Wednesday October 11, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Mayor questions Trade and Commerce, Agri Jagdeo’s visit to Linden operators now top list of tax cheats - GRA Boss
APPALLING LEVELS OF TAX EVASION!!!
By Kiana Wilburg Operators in the trade and commercial sector as well as in the agricultural industry have now topped the list of tax cheats in Guyana. This is according to Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia. Expounding further on the matter, Statia asserted that one should first understand that Guyana’s tax system allows for self-assessment and voluntary compliance. On that premise, the Commissioner General noted that it is estimated that 98 per cent of all taxes collected by the Authority is through voluntary compliance. At first glance, Statia said that the system seems to be working with taxpayers holding to their part of the social contract. However, upon further examination, the tax chief said that this is certainly not the case. The tax chief articulated that the contribution of taxes from the self-employed to the tax revenues does not seem to represent what can be considered a fair contribution to total taxes collected. He noted that in addition to professionals, it has been found that taxpayers who operate in the areas of trade and commerce, agriculture, fishing, and vocations usually work with cash and are reluctant to maintain records. He said that this situation makes these operators the most ‘hard to tax’ groups in the country. The Commissioner General said that even though taxpayers’ resistance to the payment of taxes in many instances may be motivated by the principle that every economic sacrifice must give an economic benefit in return, these persons reap the benefits in various forms. He said that these individuals who contribute nothing to the tax pool are able to benefit from public service; facilities and infrastructure built by government such as highways, schools, bridges, hospitals, health centres, subsidized food, clothing and shelter. Statia also noted that despite the prevalence of the self-employed in trade and commerce, it has been found that many of those operators actually benefit from the VAT system by collecting but not remitting the VAT, either because they themselves are not registered and ought not to be charging VAT, or are engaging in tax theft.
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey S. Statia As it relates to the category of professionals, Statia commented, “The professionals are also bleeding us.” He noted that one might ask why this issue has been so hard for the Authority to get under control. The Commissioner General stated, “It is difficult because we have to get involved in presumptive taxation. Years ago, the professionals, especially the lawyers, they used the court system to block the institution of certain laws.” Statia added, “And before the judges throw it out as vexatious and frivolous, they give them an ex parte injunction which is foolish because the government and the Revenue Authority are not going anywhere. You can’t stop that.” In spite of such hurdles, the Commissioner General noted that the Authority will continue to look for ways and means in which to bring the aforementioned tax cheats in line. APPALING LEVELS OF EVASION Like almost every country around the world the self-employed as a group has caused tax authorities perpetual nightmares. In fact, statistics provided to the Tax Reform Commission (TRC) tell a depressing tale of tax evasion among self employed professionals, particularly, doctors, accountants and lawyers, the overwhelming majority of whom, declare gross income well below $10 million per year. The Commission during its review of the tax system last year, noted while in Guyana the situation has improved somewhat with the self-employed contribution to tax revenues increasing from 0.56% of tax revenues in 1992 climbing to 2.56% in 2014 given the prevalence of the self-employed in the
economy that percentage has to be considered negligible. The Committee that one measure of relevance is a comparison of the taxes paid by the self-employed compared with the taxes paid by employed persons. The Committee, in this regard, exposed that self-employed persons paid $3.5 Billion in income tax in 2014 while employed persons paid $18 Billion, in other words, more than five times as much. This was the sorry case in 2014 but the gap between the two groups in preceding years was worse. In order to address this problem, the Commission noted that the Government had introduced legislation in 2003 for the use of presumptive taxation to address the self-employed. The members of the Committee noted that a World Bank Paper notes that presumptive income taxation is employed primarily in economies where ‘hard-to-tax’ taxpayers comprise the majority of the population and administrative resources are scarce. It said that many of the persons affected are either unable or unwilling to maintain the books and records required by the tax authorities, including for example the Income Tax (Accounts and Records) Regulations, published under the Income Tax Act. The World Bank considers presumptive taxation to be “an optimal method of curbing widespread non-compliance without employing excessive government resources because it addresses the concerns of both taxpayer and tax authority. “Presumptive taxation provides taxpayers with a simplified option for tax compliance without requiring full financial transparency.” Of course, simply having the legislation is not enough, as is evidenced by the 12 years of inaction on the introduction of such a method of taxation. The Commission also said, “Just by way of example, a presumptive tax on minibuses or sand trucks, water taxis, or professionals may be based on a typical operator in the group or as in the case of the professional at the salary paid by the state.” The tax commission said it is not unknown, however, for taxpayers to challenge the level of presumptive tax so some caution needs to be exercised and the introduction of the presumptive tax wellthought out.
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a meeting in Linden, Region 10, last week. Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, has criticised Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent visit to Linden, describing it as an attempt to either incite conflict or appear benevolent. During a press conference on Tuesday, at the Linden Town Council, Mayor Holland said Jagdeo’s visit on the eve of the fact-finding Mission of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African descent was rife with mischief, but will not deceive Lindeners. “To come to Linden on the eve of the UN Team’s visit exposes once again the PPP’s intentions, the people of Linden were wise enough not to fall for the bait but instead respected the rights of his few sympathizers to greet him. The people of Linden cannot be duped by what can only be perceived as a farce since the previous administration engaged in a concerted effort
to marginalise the people of this town,” Holland contended. The Mayor highlighted the town’s 23-year struggle and the failed promises under the former administration. These include infrastructure “which was left to decay - a school system which suffered a direct political assault, and a neglected healthcare system and the road linking Linden to Ituni and Kwakwani. We are on a move to forge a green economy and with it mobilise green farms, create jobs and care for the most vulnerable in our town,” Mayor Holland outlined. He also spoke of the brain drain of township and the noninvolvement of the previous administration with stakeholders to address bauxite issues resulting in the “dreadful” treatment of workers by management of the bauxite company. The Linden Mayor added that the effects from the
Carwyn Holland, Mayor of Linden struggles are visible and much has to be undertaken to restore the town. However, Lindeners are optimistic that under this administration, there will be progress towards greater socioeconomic posterity. The Mayor noted that Linden is now one of the top performing towns and will continue to thrive.
Edinburgh pensioner charged for ganja in car on the 3rd November, 2017 for report. According to the facts of the case, at 18: 40 hrs on Monday, acting on information, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper and a party stopped a grey 212 Toyota Carina motorcar at Highbury, East Bank Berbice. It was driven by Hydrabad Ally, of Lot 40 Edinburgh,
Charged: Hydrabad Ally A 59-year-old man was yesterday charged and remanded to prison for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Hydrabad Ally of Lot 40 Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore. He is being represented by his attorney Charandass Persaud. He pleaded not guilty. Bail was refused. He is set to return to court
East Bank Berbice. A search was carried out on the vehicle and in the trunk a white polyethylene bag with three transparent bulky parcels containing cannabis was found. The contents when weighed amounted to 13.5 pounds. The contents and car were lodged and Ally was arrested.
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KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
EXXON’S TRACK RECORD Today we continue to focus on a very important topic that should be of interest to every citizen of Guyana. It is about the recently announced discoveries of more oil in the Essequibo region by the United States oil giant, ExxonMobil and what this means for our country and its people. ExxonMobil has stated that the pumping of oil will commence in 2020 at the same time of our scheduled general elections. It means that the oil will be monetized six years after it has been discovered, and is likely to translate into major social and economic development for the people of Guyana. The government and people of Guyana welcome the news of the major oil find. Many believe that the government is naive into believing that the revenue generated from oil will immediately end all of the country’s current financial problems. Far from it. Although the prospects seem quite favourable the people ought to know that Exxon Mobil is about monetary gains. It owes Guyana nothing but the duty to give the country its fair share of the proceeds. There was an advertisement over the weekend that offended some people. It suggested that ExxonMobil was the magnet for employment. It explained conditions of work but it failed to address investment or its contributions to this country. Exxon Mobil appears to be hiding behind its advertisements. Instead of having news conferences to inform the public about its plans and how it intends to help the country and its people, all it does is to make public statements. Given its advanced technology, ExxonMobil has been able to find oil where other operators failed. It drilled to depths unheard of and for this Guyana is grateful. ExxonMobil has used its technology to prove to the world that Guyana could be an oil-producing country. For this, the people of Guyana are grateful. However, Guyana is not and should not be beholden to ExxonMobil and accept whatever is offered. This country must see itself as a partner and the oil programme is a joint venture. T h e r e a r e n e g a t i v e r e p o r t s a b o u t E x x o n ’s operations in those countries that it conducted its exploration. These include Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, and Sudan. The oil revenue did help these countries but it also spawned corruption to the extent that the leaders of some of these countries became filthy rich and there was not enough for the people. But many thrived. Ghana is a model with its expansive road network and its satellite programme. The country was also able to fund a massive hydroelectric programme from which it sells cheap power to its neighbours after giving its own people cheap and reliable electric power. Chad and Equatorial Guinea remain poor largely because of corruption and misuse of the funds. The truth is Exxon Mobil is more concerned with the maximization of profits than with the environment or the lives of the people. And that is often the case of an investor in a foreign country. Exxon is at present a foreign investor. Those in authority should not delude themselves into believing that ExxonMobil will not violate the contract, which the government has not released to the public. There is no evidence of any untoward behaviour but given its track record nothing is impossible. But the government has been forewarned; it has been made to see the pitfalls in other countries. It knows, too, that it cannot ignore other areas of production in the wake of the oil revenue. It must, more than ever, use that revenue to boost the other areas of production. It must also not squander because as the saying goes, “Willful waste makes woeful want.”
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Union has signed a memorandum of agreement with Troy Resources DEAR EDITOR, Even though the People United and General Workers Union (TPU&GWU) have faced some setbacks and challenges early in 2017 which it has already addressed, the Union uses this opportunity to apologise to the workers/ Union members at TRGI for any delay that may have been caused due to setbacks, but at the same time the Union has managed to honor its commitments made to workers before the end of 2017. In doing so on January 23, 2017 the Union and Troy Resources Guyana Inc. (TRGI) have signed on to a Recognition Agreement/ Memorandum of Agreement(MOA) in the board room of the Ministry of Social Protection Labour Department. On behalf of the Ministry, the agreement was countersigned by Mr. Charles Ogle, Chief Labour Officer. The MOA provides forthe avoidance and settlement of disputes, union recognition, union rights, workers’ rights and responsibilities, management function, elections for the appointment of shops stewards and branch officer,
check-off of union dues, nondiscrimination towards workers, strike notice provisions, payment for branch officers and shop stewards to attend meetings and union functions , union officials to gain access to the worksite to conduct meetings, notice board on worksite, aims and objectives of TRGI and the Union, etc. In addition to the said MOA on October 02, 2017, the Union submitted its Draft Proposal Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) to TRGI for negotiations, the CLA was copied to His Excellency David Granger, President of Guyana, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, Prime Minister of Guyana, Hon. Raphael Trotman, Ministry of Natural Resources, Mr. Nigel HughesAttorney –At-Law/ Consultant, Hon. Keith Scott -Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection (Labour Department), Mr. Charles Ogle, Chief Labour Officer (OSHO) Ministry of Social Protection(Labour Department), Secretary, Guyana Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board. The CLA incorporated the articles in the MOA and it
further includes and provides for improving working conditions, terms and condition of employment wages/salaries increases along with a number of benefits such as annual leave and sick leave ,maternity and paternity leave, night premium, redundancy, retirement and severance packages ,out of town allowances and meals allowances, job security, all workers to be permanently employed after serving a three-month probationary period with satisfactory performance, job classifications and job evaluation for all category of workers. It further includes - , housing plan which provides for workers to construct repair, extend or furnish their homes, joint workplace health, safety and sports committees, justification of pay slips which will record that workers are being paid for all hours work in keeping with the laws of Guyana and agent shop which provides for all works to be paid the equivalent dues for the service provided by the Union. Without prejudice to the incoming negotiations for a
CLA, the union is cognizant of the protraction of the negotiations and the increasing economic burden experienced by the workers as a consequence of an escalating cost of living. The Union has already submitted to TRGI its wages proposal for 2017 wages increase negotiations. In closing the Union wishes to state it is pleased and happy with the progress made to draft such a good CLA which contains articles that provides for international standards and for workers to work in a safe, healthy, conducive environment. The Union believes that should it gain full cooperation from TRGI. TRGI has a lot of experiences in these areas since it is an international company. Because of this, the parties will be able to sign onto a very good CLA. The Union is not saying TRGI don’t have good practices at the worksite, but there is always room for improvement, hence, the union sees the need for such a CLA. Micah Williams General Secretary The People United and General Workers Union
Region Ten lacks dedicated, nationalist leadership DEAR EDITOR, The visit of the two ministers of government to Wismar at the New Silver City Secondary School on Sunday 24th September, 2017 was much appreciated. I would like to thank our young Member of Parliament, Mr Jermaine Figueira for his intervention in initiating this needed and timely visit of ministers, especially Minister Jordan. It was clear as the minister of Finance had indicated that the meeting compared to his last visit was well organized and the close to three hundred people in attendance was testimony to a good job of organizing by our MP and team. Mr Editor, the people were encouraged by Mr Figueira to maximize on the opportunity being afforded them, to respectfully engage our “elected servants” as he puts it and to ask bold questions and that we did. The straightforwardness of the responses from the ministers was welcoming, for it was not polluted with political rhetoric. Minister Jordan was his usual self - intelligent and pointed, telling the gathering
basically, that he nor the government will fail us or Region Ten but our failure will be ourselves if the local leadership fail to lead. Before I comment on his profound statements, it would be regrettable if I ignore this opportunity to make known my grave disappointment at the very irresponsible statement made by Minister Valerie Yearwood with responsibilities for housing. This minister said that her initial thoughts upon observing several houses on the area earmarked for her housing project in Amelia’s Ward was to bulldoze those people homes. Why would the pastor/ apostle of God, Minister of government, would conjure up such a thought against poor people who were waiting in eternity for a plot of land to build a home for themselves and family? People voted for this government, our government, for her to have an opportunity to be a minister. I am not condoning squatting but why would one want to displace poor families who have been living there as she told the gathering, for
over ten years. This is leadership the Minister of Finance spoke of, that will fail us and the region. The head table comprising of the Regional leadership except for Minister Jordan cannot face their constituents except for MP Figueira who the community will agree is working for the people and not self. The people came out because of this young man who went and personally invited them. I was one. We have had many Ministers of Government who came to meet the people including the PNC General Secretary, Minister Amna Ally and never were they graced with a gathering of such magnitude as Minister Jordan received. The ministers answered the many questions the people wanted answers to but his statement on leadership is what is lacking in this community of ours. We have incompetents at the highest levels, the Municipality and the Regional Democratic Council. The absence of the Regional Chairman at that meeting is tantamount to the lack of leadership the Minister
spoke of and the blatant disregard for his Ministers of Government and more over the people of this community. Region Ten is plagued with the scourge of party paramountcy, square pegs in round holes and the influence of failed past political figures, who are allowed to raise their ugly heads were they are no longer needed. Their tentacles of bullyism, threats, intimidation, self-interest and an unparalleled ability to lie are all at play. When will the real leaders of the party open their eyes? When will the president come to accept that those he has so much confidence in are the very ones who are failing him in his strongest constituency? Like the Minister of Finance has stated, the people of the Township and Region have to demand more, demand better or act to make their need for betterment come. I dear say, for change to come to Region Ten some self appointed leadership must go! For fear of being victimized I leave my name out. Linden citizen
Wednesday October 11, 2017
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ACDA makes complaint Policies for the Mayor of Mabaruma to pursue against Stabroek News DEAR EDITOR, I read in the Kaieteur News (Mon, Oct 02,2017) that Mabaruma’s Green Park will be commissioned by midOctober 2017 and will be named after a well-known Sportsman of the region, Mr. Augustine Solomon. But while I do agree that the Mabaruma Green Park be named after this sports stalwart, it should instead be name the Solomons Green Park to give justice to the other Solomons who were very active sports men many years ago such as William, George, Phillip, Leonard and Edmond. They were all very good at the game of cricket and had the crowd going wild at the Hosororo ground. I would like the mayor of Mabaruma to urgently consider this. I was informed that the Mabaruma Green Park project is in collaboration with the Ministry of Communities (MOC) and Mabaruma Town
Council (MTC). This is very good, but in giving respectability to a Green Park I am hoping that the MTC and MOC are also fixing the roads from Mabaruma- Kumaka to Wauna village and beyond which are in a terrible state. In this regard there is also the need for an active road maintenance crew because there is none at Mabaruma at the moment. Can the Mabaruma mayor, Henry Smith say when vendors will be occupying the vendors’ tarmac since it is already completed? At the moment it is only sand and stones that are on the vendors’ tarmac. But who will be providing security to the vendors’ tarmac when it is occupied by the Mabaruma vendors? The Mabaruma community policing group can play this role but it is currently defunct because the Mabaruma police officers ordered the policing group to stop
conducting community policing activities. This policing group was very active and effective in its work because criminal activities were totally nonexistent. The Mabaruma mayor should also see to it that the community policing group is re-activated in collaboration with the commander of “F” Division. The acting commissioner of police Mr. David Ramnarine should also ensure that the Mabaruma community policing group is always active and that the Mabaruma police station should have a station management committee to control corruption there. The administration of community policing based at the Ministry of Public Security is currently at sea where hinterland community policing is concerned. How sad. Peter Persaud
Over-protection of children can have dangerous consequences DEAR EDITOR, We o b s e r v e d “ C h i l d Protection Week 2017”from the 24th-30th of September, 2017 under the theme” Partnering With Families and Communities For Positive Outcomes For Children.” Some parents have been quite too much over protective of their children which can definitely lead to doing more harm than good to their child’s welfare and wellbeing. A closer look at what a child may experience at their early stage in life is the exploration stage where they seek freedom to receive answers to their questions; and they develop a sense of initiative, but if they are held back or punished, they develop a guilt about their desires and suppress their basic curiosity. Children also experience a sense of pride in being able to master certain tasks and reach their goals, so as to develop what is called i n d u s t r y. I f t h e y f a i l repeatedly or do not receive encouragement and support from their parents for trying, they develop a feeling of guilt and inferiority.
Also, children identify themselves with what they do, “if I do good, I am good, or if I do bad, I feel bad.” One of the most critical periods in a child’s life is at their adolescence stage where some parents do not possess the parental skills to bring their children through this critical stage. As a result, they leave their children in a dilemma, where they are unable to establish a personal identity and in a real struggle of confusion as to what really are their gender roles. This period can be filled with conflict, turmoil and anxiety, where children become vulnerable to homosexuality, where they have submitted to authority and were prevented from discovering who they really were and what they really wanted to be. However, young people who have passed successfully through these early stages are prepared to take the emotional risks involved in establishing intimate relationships. But those who have often feel vulnerable to homosexuality are afraid to get close to the opposite sex, hence the issue during early adulthood becomes one of intimacy
versus isolation. I have witnessed in some instances where mothers behaved in a manner of desperate possessiveness for her children which amounts to them being treated like objects rather than children. From the psychological battering received they submitted to the rules laid out in the home, where compensation was also used as a form of tactic to keep these children from stepping out of their confined boundaries. The result today is not distant from the truth where parents can also destroy their own children for being too over-protected. The power and control wheel of domestic abuse which includes physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse maybe is taking toll on our children’s gender roles in today’s society and it is time for the churches in our neighbourhood to take some responsibility in counseling families to seek professional help if needed, but rather than allowing them to go around in communities supporting potential abusers that would one day prey on our children. Mark Anthony Rodrigues, Region 9
DEAR EDITOR, On October 6th, 2017 the African Cultural & Development Association released its annual statement on the African Holocaust/ Maafa. This statement was distributed to most of the major newspapers including the Stabroek News; it was only carried by the Guyana Chronicle newspapers in its October 7th, 2017 edition. Not surprising ACDA noted that despite the Stabroek News decision not to carry the ACDA’s statement it did give prime space in its Sunday edition of
October 8th, 2017 to the former PPP Prime Minister to write almost an entire page to respond to the ACDA’s Statement. It would seem that “Stabroek News, which was denied government advertisement by the PPP government, is now perhaps the most ready source of PPP views and news outside of the PPP-aligned Guyana Times. It is not just the volume of coverage of the PPP, but it is the subtle and not-so-subtle favourable coverage that is driving that perception.” (Prof David
Hinds, Guyana Chronicle October 1st, 2017) Finally,on Thursday October 12th ACDA will again join with Africancentered Organizations and First Nations Globally to commemorate and host a Holocaust /Maafa Memorial Program at the Seawall Bandstand. The Program starts at 8:30am. High tide is at 9:45am. Everyone is welcome and floral tributes are encouraged. Wynetta Jones Secretary African Cultural & Development Association
THE GUYANESE PEOPLE HAVE STOPPED THINKING DEAR EDITOR, While people all over the world are faced with disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, etc., Guyana is not experiencing any of the serious problems others face in terms of climate change, changing weather patterns, pollution, etc. Our country is truly blessed despite some small natural problems such as heavy winds, small scale flooding, crime, violence and so no. It means that God blessed us in unique ways. The only hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes and other disasters we experience are all man made in most instances. Every five years we pray that the politicians and their cronies change their behaviours so that we can enjoy the good life
but are left disappointed over and over. Each time, the winner of our national elections replicate all the wrongs committed by their predecessors, ushering more man made hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. which assault our livelihoods while they increase their girths and pockets, together with that of their families, friends and relatives. If anything is left, they then give these crumbs to the wretched of our country. When will this end, only God knows for our poor and needy along with their leaders are in permanent stupor resulting from the mauling they have received over fifty years. We seem to be dead as a people for we have stopped thinking altogether. Ed Singh
Minister Harmon is unconstitutionally President Granger – an occupying two posts appointment that, I recall, was DEAR EDITOR, As far as I recall, the Constitution of Guyana expressly provides for the Secretary to the Cabinet to be appointed by the President, who shall be responsible in accordance with such instructions as given him/ or her by the President. Section (1) 117 of the Constitution of Guyana states that: “There shall be a Secretary to the Cabinet whose office shall be a public office.” In light of the disclosure by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, that he is the Secretary to the Cabinet, while at the same time holding office as a Minister of State, a member of Cabinet and a Member of Parliament, the
President may be called upon to explain this apparent breach of the Constitution. The Stabroek News article, on October 9, 2017, headlined ‘Edghill queries gov’t policy on medical aid for families in dire need’, states that: “Harmon emphasised that Cabinet documents are secret until they are disclosed by him, as he is the Secretary to the Cabinet.” Incidentally, the Defense Act, Chapter 15 of the Laws of Guyana, also makes provision for the Secretary to the Defense Board to be a public officer. On June 1, 2015, Minister Harmon, was sworn in as the Secretary to the Defense Board by
included in the Official Gazette on June 6, 2015. Perhaps, President Granger can also explain this breach. I raise these two concerns because during my tenure as both the Secretary to the Cabinet and Secretary to the Defense Board, between 1992 and 2013, I, at no time, had reason to believe that as a Minister and Member of Parliament, I could still act in these two posts. Regards, Roger Luncheon
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
A huge constabulary force yet the Disappointed PNC supporter laments current state of Linden markets are always burglarized DEAR EDITOR, As a Lindener and resident of Region Ten, I am most saddened at the state of how things are here; the change of government is not reflective of betterment. Since 2015, what it is, that is of value that we in this township and region can point to as a reflection of betterment for our community and region? The unemployment situation remains the same; if I’m to be modest, despite having hundreds more certify school leavers. Garbage collection is still a major issue, despite the council now having far more revenue. The Mackenzie market square, the sign of our dismal economic reality is a potential fire waiting to happen. Its cobweb of electric wires dangling in the air among an array of lawless buildings that followed no building codes could cause mayhem if, God forbid a fire occurs. Our infrastructural development is moving at a sloth’s pace. No new roads in any community have been constructed but mere patching of old ones. Our so called state of the art hospital is always out of drugs. I mean the very basic ones too, but the pharmacies that some doctors and nurses own and do some part time work always have those drugs. The hospital is still not in possession of a mortuary and it seems it is a place where our love ones go to die. The levels
of professionalism and service from our health care providers leave much to be desired. No new schools has been built or extended despite there being a need. Overcrowded classrooms and ever growing communities are not enough indicators for these so called leaders to see and make the n e c e s s a r y recommendations? This community despite having an abundance of talented athletes, no infrastructural development worthy of mentioning has been done, despite billions being allocated to education. Fencing a paltry amount of community grounds and providing a few lights is not visionary, nor is it monies well spent. What happened to our synthetic track that our Youth MP, the only one, spoke of so eloquently about? Where are the musical instruments and other paraphernalia to enhance music and culture in our schools that His Excellency spoke of so passionately about and ensure that the resources were provided? Why are our contractors not benefiting from our share of the Regional budgetary allocations to empower them and at the same time create jobs for our people? I blame all of them, the Regional Chairman, the members of the Regional Tender Board, the Regional Evaluation Committee, the Works Department and
Glad to know emphasis is being placed on breast cancer awareness DEAR EDITOR, I was relieved to see that very serious attention is being paid to the disease of cancer, particularly breast cancer in women. Recently I wrote to the media about my suspicion in this regard. In early 1965, at age 34 plus, I developed a painful underarm swelling, which entailed surgery and weeks of regular hospital aftercare. I was fine afterwards. Then 20 years later, at age approaching 56, in the very spot, the same condition recurred, this time much worse, more painful becoming elongated down my side, eventually looking like a blown-up balloon. I had to have underarm surgery again. Surgery produced a basin full of coloured liquid, and both the surgeon and the nurse wondered aloud “Where did all that come from”? Weeks of aftercare followed. It was all very painful. Sometime later the penny dropped, when I read an article about anti-perspirants and made a connection. I concluded that sweat, not being able to escape outside, built a home inside - and thrived there! Now I use only deodorants - lightly. I think the possible connection between anti-perspirants and breast cancer may be worth a bit of research. For what it is worth. Geralda Dennison
Regional Engineers, as well as the previous REO who is the head of the administration of the Regional Democratic Council for its poor performance. He is gone; now it’s time for the Regional Chairman who has the lion’s share of the blame to take, to also go along with some of his invisible councilors. Region Ten is in a ditch and the people with the spade of leadership are digging us further down that hole of going nowhere. Budgetary allocation to this region by government is not being spent effectively. I challenged the Regional Administration to say that a big chunk of this year’s money will not go back as was done in the years past. An allocation that was passed in December 2016 so that works could have started in January and to date this Region has not spent 60% of it share. I dare say that the Government is not failing Region Ten, the incompetence of the leadership is failing us. I call on the Minister, more over His Excellency whose fake soldiers he has entrusted so much confidence in to act. They are failing you, Mr. President, they are giving you false reports and false hope; your supporters don’t love nor respect them. We are tolerating them out of love for you and for your good name, integrity and character; we are being patient. It’s only because of you Mr. President, we are making our revolutionary spirit to revolt remain docile. You have a few real soldiers I must admit who are working for the people’s interest for this good life you promise us, they too are keeping us at bay but it’s rough. We want more and we deserve it Mr. President. We have been holding the fort for the twenty three years for your arrival and it seems we are still waiting. Only so much one can bear, enough is enough so please act before we do, a hungry belly knows no loyalty and we are hungry holding an empty plate Disappointed PNC supporter
DEAR EDITOR, I believe it would be extremely difficult for the Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown to explain honorably to the citizens of Georgetown, how it is possible for the Council to maintain such a huge staff strength of nearly a thousand workers who are handsomely rewarded with nice cushy salaries, while our capital is in such a dilapidated, dirty, dark and antediluvian state? To add insult to injury, in addition to the mammoth workforce, the Council has also farmed out most of its services at a huge cost to contractors with very little returns. In the past there were ‘Sanitary Inspectors’ from the Council that visited each and every property in the city to ensure that each property owner maintained their properties in a manner that
adhered to the city’s public health laws and expectations. What did the Council do? They re-designated these persons with fancy titles such as Environment Health Officers and Environment Health Assistants, the end results being hardly any property is visited. The Council has masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, tinsmiths etc. in a General Works Departments, but nowadays hardly any bridges are built and the existing ones are only repaired when they collapse, almost all of their municipal buildings are in a ruinous state, and the Kitty Market is taking forever to be rehabilitated. They have a Constabulary with well over a hundred persons, yet the markets are routinely broken into, persons are regularly robbed, three card men habitually
turning their tricks on the pavement etc. In fact the only thing that they seem to be doing right is providing bodyguard and residential protection to the Mayor and Town Clerk. They have a large retinue of weeders, tree trimmers, drainage workers grave diggers etc, but just look at the Cemetery? Maybe the plan is to make it into a tourist attraction where persons can go on a rainforest adventure in the jungle of that burial ground. But seriously, the Council needs to have a thorough and independent human resource audit done of its distended staff structure. Each employee should be interviewed and stock taken of what they do every day, all day long. There is simply too much featherbedding, nepotism, redundancy and cronyism going on there. Sean Moniz
GAWU absolves its father, the PPP, from the sugar industry crash DEAR EDITOR, When will the Guyana Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) accept the fact that it is continuously pushing its membership/ workers of GuySuCo towards the permanent breadline, by its irresponsible leadership? When will this union understand that its political alliance with the Peoples Progressive Party(PPP), by which it continues to slavishly serve its political purpose is what has brought this once mighty industry to its current sorrowful state? That I ask these questions, given the recent announcement that GuySuCo did not have monies to pay its staff, and perform other functions; how can this union support its members’ strikes at the various estates when government had announced a payment solution with the corporation? Why continue to damage the already fractured industry with unnecessary strikes which
will militate against the very workers. G AW U and its leadership is the most dishonest; I stand to be corrected, in the history of Trade Unionism in this country. For decades, they have entertained numerous strikes from its membership for all kinds of reasons. And this was simply because they had the support of the then PPP/ government. Brutally put - they were pampered. It had been a case of serving the political programmes of the former government. In return, every strike had been entertained, even if it had to go to arbitration. And the sugar workers always got what they wanted. After all- they formed the bedrock of industrial political support for the former PPP/C government. But incessant strikes do affect a price tag – massive loss of revenue, allied with loss of productivity. This is just a part of GAWU’S balance sheet as its major contribution to the insolvent state of
GuySuCo at the moment. Is it not time that Komal Chand and his union that would have greatly assisted to gradually undermine the industrial functions of this once vibrant industry, with its support for industrial action at the drop of a drizzle, cease such irresponsible behaviour; remove itself from the political dictates of the PPP/C that it has so faithfully serve for decades, and honestly dialogue with workers as to first, who is responsible for the threat to their livelihood; and secondly, reasonable proposals for the survival of its membership’s future working life. The entire country is often amused, but taken aback, at the pernicious lies and devious attempts, made by GAWU and its political back brace-the PPP/C - to absolve them from the tragedy of what is now GuySuCo. What a duo! Just look what they have done to the sugar workers of this country! Earl Hamilton
Wednesday October 11, 2017
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Kaieteur News
In observance of World Sight Day…
Free eye screening outreach to help combat visual impairment Eighty percent of all visual impairment can be prevented or cured. This is according to the World Health Organisation [WHO]. WHO has also revealed that 285 million people are estimated to be visually impaired worldwide. Of these, 39 million are blind and the remainder has low vision. WHO has been able to ascertain that 82 percent of people living with blindness are aged 50 and above. It has been established, too, that 90 percent of those who are visually impaired live in low-income settings. Guyana, like a number of other countries throughout the world, has been taking a deliberate stance to help combat visual impairment. Taking the fight head-on is Dr. Shailendra Sugrim, Head of Ophthalmology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC]. Efforts in this regard will be particularly emphasized tomorrow when World Sight Day is commemorated. World Sight Day is an international day of awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of October to focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. The Day is usually commemorated with an Eye Screening Event that will focus on, among other things, having diabetics check their eyes for Diabetic Eye Disease. This year, the theme is
GPHC’s head of Ophthalmology, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim ‘Make Vision Count - a call to educate the public about preserving vision’. Dr. Sugrim has revealed that the Ophthalmology Department will not merely be rendering its services within the walls of the GPHC but rather, in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry, an outreach has been planned for the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. It is expected that a number of people will take advantage of free diabetic eye tests and general eye screening services as they go about their business in the popular
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
mall. Screening will be done by the Staff of the Department of Ophthalmology between the hours of 10:00 hours and 15:00 hours. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, doctors and nurses of the GPHC Eye Clinic will perform general eye screening and diabetic eye screening on the ground floor between Zoon and Shopper’s Pharmacy at the mall. Aside from members of the public, officials of the Ministry of Public Health are also expected to grace the event to have their eyes screened. Also at the University of Guyana, the School of Optometry students will be conducting World Sight Day Commemorative Activities on campus. Local Optometrists and Optical Shops are also expected to be involved in eye screening activities at various locations in Georgetown. According to WHO, globally uncorrected refractive
errors are the main cause of moderate and severe visual impairment. However, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in middle and low income countries much like Guyana. But based on global estimates, WHO have concluded that the number of people visually impaired from infectious diseases has reduced in the last 20 years.
This development might be due to the deliberate efforts being made to address this dilemma. Dr. Sugrim revealed that over the past year the Ministry of Public Health with the support of the World Diabetes Foundation, Orbis International and University of Toronto Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, has implemented
the Guyana Diabetic Retinopathy Screening and Treatment Programme which aims to have persons with diabetes undergo free screening tests to detect early diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy) before it proceeds to cause permanent blindness. Efforts in this regard will be amplified as World Sight Day gets underway tomorrow.
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
Father, son, worker charged with killing Bloomfield block-maker
CHARGED FATHER: Bharrat Ramsaywack
CHARGED: The juvenile (at left) and Mohanlall Sewsankar coming out of the courtroom.
Amidst a packed courtroom and grieving relatives of the murdered block-maker, Mahendra Ghanie, the trio accused of murdering the 21-year-old yesterday appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. The men, Bharrat Ramsaywack, 42, of Number 55 Village; his son Prem Ramsaywack, 16, of the said address; and Mohanlall Sewsankar, 19, a laborer employed with the two Ramsaywacks all appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga to answer to the joint charge of murder committed on Mahendra Ghanie. They were unrepresented and not required to plead to the indictable offence. Forty-two-year-old Ramsaywack and Sewsankar were both remanded to prison whilst the 16-year-old was sent to the Juvenile Holding Centre and are all to return to court for October 18, 2017. The matter was transferred to the Number 51 Magistrate Court. Meanwhile, at the court, it was disclosed to this publication by the father of the murdered Block-maker that Bharrat Ramsaywack threatened one of his nephews to have him killed. “He show a sign seh he gun send somebody fuh slice he neck and kill him, in front the police when dem binna bring he in the pickup,” Fazil Ghanie said. He also claimed that the accused told him “Yes me kill
you son,” after he asked him. An official report was made at the Springlands Police Station of the incident. Mahendra Ghanie reportedly left his Bloomfield residence on October 2, 2017 after his boss Bharrat Ramsaywack called him to turn up for work at his place of abode and business, located in the Number 55 Cemetery. Ghanie after leaving, made contact with his mother, Indranie Seenarine, some two hours later to inform her that he had arrived at Ramsaywack’s place. He was never seen or heard from since. With several calls going unanswered, the relatives of the 21-year-old suspected something was amiss. They decided to file a missing person’s report at the Whim Police Station. Ramsaywack senior and his workman were both arrested on Thursday after the insistence of Ghanie’s siblings and parents. It was not until Friday, after Ghanie’s relatives became frustrated, that they launched a search party of their own. At approximately 15:00 hrs on Friday, upon a search of Ramsaywack’s property conducted by Ghanie’s siblings, mother and other relatives, a shallow grave was discovered some 200 yards aback of the accused home in the Number 55 cemetery. The block-maker’s brother, Razack Ghanie, who made the horrendous
MURDERED: Mahendra Ghanie discovery had told Kaieteur News that as he dug in the “burnt grave” with a machete he unearthed two pieces of bones, believed to be human remains. He then contacted the police. As they continued digging, they discovered several other pieces of bones. The son was subsequently arrested that same day. Meanwhile, during interrogation, it was revealed by the men that they struck Ghanie on his head rendering him unconscious, then dragged his body to the back of the employer’s house located in the Number 55 cemetery and dumped it in an already dug shallow grave. They then set it afire. However after checking the very next day they noticed that the Ghanie’s body was not destroyed completely so they opted to burn the body in another grave. Ghanie resided in Bloomfield with his mother, two sisters and one brother. His father is expected to return to Guyana today. (Malisa Playter Harry)
Fazil Ghanie, father of murdered block-maker with other relatives at the court.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
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Kaieteur News
“No new taxes!” is no comfort for the poor A young office assistant within a private accounting firm has only one dream. He wants to ensure that his young daughter can have a good education so that she can do better than he has done in life. He wants the best for her, so his dream is to be able to send her to a good school. This year he had identified one of the private nursery schools. He had saved the year’s tuition for her. It had involved him making some sacrifices and having to beg the boss for overtime work. His efforts paid off. He accumulated the money ready to enroll her this term when she was due to start nursery school. He did not cater for the education tax which was imposed this year. The tax, though only 14% pushed the cost of sending his daughter
to a private school out of his reach. His dreams were shattered. It lay in ruins simply because to pay that would have meant not providing lunch for his daughter. It was a humiliation he did not want to bear and so he went into the Ministry of Education and registered his daughter for a public school. His dream of sending his little girl to a private school simply evaporated because of the tax on education. The government has refused, so far to budge from removing the tax. They have allowed pride to prevent them from doing what is right. They have killed a lot of parents dreams’ because of the tuition tax and those dreams are from the poor because the rich people are not bothered by VAT on tuition. They will pay it. But a
poor parent, trying to make ends meet to have that joy of being able to do something special for their child, will have their hopes shattered. This is cruelty of pride in politics. The government was too proud to revoke the tax. They were not going to lose votes so they were not bothered. To them keeping the tax on education was not big deal. To the poor people who could not send their children to private school, it was a big deal. The Minister of Finance has announced that there will be no new taxes in the 2018 Budget. He has also announced that the education tax is likely to be reviewed. N0 new taxes in the 2018 Budget. The government is hoping that this announcement will be like music to the ears of
DEM BOYS SEH...
Soulja Bai and Jagdeo joining wid Exxon to stress we out From de time nuff people wake up is stress. Is de politicians stressing out de whole country. Some of dem when dem open mouth lie does come out. Some of dem –de mere looks does stress you out. Look at Jagdeo. He never got a genuine smile; everything fake about him. Look at Trump; is de same thing. Is de same attitude, style and dotishness. Dem lie from de time dem wake to de time dem go to bed. That does stress out people. Dem boys beginning to notice some of dem new politicians who beginning to behave like Jagdeo and Trump, lying fuh
everything. Soulja Bai and ee team stressing out all Guyana. People want to know about de Exxon contract and what is in place to mek sure that Exxon don’t rob Guyana like wha dem do and get away with in de Asian and African countries. Dem boys seh Guyana had li’l stress wid de blackout and de water problem. Dem got li’l stress hay wid de set who trying fuh do exactly wha Jagdeo do; full dem pocket. But is when Exxon come de nation really know bout stress. Dem boys been going to funeral fuh de last couple weeks. Dem sit down in de church and all dem boys hear
is people stressing over Exxon. You move from de church and into de burial ground is more stress all over. Pun all dem headstone dem reading ‘Hurried, worried, buried.” When you lef wha you see in de burial ground and go in de rum shop fuh tek a li’l drink, everybody constantly in motion, going from one thing to another, from one worries to another. Dem boys hope de Govt gun agree to release de contract. After all Exxon seh dem don’t have a problem releasing de contract to de public. Talk half and hope dem gun keep dem promise to release de contract.
Guyanese. But with the spate of increases in items now subject to VAT, with the increases in licenses and fees over the past 2 years, including for motor vehicles, the recent no taxes announcement is more likely to be met with a sigh of relief rather than exultation. A review of the education tax is not going to make any difference to that father who could not send his little girl to school this year because he could not find the extra money to pay the VAT. The school year has started. The term has begun. The place which that child would have had in the school is gone. Even if there is place, the work has started and the child will not be able to manage by joining in the second term.
Why if the government is earning over one billion dollars in withholding tax, was it necessary to tax education to raise a miserly $300M? Why was this education tax so necessary when $80M is said to have been doled out to send a contingent to Carifesta in Barbados. The government has problems spending the money it has to spend. It will go on a spending spree come December to ensure that allocations to Ministries are not returned to the treasury. Yet, it has pressurized the citizenry with this obnoxious tax on education. The government may feel that it is doing something good by reviewing the education tax. But good for whom? That review is going to come too late for that father who cannot send his
daughter to private nursery school. Why could the review not be done before August so that at least poor parents would have had a chance at enrolling their children for the September term? The government is cruel by the manner in which it has handled this tax. It does not deserve a word of praise for its announcement about no new taxes in 2018. By the way, was it not the same tune that the PPPC Budgets from 2005 onwards kept repeating? No new taxes! No new taxes! Guess who was the person crunching the numbers of those PPPC Budgets?
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 11, 2017
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
The inglorious days of the PPP’s rule Former President, Donald Ramotar, wrote last week that the rule of the PPP was a glorious period. His adumbration set off a furious series of rebuttals that is still going on. What is noteworthy is that there have been responses to this type of praise of the PPP days in government. I have always contended that it is important that when PPP leaders write about governance and democracy, those “alternative facts’ should be countered with the facts of twenty-three years of PPP’s misrule. Any leader from Independence onwards can select accomplishments and obfuscate the negatives. From Burnham through
Hoyte to the PPP presidents up to Granger, there are achievements that could be highlighted but the sordid dimensions of governance will remain unspoken. It is alright, and perfectly so for party mandarins and party fanatics to speak of glorious days of their organization when it ruled. It is for the independent mind to correct the myths that are perpetuated. My deeply held belief is that Guyana saw two periods of authoritarian rule – under Burnham from 1968 1985 and the two PPP presidents, 1999 – 2015. If I were to select achievements and depravities of both periods, I would say the Burnham/ Hoyte era accomplished
more. President Burnham had his faults but he had vision. There is no space to elaborate on this aspect of Guyana’s history but the Jagdeo period had venalities and depravities that should take away the use of the word “glorious” to describe the reign of the twenty-three years of PPP in power. The list of horrendously wrong directions of the Jagdeo Government is certainly not a short one. The moments of madness were plentiful. It is difficult to enumerate the inglorious moments of governance in Guyana, 19992015 in a newspaper column but some abominations were too terrible to contemplate. If
I had to pick a few on the list, I would definitely include the construction of the Marriott Hotel. If the Marriott wasn’t built, in a small, impoverished economy like Guyana’s US$60 million into education, health and policing would have created a better Guyana. When long from now, the PPP’s time in office finds itself in the history books, the building of the Marriott Hotel would be a mystery to readers. This had to be one of the lowest periods of dispiritedness in Guyana. Why would an economy like Guyana’s need a Marriott Hotel? Where was the flow of visitors whether from business, sports and tourism to enable the hotel to be a
profit-making venture given the fact that there were already two huge hotels of similar kind? If anything in the twenty-three years of PPP’s domination has dented its credibility it has to be the Marriott. It was an act of total incomprehension. Then there was the Skeldon sugar factory. A letter writer last week wrote that Jagdeo was no Lee Kwan Yew of Singapore; that he was in fact a failure. The writing was on the wall since the advent of globalization that the sugar industry in Guyana was no longer viable. Globalization, in fact, killed Guyana’s sugar industry. Globalization has killed many industries in the Third World. Right here in Guyana, it killed the tobacco industry at Laluni. The Skeldon factory cost US$200 million. Put that money with the US$60 million for the Marriott into the economy and the PPP could have been in power today. Such huge sums in an economy like this had to produce positive results. Next – corruption. Guyanese woke up one morning and met on their doorstep a cancer we heard about in places like Nigeria, Mexico, Angola etc. This country had become a bottomless pit of corruption. In a small society there are no secrets.
Frederick Kissoon Ministers, their friends, their relatives, bureaucrats with party connection suddenly became prodigiously rich overnight. I still believe that the APNU+AFC advisors, (if there are such people) made a huge strategic mistake in not early in the rule of the new government, concentrated on the exposure of corruption. It could have dented the barefaced recidivism we are seeing from the PPP. Finally - the criminalized state. It was Professor Clive Thomas who popularized the term. It consisted of people in drugs and moneylaundering and their labyrinthine overlapping with the State. This nexus took in politicians, public servants and police officials. It has to be a shock to the system to hear that the era of the PPP in office was a glorious one. There is absolutely no way President Burnham and Desmond Hoyte would have accepted this kind of state criminality.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Contractors bid for the construction of a new UG Maintenance Building At the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAP), Bids were open yesterday. The Ministry of Education had 13 bids for the construction of new maintenance building for the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.
The Ministry of Education also had two bids for the supply and delivery of Boxed Juice National Distribution.
The Ministry of Public Security had one bid for the supply of agricultural and other equipment for lots 1-2 for the Guyana Prison Service.
The Ministry of Public security had three bids for the supply and delivery of online uninterrupted power supply (UPS) 14 KVA
The Guyana Energy Agency had six bids for the supply and installation of 18 grid connected solar photovoltaic systems. The Ministry of Education had 16 bids for the reconstruction of the St Stephens Primary School Annex.
Ministry of Agriculture with the NDIA had one bid for the design ,supply, installment and commissioning of nine (9) fixed and five (5) mobile high capacity drainage pumps and associated structures/equipment.
The Ministry of Agriculture with the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) had four bids for the procurement of two motor vehicles.
The Ministry of Education had six bids for the extension of library at the University of Guyana –Berbice Tain’s Campus.
The NAREI organization with the Ministry of Agriculture has four bids for the procurement of one SUV.
The Regional Democratic Council of Region Seven had two bids for the procurement of dietary supplies.
The Ministry also had nine bids for the procurement of security services. The Regional Democratic Council of Region Four had one bid for the purchasing of Mini Excavator for the Mon Repos/ La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood.
When we pause and experience silence, we discover answers that activity does not have time to reveal. During your day, take threeminute “vacations”. Relax and re-energise. Take time out to feel the peace of silence.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Corruption deterring reputable foreign contractors -- IDB tells Govt. There is a distinct possibility that Guyana may, within the next few years, become the economic hub of the Caribbean. However, it is possible that despite such lofty status, the country may still have a hard time getting
reputable contractors to execute certain infrastructural developments. This will be the case if Guyana does not pull up its proverbial socks and really attack corruption and keep it at bay. The Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB) recently told Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, that serious contractors have reservations of coming to work in Guyana because of the perception of corruption. Jordan revealed this at a
press conference he held on Monday. He said that he told a Senior Vice President of the IDB that Guyana has not been able to attract international contractors. “Her response was that she understood but we should be aware that Guyana is still looked upon as a very corrupt country. Those were her exact words. She said that these contractors, given their reputation, are very afraid of being tainted so they do not come.” Jordan said that the problem is not only with attracting international contractors. He said that Guyana has even been making slow progress in attracting regional contractors. “When you look at even regional contractors, outside of two from Trinidad and somebody out of Jamaica that is doing the West Coast Demerara Road, I do not
know that we have been able to attract serious contractors.” Jordan said that he cannot say, for sure, that it is the perception of corruption that is deterring the regional contractors, “But she did identify that when it comes to the international contractors,
The Board of Directors of Caribbean Airlines has appointed a former Digicel manager as its new chief. According to the Trinidad-owned airline, which provides the critical flights to and from New York for Guyana, Garvin Medera took up his new position as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective yesterday. Medera is formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Play, a position he held from December 2015 until his departure earlier this month. “With a strong combination of leadership, governance, technical, and
communication skills he effectively led that organization, which has revolutionized home entertainment in Trinidad and Tobago,” CAL said. Prior to the role of CEO, Digicel Play, he served in several key leadership positions at Digicel including Chief Operating Officer, General Manager Tobago and Chief Technical Officer, managing the company’s full operational portfolio. Medera has an MBA from the University of Oxford, LLB from the University of London and an M.Sc. and Continued on page 14
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
they may be afraid of Guyana because of the perception of corruption in the country.” Jordan was keen not to take blame for the high perception of corruption in Guyana. He said that it is something that dates back to the time of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C) administration. “I do not believe that that perception was built over the last two years. It is one that we inherited in 2015 and we are working assiduously to remove that.” Jordan said that the IDB has been seeing the efforts being made by the APNU+AFC administration to address corruption. He said, “She did ask us to continue working on improving transparency and accountability. So in a back hand way, we did get some kudos for the work that we are doing to try to get rid of this whole business of corruption in Guyana.”
Former Digicel official named as new Caribbean Airlines chief
NEW CHIEF: Garvin Medera
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Slain elderly women to be laid to rest today
CAPTURED: Mastermind Christopher Narine Inseparable in life, 89year-old Constance Fraser; and 77-year-old Phyllis Caesar; will be laid to rest today, just over a week after they were beaten, bound and strangled in their beds. The somber occasion will be held on the same day that their alleged killers appear in court. Funerals for the two elderly women will commence at noon at the South Road Full Gospel Assembly, where the victims were long-standing members. Church members attended a ‘day of reflection’ for Mrs. Fraser and Mrs. Caesar yesterday. Kaieteur News understands that Mrs. Fraser will be interred in Georgetown, while Mrs. Caesar will be laid to rest in Berbice. M eanwhile, a police official indicated that murder suspects Christopher Narine, also known as Christopher
DETAINED: Steven Andrews
DETAINED: Phillip Suffrien
- alleged killers for court
DEAD: Phyllis Caesar Persaud and Imran Khan; and alleged accomplices St e v e n A n d r e w s a n d Phillip Suffrien, will appear in court today. Narine’s girlfriend, who was allegedly nabbed with
Former Digicel official... From page 12 B.Sc. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of the West Indies. “The Board of Directors also expresses its sincere gratitude to the former Chief Executive Officer (Ag.) Captain Jagmohan Singh and the Executive Management Team who ensured that Caribbean Airlines continued to deliver an enhanced travel experience to its valued customers, while the search for a Chief Executive Officer was taking place.” Caribbean Airlines operates more than 600 weekly flights to 18 destinations in the Caribbean and North and South America. The airline’s fleet is comprised of Boeing 737-800 and ATR72-600 aircraft. Jointly owned by the people of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago, and with an operational base in Jamaica, Caribbean Airlines employs more than 1600 people.
DEAD: Constance Fraser cash and valuables belonging to the victims, is also likely to be charged. Persaud, 37, the alleged ringleader, was captured at Karawab, Pomeroon River, some 65 miles from Charity, Essequibo. Andrews, 28, Suffrien, 24, and Narine’s girlfriend were detained last week. Police said that Narine, Andrews and Suffrien have all confessed to the heinous double murder. The gruesome crime was discovered when a member of the South Road Full Gospel Assembly, which both women attended, turned up at the church and was unable to get inside. Mrs. Caesar was the church’s caretaker, and had the code for the church alarm. She also kept the keys for a nearby school in Regent Street.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Screening for cancer... Second and third doctors’ opinion should not be offensive “Sometimes nothing can turn out to be something!” This deduction was recently made by Dr. Latoya Gooding when asked to comment on the importance of screening for cancer. She noted that while screening at times may not detect any worrisome signs or symptoms, persons must develop a consciousness of their own bodies and so help themselves recognise when something is amiss. According to Dr. Gooding, while screening has been an instrumental tactic in helping to detect cancer, there are times when such measures could fail to provide the accurate result. She noted that once an individual is still concerned about a manifested sign or symptom, seeking a second or even third doctors’ opinion should always be an option.
- Dr. Gooding
Dr. Latoya Gooding “We always recommend that you take second and third opinions; it doesn’t hurt to do that and it certainly shouldn’t offend any doctor if a patient wants another opinion,” said Dr. Gooding who has for a number of years been a part of the Oncology Department of the Georgetown Public Hos-
pital Corporation. Dr. Gooding is also the President of the Giving Hope Foundation which has a dual mission to help combat the scourge of cancer and suicide. Although the Foundation has a year-long agenda to advance its cause, it has been directing even more focus to breast cancer this month in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Even as she commented on the fact that screening may not always be reliable, she disclosed that there have been patients who have died because they accepted an initial result that was not accurate. She spoke of a case where a patient who in fact had breast cancer but was instead merely diagnosed with a breast abscess and was treated for the abscess with antibiotics. “The patient was going to a doctor ever since she had a tiny lump in her breast but every time she visited, the doctor just kept measuring and administering antibiotics. It didn’t get better in two weeks and so the doctor changed the antibiotics... “The patient kept going until she realised her condition was not improving,” Dr. Gooding revealed. The woman eventually sought other opinions which deter-
mined by then that she had stage three breast cancer. While important, screening has oftentimes exposed yet another dilemma. According to Dr. Gooding there are many occasions when cancer is detected it is already at an advanced stage. “What we are finding is that more and more persons are coming at late stages, that is, stage three and stage four,” said Dr. Gooding as she amplified the importance of regular screening. With regular screening, she noted that the possibility of cancer being detected at an early stage is very possible. However, despite constant appeals for persons to embrace early screening, Dr. Gooding revealed that “it is still very rare to find somebody being diagnosed with cancer when it is stage one.” She however recalled one instance when a woman, because of regular screening, was able to have a potentially daunting case of cancer arrested at its initial stage. “The patient, in this case, felt a little pain in the breast and didn’t take it lightly. She went to one doctor who found nothing and then she went to a n o t h e r doctor...Subsequently a biopsy was done and cancer was detected.” To help detect and prevent cancer from becoming a death sentence, Dr. Gooding said that the Giving Hope Foundation is promoting routine screening. “Routine screening means that you are being screened even when there are no symptoms but you do your regular
twice-a -year check up. You can actually identify cancer in its early stages and once you are diagnosed at an early stage you have a better chance of surviving cancer,” Dr. Gooding emphasised. The Giving Hope Foundation has been adding to the efforts to encourage persons to be screened. “We go out every month and do screening across Guyana free of charge. We offer pap smear, breast examination, we also offer the prostate-specific antigen, digital rectal examination as well as complementary services such as blood pressure testing and diabetic testing, all free of charge,” said Dr. Gooding. She emphasised, “Early detection saves lives.” In addition to its outreach efforts, she disclosed that persons can also benefit from the available services by visiting the Foundation’s headquarters at Ketley and Drysdale Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown on Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 – 3 pm. While most services will be readily available, Dr. Gooding said that services that require the expertise of a doctor can easily be accessed on an appointment basis. Meanwhile, Dr. Gooding said that even as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance continues, the Foundation will continue to give keen attention to safeguarding children, as far as possible, from the impact of cancer. In so doing, Dr. Gooding revealed plans for a Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk
which is set for Saturday. The walk, according to Dr. Gooding, will commence at 06:00 hours at the Carifesta Avenue entrance of the National Park and will end at Parade Ground. “All are welcome to come and join us. We are especially encouraging people to bring their children or youths so that they can come out and support the walk so that we can essentially have children walking for children,” Dr. Gooding noted. Also, on October 26, the Foundation will spearhead its signature ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ event for its cancer survivors. Supporting this venture is the Foundation’s sister organisation, Health and Education Relief Organisation for Cancer [HEROC], which, Dr. Gooding said will bring packages for patients. “We will also have nutritional talks and we will have makeup artists coming in and doing their make-up, pedicure and manicure too...all this will happen here at our head office,” related an elated Dr. Gooding. The following day the Foundation will host a candlelight vigil at the Square of the Revolution from 17:30 to 18:30 hours. This latter event, according to Dr. Gooding, will serve to commemorate those who have fallen to breast cancer and those who are still fighting to ensure their survival. The event, she noted, is also intended to encourage persons, both men and women, that early detection is important.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
The Caribbean is running out of drinking water Climate change has taken a toll on the water sector, which remains as one of the most vulnerable sectors in the Caribbean. This is according to Dr. Ulric Trotz, Deputy Director and Science Advisor at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC). Dr. Trotz said that the region is grappling with two realities; water scarcity is one. The other is the threat to water supplies in the wake of natural disasters. “Some islands have already been designated as water scarce: Barbados, Antigua, from our projections from the climate models we are using. We are going to be living in a warmer and dryer Caribbean” Dr. Trotz said in a recent interview. The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is overseeing the implementation of Salt Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Plants in various countries to aid in the security of water sources. “We started with a pilot in Bequia, where during the dry season, water had to be barred, from the mainland to Bequia, Dr. Trotz explained. Integral to SWRO plants is cost saving energy measures. “A lot of us don’t seem to realise that the biggest cost for producing water is power, the energy costs are high,” Dr. Trotz said. “We put in a salt water reverse osmosis plant which as you know is very energy intense but we have put in with that plant a photovoltaic system that runs the whole SWRO plant.” The CCCCC has installed SWRO plants in Carriacou, Petit Martinique, Caye Caulker and Barbados. And in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, affected countries continue to grapple with massive losses and devastation. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit painted the reality recently to the United Nations General Assembly. “Our homes are flat, our buildings, roofless, our water pipes smashed and road infrastructure destroyed. Our hospital is without power and schools have disappeared beneath the rubble; our crops are uprooted,” Skerrit reported. Power loss and landslides in the wake of natural disasters remain major threats to many of the islands’ infrastructure. In St Lucia South, pipe distribution lines were disrupted by strong winds following Hurricane Irma leaving hundreds of residents without water. The Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s (CWWA) President Alphonsus Daniel explained that many of the hurricane ravaged countries have experienced levels of devastation never seen before. He added that the water sector in many have been badly hit, “We have on the ground reports of the collapse of major water intakes, of broken infrastructure, damaged storage facilities and deteriorating water quality.” The CWWA in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency has been coordinating support to many of the affected countries according to Daniel. This support includes dispatching water experts to assist with the repairs in many of the affected countries. The impact of the hurricanes on the region will form part of the discussion at the upcoming CWWA 26th Annual conference to be held in Guyana. “The High Level Forum of the Ministers responsible for water is dedicated to discussing climate resilience in the context of our water utility companies and water resources agencies and how they organise their governance arrangement to build and sustain resilience,” Daniel added. The opening plenary of the HLF is expected to focus on discussing innovative and creative strategies and approaches that the water sector can and must embrace in order to address the impact of climate change.
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I did not give Sleep-In’s Casino application to AG – says Roysdale Forde VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRSAND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Foxtail, Supari, Royal Palm @ $1,000. Ficus & Exora 4 for $1,000. Organic potting soil. Crotoons- Tel: 626-1044 Computers, office chairs, display racks, mannequins, supermarket carts, supermarket counters, freezers and chillers- Call: 6013395 42" LG TV $110,000- Tel: 662-9832 Aluminum windows & doors at the best prices. Chenfeng Aluminum @ Lot 11 Public road Eccles, EBD- Call: 6968688, 682-8378 1- 32FT boat by 6" deep, 400lbs & 450lbs cat guts seine, 4 ½” & 5" seine- Call: 676-6002, 622-8697, 6656585, 695-9860 2ft x2ft full-bodied porcelain tiles approximately 3200Sq ftContact: 641-4952/ 662-1991 Brand new pitbull minibus for sale, BWW 3663.Asking price $1 million dollars.Contact :685-7064
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922
Purple Reign Beauty Salon & cosmetology schoolOpening Oct 16th, specializes in all hair & nailscall: 673-5987 (Hill Foot Soesdyke)
Phonics & reading classes, Kindergarten & garde 1. Lessons for grade 2&3. Registration ongoing for full time school- Nursery, grades 1 & 2- Call: 690-9378 FOR SALE/RENT Prime mining blocks located in Mourwah. Map sheets 50NE & 43NE- Call: 625-1413, 661-5307
Receptionist, age 23-48yrs. Must be able to work shift. 233 South Road- Tel: 2250198 One delivery guy with motorcycle- Call: 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street. Experienced qualified teachers for Secondary Dept. @ Canadian School ,Diamond. Send resume to e m a i l : d a v i d s u k h d e o@ gmail.com Experienced pharmacy assistant to work full time. Part time pharmacist. Pharma Choice Pharmcy, Durban & Louisa Row- Tel: 661-3124 Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 1 General domestic to prepare vegetarian meals. Apply in person @ Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Manager / Supervisor to work @ A&S Supermarket in Charity Essequibo accommodation provided. Send application: r t i l a k @adamantiumholdings.com , contact: 223-5273/74 Experience Accounts Clerks with 4 years working experience. Apply in person to Alabama Trading 65-66 Robb St. 1 Experienced Farm Manager to work on farm in the Pomeroon river. Accommodation provided- Call: 227-7528 Captains- valid certificate of competence as Master of Power Driven Vessel- Call: 226-1100, 226-5380
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 Two bedroom at self -contained @Tuschen - $50,000. Call: 688-0087/ 633-8484 Rental @ Ogle, 4 Master bedrooms, luxury home $5,000US. Call: 688-0087/ 633-8484 2-Bedroom apartment in Industry,E.C.D. For more information Call:623-7500,6143278 Apartment for rent , 7-8 Plantain Walk,West Bank Demerara. Call:264-2639 Apartment $35,000,Parfaite Harmonie. Tel:673-2484
Driver with minibus licence.Living in Georgetown to work with company. Call:664-0802 VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 LAND FOR SALE New Hope land - $4M, Enmore- $2M, Moblissa Land - $2M per acre, De Kinderen -$6.5M. Call: 6880087, 638-8484 10 & 30ACRES OF LANDAT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEK AVAILABLE- TEL: 663-5524, 264-2967
TAXI SERVICE
Attorney General, Basil Williams has got hold of an application for a Casino Licence that was submitted by Sleep-In International Hotel to the Guyana Gaming Authority. Sleep-Inn’s lawyer,Anil Nandlall, had criticized Chairman of the GamingAuthority, Roysdale Forde for handing over the document. However, Forde is now claiming that he has done no such thing. He told this newspaper that he is very much aware that the Authority has an obligation to keep confidential information that has been submitted to it. Forde also issued a press release. The released stated that the Authority “can say with surety that it did not hand over any of the information submitted in the Licences Application by Sleep-In International Hotel and Casino Inc. to the Attorney General, the
Farm $3.2M (East Bank), ParfaiteHarmonie $1.5M, Uitvlugt $3.2M, Herstelling $3.5M, Zeelugt $1.2M. Tel: 651-1969,656-0701
1 Caldina wagon in perfect condition, PLL seriesContact Ganesh 664-0508 Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep & Nissan Laurel car in excellent condition $1.4M negottableTel: 609-7766 TO RENT One bottom flat situated at lot 304 Good Intent, West Bank Demerara. Ideal for grocery/supermarket. Call 623-3895
Attorney General’s Office, or the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL).” It continued, “The Authority is determined to carry out its mandate and functions with integrity and professionalism. We have, since the appointment of the new Board of Directors, been dealing with clients’ information with the utmost confidentiality. “The Authority has refused in the past to be dragged into any public discussion on any application as it regards to any applicant for licencing. It is regrettable that Mr. Nandlall would so easily and negligently, without careful examination of the facts impinge on the integrity of the Gaming Authority. “The Authority would like to advise Mr. Nandalall to refrain from making wild accusations in the public domain.”
PROPERTY FOR SALE Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Diamond -$7.5M Call: 6880087, 638-8484 Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M, KasteevMeten-Meer-Zorg5 bedrooms house -$38M Call: 688-0087, 638-8484 Tuschen 2 bedroom flat houses: $10M, land $2M, 3 Storey building @ Crane Public Road -$60M. Call: 688-0087,638-8484 Versailes luxury home - $US 500,000, Hague front property - $30M, Tuschen $25M, Canal #2 (15 acres) -$9M. Call:688-0087,638-8484 House and land available @ La ParfaiteHarmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
WANTED Processing plant workers & labourers please contact BM Enterprise at Guyana Fishers Ltd Wharf, Houston, EBD. Tel: 227-8176/77 Wanted in large quantities dried corolla bush- call: 6651397 1 Live in domestic to workCall: 674-1767 Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318 Live in domestic, must know to cook. 1 waitress with secondary education $20,000 weekly- Call: 610-3974 Drivers, dispatchers and contract cars. 2 weeks free base fee- Tel: 231-0002, 2310316 1 Live- in domestic salary $60,000- Call: 669-5149 Responsible Hire Car Drivers. Call: 231-7200 Experienced live-in couple to work on a poultry farm at Yarrowkabra. Call:225-9304 Female general domestic must have cooking experience, ages 25-45- Call: 6299450 1-Able bodied male clerk.Tel:231-2029, 219-4533, 616-5954 We buy low income houselots. We need someone to build wooden picture frames. Tel:611-7223,6511969 Experienced salesgirl at Christine’s Variety, Lombard street- Call: 227-8529 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. One private tutor for grade 5 student- Please Call: 600-7388 Waitress for bar- Call: 6122522 1 maid with cooking experience for East Bank areaCall: 614-4358 Accounts Clerk for Eccles office, knowledge of Quickbooks and payroll- Call: 614-4358
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Kaieteur News
Drunken teen beats bedridden stepdad, burns mom’s clothes - then escapes from police station An unemployed drunken teenager went on a rampage on last Friday, beating his bedridden stepfather and burning a quantity of clothing belonging to his mother before jumping over a counter at the inquiries section of the Acuario Police Station and making good his escape. Calais Rodrigues, 18, of Moruka, North West District, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, yesterday and pleaded guilty to charges of escaping from lawful custody; damage to property and unlawful and malicious wounding. Rodrigues admitted that on October 6, last, at Acquero Police Station, being in lawful custody pending criminal charges, he escaped from the said custody. He further admitted that on October 6, at Santa Rosa Village, Moruka, he damaged a quantity of clothing valued $21,000— property of Samantha Abraham, his mother. Rodrigues also confessed to unlawfully and maliciously wounding his stepfather, Martin Abraham, who is bedridden, on the same day. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan reprimanded Rodrigues and discharged the matter for escaping from lawful custody. In relation to the charges of damage to property and unlawful and malicious
wounding, Rodrigues was sentenced to perform three months of community service at the Acquero Police Station three days per week. Failure to adhere will see him spending three months in jail. In addition, Rodrigues was ordered to undergo 12 months of counseling for alcohol abuse under the supervision of a probation officer. In his address to the court Rodrigues said, “I was frustrated and didn’t know what to do. I was under the influence of alcohol and I didn’t mean to do it. I’m just begging for a second chance and I promise I would never do it again.” Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that Rodrigues resides with his mother and stepfather at Santa Rosa Village, Moruka. Prosecutor Moore said that on the day in question, Rodrigues went home under the influence of alcohol. According to the prosecutor, Rodrigues armed himself with a length of iron pipe and dealt his stepfather, who is bedridden as a result of suffering a stroke, several lashes about the body. Prosecutor Moore disclosed that Martin was taken to the hospital and was issued with a medical certificate which revealed that he sustained
wounds to his left side chest and chin. There was swelling. The prosecutor said that the injuries are not life threatening. The prosecutor said that Sonia went to the police station to make a report of the incident. But when she returned home she discovered that a quantity of her clothing was burnt in the house. Rodrigues was arrested and taken to the police station. However, while there, he jumped over a counter at the Inquiries Section and made good his escape. He was later apprehended by police and taken back into custody. Prosecutor Moore disclosed that charges were recommended for Rodrigues by the Police Legal Adviser Justice Claudette Singh.
By Feona Morrison Murder accused Errol Williams has pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter over a gang killing which resulted in the death of fireman Patrick Daly. Williams, also known as ‘Short Man’, 34, pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing Daly on September 15, 2009 at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara when he appeared before Justice James BovellDrakes at the High Court in Georgetown yesterday. Sentencing for Williams has been deferred until October 24, when a probation report will be presented to the court. Attorney-at-Law Maxwell McKay is representing Daly. Meanwhile, Attorneys-atLaw Mandel Moore and Orinthia Schmidt presented the state’s case. Prosecutor Moore said that around 05:00hrs on the day in question, Daly was in a toilet located in his yard at Lot 99 Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara where he was attacked by Williams and two other men. Moore said that Williams and two other men, who all
MURDERED: Fireman Patrick Daly
Errol Williams pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter
lived in the same yard, were armed with cutlasses and other weapons. Prosecutor Moore disclosed that they wrenched open the door to the toilet and Daly ran out but was pursued by Williams and the others. The prosecutor added that Williams dealt Daly several chops about the body with a cutlass before making good his escape. Williams was subsequently arrested in June 2015. A post mortem examination performed on the
remains of Daly revealed that he died from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple chop wounds. It was reported that Daly and the men had a misunderstanding days prior to the killing. Reports suggest that Daly was doused with a corrosive substance before being chopped. In 2013 another man, Kurleigh Goodluck, was acquitted of Daly’s murder after the jury returned with unanimous not guilty verdicts.
Calais Rodrigues
Man pleads guilty to killing fireman in 2009
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US$500M probe at GRDB…
GBTI prepared for court showdown over details on US dollar account -questions raised over timing of destroyed records A request for details of transactions at the Guyana Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) by the police Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) appears headed for a court showdown. This was after the bank made it clear yesterday that its primary duty is to protect the confidentiality of customers. The bank, in a public statement published in Kaieteur News, made it clear that it respects the orders of the court but has the right to approach the court if there are questions. “GBTI appreciates its duty to comply with all Orders of Court in the same manner as every citizen of Guyana and any uncertainty concerning compliance will be a matter for the Courts to determine,” the commercial bank said in the statement. The bank, which is controlled by the Beharry Group, was in the news over the past few days after it became known that it was locked in a battle with SOCU, since February, over a request for banking information. Minister of Public S e c u r i t y, K h e m r a j Ramjattan, while not naming GBTI, said recently that the impasse between SOCU and the bank had stalled a major
investigation involving a massive US$500M fraud. The situation has reportedly attracted the attention of the Bank of Guyana, as regulator; the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Securities Council, among other entities. At the centre of the problems is a major probe by SOCU of the operations of the powerful Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). As the regulator of the rice industry, which spawns all three counties, GRDB was handed the job in the late 2000s to handle a lucrative deal with neighbouring Venezuela where Guyana received oil at concessional rates in exchange for oil. GRDB, under a quota system that is now under question, selected a few millers and farmers to participate in the lucrative deal which worked out at almost US$700 per tonne of rice. C o n s e c u t i v e governments, under Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, would advance hundreds of millions of dollars in delayed oil payments to GRBD which in turn would pay participating farmers and millers.
Former GBTI CEO, John Tracey, was also a director at GRDB. It was what happened to those monies that SOCU is investigating. SOCU, a police unit that specializes in financial crimes, was earlier this year handed a forensic audit file on GRDB which raised several questions on spending. Already, former General Manager, Jagnarine Singh; his former deputy, Ricky Ramraj; and former board members, Dharamkumar Seeraj and Nigel Dharamlall, (both O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarians) have been charged and are before the court. SOCU, in February,
Madray murder trial
Judge overrules defence no case submission
The month-long trial of murder accused, Satrohan Madray, called ‘Bluie’, 30, of Bennet Dam, D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice is continuing in the High Court. The judge has overruled the defence no case submission. Madray, who is accused of murdering his good friend, Dinesh Harrylall, called ‘Kevin’, is on trial before Justice James BovellDrakes and a mixed jury. When the matter continued, Justice BovellDrakes overruled the defence no case submission put forward by defence a t t o r n e y, M u r s a l e n e Bacchus. This was at the conclusion of a lengthy voir dire (a trial within a trial). Bacchus had contended that the prosecution failed to make a case against his client. He described the prosecution’s case as weak
and tenuous. Harrylall, a construction worker of Lot 38 B Woodley Park, No. 11 Village, West Coast Berbice, was 20 at the time of his demise. He was reportedly found lying in a pool of blood at his f r i e n d ’s r e s i d e n c e a t D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice. He was brutally beaten and stabbed about his body. He had reportedly left home to go to Madray’s house. The men were said to be close friends and frequented each other’s place on a regular basis. Harrylall did not return home. Madray was subsequently arrested and taken into custody. On the night in question it was reported that they had a disagreement which led to the killing. So far, the Prosecution which is being headed by
attorney at law Orinthia Schmidt, has called seven witnesses, including Jagdesh Harrylall, the father of the deceased. Police Sergeant, Curtis Cort; Corporal Lawrence H a r v e y, C o n s t a b l e A lex an d er, Ex P o lice forensic expert Tamika Henry; Dr. Vivikananda Brijmohan and civilian Jagdesh Jagnarine have testified. The testimony of Detective Corporal Dharmindra Inderpaul was accepted into evidence. The preliminary inquiry was conducted before Magistrate Rhondell We e v e r a t t h e F o r t Wellington Magistrate’s court where a prima facie case was made out against him. The matter is expected to continue today.
GBTI’s chairman, Robin Stoby reportedly started engaging GBTI asking for records of the US dollar accounts and details of other accounts. Among other things, SOCU wanted records going back to 2012, including the authorization that the bank would have used to wire monies overseas. However, despite three court orders- from the Chief Magistrate- and one production order from the Chief Justice in late August, SOCU reportedly ran into a brick wall on details. In some cases, the documents were not certified by the bank which precludes it from being used as evidence in the likelihood in a court case. In other cases, some of the information just was not handed over. GBTI reportedly claimed that some documents were destroyed while in another case, a change in software caused some glitches and records therefore could not be retrieved. A c c o r d i n g t o Government sources, it is the understanding that between February and now, GBTI destroyed some records that SOCU wanted. Under anti-money laundering laws, financial institutions are bound to keep paper and other records for seven years. GBTI, according to sources, allegedly got rid of those records after February, despite SOCU asking for them. The bank in its notice yesterday, made it clear that as a licensed financial institution, it is regulated and supervised by the Bank of Guyana under the Financial Institutions Act of 1995 with reporting obligations to
DPP, Shalimar Ali-Hack other statutory bodies which include the Guyana Revenue Authority, The Financial Intelligence Unit and The Guyana Securities Council. “The bank as a responsible corporate citizen of this country complies with the Laws of Guyana. In areas where the laws may have conflict, the bank takes the position that its primary duty is to protect the interest of its customers and maintain the confidentiality that is associated with its fiduciary relationship to its customers. GBTI has never refused to supply information emanating from legal requests.” SOCU has reportedly prepared charges for eight directors of GBTI for failing to comply with the court orders with the Director of Public Prosecution likely to decide shortly. With regards to the GRDB spending, a number of millers, including on the West Coast Demerara and on the Essequibo Coast, have been embroiled, reportedly illegally receiving monies from the US account at GBTI to fund their operations. Still a large amount was reportedly being wired through Bank of America, with little details what the payments were for. The US account at the
SOCU’s head, Sydney James bank reportedly made payments also for purposes which should not have happened, officials said. SOCU has remained largely quiet with head, Sydney James, not returning calls or answering his phone yesterday. However, officials said that the matter is engaging the attention of the Guyana Securities Council. E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a postCabinet press briefing disclosed that GRDB officials reportedly illegally used a US dollar account to sell foreign exchange. That investigation is reportedly held up as there are little details coming from the bank, officials said. Sitting as a director on GRDB until earlier this year was former Chief Executive Officer of GBTI, John Tracey. He resigned earlier this year after a fraud of more than $950M was uncovered at the bank’s Bartica branch, in Region Seven. The case of SOCU and the bank is being looked as it is testing the waters on how tough new anti-money laundering laws are working. The case is also testing the authority of court orders.
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
Mother of 8 goes missing Man confesses to burning wife with kerosene stove
Curly Darrel, 44, a mother of eight, residing at Number One Canal, West Bank Demerara has been reported missing since September 23, last of this year, when she left her home to visit her mother in Diamond, East bank Demerara. The woman’s husband said they have been together for 21 years and they did not
have an issue that would have prompted her to leave home. One of Darrel’s sons has since attested to this. The matter was reported to the La Grange Police Station where investigations are said to be ongoing. Over the past month, a series of persons have been reported missing by worried families over several Divisions in the country.
-Says she accused him of being unfaithful
Missing: Curly Darrel
UN chief praises Dominica’s vision to become first climate-resilient nation after recent devastation ROSEAU, Dominica — United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres visited Dominica on Sunday, taking stock of the immense damage caused by Hurricane Maria last month and the relief efforts underway, as well as paying tribute to its leaders for their vision not only to rebuild but to become the world’s first climateresilient nation. The category-5 storm made landfall on 18 September, thrashing the country with extreme winds and rain. It left people without electricity and water, destroyed homes and health clinics and isolated communities on the mountainous island. The UN and its partners recently launched an appeal for $31.1 million to reach over 90 percent of Dominicans – some 65,000 people – in the next three months. “I have never seen anywhere else in the world a forest completely decimated without one single leaf on
any tree,” said Guterres, who flew by helicopter over some of the most affected areas. “In every community, most of the buildings are destroyed or heavily damaged.” Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in the capital, Roseau, Guterres echoed concerns similar to those expressed during a visit to Antigua and Barbuda, where he witnessed the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma and met with displaced persons. “One is to make sure the international community fully recognizes that the intensity of hurricanes and multiplication of hurricanes in the Caribbean in this season is not an accident. It is the result of climate change,” he said. Citing research by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the secretary-general said that natural disasters had tripled,
while the economic damaged caused by them has increased five-fold. “ To d a y, t h e r e i s scientific proof that climate change is largely responsible for the dramatic increase in the intensity and devastation caused by the hurricanes in the Caribbean and by many other phenomena around the world,” he noted. In addition to seeing the destruction by air, Guterres, accompanied by the prime minister, visited Salybia in the Kalinago territory, where they met with local authorities and members of the community during a distribution of relief aid. “We thank you for bearing witness today, bearing witness to the future of all humanity if we do not respond to climate change,” stated Skerrit, who just two weeks ago told the UN General Assembly in New York that he had come straight from “the front line of the war on climate change.”
A 36-year-old man told investigators yesterday that he got angry when his wife, Savitri Deolall, accused him of being unfaithful and threw a kerosene stove on her to keep her quiet. This caused the mother of three to sustain third degree burns to more than 75 percent of her body. She is currently clinging to life in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit. The suspect, Ravin Ramroop, is in police custody at the Vigilance Police Station. Initially, he had told police ranks that his wife burnt herself as she was trying to frame him, but when he was further grilled yesterday, he admitted to the crime. At present, Deolall is attached to a life support machine; doctors have listed her condition as critical. On Monday night when she was rushed to the health institution, she had informed the medical practitioners that it was her husband who burnt her.
The condition of Savitri Deolall at GPHC The youngest child of the woman said that her mother was often abused by the man but she was scared to make a complaint. The 14-year old daughter recalled her mother being slapped by the man, causing her to bleed on one occasion. She even explained that she could not have
recognized her mother, since her entire body was black and swollen while her hair texture was also different. The couple has been in a common-law relationship for seven years and lived in Lot 2 Good Hope, Railway Line Embankment, East Coast Demerara. They do not have children together.
CANU abandons cocaine... (From page 19) Ramlall explained. The remainder of the narcotics, Ramlall assured, will be disposed of at a later date. However, before execution, a decision will have to be made by his
superiors on the way forward. It was highlighted that CANU last disposed of narcotics in 2013. H o w e v e r, i t s l a s t disposal by sea was in 1999. Ramlall stated that “Before that, we burnt and maybe we would have to revert to that; the burning of the cocaine, but as I said, no decision has been made at this time, that will be
communicated to me by my superiors.” However, before reverting to burning the narcotics, a suitable location would have to be decided upon, due to health risks. The street value of the initial cocaine to be destroyed was over $319M. However, if it had reached its destination, the value would have amounted to over $2B.
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
Cricket South Africa postpones... (From page 35) anticipated. Last week, Moroe told reporters that CSA was bracing for a $25 million loss on the first edition of the tournament, which amounted to half of the organisation’s cash reserves. He also provided an assurance that the tournament would go ahead as planned. Moroe had taken over from Lorgat, who parted ways with CSA on September 28, after his relationship with the board became untenable. The board’s unhappiness with Lorgat’s methods of organisation of the T20 Global League was one of the reasons for his departure, but one of the
GLT20 franchise owners told ESPNcricinfo that Lorgat’s absence had created “much bigger challenges” in putting the tournament together, because he was its driving force. “When you know that something is not right then you should not do it,” the owner said. “We are halfprepared and it will be a bigger disaster if we go this way.” There was no indication that any of the current owners, seven of whom are from overseas, would withdraw from the event. Moroe met with the franchise owners on at least one occasion and was confident they remained committed to putting the tournament together. However, the time-
frame was too short to put together an event of the quality CSA and the owners wanted. The postponement of the GLT20 leaves an enormous gap in the South African cricket calendar. For six weeks in peak summer, neither the national team nor the domestic franchises will be in action because CSA had created space for the event. Zimbabwe are due to visit South Africa over Boxing Day for a f o u r- d a y, d a y - n i g h t match that is awaiting Test status, which means that after Bangladesh’s tour ends on October 29, South Africans will not see any live home cricket until December 26, unless a contingency plan is made.
Wednesday October 11, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will be up and down emotionally. Don't let others bait you into arguments. Money can be made if you use your ingenuity. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Although upsetting, changes in your domestic situation will be favorable. Be sure to get involved in self improvement programs that will bring you in contact with interesting people. Don't let coworkers get wind of your ideas or they might try to take credit for your hard work. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Read between the lines when signing contracts. Be discreet about your personal life or whereabouts. Be mysterious. Visitors may relieve the tension. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't let your stubborn nature get the better of you. Your mate may not have been honest with you. Advancement can be yours if you put your efforts into work related matters. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You'll have great insight. Don't overspend on children or on large purchases. Don't let relatives stand in the way of your personal plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Accept the inevitable and continue to do your job. Your ability to dazzle others with your unique and innovative ideas will attract attention. You will be extremely sentimental, and if pushed by others you may hold a lasting grudge.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your financial situation may be draining and it's time to make some serious changes. Job changes are in order. Go for interviews or send out resumes. You will accomplish the most in the work environment today. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Later in the week your boss will pat you on the back for a job well done. Don't make any unreasonable promises. Some time spent with that special someone should be your intent. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. Love can be heightened if you sit down and discuss your future plans. Acceptance will be necessary. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You will be viewed as a sensitive, compassionate individual and others will ask you for advice. Those you care about may oppose your ideas. Keep tabs on your spending. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover to catch on. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You must watch your tendency to spend whatever you make. Be careful signing important contracts today. You have made an accurate assessment of the situation and have come up with ideas that will save money.
Magical Messi hat-trick sends Argentina to World Cup Daily Mail - At high altitude and amid even higher stakes, Lionel Messi produced a stunning individual display to drag Argentina from the brink of humiliation to the World Cup finals in Russia. After only 38 seconds in Quito yesterday, Jorge Sampaoli’s side were on their knees – a goal down and with the prospect of missing football’s flagship tournament for the first time since 1970 growing bigger with every second. But in Messi, they have the small man for the very biggest occasion. For years the Barcelona forward has been plagued by accusations that his legacy will be dented if he fails to land a World Cup medal. On the back of this qualifying campaign, that looks further away than ever. But three decades on from Diego Maradona’s heroics at Mexico 1986, the heir to his crown produced a messianic display to rival anything their nation has ever seen. After Romario Ibarra had put Ecuador into a firstminute lead, captain Messi rescued his side with his fifth — and most vital — international hat-trick. The forward netted twice in eight first-half minutes to turn the game on its head before a wonderful chip after the break secured the victory and their plane ticket to Russia. Heading into the Quito clash, the situation for Sampaoli’s side could hardly have been more complex, yet so simple. Before yesterday’s final round of matches, Brazil were the only South American side to have secured qualification. Behind them six sides — separated by only four points — all held lingering hopes of qualifying for next year’s finals. Argentina began the
Cahill scores...
(From page 34) only a matter of time before the Australians would break down the already weary visitors. Robbie Kruse finally carved out the decisive chance in the 109th minute when his perfectly weighted cross to the far post found Cahill, who headed it into the top left-hand corner to the delight of the majority of the 42,136 crowd. Al Somah had one final chance to secure passage for Syria on the away goals rule as time ran out but his brilliantly struck free kick hit the post and bounced away.
night in sixth, their fate in their own hands. Messi and Co knew that only a win could guarantee a play-off spot, but even defeat could still be enough. Within a minute in Quito, it appeared that may be their best hope. Barely 30 seconds had passed when the visitors failed to deal with a simple long ball and paid the ultimate price. After the ball ran made its way to Ibarra, the 23-year-old exchanged headers with striker Roberto Ordonez Ayovi, before firing past Sergio Romero from close range to score his second international goal in as many caps. Argentina were shellshocked. For Ecuador, there was pride and points to play for – everything but qualification on the line. They appeared liberated by the lack of pressure. The visitors, meanwhile, looked to be crumbling in its wake. All except Messi, at least. On 12 minutes, the Barcelona forward hauled his side level, playing a neat one-two with
Angel Di Maria before finishing coolly past Maximo Banguera. And only eight minutes later the comeback was complete. Messi nicked the ball off Ecuador defender Dario Aimar Alvarez just outside the box before smashing the ball into the top left hand corner. If Aimar Alvarez had provided a helping hand for the second, the third, which came shortly after the hour mark, was all Messi. Having picked the ball up outside the box, the forward skipped past Robert Arboleda and secured his 44th career hat-trick with a sublime chip from the edge of the box. In 89 breathless minutes in the Andean foothills Messi had lifted Argentina from elimination to automatic qualification. And following Colombia’s draw with Peru and Brazil’s victory over Chile, Argentina had somehow finished a forgettable South American qualifying campaign in third. The great escape was complete. Next stop, Russia.
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Organisers upbeat over Windies fixture
West Indies … will play three-day tour match against Zimbabwe A at the Bulawayo Athletic Club. B U L A WA Y O , Zimbabwe, CMC – Cricket officials here were busy putting the finishing touches on preparations, in anticipation of West Indies’ arrival for their three-day match against Zimbabwe starting next Sunday. The venue will host the
lone warm-up game for the two-Test series between the Caribbean side and Zimbabwe which runs from October 21 to November 2, and is scheduled for the nearby Queens Sports Club. “Facilities are ready. We are bringing more machinery from Harare to
make sure our grounds are top notch,” Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association administrator, Nicholas Singo, said. “Renovations are being carried out at the BAC changing rooms just to spruce up the place.” The machinery is to
ensure swift mopping up operations in the event of rain. Invitations have also been issued to nearby schools in a move aimed at giving young students the opportunity to watch international cricket. West Indies left the Caribbean on Monday for Zimbabwe where they will play their first Test series in the African nation in 14 years. They have also never l o s t a Te s t t o t h e Zimbabweans, winning six of eight encounters in the past. Singo said organisers were anxiously looking forward to hosting the former World champions. “We are very much prepared for West Indies. They arrive on Wednesday at midday from South Africa. The board and management will be there to meet the team.”
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Late field goal lifts Vikings past Bears (The Sports Xchange) Kai Forbath kicked a 26yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining, lifting the Minnesota Vikings to a 20-17 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday. Vikings quarterback Case Keenum came off the bench to complete 17 of 21 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown. He replaced Sam Bradford, who struggled badly in the first half. Minnesota (3-2) earned its first road win of the season. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky completed 12 of 25 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. The rookie threw an interception to Vikings safety Harrison Smith deep in Bears territory to set up the go-ahead score. Chicago (1-4) dropped its second consecutive game. Keenum rejuvenated the Vikings’ offense. He opened the second half with a 13play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph. The play extended the Vikings’ lead to 10-2. A fake punt pulled the Bears within 10-9. Punter Pat O‘Donnell caught a long snap and calmly lobbed a pass to Benny Cunningham, who spun off a tackle and raced 38 yards to the end zone.
Minnesota made it 17-9 on a 58-yard touchdown run by Jerick McKinnon late in the third quarter. McKinnon burst through the right side of the offensive line for his first touchdown of the season. Chicago evened the score at 17 on a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 12:24 to go in the fourth quarter. Trubisky spotted tight end Zach Miller in the end zone and fired a 20-yard pass that deflected off the outstretched hand of Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo and landed in Miller’s hands. Moments later, Trubisky ran for a two-point conversion on a trick play that fooled the Vikings’ defense. The Bears’ defense recorded a safety to open the scoring with 1:31 remaining i n t h e f i r s t q u a r t e r. Defensive end Leonard Floyd sacked Bradford in the end zone to give Chicago a 2-0 advantage. Minnesota grabbed a 3-2 lead on a 26-yard field goal by Forbath with 1:02 remaining in the first half. Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen set up the score with a strip-sack in the red zone. Bradford completed 5 of 11 passes for 36 yards. McKinnon produced 95 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
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Windies A hoping home conditions provide stimulus M O N T E G O B A Y, Jamaica, CMC – West Indies A will be hoping to make home advantage count when they clash with Sri Lanka A in the opening fourday “Test” of the threematch series at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium here today. In their last meeting in Sri Lanka a year ago, the Caribbean side went down 2-1 in a similar three-match series and now armed with the advantage of home conditions, are keen on payback for that series defeat. Captain Shamarh Brooks said his side were upbeat and well-prepared, especially following a wellexecuted training camp in Antigua. “The players have been pretty excited. We had a camp in Antigua and it went pretty well. It was pretty strenuous and it was a good blow-out for the players coming back off of whiteball matches,” Brooks said. “It helped to get them back into the groove of redball matches, so it went very well. We arrived last week in Jamaica to complete our
preparations for the series. “We know we lost the “Test” series the last time the Windies “A” Team visited Sri Lanka last year, so we are pretty pumped about getting back at them on our home soil.” Several players made their mark on that tour of Sri Lanka, with Brooks, lefthander Vishaul Singh, Jahmar Hamilton and allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall all impressing. Selectors have retained the core of that squad for the current series and Brooks believes this stability will be one of the keys to any success in the series. “We have been playing with and against each other for some time, so we should have a pretty good understanding of each other and enjoy each other’s company,” the stroke-maker explained. “We have built up a strong camaraderie from the time we assembled for the camp two weeks ago in Antigua, so team unity will be important. We cannot take the Sri Lankans for granted. “There are some pretty
good players in their team, especially when you look at the numbers, so sticking together and backing each other will play a vital role in us being triumphant in this series.” Brooks will be looking towards his balanced attack to get the all-important 20 wickets and hurt the Sri Lankans. The inexperienced fast bowling duo of Reynard Leveridge and Oshane Thomas are expected to lead the attack, with speedster Keon Joseph also in the lineup. Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs is the front-line spinner while Cornwall, whose off-spin earned him 23 wickets in Sri Lanka last year, expected to feature prominently. Brooks said he expected the Trelawny pitch to be helpful to the Windies A attack. “Practising on the surfaces adjacent, it looks like it will be a good pitch,” the Barbadian noted. “It would appear that both the fast bowlers and the spinners can get some amount of assistance from
Test left-hander Vishaul Singh …will lead West Indies A’s batting.
the surface. “It seems like there will be some bounce for the fast bowlers, once they are prepared to put in the hard work, but I believe we are a well-rounded side and whatever conditions we are presented, we should be able to adapt and execute.” SQUADS: WEST INDIES A – Shamarh Brooks (captain),
Vi s h a u l S i n g h ( v i c e captain), Sunil Ambris, John Campbell, Yannic Cariah, Rahkeem Cornwall, Sheldon Cottrell, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Reynard Leveridge, Oshane Thomas. SRI LANKA A – Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Charith Asalanka (vice-captain), Sadeera
Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva, Sandun Weerakkody, Ron Chandragupta, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Amila Aponso, Malinda Pushpakumara, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Vimukthi Perera, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha.
Nick Kyrgios walks out on match after losing first-set tiebreaker SHANGHAI (AP) — A year after being fined for “tanking” a match at the Shanghai Masters, Nick Kyrgios quit another one altogether. The temperamental Australian argued several times with the chair umpire during his first-round match against Steve Johnson yesterday. After losing the tiebreaker 7-6 (5), Kyrgios shook hands with Johnson at the net and then with the chair umpire before packing his bags and walking off court. Serving at 30-30 in the 12th game of the first set, a forehand by Kyrgios was called out. The Australian challenged the call and it was overruled. Kyrgios then hit two balls in anger and was assessed a code violation warning. At the change of ends in the tiebreaker, Kyrgios was leading 4-2 but was annoyed that fans were being allowed to come into the court. Kyrgios lost the next point
Blames stomach bug for retirement
Nick Kyrgios (Chandan Khanna, AFP/Getty Images) and then started to complain and curse, which earned him an audible obscenity code violation. He was docked a point to put the score to 4-4. When the set was done, so was Kyrgios. He left the court without explanation. Last year, Kyrgios was suspended by the men’s tour for “tanking” a match and insulting fans following a
second-round loss to German qualifier Mischa Zverev at the Shanghai Masters. Kyrgios gave little effort during the 6-3, 6-1 loss, even patting easy serves over the net and turning away before his o p p o n e n t ’s s e r v e h a d crossed the net. K y rg i o s a r r i v e d i n Shanghai for this year’s
tournament following a 6-2, 6-1 loss to Rafael Nadal in the China Open final. Also, 12th-seeded John Isner beat Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) on a day with temperatures soaring past 32 degrees C (90 degrees F). “The conditions were brutal,” Isner said. “It felt like Atlanta in August. I think that could’ve been the hottest match I played all year.” Ryan Harrison also advanced, beating Chinese wild-card entry Zhang Ze 62, 6-3, while U.S. Open finalist Kevin Anderson defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-1. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios said a stomach bug and a shoulder problem had forced him to retire after losing the first set in his Shanghai Masters firstround match against American Steve Johnson
yesterday. The mercurial Australian, who lost to Rafa Nadal in the China Open final on Sunday, took a 4-2 lead in the tiebreak before Johnson fired a series of winners to take the set 76(5). Kyrgios then ran up to his opponent, shook his hand and walked off court to boos from the crowd, leaving Johnson and chair umpire Fergus Murphy confused. Local media reported that Kyrgios received two code violations during the set and was docked a point in the tiebreak. Reports also said he told officials he would quit if he lost the set, but Kyrgios took to Twitter to apologise to his fans. “I’ve been battling a stomach bug for the past 24 hours and I tried to be ready but I was really struggling on the court today which I think was pretty evident from the
first point,” Kyrgios said. “My shoulder started to hurt in the practice which didn’t help either and once I lost the first set I was just not strong enough to continue because I’ve not eaten much in the past 24 hours,” he added. “I‘m hoping to be okay for the doubles and will make a decision tomorrow morning, hopefully off of a good night’s sleep which I didn’t get last night. “I‘m gutted to be honest to be honest as I was keen to keep the good momentum that I built in Beijing going and finish the year strong. I’ll do what I can to make sure I do.” K y rg i o s w a s f i n e d $16,500 by the ATP last year for deliberately throwing a game away during his second-round defeat by Mischa Zverev in Shanghai. (Additional info from Reuters)
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
Cahill scores extra-time winner to keep Australia alive SYDNEY (Reuters) Tim Cahill scored twice, including the extra-time winner, as Australia kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Syria in the second leg of the Asian playoff yesterday. The 3-2 aggregate victory sends the Socceroos into an intercontinental playoff in November against the fourth-placed team in North and Central America a n d C a r i b b e a n (CONCACAF) qualifying with a World Cup spot on the line. Cahill scored Australia’s opener with a trademark header in the 13th minute but it was not until 96 minutes later that he kept alive his country’s hopes of a fourth successive appearance at the World Cup finals with his 50th international goal. “I knew I was going to score, I didn’t touch the ball much but in the end I delivered,” said Cahill, who
has played at the last three World Cups. “That’s what I’ve done my whole life and I’ll continue to do it.” The U nited S tates , Panama and Honduras, the three nations who could provide the opposition in the intercontinental playoff, played their final qualifiers yesterday. Syria, who had to play all their “home” qualifiers in Malaysia because of the security situation in their war-torn nation, fought until the very end of the match but ultimately came up short in their bid for a maiden World Cup spot. The visitors, without five first-choice players through injury or suspension, had made the perfect start in the sixth minute to cancel out Australia’s away goal advantage from the 1-1 first leg draw. Tamer Haj Mohamad dispossessed Mark Milligan
Cahill’s 50th goal for his country sealed Australia’s progress to the final round of World Cup qualifying. (Getty Images)
in midfield and he fed Omar Al Somah, who outpaced the Australian defence and planted the ball high in the net with his left foot.
Noblehouse Seafoods 2nd Div. 2-day
University of Guyana and Malteenoes play to a draw
D R O P P E D MIDFIELDER Australia lost Brad Smith to injury, bringing dropped midfielder Aaron Mooy on to the pitch, but the Asian champions were back on terms in 13th minute. Mathew Leckie broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross that Cahill was never going to pass up, the 37-year-old forward heading the ball home in his 103rd international.
Australia dominated the remainder of the first half, with Syrian skipper Zaher Medani blocking a Cahill shot after one flowing move and goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma force to save James Troisi and Leckie efforts. Alma again had to be at his best to stop a fierce Rogic strike from the edge of the box after 70 minutes and the Celtic midfielder curled a shot just wide of the far post from the ensuing corner.
Rogic had another chance to clinch the winner in the 89th minute but his shot was deflected past the post and the Australians were unable to make the breakthrough in normal time. Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Mawas was sent off for a second yellow card four minutes into the first period of extra time and from then on it appeared (Continued on page 31)
Elizabeth Style E/Coast cricket
Clive Andries leads Buxton’s destruction of Golden Grove
Shaquille Moseley The 2017 season of the Georgetown Cricket A s s o c i a t i o n (GCA)/Noblehouse Seafoods, 2nd Division 2day tournament continued last weekend at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) with a satisfying encounter between University of Guyana (UG) and Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC). UG salvaged 1st innings points in the match that was drawn. On the opening day, MSC won the toss and forced UG to bat. In response, the students amassed a total of 128 runs all out from 34.3 overs. None of their batters reached 30 runs with the main contributors being
Marcus Watkins Devon George 26, Dennis Heywood 21, Keron Sewnarine 21 and Melroy Stephenson 19. Bowling for Malteenoes, Carlyle Collins 4-32 and Marcus Watkins 3-30 were the architects of UG’s short innings. Ug’s Ray Newton 3-24, Dennis Heywood 3-26 and Linden Austin 2-26, ensured that Malteenoes fell short by 26 runs at 102 all out in 38.4 overs in their first innings reply. Shaquille Moseley stood up with 31runs along with Carlos LaRose (31) and Teun Hicks added 18 runs. During the second day’s play, in a feign attempt to get a result in the match, UG
reached 85/5 after 29 overs and declared. Their top scorers were Devon George (21), Dennis Heywood (16*) and Melroy Stephenson (14). GDF’s Marcus Watkins completed a five-wicket haul after grabbing 2-32 during UG’s second innings, while Shaquille Moseley stole two wickets with figures of 2-24. MSC were then set an improbable 112 from 7 overs for victory. They eventually reached 64-2 after the overs expired with Watkins smashing an unbeaten 43* to follow up his match five-for while Carlos LaRose compiled 17runs. UG gained 1st innings points in the drawn match.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in the village of Golden Grove, Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club ‘A’ team and Golden Grove Community Center facedoff in the East Coast Cricket Board’ Elizabeth Styles 40over first division cricket competition last Sunday. In a game reduced to a 30-over affair due to moisture in the pitch which played slow and two-paced, Buxton ‘A’ Team won the toss & elected to bat and were off to a solid start with Marvin Cato and Anthony McFarlane sharing in a halfcentury partnership. However, it was the carnage that followed that deflated the spirits of the Golden Grove fans looking on from their verandahs, steps and those in the ground at Clive Andries’40balls 89, Rawley Fredericks’40 from (5) balls, Rawle Merrel’s 37 from 18 balls and Marlon Thomas’ 27 from 18 balls continued the onslaught to
Clive Andries carry Buxton to an imposing 288/7 in 30 overs. Clive Andries Effortlessly cleared not just the boundary but the ground with consummate ease as he played with Carl Hooperlike grace and poise. Fredericks in contrast played with a dominant bottom hand; showing no mercy to any of the bowlers as he batted like a
man possessed. When the dust had settled, Shaquille King was the pick of the Golden Grove Bowlers with 4-54. Mortimer King (41) was the only batsman to reach 25 as Andries, Fredericks and Andre McFarlane had two wickets each as Golden Grove folded for 145 off 24 overs. (Sean Devers)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday October 11, 2017
Well Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs & Nauth Motor Spares U-13 at Semi stage The Well Teen, Trophy Stall, Tropical Springs & Nauth Motor Spares U-13 cricket tournament has reached the Semi-Finals stage. Semi-final matches have been fixed for Saturday at the DCC Ground, Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown. At 3:00pm Blairmont, who ended up being the # 1 Team, take on # 4 placed Transport. At 6:00pm # 2 placed DCC take on # 3 placed team GCC.
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Cricket South Africa postpones Global T20 league ESPNcricinfo - The inaugural season of Cricket South Africa’s T20 Global League, which was scheduled to begin on November 3, has been postponed to November 2018 instead. The franchises understood that the delay in securing a stable television broadcast deal and central rights sponsorship for the tournament were the main reasons for postponing the GLT20, the brainchild of former CSA CEO Haroon
GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – Bartica
Lazio starts on a winning note as 2nd round kicks off
Cricket South Africa President Chris Nenzani speaks at the inaugural player draft of the T20 Global League. (T20 Global League) Lorgat who had parted ways with the board last month. ESPNcricinfo learned that CSA had informed all the eight franchises of the decision over the past few days. “We have not come to this decision lightly,” CSA’s acting CEO Thabang Moroe said. “Having discussed it with all our stakeholders including the franchise
owners, we believe that the interest of the league should be our first priority. We have re-assessed our strategy and believe that postponing the first edition of the T20 Global League to next year will serve us well. We will regroup and come back stronger and better.” With less than a month to go before kickoff, the event
faced numerous logistical challenges, not least the inability to secure a broadcast deal or a title sponsor, resulting in hefty financial losses. Though local broadcaster SuperSport is understood to have been close to putting pen to paper, the deal was going to be worth much less than CSA (Continued on page 31)
Guyana Cancer Institute to benefit Digicel, Evolution Cycling Club awareness race set for Oct 22 By Sean Devers
Lazio goal scorers
Second round play in the Bartica Football Association leg of the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League commenced on Saturday last at the Bartica Secondary School ground with Lazio trouncing Beacons 3-0. Lazio which ended the first round in second place on 12 points after one defeat commenced their quest to topple first round winner, Rising Stars (15 points) on a positive note.
Shaping the win was Ezekiel King who opened the scoring in the 21st minute. His effort was strengthened with Joseph Cox’ 40th minute and Antonio Perreira’s 55th minute strikes. Beacons will be seeking in this second and final round to get off the mark as regards to points having suffered losses in all five of their first round matches. Lazio lost once, while Rising Stars were the only team not to taste defeat to
date. Strikers FC are third ahead of Potaro Strikers on goal difference with both on 9 points, while Rivers View is next on three points. Double-headers are fixed for this Saturday and Sunday at the same venue. On Saturday from 13:30hrs, Lazio will take on Rising Stars and from 15:00hrs, R i v e r s Vi e w o p p o s e Strikers. On Sunday from the same time, Beacons play Rising Stars and Potaro Strikers match skills with Strikers.
October has been designated as Cancer Awareness month and at the launching of the sixth annual Cancer Awareness Cycle race held at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion at Bourda it was announced that Digicel is once again partnering with the Evolution Cycle Club for this year’s race, set for October 22. President of the Evolution Cycling Club, Keith Fernandes said the race should include Guyana’s best Cyclists and is scheduled to peddle off at 07:30hrs with a race among the Digicel Staff. “So the first race is going to start quite early; we’re going to start with the Digicel staff race and they will be going for bragging rights. For the second race, we going to have the Novices and Mountain Bikes, which is going to go for five laps; they will be racing together. Then the other race we’re going to have the seniors, the juniors and they’re going to go for 35 laps and the Over40 and Over-45 are going to go 20 laps,” Fernandes
informed. This is the third year the mobile phone company has collaborated Fernandes’ Club and Last year’s senior’s race was won by team Coco’s 20-year-old Jamal John. According to Fernandes, the race will be held at the outer circuit of the National Park, starting on Irving Street, heading north towards Carifesta Avenue, west towards Camp Street, south along Camp Street and then east again unto Thomas Lands and back to Irving Street. Digicel’s Marketing Manager Ramesh Rupchand said over $900,000 would be the total prize money. “Last year was a great success. We’re basically urging everyone to come out, support these cyclists. It’s for a cause and basically the registration fee we get from that we’re going to match it as a company and make that contribution to the Cancer Institute of Guyana,” Rupchand said. Also speaking yesterday was Director Dr Syed Ghazi, of Medical Outreach programme. “I’m very thankful to Digicel, who for the last
three years they has been supporting the Cancer Institute. Look when I go to speak on cancers one thing which I tell people how to decrease the risk factor is exercise. Good nutrition and exercise, and cycling exercise so it’s a good combo,” Dr. Ghazi said. “1.2 million People die in the Americas every year with cancer. 96,000 women lose their lives in the Americas to Breast Cancer. 36,000 women lose their lives to Cervical Cancer. It’s time for us to join our talents, join our skills to beat this monster, to go out and join the war against cancer,” added Dr Ghazi who is a sinologist. The management of Digicel and the Cancer Institute of Guyana and executives of Evolution Cycle Club are urging Guyanese to come out and witness the day of races as a way of showing support for the fight against Breast Cancer. Digicel promised to once again match the registration fee with their donation to the Guyana Cancer Institute. General Manager of the Cancer Institute, Mrs Fiona Legall was also present yesterday.
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships
As the action heats up, Persaud still enjoys slim lead in X-Class Rambarran leads O-Class, Tiwari 2nd By Franklin Wilson Guyanese Mahendra Persaud has continued to hold a slim lead in the Individual segment of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) 150th Anniversary / West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Championships which are being run concurrently at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. Following the second day of competition yesterday when marksmen and women from Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, England, Falkland I s l a n d s , Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , A n t i g u a a n d Barbuda and the host nation competed at the 500, 600 and 900 yards ranges, Persaud is still ahead by a single point going into the penultimate day of action today. The GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain who racked up another possible at 500 (35.4), 46.4 at 600 yards and
49.5 at 900 yards for a second day aggregate of 130.13, has an overall aggregate of 264.27. Englishman and the world renowned David Calvert is steering down Persaud’s barrel on 263.24 with Irishman Alexander Gill (17 Vs) just behind Calvert, the two sharing similar points. Like Persaud, Calvert shot a possible at 300 yards but it was Gill who had a phenomenal day by shooting possible at all three ranges, 35.3, 50.4, 50-4 for a 2nd day aggregate of 135.11. Lennox Braithwaite is 4th overall on 262.18 with David Stangroom of England one point back in 5th on 261.20 followed his colleague Charlotte Staples (259.24), Guyana NRA Vice Captain Dylan Fields (257.20) including a possible at 900 yards (50.7). S t e p h a n i e Wa r d o f Trinidad and Tobago is
Dylan Fields leaves the 900 yards bank.
trailing Fields on Vs (17) in 8th place with Ireland’s Christopher Fitzpatrick next on 256.11 just ahead of Guyanese Sherwin Felicien
(255.17), two Vs better than countryman Ransford Goodluck who has one V more than England’s Henry Day who is also ahead of
A SERIES-Programme a boon for domestic, international level: West M O N T E G O B A Y, Jamaica, CMC – Head coach Graeme West believes the West Indies A-team programme performs the vital dual role of feeding players into the international side and also strengthening regional franchises by helping players enhance their skills. The Englishman, who has overseen the programme of recent, said the various tours had ensured that regional players developed their ability in differing conditions, experience that could be then utilised both at the domestic and international levels. “They are invaluable to the players. It allows them to play against different methods,” West said ahead of today’s start of the opening four-day “Test” between West Indies A and Sri Lanka A at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. “This is a home series but when you travel and play
West Indies A coach, Graeme West. in different conditions, it adds to a player’s methods, it adds to his experience and the beauty of having them back on the calendar, I feel that the players coming through the programme will be better prepared to move forward to the next level. “It is required to be fitted in between the regional tournaments and international level, so they must be treated with importance. “We use them to develop the players not just for the time we are together, but that
they can take back to their franchises that would allow them to progress on a longterm basis than just in a three-match series.” West Indies A clash with the Sri Lankans in a threematch “Test” series before also meeting in three onedayers, in a tour running f r o m O c t o b e r 11 t o November 5. The series is the second between the two sides over the last 12 months, following Windies A’s tour of Asia last year October. In preparation for the
rubber, Windies underwent a training camp in Antigua, one which West said had been valuable for his side. “I am very pleased with the work that the players have put in. The work in Antigua we did was good,” West explained. “Several of the players did not have a great opportunity to practice, due to the hurricanes in the Caribbean, but I feel everyone has got up to speed very quickly, and the two sessions we have had in Tr e l a w n y h a v e b e e n excellent. “The quality has been high and the intensity has steadily increased as gameday arrives on Wednesday.” The series will see second “Test” bowling off at the same venue from October 19-22, with the final match – day/night contest – scheduled for Sabina Park in Kingston starting October 26.
Roberto Tiwari
Canadian Gary Cassidy by a s i n g l e V. Phillip Chapman-Sheath also of England has 255 points but with 11Vs which leaves him in 14th place heading into today’s third and penultimate day of the Individuals. Also achieving possibles yesterday were Guyana’s John Fraser (35.2 @ 500), Andrew Daw of England (35.5 @ 500), Richard Winney of England (35.3), Bruce Winney – England ( 35.4) and Tom Maynard of Canada (35.2). The O-Class saw a new leader at the end of day 2 with Trinidad and Tobago’s Varma Rambaran, in his first international competition taking over the number one spot from Barbados’ Richard Arthur who has dropped down to the fourth position. Rambaran has an aggregate after day two of 251.17; he achieved a possible of 35.4 at 500 yards with scores of 49.4 and 49.5 at 600 and 900 yards. Debutant Guyanese Roberto Tiwari continues to have a great shoot as he holds down the number 2 spot on 248.10 with T&T’s Justin Lall next on 247.16 ahead of Arthur on Vs by eight. B a j a n J a s o n Wo o d
follows next on 246.21 with Antigua and Barbuda’s Laurne Benjamin on 245.11. Persaud offered a comment on the day’s action, singling out for special mention Dylan Fields and Ransford Goodluck. ”All in all I think the shooters have begun to step up to the plate. Conditions were hot and humid, for the second range and second detail it got pretty difficult where the winds switched from right to left within the space of a few shots. The range is acting up, it’s very challenging and I think all the competitors are enjoying it.” Today, shooters will take aim at the 300, 600 and 1000 yards ranges after which the top 44 shooters will advance to tomorrow’s final day which will see them competing at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges, the top 20 will then move on to the final two ranges, 900 and 1000 yards after which the GuyanaNRA 150thAnniversary/WIFBSC Caribbean Championships Individual Champion would be crowned. T h e T e a m championships, which will see nations competing at the Long and Short Ranges, will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
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From the stables to the saddle, now to the stands Abdul Latiff stands out
Mr Abdul Latiff (right) presents the trophy to a Rep of the Rising Sun Stable for Seven Dust triumph. A 90 -year-old retired jockey, Abdul Latiff, rode in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s in nearly all the race tracks from Skeldon Corentyne to Durban Park Georgetown. In August last he enjoyed a day at the Guyana Cup races at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice. On this day as his excitement grew, he got out of his seat, stood up and leaned forward to oversee the tracks and could be heard hollering, “load the stalls... the fly the gates... “ It is no wonder Mr Latiff returned to Rising Sun on October 1st 2017 for the President’s Cup race. He donated a trophy for the 5 and one half furlongs race which was won by Guyana bred ‘Seven Dust’ ridden by jockey Colin Ross owned by Rising Sun Racing Stables and trained by Mr Fazal Habibulla. In interviews with reporters, Mr Latiff beamed with pride as he recollected his own humble beginnings as a stable hand at Skeldon estate before getting his jockey’s licence. Today as he sits on the sidelines in the stands his advice to jockeys is ‘for every mount in competition ride to win.’ About the sport itself Mr Latiff said some people call horseracing a sport fit for kings but he sees it as the king of sports. Mr Latiff had no shortage of stories with vivid recollections and minute details when he met Mr Cecil Kennard. The two reminisce when Cecil raced Mr Bisnauth’s horse ‘Havana’ and gave jockey Latiff the mount that won him a Cup.
They shared many stories and recounted many horse names, jockeys and past experiences. Mr Latiff’s 1st mount as a professional jockey was at Brighton Corentyne race track. Reliving one of his Brighton experiences Mr Latiff fondly remembers racing ‘Sagaboy’ owned by Mr Hanoman. It was the 5 furlongs race and sprinter ‘Crossroads’ owned by Mr Bhagwandas was also entered to compete. Sagaboy was a stayer or distance runner for the 1 mile race. As Mr Hanoman approached Jockey Latiff to take the mount on Sagaboy, Mr Latiff shook his head and said to Mr Hanoman, “How can you beat Crossroad?” To this Mr Hanoman replied, “I am not betting on the horse I am betting on YOU.” Jockey Latiff took the challenge and won the race. On the Bush Lot race track, jockey Latiff rode “Never Say Die” owned by Mr Zainoor. As the horse and jockey passed the finish line, a drunken fan who had betted on winning jockey Latiff, ran across the tracks in jubilation, was knocked over by the horse in an impact that sent jockey airborne towards the fence. Fortunately, other fans pushed the jockey away from the fence to avert serious hurt. Mr Abdul Latiff has enjoyed an outstanding career in the horseracing circle and the chance to reminisce at the track could be considered priceless. We salute this son of the soil.
Mr Abdul Latiff (right) presents the trophy to connections of the Rising Sun Stable for Seven Dust win.
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Wednesday October 11, 2017
BCB Vice President declines position The elections of the Berbice Cricket Board which was held on Sunday last continues to attract criticism with Secretary of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Board Mr. Winston Roberts saying he did not accept the position of Vice President as reported in the media. Roberts stated that he cannot accept any position on the present administration
because the process to elect them in his mind was flawed and not up to any form of democracy. The hard working UCCA Secretary, stated that he never agreed to accept any position and was not even aware that he was nominated as he and the rest of the Upper Corentyne delegation had refused to be a part of the elections. He stated that it
was another delegate who told him that he was elected Vi c e P r e s i d e n t a f t e r returning Officer, Mr. DruBahabur called his name. He immediately informed the returning Officer that he was not interested in the position of Vice President and was therefore totally surprised that his name was mentioned in the daily papers.
GFF institutes new safety guidelines for movable goal posts
– Offer condolences to parents of child who died Forde presents a contribution to Ms. Tracey Skeete, mother of Glensean Skeete. The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has established new safety policies relative to the establishment of movable goal posts following the tragic death of six-year-old Glensean Skeete last Friday. The guidelines were communicated to the Regional Member Associations (RMAs) in a correspondence dated 4th October as the GFF seeks to ensure the safety of its stakeholders including students. Among the guidelines outlined for the safe use of the equipment are: 1. All goal posts MUST be securely fastened to the
ground, by any means possible, during and after use. 2. A WARNING SIGN must be posted at all football venues “DO NOT SWING AND/OR CLIMB ONTO ANY GOAL POST.” 3. Players MUST be warned of the dangers associated with the misuse of goal posts. 4. Children MUST NOT be permitted to play unsupervised under and around goal posts. 5. All goal posts MUST be inspected regularly to ensure they are structurally sound. 6. Football games MUST
NOT be played with unsecured goal posts. Following the announcement of the death of the child, President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, visited the parents of the child, Tracey and Glenroy Skeete, on 29th September and offered a monetary contribution and words of encouragement. The mother expressed her appreciation for the visit. The St Paul’s Primary School student was practicing for the annual inter-house school sports when another student climbed the post, which resulted in same falling and hitting Skeete in the process.
-says election process was flawed Roberts stated that he is supportive of the Hilbert Foster slate which he has confidence in to transform the current dormant state of Berbice Cricket. Only 12 delegates voted in the elections out of 34. The only club and subassociation that participated in the elections were Albion, Port Mourant, West Berbice Cricket Association and the Berbice River Cricket. Mental hospital Mt. Sinai Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje, Kildonan and Guymine Cricket Club were denied their rights to vote, while Blairmont, Police,
Chesney and the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association declined to vote in support of their sister clubs who they felt were unfairly denied their rights. The clubs were arguing that the BCB years ago voted to stop the payment of dues and even if they were willing to pay the dues, they could not have done so as the High Court had ruled that the Sonwaru led BCB was illegal. The delegates of Blairmont, Upper Corentyne, Police and Chesney stated quite clearly
that they did not pay any membership fee and were surprised at the announcement that they had paid. Members of the clubs were also surprised that the Berbice River Cricket Association which has four votes was allowed to vote as there is no record of any activities of this subassociation or information of elections held recently. The elections for Guymine, Mt. Sinai, Mental Hospital and Kildonan Cricket Clubs were recently held and were published in the National Media.
BCB - Universal DVD Store U-15 50-over competition launched In keeping with his promise to start an intensive campaign to revamp cricket in the county of Berbice, newly elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board of C o n t r o l , M r Dhieranidranauth Somwaru has announced that the Board will commence its Under-15 competition on October 29, 2017. Mr Somwaru, after being elected the President of the Board says he intends to keep every one of the promises he made to the Cricketing world. He reiterated that he will tackle cricket from the grass root stage and so create an atmosphere of intense competition and rejuvenate the love for the game in the county of Berbice. The Universal DVD Store sponsored competition will see the Junior players in the county separated into 4 zones; Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/Canje and Western Berbice. The competition will be played on a round robin 50 overs basis, and will seek to identify a 30 man squad for training in preparation for the inter county competition in early 2018. Chairman of Selectors for the Junior panel, Mr. Leslie Solomon, will soon meet with his panel and announce the requirements for the competition. Assessment sessions will be done in the respective areas, in order to select the lads that will represent their zones in the upcoming games. Fifteen players will be
Dhieranidranauth Somwaru selected to represent each geographical area, and coaches and managers will also be assigned to each team by the Board. Mr. Solomon and his team of selectors will conduct physical and game scenario sessions before short-listing players for the individual teams. M r. S o m w a r u i s optimistic that at the Under15 level, the Board under his leadership can start to groom youngsters for the future. He added that emphasis is mostly placed on senior players, and often times the Juniors are not given their desired recognition. He intends to develop the junior teams, since these players are the ones who will take us into the future of cricket. The Venues for the competition will be the Port Mourant Community Center, The Albion Community Center, The
Blairmont Community Center and The Rose Hall Community Center. The grand finale of the competition will be held at the Albion Community Center on 19th November, 2017. Mr. Somwaru, on behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board expressed his gratitude to the Universal DVD Store for its continued support of Cricket in Berbice and encouraged the Business Community and members of the public to favourably consider the sponsorship of the game in our county. The Berbice Cricket Board can be contacted at telephone # 333-2375. Sponsorship is currently being secured for an Under17 competition and plans will soon be announced, All Clubs are asked to take note of these competitions, and to keep themselves ready for the trial sessions.
Wednesday October 11, 2017
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RMAS receive GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt flour power tournament trophies The nine representatives of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Regional Member Associations (RMAs) received trophies for the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17 IntraAssociation Tournament even as the tournament wraps up in some associations. This was done in the boardroom of the GFF on 4th October by the President Wayne Forde and Marketing Consultant of the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), Afeeze Khan. In brief remarks, while Forde acknowledged some of the challenges experienced by the RMAs during the tournament, especially relative to the inclement weather, he pointed out that the construction of the GFF’s National Training Center will address this. He, however, emphasized the importance of the RMAs executing the tournament in the established timeframe: “Everything is connected to something. For example, the U17 NAMILCO tournament connects to the CONCACAF U-17… it simply means that if you execute within the timeframe, your players will
Afeeze Khan presents a trophy to Carmel Williams (Bartica FA) in presence of Wayne Forde.
not be left out of the selection process. We want each and every one of you to not be left out.” Khan, while noting NAMILCO’s contribution, encouraged the RMAs to seek regional sponsorship to offset beverage and other minor expenses related to
the tournament: “When a community gives you money, you have to show what you did with the money so that they can give you more. If you account for the money received from the community, your chances of getting more will increase.
Afeeze Khan presents a trophy to Gidel Austin (East Demerara FA)
We, at NAMILCO, are looking for results. It is time you look at yourselves and what you can do in your community.” During the meeting, the representatives shared their feedback, including positives, about the tournament’s execution and
generally expressed that they have seen significant improvement in the quality of football over the duration of the tournament. They expressed that the Intra Association league model is a great feeder for the national programme. The GFF-NAMILCO
Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17 IntraAssociation Tournament is an ongoing tournament, which seeks to, among others; develop youth players as part of the player development pathway to the senior national team.
Australia’s Behrendorff takes four to set up easy win (Reuters) - Australia’s Jason Behrendorff took four wickets for 21 in an inspired spell of fast bowling to set up an eight-wicket win over India in the second Twenty20 international yesterday, squaring the three-match series at 1-1. The touring side, who lost the one-day series 4-1 and the first T20 by nine wickets, reached their target of 119 with 27 balls to spare at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Playing only his second international match, the 27year-old Behrendorff scythed through India’s top order after Australia captain David Warner won the toss and chose to bowl. The left-arm paceman dismissed opening batsman Rohit Sharma and India captain Virat Kohli in his first over and then took the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan
and Manish Pandey to reduce the hosts to 27-4 inside the first five overs. “It was unbelievable. Bowling four (overs) upfront doesn’t happen too often and I was lucky to do it,” Behrendorff said during the innings break. “Bowling upfront and swinging the new ball is my strength and it is an honour to be opening the bowling for your country.” India never recovered from the terrible start and were all out for 118 in their 20 overs. Kedar Jadhav scored 27 and Hardik Pandya made 25 in the only notable contributions with the bat for the hosts. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa kept the pressure up on the Indian middle order, picking up two for 19 in his four overs. Australia lost openers Warner and Aaron Finch
early in their chase, giving India hope of an unlikely win but Moises Henriques and Travis Head then combined in an unbroken stand of 109 for the third
wicket to take them to victory. Henriques hit four sixes and an identical number of boundaries to remain unbeaten on 62 for his
second half century in T20. Head was not out on 48 as Australia completed a convincing victory. Hyderabad will host the deciding match of the series
on Friday. Scores: Australia 122 for 2 (Henriques 62*, Head 47*) beat India 118 (Jadhav 27, Behrendroff 4-21, Zampa 2-19) by 8 wickets.
Moises Henriques finished it with an unbeaten 62 off 46 balls ©BCC Jason Behrendorff ©BCCI
t r o Sp GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships
As the action heats up, Persaud still enjoys slim lead in X-Class Rambarran leads O-Class, Tiwari 2nd
Mahendra Persaud leaves the 900 yards bank after another day at the office. Shooters taking aim from the 600 yards bank. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Guyana Cancer Institute to benefit Digicel, Evolution Cycling Club awareness race set for Oct 22
(From left) President of Evolution Cycling Club Keith Fernanades, Dr Syed Ghazi and Digicel’s Ramesh Rupchand and PRO Vidya Sanichara at GCC during yesterday’s launching of the Cancer Awareness Cycle race set for Oct 22. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210