Kaieteur News

PPP vows to K NEWS restructure “tainted” SOCU

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

October 05, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 39

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Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Online readership yesterday 116,168

Public will be allowed to scrutinise contentious - GECOM House-to-House data Commissioner Trini gets 5 ½ years for staging Sugar crops slide own kidnapping; mom faints 35% behind schedule GPF makes more room for promotions, increased supervision LICK UP! - This was the scene in East Berbice, recently, after this rice truck collided with a private car

Republic Bank working to correct online transactions - official

Natural Resource Fund...

Rigid withdrawal rules prevent account from becoming a slush fund Chief Justice to rule on resignation of Cabinet on October 16

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

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PPP vows to restructure “tainted” SOCU

T

he police Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) will be restructured if the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gets back into power.

Speaking on Wednesday during “The Political Show” on Kaieteur Radio, 99.1 and 99.5 FM, former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who himself is before the courts charged with theft of law books that belong to the state but which he claimed were gifted to him as part of his service package, was critical of the current structure.

Nandlall, while the Attorney General under the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had together with the then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Lu n ch eo n , es tab lis h ed SOCU. It was the same SOCU that charged him for the law books.

“It was established because we were required under the AML-CFT (antimoney laundering) regime to establish a specific organ of enforcement to aid the financial intelligence unit as they do the financial investigations and collect evidence,” Nandlall explained.

He was being questioned about his thoughts on SOCU and the PPP's repeated

SOCU will be restructured if the PPP return to power, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall says.

Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall unhappiness how that unit has been operating.

Explaining how it worked, Nandlall said that the job of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is to pass evidence to the SOCU, which is then supposed to action it by investigating and liaise with the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) to formulate the charges.

The former AG said that he largely recruited the top staff members himself.

Among the staffers were detectives with years of service between them. They were the first batch of people recruited.

The second batch would have been accountants with financial analysts and computer experts also targeted.

“SOCU is supposed to be

a modern, sophisticated unit that was supposed to be paid a higher salary than the police. It was located differently. All this reduced to nothing.”

According to Nandlall, a practising attorney-at-law, Government made SOCU answerable to the Ministry of the Presidency.

“So right there you have political contamination.”

In fact, the financing came through the Ministry of the Presidency with the PPP/C objecting.

The Opposition official said that the contamination continued with the hiring of special prosecutors who had linkage to government officials through their law firms.

According to Nandlall, the record will show that SOCU did little money laundering investigations

Public will be allowed to scrutinise contentious House-to-House data

A

fter the most recent statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday, Commissioner Bibi Shadick informed reporters that Chief Registrations Officer, Keith Lowenfield, is expected to prepare a report on the suspended House-to-House exercise.

The report will be put up for public scrutiny.

Before that report is made, the data must be encoded by the Secretariat.

Of the 370,000 persons registered during the suspended House-to-House exercise, 336,000 were persons above 18 years of age, while the others are 14 to 17 years old.

Last night this publication was informed of the progress on encoding by

- GECOM Commissioner

Commissioner Bibi Shadick Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who said earlier this week that 180,000 entries have already been included. He had also said that the encoding process was temporarily suspended

to facilitate the preparation of the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Kaieteur News understands that the first batch of encoded data had already been sent to the international supplier to be cross-matched. That batch of cross-matched fingerprints is expected to return from overseas by next week. After that, the final batch will be sent.

Lowenfield is yet to tell the Commission how much of, and what aspects of the data will be put up for scrutiny.

Commissioner Charles Corbin said that the data will be up as soon as the encoding and cross-matching are (continued on page 30)

and laid very little charges.

No drug dealer of repute was charge too.

“Who did they charge for money laundering? They have charged me.”

Nandlall listed several PPP/C officials whom SOCU concentrated on included its Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, and

parliamentarians, Nigel Dharamlall and Dharamkumar Seeraj.

“SOCU has lost its focus completely.” He pointed out that SOCU itself was the subject of a fraud investigation- an alarming rarity for an organisation of the calibre of SOCU. He said that he has

evidence of even a former Deputy Head of SOCU submitting forged qualifications.

“I have my proof.”

That is the skullduggery that is going on at SOCU, Nandall stressed.

“How could that unit investigate the people of the country?”

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 05, 2019

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

The cash jet pilot and the local politicians There is running and hiding -up to a point and only for a time. There is a time for everything and, sometimes, it could be a long time. Good times, however defined, run their course, and then there is reckoning: before the law, maybe the electorate, at the bar of commonsense.

The cash jet pilot is Exhibit A. Thirteen years is light: too short, too kind, when all is considered, with most largely still unknown. The facts are the facts; the public ones, that is.

But just from what surfaced, there is so much that remains unaccounted for, unasked, and unanswered. The public is due some telling and inquiring, though no answers will be forthcoming.

Sure, he got caught. That’s the can; now for the worms.

Because of the enormous constrictors they are, they leave breathless. For starters, all things being equal, that could not have been his first trip and only cargo of cash, and who knows what else. Second, what was the source of those funds? Was such clean or (as is most likely) contaminated?

Third, who was that booty for: the personal, the political, or the commercial? Or all three? Fourth, if it was not his first trip, how many more did he make, and with what did he come?

Fifth, what was taken on the return trip(s) to the north? It stands to reason, it would not have been an empty plane, or two bottles of duty-free Demerara Gold (the other kind from the interior, too), or some bottles of pepper sauce.

Clearly, there were some powerful participants here, who have neither interest nor inkling in operating out in the open, or with the welfare of state and people foremost. They make people move and things happen for the worst objectives.

By any standards, the man could not have come and gone empty-handed or alone. Too many known local characters involved, too many political and business operators at the scene, since so much was at stake, and so much effort went towards creating a foolproof apparatus.

His activities encircled big business with big people with big reach. Look carefully, and all those were very much present.

A full-fledged machinery was in place and active, through that private hangar to whisk away; specialised officials who knew what to do; and sensitive security arrangements to form a barricade from prying eyes.

Word is that there are more such hangars and officials and security men-phantoms all-to facilitate a drop, an airlift, a flow. In the ways of the underground, this country is as sophisticated as any advanced society.

Taking all this into account, this much could be essayed with confidence: that the cash jet pilot was not a freelancer working in his own interests alone. How many? How high?

How embedded in the cancerously corrupt bowels and brains of this society?

And when some semblance of answers comes, there is this most unequivocal of positions to take: there may not have been just one cash jet pilot. Not necessary a pilot, but in the many other imitations that move the wealth and radioactive materials of this country around.Separately, it is heard and known that the then government had a man near to the top, who knew if a turtle climbed a tree on Monkey Mountain from all the way in the city; or wherever he was at the time. Yet on this there is feigned ignorance. Silence and distance by all and sundry, about this or that man, or the others.

It is hair-raising to contemplate the sinister implications of what came and what went. There are many who would make legally justified company for this felon. Those include politicians (in and out of power), captains of commerce, and the bureaucratic movers and shakers, whose hands are fastened up to their shoulders in what has devastated.Unlike the cash jet pilot, most will never see the inside of a court. That is, others to perjure themselves.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Govt. has an obligation to create and shape a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I recently returned from a visit to the United States where I had the opportunity to interact with several Guyanese. The overall mood was one of cautious optimism especially in light of the emerging oil and gas economy. Most Guyanese are anxious about the future of the country of their birth and in the outcome of the coming elections.

Life in the United States for a significant number of Guyanese is not without its challenges. Many Guyanese, like other immigrants, can be classified as low-income earners, which put them at a disadvantage in terms of affordable housing. In some cases, house rentals

consume close to half of their earnings, which makes it so difficult for them to save towards home ownership.

Sociologically, the face of the United States is changing with an influx of migrants from all across the globe despite the tough stance taken by the Trump administration to curb migration and deny residency status. Be that as it may, the majority of Guyanese living in the United States prefer to live and work in the United States in preference to returning home. They see a better future for themselves and their children in terms of education and employment opportunities. Some have even made it to the top of the professional and

corporate ladder.That does not mean that they do not love their country. In fact, a significant of them wish for the day when Guyana will be in a position to provide a comparable quality of life in a safe and secure environment. This is particularly true of those who spent most of their formative years in Guyana.This is why the Government of the land has an obligation to create and shape that environment in order to make it easier for Guyanese in the diaspora who are desirous to return home and contribute to the realisation of the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and cohesive Guyana.

Hydar Ally

Knock, knock, knock here comes the Yen DEAR EDITOR, Please allow me space in your fine daily, the Kaieteur News, to follow up on a recent letter addressed mainly to those Ambassadors who are plainly out of touch with their scope of responsibility when assigned to a foreign country.

I must confess I’m a news junky having had the opportunity to volunteer as a news broadcaster at one of the premier community stations 89.3 WPFW FM in Washington D.C many moons ago. So in getting my daily fix of news on a local TV station, it was revealed that Trump is at it again, even while not being out of hot water with the impeachment investigation presently going full steam ahead and the Russia probe leaving more questions than answers. This plainly and grossly

incompetent person, who just days ago denied most vehemently not asking the Ukrainians for help to dig up dirt on a politician rival, is now openly asking China to do the same, targeting that very same opponent. Now if this is not a display of lunacy, bombast, absolute and total disconnect, not to mention glaring incompetence, I’m not sure what is. Our ‘school Marm’, the US Ambassador, it would seem should have her hands full with her country’s own social and political implosion that there should be no time to pronounce on ours.

Last I checked, the debt to China stands at 1.11 trillion dollars, as of May 2019. I must look that up in Guyanese. In addition, 27% of the 4.1 trillion in Treasury Bills, Notes and Bonds are held by foreign countries namely that same China,

Japan, Brazil, Ireland and the UK. It is clear that China’s ultimate goal is to replace the U.S dollar as the Global Currency, the bills used by the world to conduct international business. And if Trump and his Ambassador to Guyana doubt this, I would humbly suggest to them to take a look at the labels on just about everything to see where it’s made, let me help you both out Ms. Head Mistress, ‘Made In China’. The cheaper a country’s product, the more attractive it’s currency becomes. Knock, knock, knock here comes the Yen! And it is this same country Trump is asking on National TV to investigate a political rival. Socially the US, Britain, and the EU are becoming more and more out of touch in keeping the lid on their population cauldron from blowing. Young and

older White boys seem to have an insatiable appetite for gunning down innocent citizens, and not by one or two either, double figures victims are the targets of choice. Churches, schools, malls, work place none are safe from these home grown terrorist. Across the pond, the Mini Mite Trump in Britain is no more competent either. His Brexit imbroglio is sure to blow up in his face and may well see him out on his b—— sooner than later.

And as I’ve written before his holier than Christ Prince is so far from telling the truth about the young girls that if he tried his nose will fall off.

These are the people, from countries in near total disruption, who are lecturing us. What am I missing here?

Pray tell!

Respectfully, Claudeston G. Massiah Washington DC

Interference in a country’s domestic affairs is sanctioned DEAR EDITOR, Varied letters (in KN, SN, and GC) have argued that foreign diplomats in Guyana, international organizations, and other countries have no business commenting on the internal affairs of Guyana as pertains to the holding of elections in Guyana and the country being out of constitutional governance. Some have also made an argument that Guyana is a sovereign state that does not intervene in other countries’ affairs and that others have no business in meddling in Guyana’s domestic matters. As someone who studied international relations at the doctorate level, I can say without fear of contradiction that such comments arise out

of ignorance of the world system, international politics, foreign policy of nation states, and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w.

Interference in affairs of other countries is sanctioned by the UN or regional organisations and or by moral persuasion.

Arguments of noninterference in the internal affairs of a country are a total misunderstanding of the concept of non-interference i n a n o t h e r c o u n t r y ’s domestic affairs. Anyone who knows something about international relations will know that such arguments or statements are not realpolitik or pragmatic international politics. The world does not function in that manner. The global system is and must

operate on interference in other countries’ affairs or else injustice would be the order of the day. Foreign interference is sanctioned by the global political system – by the UN and by every international political organisation and even NGOs. Interference is how the world works in developing countries that fail to follow democratic governance.

Foreign interference has defined global politics, foreign policy, and international trade for centuries. Big powers have intervened in other countries’ affairs for centuries. International intervention has dictated and shaped Guyana’s colonial and political history. It was foreign intervention (US

goading of imperial powers) that led to de-colonisation of countless colonies beginning in late 1940s and subsequently Guyana’s birth in 1966 as “a sovereign nation” (whatever that means because no small, poor developing country is really sovereign).

Every country has reserved the right to intervene in another country when its interests are threatened. Examples of such interventions are legion particularly since WW I and more pronounced after WW II during the cold war. US intervenes in other countries when its interests are threatened and it often did so to protect liberal democracy.

Countries (and or (Continued on page 6)

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Impeachment- The Democratic act of desperation that may lead to their The Russia probe was sup- pressed hard and hard pay a costly price. None of to expose the closet of the voters.

Ruination After two and a half years posed to terminate in im- pressed to pursue impeach- the fuss has done any lasting Republicans, Democrats DEAR EDITOR, ment by her younger more damage to the President. His should first ensure that their of hearing about Russia, RusThe Dems are playing with fire but it will not be Trump who gets burnt.

It has become apparent that the Democrats are seemingly in desperate need of guidance before their eventual riddance. Do they really believe that an impeachment just before a general election is the correct thing to do or the right way to go morally and politically? There they are, fully convinced that with President Donald Trump’s call to his Ukraine counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, they have him exactly where they want him. We have all travelled down that road before.

peachment. It did not. Claims made in the book Fire and Fury written by Michael Wolff were supposed to end the presidency. Again they did not. Neither did the raunchy tales of Stormy Daniels, nor the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer.

The truth be told neither did a plethora of other allegations, slanders, and stories, some true, some not true at all.

This time is no way, shape or form different and it is my belief that the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is fully aware of this. She has been

radical colleagues, in and out of “the squad”, as well as their activist supporters, and many of the party’s presidential hopefuls.

She has valiantly fought the war on crazy and has resisted until now.

Her current decision to change course and proceed with impeachment is more likely than not the culmination of the pressure along with the cumulative effect of frustration that none of the prior predictions came true. Sadly, frustration and anger are bad leaders and lead to bad decisions — decisions of which the Democrats are likely to

PARLIAMENT HAS NOT YET BEEN DISSOLVED, SO IT IS NOT DEAD DEAR EDITOR, I am referring to a letter that was published in the Kaieteur News dated September28, 2019, titled, “The National Assembly died on 18 September, 2019; it cannot be resurrected” by Joshua Singh.

In that letter, Singh where he stated “The life of the National Assembly ended on 18 September 2019 as a result of the non-extension of its life by a two-thirds vote as required by the Constitution”.

Let me remind the Singh’s who want to remove the Coalition Government by any means necessary that, Article 106(7) stipulates that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election”.

Hence the government is legally and constitutionally in caretaker/interim mode. However, as the government continues to govern, the caretaker/interim Opposition Leader has abandoned his post along with his members of Parliament. These parlia-

mentarians no longer care about day-to-day governance and the National Assembly, even though they continue to receive monthly salaries and daily enjoy the privileges/benefits of their office.

President Granger on September 25, 2019, in his address to the nation, announced that after discussions with Chairman of the Elections Commission Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh and with his Cabinet, General and Regional Elections will be on Monday, 2nd March 2020.

The President’s statement followed Chairman of the Elections Commission Justice Claudette Singh’s missive to him on September19, 2019, indicating that, “the Guyana Elections Commission will be able to deliver credible elections by the end of February 2020”.

Since it is not in the interest of the PPP/C to put Guyana and its people first, the president in his continued position of upholding the constitution for the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, President David Granger has since issued two proclamations for the holding of General and Regional Elections on Monday, 2nd March 2020.

The President, by the power vested in him by Article 61 of the Constitution of

Guyana, by proclamation, appointed March 02, 2020 as the day on which an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held.

The Constitution at Article 61 states: “An election of members of the National Assembly under Article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.”

Similarly, President Granger has proclaimed March 02, 2020, the same day as appointed under Article 61 of the Constitution for the holding of elections of members of the National Assembly, as the day on which elections of members of the Regional Democratic Councils shall be held.

Article 73 (2) of the Constitution states: “Elections of members of regional democratic councils shall be held and the councils shall be dissolved at such times as, subject to paragraph (3), the President may appoint by proclamation.”So, Mr. Singh the parliament has not yet been dissolved, so it is not dead, the life of the National Assembly did not end September 18. If it is accurately dead, why then are PPP/C MPs still collecting salaries from a dead parliament?

Sincerely yours, Ceion Rollox

approval ratings have bounced around in more or less the same range since he assumed office.

Joe Biden bears the greater political risk. Democrats are obsessed with the part of the phone call where Mr. Trump and Mr. Zelensky discussed the potential sale of javelin missiles to Ukraine and the location of servers examined by the American cyber security firm CrowdStrike.

The President is particularly interested in the servers because he strongly feels that they could shed some new light on the hacking of Democratic National Committee servers in 2016. The president also brings up Joe Biden saying, “ There’s a lot of talk about Biden’s son, that Biden stopped the prosecution and many people want to find out about that so whatever you can do with the attorney general would be great. Biden went around saying that he stopped the prosecution so if you can look into it…. It sounds horrible to me”.

In that and other statements, Democrats see an impeachable offense. Many others see it as one head of state asking another for an investigation into potential corruption involving the Bidens.

Let us hang on to some other facts here; Hunter Biden was on the Board of Burisma, a huge natural gas company in Ukraine, earning a monthly salary of as much as $50,000 U.S. Why was he there? Incidentally at the same time he was there, his father Joe was overlooking American policy in Ukraine, and later talked boastingly about how he had pressured Ukraine to fire a prosecutor there.

Irrespective of what view one may hold, there is absolutely no way to look into the honesty and integrity of Donald Trump’s telephone conversation with Zelensky, without also asking some uncomfortable questions about Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine during Barack Obama’s second term and Joe Biden’s actions while Vice President. Before attempting

closet contains no skeletons or trace of fossils.

The Democrats are treading on dangerous political ground. Impeachment is a matter of the utmost national importance, and its success requires broad public support.

To open impeachment proceedings against Richard Nixon the vote in the House was 410-4, against Bill Clinton it was 258-176. The political outcomes are well known.

When Republicans allowed their animus against Bill Clinton to override their political instincts, they suffered, the Clintons did not.

Surely, the Speaker Nancy Pelosi knows (or should she be told), that there are not 67 votes in the Senate to convict President Trump of anything relating to his phone call with President Zelensky. Hence, it is just political theater.

The issue is that as it plays out over the next year, everyone will get the joke.

The House is going through the motions to stoke its own base before the elections, just as Newt Gingrich did in 1998. This in turn will energise the Republicans to rally behind their leader. The danger on the Democrats’ side is that they will demoralise their most loyal voters when they realise the joke is on them. There will be no resignation, and no conviction in the Senate.

There will however be an election. By focusing on their obsession with Donald Trump Democrats are relinquishing the opportunity to talk about concerns such as – wages, employment, the shrinking middle class or any of the issues that motivate

sia, Russia, there are very few swing voters who want to spend the next 14 months hearing about Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine. The present political problem is just more psychodrama on the Washington stage in the Democratic Theatre of the Absurd. However, as engaging as it may be for those deeply involved in politics, for the journalists and the media who cover it and for the people who are deeply ideological, is totally irrelevant and unappealing to many voters who just simply and rightly want to know what Washington is going to do for them.

Meanwhile back to reality.

Everyone knows that Speaker Pelosi’s relentless pursuance of impeachment will not result in a conviction in the Senate, and the removal of the President from office. So it is hard to look at this move as anything other than an act of desperation.—an affirmation that there is no Democratic candidate likely to beat Donald Trump head-to-head on issues such as China’s mercantilist trade policies, stagnating wages, the shrinking middle class, and immigration.

Sad but true the Democrats by choosing impeachment are choosing the ground on which they want to fight the election. Shaky ground to say the least, and above all it imperils their front runner, and avoids the very issue that motivates voters in must-win states.

That does not sound like winning to me. Sounds like an in kind donation to Trump’s campaign.

Impeachment or bust!

Yvonne Sam

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OCTOBER 5, 1992 DEAR EDITOR, October 5, 2019 will mark 27 years since the first free and fair elections in a post independent Guyana.

This missive is not intended to recite nor assess the achievements or nonachievements of successive PPP/C governments during their 23 years in office, on the contrary, the objective here is merely to consider the significance of October 5, 1992 and the enduring economic, social and political consequences that flowed there from, leaving in its trail a lasting but living legacy that continues to impact Guyanese people and politics.

October 5, 1992 came 45 years after Cheddi Jagan was declared the winner of the Central Demerara Constituency in the 1947 General Elections and 28 years after being forced out of office following the elections in 1964.

Being in the political wilderness for 28 years was the water and the soil that helped germinate October 5, 1992.

That germination occurred in an atmosphere where the living standards of the Guyanese people had reached unbearable and unacceptable proportions.

Hundreds of Guyanese, associated with, or suspected to be members or supporters of the political opposition were victimised, discriminated against, harassed and beaten up by PNC thugs.

Many suffered trumped up charges, wrongful detention, imprisonment and deprivation of their fundamental rights.

Some were shot and killed.

The press was muzzled.

Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese fled their homeland to seek their fortunes in other lands.

And Afro-Guyanese, who had been so badly treated and let down by their own, had reached a stage where they no longer had faith nor confidence in the leadership of the party, they supported.

October 5, 1992 therefore, was birthed from within a so-

ciety that was pregnant with change. It was only a matter of time and the application of appropriate strategy and tactics that was necessary to make the political change, so urgently needed.

A fundamental antecedent of October 5, was the formation of the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) and its forerunner the Committee for Defence of Democracy (CDD) which reflected the unity and solidarity of the opposition political parties of which the WPA, the DLM and the PPP/C were the principal movers and shakers.

October 5 reaffirmed the asseveration that coalition politics, of varying hues and shades, can play a dynamic, if not transformative role in Guyanese politics. A tour d’horizon of contemporary Guyanese political history, beginning with the formation of the PPP sixty-nine years ago attests to this fact.

October 5, 1992 signaled the coming of fundamental changes combined with elements of continuity that were destined to have a profound and lasting impact on Guyanese society.

In his speech at the swearing in ceremony at State House on October 9, 1992 Cheddi Jagan said: “We went to the elections with the slogan: Time for Change: Time to Rebuild.”

We have attained the first objective of a change of government. Now, all of us together, whatever our party, political affiliation, whatever our race or ethnicity, whatever our creed, must put our shoulders to the wheel.”

Referring to what could be termed an element of continuity Jagan declared: “...I hope to develop a constructive relationship with Mr. Desmond Hoyte and the leadership of all parties in order to deepen our democratic process, and accelerate our economic development.”

In this regard, of great significance was the fact that the architects of October 5, were realistic enough to recognise

that while some efforts at economic transformation had been initiated by the Hoyte administration; however, as head of a new PPP/C administration, Jagan wanted to “accelerate development and rebuild the country.” At the same time, he wanted a “constructive relationship” with former President Hoyte.

‘Constructive Relationship’ eventually evolved to become ‘Constructive Engagement’, as the ubiquitous influence of October 5 penetrated the complexities of governance in an ethnically divided society.

Thus, October 5, recognising the realities facing the new government, had no choice but to reconcile itself with those realities, uncomfortable as they were, until it had garnered enough support, at home and abroad to energetically implement its own socio-economic policies, based on debt relief, eradication of poverty and human development.

Further, the significance of October 5, was reflected in the fact that, not since the late 1960’s, did Guyana experience such an active role by the international community in facilitating conflict resolution, overseeing the electoral process and in assisting to usher in a new era for Guyana.

October 5, laid the foundation for free and fair elections in Guyana beginning from 1992 and onwards, enabling the PPP/C to win five successive governments.

It gave the PPP/C the opportunity for five of its leaders to occupy the seat of the presidency albeit for varying periods of tenure.

A significant aspect of October 5 to be noted is that a whole new generation of Guyanese grew up to adulthood knowing nothing else but the PPP/C and what it did for the country and people.

Small wonder why today many hark back to how they prospered in those days.

It is because of October 5, and its birthing of free and fair elections in an open and democratic society that the Guyanese people are now free to chose a party of their choice to administer the affairs of the country.

October 5, 1992 created a democratic environment allowing political parties to openly and freely compete with each other to occupy the seat of government.

Ironically, it was because of the democratic openings that the PPP/C lost and the APNU+ AFC won the regional and general elections in 2015 October 5 was the harbinger that ushered in constitutional reform resulting in major changes in our electoral and parliamentary systems,

State institutional arrangements and our system of governance in general. It was October 5 that brought in its wake Presidential limits.

But October 5, had its own birth pangs.

It became a peculiar midwife for controversial elections;, it saw challenges to governance and law enforcement, the falling out of erstwhile PCD partners and the inclusion of others, charges of marginalization, racial and ethnic discrimination, strikes and demonstrations, allegations of corruption, the unfulfilled narrative of ‘shared and/ or inclusive governance,’ the fading away of ‘winner does not take all’ politics, pushing parliament into uncharted waters, and to this day, constitutional, judicial and electoral challenges.

October 5 brought in its wake convulsions and changes at the leadership levels of the two dominant political parties.

Longstanding leaders

from the PPP/C broke away and formed their own political parties with some eventually joining up the fledgling APNU+AFC to become top office holders in a coalition government.

The latters’ assumption to the coveted positions would not have been possible, had it not been for the vicissitudes of October 5 and its consequential ramifications.

Looked at through the prism of October 5, the PNC though clothed in the garb of the APNU could not escape the wrath of karma when one of their own turned on his erstwhile benefactors resulting in the Coalition to which he belonged being rocked to the core with passage of a No Confidence Motion forcing a frenetic resort to the courts in a desperate attempt to hold on to office.

Whatever exists today, be it in the realm of politics, our economic and financial architecture, in our social and

physical infrastructure, in our law enforcement architecture, or in the administration of justice, they are all like tributaries of one river we can safely call October 5.

As October 5 recedes with every passing year, the nation continues with its search for solutions to numerous complex and unanswered questions.

The passage of time notwithstanding, the reverberations of October 5, continue to manifest themselves in so many different ways 27 years after it heralded the ‘Dawn of a New Era.’ October 5, 1992 should be viewed as a year and date not just to be commemorated or to be romanticized, it must be viewed as a work in progress by the people of Guyana who, likeSisyphus, continues with the arduous task of changing, rebuilding and transforming for the better not the worst.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

Interference in a country’s domestic...

From page 4 international organisations) have a right to intervene in another territory when human rights are violated and or when democracy is under threat. There is precedence for this intervention as happened countless times in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and even in Guyana. It has become a tradition for democratic developed countries like the US, Britain, Canada, Germany, Holland, France, Australia, etc. to intervene in other countries to promote democracy.

The UN, EU, Commonwealth, and OAS have authorised such interventions to protect people from violations of basic freedoms.

Threat to democracy, law and order, free and fair elections, and constitutional governance and a threat of terrorism are often cited as reasons for intervention of big powers in weak or small countries.

Examples of foreign interventions to protect democracy or human rights are legion – Indonesia, Yugoslavia, Haiti, Somalia, Fiji, Guyana, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Chile, El Salvador, etc. International law allows for such interventions.

These interventions are routine. It is a fact that foreign powers (Britain and US) were behind the removal of the first PPP government in 1953, the second PPP government (1957 to 64) and the third PPP government (1992 to 2015); the arrogance of the PPP (Ramotar regime) between 2011 and 2015 led to American approval of its removal from office. There are countless other examples of US interference in the Caribbean

and Latin America. In Guyana, there are so many instances of intervention. In the early 1990s, ABC countries called for restoration of democratic governance in Guyana and threatened sanctions against the Hoyte dictatorship if free and fair elections were not held. From 2013 to 2015, ABC countries supported the opposition APNU and AFC against the PPP government because of the latter’s unwillingness to cooperate with ABC countries.

The objective behind intervention in another country is to institutionalise democracy and respect for constitutional governance. Such intervention promotes interests of the intervening states. It is in the interests of ABCE countries to continue its intervention in Guyana’s affairs to ensure funds are not misused or rights abused. There are countless Guyanese residing in these countries appealing to their governments to secure democratic governance and protect human rights in their former homeland. This appeal goes back to the 1960s with the rigging of elections and violation of human rights.

Such an appeal gives the ABCE countries the legal rights to voice their concerns about Guyana. European countries have given substantial financial grants to Guyana. Grants are often conditioned on democratic governance and respect for human rights. The ABCE would not want their funds to be misused by an undemocratic or illegal government that is out of constitutional compliance; that it of itself gives

them the right to intervene in Guyana’s affairs.

Promoting constitutional governance is the cornerstone of every democratic developed country’s interest. It is in the strategic interest of the US in Guyana. Such intervention is pragmatic to retain stability in Guyana and the region. The US can’t shut its eyes to democratic abuses as happened during the cold war when Washington allowed Burnhamism to flourish before taking a stand against it in 1990 at the end of the cold war and the deal between George Bush (Sr.) and Mikhail Gorbachev to return Guyana and Nicaragua to democratic governance. Democracy in Guyana safeguards interests of the OAS and ABCE countries; all these countries are signatories to the principle of democratic governance. All these countries recognise that Guyana will be more stable if democracy is fortified. Hence, their appeal for a promulgation of a date for elections long overdue since March 21.

If there is democracy in Guyana, less of its population would want to settle in the ABCE countries. Violations of democracy lead to political instability and migration that becomes a burden for ABCE countries.

The ABCE, Commonwealth and OAS must do what whatever is necessary to protect and promote democracy in Guyana and wherever threat to freedom exists in order to safeguard their interests.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram (Political Scientist)

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

66% stipend increase for CPCE ‘Digitised payment options soon… teachers- says President Granger Pensioners can buy groceries, other items with special reloadable card President

Resident teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) stand to benefit from a 66% stipend increase, in the near future.

This is according to President David Granger at the recent inaugural teachers’ conference.

During his presentation the Head of State noted that he recently met with education officials and administrators of the CPCE and instructed that the stipend for teachers be increased.

He did not indicate from what date the increase will commence, but further stated that there will be an increase in funds directed to the education sector, after the first oil is extracted in 2020.

The President explained that with expected increased revenues from petroleum after 2020, much of it will be directed to the Sovereign Wealth Fund, and a significant percentage will be devoted to public education.

President Granger noted that teachers play a critical role in society. He emphasised the importance of their training. He added that education standards would decline unless there is a core of trained

- cash, bank options will still be available

David Grainger

and qualified teachers capable of upholding the standards that are expected.

The President added that just last week more lab equipment was donated to the CPCE, made possible through a donation from the People’s Republic of China to the CPCE. He also mentioned plans are in the making to ensure teachers benefit from tertiary education, in the future.

“Every teacher also will have an opportunity to attend

University and to benefit from improved teacher training.

Educators are the sinews of the education system. They are central to achieving the aims of education, which are to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and values not only for their own personal development but for national development…”

Yesterday, Guyana joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Teachers’ Day 2019.

Senior citizens at a local post office waiting to uplift their pensions.

The government is working on a plan to make it easier for pensioners to receive their funds.

This will be done through a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Social Protection Ministry.

Once successful, pensioners will be able to have their pension loaded on

a card and used at small shops and stores where they will (Continued on page 12)

PAGE 8

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Businessman Natural Resource Fund… charged for trying to Rigid withdrawal rules prevent corrupt GRA officer

By Trishan Craig A 32-year-old resident of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara was yesterday granted bail after being placed before the courts for attempting to forge three motor vehicle licences.

Sewdharry Sookraj pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

It was alleged that between May 28, 2018 and May 30, 2018 at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) head office on Camp Street Georgetown, the defendant attempted to incite Christopher Ramlagan to forge three GRA licences by paying $25,000 to the said Christopher Ramlagan.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Trenton Lake who asked for reasonable bail to be granted to his client.

According to information during the period in question, the defendant allegedly contacted Ramlagan, who is an employee of GRA, and made an agreement to pay him $25,000 to forge the licences. Instead, the employee reported the matter to his superiors.

A report was made to the police who carried out an investigation into the alleged

account from becoming slush fund

Sewdharry Sookraj incident. They subsequently arrested Sookraj and charged him for the offence.

With no objections from the Police Prosecutor, Senior Magistrate Leron Daly upheld the submission made by the attorney and granted bail in the sum of $50,000 to the defendant.

He was instructed to make his next court appearance on November 15, 2019 for report on the completion of the file for trial.

The rigid rules laid out in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act for withdrawals from the Fund are there to ensure that it does not become a slush fund.

Explaining this in a letter to Kaieteur News is Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who wrote that he is proud of how strict the rules are. He said that the Acts strict rules and public oversight will safeguard against the wasteful spending or misappropriation of oil revenues.

Minister Jordans letter is in response to a Kaieteur News article on the International Monetary Funds Article IV Consultation Report, in which the anti-corruption body states that Ghanas Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) sets out a legal framework that was so rigid that it did not allow the Ghanaian Government to use the Petroleum funds to accommodate unexpected, large financial shocks.

The IMF also pointed out that Ghanas PRMA and Guyanas NRF Act are noticeably similar.

In defense of the NRF Act, Jordan posited that it was not imported from anywhere, but that it was grounded in an assessment of Guyanas situation, and the investment necessary to transform the

economy.

The Minister pointed out that there are no borrowing rules in the Act, rather, there are withdrawal rules, which can be found in Part VI and Part VII of the NRF Act. In determining how much money can be withdrawn from the Fund in a given year, the Minister stated that an Economically and Fiscally Sustainable Amount is denoted, bound by a separate Economically Sustainable Amount (ESA) and a Fiscally Sustainable Amount (FSA).

The former is determined by the Minister based on advice by a macro-economic committee which comprises representatives of the Government, Bank of Guyana, Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Leader of the Opposition, as well as an international macroeconomic expert, with consideration for how additional spending will affect Guyanas economic competitiveness.

He said that the Committee is expected to consider inflation, the exchange rate, economic growth, the composition of public spending, stability in public spending, public debt, and other key variables. To ensure, that Committees recommendation is included in Governments annual budget proposal and

- Finance Minister

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan annual NRF report, for public scrutiny, he wrote.

As for the FSA, Minister Jordan stated that it is determined by the use of a mathematical formula included in the First Schedule of the NRF Act, setting an upper limit on withdrawals.

In relating Ghanas experience to the Guyanese authorities, the IMF had stated that the African oil producer had been forced to finance deficits by putting itself in debt.

Minister Jordan addressed that, stating that the macroeconomic committee is explicitly required to consider public debt.

He said that human and

physical infrastructural gaps that exist are considered, and projects contemplated to fix those gaps. Also considered, Jordan posited, are the Governments ability to execute those projects and the absorptive capacity of the economy.

“The rule allows for the frontloading of expenditure in the short- to medium-run, with an eventual transition to a Norway-type rule, where only the expected interest earnings from the NRF are available for withdrawal. This transition is expected in six to 10 years, but the timing is dependent on oil prices and the pace of oil production.” The Minister stated.

He then explained that the costs of certain projects contemplated by Government fall well within the ballpark of the amount stated by the IMF will be available to Guyana in the first five years of oil production.

Acknowledging that Governments may not always be responsible in its management, Minister Jordan said that a Public Debt Management Bill is being finalised, intended to deter irresponsible borrowing.

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Non-interference does not mean non-concern

N

on-interference in the internal affairs of a state is a principle of international law. It prohibits foreign states from interfering or intervening in the domestic affairs of another state either through the use of force or through direct influence.

This principle, unlike what was suggested in a recent editorial in another newspaper, is not unrelated to the concepts of territorial integrity and sovereignty. In fact, non-interference is sourced to those concepts.

State sovereignty, as understood in international law, refers to the unchallengeable authority, which a state has over its geographic space and the people who reside in that space. In terms of states, the area covered by that jurisdiction is the same as that that which is considered its official territory.

Non-interference means that a foreign state must not become involved in matters, which fall within the domestic jurisdiction of another state. Non-interference is thus is related to the exercise

of sovereignty and also to the concept of territorial integrity.

Non-interference prohibits other states from using force over another state or any part of its territory of its people.

It also prevents an external state from seeking to influence internal conflicts within that state such as taking sides during times of civil strife.

Non-interference implies that no attempt should influence a state’s choice of its government, political, economic or social systems or its foreign policy.

If a foreign state raises concerns or imposes sanctions on another state for what is perceived to be lack of constitutional or democratic conduct, then that foreign state is not breaching the principle of non-interference.

The United States Embassy breached the principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of Guyana when it sought to influence who would win the 2015 elections.

It was interfering directly in deciding which party would exercise sovereignty over the

territory of Guyana.

The US Embassy did not use force. It used covert measures, as it did in the 1960’s to topple the PPP. It was directly involved in seeking to influence the youth vote through the use of non-governmental organizations which it had a hand in establishing.

The US also interfered through campaigns which it launched and which vanished after the APNU+AFC won office.

The United States embassy actions, in calling for the APNU+AFC government to comply with the Constitution and to hold free and fair elections, do not constitute interference in the internal affairs of Guyana.

The United States is laying down an important principle which guides democratic behaviour and which determines its recognition and relations with other states. That principle is that the government must abide by democratic norms. Compliance with the Constitution is part of democratic governance.

This insistence by the

Dem boys seh

Jagdeo got he eyes pon Lolo Field When Jagdeo was president, nuff things use to happen and all was bad things.

People talk bout corruption.

Dem talk so much dat Ram Jattan boast how he gon jail Jagdeo. In fact, he promise to jail nuff people.

Now elections coming again. Dis time Jagdeo talking about jailing people and he spread a wide net. He talking bout jailing de people in de elections commission. If de commission tek a decision dat de PPP commissioners don’t agree wid is jail fuh somebody.

Dis focus pon GECOM begin since de PPP lose de elections in 2015. Poor Stevie. He was GECOM Chairman fuh twelve years and nobody never complain. Jagdeo win dem elec-

tions. But as soon as he lose, de one suddenly Stevie was no good. He was de wuss thing.

And dat happen because Stevie vote to kick out Boodoo from GECOM because he was doing some wrang things. He couldn’t seh he and Boodoo wasn’t friends or dat Boodoo was independent because as soon as he lef GECOM, Jagdeo tek him to wuk at Ohh Pee. Dem boys hear dat Jagdeo had a meeting wid de head of de prisons over dem new cage wha Ram Jattan buy fuh prisoners. He want to know how many people one cage can hold. Dat mek dem believe he either thinking bout jailing de Cabinet, GECOM and anybody who talk bad bout him.

He got he eyes pon Lolo

Field. It was Lolo Field who expose de kakishness wha was going on in GECOM. He ketch up wid de fake statements of poll and Jagdeo get vex. Now Jagdeo claim how he changing decisions dat dem odda commissioners tek.

And poor Claudette.

Dem boys watching how de opposition commissioners treading light when dem want talk she name. Dem know dat she don’t have friends. De odda day when she vote wid de commissioners from de odda side, some of dem claim how she biased.

Dem boys want to know wha people gon seh when she vote wid de opposition commissioners.

Talk half and watch how GECOM getting threaten.

United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States does not constitute interference in the domestic affairs of Guyana.

Guyana itself subscribes to those very principles as a signatory to a number of international agreements by its membership of international organisations.

Democracy is one of the core values of the Commonwealth. Member states are therefore obligated to respect constitutional rule and the right of their citizens to uphold free and fair elections.

The principle of non-interference does not prohibit a foreign state from imposing sanctions of condemning a state, which violates the human rights of its citizens. A foreign state has a right, on humanitarian ground to sanc-

tion or condemn such a state.

It is therefore necessary for foreign powers to make known their objection to the absence of constitutional rule in Guyana, especially if such a situation could have been avoided but was not. It would not be unconstitutional if sanctions were imposed on Guyana. It happened before, it is happening at present and it can happen again.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

PAGE 10

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

On this day, in 1992, the PPP turned its back on Guyana It is sad that that date October 5 has gone from the memory bank of this nation.

It does not occupy even infinitesimal space in the continuous flow of history.

After almost three decades of the PNC in office, the iconic Cheddi Jagan won the election on this date in 1992 and became president. Any person anywhere, even the Arctic region who had even a scant awareness of contemporary politics in Guyana would have embraced Jagan.

He was known throughout the world as a modest, fatherfigure politician that was seen

as anything but autocratic and authoritarian.

The world was curious about Cheddi Jagan, president of Guyana. What would he be like? Will this man put Guyana on the map? Would he make Guyana the centrepiece of the CARICOM region? Would he finally bring lasting peace and development to a suffering people?

He died a few months short his five-year stint but his legacy was far from admirable. He left a party that felt maybe it was carrying out his inner thoughts. Maybe it felt it strayed a billion miles from

what Jagan had in his soul but the pathways Cheddi went into after 1992 and the disasters that accompanied his party’s use of power long after he was gone have left scars on this nation’ anatomy.

Those scars to this day prevent it from having that elusive peace all Guyanese from 1950 onwards wanted and still do.

Make no mistake about it, Jagan with eyes wide open in 1992 repeated the tragic errors of Burnham’s approach to nation-building. Burnham ignored the essential pillars on which rest Guyana’s sociol-

ogy. He failed to birth a social environment that was inclusive. On the contrary, Burnham alienated Guyana itself, thus paving the way for Walter Rodney’s electrifying popularity.

Burnham did not confront the ethnic ramparts that stifled Guyana’s democratic and developmental potentials.

Jagan make the identical mistake. But one can debate the polemical controversy that Jagan had more to build on because of what President Hoyte left him, than Burnham had to work with. Therefore, Jagan’s legacy needs to be questioned with deeper analytical focus.

The context is what Jagan inherited from President Hoyte. There is no scope here to polemicise on Hoyte’s balance sheet.

There is no question, he rigged the 1985 election but there is no question that he used his presidency to open up horizons that Burnham never ever believed in much less contemplated.

These offered some hope of diluting the ethnic and political brew that had consumed Guyana since the fifties.

My honest opinion is that Jagan had no use for some of the new perspectives Hoyte had introduced and felt could lead to an encouraging future.

I will name a few. First, there was the move to de-politicise the civil service through the introduction of neutral perma-

nent secretaries. Jagan did not filly emulate the Hoyte initiative.

He appointed some of his party cadres into the professional public sector. Party executive Hydar Ally became PS in the Education Ministry.

Roger Luncheon became the chief public servant, head of the Presidential Secretariat, and later chairman of the NIS. The head of the PPP youth arm, Rohan Singh became the head of the presidential guards; just to name a few examples that come to mind.

Secondly, after 1992, Jagan retained Hoyte’s IMF diktats but because of his Freudian mistrust of the wealthy classes, his government reluctantly facilitated investors.

Even though he had a 1991 covenant with the Americans that he must bring in business people into the governance structure, his ministers and PPP mandarins knew that their leader was distrustful of the business class thus the pace of facilitation was slow and the amount of concessions were small.

Thirdly, on the ethnic front, I think Hoyte did more than Jagan to make other race constituencies feel that the government would not discriminate against them. The crucial, almost unforgivable omission in Hoyte’s perestroika bandwagon was that because of Hoyte’s class

Frederick Kissoon nature and because of the people he had around him, he did not reach out to the Indian masses, only Indian businessmen.

Fourthly, Hoyte saw how counterproductive political servants can be when you allow them to have power over the technocratic class. So he was not prepared to give power to PNC apparatchiks to dictate to the professionals and managers in the state sector. Hoyte saw the disasters this policy brought under Burnham.

On assuming power in 1985, one of Hoyte’s priorities was the eradication of the doctrine of paramountcy of the party. These directions of Hoyte were responsible for the growing animosities between Hoyte and Hamilton Green. Jagan went right back to the old ways of Burnham where party politics became a dominant feature once more.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

NICIL sells 25 acres of land to MACORP One of the country’s biggest retailers of heavy equipment, Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP), is moving from its Providence headquarters.

The company, which has been around for more than 25 years, earlier this year purchased a 25-acre plot at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara.

There, the company plans to put down a training school and a new head office, among other things.

This was confirmed yesterday by Head (acting) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London, who was asked to explain the sale.

According to the Official Gazette of September 28, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, signed the order.

The order disclosed that one May 30, 2019, an agreement was signed between NICIL and Machinery Real Estate and Integrated Services Inc., located at 26 Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The property at Plantation Covent Garden comprises of 25.16 acres.

MACORP has been making significant inroads into the farming and mining industries with a large inventory of spare parts.

It has been making headway also in the areas of power generation and equipment for forestry.

However, one of the major areas it has been making its mark on is technical training and certification.

The Covent Garden lands will allow MACORP to move from its cramped Providence headquarters where parking and space had become a major problem.

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Man, who raped then abandoned teen, jailed for 18 years An unremorseful 41-yearold Morris Patrick Johnson was sent to prison for 18 years yesterday, three months after a jury found him guilty of raping a 12-year-old girl, whom he left stranded by the roadside after the act.

Johnson, a taxi driver and father of two, had initially denied the charge which alleged that between August 12 and August 13, 2017 in Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration with the underage girl. The convicted rapist was arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds yesterday for sentencing.

According to information, the young girl and some of her friends went to an event on the night of August 12, 2017, and were waiting on transportation to get home.

During that time they boarded a short drop taxi that was operated by Johnson.

It was reported that Johnson drove past the location his passengers were expected to get off.

While the 12-year-olds friends forced their way out of the car, she was not so fortunate. She was taken to an isolated area where she was raped, and then left on a bridge. She had to find her way home the next day. The minors parents were informed

by her friends about what had transpired; she was taken to the police. Thereafter, she was taken to the hospital where a medical examination confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted. Johnson was arrested and charged.

A probation report would tell of how Johnson grew up in a closely knit family and was able to complete his secondary education before taking on several jobs to sustain himself. His family members, including his mother, brother and reputed wife who is currently seven months pregnant, all indicated that he is a very hardworking and caring person.

His reputed wife, nevertheless, indicated to the probation officer that she is praying for the best. Prison officials, too, the probation officer said, had nothing bad to say about Johnson.

According to the probation officer, persons in Johnsons community spoke well of him, while others said that there were rumours circulating that he would indulge in similar activities.

The probation officer told the court that in a conversation with the rape survivor, the young girl revealed that she still gets nightmares of the incident

which has resulted in her being teased and taunted by her peers. Her mother, on the other hand, told the probation officer that her daughters academic performance has decline since the incident.

The young girl was bold enough to face her rapist who sat calmly in the prisoners dock. From the witness box, the teenager delivered an emotional statement on the toll the incident has taken on her life. She cried that the day her innocence was snatched away was the worst day of her life. She disclosed that society mocked and blamed her, and even some of her friends became enemies.

According to the rape survivor, at one point, she became very depressed and “attempted suicide over and over again.” She said that Johnson has diminished her image. “I see men as the worst creature on earth.”

Johnsons lawyer, Keoma Griffith, pleaded with the court to impose a light sentence, one that would see his client returning to be with his children.

To his family and common law spouse, Griffith said that Johnson is regarded “as a provider”. The lawyer also asked the court to consider that his client has an unblemished criminal record

CHILD RAPIST: Morris Johnson and cannot be seen as a menace to society.

However, State Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs lamented that even after being convicted by his peers; Johnson is still holding out that he is innocent.

Prosecutor Gibbs explained that Johnson has deprived the young girl of her innocence and the opportunity of deciding to whom she wanted to give her virginity, something she

stressed that is very sacred to a woman. Further, the prosecutor highlighted that as a result of what Johnson did, at a young age, the girl has developed a distrust and hatred towards the opposite sex.

The prosecutor, nevertheless, urged the court to impose a sentence that will serve as a deterrent since sexual offences are becoming more and more prevalent in society. She added that the

court needs to send a strong message that these sorts of acts will not be condoned.

In imposing the custodial sentence, Justice Reynolds told Johnson that he preyed on a young lady and her evident vulnerability. The judge further told the rape convict that he shattered the girls innocence and violated her integrity.

Johnson only becomes eligible for parole after serving 15 years behind bars.

Pensioners can buy groceries, other...

From page 7 need to uplift groceries and other items.

“Everybody [pensioner] has a little card, and on that card, you get your pension, and every single shop got a little card reader. So, you don’t even have to actually get the money in your hand.

If you want to, you can get it like that, but with this card every month your pension goes straight to the card then you could take the card and you could go around to the shops or the stores, because each of them will have one [card reader] and with just a

swipe that would be how you pay for your items,” Minister of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes, explained how the card is expected work.This is an advanced option of transacting business and is one of the most effective and efficient ways of spending money. It is practised in several countries across the globe.

Minister Hughes noted that this will be specifically convenient for pensioners in the hinterland and far-flung communities.

This option, which the

government is seeking to introduce, is said to be more convenient. Further, it will eliminate the need for senior citizens to be walking around with liquid cash upon receipt of their pension.

However, the Minister stressed that this would be optional as persons can still collect their pension in cash or have it transferred to the bank.

“I know for many people the distance you have to travel to collect your pension means you have to spend money for the minibus.

Because of that you don’t go to collect your pensions for two to three months.”

Minister Hughes made these remarks while engaging several villages in the North Rupununi. While there, she spoke specifically to the senior Indigenous Peoples.

She explained that the government is working towards ensuring that the Indigenous Peoples are treated with the highest level of respect.

Moreover, there is a continued push for Guyanese, as a whole, to experience the ‘good life’.

The announcement of the Public Telecommunications Minister comes on the heels of a similar disclosure made

by Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally, who had said that pensioners will be able to access their pensions at the bank of their choice starting 2020. (DPI)

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Sugar crop slides 35% behind schedule - unions alarmed over non-release of $30B bond proceeds Unions have expressed alarm about current production levels of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

According to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), along with the National Association of Agricultural and Commercial Industrial Employees (NAACIE), their representatives met with GuySuCo official on Tuesday.

The union said it was “most worried when it learnt that the ongoing 2019 second crop is, at this time, very much behind the corporation s production schedule. At this time, the industry is in the 7th week of the 18-week scheduled second crop.”

The unions said that they learnt that as at September 28, the Corporations aggregate second crop production reached 21,869 tonnes sugar.

“In keeping with the production schedule, sugar production ought to have reached 33,892 tonnes. Thus, GuySuCo, at that time, was in a deficit of 12,023 tonnes or was nearly 35 percent below its anticipated production.”

Albion Estate, in East Berbice, GAWU said it learnt since the commencement of the crop, the factory has been plagued by several breakdowns.

“Information reached the union (which) indicates that nearly a week of operations, so far, has been lost to various maladies that brought the factorys operations to a halt.

We understand that the issues that popped up are not in a particular section but have appeared in many of the various areas.”

According to the unions, it is indeed regrettable that just a few weeks after the crops commencement such issues are appearing recognising that maintenance would have been conducted during the out-of-crop period.

“In one instance, a breakdown resulted after one of the wire ropes that hoists cane into the factory burst. This issue, we heard, was drawn to the managements attention by the workers. Astoundingly, if our information is indeed correct, senior personnel of the estate told the workers to leave the rope and they would deal with the consequences later. Dishearteningly, what the workers warned happened not too long after they raised their concern.”

At Blairmont, the unions said, the factory had defective components, which are contributing to sugar losses.

“Again the workers, through their shop stewards, have raised their concern with the management which apparently is hamstrung from really alleviating the issue. Again, it brings into contention what was really done during the out-of-crop maintenance period.

“At Blairmont, too, the workers have expressed concern about the quality of canes available for harvesting. They have shared with the GAWU that cane yields were below estimates. This they lamented is one of the chief reasons for the lagging production at the estate.”

At Uitvlugt, while the estate, over the last two weeks, has managed to surpass its weekly production target, it

The situation with the sugar factories and its performance has the unions deeply worried.

still continues to experience difficulties with the factory.

“For the last few crops, the Uitvlugt factory has been plagued by several problems.

Extensive works which are said to be executed during the out-of-crop period, it seems, are not effective and we won-

der whether there is need for closer examination.”

The unions complained that the corporation when confronted with the situation will almost instinctively point out that its capital programme has been hamstrung by lack of finances.

President David Granger meeting with employees from the Albion Estate back in June.

“But, on this score, the GAWU cannot help but wonder about the utilization of the proceeds from the $30B bond? As far as we can recollect, it was intended to address this matter.

“We understand that notwithstanding public pronouncements that the apparent rift between NICIL-SPU and GuySuCo was being healed, the reality is that the chasms persist.”

“In fact, GuySuCo disclosed that its punt rehabilitation programme is being held up as NICIL-SPU is refusing to release funds to purchase the steel required.”

The unions said that the sugar industry is being conveniently, or maybe willfully, ignored by the powers-thatbe.

“There is now, with urgent need, a necessity to arrest the situation. The sugar industry has all the tools to

succeed. We need to properly marshal the industrys resources, know-how and most of all its workers to ensure its success. Of course, we hasten to point out that the industrys turnaround cannot be delinked from a motivated workforce which in this day and age is working for ratesof-pay last adjusted in 2014.”

Since coming to office in 2015, the Coalition Government has carried out an inquiry into the sugar industry and closed four estates, which it said were draining the economy.

Almost 7,000 workers were sent home.

GuySuCo, once producing over 200,000 tonnes per annum, is producing 100,000 tonnes now.

The situation has become a political hot-potato issue with the Oppositions base concentrated in sugar producing communities.

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Inter-Ministerial Committee launched for 50th Republic celebrations

A

n I n t e r Ministerial Committee has been launched to examine and discuss the proposed Calendar of Events for Guyana's momentous 50th Republic Anniversary celebrations.

The committee, led by Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, and Minister of Public Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s , Catherine Hughes, recently met in the boardroom of the Ministry of the Presidency.

The engagement, attended by representatives from the various Ministries, also included Dr. Paloma Mohamed, Deputy ViceChancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement (PACE) of the University of Guyana.

During the meeting Director of Culture, Ms. Ta m i k a B o a t s w a i n , presented the drafted calendar of activities.

A n u m b e r o f recommendations were made, including the installation of a time capsule, and extending invitations to international artistes of Guyanese Heritage such as Black Panther's Letitia Wright and singing sensation, Rihanna.

It was Public

The First Inter-Ministerial Committee for Mashramani 2020 in full swing at the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Minister, Catherine Hughes, who encouraged the committee to come up with “out of the box” ideas to celebrate Guyana's 50th Republic Anniversary.

“We could investigate the possibility of having the Black Magenta, the most valuable stamp in the world, which hails from British Guiana, visit Guyana,” Minister Hughes suggested.

She added, “We can also consider extending an invitation to Guyanese star

of the Black Panther movie, Letitia Wright, for her to open the drama festival and provide a motivational talk to young Guyanese,” Minister Hughes.

On an educational front, Minister Hughes suggested that the committee provide opportunities for young people to engage persons who were involved in the pre-colonial struggle for Independence.

Within the next two weeks, the Inter-Ministerial Committee will be finalising

a n u m b e r o f recommendations which will later be put to the Central Mashramani Committee when it is convened. Minister Hughes posited that Mashramani 2020 will be a momentous occasion for Guyana, and should therefore benefit

from the contributions of all Guyanese.

“At this time, it is important that we create and encourage an environment of peace, inclusion and compromise,” Minister Hughes said. In a bid to encourage public participation, the Ministry of

the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport has since extended a “Call for Submissions” for the logo, theme and jingle specific to branding the slated events during the festival period, as well as submissions for the National Film Festival.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 05, 2019

Food for the Poor donates 10 Nutritional Feeding Centres to Region Two Department of Education

Chief Executive Officer of Food for the Poor Guyana Inc, Kent Vincent and Department of Education (DOE) representative, Shaundell Hercules among pupils.

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ith the agenda to alleviate child hunger and increase the rates of school attendance in communities marred by poverty, Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. boosted the government's school feeding

programme, on Thursday, through a handing over of 10 Nutritional Feeding Centres t o t h e R e g i o n Tw o Department of Education.

Occurring at the Riverstown Primary School, Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. Chief Executive Officer,

collaborations with Food for the Poor,” said Hercules.

The Nutritional Feeding Centres are complete with kitchen, sink, cupboards and an area for the preparation of meals. Some of the other schools that benefited from this initiative taken by FFP are Lima Sands Primary, Lake Capoey Primary, Bethany Primary, Better Hope Primary, 8 th May Primary, Hampton Court Primary, Fisher Primary, Queenstown Primary and St. Johns Primary.

Over 1300 students enrolled in the ten schools will benefit directly from this initiative.

Food for the Poor

Kent Vincent, officially handed over the kitchenettes to the DOE's representative, Shaundell Hercules.

S t a t i n g t h e i r commitment to the growth and development of children and the education sector, Mr. Vincent stated that FFP will

A pupil partakes in the opening of one of the Nutritional Feeding Centres continue to support the initiatives such as the Hot Meal programme and are hopeful for future fruitful collaborations with the Department of Education.

Ms. Hercules thanked FFP for the continued

contribution to strengthening the feeding programme and school system.

“I know it will significantly benefit our children and we are looking forward to more

Guyana Inc. also has its own school feeding programme that began in 2005. During the last school term, approximately 360 students benefitted from daily nutritious meals in Regions Two, Four and Ten.

Remembering Cleveland Hamilton - Lawyer/Journalist/Broadcaster/War Veteran

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e would have been 100 years old on Thursday.

But on February 22, 1991, C l e v e l a n d Wy c l i f f e Hamilton passed from time to eternity. He was 71.

But in his lifetime Hamilton was infinitely more concerned about the health of his beloved nation and people, and as a literary genius, he chronicled the life and aspirations of his fellow Guyanese with love, sensitivity and wry humour in print and broadcast media to modest acclaim.

In celebration of his life, as a family, there is the view that Hamilton's contribution to the nation's education and culture was legendary. His works were stylistically and intrinsically instructive, and vehemently nationalistic.

Hamilton wrote the words of the 'Song of the Republic' in 1970, and the epic prize-winning poem in which he defied Venezuela's claim to Guyana - 'Lines for a Frontier' in 1981 -- in one paragraph of which this poet laureate wrote: “We will not give a mandate that you rape the boundary line so late, In time's twilight afternoon to do an autopsy on history, and exhume in the gloom, the wisdom of dead men” Those are but two of his epic works that come to mind. On radio, he communicated with a masterly flamboyant flair.

He however eschewed the trappings and traditional attitudes of greatness and success, and merely sought to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

This World War Two Royal Air Force veteran overdosed on those simple pleasures and nurtured a fascination for Guyana's natural beauty. Hamilton once wrote in a newspaper column – Sunday Chronicle circa September 1987, “The outstanding feature of the East Coast Demerara landscape is its proliferation of coconut estates. The vistas are spectacular, the swaying profusion majestic.”

His surviving 90-yearold wife Sheila, of Pennsylvania, USA, his sons C o s m o , Wa y n e , a n d Clifford; daughter Sharman, late son Stuart, grandchildren – proud lawyers, doctors, economists, and great grandchildren adored this modest icon.

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Saturday October 05, 2019

Army Lieutenant remanded on guns, ammo and ganja charges - Passenger released

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serving member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Thursday remanded to prison after being charged for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunitions and jointly charged with the passenger of his car who was granted bail for possession of narcotics.

Dominic Gilpin, 30, a Coast Guard lieutenant

on $250,000, bail

appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, where he was represented by Attorneys-at-law Latchmie Rahaman and Siand Durjon.

Gilpin pleaded not guilty to both charges which alleged that on September 30, 2019, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, he

had in his possession one .32 Taurus pistol and two .32 rounds without being a licensed firearm holder.

According to Gilpin's attorneys, their client left his car unattended for a few minutes while on Lombard Street to conduct business in a shop with the passenger still seated in the car. They informed the court that their

Granted bail: Paul Murray client usually leaves his car in the care of someone else when he's at work.

Remanded: Dominic Gilpin

They also stressed on the fact that since the arrest was made by the police, their client maintained his innocence and never gave any oral statement or signed any document as he is willing to prove that he is innocent of these charges.

Based on those grounds they made a bail application for Gilpin.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail based on the prevalence of the offence and the punishment it attracts.

Gilpin's attorneys bail application was later denied

by Principal Magistrate McGusty.

Paul Murray, 30, the passenger in Gilpin's motor vehicle at the time the police made the discoveries was jointly charged with Gilpin for the possession of narcotics.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on September 30, 2019, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, they had in their possession five kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-law Patrice Henry who represented Murray made a bail application for his client to be released on a reasonable amount of bail citing that he was only a passenger in Gilpin's car, in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman again objected to

bail being granted to both defendants based on the fact that the way the narcotics were discovered showed that the defendants had full knowledge and control.

According to reports, about 14:00hrs on the day in question ranks from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) acting on information received apprehended motor vehicle PXX 94 which was driven and owned by Gilpin. They asked to conduct a search.

The court then heard that during the search on the vehicle, which was being occupied by Gilpin and Murray, they discovered a gun and ammunition between the driver and passenger seats.

While searching the car trunk, when the carpet of the trunk was lifted up, a parcel of leaves seeds and stems suspected to be narcotics was discovered.

They two men were then cautioned, arrested and taken into custody where they remained before making their court appearance.

Principal Magistrate McGusty released Murray on $250,000 with conditions attached that he must lodge his passport and report to the Central Police Station every Monday at 09:00hrs.

However, Gilpin wasn't as fortunate since he was remanded to prison. Both defendants are expected to make their next cou r t appearance on October 16, 2019.

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

'Dirty rapist' jailed 17 years for kidnap, sexual assault that lasted hours New York- A self-described “dirty rapist,” who sexually assaulted a woman last year for hours at gunpoint on a Queens street was sentenced, Thursday, to 17 years in prison. After his arrest for the December 29 attack, George Persaud, 24, blamed drugs for his behaviour.

“I'm a dirty rapist,” Persaud said in a taped conversation with cops, according to a prosecutor. “That's clearly me. I guess I raped her.” Prosecutors said Persaud, of Ozone Park with his family, reportedly migrating from Guyana, approached a 40-year-old woman on 93rd Street in Jamaica shortly before midnight and displayed what appeared to be a firearm, according to the New York Daily News.

“Don't do anything stupid or I'll kill you," he told her, prosecutors said.

Cops said the attacker forced the woman to a secluded area, where he made her perform a sex act on him and raped her for hours in the back seat of her car.

She escaped when Persaud stepped out of the vehicle to relieve himself, and she used her spare set of keys to drive away.

Persaud was arrested a week later by cops who had video of the suspect walking in the area of the attack. According to court records, a palm print was retrieved from a window inside the victim's car and matched to the defendant.

“This is an offense that is every woman's worst nightmare,” said Queens Judge

CDB, PAHO moves to provide everyone with psychological first aid skills

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Jailed: George Persaud Richard Buchter. “The victim was repeatedly sodomised then raped by him, then locked in the back of her trunk and her keys taken away from her.”

Buchter said Persaud faces 15 years of supervised release after his prison sentence.

“The defendant's actions were disgusting and unacceptable in a civilised society,” said Acting Queens DA John Ryan. “The term of incarceration ordered by the court is appropriate and I hope gives the victim some comfort knowing he will be locked away for a long time.”

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he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have launched the virtual course in psychological first aid in disaster management in the Caribbean.

The course aims to equip volunteers, first responders and persons in the community with the skills to provide the initial response to people experiencing psychological distress after a crisis.

“Caribbean people are threatened every year by major storms and disasters.

This virtual course is made to provide everyone who wants to be active and help, with the necessary psychological skills to support people in the community and care for themselves as well,” said Dr. M a r i a Z i e g l e r, C D B ' s Operations Officer for Gender and Development.

“After a disaster, it is not only about building back

Oops!

This was the sight at a street in Vigilance Village, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday.

Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.

better. The Caribbean Development Bank is proud to be joining forces with the Pan American Health O rg a n i z a t i o n t o b u i l d resilience so that people are better prepared and can better cope tomorrow.”

The ten-hour, selflearning course is available free of cost on the Caribbean node of PAHO's Virtual Campus for Public Health at www.campusvirtualsp.org.

It covers understanding and providing psychological first aid, how to help responsibly, identifying people who need special attention, caring for self and colleagues, and practicing psychological skills.

Psychological first aid is a humane, supportive response to a fellow human being who is in need of support that everyone trained can provide.

Dr. Elisa Prieto, Advisor, Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, of the PAHO Caribbean Sub

regional Office, explained that this free virtual course is designed to help communities who go through these events with their long-term recovery.

“We wanted to offer a proven tool to support volunteers, first responders and community leaders in helping affected persons to feel safe, connected, calm and hopeful, with access to social, physical and emotional support and to feel capable of help themselves and their communities in the aftermath,” she said.

The campaign is part of a PAHO and CBD initiative to build capacity for mental health and psychosocial support in disaster management in the Caribbean.

The project has also set up a roster of mental health professionals from which PA H O a n d C D B c a n mobilise resources to affected countries in an emergency.

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Saturday October 05, 2019

Utilities' regulator 15-year-old hospitalised after opens Linden office 'Blacka' freak accident

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ublic Utilities Commission (PUC) has announced the opening of its new office in Linden on October 7, 2019.

The office is located within the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), 97-98 Republic Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden.

This location was selected primarily because it is central for both pedestrian and commercial traffic. It is situated in the business hub, and it is in close proximity to the market area, the press statement by PUC highlighted.

According to the statement, a successful outreach to the Linden community on March 22, 2019, where a number of complaints were filed with the Commission, the PUC determined it was necessary to further decentralised their offices to Linden.

The statement noted that this would be in keeping with its thrust and to better serve the community including the outlying areas of Kwakwani, Rockstone and other neighbouring areas.

Doors were open to the public in Port Mourant, Berbice by PUC and subsequently, the Commission had spread its wings from its statutory headquarters in Georgetown office at Garden Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

PUC is a multi-sector regulator with the responsibility for quality of service, tariff setting, the approval of development and expansion programmes of public utilities, facilitating access and interconnection and performing regulatory, investigatory, enforcement and advisory functions.

The PUC commenced its operations in 1990 and currently regulates the telecommunications (GT&T and Digicel), electricity (GPL) and water and sewage sectors (GWI). As a statutory body, it presently operates under the Public Commission Act, Number 10 of 1999.

Lads enjoying an afternoon swim

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ifteen-year -old Kennedy Duncan of 'B' Field Sophia is now a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he sustained injuries to the head while swimming into the Lamaha Canal, popularly known as the “Blacka” in 'B' Field Sophia.

Last Thursday, around 16:30 hrs Duncan and several of his friends went for an afternoon swim in the 'Blacka.'

However, upon plunging into the canal, Duncan hit his head

on what appears to be a piece of wood that was in the canal.

This resulted in him losing consciousness. After removing him from the canal Duncan friends laid him on a bridge and he was subsequently taken to the hospital to seek medical attention.

T h e t e e n ' s m o t h e r, Gwendolyn Duncan, told Kaieteur News that she is fully aware that her son cannot swim… However he would normally take several trips to the Blacka with his friends

who are all swimmers and they would enjoy the afternoon together.

Ms. Duncan further added that almost an hour after the boys left to go to the Canal, she received a call from one of her friends telling her to come to the hospital because her son is there.

“First I didn't think it was serious… so I went to the Blacka to see if I find Kenny and that is when some other people tell me that he knocked his head in the Blacka and a car done carry him to the

hospital.

When I reach at the hospital, they had already bandage up his head but he was not talking or anything.”

Ms. Duncan stressed that although persons in the community are fully aware that the Blacka is a popular swimming spot for persons in 'B' Field and surrounding community, there are still instances where persons would be throwing equipment and sharp objects into the water and this needs to be stopped.

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Minister Trotman meets with South Rupununi Development, National Toshaos Councils

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inister of N a t u r a l Resources, Raphael Trotman, held engagements with the South Rupununi Development Council (SRDC) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) over two days. The meetings began on Thursday.

The meetings served as avenues for the Councils to bring to the Minister, matters of concerns to be discussed and necessary solutions to be found on common ground.

The initial meeting with the SRDC sought to address the Government's policy on r i v e r m i n i n g a n d the protection of the key headwaters in the South Rupununi, status of the operation of the “Dragga” down Kuyuwini River, and the status of the Marudi Mediation Agreement Process.

The latter meeting with the NTC served to discuss the possibility for an

extension of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility's (FCPF) REDD+ Project.

This is an InterAmerican Development Bank funded project that aims at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, forest carbon stock conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries.

The project currently offers an immense amount of support to the Council.

In November 2018, the FCPF REDD+ Project advanced the furnishing and equipping of the NTC secretariat. Subsequently, there has been continued support and partnership in helping the Council to execute its mandate.

The REDD+ Project also supports some support staff of the NTC and rental of the building that houses the NTC Secretariat.

The project is scheduled

Meeting with the South Rupununi District Council to come to an end in December.

Minister Trotman highlighted that the project has done groundbreaking work in regards to the sustainable management and development of the country's forests with the inclusion of the Indigenous Peoples.

He went on to note the international recognition

given regarding the country's forest practices and the eventual release of funds from the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana.

The Minister said that as such it would be in the Government's interest that the project continues.

However, he said, if it does not, steps are being made to secure funding to continue

aspects of the project, particularly in regards to the continuation of financial and material support to the NTC. NTC Chair, Mr. Nicholas Fredericks, thanked the Minister for the support and considerations.

He also inquired of how best the Ministry could be incorporated in the upcoming National Toshaos

Conference 2019 to better interact with other Toshaos who will be present.

Minister Trotman noted that the Ministry will have a booth set up to address concerns and provide information and updates as needed, and will seek possible sideline interventions to address these.

Trini gets 5 years, six months for staging own kidnapping - mom faints in court

By Trishan Craig

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he fairytale story came to an end for the Trinidadian 'Rich Kid' who was accused of faking his own kidnapping as he was yesterday placed behind bars for the offence.

A frightened Sawak Maraj, 33, and a Chemical Engineer, stood before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

The Magistrate in her ruling said that after going through the entirety of the evidence led by Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess, she was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Maraj is guilty of the allegations.

The first charge against Maraj alleged that on October 27, last, at Georgetown, he knowingly gave false information to the police, stating that he was kidnapped and that his abductors demanded US$700,000 for his release.

It was further alleged that on the same day at Madewini Resort, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, Maraj conspired with other persons to negotiate to obtain a ransom

of US$700,000.

Maraj had pleaded not guilty to both charges and was released on $1M bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on his second court appearance, after spending three weeks on remand.

Late last year, the defendant was granted permission to leave the jurisdiction to return to his homeland. He has been showing up in court every time his matter is called.

Maraj, who had opted to give an unsworn statement, had told the court, “I am not guilty of these charges. Your worship, at no point did I agree with anyone to fake my kidnapping. All this time, I still believed that Abraham was a bona fide employee of Exxon, who was at the airport to facilitate as a recipient on Exxon's behalf,” Maraj noted.

He added that he was driven to several locations and that's when he realised that something was wrong.

He told the court that he was taken to a hotel and a cutlass was placed to his throat, and he was threatened.

“I became very afraid; I knew no one and I was very

confused. I was visibly relieved when the police came shortly after my captors had fled.”

In her ruling, the magistrate called Maraj's story a 'tall tale' as she stated it was filled with lies.

Firstly, she addressed the issue of the accused meeting with an individual whom he claimed was supposed to pick him up from the airport.

Even after contacting the person by phone, Maraj claimed that he was of the opinion that the individual was not the person he should meet. However, he still went along with the person.

She stated that when the defendant was taken to several locations, he was given multiple options to seek help or make an attempt to escape but he did not.

The magistrate added that based on the testimony of police officers who went on the intended rescue mission for the accused, Maraj was given more opportunities to escape from his alleged holding location.

The police had mentioned that the alleged abductors had left the room leaving the accused not bounded or gagged and also

JAILED: Sawak Maraj the room keys were left on a dresser in the very room.

Magistrate Azore indicated that Maraj had stated that in sending the ransom photo and details he had to assist the men to send the message since they did not know how to use Whatsapp.

Based on these factors, the magistrate found the accused guilty of the offences. She then instructed his attorney, Brandon DeSantos, to prepare to make a plea of mitigation.

At this point, the accused was shaking nervously and turning back and forth from his mother who was seated just behind him.

According to the attorney, Maraj is a welleducated individual and the actual victims of the offences are his family. He asked that the magistrate should take into consideration the fact that his client was never charged or convicted before and in future, he can be of good assistance to society.

The attorney went on to ask that the magistrate also consider the amount of monies spent from travelling back and forth from Trinidad for the court hearing and also the monies spent in Guyana.

However, in handing down her sentence, the magistrate stated that the incident called for a lot of

planning and it was clear that Maraj used his intelligence to carry it out.

She took the time to laud the police force for a job well done and for their actions in the matter. “They were mobilised and carried out their duties effectively.

Therefore, they must be praised.”

Given the actions of the accused, the magistrate stated that she was of the opinion he should receive the full penalties for the offences and even though he can be fined for one of his charges, she stated that she did not believe it will be equitable.

Maraj was sentenced to four years behind bars for conspiracy to kidnap along with 18 months for giving false information. The sentences will run consecutively which means he will serve them one after the other.

After receiving his sentence, the accused rushed over to his mother who started to cry as she said, “I am so sorry.”

As the magistrate stepped down from her bench, the police went over (continued on page 28)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

GECOM will lose credibility if the Secretariat is not kept in line Opposition Leader Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has contended that as a result of misleading press statements from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and flip-flopping on matters like the Claims and Objections period, the institution will lose its credibility.

He said that the Commission should call the police on

what appear to be rogue elements at the Secretariat.

He affirmed this during a press conference held Thursday at his Church Street, Georgetown Office, Georgetown. “The chairperson must now realise that the institution will lose credibility, if every single week they issue a press release which is

misleading and has to be corrected the next day, or orders which have to be subsequently corrected, “ Jagdeo stated. Most of these issues have been blamed on the Secretariat; its Public Relations Officer; and the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

He further added, “And

they not only mislead the entire country which could lead to an undermining of the Constitution and its standing and its impartiality itself, but it creates a ton of grief for people across this country.”

He pointed out that the consequent outcome entails that after one or two days later, or a week later, there is an abrupt change and time has been wasted to facilitate the change of provisions.

Jagdeo argued that both sides of the Commission agreed initially that the Claims and Objections period would be 35 (28+7) days, but this was changed a few days later in an order that provisioned claims and objections for 49 (42+7) days.

He said that the very order says that every registered voter must visit the registration office to verify their names on the list with use of their documents.

It stated that during the Claims and Objections period, every person whose name is on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) must visit the registration office in his area with their National Identification Card to verify his regis-

tration record in the Official list of Electors (OLE).

According to the new order, the Claims and Objections period would facilitate those persons who havent registered yet to do so.

Jagdeo said that this provision was worse than the House-to- House Registration.

It was recently reported that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, added extra days to the initially decided 35 days for the purpose of giving the electorate more time to have their claims and objections sorted out. He took this decision upon himself without the involvement of the Commissioners.

Jagdeo re-emphasised this issue and appeared to be pleased with the new order, which removed the requirement of verification of electors. The PPP leader noted that it was corrected in the order; that every Guyanese now does not have to go and verify their names, only those who are new on the voters list.

Jagdeo said that the 49day statement was reduced to 42 days instead of reinstating

the 35 days that the Commission agreed on.

He further added, “The three Commissioners plus the Chair voted to extend to 42 days, contravening an earlier decision that we agreed [to] and [thereby] accepting the principle that Lowenfield can change decisions of the Commission on his own.”

The Opposition Leader noted that the “rogue elements in the secretariat” are worrying.

He claimed that he found it strange that the CEO can change the decision of the board without consequences.

The PPP General Secretary put forward that the Commission should involve the police on some elements of the Secretariat.

During his address to the media, Jagdeo stressed that the PPP would keep a close eye on the activities of GECOM. It will not allow unverified data from the suspended House-to-House exercise to contaminate the database, during the claims and objections period.

“We are watching everything,” he said.

All Utility Companies should have Public Hearings to account for performance - PUC Chairman The Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) Chairman, Dela Britton, in an interview with Kaieteur Radio on Tuesday said that all utility companies must have public hearings to give account for their performances.

According to Britton, the only utility company that is required to hold public hearings to report on its performances is the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL).

This is because of an amended licence granted to company by the PUC in October 2010, which requires GPL to submit annually an Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT) to the commission. Those operating standards by which GPL has to abide, is in accordance with Section 25 (2) of the Public Utilities Act of 1999.

“It is mandated by Law and Licence…The PUC Act and the GPL licence that must be conducted that hearing

that exercise, that procedure must be conducted in March of every year,” said Britton The PUC was established by the Public Utilities Commission Act No.20 of 1990 as a regulatory body with the responsibility of overseeing Utility Companies in Guyana.

In Guyana there are three major Utility Industries namely Water, Electricity and Telecommunications. Under these Industries there are four companies that are currently operating in Guyana.

These Companies are the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Digicel, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL). However, the remaining Utility companies are not required to hold public hearings since the licences granted to these entities were not amended to have them report on their performances or operating stan-

dards. When asked by the interviewer if it is necessary to have Public Hearings by the remaining utility companies that are not obligated by its licences to do so.

She responded, “I think it’s a fabulous Idea I don’t know who was the vehicle behind that (of obligating GPL to hold public hearings). It is fabulous; it would keep everybody on their toes.” Britton also said that the Public Hearings would place these companies under scrutiny and the “microscope” which will cause them to up their game in performance and deliver the best service to its consumers.

The Public Utilities Commission’s functions are to regulate, investigate, set tariffs and improve development and expansion for these Companies and their consumers. The Commission is made up a Chairman, three commissioners, one secretary and 15 employees.

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

260 skilled youths graduate from industrial training The National Training Project for Youth Empowerment under Board of Industrial Training yesterday graduated 260 of Guyanas skilled and dedicated youths, who will now contribute to the countrys development.

The graduation ceremony, which was hosted at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, welcomed the youths who are now certified in welding, electrical installation, heavy-duty machinery, food preparation, computer repairs, and information technology after competing their four to six month courses.

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Social Protection, Mr. Shelton Daniels, said that he believes that the Board of Industrial Training has certainly developed an industrial passion, which would have allowed them to survive for 109 years.

“Training is an art and there is an art in training. With this view in mind, the opportunity arises to be equipped with the marketable skills in a variety of occupations,” he says, and adds that that obtaining skills cannot go unnoticed.

The programme for National Training for Youth Empowerment, has the competency based in the Technical

and Vocational Educational outlook, which aims to fill the shortage in entry level technical skills for both the private and public sectors.

The programme is currently being delivered in the ten administrative regions in Guyana, and its beneficiaries are the vulnerable youth.

“I am of the view that with prudent leadership at the national level, coupled with a proactive board, training would be intensive across the length and breadth of Guyana and all the trainers will benefit from the first class education system, whereby every child will be educated from nursery to university.”

President David Granger, during his keynote address, reiterated his pledge to invest in human capital to have a skilled workforce that will help in Guyanas transformation.

“We need persons like you to man factories and plants which will form part of our low carbon industrial complexes: to explore and exploit more efficiency our natural resources…

“We need skilled personnel to build our aerodrome in the hinterland, bridges, roads and stellings, to improve access to our country, particularly in the area west of the

Graduates of the BIT programme Essequibo,” he stated.

As Guyana positions itself for oil revenues, the monies must be utilised correctly and more importantly managed prudently and President Granger is committed to doing so.

While Guyanas petroleum revenue will be used to transform all of the nations sectors, the President reminded that it is vitally important that investments are placed on human capital.

“Government is committed to supporting programmes, especially programmes which can train workers to enter the digital market,” the President said.

Republic Bank works to correct restrictions in online transactions Republic Bank Limited (RBL), one of the more popular commercial banks in Guyana and the Caribbean region, has revealed that it is currently working to correct restrictions on online VISA transactions.

These admissions surfaces after a customer wrote via a letter to Kaieteur News on October 2, that he/she was dissatisfied with services offered at RBL, in the aforementioned regard.

In the letter titled, “Can someone look into this unfair and frustrating issue,” the writer stated that in May of this year, following a “compromised” system at RBL, restrictions were implemented on online VISA transactions.

Even though some five months have gone by, the customer emphatically revealed that those restrictions have not yet been removed.

In an attempt to rectify the issue, the customer explained that the only condition which card holders now had to proceed with was to make contact with a Trinidad and Tobago number that was provided.

The disgruntled writer

said, “I would like to state emphatically, that this telephone number does not work and the RBL is entirely aware of it.”

He/she further goes on to say that calls to the telephone number were rerouted to answering machines and placed on what was described as an “indefinite hold”. While advertisements were being played continuously, the customer claims that no one answers, regardless of how long one waits or the time number is called.

This predicament now unfortunately paves the way for customers to bare an extra cost, since there is no toll free number for the service.

Having encountered the “frustrating scenario”, the customer recounts that he made telephone contact with the RBL Water Street branch, but was told by a customer representative that the lengthy and costly phone calls were the banks policy and there was nothing that they could have done about it.

Manager of Marketing and Communications of Republic Bank, Ms. Michelle Johnson, ex-

plained to this publication that the restrictions were imposed to minimise recurrence of fraudulent activity when customers used the Republic Visa OneCard.

“These measures resulted in some legitimate online transactions being blocked,” Johnson said.

The Manager at the time was unable to reveal how many of those legitimate transactions impacted, as she adds that it is only established when customers contact the bank, and not all persons do complete that task.

Wi t h r e g a r d s t o t h e seemingly useless and alternative number that was provided, Johnson stated that earlier in this week, Republic Bank successfully concluded a testing for a toll free number (+592227-4725), but it would only apply locally.

The bank continues to work towards a permanent solution with the relevant bodies to have the imposed restrictions removed, Johnson admitted— keeping in mind, the safety and security of their valued customers.

However, she failed to specify when that would be completed.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Trini gets 5yrs, six months for staging...

From page 25 to the accused to whisk him away in handcuffs. His mother attempted to follow; however, she fainted and had to be assisted to a sitting position.

According to information, Maraj arrived in Guyana on October 28, last, via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

He reportedly left the airport in a taxi and was heading to a hotel on East Bank Demerara when he disappeared. It was a Guyanese who went to the hotel and made reservations for Maraj.

Shortly after the engineer left the airport, a photograph of him with someone holding a cutlass to his neck, was sent to his parents and other relatives in Trinidad and Tobago.

It was alleged that the 'kidnappers' threatened to kill their victim if the demanded ransom was not paid. The engineer's family immediately made contact with the Guyana Police Force and forwarded the photograph.

This newspaper was informed that local ranks were able to track the number that the 'kidnappers' used to make

contact with Maraj's relatives.

They were also able to trace the location where the call was made.Ranks were immediately mobilised from around Georgetown and sent to the location in a bid to rescue the 'victim.' On arrival at the hotel, they took up strategic positions.They were puzzled when they entered the room where the 'victim' was being held and found him relaxing on a sofa, drinking a can of fruit-juice. It was also noted that this is not the first occasion that he staged his own kidnapping.

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Waitress who allegedly beat man, jailed for stealing his phone FOR RENT Self contain rooms for working couple/single person $32,000 monthly,light & water. Lodge.

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A waitress who is charged for assaulting a man and then stealing his cell phone was yesterday found guilty for stealing the cell phone and she was sentenced for that offence.

Twenty-five-year-old Sherryann Marks, of Lot 123 Middle Road La Penitence, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 31, 2019, at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, she stole one Alcatel cell phone valued at $60,000, property of Collin Woolford.

During the hearing of the matter for the cell phone, the Magistrate ruled that there is sufficient evidence that Marks stole the cell phone and as such, she was sentenced to spend the next six months behind bars.

Public will be allowed to scrutinise...

From page 3 complete. The verification of this data is important to the Opposition and its supporters. People's Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, had opposed the exercise even before it started. He had urged his supporters to boycott the exercise. He had also sided with a legal challenge to the exercise.

Leading the challenge was Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. Even when the exercise was suspended by the Commission after the new Chair, (ret'd) Justice Claudette Singh (S.C.) was installed, Jagdeo and his party opposed the intended merger of the data with the National Register of Registrants (NRR). He had reasoned that because the PPP didn't send scrutineers as is typical, the integrity of the data is questionable.

On the other hand, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, filed an application for a Stay to be granted by the Chief Justice,

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The defendant, Marks, was also charged for using threatening behaviour. She was fined $10,000, for that offence since she pleaded guilty to that charge when she made her first court appearance. However, the charge that Marks assaulted the man trial is still ongoing and that ruling will soon be handed down.

According to information, the virtual complainant and the defendant are known to each other. On the day in question, they had a misunderstanding which caused the defendant to become annoyed. The result is that she dealt Woolford several slaps and cuffs around his body.

The court then heard that Marks used that opportunity to relieve the man of his phone.

40

Roxane George-Wiltshire, of the effects of her ruling on Ram's challenge to House-to-House Registration. Though she had ruled that the process is not illegal, her declaration that removing persons from the list should not be, caused Williams to appeal her ruling. He had told reporters, “There can be no question of the merger.”

The Commission had, later on, decided that it wouldn't merge the data in the way it had planned, as it decided to begin Claims and Objections before the encoding is completed, in the interest of saving time.

Alexander had said that the House-to-House data encoding would be completed during the Claims and Objections period, and that it would be used as a “comparator” in the process.

Shadick said that she is not concerned about whether the data is merged, she just wants to ensure that entries are not duplicated on the list.

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GPHC beefs up security as thieves roam hospital The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is beefing up security, in the wake of reports that thieves are reportedly roaming the facility and stealing from employees.

Credible sources at the institution yesterday reported that over the past weeks, staffers have been mysteriously losing valuables in various departments, and were at loss as to what was happening until the secretary of the CEO became a recent latest victim.

According to officials, the woman left the office on a lunch break and returned to find her working bag ransacked, and her cellular phone, cash and other valuables missing.

Hospital staffers reported that on the day this incident occurred, a Rastafarian man was observed entering the secretary’s quarters and exiting in minutes. He reportedly hurried along the hospital administrative block corridor.

An official indicated that most of the doors to offices in this departed have a sign that reads ‘Please knock and Enter”, and thieves have been taking advantage of this sign to seek out offices where the receptionists or secretaries might be away on other duties to enter and commit their crime.

This is made even easier since in most offices the receptionists, or secretaries operate in a small space at the front of these offices, which is not directly attached to the offices of managers. Hence, they are made to store bags and all other valuables in the said location, placing the items at easy access for the thieves.

Speaking to the CEO, Retired Brigadier, George Lewis, on the issue, he said that just recently the institution implemented new computerised security systems that would allow secretaries alone to open doors from within the offices, thus eradicating any form of free access by

GPHC, captioned as’ the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation outsiders.

He added that security personnel are also

Police Force makes more room for promotions, increased supervision Over the years, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been known to be divided into seven districts across Guyana. The divisions were lettered from A through to G. These areas were actually very wide with a single commander handling its day-to-day running, which wasnt easy. Many things tended to slip by. It was a tough job monitoring hundreds or even thousands of persons at any given time.

GPF after consultations with the British has finally decided to implement its “Regional Commander” initiative, with one of the main aims being to increase force supervision, hence revamping the Forces command structure.

A source close to the organisation said that the idea was being toyed with since the high-ranking officials of the Force had a consultation some time ago with the British, where one of the things put forward was ways to increase Force supervision.

As of September 30, last, there are ten commanders and each region will have a divisional headquarters as well. This will enable more promotional spots to be made available and the Force will be more efficiently able to utilize its manpower and effectively widen the platform for the elevation of ranks within the force.

Police Division Number One will be headed by Commander-Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum; Number Two will be headed by Commander- Woman Superintendent Crystal Robinson who formerly headed the now dissolved G Division.

Former Commander of G Division Senior Superintendent Linden Lord will head Region Three.

Police Division Number Four will be headed by three persons because of its large population; Assistant Commissioner and Commander of A Division Marlon Chapman will remain in control of the capital city, while Senior Superintendent

Kurleigh Simon will command the East Bank section and Assistant Commissioner Royston AndriesJunor will command the East Coast Demerara Section.

Additionally, Police Division Number Five will be commanded by Woman Superintendent Yo n e t t e Stephens. Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus will command Police Division Six. Police Division Seven will be headed by Former Commander of the now dissolved F Division Kevin Adonis.

Superintendent Ramesh Ashram will command Police Division Eight, Superintendent Keithon King will command Region Nine and Superintendent Courtland Winter, Region Ten. All of these newly appointed commanders will need deputies, assistants and station sergeants. In the coming weeks, the Guyana Police Force can definitely look forward to a number of promotions and additional placements.

manning these areas to lessen any cases of thefts in the various departments.

One official mentioned that thieves are visiting the facility under the pretext of

attempting to seek medical attention, or visiting patients, but are instead looking for an opportunity that may present itself for them to steal from staffers.

The hospital also plans to utilise the strength of the police outpost at the facility to ensure that the compound is rid of such menace.

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Saturday October 05, 2019

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

CJ sets Oct. 16 for ruling on order compelling Cabinets resignation

On Wednesday, October 16, Chief Justice Roxane George will rule on an application filed by former Attorney General and Opposition aligned lawyer, Anil Nandlall. He is asking the court to issue an order compelling Cabinet, including the President to resign in light of the No-Confidence Motion being passed against government as far long as December 21, 2018.

Yesterday, Justice George heard arguments on behalf of government which was represented by Attorney General Basil Williams and Solicitor General Nigel Hawke, both of whom are maintaining that Nandlalls application is an abuse of the court process.

Nandlalls lawyer, Kamal Ramkarran, is insisting that such an order is needed since the President continues to violate the Constitution.

The governments lawyers are contending that Nandlalls application is Res Judicata since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the nations highest court, has already made its pronouncement on the issue, and in doing so refused to grant coercive orders against Government to compel its resignation.

According to Hawke, what the CCJ said is that government remains in office, but on a different footing, in a caretaker status.

Justice Georges question to Ramkarran was whether a lower court, the High Court, can issue such orders against Government. Ramkarran replied, “Yes” and went on to explain that the CCJ erred when it omitted to issue an order compelling the resignation of Cabinet, including the President.

Ramkarran reasoned that the CCJ in excluding to grant such an order did not think that the political actors would violate the Constitution.

In this regard, he said that in light of the CCJ failing to do so, the High Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction in ensuring compliance with the Constitution, can make such an order against Government.

While the Chief Justice noted that her court has to be “cognizant of its place” she maintained that the election timeframe set out in the Constitution has already elapsed and it is now for Parliament to extend same.

She questioned her court s jurisdiction to issue an Order of Mandamus against Government, when the CCJ, though it was specifically asked to do so, refused.

Justice George, in essence, said that any ruling by the CCJ takes precedence over

Solicitor General: Nigel Hawke Chief Justice: Roxane George the High Court which should not do anything that would usurp or contradict the highest court of the land.

“Cabinet has a clear and unambiguous duty to obey the law,” Ramkarran contended.

The Solicitor General argued that if Ramkarran is of the view that the CCJ erred, he cannot come to the lower court looking for redress, he has to go back to the CCJ. He said that Ramkarran is basically asking the lower court to review a final decision of the CCJ. Hawke contended that Ramkarrans application is a clear attempt to turn the hierarchical structure of the judiciary “upside down.”

Ramkarran, nevertheless, concluded his arguments in stressing that there is a

continuing violation of the Constitution by the executive.

In fact, he submitted that with the successful passage of the No-Confidence Motion, there is no longer a Cabinet by operation law.

Apart from seeking an order compelling Cabinet, including the President resign as government was defeated on the successful passage of a No-Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly, in the alternative Nandlall is seeking a Mandatory Order compelling the Cabinet, including the President to give effect to the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President, which occurred by operation of law, consequent upon the government being defeated by the No-Confidence Motion pursuant to Article 106(6) of the

Attorney-at-Law: Kamal Ramkarran

Constitution.Further in the alternative, he is also seeking a Conservatory Order or an order restraining the Cabinet, inclusive of the President, from meeting, making decisions as, or performing the functions of Cabinet, consequent upon the Government being defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of no-confidence on the 21st

President David Granger

day of December, 2018, in accordance with and pursuant to Article 106(6) of the Constitution.Nandlall is also asking for such further orders that the court deems fit and costs.

As it is, Cabinet continues to meet and President David Granger has proclaimed that general and regional elections will be held on Monday, March 02, 2020.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Iranian women snap up tickets for World Cup qualifier

In this DPA file photo taken on Oct 16, 2018, Iranian women cheer for their team in the stands during an International Friendly soccer match between Iran and Bolivia at the Azadi Stadium.

Saturday October 05, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The fog has finally lifted and you're able to see clearly again.

Make sure you're awake and alert, because the gun is about to go off and the starting gates are about to open.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Draw your strength from your sense of self. There isn't another person like you, so capitalize on this and move forward in the way that only you can.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Light a candle and make a wish.

See the flame as a symbol of the transformation and passion within you. Your heart may feel restless. The flame flutters as a result of the passing wind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) At first you may be taken aback by someone's aggressive approach to people and situations, but then you may see that really, this person has something important you can learn from.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is a climactic time for you, and you may feel like your world is caving in. You may desperately try to hold the keystone in place so that the whole structure doesn't fall.

CANCER(June21–July22) Your mood should turn toward getting things underway. This may mean that you need to get certain things out of your way, including people.

Don't be afraid to take action as necessary in order to get your point across.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're on an emotional high. You feel like a soaring eagle. Your behavior may seem rather primal and animalistic, but this is fine.

See where this instinct takes you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may be asking, "Why me?" in almost every realm of your life today. For some reason it seems that everyone but you has exactly what they want. Perhaps you're just being too picky.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Gifts of pleasure could be bestowed upon you with little or no effort on your part. Regardless, it may be hard for you to sit still, since just about everything seems to be going your way.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You might be put off by other people's comments.

You'll find their behavior rude. You may break from your normal good manners and start to lash out at people around you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Get things started. You have many fantastic ideas. Really, the hardest thing for you now is to choose which one to pursue first.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your heartstrings may not feel particularly strong, and this situation isn't likely to get any better today when you find that people are insensitive to your situation.

This isn't a good time to rely on others to pick you up.

Reuters - Iranian women have snapped up tickets for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Cambodia in Tehran after they were released for sale via a website.

Iranian authorities had assured world governing body FIFA that women would be allowed to attend the game and have set aside sections of the stadium for women.

The semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA said the 3,500 tickets allocated for women sections sold out within minutes of going on sale yesterday morning. FIFA told Reuters it had been informed a total of 4,600 tickets for women would be made available in the initial batches but that it expects more to be put on sale to meet the demand from female fans.

A spokesman for the organization said FIFA would be sending a delegation to the Azadi Stadium in Tehran to monitor the access for women. An activist with the group “Open Stadiums” which campaigns for Iranian women to be able to freely attend matches, said tickets for the game at the 78,000capacity venue had gone on sale early on Friday (yesterday) morning and were sold via a website in small blocks.

The activist said the tickets went on sale without any announcement from the Iranian Football Federation and news of their availability only reached women via social media. “It was quite a chaotic situation,” she told Reuters.

The group welcomed the sale but said it was concerned that women only sections stopped mothers taking their

Djokovic needs just...

From page 33 home favourite Taro Daniel 64, 6-0 to reach his first Tour semi-final since Budapest last April. Opelka booked his first Tour last-four spot with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Japanese qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama.

In Beijing, Stefanos Tsitsipas produced an impressive performance to beat American John Isner 7-6 (3), 6-3 in 73 minutes. He will next play second-seeded German Alexander Zverev, who came through his lasteight encounter against Sam Querrey of the United States 7-6 (3), 6-2.

Earlier, Andy Murray’s China Open came to an end at the hands of top seed Dominic Thiem. The Austrian saw off the former world No 1 in straight sets to tee up a semi-final clash with Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

sons to matches and that it was also unclear how women with disabilities would be accommodated.

At Iran’s friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces. A female Iranian fan died last month after setting herself on fire to protest against her arrest for trying to enter a match.

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed “Blue Girl” for the colors of her favorite team Esteghlal, died in hospital after her selfimmolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months after trying to attend the match disguised as a man.

Khodayari’s death caused widespread outrage in Iran and internationally, prompting calls on social media for Iran’s football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA. Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on FIFA to reject restrictions on how many women could attend.

“Iran’s ban on half the population attending football matches has led to women and girls risking arrest, jail, and even their lives to challenge it,” said Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global

initiatives in a statement.

“Any concessions by FIFA to limit the number of women who can attend stadiums only empowers Iran’s hardliners who have ... (kept) discriminatory restrictions in place,” Worden added.

FIFA sent officials to Tehran last month to discuss preparations for Thursday’s match including allowing access to women to the stadium. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams have been playing since shortly after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

There were signs the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November, a match attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

But female fans have been denied access to matches since.

FIFA says it wants Iranian authorities to allow women access not only to World Cup qualifiers but to all games in the country.

Saturday October 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Springboks cruise to victory Barty through to Beijing semis, Osaka ends Andreescu’s win streak against the Italians to virtually book place in RWC quarters

Reuters - World number one Ash Barty battled back from a set down to beat Czech Republic’s seventh seed Petra Kvitova 4-6 6-4 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals of the China Open in Beijing yesterday.

French Open champion Barty, who had been beaten twice by Kvitova in Australia earlier this year, fired nine aces and converted three of six break points to win the encounter. “That was one of the highest quality matches I played all year,” Barty told reporters. “Petra always has a way of bringing out the best in me, she really does.

“From both of us, I think the level was incredible.

Regardless of winning or losing, I think I’d be sitting here with the exact same perspective, kind of the same feeling of the match afterwards.”

Although Kvitova, a twotimes Wimbledon champion, fired 36 winners to Barty’s 31, her unforced error count of 28 proved to be her downfall.

The Czech saved three match points when Barty served for the match at 5-3 in the decider but the Australian fought back to deuce and then fired a crosscourt forehand winner to move into the tournament’s semis for the first time in her career.

Barty will face eighth seed Kiki Bertens, who upset third seed Elina Svitolina 7-6(6) 6-

Naomi Osaka beat US Open holder Bianca Andreescu 5-7 6-3 6-4 in a thrilling encounter.

2. In another battle of Grand Slam champions, Japan’s Naomi Osaka beat U.S. Open holder Bianca Andreescu 5-7 6-3 6-4 in a thrilling encounter, ending the Canadian’s 17match winning streak to book her place in the semi-finals.

“I forgot how it felt and honestly it sucks, I didn’t miss it,” Andreescu said after her first loss since the Miami Open in March and her first loss against a top 10 opponent.

“Hopefully that was fun.

“I think we’re going to have many matches like this. Our game styles are pretty

different, but they level up pretty equally.”

Osaka fired 10 aces, 31 winners and won 78% of her first service points in a seesaw encounter that had a total of 11 breaks of serve. She will play defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, who beat Russia’s Daria Kasatkina 6-3 7-6(5).

Osaka became the fifth player to qualify for the season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen after Barty, Karolina Pliskova, Wimbledon champion Simona Halep and Andreescu.

Djokovic needs just 50 minutes to overcome Pouille and book place in Japan Open semis MailOnline - Novak Djokovic needed just 50 minutes to book his place in the semi-finals of the Japan Open. The world No 1, competing in his first tournament since withdrawing from last month’s US Open with a shoulder injury, secured a 61, 6-2 victory over Frenchman Lucas Pouille.

The 32-year-old will face third seed David Goffin for a place in the final after the Belgian saw off Chung Hyeon of South Korea in straight sets.

‘It was definitely one of the best matches I’ve played this year,’ said Djokovic, who is hoping to ended the year as world No 1 for a sixth time.

‘I served well, served many aces, returned a lot of Lucas’s serves back and just used every opportunity to come in.

Overall, it was a really flawless performance.’

MailOnline - South Africa ran riot against 14-man Italy to secure a 49-3 victory in their World Cup Pool B encounter in Shizuoka. The impressive Cheslin Kolbe scored twice while Bongi Mbonambi, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, RG Snyman and Malcolm Marx also got on the scoresheet in a comprehensive victory.

Italy spent the majority of the second half with 14 players after loosehead Andrea Lovotti was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Duane Vermeulen.

The seven-try victory takes South Africa to the summit of Pool B and all but ensures their place in the quarter-finals. However, a late injury to star man Kolbe soured a good night. The defeat marks Italy’s first of the competition and they will now have to beat New Zealand to

stand any chance of progression to the knockout stages.

South Africa, who bounced back from defeat to the All Blacks with a strong showing against Namibia, were ahead inside five minutes of yesterday’s fixture.

Following fine forward play by the Springboks, Kolbe found himself in space before skipping into the corner.

With 26 minutes gone, Mbonambi added a second after South Africa won the line-out and the hooker went in from a metre out. Italy remained in contention at the interval, trailing 17-3, but any chance they had of a comeback were put to bed following Lovotti’s dismissal with just two minutes of the second half gone.

Lovotti and team-mate Federico Zani combined to lift Vermeulen in the air before

dropping him headfirst to the ground. Referee Wayne Barnes showed Lovotti the red card, and Zani could count himself fortunate to escape without punishment.

The floodgates opened, with Kolbe doubling his tally after 53 minutes when he pounced on Handre Pollard’s delightful cross-field kick. Am then ran over following a frenetic moment of play to earn South Africa’s second bonus point in as many matches, before Mapimpi scored his 11th try in 11 outings for the Springboks.

With Italy continuing to tire, replacement forward Snyman dived over with four minutes left. Marx then scored in stoppage time to complete the win. The only negative for South Africa came when Kolbe went down with an injury to his left leg in the closing stages.

Murray’s impressive China Open run ends as former world No 1 suffers respectable defeat to Thiem MailOnline - Andy Murray came up short when playing his first world top five opponent in well over two years, but was still heartened by the latest stage of his singles comeback. The double Wimbledon champion went down 6-2, 7-6 to Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the quarter final of the China Open — a match brimming with high- class rallies.

Murray then admitted that his desire to play more attacking tennis in order to preserve his body had left him in two minds when facing a fired-up player ranked No 5.

‘I was a little bit unsure how

to go about the match at the beginning,’ said Murray. ‘I was feeling a little bit tired in the morning. We talked about maybe “If you are feeling that way, try to finish off some of the points quicker”. I went a bit off track there at first in terms of how I was playing.

The week overall was good.’

Murray, who came into the net and teed off on his forehand, is still trying to perfect a method that will avoid him getting sucked into too many gruelling baseline battles. He did beat world No 13 Matteo Berrettini earlier in the week and is now halfway through a run of four

tournaments that next sees him play the Shanghai Masters.

One player he will not be seeing in Shanghai is Rafael Nadal, who on Friday confirmed that he is pulling out of the final Chinese event.

The official reason cited was continuing problems with his hand and wrist, although the US Open champion has had longstanding plans to get married during this relatively quiet month to fiance Xisca Perello. He is still expected to come back at the Paris Masters in time for the ATP Finals at the 02 Arena in November.

Novak Djokovic is through to the Japan Open semi-finals after a comfortable victory.

Djokovic was unable to complete his fourth-round match against Stan Wawrinka at Flushing Meadows, but the Serb has not dropped a set in Tokyo this week. He will now take on Goffin following the Belgian’s regulation 6-2, 6-2

win over Hyeon.

Australian John Millman will face America’s Reilly Opelka in the other semi-final after both men came through their respective matches in straight sets. Millman beat (Continued on page 32)

Thiem (left) and Murray shake hands at the net, and now the Brit will move on to Shanghai.

PAGE 36

Saturday October 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Gardiner mines gold for Bahamas, Clayton strikes bronze for Jamaica Doha, Qatar, CMC – Steve Gardiner lifted the spirits of Bahamians with a convincing victory in the men’s 400 metres at the IAAF World Championships yesterday.

It was one of two medals for the English-speaking Caribbean on the seventh day of competition at the Championships, following up a bronze for hurdler Rushell Clayton of Jamaica in the women’s 400 hurdles which was won in a world record time by American Dalilah Muhammad.

Weeks after Hurricane Dorian deviated parts of his homeland, the 23-year-old Gardiner, whose last 400 defeat came when claiming silver at the 2017 World Championships, bided his time before unleashing a devastating burst of speed over the last 150 metres to blow away his rivals and set a national record of 43.48 seconds.

Gardiner’s grandmother’s wooden house was flattened

by Hurricane Dorian and his

father’s home was also badly damaged, but those painful thoughts were quickly wiped away, as he gushed following his triumph.

“I went through the rounds perfectly,” he said. “I can’t believe I am a world champion. I was born in the Caribbean and everyone did their best (in this race). It feels pretty good. It’s so big to win two medals (the other being fellow quarter-miler Shaunae Miller-Uibo) for the Bahamas after the hurricane. We did it for our country.”

Pan Am Games champion Anthony Jose Zambrano of Colombia lowered his personal best of 44.55 set in the heats to record a South American record of 44.15 for silver.

Fred Kerley, who recorded a time of 43.64 to win the American title in July, had to settle for bronze in 44.17.

Jamaica’s Demish Gaye trimmed 0.09 from his personal best to record 44.46 for fourth, 0.08 clear of Grenada’s former World 400 champion Kirani James, who will draw huge encouragement at his return to the big time.

Kenya’s Emmanuel Korir earned a respectable sixth in 44.94 with Machel Cedenio of Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica’s Akeem Bloomfield, clocking 45.30 and 45.36 respectively, completing the final order.

The 26-year-old Clayton had to settle for third in the women’s 400 hurdles with a personal best time of 53.74 secs, as American Dalilah Muhammad broke her own world record to win with a time of 52.16, edging out her compatriot Sydney McLaughlin in a gripping race.

Clayton and other competitors were hardly a factor in the race, as Muhammad dominated, but finished only slightly ahead of silver medallist McLaughlin. Muhammad had a narrow lead over the first 100 of the race before extending her advantage, as they came through the second bend.

The two Americans opened up a large gap on the rest of the field in the second half of the race and McLaughlin, aged 20, just failed to catch her compatriot, settling for second in 52.23.

The Bahamas’ Steve Gardiner (right) celebrates winning the men’s 400 metres at the IAAF World Championships yesterday in Doha, Qatar.

Also pictured, fourth-placed finished Demish Gaye of Jamaica.

The 29-year-old Muhammad, the 2016 Olympic champion, crossed the finish line 0.04 faster than the previous world record she set at the American trials in July in Iowa.

In other results, Jamaica’s men crashed out of the 4×100 relays in the heats, but the

women’s advanced to the final. The Jamaican men, comprising Oshane Bailey, Yohan Blake, Rasheed Dwyer and Tyquendo Tracey, clocked 38.15 and finished fifth in first heat and were unable to book one of the two non-automatic spots.

The Jamaican women, anchored by Natasha Morrison and comprising newly-minted World 100 champion Shelly-Ann FraserPryce, Natalliah Whyte and Jonielle Smith, finished in 42.11 to win in the second heat to automatically qualify.

IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019

Muhammad breaks world record as Barshim and Kipruto retain titles IAAF - This was the night it all came gloriously together at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019.

Home hope Mutaz Essa Barshim retained his high jump title amid thunderous acclaim from a full stadium, Conseslus Kipruto retained his 3000m steeplechase title in a stupendous finish – and Dalilah Muhammad improved her world record in the women’s 400m hurdles, holding off US rival Sydney McLaughlin in 52.16.

Barshim was the poster boy for these championships as soon as they were fixed on Doha, but ruptured ankle ligaments ruined his competition last year and the man who stands second on

the world all-time list with 2.43m had arrived for the big home event having competed only three times this year, with a best clearance of 2.27m.

With two authorised neutral athletes, Mikhail Akimenko and Ivan Ilyuk, and Maksim Nedasekau of Belarus accompanying his soaring and seamless progress through the heights, Barshim hit a pinch point at 2.33m, which he cleared –to ear-buzzing general approval – at his third and final attempt before making 2.35m at his first attempt.

Akimenko and Ilyuk responded with their own first-time clearances at 2.35m to send the competition spiralling up to 2.37m – which

Yaime Perez, discus throw champion (AFP/Getty Images)

Barshim cleared first time again. Form is temporary; class is permanent. Qatar had a gold to add to their earlier bronze through 400m hurdler Abderrahman Samba.

With that effort the gold was retained. Neither of his opponents looked remotely like matching him, and Akimenko took silver on countback, with Nedasekau finishing fourth with 2.33m.

Muhammad had no option but to set a world record if she wanted to withstand the driving finish of her 20-yearold US rival.

The latter was rewarded with silver in 52.23 – just three hundredths of a second off Muhammad’s original record – after a performance that hinted at riches to come in future years.

“This means so much”, said Muhammad, the 29year-old Olympic champion who, at the US Championships in Des Moines, bettered the 2003 world record of 52.34 set by Russia’s Yulia Pechonkina, recording a time of 52.20.

Like Barshim, Kenya’s Olympic and defending steeplechase champion Kipruto was returning after serious injury – in his case one which had delayed his season’s debut until the end of August, when he had finished fifth at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in

Dalilah Muhammad’s second world record scoreboard of 2019 - IAAF World Championships Doha 2019 (Getty Images) © Copyright Paris.

The small combative figure of Kipruto had already shown his spirit was undiminished in qualifying for the final, taking time during his race to tell off an Ethiopian rival for bumping him, and a Kenyan rival for doing whatever it was he knew he shouldn’t be doing...

At the end of a pulverising final lap, Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali had settled for bronze, which he duly collected in a season’s best of 8:03.76, and the gold was destined either for Ethiopia’s leader down the straight, Lamecha Girma, or the little figure dogging his steps.

As he staggered on

landing after the final barrier, it seemed that Kipruto had taken on too much this time.

But he stirred himself for one more desperate drive, and while he appeared to cross the line exactly level with the Ethiopian, one somehow knew that he would have the edge.

He did – champion by one hundredth of a second in 8:01.35 – the fastest time run this year. In a men’s 400m final rendered intriguingly open by the power failure suffered in the semi-finals by event favourite Michael Norman, Steven Gardiner came home to claim gold emphatically in a Bahamian record of 43.48 ahead of Colombia’s fast-finishing

Anthony Zambrano, who earned silver in a South American record of 44.15.

Fred Kerley, winner of the US trials ahead of Norman, slipped from silver to gold in the final metres, clocking 44.17.

In the women’s discus final there was an expected triumph for the Cuban who has ruled the circle this season, Yaime Perez.

The Diamond League champion, who tops this year’s standings with 69.39m, responded in champion fashion after her compatriot Denia Caballero had seized the lead off her with a fourthround effort of 68.44m. Next round – 69.17m. Boom. Job done.

Saturday October 05, 2019

PAGE 37

Kaieteur News

Windies debutants Gajnabi and Grimmond makes donation to RHT Thunderbolt Flour Team; Pensioners treated The Rose Hall Town Metro Female Cricket team, Guyana’s lone female team was established in 2008 with the main objective of nurturing the talent of female players in Berbice and Guyana.

The club has produced Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings for the West Indies and in September 2019, Sheneta Grimmond along with Shabika Gajnabi made their club proud by becoming the 3rd and 4th members of the team to play international cricket.

Metro Office and Computer Supplies has been the official sponsor of the team since its formation and has pumped over $1.5M over the years to develop female cricket talents. Grimmond and Gajnabi both joined the RHTY&SC MS over eight years ago and have developed their skills under

the watchful eyes of Campbelle, Giddings and the club’s cricket management group headed by veteran administrator, Robby Kissoonlall.

They both have represented Berbice and Guyana at the Under-19 and senior levels. Gajnabi also successfully led Guyana to Under-19 Championship glory in Trinidad. The West Indies players expressed their gratitude to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club on Thursday last by donating a laptop computer.

The $110.000 computer was handed over to the Clubs Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu by Gajnabi at their Area ‘H’ Ground Office.

The promising all-rounder stated that she and Grimmond would forever be grateful for the vision of the club in establishing a female team, which allows females to fulfill

their personal dreams.

She noted that she is now a West Indies player because of the RHTY&SC and Metro’s visionary planning and financial investment, respectively. Naidu, who received the donation on behalf of the club Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the players.

He stated that the computer would assist him in his duties to keep records of club assets, players performance, updating their Facebook page and the issuing of media releases.

Foster also said that it is always pleasing to Management when players remember where they came from.

He told both players that the club was very proud of them and wished them success in the future.

Meanwhile members of the Club’s NAMILCO

Shabika Gajnabi hands over computer to Simon Naidu.

Thunderbolt Flour First Division team treated over two hundred old age pensioners to breakfast as they waited to uplift their October pension.

The players led by Organising Secretary Robby Kissoonlall and Assistant

Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu treated the pensioners with a cup of hot tea, cold drinks, sandwiches, a variety of fruits, biscuits and a cup of NAMILCO Wheat up porridge.

The programme is the first of several Personal Development Projects that

the team would host under the Thunderbolt Flour brand.

Other programmes would include a medical outreach, hampers for senior citizens, youth inspiration forum, anti drugs posters, feeding of the poor and school bags for less fortunate students.

History Created! Warriors clinch perfect performance with 10th win - Unbroken 85-run stand between Pooran & Malik sink TKR to 4th spot Since 2013, when the Hero CPL was inaugurated, no team has won all 10 preliminary games and last night, backed by a noisy sold out crowd at Providence, Guyana Amazon Wa r r i o r s continued their dominant performance when they defeated three-times champions TKR by seven wickets.

Playing in their own b a c k y a r d t h e Wa r r i o r s could not ask for better support as a sea of Yellow Wa r r i o r s f l a g s w e r e joyously waved as the fans in the stands had a rollicking time as they danced to pulsating music from sound system and the sweet rhythms of the Tassa drummers.

They condemned TKR to fourth position after losing their last four matches while the Warriors will face-off with second placed Barbados Tridents in second play-off from 15:30hrs tomorrow after the defending champions oppose St Kitts & Nevis Patriots at 11:00hrs, also tomorrow.

The Warriors’ victory was orchestrated by an outstanding bowling performance from part-time left arm spinner Chanderpaul Hemraj (3-15 from 4 overs) and frugal spells from the other bowlers as they restricted TKR to 143-5 despite 43 from 40 balls with two fours

and two sixes from Colin Munroe.

Skipper Kiron Pollard, who made 36 from 27 balls with four furs and a six, added 39 with Munroe for the fifth wicket while Lendl Simmons made 30 from 24 balls with three fours and a six at the top of the order.

The 37-year-old Shoib Malik again showed his class with cultured unbeaten 28 from 29 balls with two fours and along with man-of-the-match Nicholas Pooran, who hit five fours and three sixes in 54 not out, added 85 in an unbroken fourth wicket partnership.

Brandon King also made 33 from 23 balls with seven fours to help lift the Warriors to 144-3 in 18.4 overs. Warriors asked TKR to bat on a slow track and fast outfield and Simmons got going with two boundaries off Hemraj who opened the bowling before he capitalised on a free hit f r o m I m r a n Ta h i r a n d deposited over mid-wicket for six.

Jevon Searles (1) missed a big swipe and was bowled while Denish Ramdin played back to one that kept low and was also bowled for duck as Hemraj struck twice in his second over as TKR slipped to 182.

Simmons dumped a full toss from Chris Green for six before he was bowled to a ball that skidded through

and kept low from Hemraj and had his stumps rattled at 41-3 in the seventh over.

Dwayne Bravo joined Monroe who dumped Malik for six to post 50 in the seventh over. Bravo (9) punched Green past cover for four but never suggested promanence and hit Malik ‘miles’ into the night sky for Shimron Hetymer to take the swirling catch at deep midon as TKR slipped to 63-4 from 10.5 overs.

Pollard was intent on coming forward to the spinners and the lefthanded Munroe who was dropped on 21 off Oden Smith. Munroe capitalised on his luck and lofted Tahir for six before swatting Smith like a bullet past midoff for four while an edged boundary from Munroe off Ben Laughlin brought up the 100 in the 17th over before he was taken at long-on in the same over at 102-5.

Pollard then ended the over which cost 14 with boundary while Jimmy Neesham on-drove a full toss from Laughlin in the penultimate over. Pollard backed away and smashed Smith over extra cover for consecutive sixes in the final over.

Brandon King began the Warriors’ reply with a gorgeous cover driven boundary off the first ball before another King boundary finished off the

over from left arm spinner Akeal Hossain which cost 10 runs.

Hemraj hit Chris Jordon, on his birthday, for six before King give himself room and played a majestic back foot punch for another four to pass 300 runs in the 2019 CPL and repeated the shot for the same result as the Warriors started confidently.

Hemraj (12) pulled one that ‘got big on him’ from Ali Khan to deep midwicket at 35-1 before King ended the power-play with back-to-back boundaries to push the score to 43-1.

Shimron Hetmyer got going with a boundary and the capacity crowd roared before King brought up the fifty with another four.

But when well set for his fifth half-century of the tournament, King was LBW off an inside edge for 33 at 53-2 to bring Skipper Shoib Malik to the crease.

Hetmyer (9) well taken at short cover by Simmons off Khary Pierre at 59-3 in 9.5 overs before rain stopped play.

When play resumed at 23:15hrs with no overs lost, Malik continued his clinical exhibition great shot selection, rotation of strike and finding gaps.

Pooran pulled Akeal Hossain for six before Malik, on the back of an unbeaten 73 on Thursday, elegantly cut Pollard for four as the partnership

Chandrapaul Hemraj picked up three wickets for the Warriors. progressed nicely. Pooran brought up the 50 stand with a straight six off a Neesham free-hit and followed it up a sumptuous cover driven boundary.

Malik stroked Jordon gloriously for four while Pooran deposited Jordon

for six and smashed Ali Khan for four to post his 5th fifty and closed off the game with another four as t h e Wa r r i o r s w o n w i t h ease; their fans left the Stadium with smiles as broad as the Essequibo River.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – East Bank FA

Seven matches set for this weekend; Grove Hi Tech in pole position A total of seven (7) matches would be contested in the East Bank Football Association leg of the GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League this weekend at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Today, three matches would be contested from 12:00hrs when Herstelling Raiders face Samatta Point/ Kaneville followed by a clash between Grove Hi Tech and Mocha Champs from 14:00hrs. The final match today will see Diamond United taking on Swan Football Club of the Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Tomorrow from 09:00hrs, Grove Hi Tech will be in action once again, this time against Timehri Panthers ‘B’.

Friendship All Stars will then oppose Swan FC from 11:00hrs; Samatta Point/ Kaneville comes up against Mocha Champs from 13:00hrs with the final match of the day from 15:00hrs bringing together Timehri Panthers ‘A’ and Agricola Red Triangle.

Meanwhile, in latest play from Sunday last, Grove Hi Tech edged Agricola Red Triangle 3-2 in a humdinger of a clash. Rasheed Evans had given Grove the lead in the 30th minute but Brian Lambert netted twice for Agricola in the 37th and 58th minute to draw them level and then take the lead.

But Grove fired back in like manner when Orwin Hunte equalised in the 60th minute before a well placed shot from Samuel Garnett seven minutes later ensured that Grove Hi Tech walked away with full points.

Timehri Panthers ‘B’ and Samatta Point/Kaneville battled to a 2-2 draw. Panthers ‘B’ got their goals from Alvin Heralall in the 28th minute and Joel Williams in the 55th.

Samatta Point/Kaneville’s

Grove Hi Tsech’s Samuel Garnett in control against Agricola Red Triangle on Sunday last.

Samuel Garnett misfires on a volley for Grove Hi Tech in their clash against Agricola Red Triangle on Sunday last.

goals came off the boot of Dustin Ifill 18th and Denzel Garraway in the 40th minute.

Diamond United were in ripping form in their clash against Soesdyke Falcons, winning 9-0 on account of a helmet-trick from Romeo Bradford (7, 19. 34, 46), a hattrick off the boot of Devil Gentle (24, 55, 70) while there was one each for Daniel Da Costa (43) and Ronaldo Grant in the 57th minute.

Mocha Champs and

Herstelling Raiders took full points via the walk over route since there opponent, Swan, did not show up.

On Saturday, Samatta Point Kaneville trounced Soesdyke Falcons 6-0, thanks to a brace each from Kareem Richmond (32nd, 51st) and Denzil Garraway (36th, 40th)’ there was one apiece for Kareem Richmond (59) and Dustin Ifill (65).

Timehri Panthers ‘B’ won by walk over from Friendship All Stars.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 League – East Bank FA Points Table Team P W L D GF GA GD Pts Grove Hi Tech 8 8 0 0 51 5 46 24 Timehri Pantners ‘A’ 9 8 1 0 47 5 42 24 Mocha Champs 8 5 1 2 26 14 12 17 Timehri Panthers ‘B’ 7 3 2 2 19 16 3 11 Agricola 7 3 4 0 12 9 3 9 Friendship Allstars 7 3 4 0 8 13 -5 9 Samantha Point 7 2 3 2 13 31 -18 8 Swan United 7 2 5 0 11 2 -9 6 Diamond United 8 1 5 2 24 38 -16 5 Herstelling Raiders 8 1 5 2 10 31 -21 5 Soesdyke Falcons 8 1 7 0 3 43 -40 3

Tropical Springs Transport and DCC U-15s to clash again this evening at DCC The second game of the two best in three series between Demerara Cricket Club and Tropical Spring Transport Under-15 youths will be played this evening at DCC starting from 17:30hrs.

The first match was won by DCC in a very close encounter; the series is sponsored by Tropical Spring Water, Trophy Stall and 4R. DCC - Jadan Dowlin, Kareem Caesar, Jayden Campbell, Janathan Van Lange, Romeo Deonarain, Shaquan Walters, Jeremiah Hohenkirk, Wavell Allen, Mahai Khan,

Myhiem Hopkinson, Gabriel Rookhun, Mohan Ragnauth, Keshawn Silas, Mark Seecharan and Romel Singh. Gavin Nedd (Coach), Travis Dowlin (Manager).

Tropical Springs Transport - Alvin Mohabir, Ryan Latif, Dave Mohabir, Riyad Latif, Arun Gainda, Nabeel Ali, Reyaz Latif, Zaheer Singh, Stephon Sankar, Omarion Benjamin, Amir Persaud, Daniel Goolab, Shafiek Kisoon, Quacy Scott. Shawn Massiah (Coach).

Trophies are sponsored by Ariel Enterprise of Regent Street.

Limacol football finalists to be decided tonight The two teams that will contest the final of the fourth annual Limacol Football tournament, sponsored majorly by New GPC with support from W.J. Enterprise will be decided tonight following the conclusion of semifinal fixtures at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The first match blows off at 19:00hrs and the scores of fans anticipated to flock to venue will see the tournament favourites Fruta Conquerors Under-20 pitted against Riddim

Squad. Conquerors have been spearheaded

by Nicholas McArthur who is in superb form and they will be banking on him to increase his tally from 10 goals to help them into the final.

In the feature match, it will be Santos Under-20 against Pele FC which is fielding a team that has a high percentage of youths inclusive of target man Dorwin George who has been exceptional in front of goal for the City club.

The winners of this tournament will pocket $400,000, second $200,000, third $100,000 and the losers of the third place playoff will walk away with $50,000.

Saturday October 05, 2019

PAGE 39

Kaieteur News

BCB 80th Anniversary 1939-2019

Successful 80th Anniversary month long celebration ends “The transformation of Berbice cricket over the last nineteen months has been remarkable. The situation in early 2018 was, our cricket was leaning over a cliff but in September 2019 we are now on firm footing and on the way to greater success. The 80th Anniversary celebration was an overwhelming success and all of our objectives were achieved.

The 70th anniversary celebration in 2009 and 75th in 2014 were great success but the 80th anniversary surpassed all expectations.

As President of the BCB, I can proudly say that never in the history of Guyana has a cricket board worked so hard to develop the game during a two year period. “ Those were the words of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) President Hilbert Foster as he officially ended the month long celebration of the board’s 80th anniversary. The President along with Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu visited the home of the President of the Berbice Cricket Umpires Association

Joseph Simon to hand over a Tribute to Hero Award and also donated a water pitcher, grocery hamper, a pair of crutches and several other gifts.

Simon, an umpire for over 43 years, recently lost his left leg due to complications from diabetes. The presentation officially ended the month long celebration for the 80th anniversary. Foster has repeatedly stated that under his leadership, the BCB would be a compassionate organisation and would not only organise cricket but would also make a positive difference in the lives of others.

He committed the BCB and his club, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club MS to assisting the ailing umpire on a regular basis.

Foster also urged other clubs, NGO’s and cricket associations to assist Simon.

The 80th Anniversary celebrations started with a presentation of a $20,000 bicycle to all Under-13 female cricketers in Corriverton while among the other programmes

were the Tribute to Heroes, Television programme, 256 page anniversary book, Berbice Greatest Cricketers, Tribute to Retired Cricketers, Hall of Fame for Cricketers, Administrators Hall of Fame, Honouring of West Indies debutants, Youth Information Booklet, Trophy Stall Under13 Cricket Tournament, Stag Beer 50-overs First Division Tournament, NBS 40 overs Second Division Tournament, Let’s Bet Sports 100 Ball Tournament, UCCA Inter Secondary School Tournament, Somwaru Tribute Tournament and a four page newspaper pullout.

The BCB also assisted 15 young players with over $300.000 worth of cricket gear.

Clubs benefitted from $400,000 worth of water pitchers while three educational competitions were organised for nursery, primary and secondary students.

Eighty less fortunate students collected school bags while donations were made to several institutions including the Port Mourant

Courts Pee Wee Football roundrobin stage concludes today Group play in the Courts Peewee football tournament for Primary schools will conclude today when the third and final round of matches are played at the Ministry of Education (MOE) Time 13:00 hrs 13:00 hrs 13:50 hrs 13:50 hrs 14:40 hrs 14:40 hrs 15:30hrs 15:30hrs 16:20 hrs 16:20 hrs 17:10 hrs 17:10 hrs

Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Action will get underway at 13:00hrs with a total of 12 matches scheduled.

St. Pius are in pillaging form with a total of 17 goals

Team St Ambrose Anns Grove St Agnes Genesis Smith’s Memorial FE Pollard North Georgetown Tucville Marian Academy St. Stephens St Pius West Riumveldt

vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs

scored after two games; an 80 win against Mae’s Primary on match day one and a comprehensive 9-1 thrashing of Smith Memorial on Saturday last. Round 3round-robin fixtures for today:

Team Plaisance Bosco Redeemer Timerhi Craig Mae’s St. Margaret Uitivlugt JE Burnham Soesdyke Mocha Enterprise South Riumveldt

Mt. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

Long serving Umpire Joseph Simon being rewarded by BCB President, Hilbert Foster.

Public Hospital, anniversary souvenir cups were distributed while clubs and players received scorebooks, bicycles and cricket balls.

The main project was the upgrading of the BCB office, which would be completed in late October. The main objective of the upgrading project is to improve the general service of the BCB to the general public and to cut back on operational expenses.

The Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Wall of Fame would also be unveiled on the 26th of October by Dr. Singh who

would be visiting Berbice.

The BCB was established in 1939 by two former West Indies players, LS Burkett and CR Browne who hailed from Babrbados while being employed as senior Managers at the Blairmont Estate.

The BCB President is expressing gratitude to all the sponsors who made the anniversary a success including Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, Dr. Puran Singh, AHL Kissoon, University of Guyana, Food for the Poor, Massy (GUY) Ltd, Ansa McAl, Poonai Pharmacy,

Shane General Store, Devindra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Gudakesh Motie, Caribbean Nations Group, Rodwell Jagmohan, Sentinel Security, J’S Printery, Ministry of Finance, Caribbean Indo Federation, RHTY&SC, Colin Elcock, A. Hamid and Sons, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan, NCN, Sukhpaul Gas Station, RDC Region 6, Metro Office Supplies, Trophy Stall, Republic Bank New Amsterdam and the Management & Staff of Albion Guysuco Estate.

West Indian Sports Complex supports Winston Pompey Boxing Gym

Khan with members of the Winton Pompey Warriors Boxing Gym.

Play in the group round-robin stage of the Courts Pee Wee tournament.

Azad Khan, on behalf of the West Indies Sports Complex recently made a donation of boxing gear to Winston Pompey Boxing Warriors Gym. According to Khan the presentation was made at ‘A’ Field Sophia Community Centre because West Indies Sports Complex wants to support and help the development of local boxing.

“West Indian Sports Complex has been in existence for over three decades at its same location on Robb Street Georgetown and we would like to equip our youths with the right sports equipment to reach their full potential,”

said Khan.

The Sports Store was owned by Azad’s Father the late Feroze Khan, who played first division cricket for West Demerara and Everest and was an avid sports enthusiast.

Coach Dexter Gonsalves received the items on behalf of the Winston Pompey Warriors Boxing Gym which produced Emanuel Pompey.

The young boxers were overwhelmed and happy with the items donated due to the fact that they are now starting to build their boxing gym.

PAGE 40

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Concacaf Nations League

Coach Maximo confident as Jaguars prepare for showdown against Antigua & Barbuda

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars Head Coach Marcio Maximo in conversation with Team Manager, Rawle Adams.

Head Coach of the ‘Golden Jaguars’, Brazilian Marcio Maximo remains confident ahead of his team’s upcoming fixture against Antigua and Barbuda which is set for October 11 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Group ‘C’ of the Concacaf Nations League.

Jamaica are leading the group on six points while the

Golden Jaguars are in second place on three points ahead of Antigua and Barbuda also on three points and Aruba who are yet to register a point.

The squad is currently preparing for this fixture at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre, Providence. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday

Members of the Golden Jaguars squad going through the paces on Wednesday at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, EBD. Coach Maximo said he is positive his players can generate a win in this encounter.

“We hope to qualify and show what we have achieve in a short period, the players are very committed, there is no lateness and absence and the entire coaching staff is happy because of the commitment shown by the

players,” he added.

“The players should be able to analyse the condition, we are training daily so we can minimise the gap between the local and overseas players, now fifty percent of the squad is local players which is a great achievement. We want to build a new mentality and to prepare them for international markets. We are

working on their physical and technical condition and the players have shown improvement,” Maximo noted. he also posited that it is important for the level of the game here to grow: “We want to create the foundation not only for national teams but for clubs as well. The aim is to develop football here and

build the national team, and 50 percent of local players is a good achievement for me.

We are second in the group; we have four more games to play so hopefully we will qualify.”

The Golden Jaguars defeated Aruba 1-0 and lost for Jamaica Reggae Boyz 4-0 in their two matches so far.

(Zaheer Mohamed)

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 05, 2019

Fort Wellington Secondary School benefits from Chess in Schools initiative

Students being exposed the game of Chess.

Students and teachers of t h e F o r t We l l i n g t o n Secondary School in Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) will now have an opportunity to learn to play the game of Chess. This opportunity has been made reality through the instrumentality of the Department of Sport’s, ‘Chess-in-Schools – Grassroots Initiative’.

According to Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, the move is part of a nationwide one which aims at implementing Chess in schools, not only as an extracurricular activity but also as an educational tool.

Jones stated that, “Chess contributes to mental development such as critical thinking which has proven to help students academically and ultimately in life.” Jones further stated that the National Sports Commission (NSC) realised the additional value Chess can add to Guyana’s school system and as such will continue to promote this initiative nationwide.

The Sports Director added that over 100 countries worldwide promote the Chess-in-School programme.

He stated that shortly, World Chess Federation (FIDE) National Instructor, Wendell Meusa will be hosting a oneweek training programme for teachers and students from Byvegal, Bush Lot, Fort Wellington and Mahaicony Secondary schools.

This training exercise will run from October 7-10 for the students while training for teachers will be held on October 11. At the conclusion of the programme a one-day beginners’ tournament will be held on October 12 at Fort Wellington Secondary.

So far, the department has visited and implemented the initiative in schools from Regions 3, 6, 10 and now 5. It is expected that the two top teams will go on to compete against Berbice High School in New Amsterdam.

In 2018, the department in collaboration with the Ministry of Education conducted Part One of the Chess-in-Schools-Teachers’ Training Programme which targeted teachers from Primary and Secondary schools.

The programme was structured around the FIDE

Chess-in-School initiative and followed the implementation steps of countries such as Armenia, Russia, USA, China, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados that have Chess implemented in schools as a mandatory subject or as an after-school club.

Jones revealed that his department plans to host a National Inter-Schools Chess Championship so that students can compete against each other in a healthy, clean game.

PAGE 41

Guyanese show their support for the Warriors once again.

(Zaheer Mohamed photos)

rt o p S Nicholas Pooran smashes a boundary to seal Guyana Amazon Warriors victory.

History Created! Warriors clinch perfect performance with 10th win - Unbroken 85-run stand between Pooran & Malik sink TKR to 4th spot Skipper Shoaib Malik picks up runs through the on-side.

Fans having a grand time at Providence last night @ CPL.

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