Monday November 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Attorney supports the decision The Durban Park Project is a of the Speaker of the House DEAR EDITOR; Once again, I happen to be dissenting from the opinion of learned Counsel, Mohabir Anil Nandlall (KN November 20-21 under caption “The Speaker and freedom to speak in the House”; SN, Monday, 21 November under the caption “A member can refer to any document in the House without having to produce it”). His proposition is that he, not being a minister but as a Member of Parliament, “he is free to refer to any document without having to produce same”. The referenced “document” was an article as carried (as he alleged) in the Kaiteur News (KN). The Speaker of the National Assembly (Hon Dr. Barton Scotland, OR) had ruled that he had to produce the KN article. It is a point of practice. I agree (with some reservation) with the
Speaker ’s ruling. My reservation hinges on me not having the benefit of the fullness of the entire numbers of Standing Orders that may cast light on this point, pro and con. My reasoned agreement is based on three grounds – fairness, illogicality and unwritten rules. First, the elementary principle of fairness. Debates are adversarial. Misrepresentation may, unwittingly or otherwise, occur, as regards a reported statement or act attributed to a member. There is in National Assembly debates no irrebutable presumption of truth of assertions or representations made by a presenting member. It can matter not one iota that the presenting member does not quote or read from the referenced “document” (source material). In the form of reported speech that
Another blue Christmas for Amerindians DEAR EDITOR; There are more delays in Guyana’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) REDD+ READINESS project since there seems to be little or no movement in the implementation of this project by the IDB in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources. On the occasion of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary I wrote regarding Amerindians being denied benefits due to slothfulness by the IDB in discharging its responsibilities and hence causing delays in resources being made available to the Amerindian people (approximately US $300,000 is budgeted for the NTC and Indigenous Organisations). This placed a dark cloud over Amerindian celebrations for Independence celebration. At the commencement of the 2016 Amerindian heritage month activities, the NTC chair Mr. Joel Fredericks made a passionate plea for this project to be kick started in order to bring benefits to the Amerindian people of Guyana. From then to now a few administrative activities have been held, but as far as I am concerned no substantive progress has been made on the FCPF project, at least not to the point of discharging benefits to Amerindians. This I believe is very unfortunate and the Amerindians continue to wait in frustration due to the IDB’s bureaucracy. I believe the Ministry is making every effort to have the project on stream, so where exactly is the bottle neck? One can only speculate if it’s the IDB that is yet to administer this project, hence the delays. Whatever the reason it is causing the hopes of working Amerindians to fade with every passing day, so much that it will be another blue Christmas for Amerindians in the fight against climate change and its dangerous consequences. Peter Persaud
member is relying on it – otherwise, why make reference to it in the first place. Fairness demands and compels its production in the Assembly (subject to limited exception as to “state paper”) so that the Speaker and the other members of the Assembly (in this instant matter at least all 33 on the Government side) can see and peruse it for themselves, individually, and verify as to the veracity of the assertions or representations made. On this ground alone, unless there be clear constitutional/Standing Orders prescription to the contrary, the Speaker rightly, demanded its production. Indeed this fairness is embodied in the legal principle that he who asserts must prove, if his assertion is intended to be relied on and acted upon. And what other mode of proof of the assertion or representation can there be in the context of Nation Assembly proceedings, than its production (in the instant matter the KN)? None. It is not as if Glenn Lall (its publisher) or Adam Harris (its Editor) could be summoned to give evidence under oath as to that. Second, the sheer illogicality of the proposition, in its context. The heavy reliance by Counsel on Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice appears to me to be misguided and misplaced, as May was concerned with the exceptional situation of government documents (“state paper”) and rightly differentiated between Ministers, and nongovernment members of England’s House of Commons. To my mind, article 171(1) is highly relevant to the point of practice. Relevantly article 171(1) provides “… any member of the Assembly may introduce….for debate in… the Assembly and the same shall be debated and disposed of according to the rules of procedure of the Assembly”. Of course, “rules of procedure” is a compendious reference to the Standing Orders (see also section 9 of the Constitutive Act, Cap
1:01) and the unwritten rules i.e. custom, usage, settled practice. Counsel’s proposition is predicated on the absence in the Standing Orders of (written) rules on this matter. So, whatever the rule is, it has to be found in the unwritten rules. So far, so good. But then he imports into our National Assembly’s rules of procedure, the English House of Commons position regarding, exceptionally, Minister and “state paper”, which position is underpinned by such differentiation, and persuades himself that that is also the (unwritten) rule regarding such utterly nonstate paper, document or material, as a newspaper of general circulation to which absolutely no considerations of secrecy or confidentiality attaches (in this matter, the KN). There is absolutely no comparison, not in law, not in fact, between “state paper” and newspaper. And, yet, it is that differentiation factor of a “state paper” that is the linchpin of Mr. Nandlall’s proposition. By a somewhat Orwellian illogicality (remember George Orwell’s – Animal Farm – and the famous aphorism – all animals are equal but some are more equal than others) the basic principle of fairness applies unequally and differentiatedly even to material such as the KN. Minister – members must produce; other members has no such obligation; nongovernment members (an analogy with Orwell’s “pigs”) were entitled to a lower standard of fairness and veracity than the Government minister (an analogy with Orwell’s “other” animals) members. The non-minister members (to which category Mr. Nandlall and all other Opposition members belong) are “more equal than others”. Maxwell E. Edwards Attorney-at-Law Editor’s note; Mr. Maxwell’s letter is very lengthy and will be continued in a forthcoming edition
white elephant
DEAR EDITOR; I viewed the presentation by Minister Cathy Hughes in Parliament on the Durban Park Project and found it misleading and devoid of facts. Is this what our Parliamentary debates have come to? Her meanderings on the issues were so weak that even a 4th form debater at St Rose High School could have done better. When a Minister comes to Parliament with a full battery of advisors including spin artist Enrico Woolford on their staff, they must be better prepared. Her presentation illustrated a great degree of under preparation. Was it executive laziness? So she started off with a statement that this Government has absolutely nothing to hide, but then went right on to cover up that her Government just spent more than $500 million on a Durban Park Project in a cloak and dagger affair with absolutely no accountability and transparency. That was not a procurement process; that was the use of the Treasury for favoured friends and family of the PNC. All the contracts were to friends of the PNC and the Project Manager of the Project is an Executive Member of the PNC and thus as a so-called AFC member, people were expecting Ms. Hughes to take a more informed position. So she declared that our hands are clean. Is that so? So why was there no proper tendering of the secret deals that clandestinely enriched all the henchmen of the Granger Government? One Minister got so much money on this Durban Park deal that he was able to complete the construction of a mansion on the East Bank. So whose hands are clean Ms. Cathy? None of their hands are clean. Do you want us to talk about Larry Singh? So her lame excuse that they only had one year to complete the project illustrated two things; gross incompetence on the part of the Granger government and an obsession with petty self-aggrandizement at the expense of the taxpayers. One year was enough time to plan a rapid expansion and refurbishment of the facilities that Burnham built at the National Park, which is accessible to all of Guyana. But no, her President wanted to waste hundreds of millions on a project that is not accessible to all of Guyana because people from Enmore and Port Mourant will NEVER go to that park; not for fun; not for the parade; not for social engagement because of the crime perception that surrounds that area. The Durban Park project is nothing but a white elephant and this lavish spending on this park has just served to further starve the public servants. It occupies one of the largest free spaces in Guyana but very few visitors on a daily basis. Only birds and bees visit it during the day and lovers at night. Yes, Ms. Cathy, $500 million for Guyana’s most expensive white elephant. Is that your legacy as the Minister of Tourism? We thought Jagdeo squandered money on the Kingston Hotel, only today to find out that he has not because the Marriott is one of the most visited locations by dignitaries today. So we have secured value for money from this Jagdeo project. The Jagdeo conceived and built Marriott today serves a great national purpose, but what purpose does the Durban Park project serve? So thank you Bishop Edghill for raising this matter. We the people are aware of what is happening. They “pun tap” now and it is the turn for the PNC’s leadership and their loyal followers in the AFC to raid the Treasury just like how the PPP boys did in the years before. So to Ms. Cathy – NO HANDS ARE CLEAN IN THAT PARLIAMENT or in the Ministry of the Presidency. Get your facts right! Lisa Ally
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Monday November 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
The signs of contraction and closure of sugar are everywhere DEAR EDITOR; APNU+AFC Government is not disguising its plan to end sugar in Guyana anymore. In its unconscionable scheme, Rose Hall sugar factory in Canje appears to be on the chopping block for 2017. More than 2,300 sugar workers and their families will be affected, about 10,000 Guyanese directly. Their plan is to move cane from Rose Hall to Albion, just as I had warned of last year. Thousands of people in Canje and East Bank Berbice, small businesses etc. will suffer immensely, Guyana’s economy will suffer, poverty will increase. Having already begun the closing of Wales and LBI, completely ending sugar’s history in these communities
and clearly downgrading Skeldon, APNU + AFC is on a firm path to contraction and closure of SUGAR in Guyana. This is consistent with a proposal they made in 2014, while in Opposition. They immediately began the process to close SUGAR in May 2015. It is not an idle rumor that they have already initiated discussion to sell off Skeldon factory in a sweetheart deal, similar to the public health warehouse fiasco, as part of the process of contraction and closure. I warned last year of APNU+AFC’s intention to close Rose Hall sugar factory. Now clearly GUYSUCO is carrying out instruction to close Rose Hall. Cane cultivation at Providence, an important source of cane for Rose Hall has been
abandoned, ending Providence’s centuries-old link to sugar. An important source of employment for people in West Canje and East Bank Berbice is being eliminated, with no plans to introduce any economic activity for this area. The already beleaguered populations of West Canje and East Bank Berbice are already feeling the pinch. They claim transportation of cane from Providence is too expensive. But transportation of cane from Wales to Uitvlugt is even more expensive. This kind of voodoo economics is ruining Guyana. The fact is just like they have now done at Providence, they will do at Wales, claiming that cane transportation to Uitvlugt is too expensive. They have already concluded transportation of cane from LBI to Enmore is too costly
as a reason to completely close LBI. The signs of contraction and closure of SUGAR is everywhere. We are aware that the annual 20% replanting program is essentially abandoned. Mechanization which is an imperative for SUGAR’s future in Guyana has been put on hold. Land conversion has come to a grinding halt. Genuine diversification has been replaced with rice cultivation. Notice the weekly data from GUYSUCO is no longer a public exercise? Let GUYSUCO tell us again on a weekly basis what is the replanting, land conversion, mechanization and production data. They claim we are crying wolf and they are merely in the process of diversification. But co-generation has been abandoned and ethanol production is either on hold or abandoned. The packaging plants at Blairmont and Enmore have attracted little attention from APNU+AFC/
GUYSUCO. Instead, their idea of diversification is rice cultivation. Like many Guyanese I was shocked when they announced they will use cane fields in Wales to cultivate rice. They clandestinely used $450M from GRDB (rice farmers’ money) to fund an American group to pilot rice cultivation in Wales, raiding the treasury for their own purpose and benefits. GUYSUCO, GRDB and APNU+AFC are obliged to reveal who has been contracted and how much they have paid to pilot a rice project at Wales. Is GRDB also paying for Professor Thomas’s rice cultivation at Skeldon? Rice disguised as diversification in GUYSUCO is not new. Millions were squandered in the failed rice project at Blairmont. The fields and the rice factory still stand as a reminder of GUYSUCO’s sad foray into rice. But it is puzzling that GUYSUCO is intent to compete with rice farmers for
limited rice markets. Guyana’s rice farmers presently sell paddy below production cost because Guyana depends on lowpriced rice markets, having squandered prime rice markets. Who is GUYSUCO planning to sell rice to? Ramjattan, Nagamootoo, Charandass and others who before the May 2015 elections were daily on TV and radio in Berbice bloviating commitment to sugar and rice are dreadfully silent today. But their betrayal of sugar workers is thunderously conspicuous. They whimper in a corner like a poodle as their fearsome masters in APNU implement a predetermined scheme of contraction and closure of SUGAR. These charlatans failed Wales, now they need to show up in Canje and explain their silence on the proposed closure of Rose Hall sugar factory. Anything less is compounding the betrayal. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Social cohesion is about economic mobility I am appealing to Region 4 to DEAR EDITOR; Attention is being paid to the objection of a certain small business man who operates a guard service and is a religious preacher in the media, to some members of the African community launching a business chamber on the pretext that the existence of such is not in keeping with the government’s thrust regarding social cohesion. Let me say from the outset that an element in social cohesion is respect for the fundamental freedoms and rights of the individual. These are adumbrated in international declarations, conventions and charters. The Guyana Constitution has enshrined some of these. Serious objection is taken to any individual or group who wants to deny another individual or group the right to freedom of association and economic selfdetermination. The African community has a right to form any association that would protect and advance its interest, in this instance its economic interest. Such interest does not preclude them, having benefitted from an association, from competing in the marketplace for their advancement. The history of this country shows that Africans came together and pooled their physical, intellectual and economic resources to purchase plantations which they converted to villages; ran a village economy; sold their skills, talents and produce in the marketplace; and established a local government system to manage their day-to-day affairs.
To now say to Africans that forming an association, from which history shows aided their advancement, is being anti-social cohesion. Social cohesion is also about economic mobility. When everyone has an equal chance at economic upliftment, it creates less conflict in society and contributes to welding the nation. It is very offensive that every time Africans seek to do something progressive or stand up for their inalienable rights and freedoms, some seek to undermine such efforts and stance. Social cohesion will not happen when forces are allowed to mouth words and put in place actions to deny others what they are rightly entitled to. By quoting Bharrat Jagdeo, whose record as president showed a penchant for marginalising the African community, to support his argument that an African business chamber is bad for the business community, Mr. Khan has placed his intent in further doubt. Social cohesion is commitment to the principles of equality and justice, from which peace and harmony in society can be realised. If Khan is committed to these principles, then it would be expected that he would add his voice in demanding that these be respected. A point that should not escape the society from Khan’s letter is the absence of knowledge on social cohesion, even among those who are taking prominent role in advancing the programme. Lincoln Lewis
pay me my salary DEAR EDITOR; I am a teacher attached to a school located in the village of Ann’s Grove and I am appalled at the treatment being meted out to me by the Region 4 Personnel Department, with regard to my salary. At the beginning of this week I realized that my November salary was not paid into my bank account while the rest of my colleagues, except for one who is similarly affected, received their salaries. I enquired from the accounts department about the status of my salary and was informed by an employee that because some teachers who were served letters reminding them to ‘update’ their NIS information did not comply with this request a directive from the personnel department was issued to withhold their salaries. I never received a letter through my Head teacher or at my residence about this
NIS issue neither was there any verbal communication from the relevant authorities. I only learnt about this after I enquired about my missing salary. I find this situation and the excuse given unfathomable. Each month a meaty chunk of my income goes towards NIS payment and an even meatier, larger portion is deducted as tax before I am able to withdraw my salary. The monthly payments to ‘Caesar’ have never been missed since 2012 yet I am told out of the blue that I cannot get my salary for November which I have worked for because I did not update my NIS information with the personnel department. There is an NIS number printed on my payslip and every month deductions were made. At the time of being hired I provided my TIN and NIS information along with others. Besides, what does this frivolous excuse have to do with being paid a salary which I have worked for and rightfully belongs to me? I was left further confounded, if that is possible, when I was serenely informed by a blameless employee from the accounts department that because ‘they have already closed off for December’ the earliest I should expect to be paid is January and a miracle
is needed for me to be paid in December although I am an employed teacher and have been reporting for work as usual. Editor, should I vend my body for Christmas? Is this what the esteemed officers at the Region 4 Department of Education (Triumph) expect me to do? Why should I settle for a “white-mouth”, hungry Christmas while my colleagues, the personnel officers and others would be enjoying their duck curry, dhall puri, black cake and other luxuries? I have to buy my Christmas blinds, meat, dress and other necessities. A supplemental pay sheet can be made, cheque issued or cash given. I am entirely blameless in this matter and all fault lies with the persons who so callously and without reason created this situation. I want my money! I am appealing to the relevant officers with the authority to rectify this matter to ensure that I, along with the other affected teachers receive our November and December salaries before Christmas. This ridiculous situation should never have occurred in the first place and there is absolutely no justifiable reason for me to be denied my salary that I have worked for. Should I lodge a complaint at the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security? Frustrated teacher Albion Village, Corentyne, Berbice
Monday November 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 28, 2016
Food and Drugs scandal…
Importer accuses Govt. official of leaking confidential documents
A local businessman who is claiming discrimination by a senior Government official is calling for the administration to immediately suspend him. Over the weekend, confidential import documents that were sent to Marlan Cole, Director of the Government Food and Drugs Department, have made their way into the hands of a few private media outlets. “This is getting unbelievable now. It is totally unacceptable. What more evidence does the administration need that Cole has abused his office in the worst way possible by releasing confidential documents that his department has asked for?” an angry Frank Sanichara said last evening. Sanichara is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sueria Manufacturing Inc., a company that has been battling the government department for over a year now on what that company says is a clear case of discrimination. Foods and Drugs play a critical role in ensuring local importers comply with safety regulations when shipping
containers and food related items here. According to Sanichara, on Friday, he sent documents, including some from his Malaysian supplier, to Cole. “These confidential documents were sent only to him (Cole). He cannot say that it was leaked by anyone else. It is posted on a news website and I saw it for myself and have taken the screenshots of it to prove the documents were posted up. This is not how a Government department that is charged with an important mandate should operate. I am calling on the Health Minister to take immediate action. My competitors now have an opportunity to see with whom I do business.” According to the businessman, the publication of the private documents sends a very worrying signal to investors and business people in Guyana. “It also poses a serious threat to privacy of information. No company would want their competition to see their private information,” a worried Sanichara said. The leaking of the
Health Minister, Dr. George Norton
Businessman, Frank Sanichara
Food and Drug Director, Marlan Cole
confidential import documents would bring to mind a similar incident a few years ago in which former head of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur, was accused of leaking tax information of Kaieteur News to senior officials of the previous government. The global accounting body had launched an investigation to determine whether Sattaur had breached ethics. In the case of the leaking of Sueria’s customs and other confidential importation documents, the Food and Drugs Department was supposed to ensure that they remain confidential. Last week, following protests in front of the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Public Health by Sueria and other importers claiming abuse of office and discrimination by the director, Government immediately asked Cole to explain. An investigation was ordered by the Ministry of the Presidency. Health Minister, Dr.
George Norton, immediately distanced himself from the discrimination and abuse claims by the importers, saying that his administration does not condone such behavior. Sanichara said that after it became clear that a probe was underway, the Food and Drugs Department then disclosed that a number of his documents relating to a shipment of energy drinks had gone missing. “So it is clear now from my many delayed containers and that of other importers that we are being singled out. There is a pattern. My documents went missing last week after we launched a picketing exercise asking for us to be treated fairly as business persons. All we want is a level playing field,” Sanichara said last evening. The case has drawn in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) which said over the weekend that the department is trying to ensure food and drinks are safe to enter Guyana. It so happens some of
GMSA’s members are competitors to the importers who protested last week. The businessman also claimed over the weekend that Food and Drugs Department is even refusing to acknowledge applications made. “The department is also refusing to stamp or acknowledge that they have taken our documents, including Customs entries. We therefore have no proof that the department is processing our applications. I am not sure what is happening here but every Government entity has procedures of acknowledging when you hand in documents or a correspondence.” Cole was sent home earlier this year over an alleged incident but later turned back out on the job. Sueria has the distribution rights to several popular products, including Shakura Energy Drinks. The shipments that have been held up by Food and Drugs are several consignments of products including Shakura Energy Drink. In the case of Sueria,
Sanichara is a businessman who returned home to invest and has plugged hundreds of millions of dollars in manufacturing of sweets and importation of juices. The juice importation business is a highly competitive one with a number of large companies involved. GMSA over weekend said it preferred the conflicts to be handled in court. However, Sanichara said that it is impossible to go to court on every shipment of his juices and international products held up by Food and Drugs. Sanichara said on Saturday that GMSA should have investigated first before making statements. “We bring containers ever so often. Is GMSA saying we should go to court on each container? I am available to provide the evidence of the discrimination. It is a fact that the court cases take a while. What do we do in the meantime? We have staffers, we have expenses. We are losing business.” Sanichara said last week that his company lost over $30M and was forced to send home staffers because of the delays and disruptions caused by Cole and his department. “I would like to ask GMSA how they would feel if their products are exported and the destination countries treat them in such a manner.” Minister Norton said last week that he is set to meet tomorrow with the Foods and Drugs director and the businessman to deal with the matter.
Monday November 28, 2016
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Kaieteur News
SANTA CLAUS BUDGET The National Budget will be read today in the National Assembly. What can Guyanese expect? There will be a lot of goodies in the Budget. A bonus here, a bonus there, an increase here and increase there! There will be something for the small man but there will be little benefits for the growing middle class in the country. The objective would be to narrow the gap between
the working class and the middle class. A number of things can be predicted with a fair degree of confidence. First, Guyanese can expect the usual doomsday diagnosis. The PPP/C left a great deal of debts; Guysuco is a drain on the economy; a number of the sectors of the economy are underperforming, the massive subsidy to keep electricity rates low in Linden
has to be increased even further, tax evasion and tax avoidance levels are high etc. Second, the government will downplay the fact that oil prices are high; two major gold mining investments made under the PPP/C is what is driving economic growth; the Skeldon Factory is actually improving in terms of efficiency but there is simply not enough cane to grind and a great deal of money is being wasted on defence and the
public bureaucracy. Third, wages at the lower end of the scale have been increased by 40% even though the government will not tell us just how many persons were working for below 35,000 per month. The minimum wage has been increased to just over $1,650 per day even though the lowest paid worker on a construction site, the laborers, are still demanding $6,000 per day. No increases
Ex-cop shoots ‘John Kirby’ outside bar
The club where the shooting occurred
SHOT: Martin Atwell An ex-policeman pumped three bullets into an East Ruimveldt resident at around 02.00 hrs yesterday, during an altercation outside the ‘Wings and Things’ Bar, Mandela Avenue Georgetown. Martin Atwell, a 48-yearold seaman, also known as Martin Bovell and John Kirby, of Lot 374 East Ruimveldt, was shot to the chest and abdomen, during an argument
with the ex-cop, who is a licensed firearm holder. He is in a critical condition. Kaieteur News understands that Atwell was
standing outside the hangout spot when an argument ensued between him and the ex-cop, after Atwell placed some beer bottles on the
man’s car and refused to remove them. It is alleged that after the argument, the ex-cop went Continued on page 23
will be announced for 2016. This will have to await the usual government imposition, sorry, I mean negotiations with the unions. All workers will receive a $50,000 bonus for Christmas. The eight billion dollars which was received from the GGMC will be used to fund part of this increase. Fourth, tax reform will be announced. The emphasis will be on plugging tax loopholes. Penalties, which act more as a disincentive rather than an incentive for tax collection, will be increased. Laws to ensure that certain professional classes pay their fair share of taxes will be implemented. The emphasis will be on increasing tax collections without necessarily increasing the tax base. There will be some increases in fees and licenses, especially for those which have not been increased for some time. Fifth, the security sector allocations will have to be increased to deal with the Venezuelan threat. The army will have to receive more monies. There will be planned increase in strength. The prison service will have to be boosted but the police will have to wait their turn. Sixth, the government will increase spending on infrastructure. They have to. The Chinese have just disbursed a large loan negotiated under the PPP.
The money has to be spent. The internet connectivity project of the government will be one of the major selling points of Budget as will be the ongoing distribution of laptops of teachers. Seventh, housing will be a major priority with billions being allocated to build condominiums and apartments. A system as to who will get these flats will be left to the discretion of the housing department. The government will announce measures to stimulate the economy. But these will be too general to really be taken seriously. The government will also roll back its usual threats to take away lands from investors who have not done what they said they would have done. The case of Barama where over five hundred jobs were lost will be sober reminder to the administration that it has to be nicer to investment if it hopes to attract investment. Eight, there will be a lots of talk about the green economy but talk is cheap and easy especially at Christmas time. The Budget will be a Santa Claus budget. You will get something but not necessarily what you want.
Monday November 28, 2016
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Kaieteur News
$45B invested in security sector was well spent …But we need more – Granger, Ramjattan
By Kiana Wilburg In the space of two budgets, the security sector has received over $45B, and President David Granger and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan are convinced that the money has been put to good use. Both agree however, that
this crucial sector is in need of more resources. During the recent taping of the programme, “The Public Interest,” Kaieteur News asked the Head of State to say if he is satisfied with how the billions invested into the sector have translated into crime fighting efforts.
Granger did not hesitate to state that he felt the allocations into the sector were “inadequate.” In fact, the President opined, “I would certainly like to have given the force more.” The Head of State, who has written extensively on national security, emphasized
that the Guyana Police Force needs assets, be it in the form of more horses and or allterrain vehicles for wider patrols in the Rupununi area. He noted that the Rupununi area is bigger than Costa Rica and is in need of more mounted police, since that is where some of the
President David Granger
Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
narco-trafficking is taking place. The President noted that the force is also in need of aircraft which could enable effective patrol of the nation’s borders. Granger commented that generally, the Guyana Police Force needs to be brought up to strength. “Regrettably, some police officers had to be dismissed for misbehaviour and to the extent that they are removed from their day to day duties. From November 15, you would have seen an increased deployment in police men and women… We are using the neighbourhood police in a
more aggressive way for law enforcement…” Overall, the President iterated that the money invested into the sector has been well spent but more is needed. At the same time, Granger emphasized that more is needed of the police force. For this reason, the President said that Government has asked the British Government to assist with security sector reform. As for Minister Ramjattan, he is convinced that within the last 18 months, there has been significant progress in the area of Continued on page 24
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Kaieteur News
Monday November 28, 2016
Linden Hospital Complex gets lab to test for respiratory diseases By Enid Joaquin
Lindeners will now be able to access spirometry services at the Linden Hospital Complex, thanks to the opening of a laboratory specifically equipped for that purpose. The facility became operational last week. Health personnel who were specially trained to man the laboratory demonstrated how the equipment works. Spirometry is a test that can help diagnose various lung conditions, using a device known as a spirometer. Breathing can be affected by lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis.) Spirometry is also used to monitor the severity of some other lung conditions, and their response to treatment. It is the most common of the lung function tests and examines how well your lungs work. Though spirometer devices may look different depending on the company that produces them, they all measure the same thing. They all have a mouthpiece that you use to blow into the device. A doctor or nurse may ask a patient to blow into a spirometer. During this process, a clip may be put on the patient’s nostrils. Acting Medical Superintendent of the Linden Hospital Complex Dr. Steve Marks, said that the opening of the Laboratory is a
- high level of air pollution in community
Demonstrating the use of a spirometer
Dr. Steve Marks (left) and Dr. Levy
collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Health, the Canadian Medical team, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and Linden Hospital Complex. According to Dr. Marks there is a high incidence of respiratory diseases in Linden. “Every day we see both children and adults with asthma and bronchitis, and there might be other conditions of the lung that can be checked, so with this intervention, we can accurately diagnose, treat and reduce these numbers.” Dr. Marks said that Linden has a high level of air pollution and a high prevalence of smokers, which are all contributory factors to
the prevalence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchitis. “We all know that the environment here in Linden is very dusty, so we thought it necessary to open this lab here. Basically what we will be doing is diagnosing patients with asthma, bronchitis, COPD, treating and also educating patients with these conditions. You might ask what the difference is with the patient coming to the emergency room versus persons coming here. The emergency room is mostly for acute care, persons come wheezing and you have to give them emergency care. “Here is where you come and you have diagnosis of your condition, because respiratory conditions can mimic cardiac conditions and you can have some stomach conditions, but you’re not
sure what’s happening. “So you come and have your spirectomy testing and you can be accurately diagnosed - so you can be educated and receive treatment.” He expressed optimism that with the establishment of the laboratory, the number of persons suffering with these conditions will decrease over time. “If we can accurately diagnose, educate and treat patients, it means that fewer patients would have to visit the emergency department, as they will be monitored and managed by specially trained personnel. We have a trained nurse and doctor.” Canadian lung specialist, Dr. Robert Levy who was present at the opening said that he has been working closely with a team of respiratory therapists, establishing an approach to managing lung disease, using
chronic lung disease principles in Guyana. “Our team came over three years ago, and we’ve been working with the cardiology team run by Dr. Deb Isaac at the GPHC and working closely with the Ministry of Health. So we set up the lab and programme just over three years ago at GPHC.” Dr. Levy added that even though the programme seems a very specialized type of service, it is the sort of treatment approach that should be taken throughout Guyana as standard practice. He noted that the objective of his team is predominantly training, and said that, to date, a group of doctors and nurses was trained by a team from Canada at the GPHC. Some of the trainers were brought to Linden, to assist with the training of the Linden team. Dr. Levy said that this is the second laboratory of its
kind in Guyana. The first was set up nearly three years ago at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. As regards Linden, Levy said that there is a lot of material in the air. “Environmentally, it’s a challenge, so if you compare that environmental stress with the smoking stress, the likelihood of developing COPD is very high here.” With COPD, the health implications are shortness of breath and functional limitations and intermittently, patients will have flare ups of this condition. “We see them at the time of the flare-ups when they come in the emergency department and that is what we aggressively treat at that point.” He noted that on a walk through the emergency unit of the Linden Hospital Complex on any given day, one will most often see a ‘bunch’ of young children attached to nebulizers getting vaporized medication. “They get treated, are stabilized, and sent home and then two three weeks later they’re back- same old, same old.” Levy said that the three basic functions of the laboratory are to first accurately diagnose respiratory illnesses and disease, educate patients and care givers on selfmanagement to avoid flare ups and crisis, and lastly, provide maintenance medication to prevent the condition from getting worse. He posited that over time, with the department doing their job properly, there would be fewer persons in the emergency department with respiratory complaints. Asthma, Levy noted, is due to both genetic and environmental factors.
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Jamaica continues to spend Cuba prepares Brazil’s President: less on food imports historic leader Fidel No amnesty for illegal campaign gifts Castro’s send-off
Fidel Castro
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) – Cuba yesterday prepared a grand send-off for its revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, with a four-day funeral procession planned for a giant figure of modern history, widely loved but branded a tyrant by many. After the stunned commotion triggered by word that Castro, 90, had died, yesterday was a day of preparations ahead of a flurry of events marking his death. Students left lighted candles next to a portrait of the black-bearded communist firebrand during a vigil at Havana University. A titan of the 20th century who beat the odds to endure into the 21st, Castro died late Friday after surviving 11 US administrations and hundreds of assassination attempts. No cause of death was given. “It is a great loss. The most important thing is that he died when he chose, not when all the counterrevolutionaries wanted,” said Carlos Manuel Obregon Rodriguez, a 43-year-old taxi driver in Havana. “It may not be painful for everyone, but it is for a lot of people. I was born under this revolution and I owe Fidel a
lot,” he added. President Raul Castro said his older brother’s remains would be cremated. There was no official confirmation of whether that had yet happened. FUNERAL PROCESSION No official events were scheduled yesterday but a series of memorials will begin today, when Cubans are called to converge on Havana’s Revolution Square. “Tomorrow will be great. It will go down in history,” Obregon said. Castro’s ashes will then go on a four-day island-wide procession before being buried in the southeastern city of Santiago on December 4, the government said. Santiago, Cuba’s second city, was the scene of Castro’s ill-fated first attempt at revolution in 1953 — six years before he succeeded in ousting the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro ruled Cuba from 1959 with an iron fist until he handed power to Raul Castro in 2006 due to poor health. Ordinary Cubans hailed him for providing free health care and education. But he cracked down harshly on dissent, jailing and exiling opponents.
SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s political leaders promised yesterday that there will be no amnesty for politicians who have taken illegal campaign contributions as the president tried to quell growing discontent with his government. President Michel Temer, who was already deeply unpopular with many Brazilians, is facing a growing political crisis amid allegations he has misused his power. The scandal could scuttle Temer’s ability to pass a series of austerity measures that he says are necessary to pull Latin America’s largest economy out of a deep recession — and could even sink his presidency. Opposition politicians have promised to introduce measures in Congress calling for his impeachment With his presidency under threat, Temer turned his attention to another brewing controversy yesterday and sought to present a united front with the leaders of Congress. Flanked by Senate
The Gleaner - Agriculture Minister Karl Samuda says Jamaica continues to spend less on food imports in the first five months of this year. Between January and May, Samuda says the country’s food import bill fell by US$2.4 million or 0.7 per cent. He says for the same five-month period, domestic food export increased by 19 per cent to US$13.2 million when compared to the corresponding period last year. The agriculture minister says the gains resulted from initiatives such as the Eat Jamaican Campaign, the Import Substitution programme and the Onion Development programme. Despite this, he says the gap between Jamaica’s food import bill and exports is still too wide. Samuda’s comments came in a message read by the ministry’s Chief Technical Director Stephen Wedderburn during an exposition held in Kingston last Friday, marking the 13th anniversary of the Eat Jamaican Day initiative.
Michel Temer President Renan Calheiros and President of the House of Deputies Rodrigo Maia, Temer told reporters that anticorruption measures before Congress would not let off the hook politicians who have hidden or not declared campaign contributions. Many Brazilians are concerned the legislation to toughen prosecution of corruption might perversely offer amnesty to politicians who had previously engaged in the practice.
UWI launches new multi-media service – UWItv BRIDGETOWN - CMC – Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has described as “a game charger in Caribbean education and public outreach” the launch of UWItv, a new multimedia public information and education service. Late last week, Sir Hilary said UWItv is set to go live on December 1 – initially with three hours of programming per day, showcasing a diversity of UWI-owned content. The tripartite partnership – involving UWI, CaribVision
(the regional cable service of the Caribbean Media Corporation – CMC) and the RJR Communication’s Group in Jamaica – will deliver UWI programming to millions of viewers in 22 Caribbean markets, as well as to the large Caribbean Diaspora in New York, Toronto, Montreal, London and Europe, Sir Hilary said. He said UWItv’s cable service will be complemented by a “robust web and social presence, allowing users to access content in real time or on demand.” Sir Hilary added that the UWItv website will also offer
a “vast searchable video database, which will serve as an invaluable resource for students, scholars, librarians, researchers, documentarians and journalists throughout the region and across the world.” In addressing the media launch at UWI’s Cave Hill Campus, Sir Hilary described UWItv as “a demonstrable outcome of partnerships between industry and academia, which forms part of the Triple A Vision outlined in the university’s new strategic direction: Alignment between industry and
academia for wealth creation and distribution; expansion of access to tertiary education and increased agility to global opportunities.” He outlined the various segments that will be featured on the new media platform that would “capture the voices of all of the UWI.” These will include “Region talk,” which places UWI at the center of the conversations about regional issues and challenges facing the region, student-produced programming, as well as the latest research output of the regional institution.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Firber glass repairs, truck caps, boats and many more. Contact Taitram Singh Aka Anil:220-2350/621-9021 Coming Soon, Humphrey’s Bakery & Farm Products Outlet at Stall CA Orange Walk, Bourda.
VACANCY For male factory workers between the ages 18 and over. Must have police clearanceCall:223-0090
C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
CXC Classes: day & evening classes, personal tutor, Grade 4 to 6, Form 1-5 Maths. Call Sir Jarvis: 690-5008/ 6934588/ 638-2359
1-DAF 75 Hauler GNN Series -$2.5M negotiable. Call: 6555117
FOR RENT
Fully furnished apartment in South & 2 Bedrooms unfurnsihed apartment in Albouystown. Call: 689-5877 House for rent located at 696 Golden Grove, E.B.D. Call: 611-1963 for further details 3 Bedrooms apartment, bottom flat -$50,000 per month @ Triumph, E.C.D. Call: 604-0883
Receptionist male, room attendant, desk staff. Call: 2250198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown.
128 Akawini, Sheriff Street: 3 storey building, unfurnished, 5 bedrooms, kitchen. Call:2200365/ 652-1504
Vacancy for salesgirls, hair & nail station rental @ New Market Street. Call: 667-7409
Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954
Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Giftland Mall: External , Security, Internal Security . $ 447 per Hour. Contact: 2227334 – 63 1 Cosmetology, 1 security, 2 salesgirls. Call:265-3586 8am-4pm
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property @ Zeelugt, brand new, fenced, land: 60’X120’ $8.5M, owner migrating, must sell! No reasonable refused! Reduced Price! Call: 684-4759
Overseas based male seeks working female 30-33 years. Must be intelligent- call:6643119 (No Texts)
CAR RENTAL
LEARN TO DRIVE
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Camp assistant for interior location. Job involves dishwashing, cleaning etc.Call: 618-2020
PEN PAL
HEALTH Learn how you can benefit from iridology Mon, Dec 5th - Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136
EDUCATIONAL
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.
Monday November 28, 2016
Kaieteur News
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Two buildings on lot at (W30X6120) @ 180 Charolotte Street Bourda. Call:624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183 (Price negotiable)
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SUMMER. CALL: 690-6494
SALE! SALE!- 2010 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS $2.6M, 2 TON CANTER $2.4MCALL:642-7295 Bluebird for sale 2011 model, dark interior, reverse camera $2.7M negotiable, preorder any vehicle Call: 655-3400 2009 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M IN ‘G’ SERIES, 3 TON OPEN BACK CANTER -$3.6M. CALL: 617-2891
FOR SALE MX QSC 2000, 1500, 1000 watts, 4 Bass 4MID, 4 horn, 4 tweeter mixer, juggler, EQ, Speaker, Cable. Call: 6542732/ 253-3070 1-30 feet aluminum jet boat with spares. Call: 642-7898 LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Elite 150 -$200,000. Call: 6716749 1 Enclosed Mitsubishi canter GNN series, 1 Fiber glass boat 140HP, outboard engine, 1 generator Kubota 1,000 watts. Call: 277-3230 669-9596
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: SIENTA -$2.3M, RAUM $2.3M, RACTIS -$2.3M, FIELDER -$2.6M, NEVER R E G I S T E R VEHICLE.CALL: 617-2891
Cargo trawler- Call: 682-8724, 616-5954
Toyota Spacio (2003) 16" Mags, flair Kit, remote start, alarm, black interior, HID lights, PNN. Price $1.650M. Call: 619-1047
Honda CBR 929 for sale $800,000. Also Land for sale at Bushy Park E.B.E. Call: 6944609 Cat 928F loader, 3406 Cat Engine, 3116 Cat Engine, 3208 Cat Engine. Contact #6500402
TO LET Fully furnished vacation home with all amenities Call during working hours 2271218 2 Bedrooms apartments for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 641-3318 One bedroom apartment for decent working couple, parking and other conveniences -$30,000 per month. Call: 623-8759 Two bedrooms house with parking & overhead tank. Call Joy: 649-9059/ 621-1088 Two bedrooms apartment at Eccles East Bank Demerara. Call:676-7634 Rooms in Albertown- Call: 698-7807,225-3234
1 Large double door freezer 40cubic ft, owner migrating. Call: 696-2957 One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial site, Soesdyke, Linden Highway. Call: 644-1190/ 609-8041 Raw loam, mix loam. Call: 6993192 Wardrobes, fridges, TV stand, chairs, dresser, gas stove, etc @ Helena #2 Mahaica. Call Jai Singh): 622-7842/ 639-2070 Refrigerator $60,000, RCA smart TV $30,000, all prices negotiable. Call: 687-3241/ 656-1153 Vigo GPP Series, 3RZ Engine, 4WD, immaculate conditionCall: 698-7807 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 One 2 storey concrete building at Samantha Point, Grove. Call 613 7596
LAND FOR SALE Diamond 21st Street, can transfer $3.5M. Schoonard, WBD $2.5M, Land Of Canaan $5M per acreContact Shawn 231-2199, 618-7483 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt $2, Tuschen School Street $2M (terms available). Call: 604-6724/673-6300 House lot for sale @ Blankenburg -3.5 & 4.5 M, Schoonord -6.5 M. Contact #650-0402
WANTED 1 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 Straight stitch, over edge machine operators, portersCall 222-2541 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri Live in waitresses to work in bar– Call:604-6606/692-4649 Experienced cahiers, curry cooks, cleaners. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with written application, 5 Commerce Street. Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust. One cleaner. Call: 629-6891 One experienced driver/ salesman, preferably living on West Coast & West Bank Demerara. Contact: 690-6622 or 628-6027 1- Male able body clerk. Call: 231-2029/ 616-5954 Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses, cooks needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616/email: edenbarandlounge@gmal . com . Couple to work on farm @ Yarrowkabra, ages 35-45yrs, must be experienced in farming. Call: 642-9191/ 2311408 8am-2pm One experienced cook, ages 20-40 to work in snackette & bar. Call:663-7741/ 223-5798 Land to buy @ Tuschen, Uitlugt, Zeelugt, La Parfaite Harmonie, one maid on W.C.D, best price offer. Call: 642-1252 6 Waitresses to work in Mahdia; attractive salary. Call:601-1479 after 11am or whatsapp. One male to work on chicken farm interior, must have knowledge of chicken rearing. Call: 680-2702 Live in/live out domestic 3555yrs, salesgirls, must be computer literate. Call: 6035416/ 644-9802
Land with foundation 86x46 ft. Foundation and column and corbe wall 38x28ft. Westminster, West Bank Demerara, close to Harbour bridge. Price $3.5M. Call 6844308/6953515 Doberman/Rotweiler pups, 8 weeks old and fully vaccinated. Call 6858048. LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt -$1.5M, Uitvlugt $2M, Tuschen with small house -$3.5M, price negotiable. Call: 642-1252 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M. Call: 690-9645
LAND FOR SALE 80X160 located in D’ Aguair’s Park, gated community, transported. Asking price $45M. Call: 6456498 Land 60X110. Call: 614--2377 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
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Trump says he would have won U.S. GAFOORS FETES HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN, ELDERLY popular vote if not for illegal voting Reuters - U.S. Presidentelect Donald Trump tweeted yesterday that besides winning the Electoral College “in a landslide” in the Nov. 8 election: “I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally.” The allegation, made without evidence, comes as Democratic rival Hillary Clinton’s lead in the popular vote over Trump has surpassed 2 million votes and is expected to grow to more than 2.5 million as ballots in populous states such as California continue to be tallied. Clinton’s legal team said on Saturday it had agreed to participate in a recount of Wisconsin votes after the state’s election board approved the effort requested by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, which Trump has called “ridiculous.” “In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally,” Trump tweeted as reporters waited for him to
Donald Trump leave his Mar-a-Lago golf resort in Florida to fly back to his residence in New York City. The U.S. presidential race is decided by the Electoral College, based on a tally of wins from the state-by-state contests, rather than by the national vote. Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House. The Electoral College results are expected to be finalised on Dec. 19. Trump added he would have won the “so-called popular vote ... easily and convincingly” if the U.S.
election was determined that way instead of by the Electoral College. Before the election, Trump made unsubstantiated allegations that the results of the election might be “rigged” against him. Since the vote, Trump’s message has alternated between appealing for unity and railing against his opponents and the media. In a video message released ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Trump said he hoped it would be a time for Americans “to begin to heal our divisions” following a “long and bruising political campaign.” Trump has derided the fundraising effort by Stein to launch recounts in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania as a “scam.” Those states had voted Democratic in recent presidential elections but all broke narrowly for the Republican Trump in this month’s election. The recounts are not expected to change the results of the election.
Hundreds uprooted in east Aleppo as Syrian army advances Reuters - Hundreds of residents of rebelheld eastern Aleppo fled shifting frontlines, sources said yesterday, after a rapid advance by the Syrian army and allied forces that rebels fear could split their most important urban stronghold in two. The army and its allies took control on Saturday of the large Hanano housing district, on the northeast frontline of the besieged eastern part of Aleppo. Yesterday they said they had captured the neighbouring district, Jabal Badro. The army later said it had taken a third district, Holok, and killed a large number of terrorists, the term it uses for its opponents. State media said troops and
allied forces were also pushing ahead in nearby Bustan al Basha, Haydariya and Sakhour districts. The rapid advances in the last two days, after weeks of intense Russian and Syrian air strikes, have raised fears among the insurgents that the northern part of east Aleppo could be cut off from the southern part. That would weaken their control over the east and bring more residents closer to frontlines. Capturing all of Aleppo would be a major victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after five and a half years of fighting that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced 11 million others.
Ex-cop shoots ‘John Kirby’ outside... From page 9 into the bar, but Atwell followed and shot at the former cop, but missed. The man immediately drew his licensed handgun and discharged three rounds at Atwell, hitting him in the chest and abdomen. The injured man was rushed to the hospital by patrons. The suspect has since been taken into custody and his firearm lodged. Four spent shells were retrieved at the scene. However, relatives of Atwell are claiming that he was shot by the former cop after an argument over Atwell spilling “ketchup” on the man’s vehicle. A relative said that Atwell visited the bar with his girlfriend, during which he went inside to purchase chicken for the woman. According to the relative,
after receiving the food, Atwell went back inside to get ketchup and returned outside, where he accidentally spilled ketchup on the vehicle.
She added that the men got into a heated row, during which the man pulled out a gun and fired five shots in Atwell’s direction. She said that only three bullets hit him.
Mrs. Ameena Gafoor (left) is all smiles as she hands over a blanket to one of the guests. Approximately 1500 children and senior citizens from various orphanages, geriatric homes and the Dharm Shala were recipients of cash, hot meals and blankets when Gafoors hosted its annual Christmas gathering yesterday at the Houston, East Bank Demerara complex. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Sattaur Gafoor said that this is the company’s last charitable activity for the year. Mr. Gafoor stated that his company would carry out events of such nature four times annually. The CEO related that children and the elderly from the various orphanages and homes and persons in neighbouring communities were beneficiaries of two hot
meals, refreshments, and cash among other items. Mr. Gafoor and his wife, Ameena Gafoor were actively involved in the distribution of food and gifts to their guests. The event was aimed at bringing cheer to the less fortunate during the festive season. Gafoors has been giving back to the needy for over two decades. Yesterday’s event started at 09:00hrs, with several staffers of the company dishing out meals for their guests. While some sat enjoying their treats, others queued to collect blankets and cash from Mr. Gafoor. The Christmas spirit was much alive as Santa Claus interacted with almost everyone.
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India’s Modi calls for move towards cashless society Reuters - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday urged the nation’s small traders and daily wage earners to embrace digital payment channels, as a cash crunch following the government’s surprise ban on high-value bank notes drags on. Modi, speaking in his monthly address on national radio, said the government understands that millions have been affected by the ban on 500-rupee and 1000rupees notes, but defended the action. The government says the bank-note ban announced on Nov. 8 is aimed at cracking down on corruption, people with unaccounted wealth, and counterfeiting of notes. “I want to tell my small
Narendra Modi merchant brothers and sisters, this is the chance for you to enter the digital world,” Modi said speaking in Hindi, urging them to use mobile banking applications and credit-card
swipe machines. “It’s correct that a 100 percent cashless society is not possible. But why don’t we make a beginning for a less-cash society in India?” Modi said. “We can gradually move from a lesscash society to a cashless society.” More than 90 percent of consumer purchases in India are transacted in cash, Credit Suisse estimates. While a smartphone boom and falling mobile data prices have led to a surge in digital payments in recent years, the base still remains low. Modi urged technologysavvy young people to spare some time teaching others how to use digital payment platforms.
South Africa’s Public Protector files complaint against predecessor for leaking Zuma interview – report Reuters - The new head of South Africa’s anti-graft unit, which this month alleged influence-peddling in President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet, has laid a complaint against her predecessor for leaking a recorded interview with the president, newspaper Sunday Times reported yesterday. Former watchdog Thuli Madonsela has said she had the right to make public the audio recording after Zuma accused her of not giving him an opportunity to defend himself. In her last days in office Madonsela concluded a report which, while stopping short of any conclusive findings, did call for a judicial inquiry to probe the allegations. The report focused on claims that the brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh Gupta influenced the appointment of ministers, and called for an investigation into whether Zuma, some of his cabinet members and some state companies had acted
improperly. The office of new Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane did not respond to numerous telephone and email requests for comment regarding the reported leak. But the Sunday Times says that Mkhwebane filed the criminal complaint on Nov. 16, and quoted her as saying “an investigation ... needs to happen whether the leakage happened in violation of section 7(2) of the Public Protector Act”. The report’s publication included a transcript of the four-hour interview between Madonsela and Zuma. Zuma, who has denied any wrongdoing, said on Friday he would challenge the report in court. The affair rattled markets in Africa’s most industrialised economy, which over the weekend dodged ratings downgrades from two of the major agencies, with a third review from Standard & Poor’s to follow next Friday.
Thuli Madonsela It has also stoked divisions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which have bubbled into public squabbles after the party suffered its worst-ever local election results in August since coming to power in 1994. Zuma is due be questioned next week by the ANC’s integrity commission over the graft report, persistent allegations of corruption and the poor election results.
ISRAEL ORDERS MORE F-35 WARPLANES FROM US
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel will order 17 more US-made F-35 warplanes to take its fleet of stealthy Joint Strike Fighters to 50 over the next few years, the premier’s office said yesterday. A statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the green light for the order was given by the security cabinet. The Jewish state is due to take delivery of its first F-35s next month. US officials and industry executives insist the plane promises to become the ultimate stealth fighter jet, able to evade enemy radar while flying at supersonic speeds. Outfitted with elaborate software, the F-
35 resembles a flying computer. Through the visor of a hi-tech helmet linked to on-board cameras, the pilot can “see” through the cockpit floor to the ground below — providing an unprecedented 360-degree view. Israeli public radio said the purchase will come under the US military aid programme — in September, President Barack Obama signed off on a 10-year military aid package for Israel worth $38 billion — the largest in US history. Public radio yesterday reported Netanyahu as saying that by ordering 17 additional F-35s, the government “intends to act to strengthen Israel’s security and ensure its existence in the coming decades”.
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Fillon scores huge win in French conservative presidential primaries Reuters - Francois Fillon, a socially conservative freemarketeer, won France’s centre-right presidential primaries yesterday, setting up a likely showdown next year with far-right leader Marine Le Pen that the pollsters expect him to win. With votes from four-fifths of 10,228 polling stations counted, Fillon, who went into yesterday’s second-round runoff as firm favourite, had won over 67 percent of the vote in a head-to-head battle with another ex-prime minister, Alain Juppe. “I must now convince the whole country our project is the only one that can lift us up,” a visibly moved Fillon said at his campaign headquarters after Juppe conceded defeat. All eyes now turn to the ruling Socialist party and to whether the deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande will decide to run for the left-wing ticket in his party’s primaries in January, amid signs that his prime minister, Manuel Valls, is considering a bid of his own. France, the euro zone’s second largest economy, has faced stubbornly high unemployment under Hollande, and the past two years of his term have been marked by Islamist militant attacks that have killed 230 people and focussed attention on immigration and security concerns too. Opinion polls suggest neither he nor any left-wing candidate would make the second round of the presidential election itself next May, leaving Fillon a clear run at the antiEU, anti-immigration National Front leader Le Pen that the surveys predict him to win. Polls elsewhere have nevertheless recently proven out of step with the voting patterns that saw Britain vote to leave the European Union and Americans elect Donald Trump as president. Next year’s French presidentials are shaping up to be another test of anti-establishment anger in Western countries.
Francois Fillon, former French prime minister and member of Les Republicains political party, attends a rally as he campaigns in the second round for the French center-right presidential primary election in Paris, France. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
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Monday November 28, 2016
KAMLA SAYS BE VIGILANT…
43,000 duplicate names on voting list
UNC supporters at the political rally held at Couva South Multi-Purpose Hall, Saturday, ahead of today’s Local Government elections. PHOTO: RISHI RAGOONATH Trinidad Guardian - Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she wrote to the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) on Tuesday, to query over 43,000 duplicate names on the voting list for the Local Government elections. She said up until Saturday, she had received no answer but had received word that several people had gotten duplicate ballots. In her final words at the final United National Congress (UNC) rally before the elections today, Persad-Bissessar told supporters to be vigilant in light of mishaps by the EBC. “Last year, we filed election petitions because we believed the EBC had acted against the law when they extended the time. The Court of Appeal, the lower court and the Court of Appeal ruled the EBC had no power in law to break the rules, now I am asking you to be exceedingly vigilant on Monday,” she said. Persad-Bissessar said earlier last week she was forced to instruct the general secretary of the UNC to write the EBC to complain that the EBC had published the list of candidates and had put UNC candidates with the symbol of the PNM.
“They had spelt the names wrong for some of our candidates and I say don’t look for names or spellings, look for the rising sun.” She said she was told that last election some people had their ballots taken from them and did not personally witness them placed in the ballot box. Persad-Bissessar also said she saw a photo circulating on blogs of a government minister with a woman who works for the returning officer of the EBC in the Siparia Regional Corporation. “Be vigilant in Siparia. They boasting all over the country they will beat Kamla in Siparia.” She added that the EBC had made a last-minute change to polling stations in Chaguanas, moving specific polling stations of the Felicity/Endeavour division from the Montrose Vedic Primary School to Presentation College. Persad-Bissessar also responded to comments from Rowley that he would be accused of domestic violence today as he would beat her at the polls. “There will be no domestic violence on Monday because Kamla will put the biggest licking on Rowley that he ever had,” she said.
Govt. to establish national security polytechnic institution KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) – The government plans to establish a security polytechnic institution, which will enable security personnel to earn certification that will put them on a path for higher learning. National Security Minister, Robert Montague, said beneficiaries will include members of the Jamaica Constabulary Fore (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), immigration and correctional officers, and security guards. He said the training and certification provided will empower them to invest in their own future. He informed that the courses offered will be accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ). “Every certificate will be assessed and accredited by the UCJ so that you can begin that process of getting your university degree,” Montague said. He was addressing the graduation ceremony for 173 new recruits of the JCF held at the National Police College in St Catherine on November 25. Meanwhile, Montague assured the nation that the government is “pulling out all the stops” in combating crime. “We know that there can be no social and economic growth in Jamaica, no substantial
reduction in poverty or the achievement of prosperity without a significant reduction in crime,” he said. Montague noted that overcoming crime will require facing it with “unity and strength, discipline and dedication and partnership”. He reminded the public to utilise the Stay Alert application as a way of empowering themselves and supporting the work of the police. The crimefighting and safety software app has a panic mode which, when activated, sends an alert to the police that the user is in an emergency situation. It also facilitates reporting of incidents. The Stay Alert application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store by smart phone. Commissioner of Police, Dr Carl Williams, in his remarks, told the graduates that the law enforcement profession is filled with opportunities and challenges. He urged them not to be daunted as they carried out their work in ensuring the safety and security of Jamaicans. “We have trained you well and you will prevail,” he said. Dr Williams assured that he will work alongside them to transform the 150-year-old police force into an institution of which all Jamaicans can be proud.
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PACQUIAO SAYS MAYWEATHER Primus shines REMATCH STILL A POSSIBILITY amidst gloom
Manny Pacquiao. REUTERS/Erik De Castro Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao has left the door open on the possibility of a rematch with Floyd Mayweather if the American ever comes out of retirement. Mayweather,
now 39, beat Pacquiao by unanimous decision in May 2015 and announced his retirement four months later with a 49-0 record. “If he comes back into boxing there is a possibility, but right now we are not talking or discussing about that,” Pacquiao told Kyodo news agency on a visit to Japan yesterday. The 37-year-old ended his own brief retirement earlier this month by taking the WBO welterweight title off American Jessie Vargas in a unanimous points decision. “I don’t know when my career will end,” the southpaw added. “I realised I felt lonely inside because ... I am no longer active in the sport of boxing. I asked myself if I can still fight, and I decided to come back and continue the journey of my career.” Discussions about Pacquiao’s next fight have been put on the backburner for the time being while he focuses on his career in politics. The former eight-division world champion served as a congressman before being elected to the Philippines senate in May. “Actually, we are not talking about or discussing about my next fight because I am so busy working in the office as a senator,” he said. “That’s my focus right now.” (Reuters)
Roshon Primus. (Photo courtesy WICB Media)
WADA: Samples containing banned substances rise by 20% The number of doping tests returning banned substances rose by more than 20% in 2015, according to a report by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA). Anti-doping authorities collected a record 303,369 samples - 7% more than 2014 - with 3,809 positive results. It includes a period in which Dr Richard McLaren’s report claims Russia was operating state-sponsored doping. That led to WADA recommending a blanket ban for all Russian athletes from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Of the 303,369 samples collected in 2015, Wada said 5,912 contained either adverse analytical findings, which are prohibited substances (3,809), or atypical findings needing further investigation (2,103). Adverse findings also include athletes’ approved Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE), which let athletes take prohibited substances if there is a medical need. The use of TUEs came under scrutiny
Anti-doping bodies collected more than 300,000 samples in 2015. following the release of athletes’ data by computer hackers known as Fancy Bears in September, including those of British cyclists Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. The report is the first since WADA introduced a new code of compliance for anti-doping agencies. WADA President Sir Craig Reedie said testing was critical in “working towards fair competition and clean sport”. 303,369 samples were
analysed by WADAaccredited laboratories across Olympic and non-Olympic sports in 2015, compared to 283,304 in 2014. Adverse or atypical findings were returned for 5,912 samples, 1.95% of all tests carried out, compared to 3,866 in 2014. Football was the sport that carried out the most tests last year, with 160 samples out of 32,362 taken detecting banned substances. Banned substances were also found in a wide range of non-
Olympic sports including boules, tug of war and sleddog. Football was responsible for conducting the most tests, with 32,262 samples collected across the 11-a-side game, beach football and futsal. Athletics bodies also carried out more than 30,000 tests, with 0.9% returning adverse findings, while for cycling’s 22,652 samples that figure was 1.1%. WADA’s report shows bodybuilding was the sport that returned the highest percentage of adverse findings at 15%, with Muay Thai returning 7.3% positive tests. The likes of casting (7.1%), draughts (5%) and darts (4.5%) also featuring highly because of their small sample sizes. WADA’s 2015 report reveals which national antidoping authorities test their athletes most frequently though it does not include figures on the number of active competitors by country. UK Anti-Doping, the body responsible for testing British athletes, analysed nearly 6,000 samples of which 0.8% returned adverse findings. The McLaren report claimed Russia’s statesponsored doping programme lasted for four years, up to August 2015. WADA’s data shows Russia carried out 12,536 tests for that year, of which 1.2% returned adverse findings. Most tests by national antidoping organizations; China: 13,802; Germany: 13,546; Russia: 12,536; United States: 7,547; France: 7,141; UK: 5,973. (BBCsport)
Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC - Only 35 overs were possible on yesterday’s third day as rain continued to wreak havoc on the third around encounter in the Regional Four-Day Championship between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Resuming the day on 173 for four, Red Force made it to 287 for seven before the adverse weather arrived in the second session to rule out play for the remainder of the day. Umpires flirted with a restart in the final session but then ruled the outfield at Queen’s Park Oval unfit for play. In the limited play possible, however, Roshon Primus further enhanced his credentials as an all-rounder with an unbeaten 42 while Jyd Goolie got 23 and Yannic Cariah, 20. With Red Force losing wickets steadily, Primus came to his side’s rescue, blasting five fours in an entertaining 66-ball knock as he first put on 45 for the eighth wicket with Imran Khan (18) and a further 26 with Khary Pierre (15 not out) an unbroken ninth wicket partnership. Slow bowler and captain Kieran Powell has so far taken three for 29 while off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has claimed two for 73. Friday’s opening day was abandoned without a ball bowled because of rain and only 57 overs was possible on Saturday’s second day.
SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st Innings (overnight 173 for four) K Hope lbw b Cornwall 86 I Rajah c wkp Hamilton b Powell 69 Y Cariah b Powell 20 *Y Ottley c Louis b Powell 1 M Richards c Powell b Cornwall 0 J Goolie lbw b Boatswain 23 +S Katwaroo run out 0 R Primus not out 42 Imran Khan c wkp Hamilton b Walsh Jr 18 K Pierre not out 15 Extras (w2, nb11) 13 TOTAL (8 wkts, 92 overs) 287 To bat: S Cottrell. Fall of wickets: 1-162, 2-164, 3-170, 4-172, 5-196, 6-196, 7-216, 8-261. Bowling: Tonge 12-0-44-0, Boatswain 10-2-39-1, Cornwall 32-9-73-2, Louis 10-0-35-0, Walsh 14-0-67-1, Powell 14-6-293. HURRICANES – *K Powell, M Hodge, C Hughes, A Saunders, N Bonner, +J Hamilton, R Cornwall, Q Boatswain, J Louis, H Walsh Jr, G Tonge. Toss: Hurricanes. Umpires: D Ramdhanie, G Brathwaite.
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Monday November 28, 2016
GAPF/Fitness Clash of the Seniors Button retires from his last race Rahim, Petterson, Taharally and
Toney win respective divisions
Jenson Button. REUTERS/Dani Cardona/File Photo Jenson Button retired from his last Formula One race with a wave to the fans and a standing ovation yesterday after clouting a kerb and damaging his McLaren’s front right suspension. “We have a failure, guys,” said the 2009 world champion, who said this week that the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix would be his last despite having a contract that would allow a return in 2018. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a failure like this.” The popular Briton got out of his car in the pitlane and stood on it to salute the crowd, who returned the gesture with a standing ovation of their own, before giving his mother Simone a hug. The 12th lap retirement brought down the curtain on a career spanning 17 years and 305 races, and one championship with the Brawn GP team that became Mercedes. “Forgetting the race — I’ve always said it’s one race
weekend out of 305. The result doesn’t matter, it’s the weekend that counts and it’s just been awesome,” Button told the BBC. “Very emotional... amazing day and an amazing weekend. I’ve really savored every moment of it.” He will be replaced at McLaren, whose most recent victory was provided by the 36-yearold in Brazil in 2012, by Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne. Button had started the day recognizing it was a momentous one for him. “Today is the day that I will be strapped into an F1 car for probably the last time,” he had said on his Instagram feed, promising to give it his all from the moment the lights went out to the chequered flag. “Whatever happens today I will always know I reached my goal and dream in life to become a Formula One World Champion. I arrived with dreams and leave with memories.” (Reuters)
By Zaheer Mohamed Only the strong survived yesterday’s battle when the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) / Fitness Express Clash of the Seniors National Championship was contested at the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam. Powerlifting not only tests an athlete’s strength but endurance and some the nation’s leading athletes displayed their prowess much to the delight of the fans. Powerlifting is comprised of three lifts, the squat, bench press and dead lift with the winner of each weight category posting the biggest total in kilos. At the conclusion of the events which saw the athletes pushing their bodies to the maximum, Vijai Rahim emerged as the Overall Male Equipped winner while Carlos Petterson took the Male Overall Unequipped title. Nadina Taharally claimed the Female Overall Unequipped
crown and Tinesha Toney grabbed the Female Overall Equipped title. Lifting in the 74kg category, Rahim chalked up 545.158 Wilks points after squatting 250kg, bench pressing 160kg and dead lifting 285kg which amounted to 645kg. In the 93 kg class in the unequipped segment Petterson achieved a new deadlift record with a lift of 300kg; he bench pressed 140kg and squatted 250kg; his Wilks points was 433.527. Although Rahim took the Overall title, Colin ‘Mr. Clean’ Chesney demolished the national benchpress record on his way to the highest total of 867.5kg. He erased the previous record which was held by ‘Big’ John Edwards (230kg) after posting 232.kg. Prior to his record breaking feat, Chesney squatted 355kg, dead lifted 272.5kg, but his 499.507 Wilks points were not good enough
to overcome Rahim. Taharally registered a total of 332.5kg, her Wilks points amounted to 347.5 where paved the way for her title while Toney had a total of 365kg and 427.086 Wilks points. In the male Unequipped 59kg class, Dwayne Welch emerged as the winner with a total lift of 365kg while Romario Gonsalves won the Equipped division. Arif Imamadeen captured the 66kg equipped title with a total of 542.5kg while Rahim won the Equipped 74kg class with a total of 695kg; the Unequipped crown went to Donnel Perry who managed 530kg in total. The Unequipped 83kg division was taken by Phillip Ramalho who chalked up 532.5 kg while Winston Stoby grabbed the Equipped prize with an Overall lift of 667.5kg. Carlos Petterson won the Unequipped 93kg class with a total of 690kg while Nigel
Phillips took the Equipped segment with a total of 727.5 kg. The 105kg Unequipped crown went to Christopher Richards who amassed 620kg; Fazim Abdool claimed the Equipped 105kg category with a lift of 785kg. The 120kg Equipped segment was taken by Colin Chesney who amassed a total of 867.5kg while Roshan Alli captured the male 120+Equipped class with a lift of 635kg; Rawndell Clemenston took the Unequipped title lifting in the 692.5kg division. The competition was sponsored by Fitness Express, Trophy Stall, Buddys Gym and Ticket Master Travel Agency was used a yardstick to select athletes for international competitions next year. The GAPF will kick start next season’s local calendar with the traditional novice competition in March.
ADIL RASHID AND BEN STOKES LEAD FIGHT BACK IN MOHALI
Adil Rashid has taken 16 wickets in the series, more than any other bowler. England produced an outstanding bowling and fielding display to drag themselves back into contention on day two of the third Test against India in Mohali. After wrapping up the England innings for 283 in the first four overs of the day, India were well placed at 148-2. But the tourists took three wickets for eight runs, before Ben Stokes removed India captain Virat Kohli for 62. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja then shared an unbroken stand of 67 as India closed on 271-6, 12 behind. India are looking to that pair and the rest of their tail to build a lead on the third morning against a ball that is only four overs old. England will want to mop up the innings quickly, then put in a much-improved batting display in their second attempt on a surface that remains good for run-scoring. However, the tourists, who are 1-0 down in the five-match series, are waiting on the fitness of Haseeb Hameed, who did not field after taking a blow to the hand while batting and will have a scan at the end of the Test.
England’s bowlers stuck to their task admirably, particularly when Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara were well set in a thirdwicket partnership of 75. But it was two wonderful pieces of fielding that illuminated a chaotic 19-ball spell which turned the momentum of the match. On 51, Pujara uncharacteristically played a lofted pull shot to an awful Adil Rashid short ball, allowing Chris Woakes to sprint from the mid-wicket boundary and take a brilliant diving catch low to the ground. Then, after Ajinkya Rahane was lbw to a Rashid googly, Jos Buttler athletically ran out debutant Karun Nair. Buttler, usually a wicketkeeper and fielding in a first-class match for the first time in three years, dived to make a stop at point, threw the ball while still on the ground and hit the non-striker’s stumps direct to beat Nair, who had been sent back in a mix-up with Kohli. England 283: Bairstow 89, Shami 3-63; India 271-6: Kohli 62, Rashid 3-81, India trail by 12 runs.
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Mendis, Tharanga steer Sri Lanka to title Sri Lanka followed a clinical display in the field with steady middle-order batting to chase down 161 with 75 balls to spare and complete a convincing six-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the tri-series final. Kusal Mendis starred with the bat, hitting ten fours in his sparkling 57, to lead Sri Lanka’s robust recovery after they had slipped to 42 for 3. Mendis was supported by Upul Tharanga in a 75-run fourth-wicket partnership that put the visitors firmly on course for the win. While Tharanga was decidedly scratchy early on, and survived a couple of chances, he took over the mantle after Mendis departed. He wrapped up proceedings by clubbing a four and a six to finish on 57 not out and, more importantly, put the finishing touches on Sri Lanka’s successful campaign in his first series as captain. Zimbabwe’s slump to 160 after opting to bat on a decent Bulawayo track was largely a product of their own failings. Poor shot selection left them chasing the game from an early stage. But the dubious choices began even before a ball was bowled, with the omission of their regular openers in the series, Chamu Chibhabha and Brian Chari. That forced Hamilton Masakadza and Peter Moor to fill the opening slots. Moor, in particular, looked uncomfortable with the promotion, and it was not long before he scooped an innocuous straight delivery from Suranga Lakmal to gift an easy catch to
Sri Lanka were clinical in the field to bowl Zimbabwe out for 160 © Getty Images midwicket. Masakadza followed him back soon thereafter when he was trapped in front by a Nuwan Kulasekara in-dipper. Rain interrupted play with Zimbabwe on 20 for 2 in 5.1 overs, but their real troubles began almost an hour after the resumption. A promising third-wicket partnership of 53 between debutant Tarisai Musakanda and
Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe innings (50 overs maximum) H Masakadza lbw b Kulasekara PJ Moor† c Pathirana b Lakmal TK Musakanda c de Silva b Vandersay CR Ervine c & b Vandersay Sikandar Raza lbw b Pathirana SC Williams c de Silva b Gunaratne MN Waller c & b Pathirana AG Cremer* c Mendis b Vandersay DT Tiripano not out TS Chisoro c †Dickwella b Gunaratne BV Vitori lbw b Gunaratne Extras: (lb 3, w 6, nb 1) Total: (all out; 36.3 overs)
R 10 1 36 25 5 35 14 9 10 5 0 10 160
M 22 13 61 44 13 74 15 31 30 8 2
B 17 7 37 33 11 54 13 22 17 7 2
4s 2 0 3 3 1 1 2 0 0 1 0
6s 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
(4.38 runs per over)
Fall of wickets 1-8 (Moor, 3.1 ov), 2-19 (Masakadza, 4.6 ov), 3-72 (Ervine, 15.2 ov), 4-85 (Musakanda, 17.2 ov), 5-89 (Sikandar Raza, 18.4 ov), 6-108 (Waller, 22.1 ov), 7-133 (Cremer, 29.3 ov), 8-155 (Williams, 34.6 ov), 9-160 (Chisoro, 36.1 ov), 10-160 (Vitori, 36.3 ov). Bowling KMDN Kulasekara RAS Lakmal SS Pathirana MD Shanaka JDF Vandersay DAS Gunaratne
O 7 6 7 2 10 4.3
M 0 0 0 0 0 0
R 30 23 26 18 50 10
W 1 1 2 0 3 3
Sri Lanka innings DM de Silva lbw b Vitori MDKJ Perera c Waller b Vitori N Dickwella† b Vitori BKG Mendis c Williams b Cremer WU Tharanga* not out DAS Gunaratne not out Extras: (lb 2, w 4) Total: (4 wickets; 37.3 overs)
R 0 14 16 57 57 16 6 166
M 1 32 18 87 112 33
B 1 13 16 72 98 25
4s 0 2 2 10 6 1
6s 0 0 0 0 1 0
(4.42 runs per over)
Did not bat: MD Shanaka, SS Pathirana, KMDN Kulasekara, JDF Vandersay, RAS Lakmal Fall of wickets: 1-1 (de Silva, 0.1 ov), 2-29 (Dickwella, 4.2 ov), 3-42 (Perera, 6.1 ov), 4-117 (Mendis, 27.3 ov). Bowling BV Vitori DT Tiripano TS Chisoro AG Cremer SC Williams Sikandar Raza
O 9 2 8 10 6 2.3
M 0 0 0 2 1 0
R 52 14 31 32 22 13
W 3 0 0 1 0 0
Craig Ervine ended when Ervine closed his bat face early to give the simplest of return catches to legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Musakanda was busy and energetic during his 36 off 37, but he perished to the same bowler, reaching for a ball that was leaving him to nick to first slip. Then Sikandar Raza missed an attempted sweep by a big margin and Zimbabwe were 89 for 5. They were not yet done shooting themselves in the foot, though. Malcolm Waller and Sean Williams both threw away decent starts with ugly, cross-batted slogs that went high in the air. The tail did not offer much resistance and Zimbabwe were bowled out in 36.3 overs on a pitch that had not offered anything out of the ordinary to the bowlers. That said, Sri Lanka turned out a professional performance with the ball and in the field. Kulasekara and Lakmal bowled with discipline with the new ball to tie down the batsmen from the outset. Vandersay, brought in to replace Nuwan Pradeep, then extracted decent turn and exposed the home team’s weakness against spin. Along with left-arm spinner Sachith Pathirana, he pegged Zimbabwe back in the middle overs.
The two spinners took 5 for 76 in 17 overs between them, helped by a screamer of a catch by Mendis at short cover to get rid of Graeme Cremer. Asela Gunaratne then cleaned up the tail, finishing with 3 for 10. When the sides came back out to begin the second innings before the lunch interval, Brian Vitori effected a wobble with three early wickets. He pinned Dhananjaya de Silva lbw for a golden duck and snuck one between Niroshan Dickwella’s bat and pad to splay his stumps. Then, Kusal Perera slogged him only as far as Waller at mid-on, leaving Sri Lanka on 42 for 3. But Mendis and Tharanga steadied the chase after the break, despite the latter’s early struggles. Tharanga found it difficult to rotate the strike against spin and was reprieved on 18 when Masakadza spilled a tough chance at short midwicket. He survived through it all, though, while Mendis unfurled a number of glorious cover drives at the other end. By the time Mendis holed out to Williams at deep square leg, Sri Lanka were on course for a thumping win, and it was Tharanga who took them past the finish line in style. (ESPNcricinfo)
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BAKEWELL assist Alleyne passes 400-run mark but rain stalls Pride progress MSC’s renovation drive Kingston, Jamaica, CMC - Freescoring opener Anthony Alleyne stroked his third half-century of the new Regional Four-Day season and pushed his aggregate past 400 runs, but Barbados Pride found their progress stymied by rain on the penultimate day of their third round encounter against Jamaica Scorpions here yesterday. Chasing the hosts’ 224 all out, Pride were 153 for four when rain halted play in the final session at Sabina Park, once again frustrating the visitors’ hopes of making headway in the contest. The 23Anthony year-old Alleyne grabbed the opportunity to extend his excellent form, hitting 64 to Alleyne record his fourth straight score over 50. And with the innings, the left-hander moved to 441 runs from just five outings for the new season. Shamarh Brooks weighed in with 44 while Test batsman Roston Chase got 23, but Pride faltered late to concede some of their advantage. Earlier, Scorpions’ tail wagged to frustrate Pride as they added a further 67 runs before being dismissed inside the second hour after lunch. Resuming on 157 for eight, number 11 Derval Green provided the resistance for the hosts with a counter-attacking 40 off 56 deliveries, with three fours and a six. After Test fast bowler Kemar Roach had bowled Renard Leveridge for one in the fifth over of the morning, Green combined with captain Nikita Miller to rally Scorpions in a 57-run last wicket stand. Miller made 24 not out off 113 deliveries in just over 2-1/2 SCORPIONS 1st Innings (overnight 157 for eight) hours at the crease. J Campbell c Phillips b Williams 60 In reply, Pride lost leftS Thomas c Brooks b Roach 2 handed opener Omar Phillips J Blackwood c Chase b Greaves 0 cheaply for four with the D Thomas lbw b Greaves 3 score on five but Alleyne and +C Walton c wkp Rampersad b Roach 5 Brooks propelled the innings A McCarthy c Brooks b Warrican 22 with a nicely paced 111-run F Allen c Roach b Williams 19 partnership for the second D Jacobs c Brooks b Chase 30 wicket. *N Miller not out 24 Alleyne faced 123 balls in R Leveridge b Roach 1 2-3/4 hours and counted six D Green c Warrican b Charles 40 fours and a six while Brooks, Extras (b6, lb9, w3) 18 a right-hander, punched three TOTAL (all out, 86.2 overs) 224 fours and a six off 106 balls in nearly two hours at the Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-4, 3-16, 4-21, 5-52, 6-90, 7-129, 8-156, crease. 9-167, 10-224. The partnership took Pride to lunch at 45 for one Bowling: Roach 18-8-27-3, Greaves 17-4-49-2, Stoute 7-2and saw them through the 26-0, Warrican 18-3-56-1, Charles 14.2.4-29-1, Williams 10-3next session which rain 16-2, Chase 2-1-6-1. curtailed, 45 minutes before the scheduled break with the PRIDE 1st Innings visitors on 105 without O Phillips c Campbell b Green 4 further loss. A Alleyne b Allen 66 Once play resumed, S Brooks b Jacobs 44 however, Scorpions had the R Chase lbw b Miller 23 better of the exchanges. *K Stoute not out 0 Brooks, unbeaten on 39 at +M Rampersad not out 0 the interval, was bowled by Extras (b5, lb9, w2) 16 leg-spinner Damion Jacobs TOTAL (4 wkts, 48.3 overs) 153 at 116 for two and Alleyne put on a further 37 for the To bat: K Williams, J Warrican, K Roach, J Greaves, third wicket with Chase N Charles. before he was bowled by Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-116, 3-153, 4-153. debutant left-arm spinner Fabian Allen. Bowling: Leveridge 4-0-17-0, Green 8-3-17-1, Blackwood 1Seven balls later in the 0-1-0, Jacobs 14-1-52-1, Leveridge 19.3-2-47-0, Allen 2-0-5following over, Chase was 1. lbw to Miller without any Position: Pride trail by 71 runs with six wickets intact. addition to the score as Toss: Pride. Scorpions recovered slightly Umpires: J Williams, N Duguid. before the rains came.
SCOREBOARD
BAKEWELL Manager Rajin Ganga (left) hands over cheque to MSC’s Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major. Bread giants Bakewell, headquartered at Triumph on the East Coast of Demerara recently made a timely contribution towards the ongoing restoration drive of the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden. Bakewell Manager Rajin Ganga handed over the contribution to Vice President of MSC Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major noting that the company was happy to give back to the community of Linden which has always been supporting their product.
“This contribution towards helping with your ongoing restoration drive will ensure that Lindeners and others enjoy a proper facility once again. We will continue to lend support to the MSC.” Major noted that the MSC Executive has been working on improving the facility for the past four months and while thanking Ganga and Bakewell for their timely support also informed that Mohamed’s Enterprise contributed to the painting over of the MSC.
T&T and head coach Hart part ways
Stephen Hart (right) gives instruction to Aubrey David during a WC qualifier at Honduras on November 15, 2016. (CA-Images) Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago Trinidad & Tobago is on the search for a new head coach after the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA) and Stephen Hart agreed to part ways Thursday. The announcement came nine days after T&T fell 3-1 at Honduras to start the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with two straight losses. Hart, 56, was named to the post in June 2013, leading the Soca Warriors to the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals just weeks afterwards and repeating the feat two years later. In October, however, T&T missed out on a direct berth to next year’s Gold Cup, when it finished second to Martinique in a 2016/17
Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup thirdround group. As a result, the Soca Warriors will host a three-team playoff in January to determine the Caribbean side that will face the fifth-place team from Central America for the last Gold Cup berth. Some of Hart’s most memorable results included a 4-4 draw with Mexico in the 2015 Gold Cup, as well as home World Cup qualifiers that ended in a scoreless stalemate against the United States and a 6-0 win over St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Prior to taking the T&T managerial reins, Hart had two stints as Canada’s head coach (2006-07 and 2009-12). The TTFA gave no timeframe for finding Hart’s replacement. (CONCACAF)