Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Thursday October 19, 2017

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

EDITORIAL

IRRESPONSIBILITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA Social media is truly one of the amazing advances in modern communications technology that the world has seen since the last quarter of the 20th century. Indeed, the advent of social media has been generally acclaimed as a positive development with considerable promise to revolutionize communication, human interaction, and the regular media. Social media, such as Facebook, has become big boost for freedom of speech and expression worldwide, especially in countries ruled by autocratic regimes that were known for repressing the fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens, and the press. It was social media that fueled the popular Arab spring uprisings that led to the overthrow of a number of autocratic regimes in North Africa and Middle East between 2010 and 2012. It was the most effective tool for information sharing and people mobilization. Since its creation, social media has over the years been used to promote various worthwhile causes that have resulted in positive changes in countries, organizations and people around the globe. In its various dimensions, it has made communication and events instant and has transformed the world into a tiny village. It is perhaps the most effective information tool to wage campaigns to ensure greater accountability, transparency, wrongdoings, corruption and scandals by governments and to some extent businesses. In Guyana as in other countries, social media is like a thorn in our politicians from both sides of the aisle because lots of issues that the print media are afraid to report due to the threats of civil lawsuits are reported by social media which is protected by freedom of speech and expression. Social media has also driven such fear in the government which can no longer do and say what it likes or violate people’s rights. Many of our politicians would have liked to have the power to control social media or to file law suits against it. However, it is true that some, but not the majority, have abused Social media and have used it as a channel of vendetta against their enemies. The growing concern today is more about the flagrant abuse of social media to spread gossip, rumour and stir up public panic and fear with fake news. Many of us are very familiar with this ugly side of social media here in Guyana. Even though we have the right to freedom of speech and expression, the reckless abuse of social media and the vulgarity that accompanies several postings clearly suggest a need for some kind of protocol establishing guidelines for its acceptable use. The objective is not to limit freedom of speech and freedom of expression, but to ensure that users accept an obligation to act responsibly and that their postings would not be harmful to children and youths who also have access to it as well. As a people, we should refrain of using the common parlance, “This is my right and I can write and say whatever I want to.” Such thinking clearly informs how many persons use social media to post whatever they feel with no consideration of the consequences of their actions on others. This certainly is not a fine example of the citizen journalism which some observers have said would have been spawned by social media to provide competition for the traditional media. The traditional media are unable to hide behind anonymity, as is so easily done on social media. Traditional media may fall short occasionally, but they have generally lived up to their responsibility to ensure the dissemination of accurate information. Much concern has also been expressed about the widespread practice of posting gruesome images on social media. But people seem to have a huge appetite for such images which are generally not made available on traditional media. Social media should be used more responsibly.

Guyana has to be more sympathetic to the plight of its teachers Dear Editor, Guyana’s reputation is being seriously damaged by the poor and appalling services that almost every sector provides. The nonsensical things that are happening in Guyana seem to be unchanging and everlasting. What I am about to share is without fear or favour and is not based on any political affiliations nor ideologies. On December 11, 2015, I wrote a letter to your newspapers titled, “This country has to treat teachers with a better pay system”. In that piece, I referred to an article published on April 18, 2015, filed in Kaieteur News captioned “Granger plans to curb the exodus of teachers by increasing salaries, if elected”. Our President, Mr. Granger, was the presidential candidate for the APNU + AFC party at that time. In the article, it stated Granger was asked, “If your party is elected to serve the people of Guyana, what policies will your administration implement to ensure that teachers, and other key public servants are properly compensated and motivated to perform their services?”

In his response, the Coalition’s Presidential hopeful stated, “I have always been saying that, at this point in Guyana’s development, teachers should be the best paid public servants. The nurses didn’t like it, but we are not going to turn the education system around if we do not attract the best teachers.”Mr. Editor, it is very disheartening and depressing to know that two years have elapsed, yet we haven’t received any increase in salaries nor uniform allowances. We were only paid a 6% ‘interim’ for the previous y e a r. W h e n d o e s o u r President plan to curb the exodus of teachers by increasing their salaries? It should be noted that even the President of the Guyana Teachers Union [GTU], Mr. Mark Lyte, vented his frustration, on the slothful movement of the ministry as it relates to the remuneration package for public school teachers. He said so in an article published on May 26, 2017, captioned “ G T U / M i n i s t r y remuneration negotiation at standstill as PS settles in.” These are his words, “We are frustrated, our members are

frustrated too.” Everyone is indeed frustrated. How much longer shall we wait for the newly appointed PS to settle in? One can safely say that this kind of service is appalling. Many of our public school teachers are disgruntled with the way they are being treated. Too often, we hear teachers complained about working for a meagre salary under unfavourable conditions while completing a plethora of records and at the same time being held accountable for the ‘poor performances’ of learners. Will education ever get better in Guyana? Imagine working in an environment that is unfavourable to teaching and learning on a sweltering day with frequent power outages. This is the reality of Guyana. If we are to examine the other sectors they will be no different. For instance, the water that is being provided by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) for the residents on the East Bank of Berbice (Rotterdam Village to Sisters Village). In my view, that water is unhealthy for human consumption, since it has a strong unpleasant smell and

a high iron content. The worst part is that meters are installed on the pipes and residents are paying for every drop of water that has a stench of ‘rotting fish’. Why pay for such service? Apart from that, every day you would see a colossal number of people at the hospitals waiting for hours before they can be attended to. The things that are happening in Guyana on a daily basis would make one feel perturbed, irate and sickened. When it is not the hospitals, it is the Guyana Post Office or Guyana Water Incorporated or Guyana Power and Light or the banks or the police stations or traffic ranks and plain clothes detectives making random stops. Although, it is well known to traffic ranks that random stops are no longer in force, it still happens throughout the Corentyne thoroughfare on a daily basis. How long will this continue? Will this country ever get better with its service? At the end of the day, all you need is hope and strength to survive on this piece of land called ‘Guyana’. Ashan Bacchus (teacher)

Banning the cane in school cannot be done overnight Dear Editor, Corporal punishment must not be seen as an alternative but must complement other measures of discipline. We do need a bit of the rod to help our children walk the proverbial straight and narrow path. “Let us not spare the rod but let the rod be used sparingly”. Corporal punishment does not mean physical abuse. Indeed our Laws are quite clear about abuse by teachers and parents. The use of the cane must be controlled and employed after less stringent measures have failed. The Ministry of Education’s Manual of Guidelines for the maintenance of order and discipline in schools is clear on this procedure; moreso as it relates to the appropriateness and reasonableness of the use of corporal punishment. Alternative forms of discipline. There has been much talk about alternative forms of discipline viz; detention, denial of certain privileges, benefits, etc. However there is empirical

evidence that children who are very much aware that they cannot be visited with corporal punishment, couldn’t care less if they were denied certain privileges. Many have argued that the use of the cane does contribute to a display of violent behaviour by the children whom they say have been victims of what they term “physical abuse”. I do believe however that if corporal punishment increases the propensity to violence among students; some of us will be serial killers today. The Guyanese culture has embraced the practice of corporal punishment for decades. Indeed, it has become an integral aspect of our upbringing and many students of yesteryear have actually attributed their success in large measure to the application of corporal punishment as a form of discipline. Given the present disciplinary situation in many of our schools, it would seem that the

replacement of corporal punishment with alternative forms of discipline not in place, does reduce the range of sanctions immediately available to the school and would result in a total collapse of order in the classroom. Learning cannot take place in an indisciplined environment. We could debate whether to cane or not, when in fact, we still have class sizes that are above the recommended size and when teachers consequently and out of frustration leave their classrooms unsupervised. Most violent student misconduct takes place when classes are unsupervised. Today in many homes, children are left unattended and this has resulted in serious deficiencies in parenting that must be urgently addressed. It is this scenario that leads me to determine that the abrupt removal of corporal punishment in schools could lead to the unacceptable practice of reprimands and verbal abuse by students if alternative forms of

discipline are not contemporaneously put in place. We do not want to move from one contentious issue to another. The removal of corporal punishment in schools must be over such a period that will allow teachers to be adequately trained to deal with indisciplined students using alternative forms of sanctions. In this regard, there is need not only for teachers but parents also to be guided on the proper ways to teach and discipline children. In this way, we can bridge the gap between the Home and the School by coming up with a consensus on matters such as corporal punishment. We can also direct our attention and energies; our resources, our fury and agitate against the more serious forms of child abuse such as incest, sexual molestation, our street children, etc. Conclusion: The focus must be on a gradual change of emphasis from the use of corporal punishment to the alternatives being (Continued on page 5)

Thursday October 19, 2017

Enumeration of the power psychosis of the Jagdeo regime Dear Editor, Bharrat Jagdeo and his set of sorry souls in Freedom House do not have a song to sing; so they indulge in only a chorus – witch hunting! They are masters at that game. In 1992, they cleaned out all the ‘witches’ who by no stroke of coincidence were fully qualified Guyanese professionals. Let us take a walk down memory lane: Foreign Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee travelled to all the overseas missions and removed staff members who were believed to have been supporters of the PNC; Roger Luncheon as HPS stated that there were no Blacks qualified to hold positions in the Diplomatic Corps overseas. It was Cheddi Jagan who made the remark about “Black people being at the bottom of the ladder.” Yes, he subsequently apologised but there is an old saying that ‘Sorry mek lil boy mash big man foot’; Sam Hinds who was Jagan’s running mate and was appointed Prime Minister after the election, should have assumed the post of the Presidency afterJagan’s passing; sadly, he was removed and Janet took over. Janet Jagan then manipulated the system to clear the way for Bharat to become President. From thereon, more chaos reigned supreme. Discrimination, extra judicial killings, questionable circumstances surrounding the murders of Minister Sat Sawh and his family and even in the face of clear evidence,

Bharrat Jagdeo denied that he knew Roger Khan. Roger Khan placed an advert in the newspaper openly stating his unconditional support for the PPP Government. People witnessed when Roger Khan was exiting the President’s (Jagdeo’s) Office.. As if those instances were not enough, Jagdeo convened a meeting with five very senior army officers, one of whom was next in line for the post of Chief of Staff. He told them in no uncertain terms that he did not want them in the army. He gave them one of two choices – accept posts at Ministries or GO HOME! One of them eventually assumed a position at the Ministry of Culture. Witch hunting? A Police Commander of ‘B’ Division had ‘Lemonade Man’ arrested in connection with a shooting incident and the weapon was seized. Minister of Home Affairs, Ronald Gajraj intervened and instructed the Commander to return the weapon. Quite within his rights, the Commander informed the Minister that only the Commissioner of Police could issue those instructions to him. The Commissioner of Police at the time was then instructed to remove the Officer from the Police Force and send him to the FIU – Ministry of Finance. Witch hunting? The Commander challenged the matter in the Court citing the fact that he never applied for a job at the FIU

and neither did he indicate that he wanted to leave the Police Force. Even though he won the Court battle and remained in the Force, the Commander was never promoted to a higher rank. Witch hunting? We have not forgotten what the Munroes and Wharton were put through when they were wrongfully incarcerated, robbing them of valuable family time. Witch Hunting? Editor, is this the same person who wants us to believe that his party must be returned to power? These are only a few of the cases where Jagdeo and his PPP wielded their wrath on the masses in Guyana. There is now a new kid in the block who has appointed himself as the most knowledgeable on what the Government should and should not do. This man was paid huge sums of money to conduct forensic audits because at the time of the PPP being in power, he knew where the money was being stolen. Not unexpected his scheme worked, his bank account is filled to running over and there is still nothing conclusive coming out of the forensic audits that he and his friend conducted. Their pockets are so filled that one of them have to continue wearing bracers. All hail Guyana! The bandits are still in town and they call themselves forensic auditors. In conclusion – who killed Courtney Crum Ewing? We know and we await the arrest(s). Mike Selman

The PPP will use this man then kick him as they did before Dear Editor, It is no small wonder that people don’t trust politicians, since many of them speak out of both sides of their mouth. Although Proverbs 4:24 condemned this, ‘Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies and gossip’, our leaders pay no heed to this Biblical exhortation. A prime example is Dr Veerasammy Ramayya. Not so long ago, this gentleman was on a popular TV Station

in Region 6, at public meetings and every street corner , vociferously giving details of the corruption of the previous PPP/C government, even naming a couple of PPP officials in Berbice whom he referred to as “Mutt and Jeff’. He spread a lot of white lies about how the sugar workers will get 20% wage increase and the rice farmers will get $9,000 per bag for paddy. Many persons bought this and voted for the APNU/ AFC Coalition and the result

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

is a new government. He is a good politician without any doubt. He can make people believe a lot of things. But he lacks the ability to recognise his enemies. Now this same gentleman is on another television station extolling the virtues of the PPP and speaking about the corruption of the current Government. Those whom he had referred to as ‘Mutt and Jeff’ are now gentlemen of the highest degree. He used to (Continued on page 6)

Nigel Hinds should know a little knowledge is a dangerous thing Dear Editor, The back and forth in the media as it relates to the issue of the Gaming Authority and Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. has caught my attention, leading me to do some extensive research on the issue. Having read all the articles published and conducting my own research, I am particularly intrigued by the letters published in the newspapers in the name of Mr. Nigel Hinds, who I am aware, is a Chartered Accountant and it is clear that the agenda of Mr. Hinds has been to discredit the Gaming Authority Firstly, in his letter published in Stabroek News on the 15th September 2017, he refers to a statement that he said was attributed to Mr. Roysdale Forde, Chairman of the Gaming Authority in a Kaiteur News article. The article in fact did not state that Mr. Forde ever made such a statement. The fact that Mr. Hinds is prepared to engage in such open deceit is not surprising, since in my research I have discovered that Mr. Hinds is the Accountant for Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. Mr. Hinds as an Accountant and a professional ought to seek to limit his public displays of ignorance, but again demonstrates his absence of knowledge of the Gambling Prevention Act or the Anti Money Laundering legislation. There is apparently some sort of “moron” in the room and it’s definitely not the Gambling Prevention Act

since in its preamble, The Gambling Prevention Act Cap 9:02 clearly states “An Act for the suppression of Common Gaming Houses and Gambling, and of Lotteries of a public nature, or to which the public has or may have access.” The express purpose of the Act was not to licence gambling. Section 29A(1) of the Anti- Money Laundering Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Act # 15 of 2016 substitutes for Section 29 (1) of the Gambling Prevention Act Cap 9:02 the following and states: “Before issuing a licence under section 29, the Gaming Authority shall conduct an investigation and make inquiries as it deems necessary to determine whether the applicant is fit and proper to be granted a licence under this Act, and in conducting such investigation and inquiries , the Gaming Authority shall have regard to(a) The honesty, integrity and reputation of the applicant, partner, shareholder, director or beneficial owner of a significant or controlling interest or office holder of the applicant; (b) The competence and capability of the applicant ; (c) The financial soundness and financial capability of the applicant; (d) The background of the applicant; and (e) Such other matters as the Authority deems appropriate.

Banning the cane in school... (From page 4) emphasised and this new focus must involve parents, teachers, Education Administrators, Schools Welfare Officers, Counsellors, students and the broader community. They must be trained and assigned to schools or cluster of schools and tasked, inter alia, with taking back responsibility from Society for our children’s upbringing. The ban on corporal punishment in schools cannot be an overnight measure but must be examined in conjunction with the setting up of the necessary institutions, the

training of required personnel and the realisation that until alternatives to its use are in place and working satisfactorily; corporal punishment has an acceptable role in the discipline of children. Norman Whittaker (former Minister of Government)

(2) In assessing the fit and proper criteria in subsection (1) (a) to (e) above, the Gaming Authority may take into account all appropriate factors including but not limited to, whether the applicant…………”. At this juncture I would advise that Mr. Hinds do himself the favour of becoming familiar with the full content and context of Section 29A before pronouncing on matters clearly outside of his grasp. I wonder whether Clifton Bacchus and his associates are not applicant, partners, shareholders, directors or beneficial owners of a significant or controlling interest or office holder of the applicant of the Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc.? Mr. Hinds is railing against the request of the Gaming Authority for his client Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. to have its Directors submit their Tax returns. Is he afraid that the accounts set out in the Application and included amongst the documents submitted to the Authority would be at substantial variance? Also is Mr. Hinds concerned about what this would mean professionally for him? Further, Mr. Hinds’ recklessness and disposition not to seek to confirm his statements is indeed remarkable. A simple call to the Financial Intelligence Unit and or the office of the Ministry of Finance would easily confirm the Appointment of the Gaming Authority as I have done. He turns his attention next to the issue of the Guyana Lottery Company and not Commission as he so erroneously states. His statements in this regard are equally and now characteristically vague and bizarre. As in other instances, there is a blindness to the legal operations of the Guyana Lottery Company, which functions as the agent of the (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Kaieteur News

The PM’s Region 6 representative is bent on misleading people Dear Editor, I make reference to Gobin Harbhajan’s letter in KN edition of Oct. 15, 2017 titled “PM’s Berbice representative challenges PPP on Skeldon factory” simply because I observe that this misguided gentleman is bent on misleading citizens on the subject of sugar, which he seems to not comprehend. It is clear that, he is being mischievous and overpaid for the salary he is receiving seemingly through the Office of the Prime Minister. Readers would recall that I urged Mr. Harbhajan to use his evidence on juice dumping at Skeldon and the powers of his office to launch an investigation into this heinous act and charge those responsible persons because they are still in their respective port-

folios instead of creating a circus in the print media. In his most recent letter, Mr. Harbhajan now associates “wilful dumping of cane juice and the falsification of records” to the “PPP era” which was caused “by the way in which the factory itself was designed and constructed”. Editor, can this gentleman be more absurd? Who on the face of planet earth, will design and construct a sugarcane factory to dump cane juice wilfully? Worst yet, which sane person on planet earth will believe a processing plant is designed and constructed to dump its raw material, cane juice? If Mr. Harbhajan cannot provide this nation with the findings of the juice dumping investigation and actions

taken, it is logical to conclude that he is leading a circus about Skeldon. If, he is now saying that the factory was designed and constructed also to dump cane juice, he is simply displaying his level of non-intelligence. Use the evidence you have Mr. Harbhajan, and stop the circus. There are many supersalaried experts in GuySuCo’s top echelons that can conduct this investigation. By the way, GuySuCo received G$6B in 2014 and produced 216,359 tonnes of sugar. In 2017, it received, so far, G$11B and expectedly will produce 150,000 tonnes. Can you identify which period is more inefficient? This is not a trick question. Sookram Persaud

IAC calls for all facts of Deputy Solicitor General’s termination Dear Editor, The Indian Action Committee (IAC) is very concerned about two publicised high profile incidents that occurred recently, relating to two persons, one who remains in the employ of the government, and the other who was dismissed arbitrarily by the Public Service Commission, hours before its term of office expired. The IAC is referring to the clearance of any wrongdoing by Ms. Lloyda NicholasGarrett, the President’s Press Officer, by President Granger; and the termination of the services of Ms. Prithima Kissoon, Deputy Solicitor General. The IAC strongly believes, based on what has been published by the media, that the perception of uneven treatment of these two officers, given their distinct eth-

nic backgrounds, can cause much unease and lack of confidence and faith in the established systems. The IAC wishes to remind the public that the organisation had called on the Ministry of the Presidency to make public its findings into the allegation of racial slurs made by Ms. Lloyda Nicholas-Garrett against staff members of Indo-Guyanese origin. The IAC is now calling upon the government to make public all the relevant facts concerning Ms. Prithima Kissoon’s termination of services, so that an independent determination can be made thus enabling a fair examination of all the circumstances in an impartial manner. The IAC expects due process to be followed in this matter so that the final outcome can be confidently ex-

pressed to the satisfaction of the entire nation. The IAC urges civil society, trade unions, the religious bodies, human rights organizations, the diplomatic community, and members of the national assembly to give serious examination to these two instances in the interest of fairness and the concomitant removal of any suspicions of bias or discrimination. The IAC, urges strongly that these controversial episodes, based on public revelations by the various parties involved, if not dealt with judiciously, can convey a perception of unequal or unfair treatmentand, therefore, should be taken very seriously in the interest of social cohesion and national unity. Yours sincerely, Saira Alli Indian Action Committee

The PPP will use this man then... (From page 5) call the Skeldon Estate ‘white elephant’ and an ‘octopus’ and he used to blame Jagdeo for the failure of the investment but today he has changed that view. But I am worried about the political future of this man. The PPP never had any respect for him and they would normally refer to him as ‘the piss doctor’ and in my opinion they still do not have any respect for him. They kept public meetings in front of his house and degraded him and his family. He should be smart enough to know that they are just using him for political mileage. I am sure that should the

PPP ever gets back in power, they would never give him due recognition. At least, he was an MP and the AFC made him the REO of Region 6 - a highly respectable position and from the news I knew that the Vice Regional Chairman and some PPP councillors gave him a run for his life and they actually forced him to resign. They made his life a virtual hell. I have great respect for this gentleman but I fear that he would have been better off with the formation of another Third Force Party. The PPP will never change its corrupt ways and he was correct when he spoke about their corrupt practices.

I have been following politics closely and I know that Dr Ramayya was with the PPP when he came back from the USA, then he was with Mr Ravi Dev’s ROAR, then after the demise of ROAR he joined the AFC and now he is back with the PPP once again. He came full circle and twice he left the PPP because of corruption and he is back again. This man should follow the example of Mr Ralph Ramkarran. He should not allow the PPP to use him and kick him again. He should be wary of these hypocrites. This will be the end of his political career. Rohit Persaud

Thursday October 19, 2017

Where are public notices placed to inform citizens of legal requirements? Dear Editor, I have attached photo images with this letter. They were captured on Sunday morning, Oct.15, 2017 at the Bourda Market and a photo speaks a million stories. No, the shirtless subject did not shoplift or steal. I walked into a situation just as it unfolded and I overheard the conversation about the shirtless young man apparently rode or pushed a cycle or motor cycle on the pavement that surrounds the Bourda Market and he was invited to the constabulary office by the officers in the photos. He refused the invitation and the drama took a different twist. After these

photos were taken, the subject was chased in and around the Bourda Market and only God knows how it ended. I am certain that I saw blood from the shirtless subject just after he broke loose, but I am not sure what caused it and how serious his injury is at the time of writing. If indeed that was the situation, I n o w a s k the question ‘Should the young man be penalised for his ignorance of the law?’ Where should we park our cycles and motor cycles when visiting the Bourda Market or any other market? Where can we read notices on sign/bill boards that parking and pushing of cycles/motor cycles are not allowed? Is pushing/parking

a cycle or motor cycle on any pavement an offence and what is the penalty? Who is responsible from the Mayor’s Office of Geogetown to sensitize or educate the public of the city laws? I say to the Mayor of Georgetown who overlooks the constabulary offices in the city, the Commissioner of Police and the Courts that in my opinion, no charges should be laid on the subject because it appears that he is ignorant of the city laws and I publicly admit that I am also the same. Please start an education awareness campaign so such situations can be avoided. Yours Faithfully T.Pemberton

Police lawlessness and unprofessionalism at Mabaruma Station Dear Editor, The Commissioner of Police (AG) recently removed police officers from the Mabaruma Police Station on the basis of corruption and unprofessionalism. But unfortunately the police officers that took over including the police inspector are seemingly now on campaign of harassment and victimisation of Mabaruma residents who they feel are giving out information on the performance of police officer which was responsible for the removal of those officers that they replaced. The Commissioner of police should have them quickly replaced as well for also lacking in professionalism. According to residents, the police officers are engaged in the searching of homes with guns and without search warrants and no explanations to home owners on the reasons why such searches are being conducted. They will tell the home owners that “you could complained to who you want

to, even the President of Guyana”. On the 12th October, 2017, a taxi driver was ordered by the new inspector of police to report to the Mabaruma Police Station where he was unjustifiably charged for the obstruction of traffic and have to attend court next month. The taxi driver had simply parked his vehicle where other taxies ar e k n o w n t o b e parked at the Kumaka Water front area. On the 11th October, 2017, a male and female were summoned to the Mabaruma Police Station for allegedly assaulting each other. The male was placed in the police lockups while the female apparently known to the police was allowed to go free. When this was questioned by the father and another son; they both were physically “chucked” out from the station by the sergeant and the police inspector. There is now a low level of police performance taking place in the Mabaruma sub-

region. The Mabaruma Police Station in my opinion needs a superintendent of police to be the office in charge and not a police inspector like the Lethem Police Station in the Rupununi Region. Further, it is important the Commissioner of Police orders the reactivation of the Mabaruma Community Policing Group and that its members receive training in station duties and other police operations so that they can play an important role in law and order in the Mabaruma sub-region which currently is at its lowest. The Mabaruma police station badly needs a station management committee to bring an end to lawlessness and unprofessional law-enforcement. Can the US $4.7 billion security sector reform (SSR) programme address the low-level of law-enforcement the Mabaruma sub-region is currently experiencing? Is this (SSR) programme alive? It seems not. Peter Persaud.

Nigel Hinds should know a little... (From page 5) state under the Government Lotteries Act. This is an Act which was necessary to make lawful Lotteries of a public nature while repealing aspects of the Gambling Prevention Act which sought to suppress same. This Act is not mentioned by Mr. Hinds and the implications of this Act are also deliberately overlooked. The intention to cause

confusion in the minds of the public is manifest in Mr. Hinds’s letter. He draws no distinction between the operation of the Guyana Lottery Company and the Government of Guyana entering into an agreement in this regard, which conferred the Guyana Lottery Company to contractual right to operate certain machines, and the law which regulates the functioning of Casinos and the requirement for a hundred and fifty rooms. This

also is not surprising as he seeks to whip up support for the grant of a license to his client, Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc. As I read the articles penned by Mr. Hinds over the past weeks I am reminded of a statement made by an old Headmaster “It’s better to remain silent and appear to be wise than to open your mouth and remove all doubt”. Philip Mingo

Thursday October 19, 2017

Corentyne Accident…

Pothole Missed? Min. admits works done in July

The patched pothole at the Number 59 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Officials at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are struggling to explain the presence of a pothole, which is seen as contributing to Sunday’s deadly accident between a car and a paddyladen truck at the Number 59 Village. Five people died. The pothole, the Ministry said, was missed when sweeping road maintenance works were carried out in Berbice during July. A day after the accident, officials rushed to patch the pothole where the two vehicles collided. There was plenty of finger-pointing as to whether the Region Six Democratic Council (RDC) was responsible for fixing the pothole. The ministry, in an interview with Kaieteur News, accepted responsibility for the maintenance of the Corentyne Public Road and said works in July covered the stretch between New Amsterdam and Molson Creek in July. The ministry’s public relations officer, Desilon Daniels, cautioned against blaming the pothole for the accident, although eyewitnesses claimed that the driver of the car lost control after hitting the pothole and then veered into the path of the oncoming truck. “We would have actually done some maintenance works on the Corentyne Public Road and this would have including patching work. We would have also done some overlaying of asphalt in

selected areas,” Daniels told Kaieteur News. The area mention by Daniels would have included the stretch of road at Number 59 Village. “I am not sure they would have covered that specific pothole. It’s hard to really ask an engineer if you covered this exact precise pothole. I couldn’t really say if they would have done work on that specific pothole, but we did execute works on that entire stretch in July and do have plans to continue doing work in November,” Daniels further added. She flatly denied that the works carried out by the Ministry’s Special Projects Unit, were substandard and could have resulted in the pothole re-opening. “I think what people should always consider is that there are conditions that the road will go through. The Corentyne Road would be a road that will obviously see a lot of traffic and we do have to take into consideration things like overweight vehicles. I am not sure if the ministry would have addressed that specific pothole when we did our maintenance work in July, but if that is the case we cannot also say if it broke subsequent to July,” Daniels stated. She stated that during the rehabilita t i o n o f r o a d ways there are quality assurance steps in p l a c e t h a t i n c l u d e clerks

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

of work who would inspect projects. The public relations officer said an internal probe in this case wouldn’t be warranted. This is only done in cases where there are major issues such as large portions of a repaired road falling apart. Sunday’s accident claimed the life of Sabita Manglani, 43, an immigration consultant; her two children, Emanuel Manglani, 18, and Ethan Ramjeet, five, all of L o t 4 B e l A i r, G r e a t e r Georgetown; her boyfriend, Dhanpaul Kishandayal, 39, of New York and her secretary, Reshma Seeram, 28, of Leonora, West Coast Demerara. The truck driver, 30-yearold Doodram Singh of Number 49 Village, Corentyne, was hospitalized in a critical condition.

Local Content Policy very likely by year end – Natural Resources Minister -Initial document already updated by Advisor to Govt. It is very likely that come year end, Guyana will have in place, a robust Local Content Policy for the oil and gas sector. This is according to the nation’s “optimistic” Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. Trotman reminded that the Government has retained the services of world-renowned expert, Mr. Anthony Paul. Minister Trotman noted that Paul was keen on completing and having distributed for consultation, the first draft policy. Trotman expressed, “The idea for this is that we could not move to legislation without first having a policy. Legislation should follow policy rather than the reverse and so it was thought that we should craft the policy before 2020.” The Parliamentarian added, “Paul, who was away for a few weeks, has returned and in September last, he held consultations with various members of the Private Sector along with others across the region. He has resubmitted another draft taking into consideration the new views and ideas shared by stakeholders.” The Natural Resources Minister said that the “updated” draft is expected to be shared with the public soon. “And hopefully by the end of the year, we will have a national Local Content Policy that we can all sign on to.” Be that as it may, Guyana’s draft local content policy has been criticised in recent months for lacking provisions which would safeguard against exploitation by companies. The draft speaks nothing of how to avoid procurement fraud, conflict of interest and favouritism among other crucial areas. Instead, the draft Local Content Policy framework seeks to address, the suite of opportunities that may arise and the approaches to be taken in selecting and devel-

oping opportunities related to enhancing the capabilities of Guyanese nationals and businesses. The Policy articulates that this will be don’t through; training, development and employment initiatives (Capacity Development), ensuring availability of ownership participation for qualified Guyanese equity interest (Ownership Value), supplier development provisions for goods and services by locals to support sector operations (Local Content); and well-tailored social contributions for greater impact and benefits (Societal Benefits). It also describes what will be done to ensure that the activities in the petroleum sector are conducted in a manner that transparently secures the maximum benefit for the people of Guyana, while recognising the limitations of the country and holding all actors accountable to the present and future generations of Guyanese who are the owners of the nation’s petroleum resources. Additionally, the draft policy recognises that the petroleum resources of Guyana belong to all its citizens, and represent an asset of significant intrinsic value, which once removed diminishes the wealth of the nation, unless there is transformation in value from resources below the ground to

improved quality of life above it for current and future generations of Guyanese. The draft says, “Guyana will approach the development of its petroleum resources, people and businesses in a pragmatic, transparent and accountable manner. This will be conditioned by existing circumstances and an analytical approach to understanding the resource, the activities it engenders and our input capabilities. “We shall pursue strategic opportunities for local capacity development and participation that give us the maximum possible benefit now and in the future.” The Policy also states that Guyanese will participate in a manner that gives preferred access and opportunities to improve and enhance the country’s capabilities so that it can become internationally competitive and in the end, the country will progressively provide a greater amount of future services. Capacity development, to enable more value retention, will be treated as an investment, rather than as a cost, the policy outlines.

Thursday October 19, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Political promises Politicians know that the key to winning elections is to discredit the opposing sides and to make promises to the people. They also know, all too well, that the failure to honor those promises carries a serious political backlash, unless they have a pocketful of excuses which they can sell with equal aplomb as they did their promises. How does one explain this proclivity of political parties to make promises to the electorate which they invariably end up honoring in the breach? What is the reason behind what the population often views as the duplicity of politicians in not honouring their promises? What is behind the practice of what the Mighty Rebel once labeled as “Political lies”? Surely, it cannot be that our political leaders are devious and dishonest to the extent whereby they know they are making a promise which they have no intention to keep. All politicians have

an interest in keeping their political promises because their re-election is dependent on them retaining the confidence of the people. Any politician who deliberately fails to keep his or her promises to the people is not going to enjoy their confidence, except in countries like Guyana where ethnic insecurity often forces voters to overlook the faults and betrayals of those whom they support. If, it is in the interest of politicians to be seen as reliable; then why this disconnection between their promises to the electorate before they were elected, and their actions when in office there are a number of factors. One of which is only now being discovered by the ruling APNU+AFC government. First, it is easy for parties when in opposition to stay on the sidelines and criticise the incumbent government. But assembling the skills necessary to successfully

navigate the ship of state is a formidable challenge, particularly for a party which has been out of power for 23 years and which has lost most of its personnel who are experienced in government administration. The APNU+AFC has found itself out of its depth in managing the economy. It has failed to execute a simple capital programme because, even though it does not wish to admit it, it does not have the skills necessary to efficiently manage all the various Ministries, departments and agencies of the State. It has tried to being new personnel to take over critical responsibilities and quite honestly many of these persons are too old, too tired and unfamiliar with the demands of modern administration. Second, the nature of public administration has changed. The old bureaucratic skills are no longer effective for modern governments. What is needed

Dem boys seh...

Squatting is de thing to do When de housing people tackle dem squatters in Sophia people start to talk how de government bad. Some seh people got to live somewhere suh if dem squat is alright. But de same people gun get vex if de same squatters come and squat near to wheh dem live. De fuss thing dem gun seh is that de squatters cheapening dem property. Dem boys now find out that Jagdeo sell some reserve to people and now nobody can touch these people. De government can’t put up a pedestrian over pass at Diamond because one man own de reserve at de road head. De same man own de reserve by de Demerara Harbour Bridge and de government can’t build another passenger overpass. But de one at Diamond is de bad one. De road coming out from Diamond suh small that a truck and a car can’t pass. In de morning when all dem thousand people driving out de traffic does back up for miles. Is de same confusion pun de public road an all because Jagdeo sell a big piece of de

government reserve to one of he friends. And if de government want to expand de road pun de other side Demerara Bank tek over de land pun that side and planting flower. That is to mek all who waiting to drive out of Diamond to sit down and admire de flowers. De same people who mekking noise how de government shouldn’t remove de squatters and how it must think about de children, want de government to tek de land and drag out dem flower by Diamond. When de government did want de railway embankment wheh people was squatting. De government didn’t hesitate to bulldoze dem people. Nuff of dem had land but dem refuse to move pun that land. Is de same thing wid de Sophia squatter. Nuff of dem got land but dem refuse to move. Now dem getting sympathy. Talk half and watch dem squatters tekking up land in State House compound.

are persons with private sector management skills which emphasize getting things done, in the fastest possible time and at the cheapest cost as against a public bureaucrat who is required to follow archaic and inflexible rules. Third, the APNU +AFC coalition has tried to ensure that the top administrative positions in the government are manned by its supporters. In the process it pushed out persons with the experience and wherewithal. The government is now paying a high price for that mistake. The APNU+AFC coalition moved with haste, for example, in shaking up the Central Tender Board. This was a costly mistake. They have also shaken up the permanent secretaries and REO’s and are now paying the price for those moves.

The government has shown a preference for party hacks rather than competence. Ironically, it has neglected some of its own skilled persons. Can you imagine a person like Anand Goolsarran, who has international experience in accounting and auditing, is not being utilised by the APNU+AFC administration? The PNC/R obviously prefers to put incompetents in positions of authority rather than utilising Goolsarran’s ability and integrity within the government. If you look at the mess which the President has made with the process of finding a Chairperson for GECOM; one has to question, “How it is that out of the eighteen names submitted so far he cannot find one that is suitable?” The President would be better advised to put all the names

in a bag and pull one. This has a higher probability of yielding a fit and proper person than having the President adjudicate on a list of names. The APNU when it was in opposition promised that it would establish a stakeholder forum which will draw up a national plan with role for different bodies. It said that it favored civil society involvement in governance. Many people question the extent to which this promise has been honoured. They point to someone like Anand Goolsarran and ask, “If Goolsarran cannot find a place within the present system, then how can the government be trusted to have the best persons in the best positions?

PAGE 10

Thursday October 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The Govt. should resign if it doesn’t remove Royston King I know Guyana. I know the psychic void its people live with. I know the mentally nihilistic vortex that has destroyed feelings of humanity in this country. Against that fatalistic depiction of mine, I know nothing will happen to the Town Clerk, Royston King, over the report of sexual abuse of a minor who was taken into custody by a city police rank. I am so emotionally upset by this incident that I called the Minister of Communities on Diwali morning.

I addressed him by his first name because I have known Ronald Bulkan for over thirty years and the friendship has been one of pleasant, mutual respect. I told Minister Bulkan that a day should not pass without him using his legal authority to fire Town Clerk Royston King. I made known to the Minister my emotional state of mind and the depth of my feeling over what happened to the juvenile. I told the Minister the evidence is there that King knew

about this legal and moral repugnancy two months ago and did not act. I was expressive in my condemnation of City Hall’s attitude. In straight language I told the minister that it wasn’t a case of solicitation and the youth offered sex on his own but that the minor was in custody, meaning he could not help himself. I indicated to the Minister that such conduct would have brought dismissal in any other democratic country. Before I came off the phone, I asked him if he has anything to say to me. All he said was that he appreciated my concern and the call made to him to express that concern. I will see as the days unfold what kind of person Ronald Bulkan is. I do not know if the Minister will use his legal authority acting in that capacity to dismiss King or he would want to consult his Cabinet colleagues. My

Frederick Kissoon mind is made up on this issue. If Bulkan seeks Cabinet’s approval and is refused then he should resign as Minister. If Cabinet chooses not to sanction King then the government of Guyana should be called upon by the citizenry to resign. Let us trace the beginning of this story of a minor arrested by the rank and while in custody was sexually assaulted. Two months ago, on August 22, the juvenile was arrested. On August 23, the incident was reported to the Town Clerk and other officials of City Hall. From August 23, onwards, not one institution of the state including the po-

lice force and the Ministry of Social Protection, which has a Child Protection Department was contacted. Where King got into hot water is the part of the Child Protection Law. The Act delineates in unambiguous grammar the obligations of citizens to report sexual harm to a minor. It is spelt out in Section 7 (1). Here are the words; “Where a person has direct information that a child is or may be in need of protective intervention, the person shall immediately report the matter to the CPA director, a probation officer appointed by the Public Service Commission or a Police Officer.” The act stipulates that failure to inform the relevant authorities what you see and what you know can result in prosecution in which the penalty is $50,000 in fine. King gets into further volcanic lava because it was revealed that the child made the allegation in front of him. To compound the situation the minor was asked to offer details in front of the accused. Such an atmosphere can lend to feeling of fear. Such a

situation is not accommodated within the law relating to sexual offences. Under the Sexual Offences Act, the accused is prevented from being in the presence of the victim when the offence is being described. Here is the asinine part of King’s reaction. He told a statutory meeting of the City Council last Monday that when it was reported it was a mere allegation. You do not need to be a police detective or lawyer to know, all accusations begin as mere utterances. Where an allegation changes shape from “mere” to factual is when the “mere” allegation is investigated. This involves witnesses, surveillance footage, looking for inconsistencies in the statements of both accuser and accused. A minor is arrested then the city cop that made the arrest is seen to be having sex with the minor and witnessed by other ranks and their boss is told about this. Two months after the police are notified. So the ranks in questions have been dismissed. Is that it? In Guyana, it is.

Thursday October 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Thursday October 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

Cutlass wielder jailed for eight years VACANCY 1 rooms maid- call 2271131, or text 664-7412

FOR SALE

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

Aluminum windows & doors at the best prices. Chenfeng Aluminum @ Lot 11 Public road Eccles, EBD- Call: 6968688, 682-8378

Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

FOR RENT

Internationally experienced examiner inhandwriting & Question documents. Specialized: Wills, Deeds, Identify theft etc. Call /whatsapp :416-827-5239. Email:k02g099@hotmail.com

Apartment for rent at ParfaiteHarmonie- Tel: 6732484

DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 Mercedes Benz 2009 C200. Immaculate Condition- Call 616-5933

WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

Hire car drivers- Call: 2253234

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 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 Cook/ baker and Kitchen Assistant for interior location. Applicants must have experience. Call:618-2020

1-Able Bodied Male Clerk .Tel:231-2029,219-4533,6165954 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 One female must be experienced in putting top upCall- 660-4830 for further details One cosmetologist, must be all rounded. Call 647-1773 Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton streets, Campbellville. Live in couple from Berbice or Essequibo, domestic & general duties. Babysitter with references. Mr. Khan 695-6550/656-9313,684-7526

One Financial Investor for Mining Land in the Upper Mazaruni area .Phone:6728844

Noah 2002 fully powered,A/ c, DVD etc. Price$2.2 M negotiable Call:641-1303,6971527 LAND FOR SALE ParfaiteHarmonie $1.4M, $3.5M, $2.5M, $1.6M, Tuschen $2.7M, Herstelling $3.5M, $3M, Providence $3.5M- Call: 604-6724, 6869608 House lots available @ B/ burg W.C.D & Schoonord on western side of Harbour bridge. Financing available- contact#6500402/603-1402

Purple Reign Beauty Salon & cosmetology schoolOpening Oct 16th, specializes in all hair & nailscall: 673-5987 (Hill Foot Soesdyke)

PROPERTY FOR SALE House and land available @ La ParfaiteHarmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 223-6035/ 227-8274 Boodhoos Housing Scheme ,Schoonord West Bank Demerara. Please Contact 660-2233 FOR RENT

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

1 Male to work on chicken farm in the Interior. Must have knowledge & experience in Poultry rearing Contact:680-2702 One male to work as Handyman in the interior.Meal and accommodation provide. Contact :680-2702 Experience Tree Cutter with tools, job location Georgetown.Contact Jason 643-9861 TOLET Studio apt. Shared bathroom & kitchen.Couple only or working Female .$28,000.Mr.Khan 656-9313/ 684-7526 Furnished one and two bedroom apartment in NandyPark.Parking available. Call 619-4824(for further information)

EDUCATION St. John Ambulance Brigade Home Nursing Course Starts on Monday Oct 23, 2017.Tel #225-9082.

Advertise in Kaieteur News Classified Ads and get fast results.

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$90,000 Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Sales girl/ Counter Attendant.Apply to Dian’s Deli, Barr St. Opposite Kitty Market . Contact 225-3700

Male workers to work shift @ Del Ice Co. Age 25-45 yrs. Tel: 642-9191,231-1408

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Mitsubishi Pajero. Best offer accepted- Call: 219-5354 Monday to Friday 8:15am4:15pm, Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

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

Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic- Call: 223-7500 Monday to Saturday 8:15am4:15pm

Gasoline mechanic wanted for the East Coast- Call: 623-0318

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

WANTED

We need you, males 18-30 years to work in Garden Maintenance in Georgetown- Tel: 648-1821

INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

INSTALLATIONS,REPAIRS AND PARTS FOR AC, F R I D G E , WA S H I N G MACHINE, STOVE ETC: CALL NICK 627-3206, 6301600

WANTED

Rooms in Alberttown- Call: 225-323 Office space in Charlotte Street, central Georgetown .Ground floor. Call #608-5303

A man, who is well known to the authorities after he was previously charged with murder and was on trial for attempted murder, has been jailed for eight years after he pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent. He was initially charged with attempted murder. The man, Bheem Evans, called “Lyo” 55, and father of eight, of Woodley Park, West Coast Berbice appeared before Justice Jo Ann Barlow in the Berbice High Court. Evans was accused of attempting to murder Anil Kalamudeen at Number 11 Village, West Berbice. The incident reportedly occurred on November 11, 2015. After his trial commenced on the charge of attempt murder, the man changed his plea to wounding with intent. The convict had given a statement in which he admitted committing the act. He had admitted to injuring the man with a cutlass after the man wounded his sons. Justice Barlow before passing sentence told the convict that he could not take the law into his own hands. He was committed to stand trial after a preliminary inquiry was conducted. Back in 2013 Evans was charged with killing Jaipaul Sampuran, alias ‘Jai’, which occurred at Number 11 Village, West Coast Berbice between June 28 and June 29 that year. He is also awaiting trial on another charge of attempting to murder Price Ramoo 22, a cane cutter of Block 166 D Edward, West Coast Berbice. The incident reportedly occurred on December 27, 2016 at Black Wall Street, D Edward.

Thursday October 19, 2017

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

D’Urban and Smyth Streets fatal crash…

Bar patron testifies to seeing elderly man ‘hanging through’ minibus window Ministry of the Presidency staffer, Christopher Lesprase, testified to seeing the body of an elderly man ‘hanging through’ the window of minibus BVV 5273, which was involved in an accident at the intersection of D’Urban and Smyth Streets, Georgetown. The accident resulted in the death of cricket coach, Daniel Richmond. Building Constructor, Elton Carter, 29, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, has since been charged with causing the man’s death. It is alleged that on May 21, he drove motor pick up GRR 8350, in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Richmond. He has denied the charged and is out on bail. When the trial continued on Tuesday before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman, Lesprase said that on the day

in question he was hanging out at Classique Bar at the intersection of Smyth and D’Urban Streets, Georgetown when he heard a loud impact. He said that seconds later, a child was tossed into the bar, through its partially closed shutters. According to the Ministry staffer, he also observed the body of an elderly man hanging through the window of the minibus which was parked on the pavement. Gordon Richards, a Customs Officer, was also called to testify by Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield. Attorney-at-Law, Stanley Moore, who is representing Carter, declined to cross examine the witnesses. This trial continues on October 20. And the prosecutor is expected to call six more witnesses.

Richmond who was in his sixties was killed when the speeding Toyota Tacoma GRR 8350 slammed into a Route 41 minibus BVV 5273 in which he was travelling. The man was seen hanging through the bus window covered in blood for several minutes before he was transported to the hospital. According to reports, the silver-c o l o u r e d m i n i b u s had just picked up passengers from the ‘South Park” and was proceeding east along D’Urban Street, when the driver of the bronze-coloured Toyota Tacoma, which was heading south along Smyth Street, failed to stop at the intersection. The Toyota Tacoma slammed into the side of the minibus which toppled several times and crashed into a utility pole before coming to a halt.

Man on trial for friend’s murder

Rohan Persaud, called ‘Mongo’ 37, of Lot 10 Grant 1803 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice is on trial for murder before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed Jury in the Berbice High Court. Persaud, a spray painter and automobile body works repairman, is accused of murdering Ganesh Permaul called ‘Bungal’, on September 17, 2015 at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne Berbice. Permaul, a welder/fabricator, who was 29 at the time, lived at Lot 32 Grant 1803 Crabwood

Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. He was allegedly found with lacerations about his body. After the 12-member mixed Jury was sworn in, Justice Barlow adjourned the matter to today. The man’s attorney, Sasha Roberts, was not present and Attorney-at-law Tanya Warren Clements stood in for her colleague during the empanelling session. Persaud pleaded not guilty when the matter was read to him. The prosecution is expected to call eight witnesses.

Parliamentary Select Committee... From page 12 of up to $5 million and imprisonment for three years. Touching on other worrying aspects of the Bill, Ram sought to note that there are 51 Clauses covering areas such as establishment and incorporation of the Petroleum Commission; functions and duties of the Commission; and financing, among others. The broad function of the Commission is stated in Clause 4 as “to monitor and regulate the efficient, safe, effective and environmentally responsible exploration, development and production of petroleum in Guyana”. In this regard, the lawyer asserts that the clause also

gives to the Commission the duty to review and recommend to the Minister for approval, amendment or rejection of the plans, proposals, reports, analyses, data and any other information submitted by an applicant or operator, in support of an application for the granting or renewal of a petroleum prospecting licence or a petroleum production licence. He said that it is important to note however, that the Committee has no power when it comes to recommending the granting, suspension or revocation of any petroleum licence. Significantly, Ram stated that the Minister has the

power and the authority to give to the Commission what the Bill describes as general directions on policies to be observed and implemented; the organization of the Commission to enable it to discharge its functions, including the size of the establishment, the employment of staff and the terms and conditions of employment; and the provision of equipment and use of funds. The Commission is also compelled to comply with such directions. Ram explained that it means that the Minister not only chooses who he wants as directors but determines the resources at their disposal to be truly effective.

Judge to sum up evidence in ‘Short Man’ murder trial today Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall will today sum up the evidence in the trial of Ewart Cobis, called ‘Short Man’ who is charged with the murder of Ronaldo Joseph, called ‘Long Hair’. It occurred in Essequibo. At his arraignment last week Thursday, Cobis pleaded not guilty to the indictment before a mixed 12-member jury at the High

Court in Georgetown. He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway. During the trial, the state which is being represented by Prosecutor Seeta Bissundial, called some five witnesses. When the trial continued on Tuesday, both the prosecutor and Cobis’ attorney presented closing arguments.

KILLED: Daniel Richmond

CHARGED: Elton Carter

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 19, 2017

Thursday October 19, 2017

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Shooting of 15-yr-old in mouth... Deepavali controversy: Majority Accused Cadet Officer calls of Guyanese boycott Govt. pathologist as final witness -announced Diya lighting

US President Donald Trump celebrating Diwali yesterday in the White House. (news18.com photo) For a third year in a row, Hindus in Guyana were subjected to controversy over the exact date for Deepavali or Diwali. Yesterday, declared a national holiday by the Ministry of Public Security and published in the Official Gazette, was again largely rejected by Hindus. On East Bank Demerara and in the city, there were very few homes that were lit up as compared to previous years. Essequibo and Berbice, where a significant number of Hindus live, were reporting that they were going to light their diyas today. Hindus from the city and Region Four, congregated in the city and on East Coast Demerara, lining the roadways to view the traditional motorcade, organized by the Guyana

Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS). The annual motorcade would traditionally be held the night before Diwali. GHDS reportedly applied for and received police permission for last evening’s motorcade. It was clear yesterday that there is deep division within the various Hindu organizations, with several statements issued to newspaper and posted on social media. It was clear also, that there were deep political undertones as while some Hindu organizations backed October 18, sending messages, a number of other organizations sent out messages that were recognizing October 19 as Diwali. Critics have blamed political leanings by a number of the Hindu organizations on the

division. Yesterday, the US, which is the same time zone celebrated Diwali. Trinidad also celebrated yesterday. However, Suriname is reportedly set to observe Diwali today with the national holiday declared. Traditionally, GHDS has been closely linked to the P e o p l e ’s P r o g r e s s i v e Party/Civic. Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians. Diwali celebrations can last up to five days.

U.S., Russia set for likely U.N. row over Syria toxic gas inquiry UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States said yesterday it would push the United Nations Security Council to renew within days an international inquiry into who is to blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, setting the stage for a likely showdown with Russia. Russia has questioned the work and future of the joint inquiry by the U.N. and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and said it would decide whether to support extending the mandate after investigators submit their next report. The inquiry, known as

the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), is due to report by Oct. 26 on who was responsible for an April 4 attack on the oppositionheld town of Khan Sheikhoun that killed dozens of people. “We would like to see it renewed prior to the report coming out,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley told reporters. “The Russians have made it very clear that should the report blame the Syrians suddenly they won’t have faith in the JIM. If the report doesn’t blame the Syrians then they say that they will. We can’t work like that,” Haley said. A separate OPCW fact-

finding mission determined in June that the banned nerve agent sarin had been used in the Khan Sheikhoun attack, which prompted the United States to launch missiles on a Syrian air base. Haley said she would circulate a draft resolution to the 15-member Security Council later on Wednesday to renew the mandate for the JIM, which is due to expire in mid-November. It was unanimously created by the council in 2015 and renewed in 2016. A resolution must get nine votes in favor and not be vetoed by any of the council’s five permanent members - Russia, China, the United States, Britain and France - in order to pass.

A pathologist was the final witness to testify on the behalf of Cadet Officer Franz Paul, who is on trial for allegedly shooting a 15year-old boy in the mouth in 2014. It is alleged that on April 30, 2014 at Georgetown, Franz Paul discharged a loaded firearm at Alex Griffith, who was 15 at the time, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause him grievous bodily harm. It is also alleged that on the same day, Franz Paul inflicted grievous bodily harm on, and assaulted the teenager. The accused, who was charged since in 2014, is on High Court bail with respect to both matters. Attorney-at-law Roger Ye a r w o o d c a l l e d D r. Yogeshwar Singh, who is attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation as his final defence witness. Singh is a lecture at the

Franz Paul University of Guyana (UG). The witness stated that in a case where a .38 pistol is placed into the mouth, there would be an entry and exit wound because it is close contact. The pathologist stated that the entry wound had burns caused by the nozzle of the gun powder. He added that the entry

wound would have been smaller that the exit wound. He said based on the medical certificate the injuries began from the tongue then continued upwards. The matter will be called again on October 24. According to reports, Franz Paul’s sister, Nadia Paul, was robbed on April 30, 2014. Thereafter, the Cadet Officer reportedly took her to the police station to make a formal report of t h e i n c i d e n t . Based on information received, Griffith was later arrested by a party of policemen headed by Franz Paul. It was during the process that the Cadet Officer allegedly discharged a loaded firearm in the teen’s mouth. During an identification parade held at the Brickdam Police Station, Griffith positively identified his alleged shooter as Franz Paul.

China’s Xi lays out vision for ‘new era’ led by ‘still stronger’ Communist Party BEIJING (Reuters) Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday laid out a confident vision for a more prosperous nation and its role in the world, stressing the importance of wiping out corruption and curbing industrial overcapacity, income inequality and pollution. Opening a critical Communist Party congress, Xi pledged to build a “modern socialist country” for a “new era” that will be proudly Chinese and steadfastly ruled by the party but open to the world. Although his wideranging address made clear there were no plans for political reform, Xi said China’s development had entered a “new era”, using the phrase 36 times in a speech that ran nearly 3-1/2 hours. “With decades of hard work, socialism with Chinese characteristics has crossed the threshold into a new era,” Xi said. The twice-a-decade event, a weeklong, mostly closed-door conclave, will culminate in the selection of a new Politburo Standing Committee to rule China’s 1.4 billion people for the next five years, with Xi expected to consolidate his control and potentially retain power beyond 2022,

when the next congress takes place. The 64-year-old Xi, widely regarded as the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong, spoke to more than 2,000 delegates in Beijing’s cavernous, red-carpeted Great Hall of the People, i n c l u d i n g 9 1 - y e a r- o l d former president Jiang Zemin. Security was tight on a rainy, smoggy day in the capital. As expected, the speech was heavy on aspiration and short on specific plans. On the economy, Xi said China would relax market access for foreign investment, expand access to its services sector and deepen market-oriented reform of its exchange rate and financial system, while at the same time strengthening state firms. During Xi’s first term, China disappointed many investors who had expected it to usher in more marketoriented reforms, especially in the debt-laden state sector. “If Xi gets the political mandate that he is expected to out of the congress, then my hope is that the state sector reforms actually get done,” Damien Ma, fellow and associate director at U.S. thinktank the Paulson Institute, told the Reuters Global

Markets Forum. “If not, then I would also revise my assessment of the state of reforms in China. There have been talks in Beijing that the state sector will be a focus after the 19th party congress, so we need to see.” The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said it welcomed commitments to open wider the door and treat all companies equally, but said European companies operating in China continued to suffer from “promise fatigue”. “The only cure for this is promise implementation,” it said in a statement. In what was probably an indirect reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, Xi promised that China would be fully engaged with the world, and reiterated pledges to tackle climate change. Trump this year opted to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate pact. “No country can alone address the many challenges facing mankind; no country can afford to retreat into selfisolation,” Xi told the delegates, among them Buddhist monks, Olympic medallists, farmers and at least one astronaut.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 26

Thursday October 19, 2017

Brazil govt: Amazon Mexican President to chair deforestation ‘drops by 16%’ CARICOM-Mexico-summit (BBC) Amazon deforestation is down by 16% in the year to July 2017 compared to the previous 12 months, the Brazilian government says. Satellite data suggest 6,624 sq km (2,460 sq miles) of forest were destroyed, down from 7,893 km sq in 2015/16, Environment Minister Jose Sarney Filho said. But the figure is still above Brazil’s climate change target. Mr Sarney Filho cited stiffer controls and more agents on the ground. “When t h e i l l e g a l loggers know that [officers of] the Brazilian State are on location, they diminish their activities,” he said. The size of the deforested area from August 2016 to July 2017 was four times that of Brazil’s largest city, Sao Paulo. Taken state by state, the picture was mixed. While deforestation

Jose Sarney Filho diminished by 55% in Tocantins state and by 43% in Roraima, it rose by a massive 86% in Amapa, according to the satellite data gathered by the Programme for the Estimation of Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon (PRODES). Amapa is the state where the National Reserve of Copper and Associates (Renca) is located. There was an outcry in August, when President

Michel Temer signed a decree opening up parts of the reserve for mining. A court blocked the move and the government revoked it in September. Mr Sarney Filho said that while the drop was welcome news, a change of attitude was needed for a more lasting change. “Surveillance and control help, but it is not a solution,” he said. “We will only end deforestation when we value the standing forest.” Some environmentalists have cast doubt on whether the drop is caused by government police. Paulo Barreto, a senior researcher for non-profit Amazon institute Imazon, told Reuters news agency that Brazil’s economic recession and a drop in livestock prices were probably the major causes of the decline. Ranchers clearing forest for cattle are major contributors to deforestation.

Trinidad to host conference to formulate regional advocacy strategy on HIV/AIDS (CMC) The Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), will host a twoday consultation in Trinidad and Tobago to formulate a Regional Advocacy Strategy a n d F i v e - Ye a r Implementation Plan. PANCAP, which is the mechanism that provides a structured and unified approach to the Caribbean’s response to the HIV epidemic, said it is hoped the expected outcome of the O c t o b e r 2 5 - 2 6 consultation, is the establishment of strategy and plan that will guide all stakeholders in their efforts to advocate at all levels for revisions to laws and policies that remove barriers to key populations accessing HIV prevention and treatment. The consultation is a collaboration between PANCAP and the Caribbean Vulnerable CommunitiesCoalition el Centro Orientación e investigación Integral (CVC-COIN). PA N C A P d i r e c t o r , Dereck Springer, said the consultation is pivotal to the region’s response to HIV

since recent advocacy efforts have been limited in their reach, effectiveness and strategic focus. “As the regional HIV response has evolved, PA N C A P h a s b e e n challenged to shift the focus of its technical expertise and financial resources to provide leadership, strategic guidance and coordination for law and policy reform efforts. “Addressing these new demands alongside resource reductions and competing priorities of a diverse range of government, donor and civil society partners has b e e n a c h a l l e n g e for PANCAP,” Springer added. He said that there has been limited ability to dedicate the long-term, careful attention necessary to follow up work on key areas such as country adoption of the PANCAP Model Anti-Discrimination Legislation, endorsement of the Justice for All Declaration and nationallevel implementation of Justice for All plans. The consultation will establish a framework that

will attempt to correct this and aid National AIDS Programme Managers (NAPs) and Civil Society Organisations to streamline efforts to advocate for law and policy reform, access to justice and redress, communi t y a n d h e a l t h services and financing and sustainability that will assist in creating an enabling environment for vulnerable groups to access HIV prevention and treatment without the fear o f s t i g m a a n d discrimination. The consultation will also address the absence of key populations’ voices at the highest levels of regional advocacy efforts. The discussion will seek to build on PANCAP’s work with Key Populations and their network to support capacity building, primarily in terms of organizational development and to ensure their access to CARICOM organs including the Chief Medical Officers Caucus, Council for Human and Social Development and where applicable the Heads of Government Conference.

BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) – Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto will arrive here next week to chair the fourth Caribbean Community (CARICOM)Mexico summit. The Mexican Embassy here said that Nieto, who will spend six hours during his stay on October 25, will use the summit to promote his country’s cooperation with the Caribbean in terms of security and climate change and natural disasters. It said his attendance is geared to strengthen the breakthrough of the third Mexico-CARICOM summit held in 2014, describing the visit as “significant. “Well, the last ones have talked about climate change and after what we have suffered, especially we – Mexico – and the Caribbean countries especially the islands, this September, the hurricanes hit these countries and this is going to be one of the issues that going to be touched,” said Hugo Juárez Carrillo, the Press and Legal

Mexico’s President Enrique Peña Nieto Affairs official at the Mexican Embassy.” He said that discussions about cooperation are a very important part of the relationship between Mexico and the Caribbean. “You have to remember at the same time that it is not the same intensity of relations that we have between Mexico and Belize and between Mexico and the

Caribbean. Finally, we are neighbours and this is a very important part of the relationship to have a secure border and to facilitate the travel of our citizens of our countries to each other and to improve at the same time the trade between Mexico and Belize.” The last Mexican president to visit Belize was Felipe Calderon in 2007.

Suriname pivots towards Russia; foreign minister to visit Moscow PARAMARIBO, Suriname — There has been new and intense diplomatic activity between the Russian Federation and Suriname. The two countries are preparing to sign agreements on military cooperation and a visa-free regime, according to the director of the Russian Latin American Department, Alexandr Schetinin. Schetinin added that Suriname’s minister of f o r e i g n a ff a i r s , Y l d i z Pollack-Beighle, will visit Moscow in late October. “The agreement on visafree travel for citizens is about to be signed and after we sign it with Suriname, all of South America will become a visa-free space for Russian nationals,” he told the Russian Parliament. “The military cooperation agreement is also ready and the members of the ministry of defence are ready to sign it in the near future,” he added. In addition, Schetinin indicated that Russia and Suriname have already signed a bilateral agreement to initiate contacts between the two countries in an effort to enhance bilateral ties. The diplomat noted that

Yldiz Pollack-Beighle in the last two years Suriname has made “a strong effort to develop relations with Russia”. In September 2016, Russian foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, met with the then foreign minister of Suriname, Niermala Badrising, on the sidelines of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Then in September 2017, Lavrov met with Pollack-Beighle in an effort to expand trade and economic ties. They also agreed to cooperate within the UN and

UNASUR. Just last week the Russian non-resident ambassador to Suriname, Sergey Marilyn, presented his credentials to Pollack-Beighle. The ambassador indicated that Russia is willing to assist Suriname in healthcare and took an assessment of the country’s health care needs. Suriname is the only country in South America where Russia does not have an embassy and Suriname has encouraged Russia to open a mission in Paramaribo. (Caribbean News Now)

Thursday October 19, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 19, 2017

Delegates urge closer cooperation between China and the Caribbean SANTIAGO, Chile (CMC) – Delegates attending the first high-level Community of Latin American and

Caribbean States (CELAC) academic forum have underscored “the enormous opportunities” for economic,

social, political and cultural cooperation between here between China and the LAC.

According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), delegates par-

ticularly recognized these opportunities “in the current international context marked by uncertainty, the effects of climate change and the revival of protectionist trends.” Chile’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Heraldo Muñoz, spoke of “the significance of holding a gathering of this nature in our region for the first time, just months before the Second Meeting of Foreign Ministers from CELAC and China scheduled for next January in Santiago. “It will be, without a doubt, a historic milestone in that it will allow us to deepen ties between both sides even further. The opportunities for cooperation across diverse areas are huge,” he said. The conference ended yesterday. The director general of the Institute of Latin American Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (ILAS-CASS), Wu Baiyi, noted that while China and Latin America and the Caribbean may be geographically distant, encounters such as this forum help to strengthen ties between both sides. “As Chinese President Xi Jinping put it, friendship

can bridge distances,” he said, adding that cooperation between China and Latin America and the Caribbean is “of the utmost importance, especially in a world as globalized as today’s.” “Economic globalization on the one hand promotes development and improvements in productivity, but it also has negative aspects,” he said, adding that to overcome those difficulties, Chinese-regional cooperation can “generate constructive thinking and, thus, unlock the full extent of our development potential.” ECLAC’s executive secretary, Alicia Bárcena, said “there is no better time than the present, marked by economic and political uncertainties and dire environmental effects worldwide, to open a debate between China and Latin America and the Caribbean.” ECLAC said delegates, on different panels, have been addressing the economic reforms in China and their implications for Latin America and the Caribbean, especially ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which begins today in Beijing.

Thursday October 19, 2017

Maxwell ton hands Met-en-Meten -Zorg B 81-run victory over Rising Stars Jermaine Maxwell stroked a fine century as MetenMeer-Zorg B defeated Rising Stars by 81 runs when the West Demerara Cricket Association T20 tournament continued on Sunday last. Maxwell slammed three fours and nine sixes in scoring 104 and got support from Sheldon Alexander 47 as hosts MMZ B posted 205-4, batting first. Shaquille Brisport had 1-35. Rising Stars were bowled out for 124 in 18 overs in reply. Brisport made 48 as Adrian Seymour snared 2-6 and Deryck Foo 2-21. At Zeeburg, Zeeburg A

beat West Demerara Police b y f i v e w i c k e t s . We s t Demerara Police made 146 all out in 20 overs with Adrian Welcome scoring 62 and Jason Anderson 29; Harrynarine Bissiondyal claimed 3-29. Zeeburg A responded with 149-5 in 14 overs. Balbindar Shivpersaud hit 49 and Narine Doodnarine 27. Vishal Peters had 2-20. Sawpit overcame Zeeburg B by one wicket. Zeeburg B were bowled out for 76 in 11 overs, taking first strike. Amrit Rai made 40 as Ganesh Puran picked up 3-18 and Imran Khan 3-

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

19. Sawpit responded with 77-9 in 16 overs. Avinash Ragnauth got 28; Joshua Ferrell snared 3-26 and Yutesh Dhanpaul 2-12. At Bell Vue, Malvern defeated Cornelia Ida by eight wickets. Cornelia Ida took first turn in the middle and posted 179-7. Reaz Khan and Nicholas Gaindalall led with 39 and 32 respectively, while Victor Dass had 2-37. Malvern replied with 184-2 in 17 overs. Peter Persaud stroked 79 not out and Ghansham Hardyal an unbeaten 47. Bell Vue beat Windsor Forest in the afternoon fixture at the said venue.

Hayward fractures ankle in first appearance for Celtics

Gordon Hayward fractured his left ankle when he was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell awkwardly. (The Sports Xchange) New Boston Celtics star forward Gordon Hayward fractured his left ankle when he

was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him in the first quarter of the NBA’s sea-

son opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics, was trying to convert a lob pass from Kyrie Irving when he and James collided. Hayward immediately called for help while his ankle was apparently dislodged. The team later announced Hayward suffered a fractured ankle. The Celtics huddled in prayer and new Celtic teammate Irving had to be consoled while medical personnel stabilized Hayward’s leg. He was carried off the court on a stretcher.

Highlights of Tuesday’s NBA games Thursday October 19, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will have a great day if you just say what you feel. Get busy making those changes to your home. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Be diplomatic but stem. Driving too fast or double parking will result in difficulties with officials. Social gatherings will be conducive to meeting new potential mates. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You are in a high cycle where travel, education, and creative endeavors are concerned. Social events will be plentiful. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You will find their philosophies worth exploring. You may find your mate somewhat perturbed. You need to spend time with friends and family. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Changes will not be easy for the youngsters involved. You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your lover. Physical activity will help defuse your frustration. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your home environment may be volatile if precautions aren't taken. You could find yourself caught in a one sided relationship. Don't make unreasonable promises. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You are best to back away

from commitment. You will need to work diligently in order to accomplish even the smallest amount. Protect your interests legally if necessary. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Talk to your emotional partner about your intentions. Property purchases should be on your mind. You will accomplish the most in the work environment today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. This may not be the day to get involved in risky joint financial ventures. Your positive attitude and intellectual outlook will draw others to you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Look into some personal changes. Don't say something you'll live to regret. Don't be too pushy or demanding, or you may find yourself all alone. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Partnerships may be plentiful. You may want to have a heartto-heart talk with a close and trusted friend. You will meet exciting new people through interest groups or functions that you attend with your children. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Don't get involved in expensive entertainment that involves gambling. You can come into money; however, perhaps not under the best circumstances. Don't delay; go to your physician or dentist and get to the bottom of the discomfort.

(The Sports Xchange) Highlights from National Basketball Association games on Tuesday: Cavaliers 102, Celtics 99 LeBron James out-dueled his former teammate and NBA Finals partner Kyrie Irving in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 10299 win over the Boston Celtics in their season opener on Tuesday. However, the bigger loss for Boston was new forward Gordon Hayward, who fractured his left ankle in the first period. The injury occurred when Hayward was bumped in the air by LeBron James and fell with his leg pinned under him. Hayward, 27, who signed a four-year, $128 million contract in the offseason with the Celtics, immediately called for help with his foot and ankle dangling in the wrong direction. James finished with 29 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists after missing most of the preseason with a left ankle sprain. Irving, who requested a trade away from James and the Cavs in the off-season and was dealt to the Celtics, finished with 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland. Rockets 122, Warriors 121 Luc Mbah a Moute ignited a rally with 12 fourthquarter points, and P.J. Tucker scored the game’s final two on a pair of free throws with 44.1 seconds left, helping the Houston Rockets stun the Golden State Warriors 122121 in the defending champion’s ring-ceremony opener. Houston trailed by 11 entering the final period and were 114-107 after a Stephen Curry 3-pointer with 5:12 left before rallying to hand

Golden State its second consecutive opening night loss at home. The Rockets also beat Golden State in the teams’ first meeting last season, a doubleovertime thriller, before the Warriors captured the season series by taking the final three matchups. Eric Gordon had a three-

point play and Tucker a 3point shot during the late flurry, which was capped when two offensive rebounds gave the Rockets a third possession in the final minute, down 121-120. Tucker was then fouled and dropped both free throws for the game’s final scoring.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Thursday October 19, 2017

Boyce and Jefford Committee donates Minister Ramjattan hands out sports medals to school sports in Linden gear to Upper Corentyne residents

Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce (left) hands over a quantity of medals to a representative of the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani District 10 Branch, while Committee Member Theodore DeMonick (right) share the moment. The Boyce and Jefford Committee this week handed over a quantity of new medals to the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani District 10 (Linden) National Schools Championships Branch, which will be awarded to the top performing athletes. The District schools sports is currently underway at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground and is expected to conclude tomorrow. Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee said that the donation was made following a request from the District.

He said that the Committee saw it most appropriate to continue to contribute to the development of young athletes in the community. According to Boyce, such contributions are not alien to them, since they are in the habit of making such donations. The Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic is held annually in Linden. This year, following the eighth edition of the meet in August, an undisclosed sum of cash was given to Linden and Guyana’s top three athletes at the MSC Ground.

The signature track and field event in Linden had opened the fund with a lucrative first financial donation; following that pioneering initiative, several individuals, groups and businesses present at the meet made pledges that were accumulated and divided among the three athletes. Those who benefitted from the funds included multiple CARIFTA Games medalist, Chantoba Bright, World Junior silver medalist, D a n i e l Wi l l i a m s a n d Guyana’s first sprint gold medalist at the CARIFTA Games, Compton Caesar.

Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan, who hails from the Upper Corentyne area, on Sunday, visited his home town. Whilst visiting the Minister presented thousands of dollars’ worth of sports gear to members of the Scottsburg United Sports Club of Corriverton. The minister, who is a well-known attorney at law, was once a prominent fixture in the sporting arena especially in the field of cricket. He made the donation to members of the Sports Club at a simple handing over ceremony at the Club’s Ground. The minister was living up to a promise made recently when he visited the area for a Community Policing Group (CPG) meeting. Minister Ramjattan in handing over the gear stated that he is a man of his words. He cautioned the members to be disciplined and take good care of the items. He urged them to help push sports and community and recreational activities in the area so that youths and

Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan presents the sports gear to Lawrence Mentis, Presidentof the Scotsburgh Sports Club. (2) others can be gainfully fully occupied. He was pleased with the state of the ground, and promised to see what other assistance can be given. Remembering his playing days the minister said that not because he is not playing, he would not remember them. Receiving the items on behalf of the club was President Lawrence Mentis. Mentis expressed his

gratitude on behalf of the members and promised to make full use of the items donated. He thanked the Minister for keeping his words and look forward to a continuous and lengthy relationship. Among the items handed over were bats, balls, pads, gloves, guards, helmets, Footballs, basketball, basketball rings, dominoes, chess sets among other gear. (Samuel Whyte)

GCB Donates Brush Cutter to University of Guyana

Maurees Skeete to attend CONCACAF 2017 Women’s Elite Referee Course Guyana’s lone FIFA female referee, Maurees Skeete, is leaving for Costa Rica to attend the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF) 2017 Wo m e n ’s E l i t e Referee/Assistant Referee Course from October 19 – 22. Skeete is the only participating referee from Guyana in this four-day course, which will be held at the Barcelo San Jose Hotel in Costa Rica. Manager of Refereeing, Mark Cahen, and Refereeing Administrator, Michelle Savani, will oversee the entire initiative. In brief remarks, Head of Refereeing Department, Stanley Lancaster

expressed: “Based on Skeete’s continued high performance she has been placed as a Tier 2 CONCACAF Referee. This will serve as an encouragement to up and coming female officials and help to motivate other females to come onboard. We need an increase in our female referees, not just in numbers but in quality.” C O N C A C A F ’s Technical Instructors Kari Seitz, Jennifer Bennett, Luis Hernandez and Leonel Leal will conduct the course complemented by Fitness Instructors Allan Browne and Kelesha Antoine. The Women’s Elite Referee Course is designed to continue the development of the Women Elite Referees and Assistant Referees and

From left: Sports Organizer Ms. Lavern Fraser, TDO Colin Stuart and Treasurer of the GCB Mr. Anand Kalladeen during the hand over.

Maurees Skeete will field 38 participants. Activities for the course will include technical/practical training and physical fitness testing. It will utilize classroom and field sessions, including video tests.

The Guyana Cricket Board, in its efforts to assist with the preparation of grounds all across Guyana has donated a Honda Brush Cutter to the University of Guyana-Turkeyen Campus on Monday last. ‘ The presentation took place at the University of Guyana in the presence of UG staff as well as Executives and staff of the GCB. The Sports Organizer, Ms. Lavern Fraser, received the brush cutter from the

Guyana Cricket Board’s Tr e a s u r e r, M r. A n a n d Kalladeen and Territorial Development Officer, Mr. Colin Stuart. Ms. Fraser thanked the Board for its donation and stated that the brush cutter will be put to good use as it is beneficial to the sports department, especially in the sport of cricket at the institution. The GCB has taken up the objective of donating brush cutters to organizations with the aim of enhancing cricket in and

around Guyana. Many cricket clubs and associations in Linden, Berbice, Essequibo, East Bank and on the East Coast have received brush cutters. The GCB is of the view that such a donation is valuable since it will greatly help the University of Guyana in the preparation and maintenance of its cricket pitch and outfield, even in times when the weather is unfavourable to the conduct of cricket.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 19, 2017

PAGE 31

GCB/Keem’s Foundation ‘Cricket Cares’ T20 cricket

Guyana Jaguars face C’bean side on Sunday at Providence Charity game in aid of Hurricane Victims

Jonathon Foo By Sean Devers For the first time since the introduction of the CPL in 2013, Guyana played as a T20 team when they reached the finals of the Antigua Independence Tri-Nation series there last week. Now that team, led by West Indies player Leon Johnson, is set play a Caribbean All Stars line-up on Sunday from 17:00hrs under lights at Providence Stadium in what is anticipated to be an entertaining affair.

Veerasammy Permaul The game, which should provide a CPL-like atmosphere for what is anticipated to be a capacity crowd, takes on an added signifience since it not being played for a trophy, a cash prize or ratings, but for a noble and humanitarian cause. The players, which include the entire Jaguars team which finished as runners-up in Antigua, along with Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Nicolas Pooran, Andre Fletcher, Reyad Emrit, Fidel Edwards,

Rayad Emrit (BCCI)

Kevin Cooper, Suleiman Benn and the ‘note book man’ Keswick Williams among others, will all contribute their payment to the victims of Hurricane ravaged Dominica and St Martin, where Johnson’s mother lives. Tickets cost $1,500 for the Party Stand where local artistes Tameka Marshall, Natural Black and ‘rubber waist’ Jomo are among those that will perform live and where the Carib Beer tent will be located. Cheer leaders for the two teams

Lendl Simmons

will add to the excitement. Any of the other three stands will cost $2,000 to enter and volunteers will be going around the ground to take donations for the worthy cause. A percentage of the ‘gates’ will also be donated to the Hurricane victims. Tickets will be on sale from Friday at Poonai’s Pharmacy in Rose Hall Town, Little Rock Hotel in New Amsterdam, M&Ms on the East Bank Demerara,

Keswick Williams (BCB)

GCB Office at Regent Street, Saro Boy Groceries in Buxton, Nimbus Water in Vreed-in-Hoop, Big Yard Auto Sales in Tuschen and Dan’s Snackett in Parika. Teams: Jaguars: Leon Johnson (Captain), Robin Bacchus, Sherfan e R u t h e r f o r d , Jonathon Foo, Gajanand Singh, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble, Kemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Ricardo Adams, Chris

Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Steven Jacobs, Ronsford Beaton, Ramal Lewis Caribbean All Stars: Rayad Emrit (Captain), Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Andre Fletcher, Nicolas Pooran, Kjorn O t t l y, K e v i n C o o p e r, Keswick Williams,Jevon Searles, Fidel Edwards, Suleiman Benn, Lennox C u s h , J o s h u a Wa d e , Andre Stoll, Romaine Maniram.

Mark Brathwaite wins 100 Stefan Jeffrey looking forward Squares Draughts competition

to Four-Stroke challenge

Stefan Jeffrey will step out of the Shifter Pro Cup and dabble in the Easy Cup Heavy and Easy Cup Light at Saturday’s Georgetown Grand Prix ‘Caribbean Showdown’, organised by GT Motorsports. Jeffrey, who is fourth in the points standing in the Shifter Pro Cup, will battle against the likes of Easy Cup Heavy points leader Shan Seejatan, Haniff Mohamed, Raymond Seebarran and Rameez Mohamed among others, while he will face off with Easy Cup Light top competitors Haniff Mohamed, Raymond Seebarran, Jean Claude Jeffrey and Brian Tenpow just to name a few. “I’m actually weighed in to run Four-Stroke Heavy, but I will try my faith with the Four-Stroke Light boys; if the weight differential doesn’t affect me too much it should be real close battling,” Jeffrey said. Jeffrey said both classes

“should be fun to watch” given the “competitive” field that has signed up to the face the starter’s orders. In terms of his preparations for Saturday’s mega race meet, which will feature drivers from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Jeffrey, who will be powering kart #24, said he has had to overcome a minor challenge and he is now ready for the task at hand. “I’ve been driving almost every single day for the past month, except for the last week and a half where I had a minor accident; had to basically take care of a broken seat and an almost damaged back, but I should have the kart working…, and hopefully drive the rest of the week and we should be ready by Saturday,” he explained. Action will speed off at 18:00hrs and admission to the venue is $1,000 for adults, $500 for children and $4,000 for the VIP

experience. The event will set the stage for the ultimate motorsport event of the yearthe final leg of the Caribbean M o t o r R a c i n g Championship on November 12 at the South Dakota Circuit. It is being supported by Sun Burst Juices, Rent-ATent, Fly Jamaica, Stag Beer, Monster Energy Drink, Exxon Mobil, Hand-inHand Insurance, Readymix Concrete, Scotiabank, Cloud 9, Optique Vision Care, Toucan Industries, Ticket Master Travel Agency, ENetworks, King’s Jewellery World, Hero Motor Cycles, Ray’s Motor Spares, Cyril’s Taxi Service, Bounty, Tr o p h y S t a l l , P r e m ’s Electrical Store, Impressions, Truck Masters, Windjammer, Super Bet, The Track Bar, Ocean Spray Hotel, Secure Innovation and Concept, Clear Waters, Marics, Rid-O-Pest and Karcher.

From left: Ulric Brathwaite, Shawn Weekes, Mark Brathwaite and Devanand Persaud. The Guyana Draughts Association completed the third leg of the Association’s Annual National Championship last weekend at the Racquet Centre Board Room. The game was contested on the 100 square boards. Mark Brathwaite with six points emerged the winner in that competition. This is the first win for Mark in this format of the game.

However, the game came to a close finish with four other players each finishing on five points. The tie breakers saw Devanand Persaud take the second position, while Shawn Weekes and Ulric Brathwaite placed third and fourth respectively. All the players were awarded with trophies and s m a l l g i f t s . Over the past three weeks

three new Champions were crowned in three different categories, Devanand Persaud in the ‘B’ class, Jiaram in the ‘A’ and Mark Brathwaite in the 100 Square. The games continue this weekend at the Shaheed Boys Orphanage in Alexander Street Kitty where the boys and girls from this institution would vie for the Championship.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Thursday October 19, 2017

The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy holds successful tourney SOKE Abdool Nazim Yassim and The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) just concluded a successful 5th Open International Martial Arts tournament at the National Gymnasium recently. There were Seven schools with 75 Karatekas that competed at this tournament these were the Korean International Guyana; Stanleytown Shotokan Karate Dojo, National Martial Arts Association; Black Hawks Rising Sun Dojo, the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association, Lion of Judah karate School and The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy; The Guyana Int’l Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy with 15 Students won 2 title Belts and 31 medals; (23 Gold, 6 Silvers and 2 Bronze). Results are as follows: In the 10 – 12 yrs. category, Christian Freeman: 2 gold in the Traditional Kata & kumite/Sparring In the 13 – 15 yrs. category, Samuel Fraser: 2 gold In the Traditional Kata & kumite/Sparring

Eduardo Thomas: bronze in Kumite/Sparring. In the 16 – 19 yrs. category Vikash Somwaru, 2 gold in Traditional Kata & Traditional Weapons Kata Parshuram Persaud, 2 gold Traditional Weapons Kata. & kumite/Sparring & silver Traditional Kata Govind Ramkuar, gold in Traditional Kata & silver in Traditional Weapons Kata Bhudeshchilchand, gold inTraditional Kata& silver in Kumite/Sparring In the 20 – 24 yrs. category Prampati Budhram, gold inTraditional Kata & silver in Kumite/Sparring Maranada Bennett, 3 gold inTraditional Kata &Kumite/Sparring, & Freeform. ParsuramArjune, 2 gold in Traditional Kata & Kumite/Sparring & silver in Traditional Weapons Kata Tadious Edun, 2 gold in Traditional Weapons Kata & Kumite/Sparring & silver in Traditional Kata. In the 25 yrs. & Over category Marcell Yassim, 2 gold in Traditional Kata & Kumite/Sparring Kelvin Walcott, 2 gold in Traditional Weapons Kata & Kumite/Sparring &

Successful participants display their silverware and medals after the presentation. bronzer in Traditional Kata For the title fights weight divisions; The Lightweight, less than 60 Kg. was won by Parsuram Arjune (Wales) Middleweight 60 – 70 Kg was won by Tadious Edun (Tuschen) Heavyweight 80 Kg & above was won by Kelvin Walcott (Enmore) Other outstanding students were; Sibeon London and Ahkeem Grimond. At the tournament, Vi k a s h S o m w a r u a n d Maranda Bennett received their “Life Member”

Certificates of the Guyana Int’l Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy. While Grandmasters Cheteram Mortley, Eustace Cuffy, Denalph Sooknarine and Eon McFarlane of the Guyana all-Styles Martial Arts Federation, received Special Appreciation Martial Arts Brotherhood Awards for their work with the GIKMAA. Grandmaster Eon McFarlane also received a Shin-Kai-Ryu Martial arts Award of Honor. Soke Nazim is very thankful and happy with the members of the Guyana AllStyles Martial Arts

Federation who was in control of the Judging and Refereeing of the tournament. (A Federation that he is a member of) The GIKMAA is expressing gratitude to Beharry Group of Companions Ltd., Ansa McAl, Woodpecker Products Trophies & Sports, the Guyana Martial Arts Masters Association International, Mr. Ernesto Choo-A-Fat, Mr. Kevin Jeffery, Dr. Peter De Groot, Mr. Govind Ramkuar, Mrs. Marcell Yassim and GM/SOKE/Dr. Abdool Nazim Yassim for Sponsorship of this

tournament. Special thanks also went to the Judges and Referees, Miss Grace Harry, Maranda Bennett, Rebekah Ramotar, Radha Singh, Mr. Nkosi Jupitor, John Ryan Brown and Reggie Persaud. Along with the parents and supporters that helped to make the tournament a successful one. Soke Nazim Yassim and his team will now turn their attention to the grading exams for colour belt on October 27 & 28, black belt exams in November then the Bragging Rights tournament in December.

PNCR 60th Anniversary Day of Sports /Family Fun Day

Linden teams named for Futsal segment In what is anticipated to be an exciting showdown for bragging rights in the PNCR 60th Anniversary celebrations Day of Sports/Family Fun Day event set for October 29, the host community of Linden will be represented by a strong line up of teams to contest the Futsal component of the day’s activities. Co-ordinator of the futsal segment Wayne Griffith speaking with a member of the Planning Committee disclosed that invitations have been sent to eight of the top teams from the community and they’ve all consented to be part of the activity. The eight teams invited are Silver Bullets, High R o l l e r s , S w a g Entertainment, Plantain & Cheese All Stars, Unknowns, Team 25, Blue

The action among the leading teams from Linden and other parts of the country promises to be keen. Berry Hill and Amelia’s Ward Russians. Griffith, who is one of the leading futsal referees

and someone who has been involved in most of the tournaments in the format said that the teams selected

are amongst the best in Linden and combined with those invited from Georgetown and West

Demerara, he envisages a day of enthralling action as teams battle for the top prizes in what is

a n t i c ipated to provide entertainment and fun throughout the day, at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hardcourt. Among the other top teams that will be travelling to Region 10 to participate i n t h e d a y ’s f u t s a l tournament are Future Stars, West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’, Sparta Boss, Back Circle, Broad Street, New Market Street, Leopold Street and North Ruimveldt. Meanwhile, the other disciplines that will be contested are athletics, dominoes and basketball and they are expected to provide plenty of action for t h e a n t i c i p a t e d l a rg e turnout. There will also be novelty events for the fans to get involved in, while a feature attraction will be the races for members of the executive committee.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 19, 2017

Pan Am Indoor Hockey C/Ships

Robert France bags 8 goals as Guyana smash 12 past Mexico

Mexico Captain Alan Baas on the ball as Guyana’s Captain Robert France who scored 8 goals looks to intercept. By Calvin Chapman Guyana men made light work of the novice Mexico team 12-0 in a lopsided encounter that will surely lift spirits within the home team’s squad following their 2nd round 4-0 defeat to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) on Tuesday evening. The Cliff Anderson

Sports Hall (CASH) was graced with its biggest crowd yesterday, mainly due to the nonworking holiday, Diwali which is known as the festival of lights, and Skipper Robert France scored 8 goals to have the fans on their feet constantly. The win has propelled the Guyanese men to third in the

group standings as they prepare for some tough clashes against Canada and Argentina that will determine the outcome of their Indoor Hockey World Cup bid. Guyana scored 6 goals during each half of the game, likewise captain fantastic France, scored 4 goals during each half of the game.

All of the 12 successful strikes that were converted in the match were field goals and Jason Dos Santos (9th minute) along with Jamarj Assanah (15th minute) added to the first half 6-0 score. Adding to France’s 4 goals in the second half were Andrew Stewart (26thminute) and Hilton Chester (34th minute) who scored the twelfth and final goal of the rout. Although coming against a team that recently started a comprehensive hockey programme, the Guyanese played with more confidence last night at the CASH and scored with some power shots, lofted shots and trickshots as France, Aroydy Brandford, Assanah and company showcased their inventory of skill. Guyana will hope to carry that confidence into their clash with defending champions Canada tonight, which starts at 20:15hrs. Mexico have conceded 34 goals in the three (3) matches competed, losing 12-0 twice to Guyana and Argentina and 10-0 to Canada, they will looking to at least score one goal in their match against T&T this evening at 15:15hrs.

All stars claim Mike’s Pharmacy dominoes in Wakenaam

Members of the victorious All stars team with Director of Sport Christopher Jones. All stars chalked up 74 games to win the final of the Mike’s Pharmacy dominoes competition which was contested Sunday last at the Wakenaam Community

Centre ground in Good Success. All stars were led by Mohamed Kalam and Satnarine Singh with 14 games each, while V Net placed second and Eat and

Beat third. Both V Net and Eat and Beat were tied on 72 games, but V Net prevailed after making more sixes (06) ahead of Eat and Beat who made five.

James Ramnarine and Krishundat Hansraj made 13 each for V Net, while Sherwin Narine made 17 games for Eat and Beat to earn the Most Valuable Player award.

PAGE 33

Lindeners host motorcade for South American Games Gold Medallist Deashanna Skeete Fifteen-year-old Mackenzie High School Student Deashanna Skeete was given a Champion’s welcome in Linden when Businessmen Anthony Whyte and Damuka Ngqondo in collaboration with the Representative for t h e P r i m e M i n i s t e r, Vladimir Glasgow, hosted a motorcade in her honour on Sunday last. The motorcade, which began in Block 22 where the athlete lives and ended at the Linden/Georgetown Bus Park, saw many Lindeners from in and around the community of Block 22 and included bikers and cyclists involved. At the end of the motorcade, Representative of the Prime Minister, Vladimir Glasgow, told the gathering that in two consecutive statutory meetings of the Regional Democratic Council he advocated for her to get some assistance but it was swept under the carpet. “I hope what she achieved and brought back to Guyana would change the minds of our Leaders and Politicians in Linden and invest more in our young men and women who have their talents and it is going to waste.” Glasgow noted that Linden has been doing well in all sport discipline and he hopes that this is an ‘eye opener’ for the Leaders and Politicians in the Region. “This is the first of many golds and Skeete didn’t get anything from Linden but her birth but she has given Linden something to be proud of.” O rg a n i z e r D a m u k a Ngqondo, who thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the athlete, said that he is very upset at the way she was treated upon returning home by Leaders. “When her mother came to us and we realized that there was no motorcade or anything welcoming her home, we took it as, don’t want to say disrespect, but it was and also a lack of interest by leaders in the community; because it is a champion coming with a gold medal and a first should be properly welcomed, so we took it upon ourselves and set the ball rolling.”

Co-organizer Anthony Whyte shared the same sentiments as his colleague. Whyte opined that being the first gold in the South American games she should have been given a better welcome home. “Her welcome home by the authorities was not pleasing to us so we took it upon ourselves to do something so that Deashanna’s gold medal must be recognized because it is not only for Linden but for Guyana, she didn’t only represent Linden. The way she was treated was devastating, she deserves much more.” Whyte also noted that the entire team should be recognized for their team effort, he said for most of them it was a first time experience and the welcome home they received was not acceptable by the people of Guyana, especially Linden and lamented that she should have been given a better welcome home. The only leader in the Region present was the Mayor Carwyn Holland who said he would always contribute to her training and noted that Deashanna Skeete made a tremendous achievement for her country and community. He said a bank account will be opened for her and he hopes others contribute. “I will approach the council for assistance. The director of Sport assured me that the Minister said he will be looking into funding for her training so I will ask the coach for the number and ensure she gets the support she deserves.” Coach Moses Pantlitz said he is proud of her achievement and the honour and glory she brought to Linden and the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School Track Club. “It is not the first gold medal coming to the club, it is the fifth and the club will continue to work for more golds. We have already started our training programme for Carifta Games and I promise you at least two gold medals there.” While residents are happy they were annoyed and voiced their anger that the coach Moses Pantlitz was not allowed to accompany her. (Jacquey Bourne)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Thursday October 19, 2017

Berbice Cricket Board Second Division cricket tournament

Rose Hall Community Center join Whim, Chesney and Mount Sinai The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that the Rose Hall Community Center Cricket Club has been included in its T20 Competition slated for Sunday at the Chesney Cricket Club Ground. This one day affair,

among 4 of its second division members, will launch the BCB’s Second Division season scheduled to start in November 2017. Captain Ameer Rahaman of the Rose Hall Community Center Cricket Club has announced that the

following players will represent the Club in Sundays’ game: Kristoff Bahadur, Balram Samaroo, Adrian Haralsingh, Sasenarine Sukhu, Sanjay Khan, Ameer Rahaman, Mark Sampson, Andrew Williams, Compton Hope,

Regal congratulates newlywed skipper Esau

Kishan Ramsarran, Latchman Ramotar, Shafik Khan and Isaiah Thorne. Whim Cricket Club’s List reads: Mahendra Charan, Deraj Venkiah, Arnold Deosaran, Tameshwar Harinarine, Navindra Deonarine, Kindal D e o n a r i n e , Yo u g i n d r a Sooknannan, Umarnauth Sookshine, Venod Samaroo, Joshua Persaud, Hardat Bhual, Darmendra Balkarran, Kumar Motain, Lomas Appadu and Surendra Budhu.

The competition will start at 09:00 hrs and the preliminary games will be played at 15 overs per side. The finals will be contested in a 20 overs affair. In the first game, Mount Sinai will take on Whim Cricket Club, while Chesney Cricket Club will do battle with Rose Hall Community Center in the second semi finals. The winners of the preliminary matches will contest the final game of the day’s activities.

All teams are asked to report to the Chesney Cricket Club ground for 08:00 hrs. President of The Berbice Cricket Board, Mr Dhieranidranauth Somwaru is appealing to members of the public to come out and show their support for cricket in Berbice and support the teams and ensure that the game of cricket is taken to the next level. The fixtures for the BCB’s Second Division competition will be distributed to Clubs shortly.

Pan Am Indoor Hockey C/Ships

Canada beat T&T girls 3-0 T&T men remain unbeaten with 8-2 win over B’dos

Regal All stars Captain Safraz Esau with his wife Angellicia. Former Malteenoes SC and Guyana U-15 wicketkeeper batsman and current Captain of Regal All stars Safraz Esau got married on Sunday last to Angellicia

Zara at West Demerara. Members of the Regal All stars and Masters teams and the softball fraternity h a v e e x t e n d e d congratulations to Esau

and his spouse and wished them a successful marriage. Kaieteur News Sports Department would like to extend best wishes to couple.

Shannon Perriera’s field Goal beat T&T’s goalie all ends up in Canada 3-nil with yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

EBFA /Ralph Green U-11 League

Wins for Grove, Mocha and Herstelling

Jamal Cordis - Grove Hi Tech FC When play in the second annual East Bank Football Association/ Ralph Green sponsored Under-11 League continued on Saturday last at the Grove Playfield, there were wins for Grove Hi Tech, Mocha Champs and Herstelling Raiders Football Clubs, respectively. Grove Hi Tech downed defending champions Agricola Red Triangle 4-2; Mocha Champs hammered Friendship 4-1, while Herstelling Raiders blanked

Jevon Pluck - Grove Hi Tech FC Samatta Point/Kaneville 20 . Grove were led to victory by Jamal Cordis who netted a double in the 17th and 26th minute. Their account was opened on 14 minutes through an own goal from Agricola, while the final goal came off the boot of Jevon Pluck in the 29th minute. Agricola got their goals from Jonathan Andries in the 16th minute and Seon Grant in the 23rd minute. Mocha made light work

Daniel Bradford - Mocha Champs FC of Friendship and this was mainly due to Jamal Harry’s brace of goals which were scored in the 7th and 10th minutes respectively. Kerry Boyce had opened proceedings in the 5th minute, while the final goal was scored by Daniel Bradford in the 25th minute. Herstelling’s win against Samatta Point/Kaneville was shaped by Solomon Austin who netted both goals, one in the 5th minute and the other in the 17th.

By Sean Devers The Canadian ladies outplayed their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, 3-nil in the opening game of day three action as Pan Am I n d o o r H o c k e y Championships continued yesterday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to give the North American team its third consecutive win. Kathleen Leathy opened the scoring in the 20th minute and pushed Canada further ahead 11 minutes later when she netted her second goal from a penalty corner Shannon Perriera shot a field Goal from the right to beat the diving goalie. The defending champions dominated most of the match and had the more ball possession as the Trini lasses, with a few players who played in the England, showed some fight in a losing cause to suffer their fourth successive defeat and can now no longer qualify for 2018 Indoor Hockey World Cup. C a n a d a ’s M a n a g e r Kristine Sheer said that the

overall standard of the tournament was high and was very impressed the local facilities and plastic tile floor. Sheer, on her fourth trip to this country, said the hospitality here was great and so was the local organising of Guyana’s first ever Pan Am World Cup qualifying Championship. She informed that there were some players in the Canadian team with Guyanese heritage adding that Guyanese Canadian Male player John Roberts, whose father is a former Guyana National Hockey player, played a major role in her coming here. She explained that the team had a lot of preparation before coming here which she says is paying off. In the Men’s division, Trinidadians followed up wins against Argentina and Guyana with an emphatic 82 against Barbados, who sank to their third loss of the Championship. Akeem Toussaint and Jordon Vieira registered hattricks, while Jordon Reynos

and James Marcus scored once each for the Trinis, while Che Warner and Neil Franklin, who scored the game’s first goal, scored the two Bajan goals. Trinidad and Tobago came from a goal down when Neil Franklin scored from the penalty spot in the 5th minute, to score four first half goals with the Bajans adding to their tally. Marcus netted a field goal in 7th minute before Reynos beat the Keeper to make it 2-nil two minutes later. Toussaint scored from a penalty corner and with a field Goal in the space of a minute to leave T&T in charge at the half. In the second stanza Vieira scored three field Goals in quick succession past the bemused Andre Boyce before Warner netted for the Bajans. However, the far fitter Trinidad and Tobago side were not done yet as Toussaint hit a penalty corner to score his third goal and end the Bajan’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Germany.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 19, 2017

PAGE 35

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Floodlights win Jai Hind Cricket Power U-17 League – West Demerara Club fundraiser at Albion Wales continue winning Smiling skipper Ricky Deonarain receives the winning trophy from a representative of Permaul’s Trading.

In fading light, Floodlights Masters won by three runs in a tense and exciting final versus We l l m a n M a s t e r s l a s t Sunday in a specially arranged 15 overs aside softball tournament used as a fundraiser for the Jai Hind Cricket Club of Albion on the Corentyne of Berbice. Under brilliant sunshine and a billiards table like outfield and with all four teams stepping up preparations for the prestigious International softball cup tournament,

“Guyana Softball Cup 7” which is slated in Guyana for November 3, 4 and 5, a keen competition was expected and so it was. In the first semi final, home team Albion Masters lost to their Demerara counterparts, Floodlights Masters by 21 runs. The visitors scored 132-6 in 15 overs after they were inserted. Uniss Yusuf struck one four and five sixes in scoring 42 before he was caught on the square leg boundary. Essequibo

prolific all rounder Ramesh Narine supported with 22 and Patrick Khan 14. Bowling for Albion Masters R. Mangli took 2 for 18. The home team in reply lost wickets regularly ending on 111 for 9. Zahir Hussain scored 32 and Mangli made 21; Clive Canterbury took 4 for 17. In semi final number two, Wellman Masters made light work of Parika Defenders by nine wickets. The East Bank Essequibo based team won the toss and

batted first making 95 all out. After being placed on 54-9, Fazil Baksh brought respectability to the score contributing 28 not out. In reply, Patrick Rooplall stroked a fine half century to lead the visitors to a victory. In the grand final, Floodlights Masters took first strike and amassed 144 for 6 wickets off their allotted 15 overs. The classy Narine compiled an attacking 66 not out consisting of seven fours and three sixes. He got support from Yusuf who made 41 (3 x 4, 4 x 6). Skipper Ricky Deonarain chipped in with 12 not out. In reply, Wellman were always in the hunt, but fell three runs short of their target. Lloyd Rooplall was run out for 48, while Jagdesh Persaud made 22 and Greg DeFranca made 20. At the presentation ceremony of that followed, members of the Floodlights Association made a donation of $75,000 to the event. Ramesh Narine took the MVP and man of the match in the final awards. Among the sponsors were Permaul’s Trading, Trophy Stall, Hussain Poultry and Massy Distribution.

Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket....

Wiruni becomes Berbice Riverrain Champions

Wiruni are Berbice Riverrain Champions of the Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket for teams in the Berbice River area. The 2017 Guyana Cricket Board/Scotiabank Kiddy Progress One Cricket, recommenced with matches in the Berbice river area. The matches witnessed primary school teams competing. These teams included Sand Hills, Wiruni, Ebini and Calcuni primary schools. In the semifinal stages, Calcuni beat Ebini by 3 runs. Ebini won the toss and

elected to bat, reaching 158 off their allotted 14 overs. In reply, Calcuni demonstrated good team work with the bat, reaching 161 to gain victory. In the other semi- final match, Wiruni accumulated a competitive of 187, to place themselves in a favourable position to gain a spot in the finals. Nevertheless, Sand Hills gave a strong reply, meeting

181 when their overs were completed, to give Wiruni victory by 6 runs. In the finals, favorites Wiruni amassed a score of 186, to give Calcuni a challenging total of 187 in order to lift the 2017 GCB/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket title for the Berbice River District. H o w e v e r, C a l c u n i

though competitive found the task difficult, as their concentrated batting effort could only allow them to meet 172 at the end of their allotted 14 overs. Wiruni Primary won the match by 14 runs, to lift the 2017 GCB/ Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket championship for the Berbice River District.

ways; Pouderoyen notch full points via WO Wales United continued where they left off on Sunday last when they blanked Uitvlugt Warriors 2-0 with yet another win, this time they got past Crane Rovers in a tough game yesterday when the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League continued at the Den Amstel g r o u n d , We s t C o a s t Demerara. The other match that was scheduled between Pouderoyen and Golden Warriors saw the former taking the full three points without breaking a sweat as the latter team did not show up. Wales, a team that have been getting better with every match, saw them being gifted their first goal by the opposition after just four minutes of action. Crane Rovers’ Shaquel Dickie was the player to rock the nets not for his side but the opposition. As the exchanges continued, the faces of the Crane Rovers players were all lighted up in the 16 minute when Wales scored a n o w n g o a l . Tr e v o n Callender was the scorer, his th

Courtney Liverpool - Wales United FC effort tying the scores at 1-1. Both teams continued to take the attack to each other but it w a s Wa l e s ’ C o u r t n e y Liverpool who broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with what turned out to be the all-important winning goal. Two more matches would be contested on Sunday at the same venue from 09:00hrs, when the only undefeated team to date, Eagles FC of Stewartville match skills with Jetty Gunners. From 11:00hrs, home team Den Amstel oppose Uitvlugt Warriors.

Major Softball oneday tourney for West Berbice on Sunday Top notch softball cricket action is slated for the West Coast Berbice on Sunday at the Cotton Tree Diehard Cricket Ground. The occasion will see four of Guyana top softball teams assembling for a grand day of softball cricket. The teams listed to participate are Albion Masters, Floodlight Masters, Mike’s Pharmacy Wellman Masters and the host West Coast Berbice Masters. Action is scheduled to get going from 10:00hrs with the first semi-final game. The teams are expected to draw to see who they will play in the semifinal encounters with the winners going on to clash in the grand finale. Apart from the cricket action which is expected to

take centre stage, there are expected to be a hoard of activities on the day. There will also be trampoline and bouncy castle for the children and other entertainment for the entire family. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to come out and support the activity. A number of sponsors are on board so far including Trophy Stall, Raymond and Ashraf Mustapha Woodworking , Permaul’s Trading of Albion , A and A General Store of Rosignol, Imran Saccoor , Leah’s Online Shopping, Tage Singh Import and Export, Romell Jagroop Construction Service and Rosignol Shopping Mall among others. (Samuel Whyte)

t r o Sp

Robert France bags 8 goals as Guyana smash 12 past Mexico Pan Am Indoor Hockey C/Ships

Mexico’s Cristhopher Vigueras clashes Guyana’s Kareem McKenzie as his teammate Andrew Stewart waits to assist.

Pan Am Indoor Hockey C/Ships Stefan Jeffrey looking forward Canada beat T&T girls 3-0 to Four-Stroke challenge T&T men remain unbeaten with 8-2 win over B’dos

A brilliant save from Bajan Goalie Andre Boyce thwarts Dwain Quan Chan attempt at goal. (Sean Devers photo)

Stefan Jeffrey will be looking to challenge all comers on Saturday to come out on top. 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