Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

THE PEOPLE ARE VEXED In Guyana, people continue to voice their concerns on almost everything from leadership to politics, the economy, crime, traffic fatalities, corruption, poor social services, illegal drugs and the measures or lack thereof to address them. The fact is, we are in a period where we have to make serious adjustments, but not everyone is prepared to accept change. The Opposition of course has been opposing the government on all its policies including the budgets. Its leader has taken his vexation to another level by lashing out and insulting everyone who disagrees with him including reporters, especially those from Kaieteur News who tend to ask him tough and pertinent questions. The people are understandably vexed as they continue to mourn the horrific murders of a Berbice teen, a young female Police Sergeant and mother of three, and more recently two elderly female city residents. It seems that the grief will not subside, as more and more innocent lives are being brutally cut down on a weekly basis. The people are indeed vexed, but they are trying not to let the myriad societal failings drive them into depression. On a daily basis, they follow the constant criticisms of the naysayers, the news of murders, corruption, scandals and incompetence, which are conscious and deliberate acts by unconscionable people. These are not the results of natural disasters or man-made cataclysms like wars and civil unrests. In fact, Guyana suffers almost no major natural disasters. We are also blessed with an abundance of natural resources to support us all very well and the capability to develop a just, caring and progressive society. However, the ‘don’t-care behaviour’ of some and a few in authority is symptomatic of what the nation is becoming. Either we change our behaviour for the better or we will suffer more as a result of the aforementioned self-inflicted wounds. No society can effectively survive or progress with traits of indifference, greed, selfishness, corruption, crime, nepotism, dishonesty and a total lack of respect for the feelings of others. We have not advanced or tried to improve our status quo which unfortunately is closely linked to the colonial period. We retain, as a matter of policy, too many of the archaic rules of legislation and governance that the British imposed upon us. We remain blissfully unaware that Britain and some of our Caribbean neighbours have long since changed their laws in order to keep up with a rapidly changing world. Not us though. Most of our institutions are still bound by stultifying procedures and this along with government delays and slowness to act on corruption etc., are hindering the nation’s development instead of taking it forward. There are too many indications that colonialism and its debilitating effects are continuing to impede our path to prosperity. Yes, we have changed many symbols - for instance, we have a national anthem, of which we are proud, and chosen to have an Executive President (the powers of whom have over the last few decades caused grave concerns) - but we have remained ponderously tied to the colonial paths to progress. The political will to fix anything in the country is smothered by procrastination. It shows in crime, corruption, our faltering education, collapsing infrastructure and failing health care. Public officials are deceitful and far too many have nothing to offer the country. This type of inefficiency has invariably caused many to leave the shores of Guyana for what they believe will be a brighter future and a more efficient working environment in the more advanced societies around the globe. There is little wonder as to the reasons that the people are vexed.

Saturday October 14, 2017

AFC parliamentarian pleads a case for vendors Dear Editor, Local government authorities have to be more sensitive of the culture and the financial benefits which can be derived from organised and standardised vending. Vendors can provide three times the amount of money the central government can afford to give to councils in subvention every year, if the council uses its power to provide vendors with space on reserved and other areas which would not create a hindrance to others, but provide services to them, such place where there is heavy presence of patrons. While the local government councils have the power to remove vendors from its reserves, they also have the power to leave any vendor who abides by the rules and standards set out by the Council because the law never stipulated removal under all circumstances. Vendors have the right to work to make a living for themselves and families; they provide services to the people who may not have the time to go to the big stores, or who may rather purchase from vendors by giving them support so that they can have a job for themselves. Most vendors are single parents, some of them may not had the opportunity of higher education, but are ambitious to make a living in a just way, working harder than thousands of persons who may be in the office. They are up early in the morning to take their items to display and spend the day in the hot sun; we must try to find a way to help them without any scorn or the thinking that they are the lower class. Other than providing a service to the people, vendors are also the marketing agents

for farmers’ produce, local craft, sweet meats and hundreds of other local items and foods. We must be sensitive of why vendors sell and why persons buy from vendors. We should make vending a study before we act in a negative way against them, directly or indirectly. Vendors are small businesses; they create more jobs than any other sector. If you embark on a marketing study of the big stores, the facts will show you that they don’t purchase local items in large quantities. We must come to the realisation that when a person produces a local item or plant any fruits trees or vegetables and he or she has to sell the items and the big stores don’t have the capacity to take them off so, he or she is forced to sell those products by vending or walk and sell, especially if they are perishables. If you shut down vending or hassle persons who walk and sell, you will be shutting down the marketing agencies for local producers. While I have no problem with councils removing vendors who break the rules, it should be done after good investigation and consultation, because many times vendors who are disciplined suffer for the indiscipline ones. If you remove all vendors from local government area, the reality is the stores wouldn’t be able to handle the thousands of person that shop from vendors, and you will only be allowing the rich to make money, while preventing the poor from creating a job for themselves to earn. Vendors can be regulated and standards achieved if the power that be, educate their staff who have the responsibility to keep them in order,

not to take bribe, also to ensure that the fees that they collect, go to the council. By not making vending legal, it gives the local government staff the opportunity to collect bribe in cash or items; the only way this can be stopped, is to make them legal, Vendors in a local government authority area who vend on council reserves can be charged a fee of 20 to 40 dollars a square foot a day, depending on what they are selling. For every 100 vendors, a council can earn over 9 million a year, which will be far more than the subvention they receive from central government at present. Vending space of 15 square feet will only cost $300 a day, at $20 a square foot. For local items which are perishable, the councils can charge $20, a square foot and $20 to $40 dollars a square foot, for selling non perishable items or imported goods; some vendors are willing to pay a $1000 a day to sell. Vendors’ main problem is sanitation; this is because most councils do not provide for the removal of garbage. Although some vendors may be paying $1,500 a week cleaning fee to the council, the vendors still have to clean and dispose of the garbage. Cleaning of vendors areas are the duty of the vendors and the council. The duty of vendors is to clean these areas and put the garbage in bags. The council’s duty is to pick up that garbage and dispose of it for a fee, but the majority of councils don’t provide such services in a timely manner. If they did, we would not be having the problem we have now. You can hardly find bins in any local government area to dispose of garbage;

you can’t expect the vendors to go till to the dump site to dispose of garbage; that is council’s duty. By-laws can be put in place, so if vendors don’t upkeep the standard set for the stall or exceeding the space allotted to them, they can be fined $3,000 to $5,000, and if commit three consecutive breaches of the by-laws, within three months be removed. The councils are the local government authorities, who hold the power by constitution order to govern the local government area in accordance with law, no other authority can usurp or exercise the power of local government authority without a council approval or a court order to determine that the council is in violation of its duty or law. Guyana constitution has decentralised the power of the state by dividing Guyana into 10 elected Administrative Regions, each is called Regional Democratic Council. In each region, you have lower tier elected authorities, called village councils, NDCs and municipal councils. These authorities have never been able to function properly because of financial dependency on Central Government, and the failure of Central Government to put regulations in place for them to earn. Local government can create thousands of jobs if the systems to earn can be put in place. The duty of a council is also to help in the creation of jobs in local government area, I therefore call on local authorities to standardise and regulate vending. It is important. Michael Carrington MP (AFC) – APNU+AFC

The police should investigate this man for sexual misconduct Dear Editor, In Kaieteur News dated October 12th 2017, it is reported that the city policeman involved in sexual misconduct with a juvenile two months ago is still on the job and has not been charged. It is also reported that he was involved in a similar incident in 2016 and in that matter, charges were not laid because of the lack of sufficient evidence. Is this going to be the case again? Why is the City Council investigating instead of the police and why is the Child Care and Protection Agency not involved? Child Protection Week, under the theme “Partnering with Families and Communities for the Positive Outcome for Children “, has just con-

cluded, but not one of us communities, government agencies, organisations or the police - is doing enough to protect children from abuse. The tragedy of 13- year old Leonard Archibald is the latest and one of the worst examples of this collective failure: as the whole country learned, the man who raped and murdered Leonard in his own community was a wellknown child molester who had been allowed to stay out of court or prison by everyone who knew or had even heard a rumor about his criminal behaviour but did little or nothing to stop him. Note that we are not saying that nothing is being done but affirming that all that has been done it is still not

enough. About a week ago, at a vigil organised by Child link, a Childcare and Protection Agency Officer, Ms. October in her remarks said that child abuse should be everybody’s business, and that is what we in Red Thread & Grassroots Women Across Race ( GWAR) have been saying for many moons . The trouble is, everyone says it but few put the words into action. It is often said that it takes one woman to bear a child but the whole community to raise it.Where has all the old protection for children gone? Where is the compassion and love that would prevent us from turning a blind eye, when it suits us, letting paedophiles destroy our children? All of

us, each individual, each community, each institution and each organisation – all of us have to start thinking about each child as though she/he is our own and go the extra mile to ensure the protection of our children. In the present case of the city policeman, justice must prevail. We hope that the case will not fall through the cracks but will set the example to prevent other occurrences. We will be watching carefully. Wintress White Joy Marcus Bibi Halima Khan Susan Collymore Vanessa Ross Joycelyn Bacchus for Red Thread

Saturday October 14, 2017

How many of the Ministers go to church? Dear Editor, I have long contemplated to write this letter but felt a deep compulsion not to write it because of a lack of vocabulary and deep hurt at this point in time because of all the atrocities and evil that invade our nation like a perpetual cancer. First, I would like to express my sympathy to the parents and family of the late Leonard Archibald of Brothers, East Bank Berbice who was brutally raped by two men and murdered. The immortal scars of this tragedy will remain with the parents for their lost child forever. Rape and sodomy have become a constant necessary evil and many times these perpetrators escape the law because they can be defended by some clever lawyer. Many organisations like SASOD are also calling for same sex marriage and consensual sex between two males if these laws are enforced for same sex marriage and consensual sex between two men. It will create a greater SIN and controversy in this nation because those who raped and killed young Leonard Archibald will walk free if those calling for same sex laws to be implemented and sex among men to be legalized. Allow me to quote from our Constitution on the

subject of homosexual acts: ‘’In Guyana, homosexual acts carry a possible punishment of life imprisonment. Section 352 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, states: Any male person who, in public or private, commits, or is a party to the commission, or procures or attempts to procure the commission, by any male person, of any act of gross indecency with any other male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to imprisonment for two years. Section 353 states: Everyone who (a) attempts to commit buggery; or (b) assaults any person with intent to commit buggery; or (c) being a male, indecently assaults any other male person, shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for 10 years.” Section 354 and 355 further state that: Everyone who commits buggery… shall be guilty of felony and liable to imprisonment for life.’’ (No Organisation is higher than Our Constitution) I believe homosexuality should remain a criminal act, or if those laws which criminalise it should be struck down via a referendum or any organisation, then there would be no justice for people like young Leonard Archibald. I believe those who raped and killed Leonard Archibald should be

sentenced to death. I believe very strong demonic spirits are loosed in this land too much murders and suicide on our people and the death penalty should now be handed down to these perpetrators who commit these heinous crimes. Our Nation is now in a slow but sure massacre. As I contemplated to write, more information is given in the news about the death and robbery of these two old pensioners is more than what I can believe. And these atrocities are done by very young, lazy people who don’t want to work; then we see the chopping to death of the female police sergeant and the brutal murder of a young man in Berbice that was burned and the long dismal list of gradual massacre here goes on. Then the death of the man who was shot while preparing for a family memorial service; that man was killed by two young, Guyanese boys, age 18 and 19. I haven’t heard much being said from our President and Prime Minister about these atrocities; they are busy with ‘’Fit and Proper’’ for the next GECOM chairman. This country needs more ‘’Fit and Proper’’ competent, people to run it who will enforce more serious laws against crime and will have more efficient security. Our security system is zero rated;

the police never come when residents call and if they come, they are not totally equipped to catch criminals. We only see the soldiers when we have prison break or prison fire. They should be posted at all government buildings to guard it and to patrol this entire nation to beef up security. Most of our current bicycle policemen don’t carry a gun so how can they catch thief; the thief might beat them up and escape with their bicycles. I wonder whose ridiculous idea was it to put policemen on bicycles while the thieves are coming with vehicles and AK 47? Our current administration takes our people for granted; we make ‘jokey’ laws. Our Public Security Minister is calling for anger management programmes to curb brutal chopping of women and domestic violence. Most of these men who commit these acts are on drugs and rum drinking; if they can clean out the drug dealers and start closing down hundreds of rum shops in this country, we will get somewhere. As a Pastor, I can say we only have 10% men today in churches in Guyana, and may I ask how many of our male Ministers of Government go to church? Rev. Gideon Cecil

I believe the Georgetown Hospital was responsible for this baby’s death Dear Editor, Just like to share my worried and sadden opinion since my niece who was only 6 months old recently passed away at GPHC. I am also a qualified and trained first aider and nurse aid. My niece was rushed to GPHC on Saturday 16th Sept, 2017 since she was hyperventilating (panicking for breath). The infant’s parents waited for an update on the child’s condition in which they were informed that the infant is critical and they weren’t locating any veins on the child. When they did find a vein it was located on the child’s head. They then notified the parents that they will admit

the child and that she is critical, but stable, so they admitted her in ICU. When the parents returned on Sunday 17th Sept, the RN informed the parents that they did a blood and urine test along with an ultra sound. The ultra sound showed the child’s kidney wasn’t functioning properly. They then said that the infant have a bacterial infection but that they found no trace of any bacterial infection in the urine or blood. (I questioned the RN at that time since the doctors wasn’t there as to how can you determine the infant has an infection since you found nothing) On Monday 18th Sept., the parents returned to visit

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the child. They spoke with the doctor and the doctor told them that they still don’t know what is wrong with the child and that they are still not locating any veins on the child body except on her head, but the infant is doing well and responding to treatments. Later that day myself along with the parents and other relatives went to visit the child. Her face and hands were swollen. I queried it with the doctor who was working ICU at that time, she told me that it was due to the medications which were the antibiotics and the fluids the child was receiving. She also mentioned that they send her blood and urine to the lab to

be tested again and it will take a couple days. On Tuesday the 19th when we returned, the child had swollen a bit more than the day before. During that visit the doctor told the parents that they would like to do a minor surgical procedure (an incision) on the child in order to locate a vein on her so she can get the adequate fluids and treatment and hopefully find the true cause of what is happening to the child. On Wednesday 20th Sept., we returned to see if all went well but was told that they are waiting on the blood bank and the lab for the test results. The doctor in ICU at that time (Continued on page 6)

GuySuCo calls on GAWU to refocus on the business of sugar Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) wishes to respond to Mr. Seepaul Narine’s letter that was published in the Stabroek News on 7 October, 2017 and titled ‘GuySuCo should join GAWU to face the challenges of the sugar industry together’. Firstly, there is a fundamental flaw in the headline of Mr. Narine’s letter and on which his entire missive is based. The headline should have read ‘GAWU should join GuySuCo to face the challenges of the sugar industry together’ since GuySuCo holds a legal and moral responsibility and burden that GAWU does not hold. In relation to GuySuCo and GAWU working together, the distinction has to be made between the roles and responsibilities of each party, that is, the roles and responsibilities of GuySuCo as the employer to its employees and the roles and responsibilities of GAWU as the recognised labour representative body for employees they represent within GuySuCo. Similarly, other labour representative organizations should always be cognizant of this distinction. With reference to Mr. Narine’s letter, GuySuCo is indeed experiencing a challenge which resulted in the Corporation being unable to pay wages on the 15 September, 2017. However, many organizations would occasionally experience challenges which may result in the normal processes being delayed, in this instance, the employees who were due to be paid on the 15 September, were instead paid on the 20 September. During the week of the 15 September, the Corporation exhausted all efforts to garner the financial resources to ensure that employees were paid wages on time, however,

after all efforts proved to be unsuccessful the management of Estates as well as Mr. Narine as the General Secretary for GAWU were informed that the payment would have been made on a later date. The estate management also communicated this information through various mediums to all employees who were affected; the representatives from the Union were also informed and this was done before the pay date. Hence, Corporation finds the following point in Mr. Narine’s to be disturbing. “Quite expectedly, workers apprehension was building given their urgent need for their wages to sustain their families and to meet their obligations. In such circumstances, the workers, with the union’s full support, staged a number of picketing exercises calling on the sugar company to honour its obligations to the workers.” This point underscores the challenge which GuySuCo has in the partnership with GAWU. The Corporation is currently transitioning through a very challenging period, and admittedly, there are many disruptions in various processes, including the pay cycle. Most of our stakeholders are aware of the current situation and are being supportive. The Corporation is of the view that on the occasion in question, like so many others, GAWU could have played a more positive role in influencing the employees to continue to work towards achieving the targets for the second crop, since the more sugar that is produced and (Continued on page 6)

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Saturday October 14, 2017

The Government, police and citizens are as guilty as the perpetrator Dear Editor, Firstly permit me to offer sincere condolences to the grieving parents and siblings of Leonard Archibald, the 13 year old who was subjected to sodomy until unconscious, only to be further dehumanised by having his body disposed of in the Berbice River. As a parent, I am still trying to rein my anger, as vivid images of retaliation, unworthy of being penned or verbally disclosed play havoc with my mental processes. Fuelling my anger also is the fact that multiple residents of Sisters Village, along with victims have openly expressed the behaviour and lewd acts perpetrated by this despicable molecular mass, (who has clearly failed to merit the nomenclature human being), yet action was never taken to allay his play (no pun intended). Putting aside the inhuman act, let’s refresh our minds with some startling facts. On April 23, 2010 the Sexual Offences Bill with the overwhelming support of all Members of the National Assembly was passed. This said Bill clearly states that where an offence under the Act is reported to the police, the police shall, in every case, record the report and conduct an investigation. Was it written in an

unintelligible manner or an incomprehensible language? Was there ever a follow up to ensure that those tasked with its execution fully understood what was expected? It also stipulates that within three months of a complaint being made under subsection, a c h a r g e s h a l l b e l a i d in respect of the report or the file relating to the report and investigation shall be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The Bill further states that failure to comply with subsection will constitute neglect of duty by the Investigating Rank and the Investigating Rank shall be liable to answer disciplinary charges in accordance with the Police (Discipline) Act. Clearly the law revealed its flaws! Victims, some now adults are reporting, abduction, abuse and sodomy by the perpetrators, even as recent as two years ago, with the matter being reported to the police, with no action taken. There are still others who claim that the reason for this seeming display of immunity from justice lies in the amity shared by the perpetrator with a member of the Police Force. This is the point where the faecal matter makes contact with the oscillator.

I am forthwith calling on the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, the Minister of Public Security, KhemrajRamjattan, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, Crime Chief and Assistant Commissioner, Paul Williams , Divisional Commander, Linden Alves along with a Commission of Inquiry so convened to launch a full scale investigation into the blatant neglect of duty displayed by those sworn to uphold the law, and to serve and protect and who seemingly masqueraded under the guise of policemen. All guilty parties should be tried to the full extent of the law in the avoidable death of this teenager, and that punishment is condigned for the behaviour. No stone should be left unturned, Incidentally, since the Sexual Offences Act (2010) came into effect and amendments made, has the National Task Force for the prevention of sexual offences and the Sexual Offences Unit mandated under the law become a reality? In a previously written article (K. N. January, 2017); I had called upon the Government to initiate a Sex Offenders’ Registry, although in April 2015, an

I believe the Georgetown... (From page 5) whom I believed was aware of the child’s co n d i t i o n since she didn’t know who the child was, instead gave me another infant’s data. The RN next to her tapped her and told her which child I was asking about and gave her my niece file, then she said, “sorry there are so many babies that she got mixed up.” The doctor then gave me the update that the child have sepsis and that the patient don’t have enough platelets in her body to do the surgery

and that was the reason for them not doing the surgery and they are waiting on the lab to send up the platelets. I asked how long will it take for them to get it; she said she is not sure and it may take days. I then said to her, but this is an emergency. It is not the doctors’ fault; it is the lab since they have been calling and not getting onto them. We left the hospital and returned the following day (Thursday 21st Sept.). We were told by the nurse that the baby wasn’t breathing properly.

The child was continuously swelling. I kept telling her the child is not supposed to be swelling like this, and I asked her what medication they are giving. They never answer. ALSO THE OTHER CHILD’S INFORMATION THE DOCTOR HAD GIVEN ME WHEN SHE MIXED UP THE PATIENTS, THE CHILD HAD BEEN DISCHARGED AFTER THEY TOLD THE PARENTS THAT THE BABY WAS OKAY.THE NIGHT OF THE SAME DAY THE BABY GOT DISCHARGED, THE BABY DIED. ON FRIDAY 22ND SEPT., we visited the patient in the afternoon, the child had swollen so huge is as though she would have popped if you pricked her with a needle. I immediately ask the doctor (the same doctor who mixed up the babies patients.) about the swelling, she then mention to me that it is because the child has a kidney failure The next day early as 2am the hospital called to inform the parents the baby died. Saddened Aunt

overseas based nongovernmental organisation, the Caribbean Voice had also forwarded signed petitions to the Government requesting the same. To the Guyanese populace, it is time to once again ask the government that you selected and elected “Where is the change”? Seemingly, it is way out of range, President Granger now in New York attending the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations, recently told a gathering of Guyanese that brains and not barrels are needed. Ironic and Prophetic! Back home, Guyanese are trapped

in a broken system, crippled by weak legislation, archaic technology and a lack of political in need of a more formidable action plan before on barrels, there is a ban. As a concerned Guyanese, I am once again imploring President Granger to carefully consider this pathetic incident that hits at the very base of the moral structure that unites us as a people, and from henceforth set in place all necessary measures to protect our young from sexual predators thereby auguring well for our collective future. Put into effect, Archibald’s Law—a bold measure in community safety—A

National Registry of Sexual Offenders. Anyone in the country convicted of a sexual offence will be automatically added to the database, and must report to the police once a year and also if they change address, employment or leave their place of residence for a period of over 1 week. As this young victim is being laid to rest, it is clear that the Police, Presidency and citizenry have all been put to the test. Leonard Archibald’s death should not be in vain, but herald the start of significant gain. Yvonne Sam.

RESIDENT OF MONTROSE VILLAGE APPEAL FOR ROADS TO BE FIXED Dear Editor, As a resident of the Montrose Village, East Coast Demerara, I am extremely perturbed with the roads in the area. Many years ago for those who can remember, there were the days when you had to walk with long boots if one wanted to get to the public road. This squatting housing scheme was transferred into an acceptable state but under the new governance we are once again neglected. There is no repairs and maintenance schedule of the roads and bridges. The roads are becoming impassible for motor vehicles; we are now suffering the hardships again of traversing de-

plorable roads especially when it rains. The NDC does little or have no control of maintaining these roads that are now filled with sizeable potholes. If one should visit, all that is necessary is recapping the surface of the roads and I am sure this can last for another few years and everyone can be happy. Another sore issue is the collection of garbage; in the past NDC trucks would remove the residential garbage once weekly, this has stopped completely. Residents are forced to dump their garbage on the parapets of the roads and sea wall; the closest point to

dispose of garbage. This action creates an unhealthy stench and breeds mosquitoes in the area especially those who reside close to the sea wall areas. The private garbage trucks pass in the area but some residents are denied this service because some of the streets are narrow or in a deplorable state. I am appealing to the NDC and Minister Ronald Bulkan to address these situations; I do know that there are limited resources and financial challenges, but where are all the rates and taxes collected from the residents going? Khurisha Ali

GuySuCo calls on GAWU to... (From page 5) sold, the more it will alleviate the Corporation’s financial dilemma. The strikes and protests action have made and is making the situation worse, did the Union not recognized this. With regards to correspondences being sent to the Chief Executive Officer from GAWU, the Corporation wishes to state that all communications from GAWU to the Corporation are addressed with a high level of professionalism. However, we prefer not to engage in whether the Corporation addressed the concerns of employees before or after GAWU’s correspondences, in this space. Suffice it to say, they were taken seriously and as indicated before they were dealt with professionally. Mr. Narine’s letter further stated that “as we have clearly illustrated with the re-

cent delayed payment matter, the corporation seemingly remains unconcerned about its employees’ plight, and from all indications, has taken on a ‘might is right’ approach”. On this note, the management of GuySuCo is trying to manage a business. The Corporation is made up of employees who are members of GAWU and others who are not members of that union or any union. When GAWU encourages our employees (their members) to withdraw their labour, particularly on matters which can be resolved otherwise, this frustrates the rest of the operations. There are also other cost and wages involved. On the point of working with GAWU, the Corporation would re-iterate that the Union’s labour representation responsibility is increasingly taking second place to its other agenda. GuySuCo is of the strong view that

GAWU is using its employees to carry out that agenda which is seriously and negatively impacting on production and productivity and the security of employment. GuySuCo is very keen on working with GAWU as a key and important stakeholder but this has to be essentially on how to improve the business of sugar. GAWU regularly indicates that production is going to be very low for 2017 in comparison to previous years and the Union continues to blame the management while the Union is systematically and is very tactical in orchestrating the result that they are predicting. Audreyanna Thomas Senior Communications Officer Communications Department Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo)

Saturday October 14, 2017

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GuySuCo to slash workforce by 7,000 - Rose Hall, Enmore closures confirmed for year-end - workers offered harvesting, cultivation, transportation contracts

GuySuCo officials: (l-r) Gavin Ramnarain, Deodat Sukhu, Audreyanna Thomas, Paul Bhim and Yusuf Abdul. Cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is already letting go of staffers from two estates that it will close before the year is out. Amidst worry by sugar workers, GuySuCo officials yesterday confirmed that up 1,500 could be let go from Rose Hall and the East Demerara estates by the end

of the crop. The industry has 17,000 workers. It wants to reduce that by at least 5,500 more, a total of 7,000 – to finish at 10,000. This past week alone, 300 staffers were affected between the two, it was disclosed yesterday. The state-owned sugar company is also planning to use the remaining three

estates - Blairmont and Albion in Berbice and Uitvlugt, West Demerara - to produce up to 150,000 tonnes of sugar, come 2020. The remaining three estates - Enmore (East Demerara) and Rose Hall and Skeldon (East Berbice) will be up for offers of divestment and privatization. The 150,000-tonne target

Rose Hall is confirmed to be close this year-end, GuySuCo said yesterday.

from the three estates will be similar to the lowly 150,000160,000 tonnes that is being announced for this year. The disclosures of making GuySuCo profitable or “cash positive” in three years were made yesterday during a press conference by senior officials at the National Communications Network studios, Homestretch Avenue. With Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara, closed last December as part of the reorganisation of the sugar industry, which has been struggling badly to stay alive, the questions of what is happening at Rose Hall and Enmore, two factories earmarked to be closed, have been up in the air. Present at the press conference yesterday were Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Bhim; Gavin Ramnarain, Head of the Agricultural Research Department; Yusuf Abdul, Technical Services Manager; Deodat Sukhu, Chief Industrial Relations Manager, and Audreyanna Thomas, Senior Public Relations Officer. With some protected markets in the region, a reorganised, lean-and-mean

GuySuCo, minus its troubled new kid-on-the-block, Skeldon, will be targeting CARICOM for higher prices, through value-added packaged sugar and what is known as ‘plantation white sugar’- a lesser quality of refined sugar. GuySuCo is facing major problems, with little answers now, and is $82B in debt. It is producing at high of US$0.42 cents per pound but selling at a massive loss, at US$0.17. The government has given and committed $21B to GuySuco for the past 12 months, a situation that is angering taxpayers, but defended by the sugar unions, whose existence is under threat. At Wales Estate, 200 acres of rice was planted under a $200M diversification project, and funded by the Guyana Rice Development Board. The project fell short of the 35 bags-per-acre target, with 28 bags recorded. Already, a special purpose unit has been established and has invited expressions of interest for Wales, Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates. At the Albion Estate, GuySuCo will focus on bulk sugar, plantation white sugar,

co-generation, and molasses. Production of bagged and packaged sugar will be done at Blairmont while at Uitvlugt Estate, GuySuCo will focus on bagged and plantation white sugar. GuySuCo is also hoping to supply the local market, which consumes approximately 20,000 tons of bagged and packaged sugar yearly. “In addition to that, we have a small US quota of about 13,000 tons…so we’re going to be satisfying that quota as well,” Bhim noted. The corporation is also looking to move into new markets, particularly plantation white sugar which is a substitute for refined white sugar. There is potential at Uitvlugt Estate for increased sugarcane cultivation with private cane farmers, senior PRO Audreyanna Thomas noted. GuySuCo is looking to tap into the Caribbean market for plantation white sugar. Bhim pointed out that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) annually imports approximately 190,000 tons of refined white sugar. While 10% of refined sugar is used for Continued on page 12

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

Business Ministry being guided by five-year strategic plan - Gaskin By Kiana Wilburg The stimulation of commerce in Guyana will require more than just a singlepronged approach. For the Ministry of Business, it will take a most detailed strategic plan that spans over five years. This is according to the Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin. At the recently concluded Business Summit that was held by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Gaskin was keen on explaining the role of his relatively new Ministry and its objectives over the next five years. The Business Minister said that the core of his Ministry comprises a number of departments, key among which are the Departments of Commerce, Industry, Consumer Affairs and Tourism. He noted that the Ministry is responsible a few semiautonomous agencies. These include: the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission; Guyana National Bureau of Standards; Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest); the Small Business Bureau; and the Guyana Tourism Authority. Gaskin expressed that the vision for the Ministry is based on “increased living standards for all Guyanese in a diverse and green

broader strategic objectives. We are also upgrading the existing estates at Coldingen and Eccles.” The Minister noted that Coldingen has just had two new access bridges built. “We are in the process of regularizing the occupation of both estates and placing them under an enhanced management system. They have both become free-for-alls, and this is defeating the purpose of developing these areas,” the Business Minister asserted.

economy”. He said that this speaks to a good life, a diversified economy and a green agenda. Additionally, the Business Minister said that the work of the Ministry is guided by a five-year plan that covered from 2010 to 2016. He said that there are four key objectives that are to be met through a range of activities to be undertaken. Those key objectives are: to increase sustainable private sector investment, improve the business environment, increase value-added production and exports and Support Micro- and Smallenterprise and entrepreneurship

BUSINESS INCUBATOR

CURRENT ACTIVITIES As it relates to the current activities of the Ministry, Gaskin said that these include: Construction and development of two new industrial estates, upgrade and regularization of existing industrial estates, construction of two business incubators, the setting up of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards laboratory project, the drafting of a National Export Strategy and a National Investment Strategy, and the development of Building Codes. He shared, too, that the

Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin Ministry is involved in drafting several policies including the National Tourism Policy, the Small and Micro-enterprise policy, the National Entrepreneurship Policy, and a concept paper on the designation of special economic zones, in which the Ministry is proposing a study be undertaken. Additionally, Gaskin shared that the Ministry is involved in the development of the Small Business Procurement Programme. It is even in collaboration with the Deeds Registry and the Region Nine Chamber of Commerce for the processing of business licences and the registration of businesses. The Minister stated that efforts are already moving apace to collaborate with the Ministries of Finance and Public Infrastructure on the

drafting of a Public Private Partnership (P3) Framework. He noted that the Ministry is also working on the establishment of a Single Window Automated Processing System, as well as the drafting of a Doing Business Action Plan, which includes the allocation of lands for industrial and agricultural use. INDUSTRIAL ESTATES As it relates to the construction and development of two new industrial estates at the Lethem and Belvedere, Gaskin said that these are scheduled to be completed next year. “We are developing a prospectus for promoting the estates, particularly the Lethem Estate which is a much larger project with

According to Minister Gaskin, this is an initiative which the Ministry will be introducing on the two new industrial estates in order to support micro- and small-enterprise development. He said that temporary occupancy of these incubator facilities will allow for rapid growth and development in an enabling environment, following which the business will have leave the incubator and go out on their own, freeing up space for the next person. Gaskin also shared that the small business bureau will develop the programme with the help of an incubator specialist, provided by Cuso International, a non-profit development organization, which is already here. He said, too, that the Department of Industry is undertaking the actual construction. Additionally, the Minister said that he and his team are also working on enhancing the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) for Economic Diversification and Trade Promotion. This is a US$9.2 Million project funded through a loan

from the Inter-American Development Bank. It has three components: the construction of a laboratory and testing facility for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the drafting of a national export strategy and the drafting of National Investment Promotion Strategy to be implemented by GO-Invest. Gaskin said that what this translates to is a project designed to attract investments in key value-added industries and support these with a national export strategy combined with internationally recognized quality certification from accredited testing facilities. PARTNERSHIP POLICY With regards to the draft Public Private Partnership Policy, Gaskin revealed that assistance has been received from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to develop this Framework. The Business Minister noted that the P3 is a useful mechanism for financing and developing public projects. He noted, however, that attempting to implement a P3 outside of clear guidelines can be a recipe for disaster. Gaskin explained that this policy will aid Government’s efforts to accelerate an infrastructure development programme which in turn will improve the nation’s competitiveness. Furthermore, the Business Minister noted that a multi-agency working group (GO-Invest, Public Infrastructure, and the Ministry of Finance) has already been established to oversee the process as well as work with the CDB and other institutions to complete the framework.

Saturday October 14, 2017

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Kaieteur News

An abuse of state resources The PNCR will attract a new wave of criticism. It will now be accused of practicing the same perverted political culture which led this nation into the dark tunnels of despair. The PNCR is now challenged to demonstrate that it is not the same PNC which once flew the party flag over the Court of Appeal. It will be hard pressed to prove that it is a changed party, at least in relation to blurring the lines of division between the government and the party. The decision to host a party activity – the distribution of bursaries to students – at State House, demonstrates that the PNCR is continuing with its old habit of abusing state resources. This

decision to host the party activity at State House must not be seen as a mistake. It is not the only example where the line between party and government is not clear. The event cannot now be designated as a government event. The bursary programme is being run by party personnel. Previous bursaries were distributed at Congress Place. One government Minister has offered the shameless excuse that the event was held at State House because it was convenient to do so. But why could it not have been held, as in the past, at Congress Place, or in some other facility for which rent had to be paid? The President’s judgment in allowing this event to be

held at his “convenience” at State House will be called into question. It represents yet another error in judgment by the Head of State. The PNCR should be setting a better example. It was critical in the past about what it said was the PPPC’s abuse of state resources. Yet, it is doing no different by allowing a party event to be held at State House. For a party still attempting to exorcise the ghosts of a party paramount, when the ideology of the PNC made no distinction between party functions and state functions, this action represents a grave misstep. The footage of the event showed on local television

Dem boys seh...

Thief man following politicians Everybody in de world want peace. Nuff men want piece and some don’t care how dem get it. Some go to jail fuh tekking piece of people thing. Up to yesterday, a man end up before a magistrate fuh thiefing an air condition unit that belong to de hospital. He tell de magistrate he is a peaceful man and de day in question he was walking peacefully near de hospital when he see de hospital have an a/c at a fence, piece outside and piece inside. He seh he pull de piece wha deh outside through de fence and continue walking peacefully, because he seh dem nah had use for it. He seh he was following dem Guyanese politicians who don’t like to see people got nutten outside. But de guards seh nutten was peaceful. Dem seh dem was resting peacefully when dem see a man walking through a hole in de hospital fence wid a whole a/c pun he head. Dem arrest him peacefully, carry him to court peacefully and de magistrate send him

to Camp Street to relax peacefully. Dem boys hear de magistrate give him a six months because is not now he was tekking people thing peacefully. He been to jail before fuh tekking a lot of things that belong to peaceful people. He don’t mean to stop. Dem boys hope that de politicians don’t fall in de same boat and keep tekking things that don’t belong to dem. Jagdeo tek a lot of things peacefully. He don’t have to go in front a magistrate to go to jail. Dem boys seh he should walk to de prison gate wid he toothbrush and a cake of soap. De clothes already waiting fuh him. That is one thing dem taxpayers don’t mind paying for, especially dem boys. Some of dem in Soulja Bai unit creeping up slowly behind Jagdeo, tekking things wha don’t belong to dem. And dem seh dem doing it peacefully. Talk half and hope de same magistrate deal will all of dem politicians peacefully.

revealed that public officials, including camera personnel, who are paid by the State, were involved in the event. The fact that the event was held at State House would have ostensibly meant that state employees would have had some role in arranging the activity. But it is not the first and only indiscretion which involved the Ministry of the Presidency. The webpage of the Ministry of the Presidency carried a report on the 60th anniversary of the PNCR. The report was an original report which was not attributed to the party and therefore raises the question as to whether the media outfit, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency and which is paid by taxpayers, was covering a party event. Another indiscretion which is being committed, is that the editor of the New Nation, the official organ of the People’s National Congress Reform, is also the head of the President’s press division. This is not a good precedent, because it raises concerns about whether party work is being done on government time. It may well be that the ed-

iting of the New Nation is being done after working hours, but the proper way to deal with such conflicts is for the two positions to be independent. In other words, the editor of the New Nation should be different from the head of the President’s press department. The PPPC was notorious for using State House for party events. This was criticized as abuse. The PNCR should not be doing the same. If it was wrong for the PPPC to do so, it has to be wrong for the

PNCR. Guyanese voted for change. They voted for an end to this type of abuse. But what sort of change has been had? If State House can be used to host a bursary awards ceremony associated with the ruling party, then what is to prevent government resources from being used for political campaigning?

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

I will no longer write on these topics I made this decision on Thursday night after I swung from Lombard Street into Hadfield Street. I saw the same atrocity that I have complained about in these columns at least four times. As I waited on High Street outside parliament for the green traffic signal, I said to myself Guyana will not change, isn’t going anywhere, so I should drop this aberration of what I have seen from my repertoire of topics. Here are some of them that will no longer be seen in the paragraphs of future columns. When you travel north on Lombard Street and you turn east into Hadfield Street, right

at that junction, traffic is chaotic and there is no police regulation. As you go further into Hadfield Street approaching High Street, there are always two, sometimes three traffic ranks, doing absolutely nothing. Just about twenty yards away, there is traffic instability, yet these ranks are never at that junction. I wrote about it four times before. I saw it last Thursday, and that’s it. This is the fifth and last time mention will be made of this stupidity. I believe there is a reason for that obvious asininity and it involves a certain type of conspiracy involving seniors at Brickdam traffic depart-

ment. So it is not going to stop, and no powerful one in government will intervene. I do not see the point of repeating that rung out bell and sung out song in these columns. Next - random police stops. From hereon I cease writing about it. I have covered this topic in three entire columns and mentioned it several times in other articles. For three consecutive years, the top brass of the police force have publicly stated that traffic ranks could only intercept a driver if an infringement is seen or in keeping with standard police procedure and “based on suspicion.”

I have written on this anomaly the past three years, given three statements on what I witnessed to the Office of Professional Responsibility, heard nothing further from that section of the force, keep getting calls from citizens around Guyana about random stops, and continue to see the habit almost daily. It is not going to be discontinued, because it is a way of shaking down drivers. It is going to continue because the political directorate and the top brass of the force will not intervene and put finality to the matter. I am finished with this topic in these pages. Next - non-functioning traffic signals. I simply cannot count the numbers of articles on that negativity. It is time to give up on that. It simply makes no sense writing any longer on erratic traffic lights. Next – constant breakdown of street lamps in the areas that envelop my residence. I use the Railway Embankment, the old highway that starts from Clive Lloyd Drive and of course UG Road, more than one time each day. The

lights on all three major arteries have never functioned consistently over a threemonth period. At this moment, the lamps

Frederick Kissoon from Giftland Mall to Sheriff Street have gone out for weeks now. Only two lamps are working on UG Road. I am tired of carping on this concern. I have written about it too many times; it is time to move on. The GPL crew would come, install the lights on these three major pathways and literally one month after, they are all dead. Where I live there are two lamps on the Railway Embankment outside my home; one at the west end of my

house, the other at the eastern side. Those bulbs reflect in people’s yards that live there and you welcome the brightness, because it adds to the security situation. The eastern one has been out for years now. I never thought of complaining to GPL because they will come, the bulb will shine for a week or two, then, it will die. Finally, for a long time now, over the long years that I have been a media practitioner, I have bitterly complained about the morbidity of sempiternal meetings of important decision-makers in both the private and public sector. These people are virtually impossible to talk to. I know a certain manager of a bank in Guyana that is never in his office. On Thursday, once more I rang him, and it is the same thing over the years. This time the answering machine came on. I left a message asking him what is inside his office that so scares him. There is no point lamenting on this troubling aspect of life in Guyana. So I am done with that too.

Saturday October 14, 2017

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Kaieteur News

‘APNU+AFC is the most expensive Govt. of our time’ - serious issues of governance and transparency exist – Chris Ram By Kiana Wilburg When one takes into account, the configuration of the APNU+AFC Government, along with its lineup of nonstatutory bodies, Commissions of Inquiry and the like, it becomes quite clear that it is the most expensive government of our time. This assertion, among others, was expressed recently by Chartered Accountant and Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram, who was at the time delivering his remarks at the Business Summit hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC). Ram did not mince words as he criticized the government for its poor public expenditure management skills as well as its questionable approach to governance mechanisms. “Our current administration is the largest, single government in Guyana’s postcolonial history. It has the most ministers, least number of technocrats, and the highest costs. Add to that the nonstatutory bodies and you have one of the highest levels of public administration you will find anywhere…” He added, “Employment costs in the country are also rising at dangerously high levels. What we need in this country is good management of the economy and it is absent. You look at all your mechanisms needed for oversight and you realize that they do not exist, and when they exist, they are not being used.” Ram also noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently presented a report to the Government based on its most recent mission to Guyana. He said that the IMF’s publication speaks to the national economy while being critical of the Government’s expenditure. Ram was quite critical of the fact that the Government is yet to make such a crucial report public. “Why is the government not telling us these things? Why is it that the report is not being made public so that the public can see what is happening? There are serious issues.” Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman had told Kaieteur News that the IMF indeed submitted a report to him and the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. He explained that the report looked at Guyana’s fiscal preparedness for the oil sector as well as the projected gains. Trotman said, “Based on that report, the IMF predicts that Guyana will earn $380M a year, in the first couple years, before we get into the billions. So it is a lot of money

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram that will be coming. They have already started advising us on how much money will come from taxation, from profits, from royalties…” He also reminded that the International Monetary Fund in its 2017 review of Guyana’s economy was keen to focus its attention on the nation’s looming oil wealth. IMF CAUTIONS An overview of that report shows that the IMF is already issuing cautionary words when it comes to oil and its murky nature. The International Monetary Fund was careful to stress on the importance of

the Government putting in place, mechanisms to ensure the transparent spending of the oil revenue to come. In this regard, Directors attached to the global organization emphasized that sound fiscal practices suggest saving a share of the oil revenue for future generations. They said, “Oil-financed spending should be transparent and channeled through the budget toward projects that enhance the economy’s physical and human capital.” The IMF on a related note commended the local authorities for drafting a Natural Resource Fund legislation and requesting the Fund’s tech-

nical advice on this topic. IMF Staff still stressed the importance of transparency and good governance in the management of the oil industry and even welcomed the authorities’ plans to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and adhere to the Santiago Principles for Sovereign Wealth Funds. Based on its projections, the IMF is of the view that oil will have a large impact on Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). (GDP is the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. ( h t t p : / / w w w. i n v e s t o p e d i a . c o m / terms/g/gdp.asp) On the other hand, however, the IMF noted that the looming oil sector will have a much smaller impact on the Gross National Product (GDP). (GNP is an estimate of total value of all the final prod-

ucts and services produced in a given period by the means of production owned by a country’s residents. http:// www.investopedia.com/ terms/g/gnp.asp.) The IMF’s estimates and projections are based on data as currently compiled, but with a conservative ad hoc inclusion of oil production from 2020 onwards. The Fund believes that the main direct effect on the domestic economy will be through fiscal revenue. The revenue-sharing agreement sets the government’s share at 50 percent of “profit oil.” With 75 percent of total oil revenues initially allocated for “cost recovery,” the government’s share is only 12.5 percent, but will increase significantly after Exxon Mobil and partners recover their initial upfront investment. According to the IMF, oil revenue is expected to amount to 2.6 percent of GDP

in 2020 and will rise to about 4.6 percent in 2021, which is the first full year of oil production. The Fund believes that the shares of fiscal revenue and expenditure in GDP will decline due to the larger increase in the latter with the start of oil production. It said that the oil is exported, with 50 percent of Exxon’s (and its partners) proceeds repatriated through the current account and the remainder through the financial account. It said, “Several countries experienced competitiveness problems in other sectors after they became oil producers. These Dutch Disease considerations should be manageable given the magnitude of the windfall.” With the aforementioned in mind, the IMF cautioned that as Guyana gets richer, there will be a loss of access to grants and concessional loans. These are assumed to taper off with the start of oil production.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday October 14, 2017

Former PS Health Ministry sues Govt. for over $18M

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Leslie Cadogan is suing the Government over what he deems as his unlawful dismissal. Cadogan is being represented by Attorney at Law, Anil Nandlall. Cadogan is seeking damages of over $18M for unlawful dismissal and breach of contract. The document filed to initiate legal proceedings stated that Cadogan entered into a contract with the Government of Guyana since November 2014. It was noted that the contract catered for duty, entertainment and housing allowance, all of which was tax-free. The contract also secured government payment of unlimited cellular telephone service and internet service at official place of residence and government provision of residential telephone service. There was also a provision for 24 hrs security at his official place of residence as well as the payment of full electricity cost at the official place of residence. The contract catered for a car and driver or duty free concession to acquire a motor vehicle. Cadogan was also entitled gratuity at 22½ per-

cent of basic salary calculated at half yearly intervals. The contract which is included in the court document states, “The Government may at any time determine the engagement of the person engaged on giving him three (3) month’s notice in writing or on paying him three month’s salary in lieu of notice.” However, the court document stated that by a letter dated 31 August, 2015, Minister of State Joseph Harmon “wrongfully and in repudiatory breach of the said agreement purported to terminate the Claimant’s employment and wrongfully dismissed the Claimant.” The letter of dismissal is also included in the document field for legal proceedings. The letter stated that Cadogan was dismissed with effect from September 1, which is a day after the letter was written. The letter stated, “Your failure to ensure that there was proper accountability in the delivery of drugs to the Ministry of Health was demonstrated in the incomplete delivery of supplies to the tune of $419,110,786 in one instance. In the other instance, you

- Cites unlawful dismissal

Former Permanent Secretary, Leslie Cadogan

failed to ensure that the remaining 50% of $1.1B delivery of supplies was done. It is therefore in view of this gross negligence and misconduct in the performance of your duties that your services have been terminated. You are therefore required to handover to Mr. Trevor Thomas, Permanent Secretary (ag.) Ministry of Public Health all equipment and items i.e. Laptop Computer, Celluar Phones and Tablet which were issued to you in your capacity as Permanent Secretary, by September 1st 2015.” The court document stated that Cadogan will contend that it was never his duty to ensure the delivery of drugs to the Ministry of Health, but rather, it was the function of the Procurement Manager of the Ministry of Health. Cadogan is also claiming that he was not afforded a hearing or a fair hearing before the termination of his

employment. Further, the court is being told that the government “failed and/or omitted to give adequate notice to the Claimant before his purported dismissal.” It was stated that, “By reason of the matters aforesaid, the Claimant suffered loss and damage.” As a result, he is now claiming money owed for 28 months as salary, duty allowance entertainment allowance and housing allowance. He is also claiming $1.1M for vacation allowance for the period for the years 2016 and 2017 as well as $764,000 as gratuity for the period from December 2014 to December 2017. The court document stated, “Despite the Claimant’s demands for payment, the Defendant has failed and/or omitted to pay same.” Kaieteur News understands that Cadogan was never paid a cent in severance.

GuySuCo to slash workforce by... From page 7 manufacturing of food and beverages, “the rest could come from plantation white sugar”. The sugar entity is collaborating with Jamaica and Belize, members of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC), to urge CARICOM governments to grant a Common External Tariff (CET).

“Where white sugar is coming in extra-regionally, some sort of a tariff will be imposed. We’re not sure as yet what percentage we’re looking at…in order to make our plantation white sugar competitive,” Bhim explained. To be competitive the tariff the sugar corporation is seeking has to be in the range of the charge attached to brown sugar, which is in the range of 30-40%. The officials made it clear the GuySuCo as a business should be re-oriented to run as a profitable one. Already, GuySuCo is targeting sugar-dependent communities to find out ways to ready them from the fallout of factories being closed. Almost 500 workers have indicated they wanted training that GuySuCo was offering as part of the

severance deal - from sewing, catering, masonry, electrical works and computer training. According to Bhim, 70 percent of Guyana’s overseas market is in Europe, where prices have almost halved to just US$300 per tonne. With regards to Wales, another 285 acres will be put to more seed paddy. Sukhu said that some 389 workers have received severance pay of over $338M. However, the official said, about 200 Wales workers are refusing to take up jobs at the Uitvlugt estate. The officials made it clear yesterday that GuySuCo will be offering contracts of planting, transportation, and harvesting. There will even be contracts for uniforms. According to Sukhu, the major problem facing GuySuCo is the number of strikes and protests by

workers - one of the highest this part of the hemisphere. At Skeldon, when divestment or privatization comes, almost 2,000 workers will have to be treated when the time comes, the officials said. The reduction of the workforce, a bruising subject for the Opposition and a touchy one for Coalition Government, would see GuySuCo saving in about $5B-6B - the current wage bill is over $18B annually. Recently, to rescue GuySuCo with monies to pay workers and other expenses, government agreed to buy some lands for housing. GuySuCo will be asking for more before year-end, Bhim admitted. GuySuCo is targeting land sales to raise money for expansion and critical repairs to its aging factories.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

Influence of foreign investors on small states captured in new novel

Ms Rosalind Kilkenny-McLymont (left) presents a copy of her novel to UG Librarian, Ms. Gwyneth George. The Education Lecture Theatre of the University of Guyana [UG’s] Turkeyen campus was the venue for the launch last Monday of a novel titled: ‘The Guyana Contract’. The publication by award-winning GuyaneseAmerican journalist/author, Rosalind KilkennyMcLymont, is one that depicts the influence of highpowered foreign executives on small emerging nations like Guyana. This latest novel by Kilkenny-McLymont, is set in France, the United States and Guyana, and brings together a culturally and ethnically diverse array of characters in an investment deal rife with suspicion, deceit and ruthless greed. The plot unfolds amid a rapidly changing global marketplace, touching on themes of national pride; the tensions and weaknesses of a nation struggling to chart its own course; corporate politics; dogged entrepreneurship; human and drug trafficking; gender, sexual and cultural biases; inner conflict, selfdiscovery and romance. A story of a young woman unfolds. After graduating from college and before pursuing her career, protagonist Drucilla Durane embarks on a

European excursion. She begins with little more than street smarts and a Eurail pass, and it all goes smoothly until her arrival in France. After being shown around Marseille by a handsome young man named Theron St. Cyr, she continues to Paris, where she finds herself in a harrowing situation. Thinking St. Cyr is to blame, she vows never to forget him. Fast-forward several years: Drucilla works for Pilgrim, Boone and Associates, an influential consulting firm that seeks out only the most lucrative contracts in developing nations. As the only black female in the company’s upper echelon, Drucilla considers her race and gender to be both a liability and an asset. Working on a case concerning air transport in Guyana, Drucilla finds herself embroiled in an affair of dirty dealings that, without prior warning, just so happens to involve St. Cyr. As in her award-winning debut novel, Middle Ground, which is set in Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Washington, D.C., Kilkenny-McLymont delivers authoritatively on present-day realities, drawing from her extensive world travel, including several

years’ residing in Africa, and her decades-long experience as an international trade and business reporter, entrepreneurship development expert, and fitness instructor. In describing her work, the author says she strives “to bring the world’s small, colored nations into the global decision making on their economic and industrial development, casting them as sovereign peers with their more industrialized counterparts.” Guyanese culture, language, folklore, and its sometimes painful political history are woven into the main plot of The Guyana Contract, she noted. The plot is in fact not an unfamiliar scenario in the real-life scramble for vital natural resources and lucrative investment opportunities. An alumna of The Bishops’ High School who emigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings as a teenager, KilkennyMcLymont also is the author of the non-fiction title, Africa Strictly Business: The Steady March to Prosperity, a collection of her published columns and features on Africa. She will present copies of all of her books to the University of Guyana Library (Turkeyen and Tain campuses), National Library, and the Guyana National Archives. UG’s launch of The Guyana Contract took place under the patronage of ViceChancellor Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. It featured interviews of the author and the reading of an excerpt from the book, followed by a reception where Kilkenny-McLymont signed copies of the book. Copies of the book can be purchased at Austin’s Book Store in Georgetown.

Saturday October 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 B U I L D I N G CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN OR JUST AN ESTIMATE.GIVE US A CALL 216-0671/692-8464/ 622-0267 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air condit i o n e r, w a s h i n g m a chines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Liquidation prices: 3 USA 855 Cummins ex-Miami fire station. 1 with 8" high pressure pump. Low hours- Call: 678-6013, 269-0021, 269-0026

2ft x2ft full-bodied porcelain tiles approximately 3200Sq ftContact: 641-4952/ 662-1991 Brand new pitbull minibus for sale, BWW 3663.Asking price $1 million dollars.Contact :685-7064

Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933 Nissan Pathfinder Jeep & Nissan Laurel car in excellent condition $1.4M negottableTel: 609-7766

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FORAIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Unregistered Axela 2011 $2.7M, dark interior, fully loaded, Nissan pickup extra cab $2.3M. Call: 617-5536 Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 SECURITY GUARDS with personal firearm, HANDYMAN- Call: 266 4427 Manager / Supervisor to work @ A&S Supermarket in Charity Essequibo accommodation provided. Send application: r t i l a k @adamantiumholdings.com , contact: 223-5273/74 Captains- valid certificate of competence as Master of Power Driven Vessel- Call: 226-1100, 226-5380 Exists for a one day driver per week. Interested persons Call.: 225-6272 or 686-2958

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501

Saturday October 14, 2017

Kaieteur News

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Meadow Bank, long term rental. Fully furnished 3 bedrooms apartment, parking, cameras etc- Call: 671-4221 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D$1200US. Call 647-1773 2-Bedroom apartment in Industry,E.C.D. For more information Call:623-7500,6143278 Apartment for rent , 7-8 Plantain Walk,West Bank Demerara. Call:264-2639 One bottom flat situated at lot 304 Good Intent, West Bank Demerara. Ideal for grocery/supermarket. Call 623-3895

EDUCATION Day Care and Pre-K classes available in Diamond Call Canadian School 2166921,216-6922

2 Bedrooms apartment for rent located at Stewartville opposite Stewartville Primary School- Call: 6135261

WANTED

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm Wash boys needed, Nandy Park E.B.D Call:233-5227 Salesgirl, send application along with a recent passport size photo to Kards Plus Gift Centre , City Mall, Camp St. Call: 227-1846

Large two storey 3 bedrooms wooden building for removal. Price negotiableCall: 668-7329

ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4M, $3.5M, $2.5M, $1.6M, Tuschen $2.7M, Herstelling $3.5M, $3M, Providence $3.5M- Call: 604-6724, 6869608

Electronic waste: computers, AC units, phones, printers & anything electronic- Call: 687-6072, 500-1844

House and land available @ La ParfaiteHarmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274

One experienced cook, ages 20-45 to work in snackette & bar. Call:663-7741/ 223-5798 Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318

Spacious 4 bedrooms concrete home with modern amenities @ New Amsterdam Berbice opposite N/A police station. $79M negotiable- Call: 718-6830884, 682-2046

House & land at Republic Park- Call :233-6777, 654-5667

Looking for a seamstress and tailor- Call: 689-5877 Experienced live-in couple to work on a poultry farm at Yarrowkabra. Call:225-9304 Female general domestic must have cooking experience, ages 25-45- Call: 6299450 1-Able bodied male clerk.Tel:231-2029, 219-4533, 616-5954 We buy low income houselots. We need someone to build wooden picture frames. Tel:611-7223,651-1969 Bartenders & chefs/ cook to work in Essequibo, Purple Heart Hotel- Call: 226-9768 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. 1 maid with cooking experience for East Bank areaCall: 614-4358 Accounts Clerk for Eccles office, knowledge of Quickbooks and payrollCall: 614-4358 1 male internet café & game shop attendant @ R&A Mobile Tech Café 19 President College road, E.C.DCall: 696-6849, 627-2020 Piglets to buy- Call: 6868966, 687-3538 Hire car drivers- Call: 225-3234 Experiences Jet & Marack men to work on land dredge- call: 6723359

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Purple Reign Beauty Salon & cosmetology schoolOpening Oct 16th, specializes in all hair & nailscall: 673-5987 (Hill Foot Soesdyke)

10 & 30ACRES OF LANDAT YARROWKABRA, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. CREEK AVAILABLE- TEL: 663-5524, 264-2967 Farm $3.2M (East Bank), ParfaiteHarmonie $1.5M, Uitvlugt $3.2M, Herstelling $3.5M, Zeelugt $1.2M. Tel: 651-1969,656-0701 House lots available @ B/ burg W.C.D & Schoonord on western side of Harbour bridge. Financing available- contact#6500402/603-1402

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Saturday October 14, 2017

South Africa President to face corruption charges

(BBC) South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma must face charges of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering, the Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled. It agreed with a lower court ruling last year that prosecutors could bring back 783 counts of corruption relating to a 1999 arms deal. The charges had been set aside eight years ago, enabling Mr Zuma to become president. The president has always maintained his innocence. In a statement, Mr Zuma’s office said the ruling was “disappointing”, but anticipated. The president now expected South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to consider representations from his legal team before making a decision about whether to prosecute him, it added. The charges relate to Mr Zuma’s relationship with a businessman, Shabir Shaik, who was tried and found guilty in 2005 of soliciting bribes from a French arms company “for the benefit of Zuma”.

Mr Zuma and other government officials have been accused of taking kickbacks from the purchase of fighter jets, patrol boats and other arms. C h a rg e s w e r e f i r s t brought against Mr Zuma in 2005 but dropped by prosecutors in 2009. Last year, the High Court in the capital, Pretoria, ruled in a case brought by the opposition Democratic Alliance that he should face the charges. Mr Zuma went on to lodge a challenge with the Supreme Court of Appeal. It is the corruption case that will not go away. President Zuma has battled for years to avoid going on trial for 783 counts of corruption, linked to a politically charged bribery scandal that stretches back to the 1990s. The case against him was dropped in controversial circumstances in 2009, when the security services produced recordings of phone conversations that apparently show there was “political meddling” by prosecutors. Weeks later, Mr Zuma

California fires: 32 dead as ‘ashes and bones’ found in ruins (CNN) Reinforcements from other regions are helping firefighters contain more of the largest wildfires devastating Northern California, though strong winds expected over the weekend could challenge those gains, a fire chief said Friday. Meanwhile, officials are making grim discoveries — bodies burnt beyond recognition — as they search blackened ruins. “Some of them are

merely ashes and bones,” Sonoma County Sheriff Rob Giordano said at a Thursday news conference. “And we may never get truly confirmative identification on ashes. When you’re cremated, you can’t get an ID.” Thirty-two people have been killed since the wildfires began Sunday night, making this outbreak one of the deadliest in state history, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

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became president of the country. But the so-called “spy tapes” have never been made public, and opposition parties have fought in the courts to have the corruption charges reinstated. After this appeals court ruling, that could now happen - in theory. In practice, many believe South Africa’s NPA is unlikely to proceed, at least not without further delays. Mr Zuma’s presidential term ends in 2019, when he will not be eligible to stand in another election having already served two terms in office. His eventful presidency has seen him survive eight votes of no-confidence, making him the most c o l o u r f u l a n d controversial president South Africa has had since white-minority rule ended in 1994.

Trump to end Obamacare subsidies amid strong criticism (BBC) US President Donald Trump will end subsidies to health insurance providers designed to help low income households, as he continues his attempts to dismantle Obamacare. The White House announced the move hours after Mr Trump signed an executive order allowing the sale of health insurance plans which are exempt from s o m e o f t h e l a w ’s regulations. The two decisions came after Congress repeatedly failed to repeal Obamacare. The moves were instantly criticised. Democratic Party leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer issued a joint statement denouncing the end of subsidies as a “spiteful act of vast,

pointless sabotage” which would harm the poorest citizens. Meanwhile, critics of the initial announcement argued it could de-stabilise the Obamacare market by encouraging healthy consumers to leave their current plans, prompting a spike in premium costs for older Americans and those with pre-existing conditions. But Mr Trump says his plans will provide “relief” for people struggling to afford the rising costs, adding that ending the subsidies would “fix” the “imploding” O b a m a c a r e , o ff i c i a l l y known as the Affordable Care Act. According to a statement from the White House, the

subsidies, which run into billions each year, were not legal. Following advice from the Department of Justice, the statement said, the Department of Health and Human Services “concluded that there is no appropriation for cost-sharing reduction payments to insurance companies under Obamacare”. Some fear this could sound the death-knell for Barack Obama’s healthcare law, as insurers pull out of the marketplace. Some within Mr Trump’s own party have also been critical, with Florida’s Republican Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen warning it would lead to more people being uninsured.

Some U.S. states plan a lawsuit to block Trump Obamacare subsidies cut WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) Eighteen U.S. states vowed to sue President Donald Trump’s administration on Friday to stop him from scrapping a key component of Obamacare, subsidies to insurers that help millions of lowincome people pay medical expenses, even as Trump invited Democratic leaders to negotiate a deal.

One day after his administration announced plans to end the payments next week, Trump said he would dismantle Obamacare “step by step.” His latest action raised concerns about chaos in insurance markets. The subsidies cost $7 billion this year and were estimated at $10 billion for 2018, according to congressional analysts.

“As far as the subsidies are concerned, I don’t want to make the insurance companies rich,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “They’re making a fortune by getting that kind of money.” Trump’s action took aim at a critical element of the 2010 law, his Democratic predecessor Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

United Kingdom to help rebuild IMF projecting economic region battered by hurricanes growth of 2.4 per cent for WASHINGTON, CMC – The United Kingdom government Friday said it would establish a private sector task force to help long-term reconstruction in countries and territories hit by last month’s hurricanes that swept through the Lesser Antilles resulting in death and billions of dollars in damage. International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, said London would also mobilise private sector support to rebuild critical infrastructure such as roads and power supplies essential to get economies up and running again, and better withstand future natural disasters. It said that the team of top business leaders, either chief executive officers or chairpersons with experience in the Caribbean, will sit on the task force. Patel announced the establishment of the task force at a meeting to discuss the response to the hurricanes and how to enhance global crisis preparedness and response, hosted by the Wo r l d B a n k i n Washington. “No small island can reasonably be expected to recover and rebuild from a catastrophic disaster that undermines their entire economy without international support. “They need businesses to step up. The private sector is key to reviving the region’s economies and

some Caribbean countries

Priti Patel

must play a central role in the reconstruction of these islands, helping them to build back better.” She said the task force will look at ways in which support from the private sector, both financial and technical, in industries such as construction, insurance, banking and tourism, can be used to help reconstruction on the three UK Overseas Territories worst hit by last month’s Hurricane Irma, namely British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos. Patel will also convene a meeting in London in November to discuss how best to maximise the contribution of the private sector. The British government has already committed over £62 million (One British pound =US$1.32 cents) towards the immediate relief effort, and has delivered or procured nearly 180 tonnes

of aid for the region. It also established a UK Joint Task Force, led by DFID’s Chris Austin, in the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes to deal with the humanitarian crisis on the ground and the initial relief effort as well as to carry out assessments to identify both short and longer term needs. The government said that the focus of the private sector task force will specifically be the long-term reconstruction on the affected islands. Patel also confirmed that the UK-led Centre for Global Disaster Protection in London will offer all the hurricane-hit countries and territories support and advice on disaster risk financing and insurance to ensure they are better prepared to cope with any future hurricanes. The Centre will also offer advice on building more resilient infrastructure.

Government issues warning to illegal migrants NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Bahamas government has given illegal migrants until year end to regularise their stay in the country or face deportation. Wrapping up debate on the Speech from the Throne, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his administration will continue to fulfil the mandate of addressing and stamping out corruption and that the government would be paying closer attention to immigration issues in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. “Those migrants who are here illegally must leave by December 31, 2017 after which they will be aggressively pursued and deported,” Minnis told legislators. He said this warning

applied to all nationalities and warned Bahamians and residents who continue to employ those illegal migrants that his administration would not turn a blind eye to their actions. He said he was also giving them until year end “to regularise these individuals or stop employing them. “I don’t think that some people understand when you are legally entitled to citizenship but you do not have the proper documents and as was pointed out you cannot open a bank account, you cannot travel, you have difficulty entering the University of the Bahamas…you are placed in no man’s land,” he told legislators, adding “until you

live it you don’t understand”. In his response, Minnis said that his administration would be putting much emphasis on dealing with the crime situation here and would also not be following the past policies of the Perry Christie administration as they relate to developing the local economy. “We have created an Economic Council of the Bahamas which is providing advice on job creation and growth which are critical to economic recovery. An ease of doing business committee has been appointed. Its mandate is to make specific recommendations to make it easier to do business in the country for Bahamians and foreign investors,” Minnis said.

WA S H I N G T O N , CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday said economic prospects for the Caribbean are generally improving and that growth in the tourism dependent economies in 2017-18 is projected to be 2. 4 per cent, up from 2.1 per cent last year. In a report titled “Latin America and the CaribbeanStuck in low gear” the Washington-based financial institution said that the baseline projections reflect data available before the impact of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which hit the Caribbean recently. It said that the data do not, therefore, reflect the devastating impact of these hurricanes on a number of countries in the region and the risk they pose to their growth outlook, at least in the short term. But in the report, the IMF noted that for commodity exporters, growth is projected to rise in 2017–18 to 1.3 per cent, from –3.3 per cent in 2016. “There is, however, substantial variation across countries. Economic activity in tourism-dependent economies is estimated to have expanded in the first half of 2017. There are a few

exceptions, however, such as Barbados, where growth in 2017 is estimated to have slowed, reflecting necessary fiscal consolidation efforts,’ the IMF said. It said that in a number of cases, weather swings and hurricanes are expected to take a toll on overall growth this year, including in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Haiti, which is still rebuilding from the effects of Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. The financial institution in its Regional Economic Outlook report noted that slightly faster growth is projected for 2018, based on the acceleration in global demand, as well as countryspecific factors, such as the expected entry into full operation of a new international airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It said reconstruction activity following the hurricanes could have a positive impact on growth in subsequent years beyond what is projected in the baseline. “The performance of commodity exporters has generally been weaker. Trinidad and Tobago was hit hard by lower oil and gas prices and production

outages in 2014–15, and Suriname by lower commodity prices, the shutdown of alumina production, and necessary fiscal consolidation. “The downturn in these economies is estimated to have extended into 2017, and positive growth is projected for 2018,” the IMF said, noting that growth has been stronger in Guyana, supported by two new large gold mines and positive sentiment ahead of the beginning of oil production in 2020. The IMF said that a number of Caribbean economies have made inroads into reducing their debt burden, but the majority face high and, in some cases, rising sovereign debt levels that weigh on their prospects for strong and sustainable growth. “In Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, and St. Kitts and Nevis, the government debt-to-GDP ratio has been declining from very high levels, reflecting sustained fiscal discipline, debt restructuring, and a recovery in growth. In some countries, strong inflows from economic citizenship programmes have supported debt reduction.

St Maarten will rise better than before…” - PM William Marlin St Maarten is said to be t h e w o r l d ’s s m a l l e s t inhabited island divided between two nations; French Republic: Saint Martin and Kingdom of Netherlands: Sint Maarten. It was completely wrecked on September 6, by the fierce Hurricane Irma. Residents have been working assiduously, with international aid, to rebuild the nation over the past month. In an exclusive interview with the island’s ( K i n g d o m o f Netherlands) Prime Minister William Marlin explained that the journey has been lengthy but “St Maarten, with very short time, will rise to the levels we were before and become even better.” According to Prime Minister Marlin, 95% of the buildings, businesses; and lives have been severely

affected. However, many schools and businesses opened last week and the process to rebuild the country has begun. The Princess Juliana International Airport, which has not been renovated, was opened to international flights Tuesday, 10 October. The Harbor was opened and will open to cruise ships on N o v e m b e r 11 , o n t h e national holiday - St Maarten’s Day. The recovery process has begun, with electricity being restored for the greater part of the island, and water is available throughout the island. “Even though our storage tanks have been compromised and some water you cannot drink from the tap – not that it is not healthy,” Marlin said. He added that residents are advised to boil water before

consumption. The government of St. Maarten has since brought in a reverse osmosis plant that filters water from the city lines and converts it into potable drinking water, hence there is “an ample supply of drinking water,” Marlin stated. A lot of wreckage can be seen around the city, but workers and residents have been collaborating to move piles of debris in the nights to various dump sites. “St Maarten is still a number one destination, not just a destination for tourism, it is a great place to live and to work particularly because of the dollar rise economy that we have,” Prime Minister Marlin reiterated, noting that with time and collaboration the island will remain a tourist destination haven.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Saturday October 14, 2017

Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer into Shanghai semi-finals Top seeds Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer remain on course to meet in Shanghai after reaching the last four. World number one Nadal beat Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 to register his 15th consecutive win and will face fourth seed Marin Cilic in the semis. Federer will play Juan Martin del Potro in the second semi-final today - if the Argentine is fit enough to play. Del Potro overcame a wrist injury to beat Viktor Troicki 4-6 61 6-4, while Federer beat Richard Gasquet 7-5 6-4. It was revealed Del Potro had suffered a “wrist contusion”, and the 16th seed will decide on Saturday (today) morning whether he is able to face Federer. Briton Jamie Murray and Brazil’s Bruno Soares reached the doubles semi-finals with a 6-1 7-6 (8-6) victory over Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram. Victory ensured the pair, who have won two Grand Slams and six titles together, quali-

fied for the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month. Top seed Nadal is chasing a tour-leading seventh title this season, and beat Bulgaria’s Dimitrov for the second time in a week following his semifinal victory at the China Open. The Spaniard, 31, breezed through the first set but was unable to break Dimitrov in the second, and the Bulgarian was strong in the tie-break to force a deciding set. Dimitrov, ranked eighth in the world, had break point early in the third set, but Nadal saved it with a backhand volley before winning three consecutive games. World number five Cilic secured his place in the semi-finals with a routine victory over Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The Croat, who has yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament, served 10 aces as he registered a 6-3 6-4 win. There was a worry for Del Potro midway through the third set of his match when he slipped backwards and

appeared to jar his left wrist. The 29-year-old has had three operations on the wrist, missing 11 months of tennis, and at first appeared unable to hold his racquet properly. However, he recovered to take Troicki to deuce - courtesy of two big forehands - and ultimately break his serve, before holding to love in the next game. Del Potro was seen by the physio twice and went to hospital for a scan following his victory. Doctors put on a splint but ruled out any serious problems, according to Del Potro’s communications manager. The Argentine will face Federer, whom he beat in the quarter-finals of the US Open last month, after the Swiss managed to outmuscle France’s Gasquet in an entertaining match. Federer took some time to find his rhythm, particularly on serve, but managed to seal victory in one hour and 19 minutes. (BBCsport)

Saturday October 14, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Partnerships may be strained if one of you has been erratic and hard to deal with. Try to be understanding. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. You may want to invest in something that will grow in value. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups today. Do not overspend on entertainment. You may have difficulties with family members if you get involved in petty arguments. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You should be traveling to that exotic destination you've been dreaming about. Sign up for courses that will bring you more skills. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your need to use emotional blackmail will only cause more conflict. This is a great day to beautify your living quarters or to entertain at home. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Unexpected bills may set you back. Someone you care about may not be too pleased with you. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget.

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LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Partnerships could be tense. Don't push your luck. You will be moody and react poorly to issues concerning your mate. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You are best to work at home if you can. You can come up with solutions to the problems responsible for inefficiencies at work. Throw yourself into your work. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Sudden changes in your financial situation are likely. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. You can invest in profitable ventures. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Most partner problems are a result of both people not living up to their promises. Your greatest enjoyment will come through social activities and pleasure trips.

Maria Sharapova beats Stefanie Voegele to reach semi-final

Maria Sharapova Maria Sharapova beat Swiss qualifier Stefanie Voegele to reach the Tianjin Open semi-finals. The Russian wildcard took one hour and five minutes to beat Voegele, ranked 196th in the world, 6-3 6-1 in China. Sharapova was broken in the

first game of the match but hit back straight away, using her forehand to break down her opponent. She will face defending champion Peng Shuai next after the third seed beat Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo 6-0 6-1. Sharapova, who returned

from a 15-month ban in April, has yet to drop a set in Tianjin. After taking the first set with a love hold, the world number 86 won five consecutive games to take control of the second, before sealing the match with a forehand winner. (BBCsport)

ICC-Windies included in innovative... (From page 29) fears the Caribbean side would be pushed into a second tier comprising the likes of Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland. And there were renewed calls for such a two-tier system following the Windies meek capitulation at Birmingham by an innings inside three days in the opening Test of the three-match series against England last August. A proposed two-tier system, which would have comprised seven teams in the top tier and five in the bottom, was shelved by the ICC at a meeting last year September. In such a scenario, West Indies would have found themselves plying their trade in the bottom tier. Meanwhile, the ODI league will comprise the 12 full members and the winners of the current ICC World Cricket League Championship, and will serve as direct qualification for the 50-overs

World Cup. Each team will play four home and four away three-

match series, with all teams getting to play each other from the second cycle.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

RHTY&SC and King Solomon Logistics launch U-12 Cricket Team

Manager of King Solomon Logistics Tiffany Asregado hands over cheque to RHTY&SC’s Hilbert Foster. At center is HRM Howard Butts.

Members of the Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics Team T h e C r i c k e t Development Committee of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club continues to unveil new initiatives as the club strives to remain the leader in Guyana. On Wednesday last, the club entered a one-year sponsorship valued at $150,000 with King Solomon Logistics of Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam to form an Under-12 cricket team which has been branded the Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics Under12 Team. Catering for the youngest members of the club, Secretary/CEO Hilbert

Foster informed that they are strengthening their junior section with a view of introducing youths to the game at a younger age. The Under-12 team would cater for youths at the Grades 5 and 6 levels at the Primary levels and where possible the level one in Secondary Schools. Organising Secretary Keith Hicks and his assistant, Ravin Kissoonlall have been placed in charge of the team which would play matches against schools and clubs in Berbice. The team would practice twice weekly while special classes would be organised once per week to educate

them about the game, its history and laws & structure. The young players would also be taught on topics of interest such as Personal Hygiene, Public Speaking, Table Manners, Drug Abuse, Personal Manners and the Importance of Education among others. The Rose Hall Town Primary School would be the school that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would be targeting for members of the team while those who are interested from the Port Mourant, Tain and Belvedere Primary Schools would be welcomed. Membership to the Rose

Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is free and all members are to make sure that they fulfill their potential not only on the field of play but also in the classroom. The Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics Under-12 during the one-year deal would also be required to organise and host a total of twenty personal development programmes including educational events, fitness walk and assisting their peers to stay in school by providing educational materials. Foster would work along with the team to make sure that all the programmes are successfully completed. HE

has expressed gratitude to Mr. Dwayne Ferdinand, CEO of Home Design, Manager of King Solomon Logistics Tiffany Asregado and Human Resource Manager Howard Butts. Vi c e P r e s i d e n t M a r k Papannah who has responsibilities for the Cricket Development Committee stated that the team would provide players for the club’s Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 Teams in a continuous developmental process. Young females would also be targeted for the Under-12 team from Primary Schools as a feeder

for the Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team, the only Female Cricket Team in Guyana. Ms. Asregado, speaking on behalf of King Solomon Logistics stated that her company was delighted to be associated with the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and expressed confidence that the team would be an outstanding representative of her Company’s brand. King Solomon Logistics is a trusted and reliable Shipping Company with over 30 years experience. The Main Office is located at 143 ‘B’ 5th Street, Albertown, Georgetown.

Uruguay snatch win against Guyana in warm up match Pan Am Indoor Hockey Cups

The Guyanese and Uruguayan teams shakes hands following last night’s warm up clash. In a bid to fine tune their skills ahead of the Pan American Indoor Hockey Cups which gets underway with anticipated excitement on Monday,

Uruguay and Guyana’s women who will contest the second match of the tournament, played a practice match last night at the Cliff Anderson

Sports Hall (CASH) that was competed as a final. The Uruguayans achieved a come from behind win and from what

was witnessed in that match, an action packed tournament is promised. Kerensa Fernandes placed Guyana ahead during the first half with a

field goal before Uruguay’s Constanza Barrandeguy equalised with a field goal of her own. In the dying seconds of the game, Camila De Maria

expertly slotted past G u y a n a ’s g o a l k e e p e r Sarafina Phillips with a powerful shot, to clinch a good win on the plastictile surface.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

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Women blazing the Caribbean Fullbore Shooting Landscape The 150th Anniversary shoot of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) is being run alongside the 2017 edition of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council Championships at the Timehri Rifle Ranges. The sport of Rifle Shooting has long been dominated by males but there are a few determined women in the Caribbean who have been investing their monies and time in striving to be the best and in the process, are doing better in some cases than their male counterparts. During these busy championships, Kaieteur Sport caught up with these courageous women for a photo op., and their readily obliged. Savita Beatrice of Trinidad & Tobago is a gutsy 56-year-old markswoman who is just in her second year as a fullbore competitor and this is her first competition. However, she has been shooting as a smallbore athlete for over 27 years. Shellyann Hinds of Barbados is currently the Caribbean’s female top shot and has been in the sport for the past 11 years. Hinds started as a smallbore shooter. Jennifer JordanCousins of Barbados has

Savita Beatrice

Tessa Mayers

Shellyann Hinds been in the sport for 20years. Tessa Mayers who was

born in Guyana is now living in Barbados, this is her first competition at this level.

Tonya Edwards

Vercellice Ramsay

Ve r c e l l i c e ‘ M o n i c a ’ Ramsay of Barbados has been a fullbore competitor

Jennifer Jordan-Cousins for the past 7 years and shooting overall for the past 19 years. Tonya Edwards of

Barbados is on debut at this level. (Franklin Wilson)

WIFBSC Milex/Crown Mining Long Range Team Match

Battle for collective glory takes center stage today The combined capabilities and knowledge of the nations contesting the We s t I n d i e s F u l l b o r e Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Team Championships will be severely tested today and tomorrow when the Long and Short Range Team are contested. Being run concurrently with the Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA) 150th Anniversary championships, the likes of England, Ireland, Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Canada and Guyana will be aiming against each other for more championship glory. T h e W I F B S C Individual Championships saw a close finish and up to the point of the GuyanaNRA 150th Anniversary Shoot Off being abandoned due to

rain, it was very competitive after three of the five ranges, c o n t e s t e d . The experience and comprehension of the delicate wind changes at the newly refurbished Timehri Rifle Ranges will against be a challenge for all the marksmen and women. Those not accustomed to these conditions including the heat, have been forced to adapt fast; who handles it better will emerge at the top. The English and Irish teams, possessing some good shots will present the ideal test for the likes of the Caribbean’s best Guyana as well as T&T, Barbados and Antigua. Judging from the performances of the shooters so far and with rain in the forecast for today and tomorrow, Chief Range Officer Phil Harrison and the

The English Team

teams will have their work cut out. Av a i l a b l e Te a m s : Canada - Tom Maynard, John Chapman, Gary Casaidy, Gian Carrio, Bruce Mc Donald, Jason Troup, Mark Landerville, Jason Higgins and Paul Archer.

Antigua & Barbuda – Christopher Joseph, Thomas Greenaway, Anderson Perry, Laurne Benjamin, Destroy Maile, Rohit Duhkiram. Trinidad and Tobago – Norris Gomez, Oscar Waldron, Mark Ackrill, Dexter McKay, Varma

Rambarran, Justin Lall, Ezekiel Joseph, Jeffrey Holder and John Soanes – Reserve. Barbados – Richard A r t h u r, J a s o n Wo o d , Lancelot Trotman, Wade McLean, Jenifer JordanCousin, Shellyann Hinds,

Marlon King, Louis King. Guyana – Mahendra Persaud, Lennox Braithwaite, Ransford Goodluck, Dylan Fields, Sherwin Felicien, Leo Romalho, Roberto Tiwari, Peter Persaud and Ryan Sampson - Reserve.

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South American Youth Games champ Deshawna Skeete calls on Dr. George Norton

Saturday October 14, 2017

German’s Restaurant donates to EBFA Ralph Green U-11 League continues today

Some of the athletes that represented Guyana at the South American Youth Games. Most of the delegates of the successful team that represented Guyana in the quadrennial South America Youth Games that was held in Santiago, Chile, paid a courtesy call yesterday on Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports (DCYS) , Dr. George Norton. During the meet and greet at the DCYS’ Boardroom, Main Street, the National Sports Commission (NSC) took the opportunity to present each delegate with an NSC medal for their representation of Guyana. Present at the gathering was Mackenzie High School’s Deshawna Skeete who sprinted away to win the Girls’ 400m race. The 15 year-old Lindener clocked a time of 57.28s in a photo finish ahead of Brazil’s Jessica Moreira (57.54) to have Guyana’s National Anthem played for the first time at this prestigious event. Skeete noted that it was tough getting acclimatized to the chilly temperature but she managed nevertheless to come out successful, “It was really cold but I trained way too hard and made too many sacrifices to not come out on top and I did. It was a very

emotional moment for me.” Although Guyana sent five (5) sport disciplines to the second edition of South American Youth Games, namely Badminton, Table Tennis, Boxing, Basketball and Athletics, the latter reaped all four (4) of the medals (1 Gold & 3 Silver). Kenisha Phillips finished 2nd in both the 100m and 200m final while Jermaine King scampered to silver in the 100m final. Phillips and King who are both Linden based, couldn’t attend the event with the Minister due to their participation in District 10’s (Linden) InterSchool Sports which begun yesterday. Chef-de-Mission of G u y a n a ’s c o n t i n g e n t , Godfrey Munroe, satisfyingly shared, “I think the Guyana-brand was well represented in Chile. Although, athletics reaped all the medals, all the disciplines were competitive. The 3x3 Basketball team was unlucky not to advance to the quarterfinals after losing out 13-11 to Ecuador in the round of 16 while the Table Tennis squad made it to the quarterfinals.” This 2017 season has seen some talented athletes with vast potential burst onto

the scene from Guyana with successes at the CARIFTA games, South America Junior Championships, World Juniors and now the S o u t h A m e r i c a Yo u t h Championships. Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Steve Ninvalle, was happy to state that, “Our (Guyana) recent good performances in Track and Field is showing that the sport is making strides in our Country.” Wi t h t h e p r e v a l e n t strides Sports and more recently athletics continue to make in Guyana despite limited support from Government, newly appointed Sports Minister D r. G e o r g e N o r t o n , promised better administration at the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport: “As we celebrate the success of these athletes, I don’t want us to look back at the things we did wrong although it’s imperative to learn from mistakes, but let’s look to the future as the ministry looks to do all it can in offsetting expenses in the athletes training and academic pursuits. We promise to give you all that we can for your d e v e l o p m e n t ” , Norton promised.

Ansa McAl/Georgetown Football Association Premier League kicks off tomorrow Following a lengthy hiatus, league action is set to make a welcome return to the City when the Ansa McAl sponsored Premiere League kicks off at the GFC ground with the traditional March Past and three matches.

Ten (10) teams will be battling for a top prize of One Million dollars with $500,000, $300,000 and $200,000 set aside fro the second, third and fourth placed clubs. Beacon will open on field proceedings against

Black Pearl at 17:00hrs in the first match with Pele up against Camptown in the main supporting match from 19:00hrs. the main event will see the red hot Police FC matching skills with Riddim Squad.

Clinton Urling, Manaing Director of German’s Restaurant and EBFA President Franklin Wilson with the donated items. The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) was the recipient of a water cooler and three Futsal balls compliments of German’s Restaurant, located at Tiger B a y, G e o rg e t o w n . Managing Director of the popular Restaurant, Clinton Urling handed over the donation to EBFA President Franklin Wilson. Urling noted that he has been following the work of the association and was more than happy to make a contribution towards the

continued development of especially the youths that play the sport in the association. Wilson xtended the appreciation of his executive members and clubs to Urling and German’s Restaurant for their timely donation pointing out that this was not the first time the popular eating house has donated to the association. He told Urling that the players contesting the ongoing Ralph Green

Under-11 League and GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power Under-17 League will benefit from uses of the cooler. Meanwhile, today’s matches in the U-11 league will see Samatta Point/Kanville taking on Herstelling from 09:00hrs to be followed by a clash between Mocha Champs and Friendship with eth final match between Grove Hi Te c h a n d d e f e n d i n g champions, Agricola Red Triangle.

S.S Jaguars and G.S Cavaliers square off for VNet T20 title tomorrow Sans Souci Jaguars and G Square Cavaliers of Belle Plaine will clash in the final of the seventh annual V Net T20 Blast tomorrow at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground, Good Success. Jaguars are touted as favourites since they defeated their opponents in the preliminary stage of the competition which was orchestrated by a fine century from Nokta Moses (102) so far the only triple figure in the tournament. Along with Moses, the Jaguars batting will be centered around Zameer Zaman, Safraz Mohamed, Besham Moses and Skipper Siddiq Mohamed. Their bowling has been good throughout the competition, restricting opponents for gettable totals. Mohamed, who will share

Captains Siddiq Mohamed (right) and Lokram Narine with the championship trophy. the new ball with seamer Derwin Daniels, will expect

his slow bowlers including the Moses siblings, Zaman

Saturday October 14, 2017

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Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal C/Ship… Quarterfinals decided Late Thursday night the fixtures for the quarterfinals of the inaugural Street Vybz Entertainment Futsal C/Ship were set after the final round of group games at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The night’s play was scheduled to begin at 19:00hrs but didn’t start until 21:30hrs due to three (3) teams, one each from the first three (3) fixtures a noshow for their respective match-ups which resulted in the following. MBK All Stars won via walkover from Tucville, Swag Entertainment won by a similar route from the African Team while Future Stars did the same as their opponent, Dave and Celina’s All Stars failed to show up. In the first competed

match, Kitty Hustlers hurried New Market Street out of the competition in a must win game with a 3-1 victory. Tevin Fowler, Stephon Reynolds and Josiah Charles were the scorers for Hustlers while New Market street benefited from an own goal. West Front Road Gold is Money led by Western Tigers skipper, Phillip Rowley, needled a star studded North Ruimveldt team that featured the likes of Travis “Zorro” Grant and William Europe. Deon Alfred threaded the needle in the 13th minute for the win that allowed his side to top their group. Back Circle made light work of Leopold Street in a calm 2-0 victory to top their group with nine (9), playing unbeaten. Jermaine Beckles

ICC-Windies included in innovative ICC Test league Dubai, CMC – Fears West Indies would be relegated into a second tier o f Te s t c r i c k e t w e r e yesterday allayed when the former World champions were included in a nine-team Test League scheduled to begin in 2019. Cricket’s world governing body, the ICC, approved the new structure at their meeting Auckland while also giving the nod to a 13-team One-day International league which is set to start in three years time. The Test league will comprise the top-nine ranked sides who will play six series in a two-year span – three home and three away. Each series will range from a minimum of two Tests to five, and will result in World Test League Championship final. ”I would like to congratulate our members on reaching this agreement and putting the interests of the development of the game first. Bringing context to bilateral cricket is not a new challenge, but this is the first time a genuine solution has been agreed on,” ICC chairman Shashank Manohar said. ”This means fans around

the world can enjoy international cricket knowing every game counts and in the case of the ODI league, it counts towards qualification to the ICC Cricket World Cup.” Chief Executive David Richardson hailed the development as one which augured well for the future of international cricket. ”This is a significant point in time for ICC members and our collective desire to secure a vibrant future for international bilateral cricket,” he said. “The approval of both leagues is the conclusion of two years of work from the members who have explored a whole range of options to bring context to every game. ”The ICC Board decision today means we can now go and finalise a playing schedule for the first edition as well as the points system, hosting arrangements and competition terms.” The nine nations comprising the Test league will be Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. With West Indies languishing eighth in the ICC rankings, there were (Continued on page 25)

(12th minute) and Delon Kelly (15th) were the goal scorers against Leopold Street that finished second in Group B. In another must win game, Andrew Murray Jr. scored a hat-trick to lead Albouystown-A to an edgy 4-3 win over Silver Bullets. In the 7-goal thriller, Murray netted in the 5th, 7th and 18th minute while his teammate Moses Gritten’s 8th minute goal was critical for the win. Scoring for Silver Bullets were Damion Williams, Robin Bacchus and Jermaine Samuels. In the feature game of the night, Sparta Boss joined Future Stars and Back Circle as the other unbeaten team after the group stage to top Group A with a come from

behind 3-1 victory against Broad Street. Shane Morris had put Broad Street ahead in the 4th minute of the 10 minutesper-half match. Soon after, Daniel Wilson (10th),

Kitty Hustlers’ Jamal Blackman being fended off by New Market Street’s Damien Ross.

Sheldon Holder (12th) and Eusi Phillips (13th) got the Sparta train back on track. All the quarterfinals will be played tonight with Gold is Money vs. Swag

Entertainment at 19:00hrs, Future Stars vs. Leopold Street at 20:00hrs, Back Circle vs. Albouystown-A at 21:00hrs and the feature match, Sparta Boss vs. Kitty Hustlers at 22:00hrs.

Hand in Hand presents BMX cycles to three young riders

Marketing Director of Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies, Ms Shafeena Juman (left) pose with the recipients of the BMX cycles from right, Alpha Harrison, Jessica Mohabir and Michael McKay. Maintaining the tradition which started many years ago of presenting BMX cycles to young riders in need, the Hand in Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies on Saturday last handed over three more at the conclusion of their 13th annual sponsored National Park 11Race Cycle Meet.

Marketing Director Ms Shafeena Juman was on hand to hand over the BMX cycles to the happy trio of riders who have been developing their talent at the venue for a few years now. The beneficiaries are Jessica Mohabir, Alpha Harrison and Michael McKay. Ms Juman congratulated

the three young cyclists on being selected by Organiser Hassan Mohamed and wished well as they seek to get better in the sport and ultimately, to one day represent Guyana. Mohamed informed that the three cycles have brought the total number donated by Hand in Hand to 36 in the past 12 years.

He offered gratitude to the sponsors for their continued commitment and investment in the nation’s cyclists noting that all the present day competitors have all been participants in his yearly Teach Them Yo u n g S u m m e r Programme which also takes place at the National Park.

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Saturday October 14, 2017

Khan, Yadram hit unbeaten half centuries on rain affected day at Everest Baldeo, Ivan slam tons; five -wkt hauls for Pestano, Barrington Amir Khan played a number of handsome shots in his top score yesterday.

Kamesh Yadram attempts a cut shot Amir Khan and Kamesh Yadram struck unbeaten half centuries as East Coast Demerara closed day one of the final round of the Guyana Cricket Board Jaguars threeday Franchise League against East Bank Demerara on 184-3. The entire morning

session was lost due to rain, but when play commenced at 12:20hrs at the Everest Cricket Club, East Coast Demerara suffered an early set back when opener Joshua Persaud was caught off Colin Benn for six with the score on 20. Skipper Ronaldo

Alimohamed then uprooted the stumps of Brian Sattaur for 14 before Bhaskar Yadram and his elder brother Kamesh added 54 for the third wicket. Bhaskar timed the ball well and struck five fours before he was taken off Sagar Hetheramani for 38. Kamesh and Amir Khan

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League

Chanderpaul hit undefeated 53 on truncated day at Tuschen By Sean Devers Shiv Chanderpaul, at age 43, continues to prove that age is just a number with an unbeaten 53 at Tuschen on a truncated opening day of the GCB/CGI seventh round three-day franchise League m a t c h a g a i n s t We s t Demerara yesterday. On a day when just three hours and three minutes of play was possible and 50 overs were lost due to a late start and two stoppages due to rain, the left-handed Chanderpaul faced 130 balls, batted for 167 minutes and reached the boundary five times and cleared it once. Chanderpaul, on the back of 91 in his first match on return from the English County Championships, added 59 for the fourth wicket with Kevin Boodie, whose 50-ball 29 took 83 minutes and included three fours as Essequibo reached 127-4 on the rain hit day. With Chanderpaul, when bad light stopped at 17:12 hrs, was USA based Chaitram Persaud on 24 as 21-year-old pacer Jamal Gomes has taken two wickets so far. After a delay of 90 minutes in sunny conditions due a wet bowler’s run-up,

Essequibo elected to bat on a good track and were quickly reduced to 10-2 as Gomes struck twice in the space of a run. The lively pacer first had Vijai Surujpaul caught behind for five after he had stroked him down the ground for four before 16year-old Kevin Christian (4) was trapped LBW to leave the score on 10-2. Kemol Savory drove Mahendra Dhanpaul imperiously past mid-off for four before tucking him off his hips for another boundary while Chanderpaul, who scored three tons and over 800 runs for Lancashire this season, got going with glorious straight drive past Gomes’ ankle. A shower then stopped play 11:30hrs after seven overs with the score 23-3 and an early Lunch was taken. Play resumed at 12:38hrs with another eight minutes being lost and Dhanpaul struck in overcast conditions when the left-handed Savory was trapped LBW for 11 at 24-3. Boodie, batting at number five in this game, joined the experienced Chanderpaul, dropped on 30 at silly mid-off and at slip on 40 off off-spinners Richie

Looknauth and Malcolm Hobbard, began ‘operation rebuild’ before another shower sent the players scampering off the field at 13:08 hrs with the score on 35-3. When play resumed in overcast conditions, Boodie smashed Dhanpaul over mid-off for four while Chanderpaul caressed Gomes back past his ankles and punched him imperiously for consecutive boundaries. Boodie pulled a long hop from left-arm spinner Keshram Seyhodan for four and swept Looknauth to the square-leg ropes and by Tea, Essequibo only needing a draw to take Championship honours, were on 79-3. Boodie was caught and bowled at 83-4 to end the fourth wicket stand but Persaud and Chanderpaul, who reached his fifty from 107 balls, 140 minutes with five fours and a six, took their team to close after Persaud had struck Hobbard for consecutive fours. Play is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs today to make up for time lost yesterday and Chanderpaul, the runs machine from Unity, could make West Demerara pay dearly for letting him off twice.

then frustrated their opponents as they put on an unbroken 106-run fourth wicket stand with patient batting in hazy conditions. When bad light stopped play just after 17:00hrs, Khan was unbeaten on 69 and Kamesh on 57. Alimohamed swung the changes in search of the breakthrough, but Khan and Kamesh stood firm defending the good length balls and accumulating runs off the bad balls. Khan struck

seven fours and batted for just over two hours while Kamesh hit two boundaries in his four hours and five minutes stay in the middle. At Port Mourant, Upper Corentyne posted a mammoth 440 all out batting first against Georgetown. Balchand Baldeo struck 107 (12x4, 2x6) while Rajiv Ivan slammed 102 (9x4, 3x6). David Latchaya made 69, Kandasammy Surujnarine 54 and Joshua Ramsammy 42.

Shemroy Barrington picked up 6-38 off 9.3 overs while Steven Sankar captured 4-158. In reply Georgetown were 115-6 at stumps. Raymond Perez scored 41 and Paul Wintz 24. Clinton Pestano has so far picked up 5-38. No play was possible at Bush Lot between Lower C o r e n t y n e a n d We s t Berbice. Play will commence at 09:00hrs today. (Zaheer Mohamed)

WDCA T20

Independence, Independence A, Canal #2 victorious Independence Sports Club (ISC) along with the Independence Sports Club ‘A’ (ISCA) team and Canal #2 Sports Club have registered victories when the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 tournament continued recently. At Joe Vieira Park, ISC defeated Long Pond Sports Club by 20 runs. Batting first, ISC made 99-9 off their reduced quota of 15 overs due to rain. Ganesh Ram made 22 and Thakur Persaud 15. Harry Persaud took 2-15. Long Pond were bowled out for 79 in 15 overs in reply. Faizul Baksh made 41

(2x4, 2x6) while Thakur Persaud took 3-15 and David Alert 2-19. ISC ‘A’ overcame Rising Stars by six wickets. Rising Stars took first strike and managed 132 all out in 19 overs. Marvin Cheong made 32 and Elroy Fernandes 24; Vickash Dhaniram captured 2-11 and Terry Narine 2-12. ISC ‘A’ responded with 133-4 in 14 overs. Anand Bharat struck 44 (3x4, 2x6) while Vickash Dhaniram contributed 24. At Canal Number Two, the home team got past Malvern by 11 runs. The host took first knock and mustered

Chabiraj Ramcharran 134-8 with Chabiraj Ramcharran scoring 42 and Vishwanauth Jadunauth 40; Ravi Hardyal snared 2-14. Malvern were limited to 123-9 in reply. Navin Mangar made 33 and Vick Dass 19. Faizul Karimullah picked up 3-20 and Rayan Yankana 3-21.

Windies A (364-8 decl.) vs Sri Lanka A 201-7 – 3rd day, 1st “Test” Florence Hall, Jamaica, Oct 13, CMC – Sri Lanka A, replying to West Indies A’s 364 for eight declared, reached 201 for seven in their first innings on the rain-hit third day of the first four-day “Test” at t h e Tr e l a w n y M u l t i -

Purpose Stadium here yesterday. Scores: WEST INDIES A 364 for eight (Sunil Ambris 106, Vishaul Singh 81, John Campbell 56, Rahkeem Cornwall 36; Malinda Pushpakumara 3104, Chamika Karunaratne

2-61). SRI LANKA A 201 for seven (Dhananjaya De S i l v a 1 0 4 , Wa n i n d u Hasaranga 24, Dasun Shanaka 20; Keon Joseph 2-28, Damion Jacobs 233, Sheldon Cottrell 241).

Kaieteur News

Saturday October 14, 2017

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Junior Road Caribbean Cycling Championships 2017 – Barbados

John, Dey, Duguid and Ramshucit to represent GCF

BVA Inter Secondary Schools Competition

Jonathan Ramshicit

Nigel Duguid

Tagore Memorial and Skeldon Line Path lift male and female titles BVA Male and Female Inter School Volleyball champions.

Briton John The cream of this nations junior riders and a promising juvenile have been selected by the Guyana Cycling Federation to be the nations representatives at next m o n t h ’s J u n i o r R o a d Caribbean Cycling Championships set for the Land of the Flying Fish, Barbados. To be contested on the first weekend, November 45, the quartet of riders selected have all been performing well consistently during the course of the 2017 season and can very well deliver medals for Guyana. Briton John (United We Stand Cycle Club), just back from the World Junior Championships in Norway will be accompanied by N i g e l D u g u i d ( Te a m Evolution) and Curtis Dey, one of two Trojan Cycle Club of Berbice riders as they aim to better their fellow junior rivals. The lone juvenile rider will be the ultra fit and determined Jonathan Ramshucit who has been a constant top podium finisher during this ongoing season. President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Horace Burrowes in an

Curtis Dey invited comment said that he is pleased with the level of consistency the selected cyclists have been exhibiting this season and is confident that they will deliver the goods in Barbados. A total of 18 countries participated in the 2016 e d i t i o n o f t h e championships which were held in St. Lucia where Guyana was represented by Andrew Hicks, Christopher Cornelius, Raphael Leung and Jornel Yearwood in the junior category with the lone juvenile being Zaman Khan.

By Samuel Whyte Upper Corentyne based Ta g o r e M e m o r i a l a n d Skeldon Line Path Secondary served their way to the respective male and female tittles when the B e r b i c e Vo l l e y b a l l Association (BVA) Inter Secondary School competition were completed recently at the Guysuco Training Centre Hostel Volleyball Court, Port Mourant Corentyne Berbice. In the male category which attracted seven schools, Tagore Memorial and New Amsterdam Multilateral made it to the final which turned out to be a one sided affair with Tagore steamrolling New Amsterdam in straight sets, 25-11, 25-8. The other participating schools in the male category were Central Corentyne, Berbice High, Black Bush, Corentyne Comprehensive and Port Mourant. There were five schools on the distaff side with Skeldon Line Path defeating Berbice High in the final also

by a 2-0 margin, 25-22, 25-5. New Amsterdam Multilateral, Corentyne Comprehensive High and Central Corentyne were the others that contested. Trophies compliments of the BVA and the National Sports Commission (NSC) were presented to the MVP in the male category, Andy Rohoman. Copping a similar trophy in the female competition was Stephney Lewis. The various Zone champions were also presented with the rewards: for the Upper Corentyne Z o n e i t w a s Ta g o r e Memorial for male and Skeldon Line Path for the female. Central Corentyne Zone - Central Corentyne won both trophies. C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive was the double winner in the Lower Corentyne Zone. T h e N e w Amsterdam/Canje Zone saw Berbice High and New Amsterdam Multi crowned the respective male and female winners.

The top schools received trophies compliments of the BVA. In brief remarks, BVA President Levi Nedd expressed thanks to the NSC and Director of Sports Mr. Christopher Jones for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the Department of Education and Regional Education Officer Miss Volika Jaikissoon. Nedd wished the schools well and promised that with more sponsorship a bigger

and better tournament would be organized in the future. Some 20 male and 20 female players were selected from the competition and will commence training shortly in preparation for Inter Guiana Games, next year. The next activity for the BVA would be a series of concerts which will be held at five different venues following which the Balram Shane Inter Club tournament for senior players and a Referee’s Course would come off.

t r o Sp WIFBSC Milex/Crown Mining Long Range Team Match

Battle for collective glory takes center stage today

Team Guyana, the defending Long and Short Range champions of Caribbean shooting with CoS Patrick West and Major General Ret. Norman McLean.

GCB/CGI 3-day Franchise League South American Youth Games champ Deshawna Skeete Chanderpaul hit undefeated 53 on truncated day at Tuschen calls on Dr. George Norton

Shiv Chanderpaul cuts for four during his unbeaten 53. (Sean Devers photo) Minister Dr. George Norton congratulates Skeete after awarding her with the NSC medal. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210