Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 10, 2017

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

Public opinion is not static In our multi-faceted society, it is often critical for important stakeholders to evaluate the weight of public opinion before embarking on ventures that deeply affect people’s lives. It is especially important to probe public opinion on controversial issues – and we are not short of those – not only to discover what the majority of Guyanese think about these issues, but also why they hold such views and what they want to see happen. Life in Guyana is replete with examples of this necessity. For instance, as insignificant as it may seem to the casual observer, it would have been particularly interesting, for example, for a comprehensive survey to have been done in relation to the erection of elevated walkways, and the reasons for such structures. It would have been even more absorbing to hear the opinion of the everyday man and woman with respect to the utterances in support of that development. Unfortunately, almost all attempts by the media and other responsible and qualified groups to venture into the realm of assessing public opinion in Guyana would be quickly deemed far from “scientific” and described as producing highly questionable results. Of course those who are fiercely protective of their “brand” would rubbish any negatives. It is pertinent to note that many of the viewpoints used by naysayers, and purporting to represent the majority opinion of the Guyanese public, are entertaining but meaningless, because they were obtained under seriously flawed, unscientific circumstances. For instance, it is quite evident that many persons erroneously regard the opinion of the majority of letter writers to newspapers, or the viewpoint of the majority of those who call in on various TV talk shows, as representing the opinion of the public at large. The reality is that many opinions that are widely publicised in Guyana are specifically expressed to advance particular causes. Clearly, certain special interest groups try to give the impression that the views are those of the entire country. Such groups, which include some media houses, are well aware that public opinion can be manipulated by weighing to produce some desired result. That is why Guyana experiences the phenomenon of different sources presenting widely divergent viewpoints on various issues as though these represent the prevailing public view. In this flawed process, many persons overlook the fact that public opinion is not static. The people’s views about an issue develop and change over time, according to many variables, like the amount of information available or the emergence of societal pressures. Sometimes public opinion is an evolutionary process, moving from poorly informed reactions to more carefully considered conclusions. Recognition that public opinion can progress in stages is a key element of properly assessing same. Changeable opinion is sometimes mistaken for settled public judgment, with unfortunate consequences. The initial public view of an issue is often affected by strong, emotionally-laden feelings and opinions, which can be unstable and changeable. The raw and unformed quality of public opinion, at this stage, may be vastly different at a later stage, when the populace is better informed and have a better understanding of an issue or problem. In light of this, it stands to reason that when the resolution of important public issues hinges on the majority viewpoint of the public, there should be extreme caution regarding the results of consultations or any other assessment of the public’s opinion. It is certainly important to have access to reliable, stable and accurate assessments of the opinions held by the majority of the Guyanese people on various important issues, which accurately reflect their values, priorities, and beliefs. If Guyana could acquire the means of accurately measuring the weight of public opinion, this would go a long way to help bring about the fair and reasonable resolution of our many challenging issues.

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

Race played no part in Emily Dodson’s appointment DEAR EDITOR, We refer to a letter published Sunday October 8, 2017 with the caption ‘The Emily Dodson appointment may have an ethnic twist to it” written by Frederick Kissoon. In that letter Mr Kissoon speculates on the reason for the selection and appointment of Ms Emily Dodson as a member of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). In that letter Mr Kissoon states as follows: “The question David and I asked ourselves is why the APNU+AFC”s choice of Emily Dodson for the Procurement Commission taking into considerations two contextual points – there are over three hundred lawyers in Guyana that could function competently in the

Commission and secondly, would the Jagdeo case not be a logical consideration when Ms Dodson’s name came up. It was not. “Someone in the PNC leadership felt that Ms Dodson was the right choice and that her case for Mr Jagdeo’s third term was not important to disqualify her. For me, logics [sic] come in. “Why Dodson and not another lawyer seeing that there was the Jagdeo case? All I am asking in this column is for someone to show me the logical thinking behind the Dodson choice.” The Guyana Association of Professional Engineers (GAPE) wishes to respond to Mr Kissoon’s request to be shown the logical thinking behind the Dodson choice. GAPE was requested by the competent authority to

nominate a person to be a member of the PPC. This request is due to the fact that at the policy level the procurement of works, services and materials for built infrastructure is a major activity of the state hence the input of a person with an engineering background of high integrity and unblemished career was essential. This request was discussed by the GAPE executive and it was decided to nominate Eng Emily Dodson. Eng Dodson is a Fellow of GAPE, the highest grade of membership of GAPE. As a professional engineer she worked for many years at the Guyana Electricity Corporation, before she embarked on studies which resulted in her

becoming an attorney–at-law. She is therefore a double professional with a significant track record in both professions. Eng Dodson was considered by GAPE to be an excellent candidate for nomination to membership of the PPC. We do not know for sure why she was selected and appointed to be a member of the PPC, but we believe that her membership of and nomination by GAPE was the predominant factor. GAPE is of the firm view that the PPC should have in its membership an experienced professional engineer. Yours faithfully Kwame Pindar President, Guyana Association of Professional Engineers

These activities of the police force are commendable DEAR EDITOR, The paradigm appears to be slowly but surely shifting towards the police in their seven divisions being more community oriented and problem solving.(COPS) Apparently, the number one law enforcement agency in Guyana is paying more attention to solving crime and also problems in the communities they serve. There appears to be a special focus on youths. Please permit me to highlight some recent reports in the media in relation to this major sustained shift in the police crime fighting tactics. Another newspaper carried a report on the police interaction with over 500 youths in ‘G’ Division under the caption, “ Police help young Essequibians find their niche - through ‘Young Guyana’ show.” The article opined that youths from Region 2 are now better acquainted with the various entrepreneurial avenues available to them, thanks to a ‘Young Guyana’ show held recently at Damon Square, Anna Regina. The show was conceptualised, designed, developed and implemented by Stephen Mansell, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commander ‘G’ Division in unison with several entities including the Ministry of Social Protection, members of the business community and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development. The attendance was massive. Recently, after the escape and recapture of several inmates from the New Opportu-

nity Corps, Stephen Mansell visited that location where he spent some time interacting and addressing the students. He did not condemn or pass judgement on them. Instead, he urged them not to do wrong things so that when their time is up at that institution they would have graduated with a skill that will assist in their personal development. He offered to make his subordinate officers available to do lectures to them on a weekly basis and invited all to attend free music classes on Saturdays at Anna Regina Police Station. Any activity more so one by a police commander that will cause a positive change in attitude and behaviour of the students at NOC must be commended. Moving on to other divisional activities. There was a report in the media with a photograph of members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors interacting with ‘A’ and ‘C’ divisions’ youth club members at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary. The event was made possible through the efforts of Assistant Commissioner of Police Marlon Chapman, Commander ‘A’ Division, Calvin Brutus, Senior Superintendent of Police, Commander ‘C’ Division and Clifton Hicken officer in charge of Operations. Sunday Chronicle, October 1, 2017 reported on the launching of the police bicycle patrol in ‘D’ Division under the heading, “Bicycle patrols boost police confidence.”

The Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police Leslie James who has an open- door policy and proactive approach towards policing, said that the division experienced a 50 percent drop in reported serious crimes as compared to the same period last year. There are numerous ongoing police / community activities in the division including youth involvement. In ‘E’ Division Superintendent Anthony Vanderhyden who is acting as commander is strengthening the excellent police / community relations left by Senior Superintendent Fizal Karimbaksh who is on leave. The division has numerous active community policing groups and 14 youth clubs with over 400 members. A high priority is placed on the youths. ‘B’ Division saw some re-

markable community work done by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams particularly with the youths during his short stint as commander. Kaieteur News, Saturday August 26, 2017 carried an article entitled “ Berbice police to the rescue , Commander leads the way.” The newspaper stated that Paul Williams was making the rounds since his appointment as commander a month previously. He travelled within the division, meeting communities and organizing activities as he lead the way to community related activities. Williams donated trophies to the Glasgow Development Association for the hosting of a series of activities to commence its activities. I know that he will continue his community Continued on page 6

City Hall’s Ten Commandments on how to govern badly DEAR EDITOR, I wish to congratulate the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown on creating Ten Commandments of management and leadership. They are light years ahead of other local government organs and other institutions and I eagerly look forward to the Mayor and Town Clerk writing a book on the management of a city. Here are the Ten Commandments they follow: 1. Think big. 2. Plan big. 3. Dream big

4. Hire big, 5. Spend big. 6. Talk big. 7. Travel big. 8 Dine big. 9. Credit big. 10. Bruk up bigger. In this way, they are building the most stink city of Caricom, which gives them great pride and recognition among misfits and would one day earn them a Nobel Prize. City elders keep advancing to your target of putting Georgetown on the map of the world. Ed Singh

Tuesday October 10, 2017

CALL FOR NEW CARICOM RESPONSE TO HUMANITARIAN DISASTERS DEAR EDITOR, The devastating consequences of hurricanes Irma and Maria call for a major reorientation of attitudes in the Caribbean, primarily to ensure that all Caribbean lives are seen to matter equally. In this spirit, a recent meeting of Guyanese civil societies to review the humanitarian disasters is calling on Caricom to appoint a Special Caricom Representative for Humanitarian Affairs to develop a regional policy that identifies the principles, values and standards which humanitarian responses must meet. This decision echoes the sentiments expressed by Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister Mitchell of Grenada, to the effect that”Caricom, the individual sovereign states and all the institutions of Caricom must fashion a new

discussion and a new methodology to deal with the challenges posed by disasters”. Such a discussion should be a major priority engaging the civic, business and political leaderships of Caribbean territories, not primarily technical agencies. The starting points of the proposed conversation are three-fold. In the first place the disasters underline that that our time-table for addressing global warming is too complacent. Secondly, while the outpouring of compassion to provide immediate relief are allembracing, the prolonged recovery phase is beneficial to far fewer people. The third starting-point is that responses to extreme devastation require political decision-making and cannot become a monopoly of those who deliver technical assis-

tance and resources. All of our territories have repeatedly signed up to accepting ‘common and differentiated responsibilities’ in global Climate Change agreements. Operationalizing these responsibilities whether in emergencies or normal times has now become an urgent governance priority, across the Caribbean. Widespread mobilizing of generosity across the Caribbean is a well-established response in the relief phase. However, those who recover most quickly are the sectors, particularly the business networks, best positioned to call on insurance and financial relief. Very large numbers of small farmers, informal businesses and householders, on the other hand, never recover since they do not attract the Continued on page 6

Is this poignant question wrongly phrased? DEAR EDITOR, From the selection, the election to the detection - how time has trudged. Since November 8, 2016 to present, from the studios of Fox News and CNN to the barstools of the local watering hole amateur psychoanalysis has become America’s favourite pastime. There have been dozens of theories in circulation all geared at answering one question: What is wrong with President Donald Trump? Now it is my firmly held belief that such a question misses the point. What’s wrong with Donald Trump should be appropriately phrased— What’s wrong with US (us)? Some inquire if Trump is crazy, others wonder if he is engaged in some deep strategy invisible to mere mortals, while others cannot stop talking. 63 million people voted for this, and make no mistake they

knew what they were getting and getting into. From the outset it was obvious that Trump was a not-ready-forprime -time candidate but he was chosen anyway. We need to come to grips with the reason why. It certainly was not economic anxiety. In May a study co-sponsored by the Atlantic and the Public Religion Research Institute reported that people who were worried about their jobs voted for Hillary Clinton. People who dislike Mexicans and Muslims, oppose same sex marriage, are mortally offended at a White House occupied by a Black man with a Muslim sounding middle name voted for Trump. That is the reality. For all that he has not achieved, the President elect has lived up to his signature promise, as clearly America is getting greater by the day. He has indisputably

That seawall column made me very nostalgic DEAR EDITOR, Many of us ‘oldies’ now settled in London thrive on nostalgia, as a form of still being part of the country we once knew and loved. I was very interested to read columnist Kissoon’s piece on the Georgetown seawalls and the “Adamson Bend”. I too did not know that there was a section of that name, though I remember as a youngster hearing about this much publicised story. Many years ago -in 1956 - I worked alongside his daughter Rosemary as a secretary.

She was about to be married to an army major, and looking forward to her life in Scotland. It is amazing how many Guyanese I came across as secretarial colleagues in different offices. Another high-profile one was a Caldeira, as I recall, her first name was Jill. She told me her father had owned the ‘Brown Betty’ soda fountain. As usual, Brits could not understand why we had different colour skins. Great to be fed such bits of information. Geralda Dennison

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taught Americans to live in a state of perpetual chaos and continual crisis. Daily the White House commands horrified attention as a mansion on fire, or a wrecked Lamborghini. Some of his other promises are also faring well. The disclosure that the Trump campaign in the person of Donald Trump Jr. did in fact conspire with a hostile foreign power to sway the 2016 election was just another state of routine calamity. Over a million times, it has been said that Donald Trump is a Twitter- obsessed, lying, manifestly incompetent semiadult. Nevertheless he is the president of the United States because 63 million people preferred that to facing inevitable change. So it is silly to ask what’s wrong with him. It’s time we grappled with a far more important question What in the world is wrong with us? Yvonne Sam

The potential for corruption is great in the extractive industries DEAR EDITOR, For quite some time, there has been constant public discourse and accusations (founded or unfounded) about bribery and other corrupt practices taking place at some of the entities that make up the Public Sector. It would be safe to point out that corruption is a problem all over the world and not only at the Public Sector level but at the Private Sector, the International Inter-Governmental Organisation, the International Development Organisation and the NonGovernmental Organisation levels. Research has shown that the following Industries rank very high on the Corruption Indexes as per the United Nations Classification. Extractive re Mining, Oil and Gas; Construction re Infrastructure Projects that are awarded via a bidding process or single sourced; Transportation and Storage re at the enforcement level; Information and Communication re Suppression of or access to; information is money and act-

ing on non public information. In this general statement, I would like to highlight by a brief rough note item#1, because of its current status in our country re The Extractive Industry; the industry covers mining (Gold, Diamonds and other Minerals ) and the drilling etc. for the winning of Oil and Gas. It is a historical and current perception that because of the nature of the business, it lends itself to corruption; companies (local and International) search for valuable deposits all over the world; and they then set out getting the permits from various Governments and Officials at the National, Regional and Local levels to explore and develop the deposits or blocks, the officials at the various levels can make the getting of the deposits or blocks more or less difficult, research has shown that whenever it becomes difficult to obtain the permission, a number of companies (Local and International) seeking to obtain the permission may choose to pay Bribes in order

to access the deposits or blocks; there is also a feeling that the bribes paid would turn out to be only a small fraction of the expected profits and hence it makes economic sense to do it. Please note that the opportunity to pay bribes also presents itself at the activity of extraction. In addition to the discourse and accusations about bribery and other corrupt practices, there is a very strong feeling in some quarters (Local and International) that there are significant gaps in the management of corruption risks (bribery/ corruption, etc.) and this situation has existed at the Public Sector and other levels because there is a lack at most entities of an AntiBribery / Anti-Corruption Policy (AB/AC) and its companion, an Anti-Corruption Compliance Programme (AACP). In any well regulated society, it is a generally accepted principle that the Policy Makers, the Board of Directors and the Senior Management of the Continued on page 6

David Granger draws his inspiration from Burnham DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article captioned “Local Government Commission (LGC) will be given some consideration – Granger”. The article stated, “Granger told reporters at State House when asked about the establishment of the commission that he was abroad for about a fortnight resulting in this and other matters being held up”. For the record, the PPP submitted its nomination to the LGC since July 2016 and Granger being out of the country for 2 weeks has very little with the delay in

this Commission. If Mr. Granger cannot count, July 2016 was 66 weeks ago and his being away for 2 weeks was nothing but a puerile excuse. Some might want to say that Granger is absolutely incompetent and not in control of his government. I myself was caught in that cul-de-sac for a while until I realize that is this incompetence is really a mask for a dastardly plan to march dictatorship back into the corridors of power in Guyana. These deliberate presidential actions that mirror incompetence are really

schemes grounded in subterfuge and deception to weaken the institutions of the State such as the LGC. Granger has shown a penchant for wickedness that not even Burnham could match. To deny a nation it’s LGC because you got a sound thrashing at the local polls exhibits evilness of a special order. This is the punishment to the people for voting against Granger in the local polls. Now Guyana knows who it is dealing with; someone who takes his cue from Burnham. Albert Allen

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Counselling is absolutely necessary for individuals who exhibit suicide warning DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Voice joins with others in expressing our angst that a young man had to take his life because of the stigma attached to his sexuality. Amidst the many issues arising out of this tragedy, we would like to emphasise the necessity of counselling. News reports indicate that the young cop was out partying with friends, some of whom knew of his intentions to take his own life and thought they had convinced him otherwise. The reality is that with respect to suicide ideation and/ or warning signs, a layperson, no matter how well meaning, can end up pushing the individual faster towards suicide. And, as TCV and so many others have constantly been advocating, once suicide ideation is expressed or warning signs noted, it is critical to get someone with necessary counselling credentials and experience to deal with situation. In addition to the Suicide Helpline, counselling can be accessed through the National Psychiatric Institution at New Amsterdam, the Psych Ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Counselling Centre at Corriverton (started by ex-magistrate, Krishnadat Persaud), Help and Shelter, Guyana Foundation, SASOD,

Monique’s Helping Hands, Crossroads Suicide & Mental Health Awareness Services and The Caribbean Voice, among other NGOs and entities providing such services, mostly for free. In addition, every region has sociologists and/or welfare officers who do have some amount of counselling training as do a number of government agencies; such as the Ministry of Health, Mental Health Unit, Childcare & Protection Agency, Various Regional Health Authorities, and so on. We urge all media to get hold of all contact information through which counselling can be accessed and publish them even if once a month as a public service. Also, we urge the Ministry of Health to compile all the available counselling services, private and public sector, and make them widely available via various avenues, including traditional and social media along with flyers and posters. The fact is that counsellors possess the requisite training and experience to help patients improve their mood, cope with their diagnosis and change harmful behaviours. Counselling often focuses on stress management, coping skills and therapeutic education. The medium of communication is emphatic, geared to-

wards being non-judgmental, non-threatening, and building comfort and trust, thereby making it easy for patients to verbalise their feelings and enabling them to work towards positive goals.Counselling also helps people to be able to dissect their problems; then figure out how to solve them. In Guyana, there is a stigma attached to counselling, as many feel that only ‘mad people’ need counselling. It is important for this stigma to be eliminated so that seeking counselling becomes a normal, everyday desire as long as the need for such counselling becomes necessary. And, again, The Caribbean Voice believes that the media can play a significant role in eliminating this stigma. Incidentally, we repeat our appeal for the media to stop using the term ‘commit suicide’ and instead use ‘died by suicide’ or is/was a suicide victim. ‘Commit’ has connotations that criminalise suicide but suicide is most certainly not a criminal act. The Caribbean Voice can be reached via email at caribvoice@aol.com or via our website at www.caribvoice.org or our Facebook group page at facebook.com/caribvoice. The Caribbean Voice

CALL FOR NEW CARICOM RESPONSE... From page 5 attention they deserve. Without wishing to suggest that the personal and civic compassion reflected in relief efforts are consciously discriminatory, the possibility of some sectors being overlooked is obvious and it is the role of governments to anticipate such short-comings. In particular, governments must be vigilant that relief efforts are guided by the humanitarian principles of independence, impartiality, nondiscrimination and neutrality in order to avoid, eliminate or compensate for inappropriate forms of political or ethnic discrimination which may favour some sectors over others. In light of the severity and numbers affected, it is imperative that the recovery phase of reconstruction of these societies be guided by rightsbased considerations. Such approaches reflect the ethical urgency of eliminating suffering that violations constitute in contrast to standard ‘development’ approaches. Human rights claims on governments, such as Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), for example, are not suspended because of emergencies: “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and of his family, including food, cloth-

The potential for corruption is great in the extractive... From page 5 entity are responsible for the design of an Anti-Bribery / Anti-Corruption (AB/AC) Policy and its companion, an Anti-Corruption Compliance Programme (ACCP) and for conveying a very strong message that corruption will not be tolerated. There are a number of entities that make up the Public Sector, a great percentage of these entities provides valued ($) services to companies, etc (Local and International) that operate in those industries that rank very high on the corruption indexes and in order to give these entities a chance to put in place systems to manage its corruption risks, I would like to suggest that the Policy Makers, the Board of Directors and the Senior Managers set about to consider and do the following. 1. The design and implementation of an Anti-Bribery / Anti-Corruption

Policy (AB/AC) which should outline acceptable and nonacceptable behaviour and it shall be based upon the requirements of our Local Laws ( Integrity Commission Act ; Fiscal Management and Accountability Act ; the Audit Act and the Criminal Law Enforcement Act ) ; The USA Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ( FCPA ) ; The UK Bribery Act 2010 ( UKBA ); The Organization for Economic Co- Operation and Development (OECD ) “ Good practice guidance on internal controls, ethics and compliance “and Canada’s Corruption and Foreign Public Officials Act ( CFPOA ). The Laws emanating from (FCPA, UKBA, OECD and CFPOA) are extensively used by organisations (Government and Non Governmental) throughout the world as standards for the development of their Anti-Bribery / AntiCorruption Policies (AB/

AC) and 2. Design and put in place an Anti-Corruption Compliance Programme (ACCP); in order for this to be done, one should evaluate the corruption risks of the entity, this is essential because an effective compliance programme should be tailored to the entity’s specific activities and risks associated with those activities; to evaluate the corruption risks a corruption risk assessment should be undertaken; the identification and analysis of risks through a risk assessment activity adds both efficiency and creditability to an organisations programme in addition it is felt that if it is done professionally and properly that the findings could be used to allocate scarce resources to the most urgent risks; the guidance for designing the Anti-Corruption Compliance Programme (ACCP ) should come from the corruption risks assessment and the broader Anti-Bribery /Anti-Corruption Policy (AB/AC). The compliance programme should be part of the entity’s overall internal control system, the internal

Tuesday October 10, 2017

control system should cover accounting procedures; transactions review and approval; controls around bank accounts; approval of vendors ,tendering ,evaluation and awards; procurement and the payment process; there should also be increased focus and scrutiny on the high corruption risks areas (Divisions, Departments and Sections). The internal control system should include a mechanism for employees and the public to report actual or suspected misconduct or violations of the Anti-Bribery/ Anti-Corruption Policy (AB/ AC); this should be done on a confidential basis without fear of retaliation. These reports should be handled appropriately and should include formal written standard statements; they should be lodged into a reporting system, assigned, investigated ,closed and reported to the head of the entity, the Policy Makers and the Board of Directors re ( Whistle Blowing System/ Whistle Blowing Laws). Another letter will follow. Dunstan Barrow. AA; MBA (Hons), BSc (Hons)

ing, housing and medical care and necessary social services”(Article 25 UDHR). Similarly civil and political rights to participate in decisions affecting oneself and one’s family also need to be protected. One of the hazards of the politics of compassion is that the moral ownership of tragedy which rightfully belongs with victims gradually passes to those providing relief and resources. A particularly pressing rights-related concern is to protect disaster victims from the harassment too frequently experienced by Caricom citizens in other Caricom territories. A principled and uniform legal approach to people fleeing disaster is urgently needed as part of the urgent review called for by the chairman of Caricom. Such normative considerations were first raised in civil society circles with respect to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, a concern which has been temporarily sidelined by the disasters in the Northern Caribbean. A starting point for a civic response is being proposed in the recommendation outlined below. RECOMMENDATION Civil Society Organizations listed below are calling on Caricom to appoint a Special Representative on Humanitarian Issues charged with the following tasks:

· Adopt a common rightsbased framework of principles and standards for humanitarian disasters to be implemented by governments, civil society and international forces. · Create clear and compassionate model legislation in accordance with international norms governing refugees and persons internally and externally displaced by humanitarian crises. · Operationalize the ‘common and differentiated responsibilities’ of governments and civil society ratified in all Climate Change agreements. ENDORSING ORGANIZATIONS Anglican Diocese of Guyana Church Women United Guyana Society for the Blind Guyana Human Rights Association Jesuits in Guyana Policy Forum Guyana National AIDS Committee Rights of Children Benab (Youth) East Coast Clean-Up Committees Guyana Environment Initiative Guyana Orgnisation of Indigenous Peoples Red Thread Transparency Institute Guyana Ursuline Sisters in Guyana

These activities of the police... From page 4 approach to crime reduction long before he is confirmed as Crime Chief. His successor Assistant Commissioner Lynden Alves has very good people skills which will aid him to build on the work left by his predecessor. He has already announced his intention to do so. Two reported events in ‘F’ Division which has some logistical nightmare in policing the interior of Guyana caught my eyes. On August 27, 2017, the media reported.” Byderabo students get school uniform through police - led project” The article stated that after a two- week back to school project several students received school uniforms and other school items for the new school year. The project was spearheaded by Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ravindradat

Budhram and other ranks from the division. The media Monday, September 4, 2017 posited that, “ Bartica youths benefit from empowerment programme.” According to the report 115 children from 5 communities in Bartica benefitted from a one week empowerment programme. This activity was hosted by the police in collaboration with the business community. Commander, Ravindradat Budhram promised that he will continue to provide a safe environment for youths, have programmes and activities that reduce youth crime and keep them fully active. The police must have done some amount of environmental scanning to come up with a futuristic approach to target our youths, our future, our leaders for tomorrow. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

Tuesday October 10, 2017

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Lottery Company was advised not to operationalise gambling machines - Gaming Authority The Gaming Authority, which is, by law, the Supervisory Authority for casinos and lotteries, has indicated that it has not given the Guyana Lottery Company (GLC) any permission to dispatch scores of Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) to bars

said that pursuant to its designation as a Supervisory Authority, when GLC expressed intention to commence the operation of VLTs, it advised the company that it should await the enactment of legislation and formulation of regulations to guide the

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan across Guyana. In fact, the Gaming Authority said that it had “advised” the GLC not to operate the machines until such time that there are regulations and legislation to guide such operations. Yesterday, the Gaming Authority sent out a press release which stated that it does not even have the authority to allow or approve the operation of gaming machines for any nightspot or bar. The Authority noted that Canadian Bank Note, through its agent the Guyana Lottery Company, is operating in Guyana under an Agreement between the Government of Guyana, wherein the GLC has been authorized to operate a lottery in Guyana in accordance with the provision of the Lottery Act. Further, the Agreement has made provision for the right of the Guyana Lottery Company to operate Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in Guyana. The release further noted that the Gaming Authority under the Anti Money Laundering Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 and Amendment 2016 has been identified as the Supervisory Authority for casinos and lotteries. The Gaming Authority

the bars and gamblers are handed their winnings. This is the exact process at Princess Casino. One distinct difference between the system at the casinos and those at the bars is that all gamblers must present a form of identifica-

Chairman of the Gaming Authority, Roysdale Forde

operations of said VLTs,”…however the Guyana Lottery Company presented these machines at certain night spots.” Blue Martini has 25, Seeta’s Bar – 10 and Rocky’s Hotel – 25. These machines are loaded with games almost identical to those that are at the Princess Casino. The system to operate the machines is quite similar as well. One can insert from $100 up to play the machine, while, at the Casino the minimum is $500. If a gambler wins, and he or she chooses to cash out, the machine ejects a slip that has to be taken to the counter at

tion before entering the casino, as those below 18 are not allowed to enter the premises. However, that is not the same state of play at the bars. Under the Amendments to and Regulations made under the Prevention of Gambling Act, casinos were legally permitted to be established in Guyana with regional allocations. A minimum of three casinos can be established in Region Four. However, to qualify for a license, an applicant must have a new 150-room hotel facility of four-star status. This requirement was intended to boost

the tourism sector and to provide employment for Guyanese. This requirement, therefore, would have disqualified persons who do not have the financial ability to make the requisite substantial investments. The permission now being granted for these mini-casinos to be proliferated at these night spots seems to be in conflict with the Prevention of Gambling Act and the Regulations. Yesterday, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said that GLC’s contract ended last year. He said that prior to the APNU+AFC Government coming to power in 2015, “It appears as (the company) was being held on a string, they were given one-year contracts and not even one year renewable. It was one-year contracts and they did not know whether they would survive or not.” Further, Jordan said that GLC also complained about unfair competition, referencing Super Bet games. Jordan said that GLC then asked for a longer term contract. “The old contract gave 24 percent of the proceeds plus any more taxes to be applied. So we said fine and gave five years with a renewable option. They said in return they will be able to put in a range of new games.” He said that in return, the government will be given a minimum of 24 percent together with some “other sweeteners which I cannot remember at the moment.” “As to whether the machines comply, I do not know, I have not seen the machines.

Some of the gambling machines I do not know what the machines look like or if the machines fall within the meaning of new lottery games. I can only give the straight facts of what transpired as to allow them to get the games.” According to the New York Gambling Information Website, “VLTs resemble “casino” slot machines. The fundamental difference is that the

results of each play on a VLT are determined by a central computer located at a Lottery facility to which all VLTs are connected. A predetermined random formula is used for each play of the machine.” More on this can be read at, http://newyorkgambling.info/ slot-machines-vs-video-lottery-terminals-vlts-whats-difference/

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Kaieteur News

No new taxes in Budget 2018 - Finance Minister The National 2018 budget will have “no new taxes” Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has assured. At a press conference held in the Ministry of Finance’s boardroom, Jordan said Budget 2018 seeks to provide an incentive to some sectors and promote small business growth. “Anything in this budget is about cleaning up or providing an incentive or two as promised. We promised some sectors we will see how we can support them in this renewal,” Minister Jordan added. Budget 2018 will also seek to create the conditions for small business growth. “All small businesses, all entrepreneurial activities that can increase the pool of household income, community income, and the national income are to be considered and encouraged,” he noted. The Minister pointed out that since his administration took office, it has worked to

-says days gone for last-minute contracts just to spend money reduce taxes for the Guyanese people. These include the removal of VAT from a range of products and the removal of tax from NIS and increasing the public wages. “I’ve never introduced a new tax… they were all the same tax. All we were doing is playing cards…. we were shuffling them around and so forth,” he explained. The Ministry of Finance yesterday wrapped up budget consultations. The Finance Minister noted this year his ministry has “broadened the pool” of persons who participated in the consultations to include a wide selection of youth and young entrepreneurs among the “traditionalists”. Minister Jordan summed up the consultation as being generally positive. He added that the focus of discussions remained on the “traditionalist sense” of

Woman battles for life, claims kerosene stove thrown on her - Husband in custody, says he’s being framed Doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital are battling to save the life of a woman who sustained burns to more than 75 percent of her body. Savita Deodat of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara told the doctors that it was her husband who burnt her. The woman said that the two of them got into an argument and he threw a kerosene stove on her. Kaieteur News was informed that the woman is in a critical condition since she sustained third degree burns to most of her body. A police source yesterday said that when they arrested the woman’s husband, he was under the influence of alcohol. The man claimed that he and his wife got into an argument during which she poured kerosene on her skin and lit herself on fire. He said that his wife is trying to frame him. Investigations are ongoing.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan economic stimulation. The Minister is expected to present the 2018 Budget to the National Assembly in November.

Meanwhile, speaking on the delays of the implementation of the Public Sector Investments Projects (PSIPs), the minister made it clear that

a number of factors are affecting spending. The administration is behind spending of the $250B budget it unveiled for 2017. With consumer and government spending critical for moving the economy along, analysts say that both are down. While consumer spending cannot be helped much, in the absence of measures, the dependence of Government expenditure in areas of contracts is supposed to boost the situation. However, Jordan admitted yesterday, government spending has taken a “knock”. He said that the populace voted for transparency and accountability, and this is a priority. He said the procurement systems are now actually working, and as a result there are some delays. He noted that in the past, under the previous administrations of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), there is evidence of a mad rush to dole out contracts when the budget cycle was

nearing an end. This affected implementation. No longer also could someone call an official and say that they want a contract, the Minister stressed. “The procurement system, from advertising for bids; evaluation, award and mobilizing process, are all working…the awards are not being done by a click of a finger.” Jordan said that the administration is hiring retired public servants, including teachers, to broaden the pool of evaluators. He admitted that the country is lacking seriously in human resource. The Minister lamented the absence of proper procurement planning in many state entities, with many of the officials just “dividing by 12” to justify projects. However, he said, instead of criticizing, the administration prefers to building capacity and provide training by “holding hands”. Government has been meeting with budget heads, including the Permanent Secretaries regularly, even at the Cabinet level, for updates on state contracts and spending.

GRA still having problems with non compliant logging companies The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is still struggling to make certain logging companies tax compliant. For one, BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc. is yet to pay off the $1.6B it owes. Another, logging company, Vaitarna is also non compliant. A source from GRA told this newspaper that Vaitarna breached certain parts of its agreement and has been

given some time to remedy it. The source said that BaiShanLin has been given time as well. “We have seized their equipment and they are trying to work out a plan to get back into business if they finish quickly.” The source said that GRA has completely cancelled BaiShanLin’s investment agreement. It was further stated that all the money has to be paid off before any of the equipment that was seized can be given back to BaiShanLin. China Development Bank (CDB) has intervened and met with GRA, along with the Director of BaiShanLin, Chu Hongbo. A commitment has

been given for the company to clear its debt very soon. This is not the first intervention of the CDB. The Ministry of Natural Resources had announced that the CDB asked Guyana not to give out lands once held by BaiShanLin. In addition to the equipment, GRA seized two luxury vehicles from BaiShanLin. The vehicles were given back. BaiShanLin had persistently defaulted on the investment agreement it had signed with the PPP/C Government to establish a wood processing plant at Linden. Instead, it bought five logging companies and had been involved in the wholesale ex-

portation of logs with impunity at a time when most tropical timber-producing countries have either banned log exports or have severely restricted their exportation. The investment agreement specifically states that if the machinery, equipment and materials for which fiscal concessions have been granted have not been used for the purpose(s) specified, the value of the concessions must be repaid to the Government. During the period 20122015, Baishanlin brought in US$38 million worth of machinery, equipment and materials, of which fiscal concessions amounting to G$1.8 billion were granted. This was based on investment agreements entered into between the Government of Guyana and Baishanlin for the construction of a wood processing facility in Region 10. The total value of concessions granted amounted to $1.827 billion. GRA indicated that it was unable to provide information relating to the earlier years because of computer problems. A review of the list of items of machinery, equipment and construction materials for which fiscal concessions were granted, indicated that many of the items were either unrelated to, or were significantly in excess of, the requirements for the construction of wood processing facility.

Tuesday October 10, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Is we own. It belongs to us Guyanese do not need a fortune teller to read their minds. Exxon Mobil most not arrogate to itself, the role of peering into the minds of Guyanese and to tell us that what we need are jobs. This is an imperialist attitude. A foreign investor comes into our country and decides what is good for us and what we want. The days for such thinking are long gone. Guyana is no longer a colony or an imperial subordinate. Guyana is an independent state. The resources of Guyana belong to the people of this country. The oil that Exxon Mobil claims that it has found is not their oil, it is our oil. Is we own. It belongs to us. There has to be a change

in the mindset of Guyanese when dealing with this company. Exxon Mobil must not come here and say what it feels that Guyanese want. Exxon Mobil is an investor into Guyana’s oil and gas sector. It does not own this sector. In fact, whatever monies it is investing is going to be charged against Guyana. In other words, whatever Exxon is spending is going to be reimbursed under the deal which they have signed with the government of Guyana. It is therefore for Guyana to tell Exxon what we want; not for them to state what they want. We are going to pay them for whatever funds they sink into the exploration and production processes. Guyana therefore needs to assert itself in its discussions

with Exxon Mobil. It is not as if them walking away is going to leave Guyana any worse off. They cannot take the oil with them. It is our oil and they know this. But Guyanese for some strange reason are behaving as if they have to kiss Exxon’s rear end. They do not have to. If Exxon walks, somebody else is going to come here and drill for the oil, and that may be better, because right now Guyanese are not sure whether the government has sold out the interests of the country to Exxon. All manner of dodging is taking place over this oil contract with Exxon. What possible explanation can be justified for not making public the oil deal? This is an area in which a change in mindset is also needed. The government

Dem boys seh...

If money evil why ask fuh it in church Money is everybody problem. When you got is a problem. When you nah got is even a bigger problem. When you got, de tax man deh behind you, unless you is a big politician like Jagdeo dem. You got to hide from de tax man. When you nah gat you got to hide from de police because you hand faster than you eye. You snatch like chicken hawk. If you miss de chicken you snatch up de grass. But in de case of Jagdeo he snatch de safe from de treasure and end up wid de entire finance ministry at he mansion. Now dem boys hear de now come politicians start snatching too. Some of dem snatching from Exxon and dem boys know de deal already. Dem boys plan to mek it public sooner rather than later. Everything dem do people watching dem and telling dem boys. And everybody know dem boys mouth nah got bottam and dem fingers still got nail. But then again, dem boys seh if money is

de root of all evil why do they ask for it in de temples, de masjids and de churches? De same Jagdeo did seh when he was president, “Never put de keys to your happiness in someone else pocket. That is why nobody coulda tek any money from de treasury without de blessings of Jagdeo. He know everything about everybody and dem businesses. Dem boys suggesting if Soulja Bai serious about jailing all dem scamps from de administration, he should strike a deal wid Jagdeo. Bet you last dolla half of Guyana gun end up in prison. Jagdeo was a man who use to mek it he duty to find out everything about a person. Now Soulja Bai trying to find out everything about Jagdeo. If he check good or if he meet up wid de right people he gun find out that Jagdeo is an international con artist. Talk half and check fuh de money in de Maldives.

does not own this oil. They are agents of the people. The people have to be consulted and told about the deal. The terms of the deal cannot be kept from the people, because the government does not own this oil. They are acting on your and my behalf when dealing with Exxon, and since Exxon has no problem with the terms of the deal being made public, there cannot be any impediment to the terms of contract being made public. Guyanese must therefore demand that the deal be made public. The problem with Guyanese is that they believe that merely stating their demands is enough. The people have to lawfully and peacefully agitate for what they want. If Guyanese sit back and do nothing, the government will not have any compulsion in making the deal public. It was public pressure by citizens engaged in peaceful and orderly protests which

led to the suspension of the parking meter contracts. It was public pressure, through action, which led to the terms of that contract being revealed. The same people who came out against the parking meter contract should come out against the secrecy with this oil deal. Something is not right. Something is smelling stink about this deal and the source of the rankness should be made public. Has Guyana been sold out? Has the oil been given away for chicken feed? Guyanese are entitled to know the answers to these questions, but if they continue to believe that they will get those answers without peaceful public agitation, they are wrong. No good has ever come to this country without effort. Exxon Mobil has place centrespread advertisements trying to lull Guyanese into believing that jobs are going to be created for them through oil and gas.

The bottom line is that Exxon Mobil themselves have warned against high expectations in terms of jobs in the sector. And let me end by saying something that Guyanese may not want to believe, but which is a reality of the business world. If tomorrow, Venezuela patches up its differences with Exxon, that company is likely to drop Guyana like a hot cake.

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

October 5, 1992 destroyed Guyana; can it be reborn? I don’t write about October 5, 1992 anymore. It has gone from my lexicon of historical milestones. Factually, it is a milestone. Philosophically it symbolizes everything that is ontologically defective about Guyana’s existence. The closest analogy of October 5 in terms of degeneracy is the French Revolution. The rebellion of the oppressed in France led to a revolution that degenerated into psychotic excesses. The French Revolution led to dictatorship. The revolution on October 5, 1992 deteriorated into partisan, ethnic politics under Cheddi Jagan and his wife, Janet, then in what was to become the first instance of

semi-fascism in the Englishspeaking Caribbean, it climaxed under the depravity of the Jagdeo/Ramotar cabals. How does the historian treat October 5, 1992? It has to be a bittersweet analysis. You can glorify Burnham how much you want; Burnham’s authoritarian excesses forced you to participate in the politics of regime change. I will always maintain if Burnham was not autocratic, we would not have had Cheddi Jagan and Walter Rodney. Burnham created both men. Jagan got increasing international fame because Burnham became increasingly dictatorial. If Burnham had allowed Rodney to take up his job at UG, maybe there would have

been no zero-sum struggle between the two men. Why Burnham chose in 1974 to deny Rodney a UG appointment must be one of the greatest mysteries of world history. You can use complex analysis to justify the necessity of rigged elections from 1968 to 1985. Some would argue that free elections would have meant the permanent denial of power for one half of Guyana, and sempiternal rule for another half. But it is a fact that elections were not legitimate until 1992. So we come now to October 5, 1992. It brought down the PNC which had ruled from 1964. The meaning of October 5 was that a new era of freedom had arrived. Make no mistake; a scholar’s competence can be challenged if he/she does not see that October 5 was the release of flowers of freedom. But it was only for a day. That is why I think we have to be careful how we

treat the significance and importance of October 5. PPP leaders, PPP supporters, PPP Indianized scholars (like the woman who is writing a biography of Mrs.

Frederick Kissoon Jagan and is not interested in any critical writings against Mrs. Jagan) will continue to maximize the importance of October 5. Theirs is a narrow interpretation of the event. You cannot treat the fall of the PNC on October 5 in itself. The fall of the PNC should have been followed by the total opening up of the society, the total enjoyment of thought and idea, the reclaiming of liberties in totality. It did not happen. One of

the methodological faults in assessing the historical uniqueness of October 5 is the shutting out of the Hoyte period. The scholar grasped the fall of the PNC and held onto that. There is no continuous context. But it should be. The scholar needs no reminding that Hoyte set in motion positive aspects of the rule of law, good governance, ethical values in public service, professional values in the running of the state, dilution of ethnic focus. October 5 dissolved these important pillars of democracy. And the erosion did not start with Bharrat Jagdeo. It began the day after October 5. All the reclamations of important values that Hoyte recovered for Guyana that were discarded under Burnham were discarded again under Cheddi and Janet Jagan. October 5 has lacerated the legacy of Cheddi Jagan. It is virtually impossible to treat his four-year-old presidency as one of refreshing, profound changes; one of greater freedoms and liberties. Under Jagan, a harsh revenge mentality took over the

PPP. During his four years, Cheddi Jagan took his government into five cul-de-sacs, the consequences of which have destroyed Guyana. First, he contemptuously dismissed the sacred pillars of good governance that Hoyte reintroduced. Secondly, he unleashed a fury of ethnic preferences that became morbid under Jagdeo. Thirdly, he reinstituted what he learnt from his premiership days and what Hoyte had exorcized from governance after 1985 – installation of party people into the public service. Party people became Permanent Secretaries and chairpersons of state boards, the most egregious one being Roger Luncheon as Chairman of NIS. Fourthly, he practiced a vicious form of hogging of power. The WPA, which bore the brunt of state violence under Burnham, was nastily cast aside. Fifthly, naked corruption began to emerge and though he and his wife were against it, he put party before country and did not act. Today, Guyana is paying horrifically for the failure of October 5.

Tuesday October 10, 2017

No bail for duo accused of stealing $25M in items from ‘Chicka D’

Gary Grant and Seon Clarke Two men who allegedly broke into the ‘Chicka D’ restaurant and carted off over $25M in articles, were yesterday remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman after they made an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Forty-seven-year-old handyman Seon Clarke, and 41-year-old Gary Grant, a mechanic of Lot 24 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, both denied the charge which alleged that between September 20 and October 5 at Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, they broke and entered the ‘Chicka D’ restaurant and stole one ice cream machine valued $2M

and other items, totalling $25.2 M, property of Deonarine Singh. It was further alleged that on the same day in question, Clarke behaved in a disorderly manner and assaulted a police detective who attempted to arrest him. Police Prosecutor Adunni Inniss objected to bail being granted to the defendants citing the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charges attract. Facts presented by the prosecutor stated that on October 6, police received information about a burglary and when they showed up at the restaurant they observed the defendants inside.

The court heard that when a police officer attempted to arrest Clarke, he pulled out a knife and made an attempt to stab him. The man then dealt the police officer several punches to the face and fled. The prosecutor added that both men were apprehended by public-spirited persons who chased after them. The prosecutor’s objection was upheld by the magistrate and both defendants were remanded to prison. Clarke was also ordered to post $60,000 bail on the assault charge. Both men were instructed to make their next court appearance on October 30.

Manpower agency helps with over 1200 placements in first half of year The Central Manpower and Recruitment Agency, (CMRA) established under the Ministry of Social Protection, has been instrumental the placement of at least 1,225 individuals within the first half of 2017. According to information obtained from the Ministry, the CMRA registers applicants for employment, taking specific note of their occupational qualifications and experience. The agency interviews candidates for employment and evaluates them. The job classifications range from secretaries, teachers, accounting clerks, cashiers, and electricians to domestic helpers. As part of its mandate, the Agency conducted training workshops in Region Six (6) (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Five (5) (MahaicaBerbice) Region Two (2), Region Four (4) and Region Ten (10). On completion of the workshops, persons are then linked with entities for an in-

terview, and job placement. Officials attached to the Agency, have said that follow-up work would be done to complete the workshops, to ensure that the candidates are employed. The CMRA was established by the Government as a method of placing individuals seeking jobs in suitable employment, in addition to providing career counselling and guidance to such persons. It is the Agency’s mandate to fulfill the desire of jobseekers through matching their level of qualification required by organisations recruiting and arranging interviews to be conducted, registering the unemployed actively seeking employment, and making a record of all informed vacancies. In recent years, the CMRA made its services available online through a public/private sector modernisation and e-governance programme, that allows persons with access to the

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Kaieteur News

internet to make submissions if they are seeking employment from anywhere in the country. The Ministry had also conducted job fairs to take the services of the labour department and the new services of the CMRA directly to the people. Charity, Bartica, Linden and New Amsterdam were beneficiary areas. In cases of persons who do not have access to the internet, it has partnered with the Regional Administration to provide hard copies of the application forms. Back in 2010, CMRA launched a $5M online registration programme for business persons to register their vacancies. By 2014, the CMRA was able to place 2,385 jobs for applicants. Unemployed persons can visit the website, at www.crma-gy.com. As a result of the website’s establishment, the agency says it has been able to reach a wider cross section of persons and businesses.

NY-based Guyanese remanded for guns and ammunition An overseas-based Guyanese, who was being investigated after officials at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) found two high-powered guns and matching ammunition, stashed in bike parts in a barrel at the wharf, during a customs check, was yesterday remanded to prison on two charges of illegal gun and ammunition possession. Forty-five-year-old Dwayne Phillips, of 77 Robb Street, Bourda, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and denied the charge which alleged that between January 1, 2016 and July 11, 2017 at GNSC wharf, Lombard Street, he had one 9mm Glock pistol and one 9mm Taurus pistol in his possession when he was not a licenced firearm holder. It was further alleged that between January 1 and July 11 at the same wharf, he had in his possession 56 rounds of 9mm ammunition, when he was not a licenced firearm holder. Phillips was represented by Attorney-atLaw, Keoma Griffith. The lawyer asked that his client be released on bail. He told the court that Phillips is a driver in the United States and he came to Guyana to visit his 10 children. The attorney said his client had cooperated fully during the investigations. Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence as well as the penalty the change attracts.

Dwayne Phillips The prosecutor also told the court that if bail is granted to the defendant he would not return to the court for the trial. Phillips was then remanded and instructed to make his next court appearance on October 16. According to reports, the barrel was shipped to Guyana from Brooklyn, New York, and the guns and several rounds of matching ammunition were found stashed in bike parts.

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Kaieteur News

Bound bodies of elderly women…

Mastermind tells cops accomplice strangled victims The mastermind in the murders of Constance Fraser, 89, and Phyllis Caesar, 77, has allegedly confessed to being the ringleader of the gang that raided the Lot 243 Albert Street and South Road property last week Monday. However, Christopher Narine, 37, also known as Christopher Persaud and Imran Khan, told investigators that he did not kill the women. In fact, it was his accomplice, Steven Andrews, called “Jason” who strangled the women for more valuables. The Albouystown resident was arrested at around noon on Sunday in the Pomeroon River—after being on the run. He was brought to the Brickdam Police Station where he subsequently confessed his involvement in the robbery/murder. Six suspects, including Narine’s girlfriend, are in custody and are due for court this week. Investigators are said to be tying up the loose ends. The gang has implicated themselves through confessions from suspects Steven Andrews, 28, and Phillip Suffrien, 24, as well as from $120,000 and other valuables that were recovered from the prime suspect’s girlfriend. Andrews and Suffrien allege Christopher Narine recruited them. They said that Narine, who they called ‘Chris,’ told them he had broken into the victims’ property before and

got “a lot of cash and valuables.” They decided that they were going to raid the home again, since “it had a lot of money the first time.” Two Mondays ago, at nightfall, Suffrien kept watch as ‘Chris’ and Andrews climbed into the verandah of the South Road premises. Once inside the house, the two men immediately started hunting for valuables. They claimed they had no idea that persons were home until they heard one of the two women snoring. Andrews confessed that they entered the rooms of the two elderly women and tied them up while they were sleeping. The victims were reportedly bound, with hands behind their backs. Kaieteur News was informed that Andrews and the mastermind then continued searching the house while demanding their victims disclose where they had their cash. They reportedly remained in the premises for several hours, eventually leaving early the next morning after battering and strangling their victims. The killers then headed to the mastermind’s home, where they decided how they would split up the loot. The gruesome crime was discovered when member of the South Road Full Gospel Assembly, which both

women attended, turned up at the church and were unable to get inside. Mrs. Caesar acted as caretaker for the church, and had the code for the church alarm. She also kept the keys for a nearby school in Regent Street. After observing that the gate to the elderly women’s residence was locked, residents contacted ranks at the Alberttown Police Station. On entering the premises, police found the house ransacked, then located the trussed-up and bound bodies of the two elderly women in separate rooms.

The mastermind Christopher Narine

Murdered: Phyllis Caesar and Constance-Fraser

Murder suspect Phillip Suffrien

Murder suspect Steven Andrews

Tuesday October 10, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Kaieteur News

Gunmen attack couple, escape with car VACANCY Experienced s a l e s m a n , generaldomestic , p o r t e r . Apply with hand written application & recommendation @ Keyfood, McDoom Village. SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyanapassport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 I N S TA L L AT I O N S , REPAIRSAND PARTS FOR AC, FRIDGE, WASHING MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202

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TAXI SERVICE

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At around 20:30 hrs on Sunday, three gunmen attacked a young couple at Grove, East Bank Demerara, and escaped with the Toyota Premio motorcar that the female had borrowed from her mother to run an errand. The vehicle bears registration number, PPP 6167. Nikita Khan said that she and her husband had just got home and were taking some items into the yard when three armed men attacked them. Her husband was gun-butted. “We had borrowed the car from my mother to go by a relative up the East Coast, so we came home to empty the car to take it back,” Khan recalled. She added that her husband started taking items into their yard and she subsequently joined him. “I took some things into the garage and when I look out I see someone with my husband and I thought it was a friend helping him out, but then I saw the gun,” Khan recounted. She said that the men took her husband’s phone and cash and drove away with the car. TO RENT One bottom flat situated at lot 304 Good Intent, West Bank Demerara. Ideal for grocery/supermarket. Call 623-3895

WANTED 1-Able bodied male clerk.Tel:231-2029, 219-4533, 616-5954 We buy low income houselots. We need someone to build wooden picture frames. Tel:611-7223,6511969 Experienced salesgirl a t C h r i s t i n e ’s Va r i e t y, Lombard street- Call: 227-8529 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. One private tutor for grade 5 student- Please Call: 600-7388 Wa i t r e s s f o r b a r- C a l l : 612-2522 1 maid with cooking experience for East Bank areaCall: 614-4358 Accounts clerk for Eccles office, knowledge of Quickbooks and payroll- Call: 614-4358 Experienced pastry maker, cook & salesgirl. Visit Stagedoor snackette @Lot 136 Regent road, Bourda (9am-2pm)

“One of them pushed his hand in my husband’s pocket and collected the car keys and gone with the car,” she noted. A report was made to the Grove Police Station. Two Mondays ago, Deputy Superintendent Lonsdale Withrite, who was heading the Guyana Police Force’s SWAT team, was attacked at gunpoint by three men, who hijacked his car. The officer, who was subsequently moved from his post, also lost his service revolver in the robbery which occurred at Industry, East Coast Demerara seawall. The vehicle was subsequently found abandoned at Ogle Airport road. On September 16, last, a Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal, Pernell Gordon, said that he was a victim of a carjacking. He recalled seeing two men waving for a taxi at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and decided to pick them up. He said that the men asked to be stopped off at Second Bridge, Mocha. When he arrived at the destination, he saw two other men standing on the bridge. Gordon said that he stopped to drop off his passengers and the two men approached his vehicle and snatched the keys while the other three tried to block him from escaping. However, the rank said he managed to exit the vehicle after the men relieved him of his wallet, licence, and valuables. They escaped with his Toyota Premio, licence plate PVV 7706. Continued on page 23 WANTED Processing plant workers & labourers please contact BM Enterprise at Guyana Fishers Ltd Wharf, Houston, EBD. Tel: 227-8176/77 Wa n t e d in l a rg e quantities dried corolla bush- call: 665-1397 1 Live in domestic to workCall: 674-1767 Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318 Live in domestic, must know to cook. 1 waitress with secondary education $20,000 weekly- Call: 610-3974 Drivers, dispatchers and contract cars. 2 weeks free base fee- Tel: 231-0002, 2310316 1 Live- in domestic salary $60,000- Call: 669-5149 Male & female to work Interior age 25-35. Salary $80,000 monthly. Meal & accommodation providedCall: 674-1767

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President Granger commissions three new school buses Students of the North West Secondary School, Region One, and surrounding schools, would have arrived yesterday morning in one of the three new buses commissioned by President David Granger and the Regional Administration on Sunday last, under the 5B’s initiative. The commissioning ceremony was held at the NorthWest Secondary School and was attended by the President along with Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder. While two of the buses were catered for in the Region’s budget, through the Regional Administration, one of the buses was donated by the President. Each bus will transport 15 pupils on every trip to the various schools within the district.

The President in his address reiterated the importance of education and the vital nature of pupils and students being able to access education. It is against this backdrop that he noted, upon his designation as president, he shifted education to being a priority in the development of the country. “My first idea was that education was paramount for the children of Guyana. No more dropouts. We want to provide access, so that there are enough schools for you to get to within your respective regions, and we want to ensure that your attendance is as high as it could be.” The Head of State sought to remind those in attendance that he will continue to invest in the education sector, since it is the ‘gateway’ to becoming employed and improving other aspects of the country. The children were urged

to take care of the buses. The donation was well received by Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley who reassured that the transportation will be used to ensure that children in far-flung communities are able to get to school, safely and on time. This commissioning follows one of several that the President has conducted since he took office, with the most recent being in August 21 of this year. The 5B’s initiative includes the provision of buses, boats, bicycles, books and breakfast. East BerbiceCorentyne, MahaicaBerbice and PomeroonSupenaam are some of the Regions that have benefitted from the projects so far. Kuru-Kururu, parts of Georgetown and the East Bank, are currently a few areas that children are benefitting from free transportation to and from school.

The three new school buses in Region One, Barima-Waini

Gunmen attack couple, escape... From page 22 Early in September, gunmen assaulted a 65-year-old taxi driver, after which they made off with his Toyota Premio which he hired to operate as a taxi at Kitty Public Road, Georgetown. Percy Busey, a driver attached to Eddy’s Taxi Service, had arrived in Kitty in the car bearing registration PRR 3295, to pick up a passenger. He said that he was at the time reversing on the Kitty roadway while awaiting the arrival of his passenger when two men pounced on him. According to Busey, one of the men held a gun to his head and threatened to shoot him if he did not comply with their demands, while the other opened the door and attempted to drag him out by his shirt. He was hit in the face by the men who then escaped with the car and the victim’s valuables.

President Granger ‘christens’ one of the newly commissioned buses with coconut water

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California fires: Deadly wildfires Turkey and US scale back visa sweep through wine country services amid diplomatic row

(BBC) Parts of California’s wine region are being ravaged by fastspreading fires that have killed at least one person and seriously injured two others. Mass evacuations have been announced as several others are reportedly missing. About 20,000 people have fled from Napa, Sonoma and Yuba counties after fires broke out across the area renowned for its vineyards. The governor of California declared an emergency as firefighters battled to control the wild blazes. “These fires have destroyed structures and

continue to threaten thousands of homes, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents,” the declaration said. The head of California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Kim Pimlott, said that about 1,500 buildings had already been destroyed. It is not yet known how the fires started on Sunday night. Napa County’s fire chief warned that conditions were hindering firefighting efforts, as further resources were brought in from across the state. One person died in Mendocino County when thousands of acres burned in one valley. Further injuries

Trump’s popularity is slipping in rural America: poll (Reuters) - Outside the Morgan County fair in McConnelsville, in a rural swath of Ohio that fervently backed U.S. President Donald Trump in last year’s election, ticket seller John Wilson quietly counts off a handful of disappointments with the man he helped elect. The 70-year-old retired banker said he is unhappy with infighting and turnover in the White House. He does not like Trump’s penchant for traveling to his personal golf resorts. He wishes the president would do more to fix the healthcare system, and he worries that Trump might back down from his promise to force illegal immigrants out of the country. “Every president makes mistakes,” Wilson said. “But if you add one on top of one, on top of another one, on top of another, there’s just a limit.” Trump, who inspired millions of supporters last year in places like Morgan County, has been losing his grip on rural America. According to the Reuters/Ipsos daily tracking poll, the Republican president’s popularity is eroding in small towns and rural communities where 15 percent of the country’s population lives. The poll of more than 15,000 adults in “non-metro” areas shows that they are now as likely to disapprove of Trump as they are to approve of him. In September, 47 percent of people in non-metro areas approved of Trump while 47 percent disapproved. That is down from Trump’s first four weeks in office, when 55 percent said they approved of the president while 39 percent disapproved. The poll found that Trump has lost support in rural areas among men, whites and people who never went to college. He lost support with rural Republicans and rural voters who supported him on Election Day.

have been reported and others are said to be missing. Dozens of vineyard workers were reportedly airlifted to safety overnight. It is not yet known how the fires started on Sunday night. Napa County’s fire chief warned that conditions were hindering firefighting efforts, as further resources were brought in from across the state. One person died in Mendocino County when thousands of acres burned in one valley. Further injuries have been reported and others are said to be missing. Dozens of vineyard workers were reportedly airlifted to safety overnight.

(CNN) Turkey and the US have become embroiled in a consular row, mutually scaling back visa services. The American mission in Ankara said it had suspended all non-immigrant visa services in order to “ r e a s s e s s ” Tu r k e y ’s commitment to staff security. Turkey’s embassy in Washington replied by suspending “all visa services”. The latest spat began when a US consulate worker in Istanbul was held over suspected links to a cleric blamed for last year’s failed coup in Turkey. Washington condemned

the move as baseless and damaging to bilateral relations. The arrested consulate employee was a male Turkish citizen, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported. The row prompted a four per cent fall in Turkey’s main share index while the Turkish lira tumbled more than 2.5% against the dollar. In its statement on Sunday, the US embassy in Ankara said: “Recent events have forced the United States government to reassess the commitment of government of Turkey to the security of US mission and personnel.

“In order to minimise the number of visitors to our embassy and consulates while this assessment proceeds, effective immediately we have suspended all nonimmigrant visa services at all US diplomatic facilities in Turkey.” O n l y p e o p l e permanently moving to the US will now be able to apply for visas. Photo in Tuesday as embassy Caption: The American embassy in Ankara will not issue visas to those travelling to the US for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work or study.

Top US general: China will be ‘greatest threat’ to US by 2025 (CNN)America’s top military officer, Gen. Joseph Dunford, told Congress Tuesday China is likely to be the “greatest threat” of any foe to the US within a decade. “I think China probably poses the greatest threat to our nation by about 2025,” Dunford told the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing on his re-

appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford was responding to a question from Hawaii Democr a t S e n . M a z i e Hirono, who noted that the general had previously identified Russia, followed by China and North Korea, as representing the greatest military threats to US national security

during a 2015 appearance before the same committee. But on Tuesday Dunford took the opportunity to reshuffle his list of national security concerns, saying that North Korea now “poses the greatest threat today” due to the “sense of u rg e n c y ” i n v o l v e d a s Pyongyang’s develops its nuclear and missile programmes.

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Several students killed during Magistrates embark on industrial action over work conditions, salaries passage of Hurricane Maria PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Haiti’s judicial system was thrown in a tailspin on Monday after magistrates heeded a call to begin a five-day work stoppage in support of their demands for improved working condition as well as what they term the insensitivity of a government minister to their situation.. President of the Professional Association of Magistrates (APM), Wando Saint-Villier, said the decision to stop work followed the failure to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last week Thursday between t h e J u s t i c e M i n i s t e r, Heidi Fortune, the Minister of the Economy, Jude Alix Patrice Solomon, and Jules Cantave, President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ). He said Solomon had failed to turn up for the

meeting where the MOU would have been signed and the work stoppage is also to protest Solomon’s failure to respect the Judiciary. “This protocol should be signed by the parties concerned, but unfortunately Minister Solomon has done wrong, without giving any explanation of the reasons for his absence” Saint-Villier said, recalling that the APM had given the parties an October 6 deadline to meet their demands. The magistrates said their concerns include better working conditions, new premises, rehabilitation of obsolete premises, an increase in the budget of the CSPJ, health insurance coverage, staffing of the courts with modern equipment and materials among other concerns. “Unless a Memorandum of Understanding is signed within the allotted time, magistrates will observe an unlimited strike from

Monday, October 9, 2017 until their demands are met,” the PAM said in a statement late last month. Meanwhile, a truce has been reached to end the “Operation arms crossed” strike that has paralyzed the Customs. The Committee of the Haitian Customs Association (ADH) and the union say the demands of their predate the introduction of the 20172018 budget in Parliament, calling for among other things, an 80 per cent increase in salaries and a special status as police officers because of the importance of their work. Over the weekend, the parties agreed that as of Monday, a truce will be observed and that Customs officers will resume their work. The unions have not disclosed the concessions reached with the government for ending the strike.

Grenada records decline in UK arrivals S T. G E O R G E ’ S , Grenada, CMC – Grenada has recorded a decline in visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom even as it reported an increase in growth in every other market for the period January to August this year as compared to the same period in 2016. Figures released here show that for the year so far 100,815 people came to the island as compared with 94,614 last year. Chief executive officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA), Patricia Maher, speaking to journalists attending the 2017 State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) here, said that the largest growth in arrivals came from Germany with a 30 per cent increase, totalling 1,564, while Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries accounted for the smallest growth of seven per cent registering 19,223. The United States market increased by 13 per cent to 40,010, while Canada showed growth of six per cent with visitor arrivals of 10,527 this year so far. The United Kingdom reduced share was 7.14 per cent with 17,367 visitors arriving here as compared to last year when 18,702 visited

the island. “We believe it has to do with the value of the (British) Pound and people watching what they spend,” she said as she presented a status of Grenada’s tourism products to journalists attending the conference that ends here on Friday. Maher said that despite the reduction, Grenada will be attending the annual Wo r l d Tr a v e l M a r k e t schedule for November 6-8 in London, regarded as the leading global event for the travel industry. The British event brings together an estimated 5,000 exhibiting destinations, technology and private sector companies to find and network with 51,000 travel professionals, key industry buyers, journalists, digital influencers, students and tourism Ministers.

Maher said that Grenada is also benefiting from the arrival of cruise ship calls which were originally schedule to take visitors to ports in some territories in the northern Caribbean that are now devastated because of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. “We are set to have a potential increase in cruise ship arrivals, we are expecting 28 new calls,” she said while explaining that some of these ships did not book Grenada for early season calls but were scheduled to call at Grenada’s port later in the season. Besides the increase from the cruise ship calls, Grenada is also the new home of the RORC International race that was originally scheduled to take place in Virgin Gorda from December 6-15.

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – A senior education official Monday said that several students were killed when Hurricane Maria passed through the island on September 18, leaving a trial of death and destruction. Official figures here indicate that 28 people had been killed by the Category 5 storm when it barrelled its way through the island, with at least 32 people still reported missing. However, unofficial figures have put the death toll as high as 60. Speaking at the daily press briefing here on M o n d a y, P e r m a n e n t Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, Mrs. Chandler Hyacinth, while not disclosing the exact number of students killed, confirmed that some had died. “We have had a few

deaths among our students, so we want to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of those students who have passed on,” she said, adding that schools across the island had suffered damage and that the “the impact of this disaster to the education (sector) is vast”. She said that every effort is being made to get schools that have been classified as not seriously damaged opened as quickly as possible, adding that schools here will be opened in phases based on the degree of damage. But she said there were other factors that will contribute as to when schools are opened including transportation and the provision of basic amenities. “We are looking at road s a f e t y, a v a i l a b i l i t y o f transportation…we are mindful of the sanitary conditions and health

conditions at some of our schools especially at it relates to access of running water,” she said, noting also there is need for psychosocial support for students “and we are preparing for that”. She said priority will be given to re-opening secondary schools where students are preparing to write several exams set by the Barbados-based Caribbean Examination Council (CXC). The education official said that the public library system here has collapsed completely. Chief Education Officer, Melina Fontaine, urged parents “to find some time for your children to do some school work” while the Acting Chief Education Officer, Dr. Jeffrey Blaize said school hours will be from 9.00 am to 1.pm (local time).

CDB delegation ends mission to St. Kitts and Nevis BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is likely to support St. KittsNevis in key areas of national development, a senior official of the bank has said. A CDB delegation has just ended a one-week visit to the twin-island Federation discussing the country’s development priorities and to determine the main areas of intervention that CDB could support over the period 2017 to 2021. “Given the priorities that have been identified during this visit, CDB is likely to support St. Kitts and Nevis in key areas of national development that are critical for economic growth and

social development,” said the CDB Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram. The CDB team held talks with officials from the public and private sector and according to a CDB statement, the discussions also focused on the country’s key development challenges; and the role and work of other development partners who provide support to the Federation. The statement noted that the areas where possible assistance could be provided include the development of a n e w N a t i o n a l Vi s i o n document and MediumTerm Development Strategy, complemented by detailed implementation guidelines. The CDB has also “offered its support for the

establishment of a delivery unit to accelerate implementation towards the achievement of the Government’s key development objectives”, The statement noted that other areas of possible intervention include the rehabilitation of infrastructure such as roads and sea defences, and slope stabilisation; investments in the energy and water sector; support to improve education outcomes; capacity building in the hospitality industry; improvements to the doingbusiness environment for micro, small and medium enterprises and social sector strengthening, particularly as it relates to gender equality.

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RHTY&SC Teams, Dem Life honour Outstanding... (From page 30) Education. The top teachers at the Primary Level were Yamanie Jaiprasad of Belvedere Primary with Karamand Ramash of Sheet Anchor Primary and Kamlawattie Sooknanan of All Saints Primary as the 1st and 2nd Runner-up. Ms. Malini Dilraj of Tagore Secondary copped the Best Secondary School Teacher Award with Shenelly Kendall and Cordicia Grimmond of Berbice High School as the Runnerups. Foster urged all the Teachers to uphold their high standards and to be the best role models to their students.

He also disclosed that the event would be an annual one with plans to include a Nursery School Award Programme, while the top Teachers would be featured in a special Television Documentary. Mayor of Rose Hall Town, Vijai Ramoo, praised the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club for the outstanding work it was doing and urged the large gathering of students to be respectful to their teachers. Regional Educational Officer Ms. Volita Jaikishun hailed the Award Scheme as a great incentive for Teachers and noted that teaching is the

profession that creates other professions. She hailed the visionary planning of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its cricket teams and the financial support of Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society. Marketing Manager of Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Mr. Clarence Perry stated that the Company enjoys a large amount of business with teachers and as such was delighted to be associated with the programme. Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society, Perry noted, strongly believes in education as the foundation of a

Tuesday October 10, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You have to believe in yourself and your talents. You may be able to impart knowledge that's innovative to those searching for a new angle. Your dynamic, determined approach will win favors as well as a helping hand. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You will have no problem getting along with clients. You might have a problem juggling your time. You can get good solid advice from relatives or close friends you trust. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Take time to deal with authority figures or government agencies. You might be overly emotional concerning situations at work. You may have a tendency to put on weight. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You can meet new and exciting friends who will provide mental stimulation. Later in the week your boss will pat you on the back for a job well done. If you take on too much of a financial burden you may make yourself ill. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Do not allow colleagues to hinder your ambitions. Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. Try not to take everything so seriously. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Changes in your domestic scene are apparent. A romantic infatuation from your past may surface if you frequent places that you both used to go. Control those desires to cast your fate to the wind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Try to curb your habits, or you could find yourself in an awkward financial position. Avoid lending or borrowing. Be supportive in order to avoid confrontations. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Travel for business or pleasure. Sports, physical fitness programs, exercise in general will make you feel better and show some pretty quick results. Be discreet and don't present your ideas until you're certain that they're foolproof. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Be creative in your pursuits. Confusion regarding other people's money and joint ventures will come to a head. Residential moves will be in your best interest. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're on the right track and you can make money if you are willing to go out on a limb. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. Pleasure trips will be most enjoyable if you take them with that special person in your life. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. Favors will be offered readily. Take advantage of your attributes and lure the mate of your choice. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to disrupt your routine. You can work in conjunction with those in the know in order to get to the bottom of any pending issue. You may want to clear the air where older relatives are concerned.

successful life and as such it is always important to honour those who educate our youths. The Insurance Company would work along with the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club to expand the programme in 2018 and he praised the Club for the role it is playing in making a posi-

tive difference in the lives of others. The winner of both categories received $100,000, the 1st runner-up $50,000 and 2nd runner-up $25,000 each. Each of the Awardees also received a Trophy, Medal of Excellence and a Framed Certificate of Honour.

The nine cricket teams arranging the event were Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.

Derby lifts spirits on Wray & Nephew... (From page 27) Guyana for a majority decision in the first of the threeround fights to allow Jamaica to jump out in front. Both fighters gave as much as they received, and to the naked eye the result could have gone either way. It set the tone for what was to follow. In the second fight, Ricardo Carter, one of Jamaica’s most accomplished lightweight prospects, took to the ring against Guyana’s Joel Williamson. The first round looked promising as both fighters looked keen heading into the second. But Carter began to look a bit jaded and was surprisingly knocked off his feet to go down via the technical knockout route. In the third fight, the promising junior welterweight Patrick Sahadeo from the Jamaica Defence Force Gym was expected to give Jamaica the lead in the clash with the gangly Colin Lewis.

But Sahadeo was outclassed. He appeared to be not prepared to deal with the long reach of his opponent, and thus failed to withstand the barrages from Lewis and was outgunned in a majority decision. In came Derby, the St Thomas Gym boxer who had to win his fight to salvage a share of the laurels following two unexpected losses. He responded well with good glove work and adequately weighted punches to keep his bloody-nosed opponent apprehensive. It was a night where the amateurs stole the spotlight,

though not entirely, as Miguel “Iron Dog” Ray brought the house down to its knees against Kestna Davis in their main event clash over six rounds. Davis, as was expected, won by an overwhelming majority on all the three judges’ scorecards. It was a highly entertaining bout highlighted by the antics of “Iron Dog”. Ransford Burton scored the bout 60-55, Eion Jardine scored it 60-54, while Lindell Allen had it 60-50. Meanwhile, in the preliminary pro bout, Toriano Nicholas defeated Daron Weir by majority decision. All three judges scored 60-54.

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Ally, Phillips bowl HS Masters overcome Wellman Aurora Knightriders to victory over Affiance

Garfield Phillips

Ravi Beharry A devastating spell of bowling by fast bowler Saieef Ally and left arm spinner Garfield Phillips g u i d e d A u r o r a Knightriders to an emphatic victory over Affiance in the third round of the South Essequibo 40 overs cricket competition played last Sunday at the Affiance Cricket Ground. Batting first on a bouncy track and heavy outfield, the

Knightriders scored a respectable 180 all out. The in-form Ravi Beharry stroked a fluent 68 which was decorated with 5 boundaries and 5 maximums. Roddy Spencer supported with 43 (2x4,4x6), while Phillips chipped in with 33 (3x4,2x6). Bowling for Affiance, P. Singh grabbed 3-45, A. Persaud 2-25, D. Singh 2-34 and L. Godget 2-28.

Ally and Phillips then combined to rout Affiance for a paltry 56 in 13.2 overs. R. Motilall was the only batsman to reach double figures (16) as Ally had outstanding figures of 5-24, while Man of the Match Phillips snared 4-18. The competition continues this weekend with the Knightriders playing United Warriors at the Hibernia Cricket Ground.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League Round-Up

Kareem Pitt (left) and Orland Adams – Mahaica Determinators Second round play in the G F F / N A M I L C O Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued this past weekend in a number of associations across Guyana. Matches were contested in East Demerara and East Coast associations, one each, while four were played in the Georgetown association, all on Saturday. At the Golden Grove ground, Mahaica

Determinators took care of business against Plaisance Panthers by a 2-0 margin, Kareem Pitt in the 6th and Orland Adams 50th minute saw their team to victory. Up at the Grove Playfield on the East Bank of Demerara, Kuru Kururu Warriors behind a brace of goals from Junior Persaud (7th, 21st minute) got the better of Diamond United, 20. And in the City at the Tucville Playfield, Santos, Alpha United and

Georgetown Football Club all took full points in their respective matches, while Fruta Conquerors were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Eastveldt. Santos thumped Order and Discipline 6-0 on account of goals from Eon Adams in the 5th and 24th minute, Kevon Mullin netted in the 10th, Zafir Brown added his name to the score sheet in the 21st, Rashad Roberts followed suit in the 35th, while Naseem Algernon sealed the deal in the 50th minute. Alpha United came from behind to defeat Pele 2-1. Pele had taken the lead on 18 minutes when Christopher Camacho found the back of the nets. Alpha then drew level thanks to a John McKenzie’s 29th minute effort before the winner was blasted in off the boot of Ramsey Ryan in the 36th minute. Camptown were no match for Georgetown Football Club which hammered them 3-0. Rondell Peters scored twice, in the 24th and 47th minute, while Randy Leshawn put the icing on the cake in the 41st minute.

HS Masters defeated Mike’s Wellman by 24 runs when play in the Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall and Nauth Motor Spares softball competition continued on Sunday last at Carifesta Sports Complex. Batting first, HS Masters posted a challenging 200 all out in 20 overs. Rawle Reid anchored the innings with a well played 71, while Balram Lakeram supported with 54 and Patrick Khan 52. Nandram Samlall grabbed 4-13 and Greg De Franca 226. Wellman threatened before they fell for 176 in reply. Jagdesh Persaud made 35, Eon Lovell 27 and Samlall 25. Hanoman Singh captured 3-8, Manoj Arjune 3-31 and Mikey Ifill 2-32.

Hanoman Singh Wellman indicated that they will lodge a protest to the organsiers since they felt that one of the players from the opposing side did not

Rawle Reid attain the required age to play in the Masters segment. The competition will continue on Sunday.

Silver Shattas upset GFC to advance to Hamilton Green quarterfinals Linden’s Silver Shattas utilized their home crowd advantage at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground on Saturday evening to achieve a come from behind 2-1 victory in their round of 16 clash with city side, Georgetown Football Club (GFC). GFC were cruising along in the game up until the 53rd minute before midfielder Alberto Basarta had put GFC ahead in the 10th minute but a within the space of 4 minutes during the second half, Shattas had equalized and seized the lead. Shattas’ Omar Williams grabbed the equalizer in the 54th minute after expertly finishing a left-footed volley. Three minutes later, Hubert Williams fired Silver Shattas into the lead and the “Lindeners” parked the bus and held on for the win. The feature fixture of the night witnessed another come from behind win in an all-Linden affair between Winners’ Connection and Eagles United. All the goals of this match were scored during the second half. Winners’ Connection were fortunate enough to achieve the second 2-1 win of the night after Kendolf Lewis scored two minutes after the second half whistle, in the 47th minute. Then Connection’s Marmalique Davidson equalized in 69th minute before Quason Andres scored a 90+2 minutes, injury time screamer.

Marmalique Davidson When the competition resumes on Sunday October 15th, the quarterfinal round will begin with two matches from 19:00hrs at the Victoria ground on the East Coast of Demerara. The first match will see Police FC and Silver Shattas matching skills before Ann’s Grove and Soesdyke go head to head in the feature clash at 21:00hrs. Fans in West Demerara

are set to be part of the action when the two more quarterfinal encounters will be played at the Den Amstel ground on Wednesday, October 18th. Uitvlugt will be pitted against Milerock at 19:00hrs and Den Amstel will hype over their home crowd as they try to knock out Winners’ Connection in their match that starts at 21:00hrs.

GCB congratulates New BCB Executives The Executive and members of the Guyana Cricket Board wishes to congratulate the new Berbice Cricket Board executives. In a release, the GCB notes that it was Berbice Cricket Board’s first elections since 2014 and observed the timely conduct of the said process, in accordance with schedule 3 of the cricket administration act. The GCB believes that the membership of Berbice Cricket Board has spoken and looks forward to effectively working with the new BCB executives in organizing, developing and promoting cricket in the ancient county and in Guyana as a whole.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 10, 2017

Derby lifts spirits on Wray & Nephew Fight Night -Guyana and Jamaica draw series

Joel Williamson Jamaica Observer Amateur middleweight boxer Ian Derby confirmed his improving status with a sound, unanimous points decision over the rugged Guyanese Desmond Amsterdam at Alpart Sports Club in St Elizabeth on Saturday night.

Colin Lewis D e r b y ’s w i n g a v e Jamaica a well-earned leveller against Guyana on the four-fight amateur card in the Wray & Nephew Fight Night Boxing Series. Jamaica won the first and last fights on the night, while Guyana won the second and third.

The amateur segment was the main entertainment package of the night, and it lived up to expectation. There was non-stop action from the opening bell to the very end. Marvin Shea overcame Clairmont Gibson of (Continued on page 25)

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Taylor half-century fails to gloss over batting worries TORUBA, Trinidad, CMC – Captain Stafanie Taylor stroked a halfcentury in Sunday’s practice match against Trinidad and Tobago Under-19s but West Indies Women’s batting remained a concern heading into the One-Day International series against Sri Lanka Women starting tomorrow. Opting to bat first at the Brian Lara Stadium, the Windies Women could only manage 180 for nine off 45.1 overs, with Taylor scoring 51 before retiring. Kycia Knight chipped in with 25, wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira, 22, while Deandra Dottin got 21. They were languishing at 76 for five before Taylor came to her side’s rescue in two productive stands. Firstly, she put on 43 for the sixth wicket with Kycia Knight before adding a further 57 for the seventh with Aguilleira. However, the top order failure – which was a feature of the side’s wretched campaign in last summer’s

Street Vibes Entertainment Futsal Championship

Captain Stafanie Taylor.

Women’s World Cup in England – will concern new head coach Henderson Springer. Both openers Hayley Matthews (7) and Reniece Boyce (7) failed while Chedean Nation (10) and Kyshona Knight (11) also found runs elusive. In reply, Christian Turton lashed a sparking

unbeaten 80 in an unbroken opening stand with Leonardo Julien who made 26, before rain forced the match to be abandoned with the Under-19s well on course for victory on 118 without loss in the 19th over. The match is the only warm-up prior to tomorrow’s opener also at the Brian Lara Stadium.

Bailey’s half century hands Eccles 30-run win over Combined United

Fierce battles anticipated as teams seek quarter-final berths Tonight’s final group round matchups are anticipated to produce some riveting contests as teams battle to make the quarterfinals in the inaugural Street Vibes Entertainment, ‘Futsal Championship’ at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue from 19:00hrs. In the opening fixture, Swag Entertainment will square off against the winless African Team, while Meadowbrook Kings (MBK) All-Stars, that are yet to register a victory as well, will tackle Tucville, which is the third team without a point, at 19:30hrs. The third fixture at 20:00hrs will see Hustlers go up against New Market Street, while Future Stars will match skills with Dave and Celina’s All-Stars at 20:30hrs. West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ will then engage North Ruimveldt from 21:00hrs, before Albouystown-A and Silver Bullets collide at 21:30hrs. The final two encounters are expected to produce fireworks; Back Circle will take on Leopold Street from 22:00hrs, while Group A table toppers, Sparta Boss versus Broad Street that made light work of the African team 6-2 on Saturday evening will bring the curtains down at 22:30hrs. Following the conclusion of the group stage, the quarterfinal round will commence on Thursday at the same venue with the winner of the tournament set to receive $700,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed finishers take home $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively. The sponsors of the event are Banks DIH Limited, the Guyana Police Force, Windjammer International Hotel and Cuisine and 94.1 Boom FM. Below are the fixtures for this evening: Swag Entertainment vs. African Team-19:00hrs MBK All-Stars vs. Tucville-19:30hrs Hustlers vs. New Market Street-20:00hrs

Future Stars vs. Dave and Celina’s-20:30hrs Gold is Money vs. North Ruimveldt-21:00hrs Albouystown-A vs. Silver Bullets-21:30hrs Back Circle vs. Leopold Street-22:00hrs Sparta Boss vs. Broad Street-22:30hrs

Bernard Bailey

Jurmain Ramroop

Bernard Bailey struck a robust half century to lift Eccles to a 30-run win over Combined United when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association/ Sterling Products Ltd/Industries Supplies Guyana T20 tournament continued on Sunday last. Bailey hammered three fours and seven sixes in a top score of 64 to boost Eccles batting after they were reduced to 41-5 on a difficult surface. He shared in a sixth wicket stand of 88 with Lenny Pancham before Pancham was dismissed for 21. Germain Douglas contributed 23 as Eccles posted 137-8 off their reduced quota of 15 overs due to rain. Ravin Bankay claimed 4-11 and Pramashwar Persaud took 2-30. Jurmain Ramroop got Combined United reply off to a flier, hitting nine fours and two sixes in scoring 57, but only Vijay Persaud of the other batsmen reached double figures with 13 as they were bowled out for 107 in 12 overs. Kevin Plantz captured 3-9 and Kelvin Singh 2-15. On Sunday, Uprising got a walk over from Bayrock. The competition will continue on Saturday with the quarterfinal matches.

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships

CoS officially fires off one-week competition; reopens new Timehri Rifle Ranges By Franklin Wilson After thanking the visiting nations for travelling hundreds of miles to be in Guyana to celebrate the historic 150th Anniversary of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) which is being run concurrently with the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Caribbean (WIFBSC) championships, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and President of the host association, Brigadier Patrick West fired off what is anticipated to be a fiercely contested Individual and Team competition yesterday. West, who along with GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud unveiled a brand new sign welcoming patrons to the Timehri Rifle Ranges, expressed the association’s pride and joy at being able to host this prestigious event. ”We take note of the fact that many of you have travelled from far and wide to be here and to help us

celebrate this activity in Guyana. As you are aware Guyana as a nation began to embrace shooting way back in the 1790’s and this was formalised in 1865 when the Demerara Rifle Club was established.” It was then known as the British Guiana Rifle Association and now the Guyana Rifle Association. We s t i n f o r m e d t h e participating countries that the GuyanaNRA has continued to work hard and has been able to establish itself as one of the leading competitors in the region. He also expressed thanks to its members for the hard work they have put into making the Timehri Rifle Ranges as one of the best in the world today. ”We can assure you that for the week you are here that your time will be well spent, enjoy the shooting, enjoy the Guyanese hospitality, I would say may the best team win; and you know who the best team is? So today, on behalf of the Patron, His Excellency, the

Brigadier Patrick West fires the ceremonial opening shot yesterday. Brigadier David Arthur Granger and on my own behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of you. I have no doubt that you will find this newly renovated range, that it provides the ideal opportunity to test your considerable shooting skills against our local shooters.” Immediate Past President of the WIFBSC Trinidadian Norris Gomez read a message from current President, Jamaican Major Ret. John Nelson who is

GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary /WIFBSC Individuals – Day 1

Mahendra Persaud with possibles at 500 and 600 takes pole position By Franklin Wilson GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain will start today’s second day of the Individual competition in pole position following an intense opening day yesterday. Persaud who dropped just one point on the day having achieved possibles at the 500 and 600 yards ended with the highest aggregate of 134 points and 14Vs just a single point ahead of Nigel Stangroom of England and countryman Lennox Braithwaite who is a couple of points away from Persaud. Also notching possible yesterday were Stangroom at 300 and 600 yards; Braithwaite at 600 yards; Guyanese Sherwin Felicien who was the top O-class

shooter in Antigua last year and now promoted to XClass (300 yards), Englishman David Calvert (300 yards) along with Charlotte Staples (DCRA) and Henry Day (England) at 500 yards. This battle is expected to heat up further today when the marksmen and women takes aim from the 500, 600 and 900 yards. Leading the O-Class battle is Barbadian Richard Arthur with aggregate of 127.7 followed by Mark Ackrill (Ireland) and Guyanese debutant Roberto Tiwari both with 126 points, Ackrill has 8 Vs, two more than Tiwari. Persaud, who ended second overall last year, commented on his first day’s performance: “The first range at 300 yards was a bit

hot and humid but it got worst at 500 yards. I honestly believe that the 500 yards shoot is one of the most difficult I have ever had, it was pulsing so hard, I can imagine what the visitors went through.” Persaud said that he was amazed that he was able to hold himself together to complete the 500 yards. He commended the efforts of Sherwin Felicien for his possible at 300 yards and debutant Roberto Tiwari whom he said has done a fantastic job so far. ”I expect team Guyana’s shooters to start coming back strongly from tomorrow (today). Those that had rough shoots, I expect to start stepping up to the plate, I know they can do that and put things together.”

expected to arrive in Guyana today. Nelson noted that the occasion was a very momentous one for the sport in Guyana and by extension, the West Indies. ”This shoot has been some 18 months in the making, to invite not just the regional shooters but competitors from Canada, Ireland, the Falkland Islands and England is a gigantic operation for us here in the region. The GNRA saw the possibilities and went forward with their plans. These plans involved extending the range from its previous 12 targets to 24. This could have never happened without the coming on board of the Guyana Defence Force. Completion of the range represented just a piece of the puzzle as the GDF through its Chief of Staff

Brigadier Patrick West committed a full complement of marking staff to remain with us for the entire week’s shooting.” Nelson expressed the sincere gratitude of the WIFBSC to West and the GDF for their partnership in not only refurbishing the ranges but ensuring the championships are efficiently run. Fullbore Captain Persaud also came in for special praise by Nelson who said he would have been in contact with him almost on a daily basis, receiving regular updates on the progress of the works. “So to you and your team, I extend heartiest congratulations.” Among the dignitaries s h a r i n g y e s t e r d a y ’s significant opening were Major General Ret. Norman McLean, Life Member and

Former GuyanaNRA Vice President Neville Denny and Mohamed Qualander of Queensway Group of Companies, one of the main sponsors for this week’s championships. A moments silence after a volley of shots (one for each) was observed in memory of three stalwart shooters who have passed away since the last year’s championships in Antigua. The departed are J o h n F o n g Ye w o f Trinidad and Tobago, Carl Smith of Jamaica and Richard ‘Dickie’ Fields of Guyana. Action yesterday got underway in blistering sunshine after the ceremonial shot by Brigadier Patrick West with the Individual segment of the championships at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges.

Bel Air Lions and GDA to hold fund raising Dominoes The Lions Club of Bel Air in collaboration with the G e o rg e t o w n D o m i n o e s Association (GDA) will be holding a Two-Day Fund Raising Dominoes competition on November 4th and 5th starting at 1:30 PM. The Competition, which is named the “Lions/Clear Water Domino Competition”, will be launched tomorrow on the Lawns of the Lions Club of Bel Air at Enachu Street, Section ‘N’ Campbellville from 2:00 PM Sharp. The competition will consist of Mixed Teams representing the Lions, coming up against Teams from the Georgetown

Dominoes Association (GDA) having a corporate background. Thirty-Two (32) Teams are expected to participate in this battle. Invitations have been already issued to Teams who will be battling for a 1st Prize of $250,000 with Trophy and medals, 2nd Prize $140,000 with Trophy and Medals and 3rd Prize of $60,000 with Trophy and Medals. The MVP claims $10,000 along with trophy and Medal. Te a m s e x p e c t e d t o participate are: Providence S p o r t s C l u b , Brimstone, Mix – Up, All Season, Ray’s One Stop Auto

parts, NCN – Employees Welfare, Sheriff St. Swagga Boys, Beacon, Bel – Air A, Bel - Air B, T & T, Pacesetters, Impressors, C7, C6, F & H Supreme, Masters, Rage, Gold X Money, Strikers, Transport, Thunder, Assassins, Trappers, Killas, Specialist, Delta Force, RSS Enterprise, Phanton, Spartans, 300 and Medicare. With Six (6) more teams expected to also participate, this Dominoes Tournament is being sponsored as a JOINT EFFORT in the promotion of this Guyana Sport and the proceeds will be used entirely for servicing the Indigents.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 10, 2017

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COURTS Peewee football 2017

Sophia and St. Pius off to an amazing start

Action between St. Agnes (red) and Redeemer Primary at Thirst park yesterday.

After two rounds of group play in the 2017 Courts Peewee under-11 football tournament at Banks DIH’s Thirst Park ground, St. Pius look the team to beat with their striker Dwayne Baptitse in top form with a table topping 7 goals from just two games. Baptiste, who scored a hattrick in St. Pius’ first round 6-0 win over F.E. Pollard, followed up on Saturday last with a helmet-trick (4 goals) as St. Pius eased past Soesdyke 5-0. Following Dwayne Baptitse in the goal scorer chart is Fedel Norville (5 goals) who scored a hat-trick in Stella Maris’ 3-0 victory over Timehri during round 2 play. Also on 5 goals are St. Ambrose’s Jacob Rodney

and Plaisance Orphanage’s Jamal Ali who banged in his quintet of goals during the team’s 11-0 demolition of Goed Fortuin. Sophia Primary is sure to make a strong challenge for the 2017 title after their gritty 1-0 edging of two-time defending champions St. Angela’s Primary during S a t u r d a y ’s r o u n d t w o p l a y, f o l l o w i n g t h e i r massive 8-0 win over Winfer Gardens in the opening round. M e a n w h i l e , Wi n f e r Gardens that have lost both their opening games while letting in an immense 15 goals, scoring nil, will be looking to rally their troops come this Saturday as a win is needed to help their hopes of making it out the group.

Stella Maris’ Fedel Harris, one of the three hat-trick scorers during round two and second on the goal scoring charts. See below the points standings in the 8 groups

after the first two rounds of play.

Mohamed narrowly misses ton but Everest CC claim first innings in drawn encounter -DCC triumph

Saheed Mohamed

Joel Spooner

Saheed Mohamed fell three runs short of a century but his efforts were enough to give Everest CC first innings points over Georgetown Cricket Club as the teams played to a tame draw when action in the Georgetown Cricket Association Noble House Sea Foods second division two-day tournament last weekend. Mohamed struck eight fours and three sixes in his innings and got support from Dwayne Adams 33 as host

Everest CC posted 213 all out batting first. Stephon Wilson claimed 4-25 and Marlon Persaud 3-64. GCC were bowled out for 153 in 65.3 overs in reply. Persaud stroked six fours and one six in a top score of 51, while Timothy Mc Almont made 50; Adams captured 3-21, Mohamed 2-36 and Javed Rasheed 2-39. Batting a second time Everest CC were 141-6 at stumps on the second and final day. Mohamed scored 46

including three fours and a similar number of sixes, while Khemraj Ramdeen was unbeaten on 35 and Kevin Paul 18 not out. At DCC, the home team defeated Transport Sports Club by two wickets. Transports SC scored 150 all out after they were asked to bat. Joel Spooner led with 51, while Anthony Antonio made 30 as Dexter George snared 4-31, Carlton Jacques 2-14 and Xavie Smith 2-38. DCC were bowled out

for 118 in reply. Dennis Squires made 50 and Smith 19. Pacer Mark Baptiste bagged 6-20 and Spooner 335. Transport SC were sent packing for 65 in reply. Mark Ramsammy made 15; Xavie Smith bagged 6-21, Jacques 2-15 and George 2-21. Set 97 to win, DCC finished on 98-8 in the last hour of the match. George was unbeaten on 44, while Jacques made 20; Spooner claimed 4-25 and Azeem Azeez 3-15. (Zaheer Mohamed)

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Tuesday October 10, 2017

Jiaram is National Senior Draughts Champion The second leg of the Guyana Draughts Association Annual National Championship was played at the Racquet Centre Conference Room on Sunday. The game was sponsored by Rubis Guyana Inc. Contesting this competition were the National Senior Players. As brain versus brain in this mind game prevailed throughout the d a y, J i a r a m e m e r g e d victoriously with a commanding lead of 20 p o i n t s t o c a p t u r e the National Seniors’ title. His closest rival was Devanand Persaud of Tuschen East Bank Essequibo who concluded with 17 points. Mark Brathwaite occupied the third position with 15 points, while Steve Bacchus settled for the fourth place with 14 points. Ulric Brathwaite with 13 points was awarded the fifth place and was given one of the consolation prizes. All of the other four players were awarded with trophies and consolation prizes sponsored by Rubis. Hidden talent Hair

From left: Devanand Persaud, Jiaram, Steve Bacchus, Ulric Brathwaite and Mark Brathwaite after the presentation. Studio of Fifth Street Alberttown also chipped in with a consolation prize of one hair cut, that prize was won by Steve Bacchus. Just before the start,

President of the Association Mr. Jiaram met with the players to discuss the Association’s position. He told them that Guyana is invited to participate in the Pan American Draughts

tourney in February next year and that players must be in top form to meet with some of the world’s best. Vice President of the A s s o c i a t i o n M r. P a u l D’Anjou gave a briefing of

the just concluded seminar he attended on Sports and Tourism, while Charles H e t e m e y e r , the Association’s treasurer, spoke on their financial status.

The next game is scheduled for Sunday October 15th at the same venue. The game would be played on the 100 square boards.

RHTY&SC Teams, Dem Life honour Outstanding Teachers - $350,000 in prizes shared out Six outstanding teachers from the Primary and Secondary level were on Thursday last honoured as Region 6 Teachers of the Year Awardees when the nine cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society (DMLAS) hosted their first event “Region 6 Teacher of the Year Programme”. Three of the Awardees were honoured for teaching the top three Grade 6 Students in Region 6, while the r e m a i n i n g t h r e e were recognised for their tutoring of Secondary School Students at the 2017 CSEC Examinations. Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the event as another historic moment in the outstanding history of the Club and disclosed that over the last 27 years no other NGO or Sports club have impacted

on the lives of youths like the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Teachers, Foster stated, are the unsung heroes of the education system because the emphasis is always on students. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, he noted has always honoured outstanding teachers with programmes such as Bank of Nova Scotia Tribute to Teachers, Tribute to Retired Teachers, Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence and Tribute to Head Teachers among others. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club contribution to education also includes educational scholarship, sponsorship o f e d u c a t i o n a l competitions, distribution of school bags, exercise b o o k s , f o o t wear and uniforms to less fortunate students, assistance to schools, Outstanding Students Award Scheme, Television Commercial, Summer Camp, Youth

The Six Teachers pose with Mr. Clarence Perry of DMLAS and Mayor Vijai Ramoo. Review Magazine and Youth Information Booklets. The long serving Secretary/CEO stated that

the objectives of the RHTYSC/DMLAS Award Scheme were to identify and honour outstanding

teachers, to inspire Teachers in Region 6 to aim for the highest standard and to provide role models for

younger teachers. The six awardees were selected by the Region 6 Ministry of (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday October 10, 2017

PAGE 35

GCB/CGI 3-Day Franchise League

Yadram, Chandrika fifties earn East Coast meaningless draw Essequibo maintain lead going into to final round

Kevin Gordon

Bhakar Yadram lofts Akenie Adams for six at Tuschen yesterday. By Sean Devers Rain, which wiped out 92 minutes of play and halfcenturies from 18-year-old Bhas k a r Ya d r a m a n d Rajendra Chandrika d e n i e d l e a d e r s Essequibo a possible victory against East Coast when their sixth round GCB/CGI three-day Franchise League game ended at Tuschen yesterday. Yadram made 62 from 196 minutes, 124 balls with six fours and a six, while Chandrika, who batted at six, reached the boundary seven

Injured Rajandra Chandrika made an unbeaten 57 yesterday to deny E’bo another win.

times and cleared it once in a carefully compiled unbeaten 57 which took 158 minutes and 92 balls before Chandrika then shared in a unfinished 63-run stand with Amir Khan. Fast bowler Kevin Gordon finished with 3-23 as the game was called at 16:45 hrs as a draw. Essequibo remain in the lead with 82.8 points going into their final round game from Friday against third placed West Demerara at Tuschen. Earlier, East Coast resumed on 51-4 in their second innings, with a lead

of 82 and reached 183-7 on a frustrating day for Essequibo, hoping to dismiss last placed East Coast below 150 and chase down the victory target for a fifth win this season. But rain just before Lunch cut away 23 crucial overs since Umpires deemed that the bowler’s run-ups too wet to facilitate play since the organizers had failed to send sufficient covers for the pitch and the run-ups. At Lunch, East Coast were in dire straits on 138-7 when night watchman

Anthony Ifill, who batted for 78 minutes for 17, was removed to a loose shot off the lively Kevin Gordon at 94-5. Yadram, overnight on 29 played aggressively and dumped Akenie Adams back over his head for six and soon reached his 50. But with the score on 114-6 Yadram edged Akenie Adams to slip and Ramnarine Chaitura was run out for two at 120-7. But the 28-year-old Chandrika, who played five Tests, was joined by Khan and were together

w h e n a d r i z z l e accompanied by dark clouds and thunder chased the players off for an early Lunch. When play eventually resumed in overcast condi t i o n s , C h a n d r i k a was dropped by Kevin Boodie at slip when he edged a cut at Anthony Adams and the ball went for four and Adams, the second highest wicket-taker with 46 wickets behind Gudakesh Motie’s 59, could not believe his misfortune. Chandrika, who injured his hand while

fielding, and along with Khan who offered excellent support, played responsibly as their at times boring partnership took shape. Chandrika reached his 50 from 84 balls, 123 minutes with five fours and a six before the new ball was taken after 105 overs with the score on 173-7. After just evading a short ball from 20-year-old Nealand Cadogan, Khan slashed the next ball for four to third man. Chandrika thumped Gordon for four before the game was called off.

Hamilton’s fourth title more a question of when and where SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - The question of whether Lewis Hamilton will win his fourth Formula One world championship this year now looks more a matter of when and where after his Japanese Grand Prix triumph on Sunday. Fifty nine points clear of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with four races remaining, the Mercedes driver can wrap things up at the next race in Austin, Texas, in two weeks if everything goes to plan. Anything can happen in Formula One, but it will take a monumental collapse for the 32-year-old Briton to be overhauled by a rival whose challenge has imploded. Vettel knows the score, even if he has not given up hope entirely. “I don’t need to be a genius or a mathematician,”

he said when asked about his chances. And yet Hamilton and Mercedes, a whopping 145 points clear of Ferrari in their constructors’ battle, will still cling to their mantra of one race at a time and no chickens counted until they hatch. “There’s no change in approach,” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said on Sunday. “We’ve benefited from Ferrari’s misfortune and reliability woes in the last three races, but it doesn’t mean that we are clapping ourselves on the back. On the contrary, I think we need to continue to push. “ Yo u c a n s e e h o w quickly it goes with Sebastian.” Vettel had lined up in Suzuka on the front row alongside Hamilton but a humble spark plug, one of the cheapest components on

Hamilton moved to within one win of a fourth world championship with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. (Getty Images) a car packed with hi-tech w i z a r d r y, s t o p p e d h i s challenge after four laps. Engine failure in qualifying in Malaysia and a first-corner collision in Singapore put paid to any

hopes of victory in those races. If Hamilton wins in Austin and the German fails to finish higher than sixth, it is game over. Mexico follows a week

later and then Brazil with the chances of a decider in Abu Dhabi looking minimal. Sunday’s twist took the sting out of what was, until the August break, a close

fight between four-times champion Vettel and triple titleholder Hamilton. And then Formula One went on holiday and everything changed. In the five races since the break, Hamilton has won four times and taken 118 points compared to a mere 45 for Vettel. The German had led his rival by 14 points after Hungary at the end of July. In the last four races alone, Vettel has given away 66 points to Hamilton. The Briton, who has finished his last 21 races in the points, said he could only have dreamed of holding such an advantage and credited his team for their efforts. “They’ve done a phenomenal job, reliability has really been on point,” he said.

t r o Sp GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot/WIFBSC Caribbean C/ships

CoS officially fires off one-week competition; reopens new Timehri Rifle Ranges Brigadier Patrick West delivering the feature address to participants at the 150th GuyanaNRA and West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Championships at the Timehri Rifle Ranges yesterday morning.

GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary /WIFBSC Individuals – Day 1 Mahendra Persaud after completing the 300 yards yesterday.

Mahendra Persaud with possibles at 500 and 600 takes pole position

Brigadier Patrick West and GuyanaNRA Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud unveiling the new sign at the Timehri Rifle Ranges.

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