Monday October 01, 2018
The Local Government Commission can usurp legitimate power DEAR EDITOR, I read in the local news media that the Local Government Commission has launched an inquiry into the administration of the Mayor and City Council but, how genuine is it to really help the Council out of the economic doldrums it has found itself? De doldrums is due to the accumulative neglect by the previous political administration. Let us examine the action of the commission. Based on reports I have read, the commission claims that it has received adverse reports from workers of the Municipality and other agencies about the administration of the Council. The question then must be, did the commission share this information from workers of the Municipality and other agencies with the Council’s representatives? If yes, what was the result? If not, then why not? After all, the alleged complaints are about the Council and in all fairness and rationality they should be the first to know and given an opportunity to comment on them. Therefore, if that was not done it provides suspicion that, there is some other hidden agenda. How can the Local Government Commission hold an inquiry based on alleged complaints against the Council? Like Central Government people will always complain and give adverse reports about different aspects of the operations of public bodies because there is always room for improvement to provide better systems to serve people. In any case, people have always been complaining about the Mayor and City Council; this is nothing new. What is worrying is the composition of the Local Government Commission. It is made up of two former local government ministers of the People Progressive Party/Civic, a former Town Clerk who presided over the destruction of the city, a member of Alliance for Change,
two members of A Partner for National Unity and one from the Trade Union Movement. It is clear for all to see that the commission makes it inherently unfair and biased particularly, when it comes to the Mayor and City Council. It is not difficult for individual members of the commission with their own political agendas to encourage people to write comments and send in complaints to the commission because it is all about politics, domination and the need to control the nation’s capital. So, given the composition of the commission, its decision-making process, the approach used by that body to launch a commission of inquiry one wonders about the real intentions or agenda of the commission in itself and its inquiry. Speaking about the commission of inquiry there appears to be no published Terms of Reference setting out the nature, scope, timelines and work of the commission. This allows for the commission to entertain all and sundry of anything and everything perceived or real and present the Local Government Commission with the opportunity to achieve its agenda. Finally, when one looks at the nature, scope and broad ranging powers given to the Commission it is clear to me that it has the potential to usurp the authority of elected representatives of the people (Mayor and Councillors). This by itself undermines the spirit and intentions of the constitution, which facilitates the Local Government Commission and submerge the active will of the people by limiting the action of their representatives to perform and act on their behalf. This is a worrying situation. For local democracy to flourish in Guyana, the people’s representatives must be allowed to act freely on their behalf. Regards Mr. Winston Mc Donald, Property Owner
Parents provide a stimulus for their children DEAR EDITOR, Educational authorities frequently repeat that education never ends and one of the cores of this law of education is the continuing education. This is especially necessary for educators (parents and teachers) because they have to develop themselves as individuals, parents, educators, professionals and Christians to improve other people. Teachers pretend that young people are educated, have the habit of reading and study, know to take advantage of the free time for their personal enrichment and that their subsequent work has a purpose of service to others. But parents and teachers should set an example in all of this. Teachers educate students with their words, but above everything with the way they are and their example. Experts in education say that words move, but the example draw. The example given in the family is the footprint that remains in children.
A sports bar before workers DEAR EDITOR, Workers’ right to severance was recently described in derogatory terms. Millions can be found to fund and furnish a sports bar while workers have to wait on their due. Could this ever be right? Shamshun Mohamed
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The behaviour of parents is a stimulus and points the way of the behaviour of children. They admire their teachers and parents by their fight ability to improve themselves as individuals. Perhaps the most important aspect of this matter is the consistency. It is essential the consistency of parents between what they say and what they do, as well as between what they demand to their children and what they demand to themselves. If this consistency is applied, parents will gain in prestige and credibility to exercise authority in the family. If teachers neglect their own personal development it will be difficult to achieve the internal development of children and students, because only educate those who make an effort to improve their own level of development; only teach those who are still learning in adulthood and only help to mature those who have a certain level of maturity. All this leads to a certain requirement of self-education by teachers, because no one can give what one does not have. Arturo Ramo
Lower East Canje to benefit from Sheet Anchor WTP DEAR EDITOR, Residents from Betsy Ground, Gangaram and surrounding areas are among the 15,000 customers from some 24 communities in Region Six, Berbice, who will benefit from improved water quality when the Sheet Anchor water treatment plant is completed. A Kaieteur News article published on September 30, 2018 titled “New Sheet Anchor water treatment plant on schedule” stated that residents in these areas are uncertain if the plant will serve them. GWI rejects this notion outright. Managing Director of the utility, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles has said on numerous occasions to both the media and residents, that the residents of Lower East Canje were taken into consideration during the initial planning of the project
and will be served by the water treatment facility when it comes on stream in September, 2019. GWI, in a press release on June 1, 2018 following a site visit, quoted the Managing Director as saying, “This is going to be very important in terms of the villages that are going to be the beneficiaries from Number 25 Village down to Gangaram. Gangaram was previously supplied by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).” The serving areas (population) that stand to benefit from the water treatment facility include: Village Names 1. Industry or No. 25 2. Dun Robin or No. 23 3. Warren or No. 21 4. Kendalls or No. 19 5. Bohemia or No. 17 6. Susannah or No. 15 7. Hermitage or No. 13 8. Treurniet or No. 11 9. Lewis Manor or No. 9
Train the Parliamentarians DEAR EDITOR, With the coming of oil, Guyana’s Parliamentarians will have a crucial role to play in ensuring the country’s oil revenue can be accounted for. As such, our MPs will need an understanding of what good governance requires in practice and they need to be trained and equipped with all the tools to get the job done. The big question is, when will the Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, and Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, get going with the necessary training for our MPs and the relevant Parliamentary staff? I was surprised to learn from the Sunday publication of the Kaieteur News that the management of Parliament has not lifted a finger towards preparation for oil and gas. Are we really serious about ensuring transparency and accountability for this sector which is notorious for corruption? Or are we interested in courting economic imbalances, political instability, and widening the loopholes for the heist of our resources? Only time will tell... Yours sincerely Concerned Guyanese
10. No. 7 11. Prospect 12. Palmyra or No. 4 13. Cumberland 14. No. 3 15. Sheet Anchor 16. Ordnance Fort Canje 17. Canefield 18. Rose Hall 19. Reliance 20. Adelphi 21. Good Banana Land 22. Little Bleyendaal 23. No. 10 24. Goldstone Hall or No. 11 (Gangaram) The Sheet Anchor Plant represents just one of the components of a larger project for which a US$31.6M loan was signed in 2014 by the government and the IDB for a Water Supply and Sanitation I n f r a s t r u c t u r e Improvement Programme. To date, the plant is 34 per cent complete. Providing an update during a recent site visit, Project Manager Richard Persaud explained that the fencing for the project is complete, while works are ongoing on the sedimentation tank where the base slab has been poured. The excavation and backfilling for the first and second ground storage tanks have been completed and the blinding concrete poured for one tank. The project also entails bringing the water from the three wells which serve existing communities to the treatment plant, via a distribution network. This system will also be extended to serve those areas that were served by the GuySuCo. Leana Bradshaw
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Monday October 01, 2018
Govt. must cap interest on debt incurred by oil companies; our revenue depends on it - Ramson By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The oil business is quite intricate. There seems to be no less than a 100 tricks that oil companies employ to rob nations. One of those tricks is thin capitalization. Attorney at Law and oil and gas consultant, Charles Ramson has warned that the APNU+AFC Government must quickly look at ways to avoid thin capitalization. Also, Ramson said that future contracts must explicitly address this issue so as to avoid Guyana being robbed its rightful share of the oil money. Ramson said this at a recent press conference. His pronouncement came days after Head of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe announced that moves will be made to t w e a k G u y a n a ’s m o d e l Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). Oil companies are typically financed or
capitalized through a mixture of debt and equity. Thin capitalization refers to when a company is financed through a relatively high level of debt compared to equity. Ramson stressed that thin capitalization is used as a tax avoidance measure. He said that when oil companies want to rob countries they “ramp up their debt position so that it increases their cost as result of their interest payments.” When cost is increased, it is obvious that profit will be less. Less profit oil to be shared means less money for Guyana. The Lawyer said that Guyana needs to quickly decide how much interest it is going to allow on debt incurred by oil companies. He said, too, that it would be wise if the country ensures that the accepted interest rate is in keeping with market rate. “If the market value of the interest payment is let’s say eight percent or 10 percent, and you put a
cap on that, then they will know that there is no real economic benefit in taking on debt that is more than necessary,” said Ramson. Ramson said that all existing contracts that Guyana has with oil companies allow for oil companies to take advantage via thin capitalization. “We got opportunities for other agreements and to include them in there. Otherwise, we are going to be robbing ourselves of revenue.” Ramson said that this is especially so since the oil companies are getting that
financing from some type of subsidiary or parent company. He said that in such cases, “Instead of the market rate of 10 percent, they go with 18 percent. Just like that we lose an additional eight percent and overtime, that adds up.” Ramson said that any contract going forward must address thin capitalization. The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that Guyana signed with ExxonMobil states that ExxonMobil will be able to recover the cost of “interest, expenses and
related fees incurred on loans raised by parties comprising the contractor for petroleum operations and other financing cost provided that such expenses, fees and costs are consistent with market rates.” The provision is very broad and covers any cost that ExxonMobil may incur for petroleum operations and even “other financing.” Interest payments are exempt from withholding taxes, providing yet another incentive for contractors to finance their costs with debt.
Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson
04:45 and 08:00hrs by ranks of the Guyana Police Force commanded by a Senior Superintendent. A total of 220 ranks were involved in the operation. The raid saw 29 persons, inclusive of a female, arrested for various offences
including possession of a firearm component, cocaine and marijuana possession and robbery under arms. Two motorcycles, a number of cellular phones and other items suspected to be stolen or unlawfully obtained, were also found.
220 police ranks in early morning raid on Agricola, Bourda - 29 ARRESTED, BIKES & COCAINE SEIZED
Senior teacher of Maburuma Primary School brutally chopped in sleep
David Patterson shows the wounds received.
A senior teacher of the Mabaruma Primary School, Region 1 (Barima Waini), was brutally chopped while he was at home asleep. David Patterson received chop wounds to his head, back of his neck and one of his ears was severed during the ordeal. He was rushed to the Mabaruma Hospital where he was admitted and is being monitored closely. This publication learnt that Patterson might have been attacked by a brother who is a drug addict. It is said that the man constantly attempts to steal his mother’s pension money, but is prevented from doing so by Patterson.
Some of the items seized during the raids yesterday. Over 200 ranks were involved in an early morning raid at Agricola, East Bank Demerara yesterday. At the end of the four hour operation, almost 30 persons were arrested on suspicion of being involved in robberies, and possession of stolen
items. The Agricola area is known as a haven for criminals. According to police, ‘Operation Restore Order’ was carried out at Agricola, East Bank Demerara and North Road, Bourda between
Monday October 01, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Eight criminal cases disposed of at Lack of funds will continue to cause Berbice during June Criminal Session backlog for oil and gas preparation Of the ninety four cases which were listed to be heard, eight cases were disposed of during the Berbice June Criminal Session. The matters were heard before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow. State Counsel Tuanna Hardy presented the cases. According to information sent out by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions(DPP), of the eight cases, there were two for the offence of attempt to commit murder with the alternative count of wounding with intent, two cases for the offence of murder, another three for sexual offences and one case for the offence of manslaughter. In the two cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder, the juries were directed by the trial judge to return formal verdicts of not guilty because in one case, the complainant informed the Court that he did not wish to proceed with the evidence. The complainant in the other case failed to attend Court despite being warned to do so. In one of the two matters for the offence of murder, Justice Barlow upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The accused in the other case pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. In one of the three sexual offences cases, the accused who was indicted for rape was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment after he was found guilty by jury. In the other two matters, the complainants did not wish to proceed with the evidence and Justice Barlow directed
Justice Jo-Ann Barlow the juries to return formal verdicts of not guilty. In the one case for the offence of manslaughter, the jury was unanimous with a guilty verdict and trial judge sentenced the accused to twenty three years imprisonment. The DPP nolle prosequi three matters of which one was for the offence of Robbery under Arms and two were for attempt to commit murder because the complainants all testified in Court that they did not wish to proceed with the evidence. Justice Brassington Reynolds completed one case for the offence of Rape which was presented before him in late May by State Counsel Hardy. Of the three accused who were indicted together, the number one accused was sentenced to twenty years while the number two accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment after the jury returned guilty verdicts for them. The indictment against the number three accused was severed
before the trial commenced in February. Meanwhile, in the Essequibo Criminal Assizes, 60 cases were listed to be heard. State Counsel Tamika Clarke presented two matters for the offence of Murder before Madam Justice Margaret Kurtzious. In one matter where three accused were indicted together, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts for the numbers one and two and they were each sentenced to twenty years imprisonment. Trial judge up held a nocase submission for the number three accused. In the other trial, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. The DPP nolle prosequi six matters for sexual offences. In five of these cases, the accused have since died. The complainant in the other one case submitted a written statement in which she indicated that it was not the accused who had sexual relations with her, but someone else who has died. The Demerara October Criminal Assizes will commence on Tuesday October 2, 2018. Justice James BovellDrakes, Justice Sandil Kissoon and Justice Jo-Ann Barlow are roistered to sit. A total of 228 cases are listed to be heard. The Berbice October Criminal Assizes will start on October 16 and 98 cases are listed to be heard. Madam Priya Sewnarine-Beharry will oversee these matters. Justice Brassington Reynolds will continue to hear the Essequibo May Criminal Assizes.
Guyana will succumb to oil... (From page 3) everything from roads to schools to ensure that the rest of the economy can continue to develop and that the local population does not become accustomed to the sort of rentier economy that has done so much damage in the Middle East. Beyond that, the government of Guyana should establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund with strong withdrawal rules so that a proportion of the revenue earned each year is put aside for the medium- and longer-term future.” Butler added, “The oil, even assuming that many more discoveries will be made, will not last for forever. The most successful oil economies around the world such as Norway and Abu Dhabi are notable for having saved for the future. Guyana is not yet in the league of the
leading oil producers but the lessons are still valid.” The third challenge the UK Professor said is for the government to develop its own skills and not only in the area of negotiation with the international companies. In the oil business, and many other parts of the energy sector, Butler said that companies are highly skilled and all too capable of exploiting the weakness of inexperienced authorities. The UK Professor said, “Guyana needs to bring in expertise and, more importantly, must develop its own capacity to manage the process of licensing, regulation and the taxation of its new oil sector. The role of the international companies involved in this process is crucial. Exxon is highly professional but in areas such as Guyana, something more is needed. Again,
that something is strong leadership. The leader of Guyana needs to ensure that oil operators align their activity to local needs.” He added, “Exxon and others should be supporting a Depletion Policy and helping Guyana to develop its own capabilities. Successful sustainable development is a matter of mutual advantage not a zero sum game. In too many areas, the companies have stood aside, obeying to some extent, the letter of the law, but doing too little to limit the risks of the oil curse.” The Energy Commentator said that the development of oil in Guyana will be very visible and the world will be watching the authorities of the day, hoping that strong leadership will be used to save Guyana from the fate suffered by the likes of Nigeria, Venezuela and Chad.
- Auditor General By Kiana Wilburg Auditor General, Deodat Sharma finds himself between a rock and a hard place. With limited funds, he has the arduous task of clearing up years of unaudited statements for many statutory bodies and preparing his officers to scrutinize the ever technical oil and gas sector. During an interview with Kaieteur News last Friday, Sharma said he is concerned about both areas and getting them done effectively but “there is only so much a little money can do.” The Auditor General admitted, “Yes we have a backlog. There are a number of agencies which we still have to audit but what can I do if I don’t have all the funds? Our full budget was not approved. If I had all my funds everything would have been finished.” Sharma was also reminded of criticisms by some local critics that in his 13 years of being Auditor General, he has only conducted four performance audits. The law states that at least one is to be done annually. Again, Sharma blamed the lack of funds for this. He said too, that there are some investigations which he would like to start but his officers do not have the technical expertise needed to properly report on certain matters. As for the oil sector, the Auditor General said that he will have to make some sacrifices as he moves to sharpen the skills of his officers for the
sector. He said that this industry is also one which will require performance audits. Sharma said, “We are determined to prepare as much as possible for this sector. We need training so we can know what to look for…If you check the ExxonMobil contract, you will see that there are expenses which are allowable and others which are not…We need to know how we are to treat with such matters…We also have experts who are coming to show us all the little things we are supposed to look for …for example, they will show us the ropes about procurement tricks used by oil firms, how to know if certain vouchers are to be accepted as genuine and so forth.” Sharma also shared that two Canadian experts will be providing tips on how the Audit Office can go about auditing ExxonMobil’s US$18M signing bonus which is being kept in a special account at Central bank. The Auditor General added, “But all this training and so forth will require sacrifice. I will have to cut corners. I have to prepare a budget quickly and look at how many (members of my) staff I would need to work in this area.” IDB WANTS CAPACITY BUILDING The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is one of the many institutions which have expressed worry about the state of the Audit Office as Guyana approaches petroleum production.
Auditor General, Deodat Sharma Specifically, Resident Representative of the IDB, Sophie Makonnen recently stated that the independence and capacity of the Auditor General’s Office is one of the priority areas to be addressed by Guyana, in order to ensure there is transparency and accountability for the oil money to come. She said, “The Audit Office is a vanguard in any thriving democracy; its office audits the use of tax payers’ dollars and report the same to the Parliament of the people led by the Speaker…We would be comfortable at any moment in time in the history of Guyana when the collective wisdom of Guyana’s decision makers sees the value of this audit office and the benefits it dispenses.” In this regard, Makonnen noted that there should be no delay in improving the capacity of the Audit Office in overseeing expenditure of the oil money by Government.
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Guyanese man calmly confesses to cops after throwing brother, 4, from Brooklyn building Brooklyn (New York Post) - A schizophrenic Brooklyn man threw his four-year-old brother off their seven-story building’s roof to his death early Saturday — then walked up to a cop car and calmly confessed, police sources said. “I just killed my brother — I took my brother up to the roof and I threw him off,” Shawn Smith, 20, allegedly told officers before leading them to where his brother’s broken body lay twisted in a trash-strewn Midwood courtyard, sources told The Post. Shawn was charged Saturday afternoon with his brother’s murder, which happened at 2:45 a.m., minutes after he allegedly led the boy up to the roof. He had no prior criminal record or history of violence, police sources noted. But he recently told his family that voices in his head were ordering him to do “something bad—” though he didn’t, or couldn’t, warn
Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Jagdeo warned Granger about ills of $30B bond for GuySuCo - But President only said, “He will look into it” By Abena A. Rockcliffe-Campbell
Dead: Shimron Smith anyone what that might be, police sources said. And he’d been suicidal in the past — prompting several 911 calls in April, when he climbed up to the same roof at Nostrand Avenue, near Avenue K, and onlookers feared he might jump, the sources said. Last admitted to Kings County Hospital in July for psychiatric treatment, Shawn had since stopped taking the
Shawn Smith, 20, was charged with murder for tossing little Shimon Smith from the roof of their seven-story apartment building to his death in the concrete courtyard below. (Kendall Rodriguez for New York Daily News) medication prescribed to treat his schizophrenia, family members told cops. “This was a chronic problem,” one police source said of Shawn’s mental illness. Shawn and Shimron were the oldest and youngest children of Odessa Frith, who’d moved her family into the sixth-floor apartment in December from their native Guyana. “Mom is screaming” neighbor and family friend Andrea Fergus answered when asked how Frith was (Continued on page 22)
President David Granger needs to awake from his slumber and act more prudently in overlooking the business of the nation. This is what Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said at a recent press conference held at his Church Street Office. There, Jagdeo disclosed that he warned the President about the extra burden the nation will have to take on in less than two years, all because of a bond which the authorities seem indecisive about its purpose. Jagdeo told the media, “Granger is still sleeping because I told him this in my conversation with him. In the meeting that I had with him I said, ‘you are going to pay over $2B in a year and a half for not using the money.” Jagdeo said he told the President it is unwise to have the money just sitting there and gaining interest. “We calculated the interest it (the bond) will accumulate in a year and a half because I am saying that that is how long it might take even if you move fast to get a long term project. It will take that time to go through the feasibility study, the design, the contracting, the design of a cogeneration plan etc. I told them that taking all the money at once and sitting on it for a year and a half at 4.75 percent interest will be over $2.2B,” said Jagdeo. The former President said that he also told Granger that the money accumulated in interest for less than two years
President David Granger
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
can completely cover the severance packages for all the sugar workers that government laid off. However, according to Jagdeo, the President’s only response to those concerns was that, “He will look into it.” The Opposition Leader told the media, “It is not like we were being malicious; we were just pointing this out so that they can fix it.” CONFUSED Jagdeo said that the reason the government is finding itself in all this difficulty, resulting in extra financial burden for the nation, is because it is incompetent and confused. On one hand, Jagdeo said that the Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder has finally awoken because he disagreed with the bond being secured from Republic Bank. But, on the other hand, Jagdeo said that Holder is sailing because he is depending on a state paper to guide the development of a multi-billion dollar company—the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).
Jagdeo said, “I now see the same Minister Holder pointing out that they took a state paper where they explained in detail, where we are going and what will happen in the sugar industry.” Jagdeo pointed out that the PPP had called for a debate on that very paper and on several occasions, had cited its inadequacies. The Opposition Leader said that the paper is short on detail and long on rhetoric. “It has no clear direction nor does it have details about where they are going. You cannot use a state paper to plan the operations of a multibillion enterprise.” Jagdeo said that the government should at least know that there should be annual plans and a medium term plan. “You have to do financial projections; you have to look at your revenue expenditure; what the programme will be in the future. But clearly the Minister thinks he can be guided by a general document.”
No-Confidence Motion brought against Town Clerk raises concerns about conflict of interest - CoI Hears The No- Confidence Motion brought against Town Clerk Royston King, last March raises questions about conflict of interest. The issue was highlighted by former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan as he testified before the Commission of Inquiry into the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC). Duncan had filed the Motion against the Town Clerk on February 26, last, but was never discussed at the level of the Council. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had disallowed a NoConfidence Motion brought against King, by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor based on legal advice provided by Attorney-at-Law, Maxwell Edwards.
Former Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan Giving a detailed recap of the March 12 occurrence, Duncan told the COI that there was conflict of interest in this case and recommendations should be given on how to
better handle such situations in the future. He explained that the Town Clerk had been tasked with placing a No-Confidence Motion against himself on the agenda before it could have been addressed by the Council. “That is something I think should be looked at since the person whom the complaint was made against, is the same person responsible for placing the Motion on the agenda.” He said, too, that although the Motion was placed on the agenda, the way it was treated and disposed of, left much to be desired. The Former Deputy Mayor told the Commission that the Motion was shut down almost (Continued on page 22)
Monday October 01, 2018
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Kaieteur News
FROM WINDFALL TO DOWNFALL Winning the lottery is not always a windfall. It can prove to be a downfall. Yesterday, ‘Dem boys’ recounted a true story about the man who used to ride a bicycle and weed and mow people’s laws. One day he bought a lottery ticket and landed the jackpot – $ 105 million. In those days that was plenty money that people believed you could not finish spending. The man never saw a million dollars in his life, now
had to contend with one hundred times that amount. This man who had very little friends suddenly found that everybody wanted to be his friend. One businessman turned up outside the lotto winner house and told him that he came to give him some advice and invited the man to a drink. The lotto winner used to drink white rum. The businessman told him that he had to drink whisky. The businessman told him that he
had to move out from the shack he was living in since people would kidnap him. The lotto winner ended up buying an expensive property. He ended up buying an expensive sports car. In no time at all, he had blown all his winnings. He is back to weeding and mowing lawns. Dem boys talk the full story yesterday. Winning the lottery is therefore no windfall. If that money is not properly utilized it can end up being your
DEM BOYS SEH
Soulja Bai trust Exxon because he stupid
When you see something beautiful in someone, tell dem. It may take a second to say but for dem it could last a lifetime. Dem boys believe that nuff people got beautiful things. Soulja Bai is a good man. Dem boys believe he honest. But dem got anodda side to him. He is dotish. He mek dem boys who didn’t go to no place of worship fuh a long time, pray to de Man above fuh save Guyana when Soulja Bai seh, Exxon is too huge an institution to sully its character. That was when a reporter ask him if he ain’t worried that Exxon gun rob Guyana blind. De whole world know that Exxon rob every country on de earth. Dem boys believe Exxon even rob de animals in dem countries. And here Soulja Bai talking bout Exxon not destroying dem character. What character? That is wha
dem boys want know. Since when bandits got character? Soulja Bai trust Exxon because he stupid. De rest of dem collect money which mean dem was paid to trust. Dem boys believe de Shaat Man is de fuss one who collect. Dem boys seh if Soulja Bai alone was de dummy dem know he woulda get schooling from ee Cabinet. But instead, dem more dumb that Soulja Bai. At least is suh it coming over. Imagine Parliament suppose to sharpen its skills. It suppose to have training sessions in oil and gas. Nutten ain’t happen yet and oil coming tomorrow. De stupidness dem MPs ask Exxon in Parliament one woulda think de next day de whole parliament woulda gone to a University to tek
lessons in oil in gas. Instead a year pass and dem MPs is still dummies and still stupid. Jagdeo is de odda one. Dem boys can’t even put ‘hon’ fuh honest nowhere in front or behind he name. He is a scamp. He promise nuff thing. He promise to train his MPs in oil and gas. Instead he train dem fuh play de ass in gas. These is de leaders. Dem boys want to know who leading who in this country; who looking out and who looking after de people interest in this country. De way dem boys see things going, dem believe de leaders looking after dem own pocket. After all, dem know Exxon does hire people who does bribe officials. Two of dem gone to jail fuh bribery. Talk half and pray fuh some wisdom fuh de leaders.
downfall. This is what Chatam House is trying to warn Guyana about. The Guyanese people believe that the oil discovery is like winning the lotto and that Guyana will become rich. But what Chatam House is saying to us is that if we do not utilize this money properly, we could end up squandering every cent. The Guyana government, according to the Kaieteur News has signaled its intention to use oil revenues for infrastructural development. However, the country has a serious problem with its absorptive capacity. The economy cannot absorb more than two or three major projects at a time; the government has problems with the implementation ratio of the public service investment programme because of this very problem. So if US$300 is poured into the economy come 2021 as expected, what is to happen to this money? The
capacity to spend this additional sum does not exist Chatam House has warned that even though infrastructure spending can contribute to economic growth, the problems with absorptive capacity should caution emerging economies to moderate increases in public investment and to build public investment management capacity. Chatam House pointed to the dangers of cost overruns and delays in infrastructural projects, pointing out that in more than half of the cases it had reviewed, there were problems in these areas. Guyana therefore has to be wary of an overemphasis on infrastructure projects. It may end up building a whole set of white elephants like was done in Trinidad and Tobago which, like Venezuela, is now reeling from a failure to diversify its economy. Trinidad’s oil has run out. Its gas is running low. The economy is in dire straits. There is not much to fall back
on because when the oil money was flowing, the Trinidadians made the same mistake which Guyanese seems to be headed for. It decided to invest heavily in infrastructure. With the collapse of the oil economy, Trinidad is now looking to Guyana for help. If the situation in the twinisland continues to deteriorate, then Guyana will end up facing a gush of refugees from that country. Guyana, therefore, has to take note of what Chatam House is saying. It should not rush headlong into massive infrastructure projects which can end up heavily indebting the country and forcing it into financial default. Like the man who won the biggest lotto jackpot in Guyana, the oil wealth can all be gone faster than we think.
Monday October 01, 2018
Financial Secretary Hector Butts departing Ministry of Finance …Fourth senior officer to leave in recent months Amidst reports of internal struggles among members of staff at the Ministry of Finance, Financial Secretary (FS), Dr. Hector Butts, has communicated his intention to leave when his contract expires this month. According to reports received by Kaieteur News, Dr. Butts has communicated his decision to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and has shared his intentions during a recent meeting in Linden. Kaieteur News understands that Dr. Butts has also informed President, David Granger about his decision. The move by Dr. Butts follows the departure of three top officials at the Ministry in the past five months. Chief Planning Officer, Dr. Nelson Modeste and Deputy Finance Secretary (DFS) Louise Bouyea had resigned. Donald DeClou, the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the National Procurement and Tender Administration did not secure a new contract. There are reports that all is not well within the Ministry. Dr. Butts is considered ‘the gatekeeper’ of government’s finances in that oversees payments. It was Dr. Butts’ signature that appeared on a letter that was leaked last year on the controversial US$18 million signing bonus provided by oil giant ExxonMobil to Government. There are claims that the Government intended to keep the transaction concealed. The letter was addressed to Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, and dated September 20, 2016 and instructed that the Bank of Guyana should not treat the money as part of its reserves. The letter showed that a request was made for the opening of a foreign currency
China to cut import tariffs on wide range of products BEIJING (Reuters) China will cut import tariffs on textile products and metals, including steel products, to 8.4 percent from 11.5 percent, effective Nov. 1, the finance ministry said yesterday. Beijing has pledged to take steps to increase imports this year amid rising tension with some of its biggest trade partners, such as the United States. Earlier in July, China reduced import tariffs on a range of consumer items including apparel, cosmetics, home appliances, and fitness products to fulfil pledges to further open China’s consumer market. Import tariffs on wood and paper products, minerals and gemstones will be cut to 5.4 percent from 6.6 percent, the ministry also said in its statement. Average import tariffs on over fifteen hundred products will be lowered to 7.8 percent from 10.5 percent, the ministry said. “Reducing tariffs is conducive to promoting the balanced development of foreign trade and promoting a higher level of opening up to the outside world,” the
ministry said. China’s cabinet has announced plans to cut tariffs on machinery, electrical equipment and textile products beginning on Nov. 1, as the country braces for an escalating trade war with the United States. The overall tariff level will be reduced to 7.5 percent in 2018 from 9.8 percent in 2017 as a result, the cabinet has said.
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Guyana’s vehicle tariff regime antiquated, visionless - Chartered Accountant
Financial Secretary, Dr. Hector Butts account to receive a signing bonus from ExxonMobil. Additionally, the Ministry had taken an unusual decision to publicly correct a statement made by Dr. Butts during a meeting at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the administration of the teachers housing fund. Dr. Butts had indicated that the Ministry was taking over the administration of the fund which is earmarked to be loaned to teachers so that they can access low cost housing loans or procure their own house. The FS has also been vocal at the PAC about the way in which Regional Executive Officers (REOs) were administering projects and accounting for taxpayer funds. Efforts to speak with the usually outspoken Dr. Butts about his surprise decision were unsuccessful. Further attempts will be made to secure an exit interview with the FS.
Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds is of the firm view that the tax regime governing Guyana’s vehicles is not only out dated but visionless. In a letter to the media over the weekend, Hinds said that “a vehicle buyer importing a 3000cc economy class vehicle is asked to pay the same exorbitant tariff as the buyer importing a 6000cc Bentley Continental.” Additionally, he made note that the working class Guyanese are being relegated from accessing new vehicles that would feature the latest technology as they do not have access to tax concessions some officials enjoy when importing motor vehicles. Hinds continued to paint this contrast by saying that a majority of the high end vehicles are owned by the persons in eminent positions while the average citizens are limited to the older and less advanced cars. The Chartered Accountant said, “The foreign concession class, senior government officials, re-migrants, the ultra-rich and
Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds
the mafia class in Guyana, are the most likely residents to be driving – new economy class vehicles that cost US$25,00030,000/GY$6,000,000; or drive Corvettes, Range Rovers, Rolls Royce or Porsches, based on the concessions and financing available to this group. The Guyanese middle class have to consider themselves fortunate, if they are able to acquire a vehicle six to eight years old, with 2000cc or over.” Hinds also expressed discontent with the fact that “stupendous tariff rates” are being imposed on Guyanese who are not eligible for duty free concessions.
He opined, “It is no wonder we have so many illegal schemes to avoid the vehicle tariff, resulting in resources wasted to manage and implement an out dated and illogical vehicle tariff structure.” Hinds also questioned whether the government’s rationale for keeping such an archaic tax regime in place has to do with a policy to reduce fuel consumption and have Guyanese drive low cc vehicles. Even if one might want to assume such, he strongly emphasised that the vehicles being used by the nation’s ministers are not in keeping with such.
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Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
$116M fee to Republic Bank is normal for such transactions - NICIL
$30B GuySuCo bond…
Amid questions about a questionable $116.16M fee paid out for a massive $30B (US$150M) financing for the cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), it has been disclosed that monies were for the Republic Bank Limited Trinidad. Hours after a report on the fee was published by Kaieteur News, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)/Special Purpose Unit (NICIL/SPU) in a statement explained that such fees are standard for any transaction of this type and usually ranges between one to two percent of the amount being raised. “It (the bond) is clear evidence of the confidence our financial institutions have reposed in our country which is transitioning into very exciting times with our emerging oil and gas industry. We have taken note in the very well read Kaieteur News published today of the transactional costs incurred by the arranger of the bond facility, Republic Bank,” NICIL stated. NICIL said that the amount of $116.16M referenced in the Kaieteur News article was the transaction cost to arrange the bond facility and included, arrangers, legal, trustee, registration and paying agent fees. NICIL disclosed that RBL Trinidad were the “arrangers”. The $30B syndicated bond would be the largest ever to be reached in Guyana, NICIL stressed yesterday. “NICIL and the Ministry of Finance were able to negotiate a significant reduced transaction cost well below the typical costs. It is unfor-
The “new” Skeldon factory and co-generation plant, Skeldon, Region Six. tunate that we were not contacted in what could only be considered a storm in a tea cup,” NICIL/SPU said. “While it is customary for certain commercial terms of a transaction to remain private, we felt the need to respond on this point to ensure that the parties and participants in this bond maintain their confidence in our local capital markets.” The attention is on GuySuCo, which is owned by the state, with four of the seven estates closed in the last 18 months. Over 7,000 workers have been made redundant as a result, angering unions and the Opposition, whose support depend significantly on the sugar pro-
ducing communities. Three of the closed estates- Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore- are now up for divestment and privatizations with more than 70 offers on the table, including a few serious ones for the entire industry. However, the smaller-sized GuySuCo is severely cashstrapped and is depending on financing and hopefully the sale of the closed estates to stay operational. Over 10,000 workers are depending on those three estates for their livelihoods. Earlier this year, NICIL was mandated to seek financing. It later announced that it has managed to raise $30B via a syndicated bond, involving Republic Bank, the Guyana
Bank For Trade and Industry, Hand-in-Hand Trust, the National Insurance Scheme and reportedly a few regional financial institutions. Last evening, NICIL said that in the past few weeks, there has been various statements made and matters reported in the press regarding the financing. GuySuCo and the Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, have been complaining bitterly of not accessing the proceeds of the financing. NICIL has said it had released over $2B to GuySuCo but there are strict rules how the monies are to be spent. The money was supposed to buy two co-generation plants, upgrade the three
factories- Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt- to produce plantation white sugar, contribute two years of general ongoing operations costs and expand storage and packing facilities. GBTI and Republic Bank, in the last two weeks, have both objected to GuySuCo misusing the funds it received to pay a debt at another bank that did not even participate in the bond deal. Responding to the Kaieteur News report, NICIL yesterday made it clear that NICIL was mandated to seek financing for the three-estate GuySuCo to reposition the corporation into a sustainable and competitive one. “The financing was in keeping with Government’s
MACORP eyes bigger share in heavy equipment market By Tracey T. Squires Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) has etched their name into the trade of heavy-duty equipment internationally. With consistent innovative designs, this machine giant seeks to secure its position as the leading machinery provider in South America. In a commemoration of the company’s 25th anniversary on Friday, guests received a demonstration of the capabilities of the new models of machinery. MACORP celebrated its many years of success with a demonstration of its next generation models. The event saw Minister of Business- Dominic Gaskin; and Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, as well as
representatives from ExxonMobil. MACORP’s Chief Executive Officer, Guillermo Escaraga, highlighted the role of technology in an everevolving time. Escaraga referred to technology as a necessity rather than a privilege as it is crucial for the furtherance of a progressive future. “Machinery is needed in remote areas. We need to stay connected and updated with them,” he said. MACORP’s introduction of new model excavators features an operator friendly system. The company in its design aimed to simplify the job of the operators, with a sensor feature that allows the machine to stay within a given periphery. The new generation excavators--designed with safety
in mind--are precise and highly automated. The machinery giant, known for its sizable productions in excavators and other large-scale vehicles, has placed much emphasis on consistent innovative designs. The company recognizes the need for companies to constantly assess its products capabilities and how they can make it even more effective. MACORP is seeking to concrete its position on the highest stratum of the heavyduty machinery market. The newly innovative designs seek to effect a great change in the way work is done across Guyana. The amount of workers will lessen; operators will have work that is more precise in less time and at a lesser cost.
MACORP’s D2 Series Excavators
stance that the industry, although challenged by several factors, can become profitable once a number of strategic interventions are made,” NICIL indicated. NICIL said that these interventions would be necessary even as Government has started a process, which is well advanced, in seeking investors for the other closed estates. “NICIL, after consultations, managed to bring to the table a number of commercial banks operating locally as well as other financial institutions. At the end of some very complex and sometimes frustrating negotiations we were able to convince a number of participants of the viability of GuySuCo.”
Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Monday October 01, 2018
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Environmental body monitors oil spill
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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – The Environmental Management Authority (EMA), says it is monitoring an oil spill that occurred in a watercourse within the Vistabella area to the south of here on Saturday. The EMA says that on receiving the report early Saturday its Emergency Response and Investigations (ERI) Unit conducted an investigation to identify the potential source of the spill. The environmental body said the source was identified as a buried high pressure gas and oil line of the state run oil refinery – Petrotrin. The EMA said Petrotrin is engaged in clean-up operations and took precautions by shutting off the line and deploying booms to ensure that oil does not reach the coast. The environmental body said it will continue to monitor the incident.
Guyanese man calmly... (From page 8) holding up inside the 63rd Precinct hours after the tragedy. “She’s got six kids,” Fergus said. “She’s got one kid at the precinct and another one dead.” Shimron was loved by neighbors as an active, playful little boy. “He would ride that little bike up and down the block, up and down,” recalled a neighbor who identified himself as “D.M.,” 23. “He was always so sweet.” But Shawn was seen as quiet and troubled. He would often be seen pacing the sidewalk outside their complex. He’d smoke cigarettes, and say little. “Loco,” is how one cousin who declined to give her name put it. “Crazy in the head.” “He doesn’t speak to no-
body, he just walks up behind you,” said a building maintenance worker, who declined to give his name. “Walks up and down, smoking. He doesn’t talk much.” The crime left neighbors heartsick. “All the sudden, I heard a boom,” recalled a woman named Tzipporah, and whose backyard abuts the courtyard. “I didn’t know what was happening,” she said. “And then this morning there were [police] everywhere,” she said. “I didn’t connect the memory until now. It’s terrifying.” “It’s a four-year-old kid,” said first floor neighbor Mario Martino, who’s lived in the building for 36 years. “You think, what was going through his head when he was getting thrown off that roof?”
No-Confidence Motion brought against Town... (From page 8) immediately after it was raised. “There was no discussion of the Motion; it was never put to a vote. Instead, what the council was asked to vote on was a legal advice of a lawyer, which was provided to the Town Clerk and not the Council itself.” The former Councillor noted that the lawyer in question (Maxwell Edwards) is not even the legal representative of the Council but the husband of another Councillor, Noelle Chow-Chee. “That is what was circulated to councilors, when the purpose of the No-Confidence Motion was for the council to officially inform the Town Clerk of the issues of concern; for the matter to be discussed; and for the matter to be forwarded to the Local Government Commission which has the powers to institute disciplinary measures,” said Duncan. He said that Edwards had, among other things, advised that the Motion be
amended to remove the ‘NoConfidence’ clause. The former Deputy Mayor was however adamant in his stance not to change ‘a line’ or ‘a full stop’ in the Motion. As consequence of refusing to amend to the Motion, Duncan said that the Mayor instructed the document in its original form would not be allowed. “It was a bizarre afternoon,” Duncan told the Commission. The former Councillor therefore asked the Commission which is headed by retired Judge Cecil Kennard to review the manner in which the No-Confidence Motion was treated and disposed of and to make recommendations for the Local Government Commission (LGC) institute the appropriate action against the Council. The LGC, which has oversight duties for local government organs, had launched the probe into City Hall after it received several complaints over the M&CC’s management of financial and other matters.
Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
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BCCI-PCB go head to head in legal battle ESPNcricinfo - India and Pakistan were about to talk, then they weren’t and so it is fitting that this week the cricket boards of both countries lock horns in Dubai to try and resolve a longstanding and thorny dispute. The arbitrator, over three days, will be the ICC’s Dispute Resolutions Committee. The dispute is over an agreement signed in April 2014 to play bilateral games - an agreement that has not been honoured and shows no signs of being so. The PCB eventually filed a notice of dispute with the ICC last November claiming damages from the BCCI. Here is what you need to know about what is about to happen. The backstory first In 2014 the PCB offered conditional support to the Big Three’s revamp of the ICC. Under the agreement, which the PCB claims is binding, Pakistan were supposed to play six bilateral series as part of the reworked eightyear Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle between 2015 and 2023. Four of those series would be hosted by Pakistan, comprising 24 matches across three formats; and the six tours would include up to 14 Tests, 30 ODIs and 12 T20Is. The two sides have not played a full bilateral tour since Pakistan’s last visit to India in 2007. A year later, in the aftermath of the terror attacks in Mumbai, ties became strained. Pakistan did tour India for a limited-overs only series at the end of 2012, though both countries play regularly in ICC events and faced off twice in the recent Asia Cup. They have an agreement you say. So why no play? According to the PCB, it is only because the BCCI has not been independent enough from its government’s stance of no ties with Pakistan. And the BCCI says what? They have maintained at every meeting with PCB that it has no authority to allow India to play Pakistan in a bilateral series. That decision lies only with the Indian government. The PCB doesn’t agree, insisting that the BCCI has lacked the will to convince the Indian government. PCB officials argue that if India is allowed to play Pakistan at neutral venues in global tournaments, then why not bilateral series?
I’m presuming the ICC has done... The ICC has maintained a studied neutrality throughout, except in one instance. Last year the ICC chairman Shashank Manohar advised the PCB against taking legal recourse. Manohar is understood to have told the PCB that it would spoil the relations with BCCI “for life” if it pressed legal proceedings against the BCCI. Manohar essentially seconded the BCCI line, saying India could only play Pakistan bilaterally subject to permission from the Indian government. The PCB walked out of that meeting in London, feeling Manohar was “pleading” the BCCI case and not acting in neutral fashion. Which, presumably, left the PCB with no choice but head to the ICC disputes panel? The PCB felt that the BCCI should not have signed the letter of intent as part of the MoU if it did not have its government’s permission. Having failed to get a positive and concrete response from the BCCI, the PCB finally sent a notice of dispute to the BCCI last May. The PCB has claimed losses of up to USD 70 million from the failure of the BCCI to play two series, in November 2014 and December 2015. The PCB used the prospect of these series to sell its media rights and in their absence, the board claims to have suffered these commercial losses. In addition, the PCB had several good faith meetings as prescribed under the ICC rules. However, those meetings went nowhere, compelling the PCB to adopt this last course of action: the dispute resolution committee. Consequently, the PCB sent a dispute notice to the ICC last November, which will now be heard by an independent committee. Which lucky souls get to hear this case then? The Disputes Panel is made up of three members: Michael Beloff, chair of the panel, who had previously been part of the ICC tribunal that had banned Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir for their roles in the spot-fixing scandal, along with Jan Paulsson and Dr Annabelle Bennett. Will the decision of the dispute panel will be final? Yes, the decision, the ICC has pointed out, will be “non-appeallable.”
MS Dhoni plays spectator as Shoaib Malik launches one towards deep square leg. (Associated Press)
Colts K Vinatieri breaks all-time field goals record Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri is now the NFL’s all-time leader in field goals. With a 42-yarder against Houston in the second quarter Sunday, Vinatieri now has 566 career field goals. That kick booted Hall of Fame member Morten Andersen to second place on the all-time list. Vinatieri, now 45, is in his 23rd NFL season and his 13th with the Colts. He started his career with the New England Patriots, where in 2004 he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score the game-winning points
in two games. Entering yesterday’s game, he had completed 6 of 7 field goals this season, with his only miss coming from 55 yards. With a field goal and an extra point in the first half yesterday, he has 2,515 career points and needs just 30 to pass Andersen for the most points scored in NFL history. Vinatieri entered the league in 1996 and has made at least 20 field goals each season except for 2009, when injury cut short his season. (Field Level Media)
Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks an extra point during the first half against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports)
CYCLING - Valverde wins men’s World Championship road race INNSBRUCK, Austria (Reuters) - Spaniard Alejandro Valverde sprinted to a dramatic victory in the men’s road race at the UCI World Championships in Austria yesterday to finally claim an elusive first title ahead of Frenchman Romain Bardet and Canada’s Michael Woods. Va l v e r d e , w h o h a d previously finished on the podium a record six times without winning, edged clear of a four-way sprint for the title to take the rainbow jersey. He survived the brutal final climb up Hottinger Holl, a 3.2 km stretch with a maximum gradient of 28 percent, beginning the descent to the finish line with Bardet and Woods for company and Dutchman Tom Dumoulin in hot pursuit. Dumoulin caught the leading group of three riders with about two kilometres to go, but it was the 38-year-old Valverde who fought through, launching into his sprint with about 150 metres remaining and holding off a strong challenge from Bardet. Dumoulin finished in fourth place with Italy’s Gianni Moscon rounding out
Spain’s Alejandro Valverde celebrates with his medal for the Men’s Elite Road Race. (REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader) the top five in Innsbruck. “It’s incredible, after missing it for so many years. It’s a victory for the team,” an emotional Valverde said. The Spaniard is the second-oldest world champion after Dutchman Joop Zoetemelk won the title in 1985 at the age of 39. Valverde had twice finished runner-up at the World Championships, in
2003 and 2005, and won bronze in 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2014. On Saturday, Dutch rider Anna van der Breggen won the women’s road race title, while her compatriot Annemiek van Vleuten won the women’s individual team trial earlier in the week. Australian Rohan Dennis won the men’s individual time trial on Wednesday.
Monday October 01, 2018
Hamilton wins in Russia to go 50 points clear
First placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, second placed Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and third placed Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel celebrate on the podium after the race. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov) SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Valtteri Bottas did as he was told and moved aside to let Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton win the Russian Grand Prix and surge 50 points clear in the Formula One championship yesterday with five races remaining. The victory was a landmark 70th for the Briton, whose fifth title now looks only a matter of time and who is 21 wins behind the all-time record of 91 held by seven times champion Michael Schumacher. Hamilton’s closest rival Sebastian Vettel finished third for Ferrari with Bottas, who started from pole position and was told to let Hamilton through after 25 of the 53 laps, securing the Mercedes one-two. “It doesn’t feel great. Naturally, Valtteri has been an incredible team player today,” said Hamilton after one of his more controversial wins. In a race with little real drama, Max Verstappen celebrated his 21st birthday in style by steering his Red Bull from the back to the front, dropping back to fifth after finally pitting with 10 laps to go. Mercedes remain unbeaten in Russia, yesterday being their fifth win in Sochi since the Olympic Park circuit first appeared on the calendar in 2014. Hamilton has now won eight races this season. The Briton, who would not have been able to switch places with Bottas had he not pulled off a slick overtake on Vettel after dropping behind at the pitstops, stayed in the car for some time after he parked up at the finish. He then went over to thank Bottas and commiserate. At the podium ceremonies, with Russian president Vladimir Putin doing the
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honors, Hamilton maneuvered the Finn onto the top step alongside him. “It’s actually quite a difficult day,” explained the Briton. “He was a real gentleman to let me by. Usually I’d be elated but I can understand how difficult it was for Valtteri.” DIFFICULT DAY The Finn, without a win this season, had asked the team over the radio, more in hope than expectation, in the closing laps whether the order might change back. “Is this how we are going to finish the race?” he asked, before the answer came back in the affirmative. “Valtteri this is Toto. Difficult day for you and a difficult day for us,” said team boss Toto Wolff, whose finger had been captured by the world television feed hovering over the ‘tactics’ button before the order was given. “Let’s discuss it afterwards when we come together and we’ll explain things.” Wolff later told reporters he took full responsibility for the decision and would rather be the bad guy in Russia than the idiot, should misfortune strike in coming races, at the end of the season. Bottas had stopped first in the race, with Vettel following a lap later. Hamilton then came in and returned, to some bemusement, a fraction behind his German rival. “Guys, how did that happen?” he asked over the radio, before regaining the fourth place on lap 16. With Verstappen running a long first stint, Bottas was second and Hamilton third with some signs of tyre blistering while Vettel was closing in. Mercedes then decided to take action into their own hands.
Team orders by Mercedes took the shine of the race, which saw good on-track battles. (Getty Images)
Molinari clinches Ryder Cup glory for dominant Europe PARIS (Reuters) - Italian Francesco Molinari fittingly took the glory as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from the United States in dominant style yesterday, but it was a complete team effort that delivered what turned out to be a crushing 17.5-10.5 victory. With Molinari safely on the 16th green, Phil Mickelson conceded their singles match after firing his tee shot into the water, taking Europe to the magical 14.5 mark they needed to win the Cup for the fourth time in the last five. It completed a magical year for Molinari, the British Open champion, who became the first European to win all five matches in a week — having not won any of his previous six. Europe were effectively assured of victory when the Italian teed off as he, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia were all dormie and guaranteed at least half a point - with Europe needing just one more. All three went on to secure wins and Swedish rookie Alex Noren completed the day’s action in style when he sunk a 40-foot putt to beat Bryson Dechambeau on the last and complete a 7.5-4.5 singles victory for Europe. It seemed a long time since the United States won Friday’s opening morning fourballs 3-1 but, after Europe roared back to sweep the foursomes 4-0 in the afternoon, they never
Woods — leaving the weary-looking 14-times major champion with a stunning four defeats out of four. Ian Poulter, “Mr Ryder Cup”, then got to smash his fist against the European crest on his chest one more time as world number one Dustin Johnson conceded on the 18th green. AMAZING SCENES The three dormie games meant victory was secure but Ryder Cup tradition demands a man who delivers the winning point and nobody has delivered this week like Molinari, whose mesmerizing consistency was perfectly suited to a course designed to offer maximum punishment for the wayward. “This means more than majors, more than anything, I couldn’t even dream of a summer like this,” said Molinari, who won all his four pairs matches with Tommy Fleetwood in another European first. “I’ve been carried the other guys the other two times I was on the winning side and it was about time to help them.” Moments later Garcia beat Rickie Fowler 2&1 to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer, his three points taking his career tally to 25.5 to overhaul Nick Faldo and fully justify Bjorn’s decision to select him as a wildcard. “I don’t usually cry but what a week,” said the Spaniard.
Europe captain Thomas Bjorn and his team pose with the trophy after winning the Ryder cup. (REUTERS/Paul Childs) looked back. “How do you sum that up?,” European captain Thomas Bjorn said. “I just cannot describe how I feel about these 12. They have been amazing from day one and it was easy for me to guide them. “It doesn’t happen very often that everybody on the team scores points and so I think we got it right this week - we worked as a team.” The Europeans, playing in France for the first time, had started the day 10-6 up needing to secure four and a half of the 12 points available to win back the trophy and extend their stranglehold on home soil dating back to 1993. Only twice before had a team come from four down going into the singles to win — the U.S. at Brookline in 1999 and Europe in 2012 at Medinah but another stunning comeback never really looked on the cards. Justin Thomas, who was the top American performer with four points, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau gave Jim Furyk’s team a glimmer of hope with early wins but then the European points started pouring in. Thorbjorn Olesen hammered Jordan Spieth and fellow rookie Jon Rahm beat Tiger
Stenson duly handed Bubba Watson his fourth defeat in four singles matches before Noren added the icing with the last shot of the week. “They outplayed us,” said U.S. captain Jim Furyk, who has cut a dignified figure through difficult times for his team which included nine major champions. “We got some momentum but the Europeans responded well as they have all week,” he said. “It’s a course they know pretty well but they did a great job playing it. They hit key shots and knocked in the clutch putts. “But you could not ever have a better venue or better crowd to play in front of - it’s been a wonderful week.” Four years ago after defeat in Gleneagles Mickelson was hugely critical of captain Tom Watson but he had nothing but praise for Furyk. “We had phenomenal leadership - they put us players in a position to succeed but unfortunately it didn’t happen,” said the 48year-old Mickelson, the five-times major champion who lost both his matches this week. “The European side played some exquisite golf and flat-out beat us - but they beat us on the course.”
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Ambris warms up for first Test with hundred VADODARA, India, CMC – Sunil Ambris made a strong case for selection for next week’s opening Test against India with an attacking, unbeaten hundred as West Indies drew their tour match against the BCCI President’s XI here yesterday. The right-hander, on his first senior tour since recovering from a broken hand on last December’s tour of New Zealand, struck 114 not out off 98 deliveries to help propel the visitors to an impressive 366 for seven in their first innings. He headlined a strong effort from the Windies batsmen as wicket-keeper Shane Dowrich carved out a breezy 65 from 69 balls while captain Kraigg Brathwaite, standing in for Jason Holder, chipped in with 52. Left-handed opener Kieran Powell struck 44, Shai Hope got 36 and rookie Jahmar Hamilton made 23. Replying to the hosts’ 360 for six declared on Saturday’s opening day, West Indies made a strong start to the day as Brathwaite and Powell remained unbroken at lunch with 96 on the board. The right-handed Brathwaite faced 78 balls and struck nine fours while the lefthanded Powell hit a pair of fours and sixes in a patient 102-ball knock, before both retiring at the interval. Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer (7) and Roston Chase (5) both perished cheaply before the innings benefitted from two key partnerships. Firstly, Dowrich and Hope put on 99 for the third wicket and when five wickets tumbled for 69 runs, Ambris arrived to salvage the situation. The 25-year-old Windward Islands strokemaker took the attack to the Indians, lashing 17 boundaries and five sixes as he dominated an 87-run, unbroken eighth wicket with tailender Sherman Lewis (eight not out). Ambris had an unflattering start to his international career last December when he was twice dismissed hit wicket in four innings, before breaking his arm in the second innings of the second and final Test.
Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Third Phase of works on Synthetic track in New Amsterdam to commence soon BK International Incorporated awarded work Burnham Park and some of the drainage works which has begun.
Right-hander Sunil Ambris … made an unbeaten 114. He signalled his return to form last July when he struck a hundred for Windies A against India A in the two-match four-day “Test” series in England. West Indies face India in the first of two Tests starting in Rajkot on Thursday. Scores: PRESIDENT’S XI 360 for six (Ankit Bawne 116, Mayank Agarwal 90, Shreyas Iyer 61; Devendra Bishoo 3-104, Shannon Gabriel 2-41). WEST INDIES 366 for seven (Sunil Ambris 114 not out, Shane Dowrich 65, Kraigg Brathwaite 52, Kieran Powell 44, Shai Hope 36; Avesh Khan 4-60).
Soggy outfield forces abandonment
The third Phase of the construction of a Synthetic track at Burnham Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice is about to commence after Construction Company BK International Inc was awarded the $141.86M contract. The entire contract is estimated to cost $176M. Twelve bidders showed interest in the project. This third phase is expected to involve demarcation, land clearing, laying of drainage pipes, inner and outer track works and asphalting, and is scheduled to take some four months to complete. With the completion of Phase 3, only Phase 4 will remain in the four phase project. Phase 4 entails the laying of the synthetic track and is estimated to take approximately 21 days. Phases 1 and 2 for the project were completed earlier in the year and were undertaken by German Company BSW Regupol. The synthetic track in Berbice will be one of only three such facilities across Guyana. The only established synthetic track facility in the country is situated at, Leonora, West Coast, Demerara, which was commissioned in April 2015. The other synthetic track is being constructed simultaneously at the Bayroc Community Centre ground in Wismar, Linden. When completed the tracks will be 400M in dimension and outfitted with eight-lanes. During the run up to the third stage the Ministry Of Social Cohesion with responsibility of Culture Youth and Sports which is overseeing the projects led by Minister Dr George Norton held extensive
consultation with residents in the New Amsterdam/Canje and surrounding areas. The project is slated for December/ January 2019 completion. Minister George Norton who had spoken of his Ministry having an open door policy had spoken of the importance of having suitable facilities for athletes to perform at their best, and stated that the completion of the facility as being a big step for Region Six. The famed Burnham Park facility, which was named after the first Executive President of Guyana Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, sits on an estimated 10 acres of land. Things like the drainage, taking care of waterlogging, flooding, the positioning of various amenities like stands and such like were looked at during the first two phases which took care of the consultancy and planning. When completed the track is expected to be similar to the dimensions of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany. It will also have all facilities to host International Track and Field events. A full size football field will be constructed on the inside of the track, while efforts will be made to construct other games areas, stands and other necessities according to the availability of space and funds. The project is being funded by the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture Youth and Sports and The Ministry of Education. (Samuel Whyte)
Mare Dibaba wins women’s event in Glasgow
Match officials discuss the delayed start of the third Twenty20 International at the Brian Lara Stadium. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) TAROUBA, Trinidad, CMC – A soggy outfield at the Brian Lara Stadium has forced the abandonment of the third Twenty20 International between West Indies and South Africa here yesterday. The match was carded to begin at 4 pm but the impaired outfield, resulting from rain, ensured that players remained off the field. Inspections by officials at 4 pm and then
again at 5:45 pm, failed to bring any good news as conditions remained unfit for play. West Indies lead the five-match series 2-0 after winning the opening match in Barbados by 17 runs last Monday at Kensington Oval and taking the second game by nine wickets last Friday here. The fourth T20 International is set for Thursday, also at the Brian Lara Stadium.
Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba took bronze in the marathon at the Rio Olympics in 2016. (Getty Images)
BBC Sport - Olympic marathon bronze medallist Mare Dibaba won the Great Scottish Run half-marathon, with Britain’s Chris Thompson winning the men’s event in Glasgow. Ethiopia’s Dibaba, who finished third at the Rio Games in 2016, held off Rose Chelimo to win gold in one hour nine minutes and 15 seconds. Kenya’s world marathon champion Chelimo finished second in 1:10:07, with America’s Alia Gray third in 1:13:32. Thompson registered a time of 1:02:07 to successfully defend his title. Poland’s Marcin Chabowski was second (1:02:24), with Thompson’s fellow Brit Luke Traynor third (1:02:56).
Monday October 01, 2018
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Kaieteur News
2018/2019 REGIONAL SUPER 50 CUP
Guyana Jaguars depart yesterday to start campaign The 2018/2019 Super 50 team departed yesterday via the Timehri International Airport to start their campaign in the tournament. The team, which was recently announced, heads to Trinidad & Tobago where they will face the home team, Trinidad & Tobago in their first match which takes place on Friday at Queens Park Oval. They are also scheduled to compete with Windies B, Canada and the Windward Islands. The team is confident that they will return with the 2018/2019 Regional Super 50 title since they believe that the team consists of some of the most talented youngsters from across Guyana. The Guyana Cricket Board would like to wish the team all the best in their attempt to conquer the 2018/2019 title and believes that these players are equipped and ready to conquer this championship a release from the Guyana Cricket Board informed.
The Guyana Jaguars team prior to their departure yesterday.
Guyana record much needed REGAL MASTERS, REGAL win at Chess Olympiad ALL STARS TRIUMPH
Team Guyana clearly set aside their level of chess when the won their first team match. Guyana headed into round 6 and was in need of a match win, they dominated their games against their African opponents from Rwanda. Game of the round would go to Glenford Corlette, who from early in the opening stage due to a closed center, launched an attack against his opponent’s castled king position. Two pawns (h+g) with the Queen, Rook and a Knight were enough to worry the opponent which resulted in some inaccuracies from A. Niyibizi who is higher rated. To finish things off Corlette sacrificed his Queen, promoted 2 pawns to two new Queens and threatened mate in one which forced his opponent to topple his king. Another good game was CM Taffin Khan who played with the Black pieces against CM M. Murara. With intent to play the London System with the White pieces CM. Murara made some inaccuracies with his move order which Taffin was quick to counter. However, this game saw classical Taffin sacrificing one of his Bishops to create a storming three (3) passed pawns on the Queen side. Taffin last tactical move pawn to c2 forked Rd1 and Kb1 was enough to pull off a brilliant win. Uprising talent CM Anthony Drayton made it his second win in a row when he tactically outplayed his African opponent F. Mutabazi with the Guicco
Piano. It was sacrifices, forks, pins, double attacks all throughout this sharp game, however CM Drayton proved his tactical arsenal was better when he sacrificed to stopped from castling then finish it off with a brilliant king side attack. Loris Nathoo will gain some confidence from this game after he managed to obtain a draw by threefold repetition against the slightly higher rated Urwin Murara. Meanwhile, in the women’s section, team veterans, national female champion WFM Maria Varona Thomas and WCM Sheriffa Ali secured convincing wins for Guyana. First WFM Thomas Sicilian proved to be too much for Asha Kondo who is
unrated and threw her pieces away. WFM Thomas accepted these gifts then ruined the castled king side to checkmate her opponent. WCM Sheriffa Ali checkmated her opponent after a 59 moves long e4 game. On the other hand, young lads Nellisha Johnson and Sasha Shariff on their first outing to an Olympiad lost both of their games to Z. Ebrahim and C. Alapati respectively. The men’s team currently stands at 142 from 24 games with 6 points, while the women’s team stands at 130 with 6 points from 24 games as well. With 5 more rounds to go the Guyanese contingent will be looking to finish strongly accumulating as many wins as possible.
Mohamed contributed 32 which contained five fours. Mohabir snared 3-26 and Thomas 2-28. Regal All stars overcame Farm XI by 79 runs. Regal All stars took first strike and posted 153-9 in 20 overs. Khalid Haslim struck three fours and three sixes in a top score of 36 off 21 balls while
Patrick Rooplall made 22 with three sixes off 11 balls. Keisho Ramsarran, Quazim Yusuf and Ajay Kishun picked up two wickets each. Farm scored 74-8 in response. Patrick Khan made 16 and Yusuf 14; Sachin Singh and Rickey Sargeant took two wickets each.
Eric Thomas Regal Masters and Regal All stars registered victories when the Permaul’s Trading, Khan’s Trading, Back to Eden and Trophy Stall softball tournament continued yesterday at GNIC Sports Club ground. Regal Masters defeated Fisherman Masters by three wickets. Batting first, Fisherman Masters managed 161-8 off their allotted 20 overs. Danny Thomas struck two fours and two sixes in a top score of 42 while Stanley Mohabir made 34 with two fours and three sixes. Tyrone Sanasie claimed 3-29, Mohendra Arjune 2-5, David Harper 2-15 and Saheed Mohamed 1-14. Regal Masters responded with 164-7 in 19 overs. Eric Thomas led with 42 which contained two fours and three sixes, David Harper made 33 including two fours and two sixes, while Saheed
Khalid Haslim
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Monday October 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Anthony cops Le Zo Vacations Dash for Cash Michael Anthony carted off the inaugural Le Zo Vacations Dash for Cash cycle event which was held yesterday at the National Park. Anthony also snared eight of the 30 sprint prizes on offer. National Road Race Champion, Curtis Dey finished second, while Stephano Husbands placed third with six primes. Jornel Yearwood and Alex Mendes occupied the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Other winners are; Adelie Hodge (Junior), Junior Niles (Veteran U45), Quincy Punch (Mountain Bike), John Niles (BMX 912) and Jessica Mohabir (BMX 6-9). Meanwhile, Enzo Matthews, CEO of Le Zo Vacations presented several uniforms to cyclists following the event which was also sponsored by the People Progressive Party Youth Arm of Campbellville.
Michael Anthony rode brilliantly yesterday. (file photo)
Jamaican’s Lumley attains Level 1 & 2 Squash Coach’s Certification here Nineteen year old Jamaican, Tahjia Lumley, is the 3rd and youngest athlete from his country to travel to Guyana to attain his Level 1 &2 England Squash Coaching Award from Guyana National Squash Coach Carl Ince. He is one of many from the Caribbean and the US to have come to Guyana to become certified at this level. Tahjia was here last year for his final Junior CASA, where he was graced with an inaugural honour; The Junior CASA Sportsman and Leadership Award. Following that 2017 tournament, Tahj spent a week on Coach Ince’s farm for training after his coach Steve Smith, who himself completed the course here in Guyana in 2013, and mentor Karen Anderson, arranged for the youngster to work with the Level 4 Elite Coach. He expressed an enormous amount of gratitude for the support both have given him throughout his 8 years in the sport. Sitting at the Georgetown Club courts yesterday after finishing his final practical exam, his enthusiasm was barely containable as he recollected meeting, who he refers to as “The Great Coach Ince” for the first time. At 12 years old, Tahj was struck by the calm and relaxed figure whose reputation was legendary in the Caribbean as his team had so many successes. He even remembers the exchange they had that led him to deduce how much the Coach looked out for his students. Eight years on,
Tahjia Lumley collects his Level 1 &2 England Squash Coaching Award from Guyana National Squash Coach Carl Ince. Tahj enthuses; “To be in Coach’s own backyard training, learning from a man I have looked up to for so long, was spectacular”. The icing on the cake was when he discovered he would be working
alongside another Guyanese squash great; Nicolette Fernandes. “That”, he said, “was a dream come true!” Along with Sarah Lewis and Samuel Ince-Carvalhal, the four gained a great deal from each other during the
gruelling week of the course. The interaction with Coach and his fellow candidates made what was mentally and physically intensive, one of the best experiences he has had. “The course was so thorough, professionally conducted and well run…. So amazing, and we were so constructive with each other that even though it wasn’t easy; it was mentally draining; I loved every single moment of it”. The course teaches and tests individual and group coaching techniques and programmes, child protection, coaches’ code of conduct, safety, and an array of other relevant material. As Tahj transitions into another chapter of his squash career, he reflects on the pivotal moment that brought him to be standing outside the courts in Jamaica where he asked if he could play. He explained; “In Jamaica, Squash was more an uptown sport and I am from the inner city, so it was not a sport I might have ordinarily been exposed to or have the opportunity to play. I asked and waited. It could have been a yes or a no”. However, he asked and got a positive response. Quickly moving from playing some lunch times to dedicated early mornings, his talent and dedication were soon noticed and his first coach, Jeremy Parkinson, gave him a solid foundation before he moved to the National squad where hard hitting became hitting to target, and
physical training was added to his regime. Looking back he smiles at the cost his dedication had on others; “Rain or shine I would be there early in the morning at UTECH disturbing the lifeguard, Jayan Thomas, to get access to the key and equipment so I could get on court”. Tahj believes his life could have been very different without squash. He thoughtfully stated “The day I got that ‘Yes’ changed my life”. Going through the junior programme, representing his country, enjoying successes in tournaments and the opportunities it afforded, helped him to become calm and focused. He fully recognises how powerful sport and supportive people can be; naming many who have influenced the path he has taken, including fellow countryman Chris Binnie. Allowing a tinge of pride he said; “Now I have the skills to be part of that programme, I can change people’s lives”. Eager to have a positive impact on the next generation of young people, his newly acquired knowledge and certification will enhance the remarkable skills and characteristics he already possesses that make him a natural in the field of coaching. As a parting note, Tahj reiterated how amazing the course was and emotionally finished with; “Coach Ince is motivational and inspirational…….I am filled with happiness and joy to have been a part of this course with this group”.