system fair. They did fail. They shame fuh admit it but good as they were, they were not good enough. They fail and since they did not have the right connections, they had to start from scratch. Some of them end up at scratch. After a while they forgot their dreams. They forget they did want to become a clerk in Bookers or the civil service. They decide to settle wherever they were, hoping that the boss man remember them at Christmas and when
they get old, that the company gun pay them a pension on which they can pass their remaining days. They didn’t cater for something called inflation and nationalization. When the nationalization thing started, dem boss man decided that it was time to begin to ship out their money. They kept the company going, hoping that the nationalization thing would pass, but they kept shipping out their money. They send dem pickney outside too and meantime, the poor man find that things getting harder and harder. Instead of waiting for pension, the poor fellow trying to figure out whether he gun live to ninety because the way the inflation going he gun have to work all he life because he can’t even afford to pay for the coffin. The poor man sitting down pining away hoping that business gun pick up so that the boss man don’t have to send he home. But things didn’t pick up. Things start to go down… and fast too. Meantime the boss man has one foot in and one foot out. He is living in two countries, six months outside and six months inside. At least when he comes back, he does bring a tin a sardine, which the poor man had to hide to eat. It was when he sat for all those hours doing nothing waiting for things to get better then he does wonder about the school-leaving certificate and why he did not pass. Up to then he still saying they cheat him that he make the grade and if they did not rob he and all dem other boys, he would have big job like them middle class boys who used to play all day and ended up in good jobs and driving Holden motor cars. Some of he friends encourage he to try he hand at porkknocking. They say it have good money. When he see dem boys they always have money and spending it too on liquor and women. But that sort of life was not for him. He wanted to work in office. He settle for the storage bond but perhaps
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one day his children will not have to do like he did. Only thing is that now the examinations change. Is no longer school leaving. It has another name, and some of these children writing four-
teen and fifteen subjects. They don’t need dem big jobs that they can get with dem certificate but it is dem who will get it. Not he pickney. This time is not the exam that cheating.
Is the system. The more you try the harder it gets. Good thing he hold on to his two cents work. It still better than nothing which is what he had most of his life!
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Friday November 16, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
AFC and the LGE results: Death at a funeral I would say three momentous episodes were poised to enable this country to have a stable, optimistic future with a place in the sun for all citizens, their children and the next generation. They are - the Rodney phenomenon to check immediate post-colonial authoritarian directions; the arrival of Cheddi Jagan and his tried and tested PPP into power in 1992 and the remarkable embrace the AFC got from the population from 2006 onwards. All three ended up as horrible, tragic failures. It would take a lengthy manuscript to analyze the failure of each. Here are tiny notes on the sordid transformation of a party that brought hope and ended up in the politics of degeneration as the 2018 LGE testifies to. Can we have an-
other Rodney ambience and another AFC styled entity? The answer is yes. History is a stream that dictates its own flow. Zeitgeists come and go and sometimes they return. The question is how long before another Rodney comes, how long before the birth of another type of AFC. There can be a plausible prediction but it is based on the situation on the ground. For example, the scenario prevailing in the US does not lend to the emergence of another Obama or a sweeping victory for the Democrats. In Guyana, reactionary, backward politics has entrenched itself that dwarfs the contents of the Burnham and Jagan governments. I have lived through the reign of both men and I was inflexible on my rejection of the nature
of Burnham’s rule and on Jagan’s visionless perspectives but what I see in Guyana after the fall of the Jagdeo/Ramotar hegemony desponds me immensely. I contend that the Burnham and Jagan administrations were discernibly less insensitive to the reckless and banal use of power we see in post 2015 Guyana. I spent 26 consecutive years at UG fighting to make it a better place and if anyone would have said to me that after the fall of the two PPP regimes (Jagdeo and Ramotar), UG would have a more authoritarian culture I would have shouted them down. Everywhere you look in Guyana, you see the faces of resignation and pessimism. The joy of a post 2015 future has died. Oil or no oil unless
we get visionary, transformative leadership, this tragic land will not see the exit sign on the cemetery gate. The AFC is just another manifestation of the birth and death of hope. The statistics of Monday’s LGE results tell a huge story of a dream that went badly astray. Not since Rodney had the nation witnessed a chance to confront and remove racist suspicion, racial animosity and racial fear with the birth of the AFC. I was part of those circumstances. I was there to see the electrifying moments the AFC brought to Guyana. The tired minds, burdened with the permanent presence of the PPP and PNC, were unburdened. The young, too young to see and know what the PPP and PNC did, didn’t want to know. They just accepted that there was a third party that wasn’t exclusively for Indians and Africans in this country. The AFC went from
strength to strength then straight into power. Then the Faustian journey began. The mileage dissolved the optimism of the citizenry. The Rodney phenomenon died because immediate post-colonial Guyana was too complicated for both Rodney and Burnham to understand. The Cheddi Jagan arrival was indeed enigmatic. He meant so much to a nation that knew him for so long but he succumbed to Guyana’s curse – the race monster.The AFC superstar performance crashed because they succumbed to civilization’s most potent poison – the power brew that enticed Macbeth. This article would not be complete if some brief LGE 2018 statistics are not given to show the extent of the impact with which the AFC’s plane crash landed in the bowels of the Atlantic Ocean. Of 14,886 valid votes cast in Region Five, the AFC got 270. That is 1.8 percent. Of 261 seats contested in 18 NDCs
Frederick Kissoon and three municipalities in Region Six, the AFC got one solitary seat. Of the 38 Local Government Authorities the AFC contested (out of 88 in the entire country), the AFC did not win one. Disgracefully, it did not even come in second in any of those 38 contests. In the birthplace of the Prime Minister in Whim in Region Six, the AFC secured a mere ten percent of the votes. The story for the AFC is the same all over Guyana. The AFC did not get even one seat in the Lethem municipality. The AFC came and went.
DEM BOYS SEH
Jagdeo wait till Soulja Bai sick to file no-confidence motion Is one week now since de Fly Jamaica plane mek a crash landing but de people still talking. Dem talking bout dem firemen who rob dem and some of dem talking bout de crash itself. Dem boys seh Guyana does hardly mek international news. In some countries when people talk bout Guyana some who listening does seh Ghana. But thanks to de firemen nobody ain’t gun mek that mistake again. In fact, de only time Guyana get so much attention was when Jim Jones kill out he whole posse of 918. One of de Fly Jamaica passenger reach back in Canada and when he talk to some people everybody seh dem would never land in Guyana on a plane. One man seh he gun fly to Suriname then cross backtrack to Guyana because he frighten he gun lose he baggage again. But most people seh dem would come to Guyana by boat because if anything, dem luggage gun float. Dem ain’t got to worry bout firemen. Dem ain’t got to worry bout some odda things. De local government elections done; de people vote. Now Jagdeo
want to vote again. He tell dem boys that after Donald serve three years de opposition try to move a vote of no confidence. Soulja Bai done three years suh is time to move a vote of no confidence. He forget de opposition had de majority; he don’t have de majority but he don’t care. Dem boys seh he had to wait till Soulja Bai sick to mek such a move. That is like stabbing a man in he back and Jagdeo got de nerve to tell people that dem got to debate he no-confidence motion before month end.All like how de Integrity Commission carrying de Speaker and some MPs to court, Jagdeo got to find somebody who gun table he motion. De Speaker done vex. He seh he would like to see Jagdeo assets. Is not he alone. Dem boys want to see if Jagdeo declare de Chandelier that worth US$500,000 and de properties he got in Queenstown. Irfaat is anodda one. In five years he get seven property, two alone in Queenstown and a beach house. Dem boys gun talk about that next time. Talk half and pray Soulja Bai come back quick.
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Friday November 16, 2018
Audited Financial Statements of 65 NDCs, Immigration officers engaged 215 Amerindian Village Councils, evade in C-TIP training Parliamentary oversight -Goolsarran The staff of the Department of Citizenship nature of the crime while pointing out to them Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, is of the view that the audited financial statements of the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the 215 Amerindian Village Councils and the several foreignfunded projects should be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny. He said that this is necessary since most of these entities are significantly in arrears in terms of financial reporting and audit. Some do not even have audited financial statements since they were established. Goolsarran believes that this is an issue which needs to be resolved quickly by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Goolsarran also explained that the reason these financial statements are not covered in the Auditor General’s Report for 2017, as in previous reports, is due to the fact that the Auditor General’s main report only covers Ministries, Departments, and Regions. He said that the six municipalities, the 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, the 215 Amerindian Village Councils as well as the several foreign-funded projects are required to have separate financial reporting and audit. He said that this is because these entities are governed by separate legislation, such as the Public Corporations Act, the Companies Act, Municipal and District Councils’ Act, the Local Government Act and the Amerindian Act. Goolsarran said, “Statutory bodies, such as the Bank of Guyana and the Guyana Revenue Authority, also have their own legislation. Foreignfunded projects are, however,
Chartered Accountant and former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran the subject of separate agreements with the Government. “Given that the mandate of the Auditor General relates to the public accounts in their entirety, in principle, the audited accounts of these other entities should also be laid in the Assembly and referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for detailed examination.” The Chartered Accountant went further to point out that Article 223 of the Constitution defines the public accounts to include the accounts of all central and local government bodies and entities; all bodies and entities in which the State has a controlling interest; and all projects funded by way of loans and grants by a foreign State or organization. He said, too, that Central and local government bodies include Ministries, Departments, and Regions as well as the municipalities, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), and district
and village councils. Goolsarran said that entities in which controlling interest is vested in the State include public corporations, government companies, and statutory bodies, while foreign-funded projects are those funded by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank, among others. Goolsarran added that the Auditor General is in effect the external auditor of the entire public sector. Given the enormity of his mandate, the Chartered Accountant pointed out that there is provision for the engagement of Chartered Accountants in public practice to audit on the Auditor General’s behalf and under his supervision, any of the accounts referred to above. Goolsarran said that it has been the practice for the audits of public enterprises to be contracted out to Chartered Accountants because of their greater expertise in commercial-type audits.
Guyana/EU to sign historic ... (From page 3) Implementation Phase will be coordinated by the NIWG. The Implementation Phase can take between three to five years with an estimated cost of US $30M. Initial approaches have been made to the Kingdom of Norway, UK-Department for International Development Food and Agriculture Organization to provide funding. The VPA is the bilateral trade agreement
between the EU and Guyana that expresses that exports of forest products as defined under the Agreement, meet the forest legality standards as jointly agreed to between the EU and Guyana. This forms part of an accreditation scheme that give buyers of forest products from Guyana, the assurance that timber products have complied with the forest legality standards set in the agreement.
and Immigration, and Immigration Officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have completed training in Countering of Trafficking In Persons. This was made possible by the Ministry of Social Protection. This exercise sought to ensure that the officers are equipped to effectively identify any case of TIP.According to the organisers, these categories of public sector employees were targeted since the nature of their jobs may cause them to interface with persons being trafficked or those who may have been trafficked.Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, and Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, DSM, DSS urged the trainees to be prepared to deal with the prevalence of Trafficking in Persons in Guyana.Minister Felix further encouraged that persons in Guyana become informed, so as to avoid the eventualities of being trafficked since it is an international crime.“I gave (those being trained) an example of young ladies who were deceived about a trip to a Caribbean territory and shortly after ended up being trafficked. I identified to them the importance of understanding the
that this training…. will assist them to develop their reading and understanding of the components of trafficking in persons,” the Minister explained.The Commissioner of Police also added that the training exercise offered by the Ministry of Social Protection is timely as it engages immigration and other ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to be on the alert in identifying and dealing with persons who are being trafficked.The Commissioner said he informed the participants that “[the training] is in keeping with the United States protocols to which Guyana is a signatory, to deal with what is referred to as the scourge of the earth - Trafficking in Persons. It is an important training exercise for them to fully understand the situation and I also encouraged them to do more research.”This training hosted by the Social Protection Ministry is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that concerned stakeholders are continually oriented on the issue of TIP. The Ministry of Social Protection has been intensifying efforts to bring awareness to the general public on what should be known about Trafficking in Persons in Guyana. (DPI)
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Friday November 16, 2018
GBTI contempt trial....
Court rules content of affidavit not admissible
Richard Isava and Edward A. Beharry
W
eeks after law yers for top ranking officials at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) who are charged with contempt over failing to hand over certain documents to the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) mounted a challenge to the contents of affidavit, the court yesterday ruled that the content of the
affidavit is not admissible. The case involves Chairman, Robin Stoby S.C; and Directors, Edward A. Beharry, Suresh Beharry, Richard Isava, Carlton James and Basil Mahadeo, along with Chief Executive Officer (ag) Shaleeza Shaw and Kathryn Eytle-McLean. They all denied the charge, which alleged that on September 7, 2017 at
from left Suresh Beharry, Carlton James, Shaleeza Shaw, Robin Stoby and Basil Mahadeo Georgetown, they failed to comply with production order granted by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, for them to produce certain documents to head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Sydney James. The order was made on August 29, 2017. Yesterday when the matter was called, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in ruling in relation to the no-case sub-
mission made by the defence in relation to a voir dire (trial within a trial) told the court that after going through the evidence of Ramesh Persaud, a Commissioner of Oath to Affidavit attached to the Law Chamber of Senior Counsel Luckhoo, she is of the opinion that the witness’s testimony lacks certain key information. She added that while the witness testified to putting his signature on the affidavit, he failed to identify the person who swore to the affidavit. Hence the Magistrate told the court that she found in-
sufficient evidence. She then told the court that she will not call on the defendants to lead a defence in the voir dire; hence she dismissed the voir dire. On the last court hearing lawyers for the banking officials had requested the Magistrate conduct a voir dire to determine the voluntariness of the affidavit which was made out by Persaud. After the Magistrate’s ruling yesterday, SOCU forensic analyst, Special S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Sherronne James concluded giving evidence in the matter, hence Prosecutor Patrice Henry closed its case. The matter will continued on December 4 when the defence is expected to make no-case submission on their client’s behalf.
SOCU, as part of a probe into US$500M that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) handled as far back as 2010, submitted files to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommending contempt charges against GBTI’s eight directors. This was after the bank and SOCU were locked in a battle over information concerning the GRDB accounts. SOCU is contending that the bank failed or stalled handing over certain banking records concerning GRDB. SOCU, an arm of the Guyana Police Force, also said that the bank gave all kinds of excuses, and even destroyed pertinent records relating to GRDB. SOCU reportedly argued that other banks complied, but it was finding it hard with GBTI. SOCU received four court orders, including one from the high court, asking that GBTI hand over the information. Late August last year, the acting Chief Justice Roxane George granted production orders to SOCU, giving the bank a week to hand over certain information. That deadline expired in early September 2017 and the bank was reportedly granted some extra time. However, the deadline elapsed and SOCU prepared files recommending the charges of contempt against the directors. Under tough antimoney laundering laws, once the court orders are granted, financial institutions are reportedly bound to provide information. In this case, the money is not from private accounts, but rather from the US-dollar and other accounts of GRDB, a state entity.
Friday November 16, 2018
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Outpouring of sentiments as nation assured President is recovering well Even as President David Granger remains in Cuba recovering from NonHodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer, he has been receiving many get well wishes from far and near. Among the most recent are from the parliamentary opposition, the People’s Progressive Party [PPP]. In a statement issued yesterday the PPP said that it joins the rest of the country in wishing President David Granger a speedy recovery and safe return to the shores of Guyana. The party in its statement, however, said that, “The nation is comforted by the government’s assurance that the President will make a full recovery” and added, “During this period, the PPP offers words of prayer and comfort to his family and loved ones.” Sharing similar sentiments is the Alliance for Change [AFC] faction of government which is hopeful the President will make “a full and complete recovery”. In a statement too, the AFC said that it is concerned to have learnt of the President’s diagnosis but is yet pleased that he is receiving medical treatment and is in good spirits. “All Guyanese are aware that President Granger is a man of immense faith and fortitude and the AFC is confident that he will successfully overcome this hurdle and return to his duties as Head of
State in due course.” The party said it is committed to holding “His Excellency, First Lady Sandra Granger, and their relatives in prayer at this challenging time.” AFC’s elder statesman, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, is performing the duties of President during this period and all Guyana and the AFC has assured that the nation will see nothing less than stability and continued astute leadership. “The AFC looks forward to President Granger’s early return to Guyana and the resumption of his duties as Head of State,” the party added. The Private Sector Commission [PSC] has claimed to be deeply saddened by the news of the president’s ailment. Moreover the PSC said that its Executive and Membership are optimistic that President Granger will be speedily restored to good health, and that “God will bring him back to us safe and sound so that he will be strong enough to continue the leadership of our country.” The PSC continued, “We also extend our good wishes to the First Lady and the rest of his family and pray for fortitude and strength for them... We are, however, confident that given his fighting spirit, and the infinite care of his doctors, he will recover fully.”
Pointing out, too, that President Granger is not just the leader of Guyana but also a human as any of us, the PSC said “We pray for our President to get better and for the affairs of the State to return to normal. We are hoping that he will be back with us in time to share in the festivities of the Christmas season.” Just Wednesday the nation learnt that the President, who travelled to Cuba last month to undergo medical tests, was recovering well from his ailment. His diagnosis came on the heels of a series of tests conducted at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas [CIMEQ] on Thursday, November 1, where he underwent a surgical procedure. According to Guyana Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, on Tuesday, November 6, the President was discharged from CIMEQ and returned to his official accommodation in Cuba. However, medical personnel on Wednesday started a second phase of treatment and, according to Majeed, “he is likely to be placed in CIMEQ for a short period of two to three days.” The President, he said, has been working and resting in accordance with the advice he has been receiving from his doctors and “is in fine form and a good frame of mind. He is expected to fully recover
AG report highlights deficiencies in record-keeping of Public Health Ministry The Ministry of Public Health continues to be in breach of the regulations of proper record keeping of drugs and other supplies. The Audit Office found that the Ministry failed to keep and maintain a master inventory to document all its assets in keeping with Section 24 of the Stores Regulation. Additionally, the audit report of 2017 specifically highlighted gaps in the information provided in relation to the distribution of medical supplies in the ten administrative regions. As such, the Audit Office was unable to verify that the value of drugs sent to the various regions. According to Auditor General Deodat Sharma, 14 warrants or requests for drugs, were sent to the Public Health Ministry by the regions to procure drugs and medical supplies. The total value of these warrants was $1.7 billion. Drugs and medical supplies were reportedly received by the regions. However, there was no documentation accompanying the medical
Auditor General Deodat Sharma
Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence
supplies received, and the value of the units. As a consequence, the Auditor General noted that he was unable to account for the cost of medical supplies received by the 10 administrative regions. “The difference of $42 million was retained in the Consolidated Fund, which included 51 per cent of the warranted amounts for Region Seven and 46 per cent for Re-
gion Eight. In addition, the Ministry issued financial returns indicating that it expended the full amounts from seven of the 10 regions, which include Regions Two, Three and Nine,” the Auditor General report stated. “However, shown in the Appropriation Accounts were three cheques totalling $144 million that was refunded to the Consolidated Fund in (Continued on page 31)
under the supervision of his doctors.” Already the President has expressed gratitude to Guyanese in homeland and in the Diaspora, to the various Prime Ministers and Presidents, to the CARICOM Diplomatic Caucus in Cuba, to his friends and colleagues, and all those who sent their best wishes for his full and complete recovery – and his speedy return to Guyana. Above all, the President has publicly thanked His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Cuba, the Government of Cuba, and the medical staff of CIMEQ for the special care and attention which he has received and, indeed, for the excellent facilities in which he is being accommodated.
First Couple: David and Sandra Granger.
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Friday November 16, 2018
Key areas must be fine-tuned if sugar is to remain viable – officials hear at meeting Currently only four CARICOM countries have active sugar industries. These are Jamaica, Belize, Barbados and Guyana. But it is imperative that Governments must be able to recognize the importance of these sugar industries to the development of CARICOM countries. This notion was yesterday amplified during a meeting held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture. The meeting was facilitated by a two-member team of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean [SAC]. The team, which was led by Director of SAC for Belize, Mr. John McLachlan, presented a report titled, “CSME market for white sugar: the need for regional integration and reform.” McLachlan was accompanied by Associate Director of Czarnikow Group Ltd, Mr. John Ireland. The presentation, which was delivered to the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation [GuySuCo] and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture respectively, addressed a number of key areas which need to be fine-tuned at the governmental levels, if sugar is to remain viable. During his presentation, McLachlan spoke of the work being undertaken by the Association in an attempt to correct market imbalances which currently exist. He added that for sugar to remain competitive there is need for strong
Officials at yesterday’s meeting. regional integration and reform of sugar industries. “It is a critical time for sugar in CARICOM...there remain significant challenges confronting the industry, which in our view can become viable, if the necessary issues are addressed at the political level, so that sugar production can find a place in the market,” he noted. Of main importance, SAC has suggested to CARICOM that the Common External Tariffs be re-examined and be amended to impose a 40 percent tax on beet-sugar coming into the CARICOM market. The aim is to have Caribbean sugar sold in Caribbean markets. Among the issues discussed too were: the global market challenges, European Union [EU] market changes,
traditional reliance on the EU, alternative markets for CARICOM and impacts on sugar production and industrial producers. While global demand for sugar increases two percent annually fuelled by population growth, it continues to fall in the EU. According to the SAC Director, total production currently exceeds demands in the region, something which needs to be urgently addressed. He said that although the Association has been doing much in terms of research, the reality is that sugar production will remain low unless governments intervene with significant financial support. “Another area of focus is the impact the industry has on industrial producers
Guyana gets 104 trained technology coaches The STEMGuyana team recently produced 104 trained technology club coaches in October. In collaboration with the First Lady Sandra Granger and other supporting leaders, the time thus far that STEMGuyana has been operational in Guyana, they have been able to reach out to many youths especially in the aspect of Maths. These trained coaches would have repre-
sented private schools, community organizations and the Department of Youth. They will go on to create clubs in their communities and prepare the youths to contend in the technology world which is soon to come. STEMGuyana aims to prepare young people to use their creativity, brilliance and innovative spirits to create technology solutions for problems in their communities and country at large.
Five years jail for child rapist A No 30 Village West Coast Berbice man will have to spend the next five years in jail after he was found guilty on a charge of sexual activity with a child. The man, Kemton Samuels, 57, who told the court that he was a miner, is accused of having sexual activity of a child under 12 years old on March 14, 2018. He appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver in the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court where he was found guilty. He was represented by attorney at law Horatio Edmonson. Woman Police Corporal Racquel Mars appeared for the state. According to facts of the case the man and the child are known to each other. The man’s yard is one people would use to get further in the village. On the day in question
the child was sent on an errand when the man first made sexual advances towards her. On her way back home he succeeded in grabbing and fondling her. He covered her mouth, squeezed her neck and forced her into a compromising position. However, his efforts to have sex with her failed as she managed to escape. As she was escaping he offered her a sum of money which she refused. She ran and told her guardian what took place. The matter was reported and the man was arrested and charged. His attorney, Edmonson, in a plea of mitigation asked for a nonsense custodian sentence. Magistrate Weaver however said the court has to send a strong message, take into consideration the age of the defendant and the victim.
which will continue to increase and I urge the political decision makers to fine-tune this,” McLachlan said. The ‘CSME market for white sugar’ report was presented to The Council for Trade and Economic Development [COTED] and major sugar importing companies in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy by SAC. However, the next step will be to present a position pa-
per to COTED which will show how countries can even look at pricing in the long run, after which there will be a presentation on the finding and key outcomes at the next Heads of Government meeting. Yesterday’s presentation was welcomed by Agriculture Ministry, Noel Holder, who echoed similar sentiments, as he stressed the importance of the sugar industry which is
dependent on the political decision makers’ need to buyin. Also representing Government yesterday were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Delma Nedd; Chairman of the Board of Directors, GuySuCo, Mr. John Dow; Chief Executive Officer, GuySuCo, Dr. Harold Davis, and Members of the Board of Directors of GuySuSo.
Even with oil, your economy will suffer shocks ‘If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail’- Former T&T PM tells Guyana Former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is convinced that had it not been for some timely interventions made by her government, the economic situation in her country would have been much worse than it is now. As such, she advocated that Guyana keep in mind that oil is not an infinite resource and, even at the beginning of its journey as an oil-producing country, prepare for the day when the proverbial well runs dry. She gave this advice as she spoke last week at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) dinner and award ceremony held at Pegasus Hotel. Among many other things, Persad-Bissessar said that it is important to keep in mind that hydrocarbons are naturally declining resources. She said, “The wells that may produce massive flows of crude oil and gas today, may one day decline substantially. This may very well be at a time when a lot of capital has already been invested in the infrastructure in place, notwithstanding that alternative sources of energy should be a priority even now.”
Persad-Bissessar also emphasized that there is a need for Guyana to put systems in place to continue the exploration of hydrocarbons with good supplies. She said that Trinidad’s failure to do this left that country facing an enormous challenge in 2010 - a rapidly declining resource sector. The former TT PM said, “Faced with a looming crisis, my Government began an unprecedented scale of activities to reverse this trend of declining production. We amended the Finance Act in 2014 to enable incentives to potential investors to create a fiscal package which was attractive to them to invest quickly, but did not adversely affect the income from these investors. “Capital allowances and deferral of tax credits saw the Multinational Investors coming back to Trinidad and Tobago.” She continued, “We set about a series of Bid Round packages based on the seismic data in blocks being offered. Our Ministers and Technocrats travelled around the world, selling these packages to potential investors to place bids on these potentially lucrative blocks. Incidentally, the activities of the Ministry of Energy are funded by the Petroleum companies under the Petroleum Impost Act, so
this was at no cost to the Treasury. In fact, the sales of the data packages brought profits into this process.” Persad-Bissessar added, “Most important, we engaged in open, transparent and frank discussions with investors, suppliers and stakeholders in the Petroleum Sector; we listened and treated with their concerns and in that way, enabled the sector by way of enhanced corporate social responsibility and joint ventures. This approach was extremely successful.” As a result of these strategies, the TT Opposition Leader said that Trinidad and Tobago is only now starting to return to higher levels of Natural Gas production. In this regard, she said that the BP Juniper Project which started in the second half of 2017, brought 590 million cubic feet of natural gas per day into production. The official said that BP’s decision to invest over US $2.1 Billion in this project happened during her time in government (August 2014) which was due in part to fiscal incentives that were offered. She said that construction began almost immediately. “Today, Trinidad and Tobago is reaping those benefits. Further investment projects including Angelin, (Continued on page 31)
Friday November 16, 2018
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PPP files no-confidence motion against Government …”Even if we lose 32 to 33, this is still good for the country”- Jagdeo By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The fact that the coalition Government holds a one-seat majority in the National Assembly has not deterred an ambitious Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, from filing a no-confidence motion in his name. At a press conference he hosted at his Church Street Office, yesterday, Jagdeo revealed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) filed the motion with the Clerk of the National Assembly a few hours before the press conference. Jagdeo acknowledged the fact that the Alliance For Change (AFC) had filed a noConfidence motion against the Donald Ramotar-led PPP/ C government and said that the PPP/C has decided to follow pattern since things are much worse now. He told the media, “If you compare what they claimed when they filed a no confidence motion, against the situation today, we are in a bad, bad shape and therefore we have decided to file a no confidence motion against them.” Jagdeo elaborated that the APNU+AFC government broke all its promises. He said that the APNU+AFC campaigned strongly against
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo corruption but turned out to be “very corrupt” and made promises to provide jobs but did not provide any. In fact, he said that the government, in quite the opposite of what it promised, took away thousands of jobs. He said, “They came into office on a promise of clearing up corruption, arguing that the airport was corrupt, the Marriott was corrupt, and the Amaila Falls. We have seen this Government in office, unable to prove any of this but on the other hand, from
the audit report, $500M is missing from the Durban Park project.” Further, Jagdeo reminded that the Public Procurement Commission ruled that this government “illegally” awarded a contract for $605M for drug purchases and that the same commission released a report saying that Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson bypassed the tender process and illegally approved a contract for the feasibility study to be done by a Dutch company on the Demerara Harbour Bridge worth $150M Jagdeo then noted, “The same Government that argued that monies should be paid from the semi-autonomous agencies and transferred to the coffers, because it was held illegally there, decided to secretly keep the US$18 million that they received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus.” Jagdeo specified that the government, when in opposition, had issues with monies the PPP held in accounts belonging to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). He recalled that the APNU and the AFC made several calls to have those sums
‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence Gender-based violence in Guyana jeopardizes the lives of women, their bodies, their psychosocial integrity and their freedom. The issue, which has posed a significant threat to the country’s demographic, has notably increased by fourteen percent in just this year. This, in turn, has led several non- governmental and religious organizations to band together to combat the ill that affects a large percentage of women in this country. A major player in the collaboration would include a group known as Caribbean Voices, which launched a campaign in tandem with the United Nation’s Women initiative”16 Days of Activism”. The initiative, which is set to commence on November 25, goes under the theme Orange the World- Communicate, Activate, Militate, Empower. The campaign is seeking to raise awareness as well as to create safe spaces for persons to open up and share their experiences as victims of gender- based violence. The group, Caribbean Voices, which has been in operation for some time, as-
serted the need for a specialized approach to be taken on the issue. The campaign is expected to feature sessions for the duration of the sixteen days, addressing both solutions for the issue of gender-based violence as well as psychosocial solutions for persons who have suffered from the hands of their perpetrators. Akin to this, the sessions will also highlight the high rate of repeat victimization for survivors. A social media hash tag has also been launched with the initiative. The fight against genderbased violence has gained much traction in recent years, with both non- profit and
governmental ministries joining in. In years gone by, survivors opted to remain silent on the ill, but due to recent campaigns and awareness workshops, this is gradually changing. In an invited comment from a member of the group, it was related that men survivors of gender-based violence are rarely afforded the opportunity to be taken seriously by members of society. Stigmatization, he explained can often lead to deterred reports on the issue by many victims. Caribbean Voices is calling on members of society to unite in the campaign as they advocate against genderbased violence.
transferred to the consolidated fund. Jagdeo said that there are many more “corrupt actions” he could highlight, but he then turned his attention to job shortages. The former President said that Government’s actions led to the loss of thousands of jobs in the sugar industry and still the coalition failed to create the jobs it promised. He said that despite the shortage of jobs, cost of living increased tremendously under the government. He highlighted the increase in water, electricity and transportation. Jagdeo stressed, “This Government has no vision…We’re drifting; they have no plans for Guyana…they’re using our money on rentals.” Jagdeo even claimed that the coalition has borrowed almost US$900M during its short time in Office. “We’re hoping that this
No-confidence motion can shake this Government back to its senses and stop it from destroying our future through their borrowing, taxing, wasteful spending policies which would warn us in the post-2020 period,” said Jagdeo. Jagdeo said that, based on the usual procedure, his motion should take precedence over most other matters. He said that he expects that it will be debated before the reading the Budget 2019. As he spoke of the possibility that the Motion may not be voted down, Jagdeo hinted at the possibility that the PPP may get support from some on the government benches. He said, “Anything is possible in life, and in Parliament.” He also noted that several Government Members of Parliament expressed dissatisfaction with the
administration’s actions and he hopes that their qualms can be reflected in the votes on the motion. However, the politician said that whether the PPP wins or loses the no confidence motion, he believes the country will benefit from the debate surrounding it, “because we believe we will get a chance once again to point out what the electorate said to them when they rejected them at these polls, that their policies are all wrong and damaging our prospects for the future and the well-being of all of our people across Guyana”. The AFC’s no-confidence motion that was filed back in 2014 during the tenth Parliament never got a chance to be debated. This was because the then President, Donald Ramotar, prorogued the Parliament. He eventually called the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.
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Kaieteur News
CSME high on COTED agenda as body meets in Guyana
Over the next two days, Ministers of Trade and Foreign Officers of CARICOM will deliberate moving forward the CSME among other pressing trade issues. Barbados continues to push for moving forward the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) as its Foreign Trade Minister Chairs the 47th Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meeting in Georgetown, Guyana. Minister Sandra Husbands told CARICOM Ministers of Trade and foreign officials while the CSME has challenges, there are opportunities that must be seized,
especially if the Community is to become economically resilient. “Economic resilience must be one of our priorities and win-win must be our goal. We need to organise our production activities and integration,” Minister Husbands said. The minister noted that progress towards the implementation of the CSME was made at the last CARICOM Heads of Government meet-
ing in July and the subsequent Prime Ministerial Subcommittee and the Council for Financial Planning meeting in September. “We m u s t m o v e t h e Caricom Single Market and Economy forward. There are challenges but there are opportunities and we must seize them all,” Minister Husbands said. However, the Minister noted CARICOM members must work as one if this is
Shooting death at Subryanville hotel…
Police Corporal tendered caution statement, PM report One day after Special Prosecutor Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd disclosed that he is having difficulties getting two civilians, who are witnesses in the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Jason De Florimonte, to attend court, a police officer yesterday testified in the matter. Police Corporal Winston Singh recalled taking a caution statement from Erwin Bacchus, who is on remand for the murder of De Florimonte. He was called to the stand at the continuation of the PI which is being conducted before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. The witness added that he also uplifted the post mortem report of De Florimonte; hence both documents were tendered in court as part of the Prosecution case. Bacchus, 45, of Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown and the owner of the Subryanville Hotel is currently on remand for the
Murder accused Erwin Bacchus
Dead: Jason De Florimonte
August 4, 2018 killing. The matter was then adjourned until November 19 for continuation. Jason De Florimonte, 30, of 96 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, was shot several times after he allegedly attacked Bacchus with a rolling pin and knife. Lawyers representing
Bacchus are Attorneys-atLaw Glenn Hanoman and Nigel Hughes. Bacchus was initially charged with manslaughter in relation to the unlawful killing of De Florimonte and released on $1.5M bail. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) later upgraded the charge to murder.
to be achieved. “We’re not 15 members haggling and negotiating to create benefits for our countries rather we are sister territories striving to manage our resources and opportunities to generate accelerated value and benefit
which we share for our mutual benefit.” Minister Husbands also called for a stronger COTED organ. “Space must be created for us to deliberate on making the COTED the most revered organ in the Community,” she noted.
Over the next two days, CARICOM Trade Ministers and Foreign Officers deliberate on the CSME, the direction of CARICOM’s External Trade Policy and the Community’s trade relations with the United Kingdom post-BREXIT.
Pregnant policewoman charged for dousing lover with acid A policewoman who is two months pregnant was yesterday arraigned before a City Magistrate for allegedly dousing her lover with a corrosive substance. Thirty-year-old Cassandra Boucher, of 5 School Street, Albouystown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on November 7, last at Camp and North Road Georgetown, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Anthony Paul with intent to maim, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm. The woman’s lawyer, Adrian Thompson, in a bail application told the court that his client has been a serving member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for the past seven years and is attached to the Brickdam Police Station. The lawyer added that his client made several reports of abuse against her lover and the matters were never dealt with. The lawyer further argued that on the day in question, his client was defending herself from the abuse and there is a medical certificate to show that she received injuries. However, Police Prosecutor Simone Payne made serious objections to bail being granted to Boucher on the grounds of the serious nature of the offence and the
Charged Cassandra Boucher being escorted to the courtroom fact that the victim is still hospitalized at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The Prosecutor added that Boucher and Paul shared a relationship which subsequently ended after Paul found out that she was pregnant for someone else. The court heard on the day in question around 10:20 hrs Boucher called the victim and requested to be taken to the hospital since she was not feeling well. Paul then went to the defendant’s home and she went into the backseat of his vehicle. He proceeded to take her to the hospital. However, while in the vicinity of Camp and North Road Georgetown, Boucher went into her purse and took
out a small glass bottle and threw a liquid on Paul’s left side face and body. Paul immediately drove to GPHC where he was examined by a doctor and admitted for his injuries. The matter was then reported and Boucher was arrested. She admitted to the offence, hence the charge. The Magistrate after listening to both sides released Boucher on $300,000 bail. Condition of the bail is that she must lodge her passport with the clerk of court. She was also instructed to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Monday until the completion and determination of the trial. The mother of three is expected to make her next court appearance on November 23.
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OPR Berbice probes allegations of police brutality The Office of Professional Responsibility in Berbice (OPR) is currently probing allegations of assault and theft committed by police ranks attached to the Number 51 Police Station on a mother and her 15-year-old son. This was confirmed by the Deputy Commander Wayne DeHearte recently. “We are presently taking statements in relation to an allegation against police ranks that they assaulted a mother and son”, he said. The incident which stemmed from an alleged cell phone theft has left the mother with an abrasion to her back and her left knee. Her son told her that he was hit behind his head continuously by the ranks. Thakurdi Jagnanan, called “Sherry” of lot 73 Number 52 Village, explained that two men dressed in plainclothes showed up at her house on Tuesday and demanded that she accompany them to the police station. They did not identify themselves as police nor did they give a reason why she was asked to accompany them, the woman claimed. She however obliged and went along with the men to the police station with her son. It was while there that she inquired of the reason they
Budhan
Thakurdi Jagnanan
summoned her and her son to the station. She was then told by a male police rank that her son is accused of stealing a cell phone from the hire car they were in earlier that day. According to her, at that point she inquired from her son if he picked up any phone and in the presence of the police he denied. She added that she told the police not to harass her son because he had just returned from the doctor at the Skeldon Hospital for a health issue with his head but one of the ranks yelled, “He full of drama, hand over the effin phone’’.
Shortly after, the woman said that they took her son to the back of the station in a room and she was told by two male ranks to “brace the wall, stand up with strength.” “Me thought dem want check me to see if me got anything on me body and then me feel a lash across me back and me holler. Then he lash me again on the other side and me turn around and ask them what dem lashing me for and then he lash me on the knee and cuss me and tell me give them the phone and me keep telling them me na thief nobody phone.”
Jagnanan said she broke down in tears in front of the ranks and the Sargent who was upstairs ventured down to the station but walked past her without inquiring about the issue. A few minutes later they brought out her son. He was also in tears, she said. The woman who was visibly in pain explained that the police kept both of them at the Number 51 Police Station on the bench for over an hour. “Me crying and telling them to let me take my son to the hospital because he black out in me arms. He tell me before he black out that dem police lash he behind he head couple time and I tell dem he get a head issue since from beginning.” The woman said that she was made to sign on two places on two separate documents and a fingerprint was taken from her son by the police while he was unconscious. She also revealed that while she was detained one of the ranks took her bag and checked it. “He tek me bag and deh checking it and when he search he find some money I had inside and he tell me he gon give me back. And when me come out with this boy he give me back me money.” Jagnanan said she had $103,000 in her bag that she took from home to go to the Anamayah Hospital to carry out a scan on her son head. She subsequently left for the hospital with her son without her money. Jagnanan further added that because of what was done to her and her teen son she sought advice and was told to make a report with the Officer in Charge of the Number 2 sub-division (AlbionSpringlands) but while she was told to wait outside under a shed in the Whim Station Compound by the officer’s secretary for hours, he did not meet with her.
In fact, a reporter who showed up to interview the woman, said that the officer saw him interviewing her and returned to his office and turned on the television to watch. “I get tired of waiting and me daughter come and carry me to the hospital because I was in pain,”, Jagnanan stated. After being examined by a doctor at the hospital and given medications she decided to file a report at the OPR office located below the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam. She made the report with the hope that the matter would be taken seriously and the policemen who allegedly committed the act could be penalized for their actions. However, based on the track record of the OPR investigations in Berbice, the woman and her son are still worried that the matter might be swept under the carpet. Meanwhile, the OPR is also investigating another matter that was reported to them by Baldeo Budhan, 33, of Princeton, Corriverton. He alleged that some time last month while he was driving home at approximately 10:30 pm after dropping off some passengers that hired him when he heard the police siren blaring behind his vehicle. “I pull in the corner and they came, and they asked me to step out of the vehicle and if I consumed any alcohol. And they told me to go around the other side. When I go around the other side, one of the police jump in at the back of my vehicle so I asked them what really they are doing. “Then the same one at the back choke me and he curse me and told me to shut my mouth,” he explained. The driver added that they subsequently took him to the Springlands Police Station and were attempting to
carry out a breathalyzer test on him. “They wanted me to blow on an old breathalyzer straw, but I know my rights and I told them I have to get a new one. So, the police sehe how they don’t have a new one and then he demonstrate on the machine but me tell dem me can’t blow on the machine. “So then he tell me go and lock up the vehicle.” He stated that the police cursed him, and he cursed back but that resulted in two of the policemen “attacking me.” “One of them slap me and the other cuff me in my face and a next one took his small handgun and lash me in my head and I fall down.” Budhan disclosed that the policemen kicked him several times in his stomach and ribs and shortly after placed him in a cell. According to him, hours later a police officer took him out from the cell and took him to the hospital for a medical to be conducted. He was given tablets for pain and a document to visit the hospital to have an x-ray done. “After we done deh he carry me back to the station and them release me.” The very next day he ventured to the Skeldon Hospital to have his x-ray done but he was told by doctors that the machine is still non-functional. He was referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and was told “dem only get small film”. This led him to the Anamayah Memorial Hospital where he paid to have an x-ray done. He added that the x-ray showed that he suffered a broken rib. He also had a busted lip and pain behind his head from the hits. Budhan is seeking justice for what allegedly took place and is also hoping that they will face the full brunt of the law for their actions.
Body at Parika…
Recently released convict confesses to killing homeless woman A recently-released convict has reportedly confessed to killing 22-year-old Romeza Sookdeo, whose decomposing body was found last Sunday at Hydronie Market Road, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, The killing is said to have occurred during an argument over money that the suspect had promised Sookdeo, whom he had allegedly solicited. The ex-convict was picked up on Wednesday after residents provided information to investigators that implicated the suspect. According to a senior police official, the man, who lives
in the area, told investigators that Sookdeo, also called ‘Dangles,’ had accompanied him to the empty lot at Hydronie Market Road. He allegedly beat and strangled her after they had an argument. Kaieteur News understands that the ex-con met with Romeza and told her that he “wanted a girl.” He allegedly offered her $10,000, However, when Romeza reportedly demanded $50,000, an argument ensued and this led to the suspect allegedly killing her. The suspect was recently released from prison on a larceny conviction. Like Romeza
Sookdeo, he is reportedly a substance abuser. He is likely to be charged shortly. Romeza Sookdeo’s decomposing body was discovered last Sunday morning after a security guard alerted police to a stench in the vicinity of an empty lot. A postmortem revealed that Sookdeo died from manual strangulation, compounded by blunt force trauma to the head. She was unemployed and had no fixed place of abode. Her mother, Naimawattie Persaud, a domestic worker, said that she last saw Romeza (Continued on page 31)
Friday November 16, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Recently released convict confesses to killing homeless woman In moving ahead with its environmental awareness campaign, the Essequibo Tourism Association will be targeting the Charity community this weekend with a cleanup
campaign. The initiative which is part of the region’s Tourism Awareness Month activities, will be targeting the two ports of entry within the Pomeroon/
Supenaam region, said Mrs. Maria Lord- Lewis, the president of the Region Two Tourism Association. According to Mrs. Lord-Lewis, the Charity and Good/Hope ports play
Guyanese emigrants robbed on first day back
The minibus parked outside Kamboat, on Albert Street Eight US-based Guyanese were robbed of valuable possessions worth millions of dollars, yesterday. Vashti Sakur, one of the eight, told Kaieteur News that the group arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the memorial service of a deceased relative, and to spend a year in Guyana. The group took two minibuses to Georgetown
and decided to stop at Kamboat Restaurant on Albert Street, Alberttown around 12:00 hrs. After having lunch at the restaurant, the group walked out of the restaurant to find the window to one of their buses open. Missing from the bus were personal items, handbags, backpacks, passports, green cards, jewelry, laptops, an apple watch and
move than seven cellular phones. The group estimates losses to be in the millions. A man standing opposite the restaurant told the group that he had seen two men on bicycles loitering around the bus. Reports of robberies have been on the increase since October, and police say that they expect many more throughout the Christmas season.
Region 4 school sweeper/cleaners’ payment should start today According to an official attached to the Ministry of Education sweeper/cleaners attached to schools in Region Four are expected to start receiving their payments retroactive to August. The sweeper/cleaners had reportedly been experiencing several discrepancies in obtaining their pay. According
to the education official the reason for the delay of payments was as a result of insufficient funds allocated to the Region Four budget. She further explained that as a result of the insufficiency, the ministry had to seek a supplementary provision from Cabinet in order to pay the sweeper/
cleaners and this was a time taking process. According to the education officer the request was only approved on Wednesday. However, she assured that at least by today sweeper/cleaners would be able to start uplifting payments.
Timehri man on bail for ammunition Alogger of Alliance Road, Timehri, found himself before the court again for possession of ammunition. Sunil Roopnarine, 45, who was charged on two different occasions for the possession of ammunition, appeared before Principle Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday last, to answer to the charge. Roopnarine denied the charge which alleged that on the 10 November, 2018, at Soesdyke Linden Highway, Roopnarine had in his possession (10) 12 gauge cartages while not being the holder of a firearm licence. Facts of the charge stated that on the day in
question, police ranks were at a roadblock. The bus in which Roopnarine was seated was destined to Mahdia when it was stopped. Passengers were asked to exit the bus and a search was conducted. A bag containing the ammunition was found under one of the seats. After some enquiries Roopnarine was pointed out as the owner of the bag. As a result he was arrested and charged. Police prosecution had no objections to bail causing Principle Magistrate Judy Latchman to grant bail in the sum of $60,000. Roopnarine was instructed to make his next court appearance at Linden Magistrate’s Court on November 21, 2018.
an integral role in promoting the region’s tourism. The Good Hope ferry and speedboat stellings, is the region’s first impression to tourists and visitors visiting from the country’s capital, Georgetown. The Charity port on the other hand is located in the extreme north end on the Essequibo Coast. This port is the gateway between the Essequibo Coast and the hinterland areas; the Barima Waini Region [Region One] and even Venezuela. This publication understands that the initiative
will be a collaborative effort between the Regional Democratic Council and the Tourism Association. It was also revealed that the association will be focusing primarily on education, as it moves to improve awareness on how to keep the environment clean. On board the initiative will be the various NDCs, Pooran Brothers and representatives from the environmental health department. Since the campaign entitled ‘Keep it Clean’ also caters for the younger population, Ms. LordLewis said that students
from the Charity Dormitory and other youth groups will also be on board the initiative. The cleanup campaign in the Good Hope community is expected to commence on November 25 and November 26. According to the Reg i o n a l C h a i r m a n , M r. Devenand Ramdatt the RDC will again collaborate with the Tourism Association to implement a forum on courtesy. This forum, he explained, will target the minibus and hire car operators; vendors, speed boat operators, hotel operatives and restaurant owners.
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Friday November 16, 2018
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Two GEA agents arrested for fuel marker theft Last night, two Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) employees were arrested after it was found that they had stolen some two liters of fuel marker while they were on a fuel marking exercise at the Rubis Bulk Terminal East Bank Demerara (EBD). Steve Rafeek and Julian Assanah are in police custody assisting with investigations after it was reported that they were suspected to have stolen two liters of fuel marker that was supposed to be used to mark bulk fuel at the Rubis fuel depot EBD. Kaieteur News has been reliably informed that Rafeek who is the head of the Guyana Marking Service, a unit within the GEA, was tasked with marking fuel at the depot. Suspicions were raised among the staff after Rafeek allegedly asked his staff to do things that were not within the protocol of the GEA operations. The staff was asked to leave and buy food, something that is not normally done. They all recognise that the fuel marker is a very valu-
able substance and is supposed to be dealt with in a high security manner. That would require the presence of every staff member on the exercise. After individuals at the terminal became suspicious of Rafeek’s actions, a report was made to senior officials at the GEA, who immediately informed the agencies chief internal investigator, a Mr Persaud . The latter accompanied by his assistant, a Mr Frazer, went to the fuel terminal and initiated an investigation based on the information they had received. After some time, the two investigators were unable to find any of the stolen fuel marker that they were there to recover. This again raised suspicions, since the initial indicators suggested that the fuel marker was already stolen. After attempts to recover the fuel marker by the GEA internal investigators proved futile, the police were called in and two liters of fuel marker was uncovered in the presence of the internal investi-
The Rubis Bulk Terminal East Bank Demarara where the fuel marker theft was said to have occurred.
gators and the individuals who were accused of the theft. The men were then taken into custody at the Providence Police Station where they are assisting with investigations. This case and two other recent incidents have reinforced how this lucrative business of fuel smuggling and the need for fuel marker is continuing. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), disclosed that on September 22, 2018, its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) offic-
ers intercepted the motor vessel, Plumrose, which is reportedly linked to a prominent fuel dealer on the West Coast Demerara. GRA said that the vessel was found with in excess of 80,000 litres of fuel. After it was tested, the officials confirmed that the fuel was diesel fuel. Even though the intended use of the vessel was listed for “fishing purposes”, the “Plumrose” had been converted for fuel transport. Sources disclosed that the vessel was stopped at the Essequibo River mouth. The
captain when asked whether he has anything to declare, disclosed that there was 5,000 liters of fuel on board. He allegedly later changed his tune and said 20,000 litres. However, the actual amount in the converted fuel tanks was found to be over 80,000 liters. The sources said that the vessel allegedly had no documents. Two inspectors from the Guyana Energy Agency were said to be involved in the checks. “Representatives of the Guyana Energy Agency were contacted by GRA and the two agencies had worked
in collaboration on the investigation.” There was also an incident where 56 drums of seized fuel went missing from a GEA bond on the Essequibo Coast. GEA was said to have been investigating the incident. The base has two staffers and security, with a boat captain and driver who are also said to have access to the location. The missing fuel was reportedly said to be from seizures made on the Essequibo Coast and in the Pomeroon River, Region Two.
Saudi prosecutor seeks death penalty for five in Khashoggi murder - Riyadh’s latest account dismissed as inadequate by Turkey (Al Jazeera) Authorities in Saudi Arabia say they will seek the death penalty for five people who have been accused of carrying out the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.The latest Saudi account yesterday was almost immediately dismissed as inadequate by Turkish officials, while the United States moved to sanction 17 Saudis it said were involved in the October 2 killing. Speaking to reporters in Riyadh, Shaalan al-Shaalan, Saudi Arabia’s deputy public prosecutor, said “the incident” began on September 29 when a “former” deputy chief of intelligence ordered the “leader of the mission” to “bring back the victim by means of persuasion, and if persuasion fails, to do so by force”. While the prosecutor’s office did not give names, General Ahmad al-Assiri, who was fired as deputy head of intelligence in the wake of the killing, has been implicated in the killing. The mission leader - also not named - then put together a 15-member team to “return” the journalist from Turkey. The team included a forensics expert “for the purpose of removing evidence from the scene” and a local collaborator tasked with securing a safe house “in case force had to be used to return the victim”. Al-Shalaan said that on
the morning of October 2, the leader of the negotiating team saw that he would not be able to force Khashoggi to return, “so he decided to kill him in the moment.” The 59-year-old then died from a lethal injection - the official cause of death is listed as a drug overdose - and his body was dismembered and taken out of the building, he said.The body parts were “delivered” to the local collaborator and another man put on Khashoggi’s clothes and posed as the journalist exiting the consulate. According to Saudi investigators, the cameras inside the consulate were disabled during the drugging and dismemberment of Khashoggi. Al-Shaalan said 21 people were now in custody, with 11 indicted and referred to trial, adding that Saud alQahtani, a former adviser to the royal court, had been banned from travelling and remained under investigation. T h e p r o s e c u t ion is seeking the death penalty for five officials who gave the orders and oversaw the execution of the murder.AlShaalan said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, was not implicated in the gruesome murder that has triggered global outrage. Later yesterday, Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, reiterated that the crown prince had “absolutely” nothing to do with
Saudi’s Deputy Public Prosecutor Shalaan al-Shalaan Khashoggi’s death. TURKISH DISMISSAL, US SANCTIONS Khashoggi, a critic of MBS’s supposed reform programme, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a document certifying his divorce. Saudi authorities had initially stated the journalist left the consulate, before backtracking and admitting on October 20 he was killed by “rogue” operatives. Turkish officials have said it is unlikely Khashoggi could have been killed without the knowledge of MBS, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying the orders came from “the highest levels of the Saudi government.” According to the New
York Times, a member of the Saudi team that killed Khashoggi made a phone call shortly after his death, instructing someone in Saudi Arabia to “tell your boss” that the assassination had been carried out. The Saudi announcement yesterday failed to appease Turkish officials, who insist
the killing and its cover-up were carried out by the highest levels of government. Mevlut Cavusoglu, Turkey’s foreign minister, criticised the Saudi announcement as “insufficient” and insisted the killing was “premeditated.” “Turkish law is applicable in this case, even though the murder took place in the Saudi consulate,” he said, demanding that all the suspects be extradited and “tried in accordance with Turkish law”. Later on Thursday, the US Treasury imposed sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their role in the killing. Among those sanctioned were Saud al-Qahtani, who has been removed from his position as a top aide to MBS, as well as the Saudi ConsulGeneral Mohammed al-Otaibi and members of the 15-member team. ‘NO FAITH’ IN SAUDI JUDICIARY Bill Law, a journalist and Middle East analyst, told Al Jazeera that despite not being
implicated, there was “enormous pressure” accumulating on MBS, and Turkey could demand an international probe into the journalist’s murder.“Just yesterday, Lindsey Graham described him [MBS] as unreliable and unstable. “Graham, a senior Republican senator, and Bob Corker, the chair of the foreign relations committee, have called for an immediate end to the arms deals that the US has [with Saudi Arabia] in the Yemen war and has also said that as far as he’s concerned, Mohammed bin Salman is the person responsible,” Law said.“[Erdogan] will keep up the demand for an international investigation. It is clear that no one has any faith in the Saudis investigating effect i vely, Mohammed bin Salman investigating himself nor in the Saudi judicial system.“It’s a pressure point that Erdogan can continue to push on and I think he will do that.”
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Kaieteur News
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One (1) Welder to work in Georgetown. Tel#227-1717
TO LET
49 Section B, La Grange West Bank Demerara. Call: 233-3194
1 new model Allion or Premio motorcar urgently to work and keep. Contact #681-3418
Big G Sounds is available for small events. (Wedding, Small BBQ, Birthday parties etc) Contact numbers #661-9931/ 622-5713/672-9293
LAND FOR SALE
Dairy Fence $1.6M Dairy (100ft x 50ft) $2.6M Schnoord (100ft x 50ft) $2.8M Farm $2.8M & $3M Tel#648-1635/ 656-0701
Manager to work at 704 Sport bar, must have experience. Contact #223-5273 /2235274
Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665/6493750
Situated @ 17 Burial Road Helena #1 Mahaica EC 0.21 acre. Call: 650-4431
Unregistered Axio 2010 model, Camera, Fog lamps $2.5 neg. Nissan Tida registered PVV series $2M neg #611-7106 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, RZ,Pit-bull, Allex, 192 & Canter – Call: 650-7501
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
EDUCATION Study in Canada/US 100% acceptance MicroGraphics #264-3057 2019 Processing now.
LEARN TO DRIVE N. Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way. Affordable package. Call: 6445166/691-2561
Pre X-mas computer classes packages, 9 course diploma $40,000 4 course accounting $40,000. MicroGraphics, Vreed-en-hoop #264-3057
Excavator operator & Pit workers. Contact #645-6191
Driver, must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles. #2332745 Office Clerk for office in Eccles. English -1, Mathematics-2, Computer Literate. #233-2745 Female Cleaner office & home, age 25 to 50 #233-2745 HEALTH HERBAL REMIDIES: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney,Gall stones & Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924 PROPERTY FOR SALE Commercial property, Harbour Bridge, 50 Mil. East Bank Public Road. Call: 622-1957
CAR RENTAL
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Vacancy for fish processing plant workers. Preferably on the East Coast Demerara. Contact #628-6183 Heavy duty mechanic. Contact #645-6191
Self contained rooms to rent in Prashad Nagar. Tel#2272993
ENTERTAINMENT
Pump attendant (Shift 6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Submit Application: Shell Service Station Providence EBD. E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com
Live-in waitress to work in a bar, must have ID card. Age 18-22 yrs. Contact No#6923877 / 221-2785
1 Transported property @ Covent Garden, Farm land, Music Equipment and tools #265-3586
Fully/Partly furnished apartments in Nandy Park/ Republic Park. Texila students welcomed! Tel#619-4824 for more details.
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DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 2263 6 9 3 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/6560087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 687-8445
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
From page 23 they should be paid in US currency. They further alleged that the company has a different contractual agreement with the workers from other countries. It was reported that the seamen had several meetings with representatives from the company who did nothing to address the situation or complaints being highlighted. They further highlighted that they attempted to contact the current Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, but were met with his secretary who advised them to take their concerns to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Consultations with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure were then reportedly made and the seamen purportedly spoke with Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson. She requested that they provide a hardcopy of their issues and complaints. The seafarers then submitted this document on May 21, last. However, to date the seamen are alleging that nothing has been done about the issue and their unfair treatment continues. The men are in fear for their jobs and of becoming victims of penalization, as their current contract entails that their jobs can be terminated as a result of releasing information to the public. Section E: Termination for Cause, number 11 of the contract states that “Disclosing information, not available to the general public, about EDO or EDO's business plans, the vessel or any other information about the nature of employment, such as wages and benefits to third parties” could lead to termination.
Friday November 16, 2018
Kaieteur News
“Embrace the world of Innovation, Education” - PM Nagamootoo tells Tutorial High graduates Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the functions of President, has charged graduates of the Tutorial High School to move out into the world and embrace everything it has to offer. The Prime Minister was delivering remarks at the school’s annual graduation and prize giving exercise, yesterday. “Whatever you choose in life for your career, it must be a path to excellence; to greater achievement. There is no room in the world to be left behind,” he said. According to the Prime Minister, the world is moving rapidly in this age of technology and science. He said the world is not “moving as it used to in a linear way, but is moving exponentially.” “You are moving in the age of innovation that our generation could not have even have dreamt of. You are now being given that opportunity to enter into that new
world.” The Prime Minister reminded that Guyana stands on the cusp of a new economy, with the upcoming oil and gas resources. He said it is a national blessing “that this country will become rich.” In that regard, he urged the students to reach out and grab hold of the opportunities. “You have to be prepared for it. You have to enter into the field of science and technology to become the next petroleum scientist, to become the new environmentalist, to become the new technicians. “You have to be prepared for this new economy... I want to tell you that I am proud of you and I want you to go forward into the world with greater confidence knowing that you are better educated, more integrated in your knowledge that we could have ever been.” The institution’s acting principal, David Sam, said there have
been improved performances at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). The school entered 137 students in the examination for 27 subject areas. An analysis of the results shows 100 per cent passes in Agriculture Science, Family Resources and Management, Spanish and Food and Nutrition and Health; 50 per cent passes in Biology; 97 passes in Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM); 79 per cent passes in English Language; 89 per cent in Human and Social Biology; 96 per cent passes in Information Technology and 60 per cent passes in Mathematics among others. There was 72 per cent overall pass in subjects receiving Grades One to Three, a six per cent increase from 2017. There was a 98 per cent overall pass in subjects receiving Grades One to Four, compared to last year, the principal said. (DPI)
Recently released convict confesses... From page 26 who visited her last week Thursday at the woman’s Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo home. The grieving mother told this publication that her daughter was an addict from the age of sixteen. The woman claimed to have tried everything possible to help her daughter. Persaud, who did not
seem surprised at the postmortem result, said that just days before her murder Romeza told her that two persons had threatened to murder her. According to Persaud, her daughter alleged that the two individuals would usually beat her when she refused to have sex with men in exchange for cash. The mother has since
given the police the two names her daughter had given her, “She come and sleep two nights by me, and she said that these guys want kill she, and if she dead then I should go to the police and tell them who kill she”. Sukdeo was said to be in a relationship with one of the men who allegedly threatened to kill her.
Even with oil, your conomy... From page 14 TROC and BHP Greater Angostura came to fruition during my administration because of the incentives that were put into place. When these additional projects come online, at least an additional 900 million cubic feet of natural gas will be produced per day, helping to reach the target of four bil-
lion cubic feet of natural gas per day,” the former TT PM stated. She said that these investments happened because her government put in place an aggressive exploration strategy by incentivizing seismic companies, the up streamers (BP, Shell, and BHP), to find new reserves of Hydrocarbons. Had these investments
not been made at that time, the official said, the situation in the country today would have been even more dire. With this in mind, she urged the Guyanese authorities to learn from Trinidad’s experience and implement an aggressive exploration strategy which would be to the benefit of future generations.
AG report highlights deficiencies in... From page 13 January and March 2018, for Regions Two, Three and Nine.” Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, had previously noted that gaps and deficiencies in record keeping are part of the issues affecting the management of the drugs. She sought to address the issue. The Minister noted that through public information and social media there was a need for a review of the way services are delivered at the regional hospital. Moving forward, she said the ministry will continue to implement training and capacity building programmes to address this.
“Also, these programmes will address the gap in human resources. At the New Amsterdam Hospital, the greater of the issues is that of human resources and that spreads across the regions so I am very happy that our training programmes are seeking to meet those gaps which we have,” Minister Lawrence added. “Moving forward, the Health Ministry team and the Ministry of Communities along with the regional administrations for health were set to meet to resolve gaps related to human resources.” Further, other areas regarding infrastructure, medi-
cal supplies and equipment and other areas of concern have been considered by the Minister. She said the hospitals’ management will work closely to ensure that there are evident changes and improvement in services and working conditions. “Certainly, I will be meeting with the region and the Ministry of Communities to address the many vacancies we have, and most of those vacancies are in the area of management and supervision and as a result of that, we have a lot of disparities in terms of persons’ working ability and their performance level,” Lawrence said.
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The graduates
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Friday November 16, 2018
Taylor lauds bowlers, but says batters need to apply themselves Gros Islet, St Lucia, CMC – While conceding that her team’s bowling department is quite potent, West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor wants her batters to show more application when they are at the crease. For the second straight match the West Indies’ bowlers were forced to bail them out of trouble after they were limited to just 107 for seven in their 20 overs against South Africa on Wednesday. In their opening match against Bangladesh which they also won, the Windies only mustered 106 for eight from 20 overs. And while Taylor has backed her bowlers, she said more was expected from their batters. ”Looking back in Guyana, our batting is not the best at the moment. And here we are still in that position and we struggle to
Stafanie Taylor
reach to 107. I thought that in the middle there Natasha [McClean] and Kycia [Knight] batted well. We needed that partnership and I think the bowling performance topped it off. ”We said in our team meet-
ing we’ve been working hard in the nets and our game. I just believe it’s all about application [and] we need to give ourselves some time to assess the wicket. I don’t believe we are giving ourselves some time. We’re good
Friday November 16, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) oday should present a very positive influence for you, Aries. The energy at play will allow for such things as making excellent decisions. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Be tactful when speaking today, Taurus. With this day's energy, it's important that you take the time to think about how your words affect the person you're talking to. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today, Gemini, don't be too surprised if you have difficulty getting into a work frame of mind. It's likely that you'd rather daydream than be in the real world. CANCER(June21–July22) You may find today that people are really attracted to you as a friend. This is because you're usually a good listener. You're open to other people's ideas and thoughts and can care easily. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's good to dream, especially on days like today. Expanding your mind and thinking of possibilities are positive ways to increase your knowledge. Give yourself time to think. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) With today's energy, you might want to let your imagination run free for a while. This can add a real boost, as it will connect you with your inner self. Let your imagination be your ticket to your creative and artistic abilities.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you may meet a new friend. People tend to feel comfortable around you even if they're different than you are. That's because you usually accept the fact that everyone is different and that's OK. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have an incredible imagination, Scorpio. Today is a great day to put it to use. Take time to engage in creative activities and try meditation, story planning, role playing, or visualization. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Chances are good that you will feel strong and confident today, Sagittarius. It's a good time to try something you've never done before. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The energy of the day should have you feeling pretty good, Capricorn. Your spirits should be high, and laughing may well be a good part of your day. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Expect a boost in popularity today. One way to put this to good use is to bring about change. Perhaps you and your co-workers feel that the workplace needs a new program, such as benefits. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's energy may highlight your popularity. The transits boost your enthusiasm and energy for doing things. People will feel drawn to you.
batters that can clear the boundary at any time. I’m not worried about boundaries. I just believe our application just needs to get better,” Taylor said during the post match press conference following her team’s victory over
South Africa by 31 runs. While she declared that she was unsure whether there would be changes in the batting lineup, Taylor said she had great faith in her bowlers. “I can’t really say if we’re going to have any changes [in the batting]. I think going forward that would be the decision of the coaches and I. And we’ll see what happens,” she said. ”It’s a great feeling to have such talented girls, girls that have been working over the last few months, over the last few years working on their game, working on their bowling. And there’s never a doubt in the bowling department that if we put up 90 runs that we can’t come and put up a good fight. And looking at how we played in Guyana and here, we do have a good bowling unit.” Taylor said the team was
now setting their sights on their crucial third round match against Sri Lanka, where a win would put them through to the semifinals. “We want to win every game. We want to top the zone, get that momentum going into the semis. So I know it won’t be easy. We still have a lot of work to do and we have tomorrow’s [Thursday] training, and we just have to go out there, work on what we need to work on and come out fighting hard again,” Taylor said.
Young Warriors... From page 36 under the captaincy of former National Under-19 skipper Shawn Pereira would start as favourites against Blairmont. Pereira would be supported by his Vice Captain Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Surendra Kissoonlall, Sylus Tyndall and the hard hitting Vidal Crandon. Blairmont with a number of promising youth players would be no easy walk over though and would depend on the experienced Shabeer Baksh to pull off a victory. He would be supported by Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Javed Karim, Marvin Prashad, Zaheer Naseer and Fawaz Gagoor.
NA United (B’ce)... From page 41 establish the foundations for talent identification and a player pathway into the national teams. Please see below for details of the results: GFF-ALWAYS NATIONAL WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE GEORGETOWN LEG Fruta Conquerors ‘A’ 4 – 0 Foxy Ladies Goals: Tandi Smith (4’), Kenesha Williams (21’), Celena Chan (31’), Kendra Thomas (36’) BERBICE LEG Cougars 0 – 4 Orealla Falcons Goals: Sisisla France (11’), Lonetta France (18’, 27’), Veena France (39’) New Amsterdam United 2 – West Side Conquerors Goals: Alliyah Elexey (11’, 19’) MAHDIALEG Micam Eagles ‘A’ 1 – 1 Mahdia Gold Getters Goals: Micam Eagles ‘A’ – Clemencia Wilkie (34’); Mahdia Gold Getters – Rosianna Williams (28’).
Friday November 16, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Ins and Outs of the IPL trade window Royal Challengers Bangalore In: Marcus Stoinis Out: Quinton de Kock, Mandeep Singh, Brendon McCullum, Chris Woakes, Corey Anderson, Sarfraz Khan Retained: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Moeen Ali, Colin de Grandhomme, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kulwant Khejroliya, Nathan CoulterNile Salary cap available : 18.15 crores RCB traded South Africa wicketkeeper de Kock to Mumbai Indians in a cash deal - Mumbai Indians paid them the INR 2.8 crore (USD 437,000). RCB had bought de Kock for in the 2018 auction. They also traded batsman Mandeep (INR 1.4 crore, USD 218,000) to Kings XI Punjab for Australia allrounder Stoinis (INR 6.2 crore, USD 968,000). Mumbai Indians In: Quinton de Kock Out: Mustafizur Rahman,
Pat Cummins, Akila Dananjaya, JP Duminy, Saurabh Tiwary, Tajinder Singh, Mohsin Khan, Pradeep Sangwan, MD Nidheesh, Sharad Lumba Retained: Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Anukul Roy, Siddhesh Lad, Aditya Tare, Evin Lewis, Kieron Pollard, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Jason Behrendorff. Salary cap available : 11.15 crores Mumbai bought de Kock from RCB and to offset the deal, released Bangladesh seamer Mustafizur (INR 2.2 crore, USD 343,000) and Sri Lankan offspinner Dananjaya (INR 50 lakh, USD 78,000), who played just one match in the 2018 season. They have also released Australia fast bowler Cummins (INR 5.4 crore, USD 843,000) - Australia players are expected to play a limited role in IPL 2019, with Cricket Australia outlining plans to have their players prepare for the World Cup
The IPL 2018 trophy on display BCCI by playing in Australia’s scheduled ODIs and being available for the pre-World Cup camp. Delhi Daredevils In: Shikhar Dhawan Out: Gautam Gambhir, Jason Roy, Gurkeerat Mann, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammad Shami, Dan Christian, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Sayan Ghosh, Liam Plunkett, Junior Dala, Naman Ojha Retained: Shreyas Iyer, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant, Manjot Kalra, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Jayant Yadav,
King James rules over Chamberlain, set to conquer Jordan next Reuters - LeBron James took another milestone in his stride as he passed Wilt Chamberlain to become the fifth most prolific scorer in National Basketball Association (NBA) history on Wednesday. James blew past Chamberlain by scoring 44 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 126-117 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Next in James’s sights is boyhood idol Michael Jordan, a player he worshiped so much that he wears the same number 23 jersey made famous by the retired Chicago Bulls legend. The 33-year-old has 31,425 career points, 867 behind Jordan, a mark that should easily be within reach this season for James, who has averaged a little more than 27 points-per-game during his career.”Anytime my name is mentioned with some of the greats who have played this game, I’ll always think back to my hometown, how far I’ve come,” James told reporters. He was referring to his hometown of Akron, Ohio, the gritty blue collar city south of Cleveland where he was born and raised. James left the Cleveland Cavaliers in the off-season for the storied Los Angeles Lakers, which despite having fallen on hard times in recent years remains one of the
LA Lakers forward LeBron James (23). Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. league’s glamour franchises. James needed 39 points on Wednesday to pass Chamberlain. He reached the mark with just under four minutes remaining when he converted a free throw. “Knowing where I’ve come from and knowing how hard it was to get to this point... I give it all to the man above for giving me god given abilities,” James said. ”I’m taking full advantage of them and then my coaching staff and team mates
throughout my 16 years so far have got me to this point.” James has been selected as NBA most valuable player four times and has three championship rings, two with the Miami Heat and one with the Cavaliers. LEADING ALL-TIME NBA SCORERS: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387; Karl Malone 36,928; Kobe Bryant 33,643; Michael Jordan 32,292; LeBron James 31,425; Wilt Chamberlain 31,419.
Rahul Tewatia, Harshal Patel, Amit Mishra, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Sandeep Lamichhane, Avesh Khan Salary cap available : 25.50 crores In a deal involving both players and cash, Delhi Daredevils brought in local player Dhawan (INR 5.2 crore, USD 812,000) from Sunrisers Hyderabad and in return gave them allrounder Shankar (INR 3.2 crore, USD 500,000), under-19 batsman Abhishek Sharma (INR 55 lakh, USD 85,000), who impressed with an innings of 46* off 19 balls last season, and left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (INR 3.2 crore, USD 500,000). Since the combined value of those players was more than Dhawan’s, SRH had to pay Daredevils an extra INR 1.75 crore (273,000). Dhawan has been released by Sunrisers after a six-year stint with the team as he was unhappy with his auction price. Sunrisers Hyderabad In: Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem Out: Shikhar Dhawan, Sachin Baby, Tanmay Agarwal, Wriddhiman Saha, Chris Jordan, Carlos Brathwaite, Alex Hales, Bipul Sharma, Syed Mehdi Hasan Retained: David Warner, Yusuf Pathan, Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Billy Stanlake, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Nabi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Manish Pandey, T Natarajan, Ricky Bhui, Sandeep Sharma, Shreevats Goswami, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed, Basil Thampi, Deepak Hooda Salary cap available: 9.70 crores Sunrisers have released their updated squad before the December 18 auction, and in addition to the Dhawan trade, they have released eight other players whose combined worth is INR 9.8 crore (USD 1.53mn). Significant among the releases are those of Hales, who was moderately successful as an opener last season, Brathwaite, who played the final, Jordan, who is known
as a specialist death bowler, and Wriddhiman Saha, who has been out with a long-term injury sustained during the last IPL season. Chennai Super Kings In: None Out: Mark Wood, Kanishk Seth, Kshitiz Sharma Retained: MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, M Vijay, Shane Watson, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, David Willey, Dwayne Bravo, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Sam Billings, Harbhajan Singh, Deepak Chahar, KM Asif, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Karn Sharma, Dhruv Shorey, N Jagadeesan, Shardul Thakur, Monu Kumar, Chaitanya Bishnoi Salary cap available : 8.40 crores Mark Wood, who cost INR 1.5 crore (USD 234,000), played just one game last season for CSK and conceded 49 runs in four overs. He has been released along with two uncapped players. Super Kings have chosen to retain both New Zealand allrounder Mitchell Santner, who missed the 2018 season due to a knee injury, and his replacement David Willey, who featured in just three games for them during the season. Kolkata Knight Riders In: None Out: Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Tom Curran, Cameron Delport, Javon Searles, Ishank Jaggi, Apoorv Wankhade, Vinay Kumar Retained: Dinesh Karthik, Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna Salary cap available : 15.20 crores Starc has missed the previous two IPL seasons - in 2017, he parted ways with RCB to focus on international cricket and in 2018, after be-
ing bought by KKR for INR 9.4 crore (USD 1.47mn), he was ruled out due to injury. KKR have decided to release him. They have also retained pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who was injured last season and didn’t play a game, and his replacement, Prasidh Krishna. Kings XI Punjab In: Mandeep Singh Out: Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Aaron Finch, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Yuvraj Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Manoj Tiwary, Akshdeep Nath, Pardeep Sahu, Mayank Dagar, Manzoor Dar Retained: Chris Gayle, David Miller, Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, R Ashwin, Ankit Rajpoot, Andrew Tye, Mujeeb ur Rahman Salary cap available : 36.20 crores Kings XI had retained Axar Patel before the big auction in 2018, but have opted to let him go this time. Other significant releases include Yuvraj Singh, who was picked in the starting XI at the beginning of last season but was benched later on due to failures, Manoj Tiwary and Mohit Sharma. Rajasthan Royals In: None Out: Jaydev Unadkat, Anureet Singh, Ankit Sharma, Jatin Saxena, D’Arcy Short, Ben Laughlin Retained: Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Ajinkya Rahane, K Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, S Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror. 20.95 crores. The release of Jaydev Unadkat comes after Rajasthan bid INR 11.5 crore for him at the 2018 auction. Unadkat had an underwhelming season, getting 11 wickets in 15 matches, with an economy rate of 7.80. (ESPNcricinfo)
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Deokie guides Sandpipers to 5-wkt win over North Soesdyke; Ruimveldt beat Laluni Abilash Deokie struck an unbeaten 94 to hand Sandpipers a five-wicket victory over North Soesdyke when action in the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association/ Neville Sarjoo Memorial 50-over tournament continued on Sunday last. North Soesdyke decided to bat at YMCA and rattled up 199 all out in 30.3 overs. Hemraj Garbarran hammered four fours and two sixes in a brisk 47 while Leron Primo stroked four fours and one six in scoring 41. Bowling for Sandpipers Darrius Andrews bagged 5-18 and Rickford Samaroo 2-23. Deokie then anchored the innings as he stroked four fours and 11 sixes and got valuable support from Vinash Rampersaud with 31; Sandpipers finished on 201-5 in 27 overs. Primo claimed 3-26.
Abilash Deokie
Vinash Rampersaud
Ruimveldt beat host Laluni by five runs. Ruimveldt were sent packing for 88 in 20.1 overs following their insertion. Ryan Shun made 17 while Ronaldo Alimohamed and Omesh Danram got 16
each; Alvin Williams captured 3-12, Derick Tejnarine 2-8 and Sunil Sarjoo 2-23. Laluni fell for 83 in 16.4 overs in reply. Julian Mohabir made 31 and Sarjoo 16. AliMohamed had 3-12.
UDFA/GTT 2017/18 League – Double-header on tonight
Rockers take lead with 4-1 drubbing of Hi Stars; Botafago outplay Blueberry Hill Tonight is the penultimate night of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)/GTT 2017/18 League and Eagles United are seeking their seventh win against Amelia’s Ward United. This match would be a test for the second placed Eagles which can join Net Rockers with a win in their seventh game out of nine from 21.00hrs; the preceding game at 19.00hrs features Botafago against Winners Connection. Meanwhile, on Wednes-
day night last, Net Rockers took the lead from Eagles with a 4-1 beating of Hi Stars after being down at one stage, Tony Adams netting for the Hi Stars who are yet to win a game with one remaining. That 1-0 advantage for Hi Stars was short lived as de Shawn Joseph soon squared things in the 39th minute. Then Clarence Huggins hit in a hat-trick which ended any hopes of a win for Hi Stars, Huggins striking in the 60th, 65th and 76th minute.
The second game began the same way as the first with Blueberry Hill finding the net early through Tevin Croal. Then the tables turned with Botafago going all out and getting the equaliser in the 29th minute and half time ended with the scores 1-1. Then a hat-trick came for Shane Haynes first in the 47th, 52nd and 64th minute before Shamar Gittens polished things off in the 78th minute as Botafago romped home 5-1 winners.
BCB/Pepsi 50-Overs
Young Warriors, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Port Mourant and Blairmont reach semis The semi finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Pepsi 50-Overs Round Robin tournament will be played tomorrow when Young Warriors host Port Mourant at the Cumberland Ground in East Canje while Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets would entertain Blairmont Community Centre at the Area ‘H’ Ground, Rose Hall Town. Young Warriors played unbeaten to be at the helm of Zone ‘A’ while Blairmont advanced as the runner-up based on a superior run rate
Friday November 16, 2018
Kaieteur News
to West Berbice. In Zone ‘B’, three teams namely Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, Port Mourant and Albion ended on the same amount of points, the top two teams were selected based on overall run rate and then net run rate. RHT Gizmos & Gadgets had an overall run rate of 4.93 and net run rate of 1.48 while Port Mourant had 4.41, 0.90 and Albion 4.20 and 0.20, respectively. RHT Gizmos & Gadgets was declared winner of the zone and Port Mourant, runner-up. Young Warriors would be
spearheaded by the talented Alex Algoo, Seon Hetmyer, Vishal Mohabir, Kassim Khan, Suresh Dhani, Trevlon Stanislaus and Linden Austin while Port Mourant would depend on Skipper Joshua Ramsammy, Madan Budram, Loyydel Lewis, R. Carmichael, Samuel Kistasammy and Doorsammy Mahadeo. The Powerful RHT Gizmos & Gadgets team which has been dominating Berbice cricket along with Albion over the past decade, (Continued on page 34)
Panama bid farewell to the FIFA Women’s World Cup
The players of Panama Erika Yaneth Hernandez # 18 and Kenya Rangel # 7 leave the field sad after failing to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Panama City, Panama Argentina qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in 12 years after a 5-1 aggregate victory over Panama in the intercontinental playoff on Tuesday, at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium. The South Americans came to the second game on Tuesday, with a 4-0 lead in the first leg on the court of Arsenal de Sarandí. Panama, which never participated in a Women’s World Cup, was given a chance to fight when Natalia Mills managed to fin-
ish off a cross for the first goal, eight minutes before the break. However, Argentina got an away goal through Florencia Bonsegundo, 67 minutes into the second half to put the game in their favor. In the first leg last week in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a late red card by substitute Yamila Rodriguez could not stop the celebrations of the Albicelestes, and the South Americans won a valuable 40 win, inspired by an animated audience of 11,500 people in
the home of Arsenal Sarandí, with a dominant performance in the first half with goals from Mariana Larroquette and Eliana Stabile. It could have been even worse for Panama, but goalkeeper Yenith Bailey underlined her reputation by saving a penalty shot to the experienced forward Estefania Banini in the ten minutes. The last places for France 2019 will be determined in just over fifteen days in Africa (three places) and Oceania (one place). (Concacaf)
Imam Bacchus SC and Reliance Hustlers to battle for Central E’bo T20 title Imam Bacchus Sports Club and Reliance Hustlers will clash in the final of the Central Essequibo T20 competition on Sunday after recording victories in their respective semi final games played on Sunday last. Battling at the Imam Bacchus Sports Club in Affiance, the home team defeated Reliance Sports Club by 66 runs. Winning the toss and batting, Imam Bacchus SC rattled up a challenging 188-9 from their 20 overs. Parmeshwar Persaud struck a top score of 52 (2x4 2x6), former national youth player Nathan Persaud made 33 (3x4 1x6) and Navindra Persaud contributed 30 (3x4 2x6). Bowling for Reliance Sports Club Off-spinner D. Dhaniram claimed 4-22 and Cecil Shivambar 2-8. In reply, Reliance Sports Club mustered 122-7 when
Travis Simon
Narendra Madholall
their overs expired. Jamal Wilson slammed 41 94x4 1x6) while Elroy Stephney made 20 (2x4). Navendra Persaud picked up 2 for 15. At Reliance ground, the host overcame Queenstown Sports Club by 48 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, Reliance Hustlers recovered from 65-6 to post 152-8, thanks to Captain Travis Simon who hit an attacking 42 (6x4 2x6).
Keron Boodram got 21 (3x4) as Akil Wallace grabbed 3-20 from four overs while Randy Bridgemohan had 2-26 from his four overs. In reply Queenstown SC were bowled out for 104 in 16 overs. Herell Green scored 35 (5x4) and Mitchel Etwaroo 15. Off-spinner Narendra Madholall bagged 5-22 from four overs. The final will be played at New Opportunity Corps ground.
Friday November 16, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Taylor’s golden arm takes Windies to thrilling win Stafanie Taylor took four crucial wickets for just 12 runs in another record-breaking performance. The WINDIES captain again proved she has the ‘golden arm’ as the defending champions stunned South Africa to record their second win of the ICC Women’s World T20 2018. It was career-best figures for the game’s leading allrounder as she bettered the 3-13 she took against the same opponents in Galle in the 2012 edition of the ICC World T20. It was also the best bowling figures in a T20 in St Lucia. Backed by an “army” of over 4,000 supporters in the stands at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the home side bowled out the Proteas for a meagre 76 off 18.4 overs to win by 31 runs and stay top of Group A. After scoring 106-8 in their opening game against Bangladesh, the WINDIES went just one run better as they were restricted to 107-7
Stafanie Taylor finds a reason to smile at a press conference ICC/Getty Images off their 20 overs. But they provided brilliance in the field to compensate for that, the highlight of which was a sensational run out by Deandra Dottin with a direct hit from backward point. The accounted for Captain Dan van Niekerk and was one of three run outs in the
South African innings. The visitors were well placed at 411 in 10 overs when the Windies brilliance began. Two outstanding pieces of fielding brought the holders back into the game – first, Britney Cooper at the cover boundary hung on to a Lizelle Lee rocket that seemed des-
tined for the maximum. In the next over, Dottin executed a brilliant run out from point, her one-handed pick up and direct hit finding South Africa captain van Neikerk short of her ground. Then Taylor got into the act, and South Africa had slid from 48-1 to 53-4. Needing 49 in the last six overs the Proteas fell apart as Taylor’s off-spin proved hard to combat. She took a wicket in every over she bowled, the third bowling the big hitting Chloe Tryon South Africa’s best bet to counter the rising run-rate. South Africa eventually lost nine wickets for 28 runs (including their last five for just one run) and well short of the target. This sparked celebrations in the stands and all around the Caribbean. It has now given the home team added momentum going into the next matches against Sri Lanka tonight and England on Sunday afternoon.
India whip Ireland to book spot in final four Providence, Guyana, Nov 15, CMC – India became the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup when they easily defeated Ireland by 51 runs in their Group B encounter at the Providence Cricket Stadium yesterday. Led once again by opener Mithali Raj who scored her second successive half-century, India posted a formidable 145 for six from their 20 overs. Ireland never seriously looked like getting to that total, eventually finishing on 93 for eight from their 20 overs, as they slumped to their third straight defeat. The win means that India and Australia will advance from Group B, with the winner of that group set to be determined when the two teams clash tomorrow.
It will also be India’s first semifinal appearance in a Twenty20 World Cup since 2010. Raj was at the forefront of her team’s total, scoring 51 from 56 balls, inclusive of four boundaries and one six. She teamed up with Smriti Mandhana, who made 33, to add 67 runs inside the first 10 overs and give India a good foundation. Raj carried her bat throughout almost the entire innings, before she fell to Kim Garth in the penultimate over of the innings. Deepti Sharma ensured there was a flourish at the end, scoring a quickfire, unbeaten 11 off just seven balls. Garth was the pick of the Ireland bowlers, grabbing two for 22 from her four overs. In pursuit of a challenging total, only Isobel Joyce who
Mithali Raj scored her second successive half-century top scored with 33 and Clare Shillington who made 23 put up any resistance with none of the other batters getting into double figures. By the time Joyce was dismissed in the 18th over, the
outcome was already known as Ireland had progressed to only 84 for five. Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma were India’s two best bowlers, finishing with three for 25 and two for 15 respectively.
Spinners strangle Pakistan in big New Zealand win ESPNcricinfo - World No. 3 team New Zealand took their first step towards sealing third place in Group B with a comprehensive win over Pakistan. With India’s result against Ireland earlier on Thursday ruling both these teams out of the semi-final race before the match began, the tempo of the game was fast and free-flowing. But New Zealand’s batting might was backed up by their spinners in the middle overs, and after enduring a nervous start courtesy Javeria Khan in their de-
fence of 144, New Zealand folded Pakistan rapidly to seal the 54-run win. Offspinner Jess Watkin took 3 for 9 in her four overs and was chiefly responsible for Pakistan’s slow combustion. Legspinner Amelia Kerr played support with 3 for 21. Both teams were aggressive during the batting Powerplays, but New Zealand found more in their top order than Pakistan would in chase. They reverted to their traditional opening pair of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine and it was rewarded instantly
when the pair put on 59 for the opening stand. Importantly, New Zealand didn’t let the rate fall even after Bates was dismissed, with No. 3 Amy Satterthwaite dropping anchor and allowing the more settled Devine to take on the attack. This was followed by another productive partnership between Satterthwaite and Katie Martin that kept the run rate hovering about 6.5 till the 18th over. Pakistan bowled tightly in pockets, but sloppy ground fielding and a dropped catches seemed to
regularly make their way in and break any passage where they created pressure. Any success they would have with the ball was delayed, with four wickets falling in the last two overs, but even there, it was bittersweet. Martin and Maddy Green combined to make 18 runs off boundaries as New Zealand pushed to finish on 144. New Zealand women 144 for 6 (Bates 35, Devine 32, Riaz 2-29) beat Pakistan women 90 (Javeria 36, Watkin 3-9, Kerr 3-21) by 54 runs.
Quarter-final round kicks off tonight... From page 36 matches of the night, Jermain Beckles’s second half strike (76th minute)was the deciding blow in the match between the seemingly evenly matched sides that both produced many dangerous attacking plays into each other’s final third. It was a disappointing finish for Grove that were runners-up in the lucrative and inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super-16 year-end knockout tourney last year and they will now be looking towards this year’s competition. Meanwhile, in the opening match, city side Georgetown Football Club (GFC) got the better of West Bank Demerara’s Pouderoyen that had finished as runnersup in the Limacol tournament,
with an imposing 3-0 victory. LaVaughn Enniss netted a brace for the victors after recording successful strikes in the 50th and 59th minute after his teammate Alberto Basanto had opened the scoring in the 47th minute, GFC completely dominating the second period of play. A total of $1.5 million in cash prizes is up for grabs in this tournament with the winners pocketing $800,000, second place $400,000, third $200,000 and fourth $100,000.
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Friday November 16, 2018
Kaieteur News
Archery Guyana/Infotrans Guyana Inc. Outdoor Competition Archery Guyana’s first segment of the 2018 Outdoor Archery Championship sponsored by Infotrans Guyana Inc. was held on Sunday last at the Carifesta Sports Club Ground with15 archers competing in the ranking rounds of Men, Women and Junior Women classes. Action got underway following the opening ceremony where remarks were given by President Mr. Mohamed Khan. Competitors were classed as Individual Women, Individual Junior Women and Individual Men all shooting a 300 ranking round (a 300 round is 30 arrows shot with a possibility of scoring all 10s). Excitement was in the air and the competition was intense as everyone braved the blistering heat trying to gain top scores against each other whilst battling with the wind. The ladies and junior women started off the Individual categories followed by the men’s individual and the mixed teams (Round 1). Archery Guyana is expressing thanks the Honourable Minister Norton, National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for their kind permission for the use of the Carifesta Ground. Special thanks are also extended to the Management of Infotrans Guyana Inc.
Participants at the Outdoor Archery 2018 Championships Results are as follows: Ranking Round Results – Individual Women 1st Narda Mohamed 160 points 2nd Shereeda Yusuf 81 points 3rd Samira Duncan 64 points 4th Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon47 point Junior Women’s Individual 1st Talitha Kissoon 70 points 2nd Jessica Callender 57 points Men’s Individual 1st Sean Duncan 211 points 2nd Nicholas Hing 191 points 3rd Anand Mangra 186 points 4th Ryan McKinnon 167 points 5th Umasankar Madray 148 points
Fifteen teams contest BCB Mike’s Pharmacy U-15 from Sunday History would be created on Sunday when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) bowls off its 2019 Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 tournament which would be the first time that a tournament for an upcoming year will commence well in advance. The BCB has already completed the 2018 edition of the tournament which was won by Albion Community Centre, this 2019 edition would be the 23rd competition under the Hilbert Foster led administration. Sponsor of the tournament is popular Businessman Lakeram Singh, CEO of Mike’s Pharmacy and the Board is expressing gratitude to Singh for his continued confidence in the
BCB and Anil Beharry who serves as a Liaison Officer for the Board in Georgetown. The teams have been divided into three Zones for the tournament which would be used to select the Berbice Inter County team for the 2019 season. Blairmont ‘A’, Blairmont ‘B’, Bush Lot United, Paradise and Achievers make u p o f Z o n e ‘ A’ w h i l e Tucber Park, Mt. Sinai, Edinburgh, Rose Hall Canje and Kendall’s Union form Zone ‘B’. T h e 2 0 1 8 w i n n e r, Albion Community Centre, runner-up Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes, Port Mourant Cricket Club, No. 73 and Big Star would battle each other in what is
Team Blairmont Community Centre ‘A’ Bush Lot United Cricket Club Tucber Park Cricket Club Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes Port Mourant Cricket Club
expected to be a very competitive Zone ‘C’. The cut-off date for players to be eligible is the September 1st, 2004; matches would be played 50-Overs per innings. Teams are expected to be present at the venue by 09.15hrs while clubs are being reminded that all players must be attired in whites. Wa l k o v e r s h a l l b e granted 30 minutes after the scheduled start of play while teams shall forfeit the spinning of the toss if they are not present to spin it by 09.15hrs. Clubs are asked to note that Paradise, Kendall’s Union and Big Star all drew the bye to the next round. The fixtures for the opening round as follows:
Team Venue Blairmont ‘B’ Community Centre Blairmont Achievers Cricket Club Bush Lot Edinburgh Cricket Club Edinburgh Mt. Sinai Cricket Club Mt. Sinai No. 73 Cricket Club Area ‘H’ Ground Albion Community Centre Albion
After the Individual rounds were completed, athletes were paired for the mixed team ranking rounds, whereby the highest scoring male paired with lowest scoring female and vice-versa. Seven mixed teams contested for the top (4) four spots, as the excitement grew. The first four mixed teams will move on to the semi-finals and finals to be held on Sunday at the same venue from 11:00hrs. Ranking Round Results – Mixed Team (Round 1) 1st Narda Mohamed & Robert Singh 177 points 2nd Ryan McKinnon & Talitha Kissoon 151 points 3rd Umasankar Madray & Shereeda Yusuf147 points 4th Anand Mangra & Samira Duncan 122 points
Turbo Football Tournament
Quarter-final round kicks off tonight; GFC and Camptown are latest winners Quarter final play in the second annual Turbo knockout football tournament will commence tonight from 18:30hrs at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on Carifesta Avenue following the conclusion of the roundof-16 on Wednesday last. In the first match, Riddim Squad will match skills with Northern Rangers while Santos FC will play Police FC in the feature match. Riddim Squad will be banking heavily on their opening match’s hattrick hero, Travis Agard, to continue his good goal scoring form while Rangers will hope the form of Steven Sankar and Adolf George continue as well. The inform men for Police FC are Anthio Wallace and Manasseh Primo while Samuel Dey and Ronaldo Dover are the danger men for Santos. On Wednesday, defending champions of the tournament which is organised by the Petra Organisation, Camptown Football Club needled Grove Hi Tech in a very closely contested clash. In the feature of two (Continued on page 37)
Steven Sankar – Northern Rangers
Travis Agard - Riddim Squad.
Play between winners GFC (left) and Pouderoyen on Wednesday night.
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Friday November 16, 2018
Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level Squash Tourney
Wilshire dominates as Carpenter crashes to crushing defeat; Alphonso upsets Ince-Carvalhal Shomari Wishire (right) was all over Gianni Carpenter during Wednesday night’s action.
By Sean Devers
C
aribbean U-15 S q u a s h Champion Shomari Wilshire made light work of Gianni Carpenter crushing him in straight games on night two the Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level Tournament at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday in GSA’s last competition for the year. Playing in category ‘A’ the 15-year-old Wiltshire
barley broke a sweat as he outplayed Gianni Carpenter 11/1, 11/4, 11/1, in a clinical exhibition of high class squash while number 2 seed Samuel Ince-Carvalhal suffered an upset 3-0 loss to Mikey Alphonso also in Category ‘A’. In a night that saw some surprising results, fans attending witnessed the young competitors battling each other with grit and determination. In the biggest upset of the
Michael Alphonso (right) battles Samuel Ince-Cararval on Wednesday night.
Abosadie Cadogan (left) beat Mohryou Baksh.
Christaina Fernandes (right) defeated Matthew Spooner.
night, Alphonso won the first two games 11-6, 11-6 but Ince-Carvalhal fought back gamely in the third before being cut down by the precise shots of the younger player who demonstrated that he is a force to be reckoned with; winning the final game 11-9. Category ‘B’ saw another upset as Nicholas Verwey came back from a 2/0 deficit against Kirsten Gomes to emerge winner. Gomes dominated for the first two games, securing an 11/8, 11/7 lead, but Verwey refused to give up and came back in the third to leave Gomes on 6 points as he ran away with the game. Gomes seemed exhausted in the fourth as Verwey moved her around the court to an 11/2 victory before finishing the match 8/11, 7/11, 11/6, 11/2, 11/6. In Category ‘F’, Grant Fenandes won his fourth match of the tournament to remain unbeaten in his group. In category ‘D’ Lajuan Munroe defeated Beau Fernandes to also remain undefeated and in Category ‘B’ Cadogan and Demetrius DeAbreu extended their winning streaks. Wins for Shriya Persaud and Jane Singh in Category ‘G’ put the girls out in front with their serves and returns showing great promise as they got the better of the boys and will be matched against each other later in the week. Matches continue this
evening from 18:00hrs with the finals set for Sunday. Results: Category ‘A’ Shomari Wiltshire beat Gianni Carpenter 11/1, 11/4, 11/1 Michael Alphonso beat Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11/6, 11/6, 11/9. Category ‘B’ Demetrius DeAbreu beat Lucas Jonas 13/11, 11/3. 9/11, 12/10 Abosaide Cadogan beat Mohryan Baksh 11/7, 11/2 , 11/9 Nicholas Verwey beat Kirsten Gomes 8/11, 7/11, 11/6, 11/2, 11/6 Category ‘C’
Zachary Persaud Louis DaSilva Category ‘D’ Nathan Rahaman beat Beau Fernandes 5/11, 11/4, 11/5, 11/6 Lajuan Munroe beat Beau Fernandes 11/7, 11/9, 11/4 Category ‘E’ Rayad Boyce beat Aishani Persuad 11/6, 11/7 Dhiren Persaud beat Arvin Seelall 11/5, 5/11, 12/10 Aram Chan beat Lucas Persaud 11/7, 11/6. Category ‘F’ Christiana Fernandes beat Matthew Spooner 11/7, 11/5
Kaden Pynaendy beat Malia Maikoo 11/9, 6/11, 11/7 Grant Fernandes beat Safirah Summer 11/9, 5/11, 11/5 Grant Fernandes beat Christiana Fernandes 8/11, 11/6, 11/4 Category ‘G’ Tristan Seereeram beat Matthew Darby 6/11, 11/7, 11/9 Romero Muniram beat Tristan Seereeram 11/2, 11/5 Category ‘H’ Shriya Persaud beat Solomon Ince-Carvalhal 11/4, 7/11, 11/3 Jane Singh beat Eli Gouveia 11/9, 11/5
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Friday November 16, 2018
GAPLF Senior Nationals to be contested on Sunday December 2 at Saints
P
owerlifting fans are bracing for what is anticipated to be an explosive day when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) brings off its marquee event, the Senior Nationals which will be held on Sunday December 2 next at Saints Stanislaus College Auditorium from 10:00hrs. According to a federation release, this competition is the most anticipated event of the year since the competing athletes (vying for the Best Male and Female Lifter titles) will all be seeking to secure qualifying Wilks Totals which will enable them to be shortlisted for the 2019 National Team. At this competition, there will be for the first time in Guyana’s history, two women in the 84+kg
category competing for the title of Best Female Lifter. Runita White, the best female lifter for Intermediates National Championship 2018 and Natoya Robinson, the best female lifter for Raw Nationals 2018 are expected to take the platform by storm. Participating athletes for Flight ‘A’ are required to be at the venue for 08:00hrs sharp for the weigh-in which will last until 09:30hrs for this Flight. Athletes competing in Flight B will be weighed in from 11:30 hrs. Tickets cost $1,000 and can be purchased directly from GAPLF Executive Members, or Buddy’s Gym. The entrance fee at the gate for this event will be $1,500. Athletes who are interested in competing for Senior Nationals 2018 are required to download their
Carlos Petterson
Vijai Rahim
Natoya Robinson
Runita White
application form from the GAPLF’s official facebook page, for submission along with the required competition fees. All registration forms and monies should be submitted to GAPLF Committee Member, Martin Webster. Alternatively, payment for this competition can be made directly to the federation’s Republic Bank
Account - #6552194 - with a confirming screenshot of the completed registration form along with the confirming banking deposit slip, being electronically submitted to Mr. Webster. Other athletes set to compete are 2018 NAPF Overall Champion Carlos Petterson, Vijai Rahim, 93kg junior sensation Bishen Sasenarine, 2018
Novices Overall champ Timothy Bagla, the Babb sisters, Grace and Blossom and Noel Cummings the nation’s oldest competing
athlete. Sponsors are Buddy’s Gym, Fitness Express, Trophy Stall and Dyna’s Embroidery.
GT Beer/BFA 8-a-side Invitational KO Football in continues today T h e G T Beer/BFA/Candy Boss/Antics Promotions 8a-side Invitational knockout football Tournament will continue this weekend with four matches at the All Saints Presbyterian Church ground in New Amsterdam, Berbice.Two games are carded for today with Beacons FC of Georgetown coming up against NA United at 19:00hrs followed by Mahaica Determinators doing battle with Number 5 from 20:30hrs. City side, Police FC will clash with Wolves United in the first match of a double header on Sunday to be followed by a showdown between Cougars ‘A’ and Edinburgh Gunners in the night cap. Fyrish Sharks and Corentyne All Stars are
already eliminated following defeats to Paradise FC and Rosignol United, respectively. Teams from Berbice, Georgetown, East Coast D e m e r a r a a n d We s t Demerara are battling for supremacy and a chance to win cash prizes and trophies in excess of $1.2 million. Sponsors include Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Fly Jamaica, Regional Health Services, Foot-soul, Bobb and Sons, National Sports Commission and Integrated Security. T h e o rg a n i s e r s a r e Candy Boss and Antics Promotions. Matches will be every Friday and Sunday until the grand final on January 5th, 2019 at the same venue.
Kaieteur News
Friday November 16, 2018
PAGE 41
GFF-Always National Women’s Development League Abraham cops Men’s Bodybuilding Overall Title at OAFA Great Lakes Classic in Canada NA United (B’ce), Fruta Conquerors A (G/town), Guyanese Canadian based body builder Eustace Abraham returned to the sport following a short break to capture the Men’s Bodybuilding Overall Title at the Ontario Amateur Fitness Association (OAFA) inaugural Naturals and Great Lakes Classic 2018 championship on November 4 last at the Earl Haig Secondary School. Before carting off the overall tile and prize, the 219-pound Abraham who will celebrate his 48th birthday next month, had won the Men’s Masters Over-40 and Men’s Heavyweight Open categories; the event was promoted by IFBB Pro, Jason Machovichi. In an invited comment, Abraham said that he would have been involved in tougher competitions but was happy that he did compete, having just five (5) weeks to get in shape. ”I commenced training with a bodyweight of 263 and competed at 219. It was a bit of a challenge in terms of my prep, since I had to balance training with work and of course you know dieting is also vital; but all in all, everything world out. I had had made a decision to stay off the competitive scene for a few years and focus on my career but I soon changed that perspective because appearance was a major credit on the job so I waltzed right back into the world of competition, “ Abraham revealed nothing that he has not lost a single stripe. Abraham’s next contest will be the Canadian Bodybuilding Federation
Micam Eagles (Mahdia) lead respective legs
Eustace Abraham on stage.
Nationals Pro Qualifier in Montreal, next August> ”But the way I am feeling after tasting victory yet again, I might very well do some earlier shows. I am excited to grace the pro stage.”
Female action in the Always League at the Tucville Ground. (GFF Photo) New Amsterdam United cemented their place at the top of the Berbice leg of the GFF-Always National Women’s Development League last weekend, with a 2-0 win over West Side Conquerors. Fruta Conquerors ‘A’ continued their dominance of the Georgetown leg, putting four past Foxy Ladies without reply. In
Mahdia, Micam Eagles ‘A’ drew 1-1 with Mahdia Gold Getters to leave Micam Eagles ‘B’ clear at the top of that leg. The national league, featuring a record 49 teams competing in shorter format and seven-a-side matches, is part of the GFF’s strategy to develop women’s football, alongside girls’ participation in the GFF-Kool Kidz
Grassroots national programme and nationwide GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres. Sponsored by Always, official beverage partner ICool (Ansa McAl) and Gaico Construction, the competition will take place in all 10 Administrative Regions, seeking to grow the player population, and to (Continued on page 34)
t r o Sp
Taylor’s golden arm takes Windies to thrilling win
Player of the Match, Stephanie Taylor.
India whip Ireland to book spot in final four Leigh Kasperek picked up 3 for 35 Getty Images
Mithali Raj’s battling 17th T20I fifty helped India seal a semi-final berth ©ICC/Getty
Spinners strangle Pakistan in big New Zealand win
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